This Ain't Yo' Mama's Moo Moo!

My goodness it’s been so hot outside! Finding something cool and comfortable to wear is becoming more of a dreaded task than a fun filled adventure. We were filled with excitement when shopping in Ross one day and we came a across a garment that brought back wonderful childhood memories: the “moo moo”! I couldn't believe it! This old ugly thing our mom used to wear on Sundays while cooking and getting ready for church suddenly was the center of a fashion breakthrough for Tamra. She suggested that we make the “moo moo” into an outfit. I kept looking around and all I saw were old women admiring this shapeless piece of clothing. Clearly, I wasn’t so easily convinced, but soon saw her vision.

Properly known as a caftan (or Kaftan), the “moo moo” is described in the Fashion Book as a rectangular cut ankle length garment with a front opening, side splits, and sometimes a cummerbund, probably originating from Mesopotamia.

According to the article History of the Caftan, it has moved through African, Eastern Europe, Russia and in the 1960s became a fashion staple in the US. The caftan is made from various lengths and fabrics. At one time in history the fabric of a caftan was a sign of a person’s social status. Today they are made out of mostly silk and cotton and are used a variety of ways.

Caftans can be personalized to fit your own style. It can be worn with a belt, jewelry, flats or heels, dressed up or down. Whatever you like! For Tamra and I, its way to be fashionable, revisit the past and stay cool in this smoldering heat!

So here's what we did...


Before the transformations

I decided I wanted to make my caftan short, so I cut off the bottom! I also made mine one shoulder by cutting the arm of the caftan and tying it on the side. I added a small belt and accessories to spice it up a bit!

Tamra loved the length and flow of the caftan, so she just cut off the tassels and kept hers long. She added bold accessories and high heels for a dramatic effect!

Examples of other caftans...

Back to our roots...

A few pictures...

Tamra's flexi rod transition style

two-strand twist

If you have any suggestions please leave a comment below.

Share your hair chronicles with us! Good luck!

Think the unthinkable with MoA'cCha Mode...

On Saturday Keelia and I had the pleasure to attend the Moaccha Mode fashion showcase. This was the third showcase for self taught designer Ramaiseya Parham. Ramaiseya is a 21 year old senior at Clark Atlanta University majoring in Communications. The showcase focused on her view of fashion from the past, present and future using the colors black and white as inspiration. The event was held at MF Buckhead, which provided an intimate space for Ramaiseya to share her vision with family, friends and media. Keelia and I had a chance to sit down with her before the show to discuss her line and inspiration. We were very impressed with Ramaiseya’s direct vision, passion and drive that will definitely take her far in the fashion world and in life.

Ramaiseya Parham

Read our interview with Ramaiseya below!

When did you realize that you wanted to be a designer?

I’ve always had it inside of me. I was 18 when I decided to embark in the world of fashion. I bought lots of books & taught myself how to draw. I’m on my third showcase and people are really starting to pay attention to my work. Now, I’m focusing on branding my name and getting people to wear the clothing.

How did you get started?

When I was in high school people would always say how nice I dressed. I was voted best dressed for our senior superlatives. I decided that this is what I want to do and I’m going to do it! I did and continue to do a lot a research and I learn as I go…

Who or what inspires you?

Music is my biggest inspiration. I was listening to Drakes Fancy and I got an idea for an entire collection. It’s about me listening and hearing the beats…It makes me think about patterns, who I am designing for and where this person would wear my clothing.

Who do you design for?

I design for women and girls who are not afraid to take risk with their fashion. Women like Rihanna, Beyonce, Amber Rose, and sometimes even Lady Gaga…Women who may not have all the confidence they need, but when they put my clothes on they feel like they can do anything. My clothes are made to inspire strong confident women!

What is the focus of your current line?

Everything is black and white. The showcase is timeless: past, present and future.

What is your favorite type of garment to design?

Dresses! I think dresses are awesome. To me dresses makes a woman feel graceful. The shoulders on a woman are so beautiful. Woman should show off their curves.

What is one thing that you think every woman should have in her closet?

A pair of skinny jeans, white tee and some bad heels that are over 5 inches. This outfit can make a woman look like a million bucks even on a bad day!

Beside yourself who is your favorite designer?

Betsy Johnson I love her attitude…Alexander McQueen, but Gucci is my favorite.

Do you have any mentors?

No, I don’t. My mom is my manager. It’s really just me and her…if I need help with something I will ask someone in my family.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I would like to have a store in Atlanta, Los Angeles, NYC and Japan. I hope to have my clothing in local Atlanta stores like Cherry Bomb, Envy and La Bella Vie Boutique. I want everyone to wear my clothes from celebrities to the everyday woman. I dream big so in five yrs I plan to be taking over. One of my biggest dreams is to have a photo shoot with the 5 biggest female and male fashion icons.

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