A love letter to the clothes I haven’t bought yet
Justice for the items sitting in my wishlist, patiently waiting their turn.
If you’re new here, hi, welcome. Quick confession: I’m obsessed with brands. Specifically, good brands because there are plenty of mediocre ones. Another thing I’m deeply passionate about is the fashion industry. Not like an I know the entire lore behind The Row, the names of every creative director of the fashion houses type of obsessed. I deeply appreciate these kinds of conversations and can listen in, but ultimately, my brain doesn’t hold onto that stuff (at least not yet). So I leave it to the professionals.
BUT what my brain does latch onto is discovering a good fashion brand—not the Pradas or Chloé or even Jacquemus. Love them (have you SEEN Chloé’s latest bohemian chic era??!! I recognize Ms. Chemena’s influence anywhere), but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the more niche brands. The ones that are known by some or maybe none at all.
Whenever I come across a good brand, it’s like a dopamine release happens. Instantly add it to my Insta board, screenshot album or notes app to save for later (because I believe in curating your own digital archive). There’s something so satisfying about it—like building my own personal fashion museum. One screenshot at a time. Less “I want this now,” more “I’m building a dream closet I’ll invest in over time." (I do want them now but unless someone would just squeeze a few million into my hands real quick, slow buying we must). Unfortunately, I like really nice things that are currently above my pay grade. So I’m using this as an excuse to show you all the stuff I’ve saved over the years that I will be buying—regardless of the trends in the future (hopefully soon!).
Let’s start with accessories.
Edas – now I’ve been following them for years and always appreciated their unique designs. Specifically, this red bag has been on my wishlist.
Emi Jay – I’m just a girl at the end of the day, so give me some cute hair accessories and I’m good. Besides their gorgeous colorways, loveeee their branding and marketing! It’s so effortlessly chic.
Elisa Johnson – the glasses!!!! Give me fourteen of them right now. Elisa, the founder is one of my internet crushes, having followed her before she even launched EJ.
Heaven Mayhem – spoke about how much I love their branding before. Recently, came across a conversation from
interviewing their brand manager, Yvette and enjoyed it so much. Love getting to know the people behind the amazing brands that I see. Their Icon leather watch in silver and Pebble laptop case have been on my wishlist—specifically that watch!!
David Blackmoore – discovered them last year at the Homegrown by Alara pop-up. Let me set the scene: I went to this pop-up for two things—one, to check on the Arami stand since we popped up there, and two, to get a Christmas gift for my younger brother. I somehow left Alara with something for myself as well. What first got me was their tote bags. I was looking for a new work bag at the time and thought it was so cute but was a bit hesitant because of the size. Then I had to remind myself—I wasn’t there for me. So I only left with a graphic tee for myself and my brother. No bag in sight, unfortunately. Funny story though: I actually thought they were the Brandon Blackwood of New York (ask me why, I don’t know, clearly I can’t read), which is why I was excited to get something from them. My little self thought, whoa, not Brandon in Alara. When I finally decided I wanted the bag, I went searching through their page and couldn’t find it. I was confused and disappointed. I thought maybe it was just limited-edition and I’d missed my chance.
Only for me to post the shirt I got on my stories months later and see that a David Blackmoore liked my story—that’s when I realized I had mixed up the two. Anyways, I had already gotten myself a new work bag since then, so I had to wait even though we were finally reunited :(
But I just found out they have one in PURPLE?! If I don’t get it, I’ll actually be committing a crime against myself tbh. (Confession, I just made the same mistake while writing this, it took me time to remember their name again. Sorry! Idk why Brandon Blackwood is living in my head rent free like this but tbh I get it.)
Ora Lagos – this bag. Do I like it because it’s cow print? Yes. But at least it’s a different colorway so it makes it special and unique :)
Acne Studios – their Micro Pocket Mini bag in pink. I mean, it has bows!
