A K W I Y A H

Look 2: Added a striped Shirt form Zara (old) || Necklace from Francesca's (old) || RiriWoo Lipstick

Crop Top designed by me || Worn over Dress

I saw this print on my way to work and I just had to pull over and get it. I designed this deep v cocktail dress with this print (I also think this dress deserves a name). I love this print because of its versatility. I purchased 4 yards (looking back I should have bought more) and decided to make a dress that can be worn three ways.

Cocktail Dress

I love the slightly sexy risque deep v look. When I slip this on - minimal makeup and accessories does it!

Striped Button Down Dress






I am beginning to get obsessed with pairing ankara with striped button up shirts. I tried this combo once when I was still living in NYC and it remains one of my favorite and easy outfit ideas till date!

Work appropriate. Check. Sophisticated and unique. Check. Feeling maself playing in my head. Double check! ;) 

Crop Top


I wanted create a crop top inspired from Christian Siriano's Spring 2014 offerings. It's fun and different. I designed it to fit over the dress and end right where the deep v ends - Looks like a one piece when worn together. I made sure the seamstress matched up the pattern of the top and the dress.

I can wear this crop top with so many items in my closet.

There you go - All three looks! 

Follow on Instagram @akwiyah for more updates || xx Akwiyah

Culotte Jumpsuit: Designed by me, made locally in Ghana using Woodin Fabric | Necklace: Handmade in Ghana

Culotte Jumpsuit: Designed by me, made locally in Ghana using Woodin Fabric | Necklace: Handmade in Ghana

My Mother purchased this Woodin fabric for me a while ago. I had no idea what to do with it but I loved the pattern transition. I skimmed through magazines and various blogs for some inspiration. Cut out dresses and crop tops are all the rave now. That's where the idea of the top originated.

I love it... but a bit too boobilicious for my liking. I have actually taken it back to the seamstress to change the entire top half. I want something simple and stable.

Next time you see this outfit It will be a proper crop top and culotte pants! I'm excited to show off the new version of it.

P.S. I purchased this handmade necklace in Accra, Ghana and never had the courage to wear it out. It's so chunky and crazy but that is why I LOVE it. These are the pros of being a style blogger - I can wear it on my blog without having to deal with people glaring at it in real life - HA! ;)

Bodysuit: Juliana Bodysuit Necessary Clothing || Dashiki Skirt: Designed by me || Necklace: Purchased in South Africa|| Headwrap: Aso Oke fabric purchased in Nigeria

Blazer : Demestiks NYC Skirt: Made my Seamstress in Ghana

Blazer : Demestiks NYC Skirt: Made my Seamstress in Ghana

Necklace handmade in Ghana

Batakari is a traditional attire popularly worn by men in the Northern region of Ghana. I often saw my father wearing Batakari to important occasions. It looked so regal and beautiful - I just never thought of wearing it myself.

Ever since I got the idea to wear it - I could not stop thinking about it! One afternoon - while my father was out of the country - I ravaged his closet and picked my favorite Batakari from his collection and Voila!

It is beautiful but the hand loomed strips of cotton are so heavy! I do not know how men wear it in the Ghanaian heat!

I must admit the beauty of Batakari is absolutely worth it!