Ode to My Fashion

This year, I decided to go on a road trip to the north of the country, to a lovely town called Ndar or Saint Louis. I took the kids and my Dad with me. I wanted the kids to get out of the city and discover places outside of Dakar. And since my Dad lived in Ndar in the past, he would be the perfect guide. We took the bus not far from our house. It is the local bus company. The bus is spacious enough, but not high end. I did not complain because the ticket is cheap. We departed at 7 AM and arrived in Saint Louis at 11 AM after a 15 mns stop along the way. We were met at the bus station by a cousin who usually lives in Dakar but was in Ndar for work. He droped us at the family home. The last time I was there, it was probably 1996. Therefore the house has changed. Although it is now a two stories house it seemed smaller than I remember. I like the decor that is kitsch but the house is very comfortable. It used to be a full house back in the days but now only my cousin lives there. The fa...

It is getting hot in here, but I am keeping all my clothes on.  Still, I get why people walk around barely covered around these streets. In times like these, I just want to spend an entire day inside a cool pool. But on a hot day like today, I took the kids to the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine.   It is not the first time or the last time I go there. In fact we have been there so many times, that the kids are bored with it already. Nevertheless, I like the place because it is a big open space and it is free. On top of all, once you climb the stairs, you have a great view of the old airport, the lighthouse and Ouakam city. The place also hosts events like fairs, parties and concerts. In fact the main reason I decided to grab the kids there was to go to a fair. However, it was so boring that I did not buy a single thing and proceeded to go have a bit of fun with the boys.  Funnily enough, when our former President Wade decided to build the Monument bac...

It is officially Summer! My favorite time of the year. For me Summer rimes with brunches, lounging by the pool, after-work with friends, taking a stroll by the beach and travelling. Well I plan to do all that and more this Summer (God willing). I have decided that it was necessary for my sanity to go out and have some fun. But recently I have realized that I can do that and learn something at the same time. After months of letting my laziness get the best of me, I finally attended a free event at the French Institute in Dakar. The French Institute is a cultural hub in the city, where interesting events are frequently being held such as concerts and seminars. I really like the place because it is spacious and has beautifully decorated grounds. I can see myself spending an entire day there. Growing up, I would go there every other Saturday, to borrow books because they have a huge library. But back at the story. I saw on Twitter that a free talk on Entrepreneurship in the creative ...

Growing up, I used to watch Disney Princess Movies. I also used to believe that someday my Prince Charming would come. Now, it is safe to say that after a failed relationship, I no longer believe in fairy tales. I no longer believe in love. I have love for people around me: my family, my friends Yet I have given up on Romantic Love. I know it exists but I am not sure it is for me.  Now I hate fairy tales because they depict men as being charming, loving, caring, always there to save the day. Well, in real life most men are not. And I am not really blaming them because after all they are only human. I am not like Snow White or Aurora either. I am not beautiful, at least not the standard, I am not soft I do not speak in a lady like voice. I do not sing to or with animals, and I do not sacrifice myself to save who I love or take abuse with a smile. Well I used to. But not anymore. I have locked my heart and threw away the key in the sea. Because I do not want to fall for some...

Recently, my friend and favorite local designer Anita of   Zadada invited me to attend a fashion show . It was for the label SoFatoo wedding collection in collaboration with other African designers. The event was held at the Pullman hotel in the city. The dress code was All White. So'Fatoo is a local brand created by a young entrepreneur, Fatima Zahra Ba. Her clothes are traditional with a modern twist. For her previous collections, she used weaved fabrics as accent. I really like her designs but I have to admit that I have not yet purchased from her. For this show, she collaborated with other local and African designers.  The show started late as usual, after all we are in Senegal. It started with a collection named after a friend of the designer who recently passed away. It was a mix of silk outfits in either deep blue or blush or both, with a touch of golden weaved fabric as an accent. The clothes were fluid and had lots of movement. But I found the designs t...