July 7,  2010 – Here is Patricia Wangechi Kihoro the petite TPF3 contestant as she lets you inside her wardrobe and lets you know what she thinks is hot…

Describe your style…

My style is fairly eclectic as I like to mix stuff in slightly unconventional ways. I detest having something that everyone else does, or going for something that has ‘hit’ tremendously. Case in point, Arafats! I think they are cool but just the thought of how many people I would bump into wearing one is enough to keep me from getting one. I’m not into trends much but if I like something, I’ll go for it, or find a way to make it unique. I also absolutely love African fabric from lesos, kikois to kitenge wax print fabric.

I have a fetish for…

Large earrings and African fabric inspired scarves. Large earrings because they are the perfect accessory for my TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) and African fabric inspired scarves, because African fabric is so versatile and amazing in it’s range of patterns, colours and designs. My wardrobe is fairly simple so African fabric and accessories jazz it up for me.

For a night out with the girls I wear…

Something that I feel sexy and sophisticated in. Like a sexy, little black dress with textured stockings, boots and accessories with random splashes of colour. I do love colour.

Flats or heels?

Both actually. Flats are great with long flowing skirts which I love, while heels just bring about a sense of confidence and poise, no matter the outfit.

I looked like a clown when…

I would wear sneakers, and not the nice, dainty, ballet flat like sneakers, but proper work out sneakers, with skirts. Even my dad would raise his eyebrow. That was way in the past though. I know better now. 😀

I can never leave the house without…

Lip gloss, mascara and a leso. It may come in handy as a scarf, wrap, headscarf, anything…

Who is your fashion icon?…

Whoa, I love so many people’s styles, I don’t even know where to begin. Well, locally, I really appreciate how Wendy Kimani dresses. Her and I could share a wardrobe, and would probably fight endlessly if we were sisters. I love Valerie Kimani’s creativity and sense of adventure with African fabric – one day in her closet and I would leave her with nothing. Grace Msalame is also the definition of Kenyan fabulosity! She dresses her curves so beautifully, I think she’s inspired some women to ditch the gym and embrace, and even find some more curves of their own. Internationally I would say Janelle Monae, a Rhythm and soul singer who is so out there, but puts it all together so uniquely; Lira, South African jazz singer who is the definition of African grace, and Beyonce, who is daring and sexy. If her clothing line, House Of Dereon were to open shop here, I would go broke.

 

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?

I really love colour so there’s lots of it in my wardrobe, I can’t really pick one. I do however have many pairs of black shoes.

On stage I feel most confident in…

A long flowing African inspired skirt or dress. I can’t help but feel regal and sexy in them. Confidence and comfort are important on stage and these work just perfectly.

My fave perfume is…

Euphoria by Calvin Klein and Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar.

Huge purse or tiny purse?

I have a huge, dark blue statement handbag that goes everywhere with me. It was a birthday gift from myself a year and a half ago and I just can’t seem to find one that I like more. Inside it is a palm-leaf clutch purse I got from Maasai Market that goes with everything. So when I need to ditch the handbag, the clutch is always close by.

What’s in your handbag?

Everything! My make up bag, my clutch purse, a camera, a couple of books and a magazine, my diary/planner, my wallet, my phone, an iPod, sunglasses, a few pens, body spray, a bottle of water, lotion, a travel toothbrush, a pair of shoes, a torch, a spare wheel and a jack, a TV… Ok, I kid….it only goes up to the toothbrush but you know how guys make fun of girls’ big handbags!

Do you wear make up?

Which make-up bit can’t you do without? Makeup, eyeliner and lipgloss. I have been complimented for my eyes which I was lucky to have inherited from my mum. I like to bring them out.

Red or Black?

Which is sexier? Red is my favourite colour, but I would go with black…it goes with anything. Plus it’s much sexier to work an all black outfit than an all red one. It’s fairly easy to overdo the red.

My dream car is…

Hmmm, tough one. I am a simple girl, who is not really into flashy cars, and loves to drive, on and off road so I’d say 2001 Land Rover Discovery in Cherry Red, with a black interior. I don’t like how more recent cars are starting to have a very generic, either bloated or boxish shape. For kicks, I’d get the Discovery in hot pink, although I don’t really like the colour. It would be mad fun though. 😀