Traveling Frugalista at African Diversity Arts

04/08/2023

22/11/2020

Heyyyyyyyyyyy! Long time no see. New goodies

30/11/2018

When you decide to make a little something for your new mother so she can feel apart of your big day.

22/06/2018

16/06/2018

My oh my 220 likes. Just two likes away from my birth number 222. Might be time for a give away!!!

03/06/2018

New Tuareg goodies coming this week. Just a little sample of what's to come. As always prices will be inclusive of shipping.

24/10/2017

Woooohooo final Traveling Frugalista pickup. Handmade Ndebele chokers and cuffs (still waiting for the bracelets but they will be picked up today). I've searched high and low for the right chokers and I finally found them. These are cute and comfortable. Small necks, medium necks, thick necks I've got something for every one come get yours this weekend. I'll be inside Kaos Network.

23/10/2017

Woooohooo last minute pick ups for the Traveling Frugalista Boutique... What a surprise to also get a history lesson. I knew these Ndebele pieces were special the moment I laid eyes on them. To hear the history behind them and just how special they are, I'm truly honored that the universe saw sit for me to cross paths with the Gogo collective responsibile for them. Know that if you get one of these pieces they are rare and this collective is the only ladies make them. I truly hope they pass the trade to these vintage styles of beading down so it doesn't become a lost art. This is just a sample there are a total of 8 between the two styles with leg bands. See them and me in person this weekend inside Kaos Network at the Leimert Park Art Walk on October 29th

09/10/2017

All About Congo Day 3: So now its time to really get a taste of Kinshasa. I was off to the big market " Marche Central". Let me tell you the size of this here market is massive. I actually think its larger than markets I've seen in other parts of Africa. It stretches for blocks and blocks. I do not advise going here solo. As soon as you enter the market are you will notice just how filthy Kinsha really is. I cant even be nice with words when it comes to this. Kinshasa truly is one dirty city. Then you will quickly notice that this is not the city to drive or walk while distracted. If you aren't watching your bag you have to watch where you are stepping non stop. Not for rubbish or the simple inconveniences but hugggggggggggggg holes the size of trucks one can literally fall into that appear without notice.As with other areas of Kinshasa, no pictures. We didn't have electricity so my phone wasn't charged and honestly even if it were I'm sure my host wouldn't have allowed me to have my phone out . LOL The second thing I noticed unique to this market was the lack of uniquely African items. Outside of the few fabric stalls and stores you just don't see many "African" themes. No cowry, no beads, no shells, no drums,no mask, no just imagine everything you think of when you think of west/central Africa . Then as I walked around I noticed that I didn't see many people ( outside of aunties) wearing traditional fabrics either. What was noticed is high end labels like Gucci, Chanel, etc everywhere. I mean people would have it on literally from head to know. Items with these labels were also veryyyyyyyyyyyyy prevalent throughout the market. and super cheap prices. They weren't authentic and people didn't care if they were. As long as the items looked the part it was all good. The next thing I noticed was a massive and I do need massive gold, silver, and diamonds section of the market. I can honestly say I haven't seen anything like this in any of the 10 countries I've been to. This is probably a reflection of the DRC mineral wealth. I was not in the market for any of this so the only thing I picked up in Kinshasa for the boutique is fabric and oooh did I pick up some fabulous fabric to make some fabulous items. Take a peek.