If anyone has the responsibility of dressing me for my funeral, the brief is simple - put me in a fitted blazer and your job is done. I'm not at the stage where I need to see a therapist but my addiction to blazers is a borderline obsession. They have been part of my staple capsule wardrobe for well over a decade and I can’t get enough.

In my defence, this new purchase is the only one in the collection that's a monochrome tweed blazer. I love the way it can be switched up instantly, as its oversized cut gives it an androgynous relaxed fit. 

This ensemble was all about combining the tweed fabric with my my trusted leather mini skirt for contrast, along with my pair of sheer pattern tights. There's nothing like a shirt and bow tie to smarten up a look as well. After four months of lockdown wearing nothing but sweat pants, this was the first 'outing' look I pulled together. Good to know I still have some fashion sense! 

It makes me so proud to see the African fashion industry finally blow up internationally. I’ve always had a few pieces in my wardrobe but when I went to Sierra Leone for Christmas a couple of years ago, I pretty much designed an entire collection of African dresses, skirts, and tops. I chose all the fabric and then worked with local tailors to design, cut, and sew them. I’ve already blogged about how I started designing my African outfits , but this latest collection was my favourite experience so far. My cousins and friends would take me to local markets where we’d hunt down beautiful African prints and haggle price buy them. We’d then head to the tailor where I’d show him sketches, photos and my own clothes to copy. Once I got all measured up, the talented tailor and his team got to work and created these beautiful pieces. The result is what you see below. I photographed these in lockdown last year, but I really hope I get to wear them out and about this summer. Would love to know what you think.

The halter neck Peekaboo skater dress

This dress is my favourite from the whole collection. Made from 100% African wax cotton, the purple fabric is covered in big animated like petals… and I’m living for it. I wanted something different so decided to go for a high halter neck cut, with a peekaboo neckline. For the bottom half, I asked for a high waist A Line skater skirt. This is the sort of African dress I would wear to a wedding or formal event with a dressy pair of heels and a clutch bag. 

The African Style Prom dress

The corset peplum top

I wanted a corset style top because when they fit, they’re really flattering. The corset silhouette accentuates my waistline, while the peplum cut gives it a fun, playful finish. I will always favour the sweetheart neckline as I think it’s the flattering for someone with broad shoulders like me. The thin straps keeps it cute but sexy. 

The ruched Off the Shoulder skater dress