One trend I am LOVING this season is the full midi skirt (those of you who follow me on Facebook already know this). However, I don't have the budget to afford one from Tibi or another designer. When I see a trend I love that I think can be easily recreated, I don't go to Forever 21 or Zara, I head to Etsy. This way I know that I am supporting a small business or independent artist while getting the designer look for less. While I was desiring a solid color, I found this gorgeous wax print print skirt from buythedress. Even better, this Etsy seller lives just a few towns from me!
And I know some of you are thinking... what is this white chick doing wearing Ankara? Actually, some of you may just find it to be a pretty print. Many mass retailers these days are taking Ankara, also known as Dutch wax print and silkscreening it on all types of fabrics and all types of garments and calling it a "floral" or "tribal print." It's hard in the land of fast fashion to always know what exactly you are wearing and if it's cultural appropriation. Ankara has gained popularity in the past seasons, and has been seen far more often on celebrities and runways so here's a few links providing the history and origin of Ankara:
- MuseOrigins: The Origin of Ankara
- National Museum of African Art: Yinka Shonibare MBE
- Beyond Victoriana: “African Fabrics”: The History of Dutch Wax Prints
- The New York Times: Africa's Fabric is Dutch
- Slate: The Curious History of "Tribal" Prints