Let’s talk shoes:
Dolce Vita – now, I don’t think words can describe how much I LOVE this brand. I stalk their feed on a regular basis. I want to kiss their content team on the cheek. Decided to do a deep dive to find out who the owner of the brand is so I can follow—only to find out it’s owned by two white men? With no digital online presence at all. I mean, no shade but didn’t expect that at all! (I did however find their head of marketing hehe). There isn’t just one specific thing I want because I want everything.
Alaïa – definetly not just a shoe brand, but I mean—it’s an ALAÏA! (If you don’t get the Clueless reference, get to know here). Specifically, their ballet flats.
Kosi – with my obsession with the Alaïa flats, a friend scolded me to look for alternatives (in her professional opinion, the shoes don’t need to be that expensive). I had my eye out and came across this brand. They have the cutest flats. And the fact that it’s a Ghanian brand is even better!!
Kkerele – I need not talk too much on this one. Just see for yourself. Their craftsmanship is amazing and you can tell they pay an insane amount of attention to detail. Need these Bob sandals (black, white, green — all!)
Renaissance by Janet – Very recent find and actually got to connect with the founder (Hi Janét!). The red Lia flats, the checkered Fala as well, just made me exhale a deep breath when I saw them. The tote bag too! The absolute STAR of the show are the cow print flats. (As you can see I swoon over anything cow print). Unfortunately not on the website yet, think I saw them on her story, so if you want them go disturb her on my behalf.
Shekudo – my shaylaaa! they are currently on a break and I wasn’t able to snag the shoes of my dreams at their sample sale because they didn’t have it in my size. SIGH. Until we meet again. But love, lovee their brand. Honestly God bless the work of Akudo’s hands!
Wales Bonner – I don’t think there’s been a shoe they’ve launched that I didn’t like. Specifically their Sambas collection.
Loeffler Randall – Where do I start? Just tens across the board.
Now onto the clothes!
Kilokosi – I love this set and I will be getting it asap. I find their designs really refreshing, like how they play around with their prints.
Amur – First love the intentionality behind the name. A Mindful Use of Resources! Their dresses are gorge, but this one in particular I’ve been seeing on my fyp lately and for good reason!
Islet Culture – went to the Shekudo sample sale last month and didn’t get anything for myself, but I did stumble across this brand that’s also stocked at Gather House where the event was held. Specifically, their Tulip skirt. It feels like it was made with me in mind. Chic with a bit of a twist. I’m a simple girl, but give me something! I need texture, structure, a pop of color—something! Anyway, sorry for shouting. The Vine dress will also be coming home with me shortly. Again, simple but with an edge.
Neil Vernon – They just give me: if you buy one of their pieces, you’re not only going to get your wear out of it but it’ll last. True example of commitment to quality and curating a capsule wardrobe. I love watching the videos of the founder breaking down the pieces and actually showing what competitors are doing and getting away with, in terms of fit and quality, and how her brand solves that. (Being a solution >>>). Specifically, their tops and this tote bag (I’m a sucker for a good tote).
Nyosi – Nyosi, Nyosi, Nyosi! How many times did I call you? The question is not what do I want from them, it's what don’t I want, because quite frankly I need everything like yesterday. I have their Daisy dress and this striped shirt that I forget what it’s called.
Their red milkmaid set that I’ve been coveting on every single person I’ve seen it on so that’s a priority buy for me. But Tife went to put it in my head how good it would look in a deep blue and I can’t unsee it. So now I’m here texting the team to see if we can work something out (sigh!). Their Fifi skirt gets a yes from me every time.
Orire – I just want to shake the founder’s hand because you can tell from her designs that she truly creates with women in mind! (iykyk). Their Every Day Is A School Day collection — I’ve been shouting on the rooftops about:
Naked Advice – came across this one during one of my midnight scrolls and my thumb lost its sense of control. Everything was added to favourites! Come to find out it’s an Australian brand and just makes so much sense! Australian fashion brands are at the top of the game and don’t see enough people taking about this.
