By Zethu Zwane
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something from one of the links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission. I only suggest on products or items I would use.
If you have been undecided about attending the Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival then this post is to help you quickly get an outfit together that will diminish “This is a last minute outfit.” Oh and I’m only settling for you were undecided because this is not an option; You’ve got to experience Luju Food and Lifestyle this year! It’s a done deal!
There’s a couple of crucial things you’ve got to have in your arsenal and if you’re not ready for it then we need to have a chat. Like a serious “Have you tasted Eswatini’s take on a Foodie experience,” kinda chat. There’s is no buts about it. Some of you spent a whole year working or doing the whole great resignation thing, now it’s time to explore and relax. Yes it’s time for a whole weekend of Happy hour at a family friendly festival.
Take a break from one of your many life projects and come dip your childlike wonder in one of Africa’s most indulging food experiences. If you’re reading this from abroad then get your passport ready because the 30 September is fast approaching. And didn’t you promise me we would go hang at Chei’s corner of the festival. Oh yeah forgot to tell you, but she’s that really phenomenal mixologist I met at the launch party so you and I would know the ideal places to go on the day! I’m also convinced she’s my new festival bestie, so you definitely have to show.
That’s a pretty big deal considering Im an introvert and we love nothing more than to cancel dates with friends. Yeah opps and you’ll get over it. But not festivals people I LIVE for events in general. Yet whay do yoy do when you’ve been invited to the hottest event for this season and your clothes are just not giving you the look you want. I mean the transform into one of Beyonce’s backup dancers kind of show stopping look with ease! I have a couple of solutions and most of them are on this post. So let me help us for that coming weekend because like you said, you’re so coming and we’ve got to transform an every day outfit into a Timeless fashion capsule.
Hair: Make it a Crown Fit for a Pageant Queen
This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. I mean if you have not watched my invite to the Private Launch party yet, you should know we’re kinda late. That means the only saving grace we have right now is H.A.I.R. I mean think about it hair saves you when you accidently get put into short short that you know your curves weren’t meant to be in. Well that’s what I Tell myself whenever I think about that intro dance at the African Queen pageant. But that HAIR GIRRRRL that hair turned more heads during my pageant twists and turns. The beautiful lady above is one of the models from the fashion show, and just look how her hair adds to her bold entrance. Where were these hairstylist during my pageant entrance!
Anyway you need an accentuated hairstyle that will compliment your clothes. It should also complement the theme of the weekend; Afro fusion Festival. Here is the plan: book yourself a hairstylist from one of the hair designers in Eswatini and go do your hair either Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. If you know me, you’d know I once shaved my hair because sitting a whole morning for a hairstyle was a fat no! I just can’t do the Saturday fast braiding thing. If you can relate, please do the hairstyle the day before and just sacrifice one night of sleeping like a mammy. You can half thank me later?
Book More than Accomodation for an Event: Heres How to Put a Fashion Capsule Together
Make hair your grand entrance, and people won’t even think twice about what whether your outfit is an everyday piece of clothing. Perfect way to get a away with pulling off a last minute event piece. Some key pointers is to remember for your hairstyle is: one visit the Malandelas Instagram page for hairstyle inspirations from the night! Side note, we can totally share the bartenders as besties… as long as you don’t steal them from me.
They’re my Saturday therapy! Just kidding, but the atmosphere at Malandeas is a artistic haven I tell you. Secondly Go big or go home. Yep it’s a sad common slogan that applies for any art event. That’s because regular women have been upping their hair game this year splurging on gold chains, names and clothes on their hair. That’s means as your new festival bestie you CANNOT let your hair let you down this year.
Events and festivals is the chance to dare to be spontaneous. Its a chance to dip into your inner child’s imagination and go for a hairstyle that speaks to your inner art child. What’s futuristc and African to you beside Black Panther? Become her that weekend with a hairstyle similar to the woolen colours on the second model. I literally can’t sleep I’m already excited for the events It has to be the center piece especially if you’re late. More on the later.
