OneStopShop for 263 Fashion!

In an initiative to support local designers Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe and Rungano Rwedu have collaborated to open a one stop shop with Zimbabwean made clothing and accessories, theTrunk Shop at Arundel Village in (04) Harare. 

In the Trunk Shop you will find a variety of clothing and accessories from a selection of Zimbabwe’s finest designers. A list of the brands is available below, but first, allow me to tell you a bit about the masterminds behind this much needed initiative.

Fashion weekend is an annual fashion, food and music event showcasing the best that Zimbabwe has to offer in Fashion, Food and Music. The festival offers a platform where new Zimbabwean fashion designers and other brands can connect, introduce and expose their brand to a vast market of consumers. Fashion Weekend will be taking place this year from 10 October to 11 October more details can be found on their website.  Rungano rwedu is a clothing line that embraces the fusion between culture and fashion. Rungano rwedu started in 2012 and has since made their mark with their designs.

Now a look into the local brands you can find in the Trunk shop.

 (PN: this is just a description of some (not all) of the designer brands available)

Goddess by Fatima

 If class and style are up your fashion avenue, then Goddess by Fatima is for you! Goddess by Fatima is our local celebrities’ favorite with some of the most prestige names in entertainment wearing her brand. The clothing line started in 2005 and has since been custom making gowns for their clientele. Now she has made her elegant look readily available for you at the trunk shop. You can follow Goddess by Fatima on Facebook .

Ruvheneko in one of the military themed, Goddess By Fatima Dresses.

Targaryen leather

 The targaryen brand is dedicated to providing quality premium leather handbags. 100% leather that guarantees durability and style at the same time. They have 2 ranges available for you at the trunk shop, Lady Targaren and Targaryen Man.  Lady Targaryen is the stylish women’s range with handbags, clutches and purses and Targaryen man for male bags. They also have an adorable kids range that you can have a look at on their website.

Mucha Africa couture

 The popular label that specializes in African Print clothing has a variety on display. This includes their famous tunics, maxi skirts, pencil skirts and a lot more. The label started in 2011 and has built a following of more than 50 000 people around the world on their social media platforms. The clothing line also custom makes garments so if you wish to have anything made to your liking you can contact them by visiting their Facebook page 

#NDNM [New Day: New Mercies] Inspired by the biblical verse Lamentation 3 vs 22-24

 #NDNM inspires more than just stylish casual clothing, it inspires hope. The Christian concept behind this clothing line has built the success it has to date, communicating a message of humility. The label specializes in vests, t-shirts and sweaters that are designed and styled to perfection.  Their new range also incorporates some African print for extravagant color. You can order your own and see more of their designs on their Facebook page  

 My favorite from their inspirational biblical verse is verse 24, “‘The Lord is my portion’, says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in him!’”.

Support Local designers and wear local brands, there is no better way to show how you are proudly 263 J

I have to confess I was one of those ladies that despised box braids. I thought that they would be too heavy or too big a hairstyle for a tiny girl like me. As usual I found every excuse to stop myself from trying something new. But, I have to say all my predictions were completely wrong, as it usually is in such situations. Box braids are quite comfortable and will suit you no matter what size you are. So I did all my research on it, found myself a good hairdresser and went for it!When I did my research this is what I found.

Box braids range from a big, medium and small size. You have to know the basics for you to plan for the perfect box braid style. 

The bigger the braid the more the hair/extensions.

This probably goes without saying! Especially if they are long braids be ready to spend quite a bit for it to come out well.  If you have a bohemian sense of style then this should suit you perfectly. Since this style requires a lot of hair/extensions, as I mentioned before, it will be heavier depending on the amount of hair that each braid will hold, so make sure your neck is prepared for the pressure. 

See more pictures on large and extra-large size box braids 

The medium braid

 This size is  perfect for anyone and the versatility of the hairstyle makes it more that the perfect choice. If you want something sophisticated and give yourself room to be versatile then this is for you. Particularly if you just want to try box braids out for the first time (like me). This hairstyle is heavy at the beginning but as time goes on, I found the weight to be bearable, which I'm sure would be the case with any size. You can also switch it up by adding some updo styles, the weight is there but like I said its bearable (I try updo styles occasionally).

See more pictures of medium size box braids 

The smaller the braid size the less the extensions required.

If you are not so extravagant and would still love to keep your hairstyle sophisticated and still comfortable for every day, then this is what you are looking for. This style is not too heavy and is perfect for for the working woman. Small box braids are very versatile and can be switched up with a wide range of undo styles. The only downfall to this is the amount of time it would take for the style to be completed. You may want to set aside a whole day for this. 

See more pictures on small size box braids

Box braids are a fantastic go to protective style once in a while. I say once in a while because this hairstyle does put pressure on your natural hair and can sometimes damage the hairline. However that is no reason to completely rule them out. 

                                                       

Well there you have it, I hope this helped you ladies, try box braids out (if you haven’t already) and tag me in your picture I would love to see how they came out.

Until my next post stay beautiful!

P.S tag me in your picture on social media twitter: @KarenPaida, Tumblr: @263isme

(Disclaimer: Most of the pictures below are sourced from Pintrest to show you the look of each box braid style size.)