Cocktail rings are a top trend worldwide. Ladies wear them to add that extra va voom to their outfits and are they are usually large in size. Typically they are large in size and can be adorned with just about any outfit. Toteally Kenya is so pleased to bring a lovely selection all under Kshs 500. Check out our website to see the great selection.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
The cocktail ring
Cocktail rings are a top trend worldwide. Ladies wear them to add that extra va voom to their outfits and are they are usually large in size. Typically they are large in size and can be adorned with just about any outfit. Toteally Kenya is so pleased to bring a lovely selection all under Kshs 500. Check out our website to see the great selection.
Thank You
This has been a year of growth and we are so thankful to you
our esteemed clients. We have seen the establishment of this blog, an expansion in our product line into jewelry and only recently a further foot print in the world wide
web toteallykenya.kbo.co.ke.
Thank you so much for walking with us, supporting us and for all the referrals
you have made. God bless
Thursday 13 December 2012
Packing Tips
Now that you have your luggage selected you need to get packing.
1. Try and maximise on the
number of times you can wear your bottoms (pants and skirts) – target for at
least twice per item during the trip. I would opt for jeans as your safest bet,
but that solely depends on whether you are going for some stuffy workshop or
for some personal down time. When necessary, as you take your shower, steam your
already used clothes by hanging them on the door hanger to freshen them up.
2. Bring travel-sized
containers of detergent to hand wash bras, swimsuits and to beat stains out
before they set. A tip here is to refill empty bottles of shampoo (around 120 ml
or so) with detergent if smaller sizes of detergent aren't available in the market.
Alternatively, carry with you a bar soap (think Ushindi) but just
be careful to carry with you a zip lock bag so that it doesn't rub against
clean clothes after use.
3. Bring a change of undies
for everyday - and throw in 3 extra
pairs. (Who wants to take an evening shower and put on the same undies they
wore during the day?)
4. Bring three bras
(preferably in black) for a one week trip. Of the two one should have
detachable bra straps for that outfit which cant work the ‘normal’ bra.
5. Roll your cotton pieces
and fold everything else in squares so as to save packing space.
6. Carry clothes in darker shades for everyday use (black, dark blue, purple,
green, dark red) or neutral (all browns and shades of gray) colored clothing,
so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won't be too apparent.
7. Pack clothes first then
tuck in shoes in between. Pack shoes in cloth or plastic bags.
8. For cooler weather travelers: layering clothes is
more effective than hauling around bulky sweaters or coats.
9. One way of ensuring you
pack what you will actually need and will use is to write out your outfit ideas
before hand. Sounds a bit OCD but it makes perfect sense. This way you ensure
that you limit your luggage as well as you get a chance to see if the outfit
works.
Thursday 29 November 2012
Stay chic and keep warm
Most Kenyans may be unfamiliar with the phrase layering though we do it practically every day. What it basically involves is the dressing up in different clothes of different fabrics in order to provide that extra warmth to our bodies. What this basically means is that we dont have to break the bank investing in expensive trench coats but we can work with what we already have in our closet.
The challenge comes in balancing the need for warmth with that of still looking beautiful. Leading American designer Charlotte Ronson suggests that you start off with lighter weight fabrics against your skin to avoid looking too bulky. Add a pretty dress, some stockings or leggings and a long sleeved shirt worn underneath the dress and team this with either a new sweater or jacket and you are good to go. AND the good thing about layering is that if the sun does come out at some point, you can unlayer till the point you feel warm enough.
Wednesday 28 November 2012
Lag that Luggage
There is no such thing as '"the bag" especially when it comes to luggage. A back pack may be perfectly suitable for a trip across Europe but may be deemed inappropriate for a conference trip. The market offers a wide selection of all
things bag and its all a matter of selecting that which suits your needs.
Your choice of luggage depends on the type of
travel you will be undertaking. You must consider:
- What type of trip you are under taking (are you staying in a hotel or camping, are you traveling abroad or doing a local trip?)
- What kinds of activities will you be participating in (trekking, cycling, safari)
- How many items you want to carry (clothes and other personal effects etc. Worthy note that this is determined by the duration of stay, luggage limits etc)
Wheeled Duffels
Nothing swallows up gear
like a duffel bag, and one with wheels can be a dream come true for multisport
gear junkies. If your adventures frequently require gear of widely varying
sizes and shapes, a rolling duffel is a smart way to corral it all.
Best for: adventure
travel requiring bulky or odd-shaped gear; family trips; road trips.