Again women have been stepping out with all kinds of art on their hair during normal days. You can only imagine; Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival is no ordinary weekend! Pink High ponytails; I mean give me something. Make the hair your center piece, so we can work on turning your every day item into a work of art. Moving along to clothes.
The suggestions I’m about to give are pretty simple, but go to a tailor who will sew in some African colour onto your clothes for a very affordable price. The African hues can be permanent or temporary choice is yours, but trust me you might keep them on because the tailors I know are a God-sent. I absolutely love my tailor! Plus I feel like I owe her this shout out since I got her to make my entire family some incredible dresses, and now we walk around like Beyonce on stage every evening. Give me a shout in the comments if you’d like her details!
For the Friend who Lives For a Pageant Queen Entrance
Don’t worry I’m her as well. We all have our days and if you’re sitting here reading this and thinking not me, stop lying! Just get an upbeat song going at 8p.m. at night and for some reason I get stuck dancing till midnight. That habit started on Thursdays when I finally told myself my friends won’t stop taking me out the house on Fridays. This is regardless that all I wanted is a movie and to sleep after working out. As a result go on and accept that inner dramatic woman. Use these fashion pieces, which I feel like add a statement to your entire attire. And as I always say enter like a pageant queen wherever you go, and let the outfit make the statement.
This outfit suggestion is in threefold because I know there is a lady who’s going to change three times in one day. Consequently I’ve included 3 statement pieces suitable for an event. Now this piece needs to weave all three items together: the hair, clothes and shoes, and there’s nothing like this Green Embellised Kimono Dress! This one has to be part of your day choices. At first I thought it’s more for the evening, but who’s goijn3g to see you. See totally get that dramatic friend! So enjoy the flare of this dress as a day look by pairing with bold shoes you can walk in. This is another non-negotiable statement piecesdue to rarity and flare! If we can’t participate in the chef competition that will be taking place on the wekend, you can definitely bring the heat with this eye catching capsule piece.
The dress borders more on the elegant look. As a result here’s a tip on how to bring in some play suitable for a family festival like Luju. I’d suggest a really youthful and dramatic African inspired hairstyle completed with Jewrly from Tintsaba! I bought my last festival statement earrings from them and I’m still in Love. It was this dramatic Earing cuff that is grass feathers wrapping around half your face. I also paired the earrings with an emerald jacket similar to this dress’ colour and got a lot of compliments for it. You can find Tintsaba around the Ezulweni area if you dotn have time to bring a statement accessory before the day. They also tend to have unique and special pieces made just for festivals, so be sure to check them out
Always Keep a Fashion Capsule for Emmergencies
Event similar to Luju
The other reason why I love this dress is because it’s timeless. I have 4 dresses like this and it used to confuse me when people complimented me for the dress even if I’m wearing it for the 5th time. I feel like every women should have a fashion capsule of timeless outfits in her closet due to the inguinuity of the fashion piece. Trends are fast here and now, but a piece like this will always captivate the eye. Wear this dress with a mesh bodysuit that fits your skintone for extra warmth in the evening.
For the Friend who Loves to make o 3 peipels houses Sublte Entrance.
Side note:I used to run in Oklahoma snow with just a mesh bodysuit because they’re oddly super warm. That and suede clothing. These two will never disappoint you in the event the weather brings on a cold front. But again this is for Oklahoma snow not Chicago!
I also learned buying statement pieces from my mom because she has dresses that are literally my age, but look like they have not aged. Yeah I know it sucks; these clothes are perfect and I’m finally coming to terms with the fact I need a weekly deep cleansing selcare routine. Nonetheless these statement outfits are for yor boss babe moments because many people forget you’ve been wearing this for 10 years. So be sure to collect a solid 4 shoes, 4 dress, 4 outerwear and jewelry that make up your capsule collection.
