Look of the Day: Maximum Mudcloth


Happy almost end of summer! I haven't been blogging as much this summer because I've been super busy working and having the time of my life. Fortunately, I've been able to fit in some fye summer looks. Introducing "Maximum Mucloth"! This past winter I picked up this fabulous mudcloth printed jacket on a thrifting adventure and I was stoked! While I've always adored African prints, mudcloth in specific was always one of my favorites. This is a vintage piece (of course) from The African Star straight out the 1980's/1990's. It's adorned with different prints ranging from primarily mudcloth to cowrie shells, people, animals, and even the words "Africa AD. 1590".

Mudcloth or "bogolanfini" (meaning "earth") comes from the West African country Mali and is a cotton fabric dyed with mud. Many Malian ethnic groups wear mudcloth, but the Bambara people are mainly known for wearing it. The cloth is made on a loom, hand dyed, and carries multiple cultural meanings from camouflaging to Malian women's initiation into womanhood. Like in many different cultures, different patterns on mudcloth signify different meanings. 

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Photo: Africa Imports
Of course like many African and African inspired fashion of today, I added my own modern twist. I always envisioned this look with a 1990's ya dig:

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That's exactly what I did. The light blue shorts are vintage from Route 66 and the top is an airy, off shoulder, eyelet peasant blouse. 





For accessories and jewelry, I wore my favorite cowrie shell choker, a beaded animal statement necklace, and my long grey socks from A'gaci I previously wore in my "Victorian Summer" LOTD to create a contrast. Did I mention I snagged the brown leather purse for a whopping 50 cents?! That will definitely be a staple for autumn looks.



My icing on top for this look was these dope chunky, platform heels by Soda. So late 1990's/early 2000's! I've had these shoes for years and I only rocked 'em once before. I think this really sets off the retro theme. 


You guys will be seeing this jacket quite often in future looks because I'm that much in love with it! I think it's absolutely perfect for any season, but will be a big hit for autumn and spring. 



Make-up Products:



Photography: Warren Alexander Photography








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CONVERSATION

11 comments:

  1. I like how you styled the mud cloth.
    mssparkleandglow.com

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  2. OMG!!! I grew up in a house full of mud cloth. My mother loved mud cloth and now I have love for it as well. This whole look is so fly.

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  3. Thanks for sharing this info about mudcloth. A lot of times we just think of how cute something looks but I love learning about the details and meaning behind them.

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  4. This is a look! I am loving it! I love that you are rocking your natural hair! Gorg

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  5. I love the look! The african mudcloth really set the whole thing off.

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  6. Come through with the mud cloth and the history lesson hunty! I like how you made the look unique. Your personality totally comes through.

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  7. Wow I never really knew the symbolism behind mud clothes. My appreciation for the pieces I purchased in Africa is so much deeper now. Thanks!

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  8. This mud cloth is everything!!! And you styled it so well, I love it.

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  9. I love all the earth tones and layers. This look is EVERYTHING.

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  10. I love that you shared the meaning and history of mud cloth. So many people don't know that there is a history behind it.

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