Wheeled Suitcase
Designed for traditional
travel (business commuting, family visits, road trips), this category typically
features compact sizing and sturdy construction made to handle the rigors of
luggage transport systems. If you like to have things organized—medications
here, toiletries there—look for bags with lots of pockets or add-in
organization accessories.
Best for: business
travel; family visits; road trips and travel to urban areas.
Wheeled Backpacks
Popular with adventure
travelers, these combine the convenience of wheeled luggage with the mobility
of a backpack. You can transport lots of gear with a simple pull of the
extendable handle. Facing heavy foot traffic or a long flight of stairs? Strap
on the shoulder and waist straps for hands-free carrying convenience.
Best for: adventure
travel; road trips.
Travel Packs
These travel-oriented
backpacks are for those who don’t mind carrying gear on their backs.
They excel where wheeled
luggage cannot: on gravel, cobblestone streets, stairs and other uneven
terrain. Travel packs sport internal frames, hideaway shoulder straps and
built-in security features. Women’s travel packs have suspension systems
designed specifically for a woman’s frame.
Best for: travelers
who want to be highly mobile and plan on carrying all their gear.
Duffel Bags
The traditional
duffel—minus wheels and pull handle—is lighter than its rolling counterpart, easier
to store (no rigid parts, so it folds up smaller) and friendlier to your
budget. It also offers huge capacities with several models available in the
market. Zip your pack inside one to transport it on an airplane.
Best for: climbers,
college students or any traveler on a budget.
Laptop Bags,
Sleeves and Day Packs
These urban carry-ons
have a padded compartment to protect your 10"–17" laptop, plus a bevy
of organizing pockets to hold cables, peripherals and paperwork. Laptop sleeves
can also be used with e-readers and tablets.
Best for: Urban
travelers and anyone who wants to safely transport a laptop.
Want to avoid the expense
and hassle of checked bags? All of the bags and packs described above—from
wheeled backpacks to duffels—come in sizes intended for carry-on use.
Most airlines allow
carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". Rules can change,
so be sure to check with your airline about size limits (or other baggage
regulations) before departure.
Best for: travelers
who pack light, are highly mobile and want to bypass baggage claim.
Most airlines typically
enforce a 30 kg limit per checked item and charge fees for checked baggage.
For carry-ons, allowable
sizes (and the number of bags allowed) are not standardized, but most airlines
allow carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". It’s wise to
check with your airline about size limits before departure.
What size bag or pack is
best for you? Here are some rough guidelines:
Trip
Length
|
Suggested
Bag Type
|
Weekend
trips
|
Carry-on
duffel, pack or bag
|
1- to
2-week trips
|
Back pack or wheeled luggage
|
Expeditions
|
All
types
|
Tip: Don't
worry about leaving extra space in your bag for souvenirs. Pack an empty duffel
bag to fill with treasures for the return trip. (Courtesy of Rei.com)
Luggage by type
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Mocality Deal on Lunch Bags November 2012
Thanks to everyone who took up the deal from Mocality. Delivery will commence once we get the list of those who purchased the items from Mocality (which should be today 21st November). Please bear with us.
Wednesday 14 November 2012
How to find a hand bag that works for your body
In Lose that weight we delved into the need for limiting
your bag contents so as to spare your back and shoulders from any
injuries associated with lugging around heavy loads. But, its not only the
content of the bag that determines the impact it has on your back as bag ergonomics (shape, size etc) impact heavily as well. Finding the right bag that works for you need not be
expensive nor tedious. Below are a few tips for finding the perfect bag
that won't break your back—or the bank.
1. Choose a bag made out of lighter fabric:
Nylon, canvas and straw are much lighter than
leather is and strong. The market has a wide selection of funky
bags made in these fabrics. If you must do leather, look out for a softer
leather as tough leather tends to make your arms stick out rather than lie flat
against your body. However, its important to remember that the weight of your
bag consists not only of the material used but also the content. Maintain your
total bag weight to a maximum of 10% of your body weight.
2. Handle your business:
Remember that physics lesson in high
school about lowering the center of gravity? Don’t?
Well basically the rule was that an item would be more stable if it has a wider
base and exert less pressure
(Force/Area). Yadi yadi ya fast forward many years post high school and the
truth still stands.
Avoid bags with handles that are too thin, as not only do
they dig into your shoulders (ouch) but they also do not remain steady on your
shoulder.
In addition, avoid long strapped shoulder
bags as they tend to keep bumping your hip with the strap constantly
threatening to slip off your shoulder causing you to hunch your shoulders so as
to keep it in place. Look for bags with short handles which are neither too flimsy nor narrow.