The Timeless Beige Faux Fur Gaimy Coat
Now did you think I would let you freeze? Absolutely not. Please prepare for cold weather like seriously if your fingers. start to go blue, you read the wrong blog! Just saying you’ve been warned. Ezulwini to Mbabane or the entire HHOHHO region tends to get super cold at night. Bring a warm outfit and store it somewhere just in case. And if weeknds ends up cool for the most part hooray to us. However if it does get cold, this fur jacket is unique by its own standards. If you’re going to pick it, tone your hairstyle down. Otherwise we’ll end up looking like the cousin they didn’t want at. Game of Thrones. Stay more in the lines of a trend setter with an extra iconic fur coat for the evening.
If the Timeless look is less of your thing then continue reading for these next items because they focus more on making the hair your statement.
Remember when I said get an outfit that you can sew an African aesthetic piece temporary? Well this is one of two items picked out today. The Vicky Strapless Jumpsuit can be paired with a transparent jacket much like the one the host wore at the private launch party. And just like the hostess from the evening, have African accents sewn into the jacket to match the theme for the weekend.
This is also ideal for your picky friends who literally takes you through everyone’s wardrobe before settling on an outfit.yo You know whoshe is;the one who needs to got to 3 peoples houses before she settles on an outfit. This outfit is stretchy making it comfy for an entire day of explorations and eating! You can thank me later. You will never go wrong with pairing this with hues of African materials. Conversely have a High pony with material sewn into the ponybas opposed to chains. Chains kinda make it feel like another day on the streets in Eswatini whereas the martial intertwined into the gain is more complementary to the festival in Eswatini.
Alternatively I’m very tempted to share this next piece with you, and I feel like with good reason. If you’re going to go for a toned down hairstyle you might just miss the whole point of dress like this is your last night! That’s whats festuvaks are for right:Intrigqie wonder, fuutn and play. Or as Luju has coined it this #Eatswaylove. . So do not shy away from the statement hairstyle if you’re going to wear thus outfit for the weekend.
Grape Matte Stellar Heeled Boots
Be daring. That is the onkybthing I can say when you step out into these Grape Matte Stellar Heeled Boots. And can I quickly dare a slightly shy friend to be thenone to put on this outfit because you will not regret it. On a normal day I would recommend you slick back your hair into a wet look and wear these pieces together because it just screams daring in a slightly defined way. But for a festival or any other festival ( even though we did agree you’re coming with me to Luju) These two together are in dianfeicd of the norm. They speak to launched the festival is going which is to intrigue all of your seasons s and take up the adventure of Food in Eswatini.
Again this piece is ideal if you’re going to sew in some African accents on the day. Malandelas can assist with a host of incredible designers to assist you on the day, but you want to to give fir
For the Friend who Loves to Give Glamour a Playful Hue
Some might say I’m leaning a little far from Afro fusion, yet that is why I’ve been suggesting Tinstaba for jewelry and Malandelas for designers who can bring African art to this outfit. I’m going to break my own rule and suggest a piece similar to the one I’m going to wear on the day. I have this pant dress set that is similar to this, and I feel like a slide open skirt that reveals the entire pants is ideal for this outfit. Perfect to wear during the day t will give you an even seamless look when you add a suede material.
Apart from breaking my own rules by sharing details on my festival outfit, the suede will complement the look of the Grey shimmer by adding yet another softer take on Timeless and effortless. Ever since Ingit this designed tailors, I’ve been obsessed with the suede material. I’m not even kidding next year is the year od sued jumpsuits for me! But back to this outfit, it’s great because when it gets cold, you can simply wear a pull liver without dulling gdown the outfit.
The Rib Knit Long Sleeve Cropped set
This one is definitely for the Dramatic, but playful friend! And we love this outfit and her! This paring is ideal for a more toned down look on the hair and minimalist jewelry because the colour is refreshing and inviting on its own. And similar to the image a good pair of snkeaers is all you need or heck;you and a friend should twin by sporting the Stella heeled boots together.
