Fashion expression according to Kondja Veii

It’s a very rare feat to find consistent Namibian blogs to indulge in, let alone niche blogs like kondja veii’s fashion blog.

Situated at heyprettyface.net, the blog features Kondja’s style story – as told in her very own words and with accompanying images of her dressed in her favourite fashion finds.

A fashion blog that touches on lifestyle elements, heyprettyface.net is Kondja’s creative outlet that she uses to not only showcase her personal style, but also to “build a network of like-minds, stylishly dressed bomb moms and everyday women with a genuine sisterhood attitude.”

I recently reached out to this fellow Namibian fashion blogger to talk about her blog, how she got into fashion writing and her style story.

Global citizen

Of Herero-Namibian and Antiguan descent, Kondja grew up all over the world and is currently based in Belgrade, Serbia, with her family.

“I am a style/lifestyle blogger and a stay-at-home mom (who’s never really home),” is how Kondja describes herself. Like many fashionistas, her love for clothes started at a very young age. She says: “My style journey began like that of most young girls wanting to be a designer. But I never wanted to be a designer of your typical pretty gown dresses. I had a love for men’s tailoring and women’s lingerie and would spend my weekends doodling and sketching looks. From an early age I loved androgynous looks, the cheekiness of mixing a tailored suit with peeks of lace or string. I thought that was so edgy.”

She continues to use fashion as an expression of her passion, and describes her personal style as simple and timeless, but chic. Looking at her countless outfit posts on her Instagram, one cannot help but marvel at how beautifully curated Kondja’s wardrobe is.

“I think, in general, your personal style develops as you do. Different seasons of your life bring about those unconscious style changes based on your lifestyle and you kind of just let it flow that way. I do, however, have an eye for clean lines and negative space, so that influences a lot of my style choices today,” she says.

Fashion with meaning

While absolutely stunning and envy-worthy, Kondja’s style posts are refreshing in the sense that she uses them to also spread body positivity. She is known to post raw, unfiltered images that show her body in its most authentic state – stretch marks and all. This kind of awareness of the impact of her content is something that Kondja strives to maintain. As a mom, she hopes to inspire fellow moms to embrace their bodies through all their phases. “As our bodies change after creating and giving life it’s important to feel good in your body in its current state while working to make it the body you feel your best in. Confidence comes when you are most comfortable. Wear what makes you feel good and focus on the parts of your body that you love, and emphasize them,” she says.

Kondja’s fail-proof style tips

An oversized blazer is key, says Kondja. Other wardrobe staples she recommends are a button-up shirt for its versatility as well as a little white dress. “It will never let you down,” she says.

As for the brand she’d shop for the rest of her life, she names Net-A-Porter, an online resource that houses over 800 luxury brands from across the world. “They host bi-annual sales, so it’s a great way to get your wishlist and high-end pieces for less,” says Kondja, who clearly has mastered the tricks of shopping high-quality brands for less.

At the moment, her fashion obsessions include sunglasses, cut out dresses/tops and thong bikinis. While she isn’t as in tune with Namibian fashion as she would like to be, Kondja has a few local designers on her radar. “@couture_by_kim on Instagram has these romper/jumpsuits that I saw recently and that now live rent-free in my mind. And of course, Ruberto Scholtz’s dresses are so dreamy, it would be my wish to one day get to wear one.”

To watch her style continue to evolve, follow Kondja’s journey on her blog, or follow her on Instagram @heyprettyface_

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Communications Specialist, Blogger and Freelance Fashion Writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni and on Instagram @rukeekaakunga.

Photography: Milan Simic