3. Small IS good:
I have heard ladies comment “But I
can barely fit anything in it” when referring to their small bags. Now ladies, we all
know, the bigger the bag that we have the greater the temptation there is to
fill it up with all kinds of knick knacks contributing to its extra weight.
You
should also be keen to look out for how the bag meshes with your body. The
acceptable rule is that:
- Shoulder bags should automatically rest between your side and arm. This is advisable as it lowers your center of gravity. Busty women should as much as possible avoid carrying anything on their shoulders as it can contribute to further misalignment.
- If its an over your forearm bag it should be right at your waist.
4. Beyond Reach:
Each time you have to dig deep into your bag to find your mirror or lip gloss you are effectively distorting and
twisting your torso. So when buying a bag look for one which will enable you to
find the contents easily but still provide enough security for your stuff.
Look out for bags with long zippers or magnetic closures as well as outside
pockets for your frequently needed items. Alternatively, invest in a bag organiser and achieve the same effect.
5. Back to BaSEcs:
A good bag has a firm base, a definite shape and inner
pockets to keep your belongings stable. Items that tend to shift around in your
bag tend to throw your balance of. Remember, the objective is to lower your center of gravity as much as possible.
6. Gauge the bag purpose:
If you are transporting something heavy, settle for a
back pack with thick straps (preferably padded) so as to distribute the weight
evenly. If you must carry a shoulder laptop bag, ensure to carry another bag on
your other shoulder so as to balance the weight (but maintain the 10% rule). Make sure that you keep the back pack low and your chest open.
Wearing a waist bag when doing outdoor events is also a good option as the
lower lumbar vertebrae tends to bear more weight that the neck and upper back.
Monday 12 November 2012
Lose that weight
As
ladies, we are GUILTY of carrying heavy bags. A glimpse inside
our bags reveals that extra pair of shoes, kindle and or IPAD, travel mug, umbrella,
water bottle …. leave alone the “lighter weight” wallet, numerous
receipts and other personal items which cumulatively add a lot of weight to our
body frame. Lets not forget that most of us ladies don’t usually carry one bag
only, we also have either a laptop bag, gym bag or lunch bag.
According
to Isis M. Medina, a New York–based chiropractor, ideally you should never carry a bag that is more
than 10% of your body weight. So say you weigh 60 kgs, your bag should not weigh
more than 6kgs. One survey that was conducted found that ladies bags typically
weighed above 7 kgs. As result there has been an increased frequency of back (upper
and lower) and shoulder related issues that no amount of yoga, physiotherapy or
pain killers can relieve unless you get rid of the culprit (your bag and or its contents) permanently.
Medina points that what a heavy
bag does is it firstly pulls on a web of nerves which can lead to a shooting
pain from the neck down the arm. Secondly, overloading one side of your body
can cause the trunk to tilt causing
lower back problems. Moreover, every time you sling your bag over your
shoulder, the upper back muscles that stabilize the shoulder must struggle to
counter balance the weight ultimately overworking the muscles which can cause
the simplest movements like a hug to cause unbearable pain.
Don’t worry we got your back (pun intended)
and below offer some tips on how to shed that weight.
- Lay it bare
Each night go through the contents of your bag and
remove all items that you will not require the following day. Take out those
receipts, half filled water bottles, umbrella (come on it’s a sunny day).
Photo courtesy of riennahera |
- Carry only essentials
Wallet, keys, lip balm, wet wipes,
and note book just about covers it. If the weather man says that it will be
sunny tomorrow, leave that umbrella at home! Admittedly Nairobi weather can be
a bit dodgey, so ensure that you have an "emergency" umbrella in the office just in
case it pours. In addition, limit the amount of makeup that you carry in your
bag, one tube of lip balm, lipstick and compact powder ought to cover it.
- Choose a back-friendly bag
Balance fashion versus
practicality. Back packs and cross over bags tend to distribute the weight of
the bag equally across the body. If these are not your style, opt for bags made
of canvas if you have many things to carry versus a leather bag as leather material in
itself tends to be heavier than canvas. Your bag and back ought to be BFFs. In
the next segment we will cover how to select a back friendly bag.
Photo courtesy of Redcarpet |
- Switch sides
As you carry your bag around,
switch sides every 20 or so minutes so as to prevent aches and pains.
We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment
below or email us.