The friend who Can Pull off Street Wear/Casual Wear at any event
Before we begin I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bucket hat from Playdout. Not just because that’s the closest to street wear that I can pull off, but the caps are also versatile. And I’m so looking forward to exploring a few errors day looks to match the hat using the outfits I have. Be sure to check out Playdout on Instagram and watch my YT episode with them because I believe there are a lot of extremely talented young Swazis doing incredible work. Sometimes it feels like it’s all underground, an artist paving his or way to recognition, but how exciting is it to capture them in the middle of their tenacious story! They took my breath away and I hope you will feel the same for young designers from a small African country.
The Zip And One Button Fastening High Waist Dart pants are great for the day and go seamlessly with a more minimalist hairstyle and slightly more dramatic earrings. To pair this outfit with the right accessories, I absolutely suggest visiting Benanial Instagram page because I fell in love with her designs from first buy, and I’m sure you will too.
She mixes recycled material to make her jewelry, which I feel is fitting for street wear. In a way it speaks do not under estimate what looks to be a toned down or layer back outfit because looks can be deceiving. In its artistic simplicity is actually engaging, and adventurous in style, much like Playdout’s bucket hats. Please let me know I the comments how you would wear this outfit to make it Afro fusion vexaye a you see I just love the cap and hate, and would love to hear your thoughts!
There’s this kid right up from Bhunu mall who will also sew African print onto a jacket just like this. He’s really talented and I you’re not into dramatic hair because you’ll have a hat on, then add small detailing like African prints on there the ridges of the jacket i accentuated. Or add African print to the back of the on one side leaving the other side Black.
I’m not sure if you noticed, but had has DEFINITELY been negotiable in this post! I couldn’t help myself;the minute I thought how each piece wlcould go, I just got excited forbhow good you’d like. Speaking of which have you bought your ticket yet because it sounds like to me you made a promise you’re kinda about to break. Don’t do that. Don’t be that person or introvert! Festival with me in Septemper and get a taste of Eswatini’s arts, food and lifestyle culture.
So you’re sold on these outfits and the ticket because they’re most definitely a trio that includes me in the deal. My only condition is you’ve got to have high energy all weekend, be prepared to sleep late and all good vibes. I will warn you, the minute you start complaining I will activate the introvert in me and runaway. It’s a thing;you can ask all my highschool classmates. And guess what I’m not ashamed to admit I will play hide and seek with negativity.
But the tickets, get the clothes and meet me there! Lastly complaining includes hatingbyour outfit, which we already knownianbout to be a show stopper. Negative vibes is not telling yourself festivals are about intrigue and First of so many things while keeping it PG. Yes you can be conservative and have fun. Also who’s shocked I just said this? Yet we keeping it wellness vibes so no throwing up. Okay I won’t be overdoing anything but food and dance, so your choice.
Now that we have the part of the agreement our the way, and regardless of whether you dress in these selection for Luju, use these fashion selection for an event where you’d like ro intrigue or demonstrate a little more playfulness. Use it for an event where you’re poised to make a pageant queen entrance, but exude the qualities of an introvert. There power in the two, and the outfits picked for today do just that. Play with subtleties and power or art and culture.
Never underestimate a Timeless piece. Besides the fact I love how people forget you’ve worn this outfit, Timeless prices are usually made from high quality fabrics giving them a long lasting feel and look. If you haven’t started a capsule fashion collection for every Timeless items every woman should have, read my post where I share with you some of my favorite choices. Then I have so many festival outfits ideas, so be sure to visit my Twitter page for weekly ideas till the start of the festival.
Finally let me know in the comments which was your fave outfit choice and please don’t take my conditions about coming to the festival to heart. It would break my heart if you’re a no show, but I’d love for you to visit these pages I’ve included in this post because many of these artists are doing incredible work and I love posting about them for how they inspire me. The festival is also in support of small farmers in Eswatini, so definitely check out my YT episode from the Private Launch party and look out for my next blog post highlightig some of the initiatives the sponsors for the festivals are doing for the community. Again comment below and visit my Twitter page for more every day outfits you can turn into Pageant Queen styled show stoppers!
Black Couture |Health & Wellness lifestyle blog 