Tissue, Please

Since this was a simple tube top dress, I asked my seamstress to add the edge embroidery to the top [and bottom] of the dress to give it more detail. 

Materials: French Tissue, Tulle

Beese's Favorite Things: Shade

I'm sure everyone is saying "YES!" to this dress.

iLove 

World News: Ivory Coast

While there is much turmoil brewing in the Middle East and the natural disaster which took place in Japan two weeks ago, I wanted to shed light on what has been going on in the Ivory Coast. Presidential elections were held in November, and while the people have spoken and voted for the President they want, they unfortunately have not received such peace. 

Mr. Laurent Gbagbo refuses to cede power to the man who is rightfully, and recognized as, the winner of last year's election, President-elect Alassane Ouattara.  In his turbulent antics, Mr. Gbagbo's refusal to step down has been the cause of the death of hundreds of Ivorians who have been protesting his "presidency." Many of these victims have been women who protest outside of their homes-mainly in the city of Abidjan- because their husbands are depressed and exhausted from the lack of work and ability to provide money and food for their families.

Some 90,000 people have fled Ivory Coast because of the fighting to go to Liberia- a poor country recovering from its own civil war, while hundreds more have crossed into Ghana.  Although United Nations officials, as well as other African Presidents, have travelled consistently to Ivory Coast to urge Mr. Gbagbo to officially concede power, the authoritarian ruler has repeatedly shunned their advice and warnings. His condemnation of the UN and African Presidents was elevated as he had his guards act as a human barricade for entrance into his office.  It is feared that his behavior will increase "the risks of destabilizing the region," as UNHCR head Antonio Guterres told the BBC's Network Africa program.

Mr. Ouattara remains trapped in a lagoon-side hotel under the protection of United Nations peacekeeping troops, as Mr. Gbagbo, who continues to be supported by the army and a portion of the population, conducts an armed fight to stay in power.

It is now feared that the country will soon be at war, as Mr. Gbagbo’s supporters "joined the army" in efforts to "liberate" the country.

To read more about the elections in the Ivory Coast, visit the New York Times and/or the Washington Post.

As you pray for the victims/citizens of Libya and Japan, please remember the victims of the Ivory Coast.

Denim Blues

I have been looking for a good denim shirt since I wore my last one to it's last whim,

and I thought this one fit the bill.

People thought it was a dress. Guess the belt did the trick. (=

Shirt: H&M

Skirt: Woodin Ankara

Have a blessed week...xx

Spring Is In the Air

With Spring literally a few days away, people are preparing themselves for how the weather will change their wardrobe selection. Here are some styles suitable for the upcoming season.

Maxi Dresses

Bubble Skirt

[Funky] Minidress

Polo

Tunic

xx

Men!

This month at Jesus House, DC is the Biazo Conference 2011. It features various different events of how to get closer to God, as well as guest pastors from across the world, including Pastor Paula White and Dr. Mensa Otabil. Yesterday was International Day, and the country of focus was Trinidad and Tobago. 

For the first time, there are men on the blog! (= 

Here's just a few different ways for men to wear ankara. 

Embroidery Detail; he has pockets on his shirt...

...while they have pockets on their pants.

Beese's Favorite Things: Akeyno

Established in September 2004 by a then 14-year-old Olayinka, Akeyno (pronounced ah-KAY-know) is an accessory line offering unique, handmade, Afro-centric jewelry and other various accessories. The designer is wearing her signature bib necklace.

Shop Akeyno: akeyno.bigcartel.com

and check out her blog: akeyno.blogspot.com

Continue to visit Beese's Pieces for more from Akeyno.

Till next time...XX

Jackie O.

This dress was inspired by the mint green Valentino dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2003 Academy Awards.  Valentino used to design clothes for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who inspired the dress made for Lopez.

I made a train out of the sleeve.

My material was way too heavy to drape it like this. 

This dress is very elegant and simply beautiful.

Street...Cool