Thursday 8 November 2012
Get your bag Organised
At one point or another we have experienced that embarrassing moment when we are desperately searching
for our mobile phones in our bags at a public function or in a public service
vehicle and in spite of our best effort we cannot find it! I think there is some
conspiracy between my phone and my bag because as soon as I get a hold of it
after my frantic search, it stops ringing! Well at least I THOUGHT that in the
past, what I like to describe as DBO (Days before organiser)
Between our lip gloss, mobile, wallet, keys, comb, wet wipes,
tissues etc we might as well be operating a supermarket out of our bags.
Keeping the contents of your bag neat can be much simpler than
you think by using the bag organizer and whats more, once your bag is organized
it allows you to switch easily from one bag to another. The Toteall Bag Organiser has compartments for your pens, makeup, mobile phone, cheque book
etc.
It is available at Kshs
1500 in two colours, BOLD RED
and RADIANT BLUE each measuring 32x15x12cm and made from microfiber
material. Contact us today and make your order.
FAFA Fashion for Peace Gala Night 2012
Photo courtesy of FAFA |
The 4th Edition of the FAFA Fashion for Peace Gala takes place
next Saturday, 17th November
2012 at the Jockey club, Ngong
racecourse, Nairobi, Kenya.
FAFA (Festival for African Fashion and Arts) was set up in 2008 during the post election violence which
took place in Kenya. As many countries throughout the region
continue to know human rights abuse, civil unrest and war, FAFA aims to change
perceptions of other communities one mind at a time by exploring and bridging
cultures through fashion, art and music.
The event taking place next weekend will be the
4th Edition of its kind and is bound to be as fabulous and exciting as its
predecessors.
Ticket
Booking is now on via:
reservations@fafakenya.org OR call +254 725590653
**TICKETS**
GOLD TICKETS @ Ksh 7,500
SILVER TICKETS @ Ksh 5,000
Dress
code is FABULOUS
Lunch Tote Bags
Pack a
healthy lunch in a reusable lunch tote to maintain
healthy food choices, save money, and help the environment. The Red Daisy and
Classic lunch totes match any personality. They are designed with today’s
on the go woman in mind; these unique totes compliment any lifestyle.
They can be used at picnics and carried to the office as well. They also have a
convenient front pocket great for cell phone, keys, snacks, etc. These bags are
also ideal for mothers to carry food for their little bundles of joy.
Size:
48x30.5x20cm
Material:
600D (Polyester) for the exterior of bag and PE Foam for the inside. PE
is non-abrasive; serves as a thermal insulator; is inert to water, grease
and solvents at typical temperatures; are CFC and PVC free and ozone friendly,
recyclable, odorless, and very lightweight. (They maintain temperatures
for up to 3 hours would you believe it!)
Price: Kshs 1600
Red Daisy |
Classic |
Naivasha Fashion Weekend
The event this year is scheduled to coincide with the opening
of the fabulous Siyara Spa at Enashipai and is
envisioned to become an annual “must attend” fashion event. Siyara spa is
an oasis of peace, calm and tranquility. Sheltered within sun-kissed natural
gardens, the world class Spa is the ultimate retreat to soothe away the stress
and tensions of urban living.
Whether alone or in a group, make a date to sample the invigorating
pleasures of the Spa which includes: Separate men’s and women’s lounges, steam
rooms, 6 specially designed private treatment rooms, a rasul and a VIP/Couples
special treatment room.
The event is also organised to raise funds for various charities
in the Naivasha Community.
Activities for the day include:
- Fashion Show by various Designers ( Moo Cow, Sarakaray, Amani ya Juu, Vaishali, Wambui Mukenyi, Angel smile, Cocobanana, Nesra Apparels, Kamila Afrika)
- Art Exhibition by various Artists (Wanjuki ,Andrew Kamiti, Kathy Katuti, Debbie Oulton)
- Performance by Chris Bittok
- Bargain sales (various booths with items from various designers)
- Make-up talks
- Clothing advice
- Beauty clinics
- Band Performance
- Manicure and Pedicure stations
- Fantastic raffle prizes
- A VIP dinner event with live music at the newly open Siyara Spa Lounge (advance tickets only)
- Performance by June Gachui
Advance Prices: Fashion
Event 1500/- Dinner 3500/-
The tickets can now be purchased on
Ticket Sasa and will be available at the following outlets:-
- Truworths Yaya
- Truworths Sarit
- Truworths Junction
- Woolworths Yaya
- Woolworths Village
- Woolworths Junction
- Woolworths Galleria
- Woolworths Sarit
- Woolworths Westgate
- Mercury ABC
- Mercury Junction
- Enashipai Offices both Naivasha and Prosperity house 7th floor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)