Lisa Says Gah – if I were a clothing brand, this is who I’d be. Love their branding as well.
Neimil – I have recently become obsessed with South Africa, which the Apple spies have heard me talk about several times, so my FYP has now been conditioned to SA brands and content and I’m not mad about it at all. Came across Neimil and fell instantly in love.
Abiola Olusola – the most recent collection had my jaw on the floor. I have such a deep admiration for the brand and their designs. Enjoyed this interview by
speaking with Abiola herself on how she built it. What I really have on my wishlist is their Dunny skirt that I first saw on someone’s story and their classic Bou Bou dress.
Djerf Avenue – this one is more trendy side (nothing wrong with that!). I really love their prints. Specifically their Summer Berries one—I need their duvet cover, pyjamas. EVERYTHING!
Basics Lagos – As a girl who actually doesn’t work out, this may feel like a scam but when I do have my moments of physical fitness, Basics is my go-to. The colourways are gorge! And the fabric is so soft. Now let me tell you a quick horror story: I have their pink set and a light blue set, which I loveee.
So I went ahead to buy their deep blue racerback sports bra thinking I’d be able to get the shorts later on. Now they don’t stock them anymore and it honestly stresses me out thinking about it because it just feels incomplete, and the color is like this cobalt blue and I can’t even rock it the way it was made to. So this is me pleading for them to bring those shorts back, I beg! Still love their pieces and how aspirational but realistic their brand feels.
Wafflesncream – I don’t think I’m their target audience but a few of their pieces catch my eye. Specifically, this top that I came across on
. Took a screenshot expeditiously and went to search for it on their site, only for me to see it’s discontinued :( This can honestly be a girl’s villain origin story if not for self-control. Anyway, I mourn the loss of a shirt I never had, but they have a skort is pretty cute.
Meji Meji – Ms Tolu, come to the front right neooooow! The tension between this Lagos Babe tee and I has to be studied. Throw in the Midnight Snack tee (loved this video they did with Jowoda to launch it) and the Owo Ni Koko tank as well!
Twenty Six – My absolute faves! Their clothes are so versatile, cute yet functional and you can wear them anywhere. My kind of brand. I have a few pieces from them that I love. Recently got the Bulb Midi dress, which my friends and I coveted when we saw it on Debola (Mama BBW) and I knew I had to have it. Now I do haha! This set is next on my list.
Kai Collective – Fisayo will always be famous. Like I don’t even think she can help it. Their tanks and long sleeves and the jeans, specifically the yellow ones. Sorry, yellow AND red, together?? On denim?? Just take me and be going.
Helsa’s Studio: Deeeeep sigh of satisfaction. Their recent pastel collection also made my heart do a happy dance.
Conner Ives – one word: STUNNING! Discovered him when I saw he dressed Maya Jama for the Fashion Awards last year, ’cause her looks were so beautiful.
So, let’s end if off with my birthday outfit (which is probably my favourite part of the entire shindig). I started my planning early and now I'm on the hunt for the perfect blue ensemble to roll usher in 23 (the fact that I’m even claiming this number as my age is crazy to me—I’m actually still a teenager, let’s not get it twisted). I honestly don’t know why blue specifically, it just came to me and I’ve gone with it. Will very much be giving ‘got some blue going on’ vibes cc: Selena (again, if you don’t get the reference, see here).
These are my options:
For shoes, I’m thinking of either the Kosi flats or the Kkerele sandals? (Let me know which one you think I should go for!)
As you can see, it’s a lot. One of my main issues in life is that I like good things, it’s a blessing and a bit of a curse because my brain does not care for a price tag, all she knows is how said things make her feel! This might turn into a series because I have a lot more saved 👀
this was such an interesting read….im obssessed with your mind
i hope the Nyosi’s milkmaid in blue works out because that definitely seems like your vibe 🦋