Instagram has evolved from a social media site where you can post glam pics of yourself and your squad to a commercial platform where business owners can showcase their products and services to millions of potential buyers. In Kenya, as in the rest of the world, Instagram and other online stores are slowly replacing brick-and-mortar stores as the preferred mode of shopping.
For fashion enthusiasts, gone are the days when you had to physically go to a store to browse through and check out the "new arrivals". Nowadays, the latest trends are just a click away. Instagram shopping has been widely embraced in Nairobi because the stores tend to have more stylish merchandise than most stores.
More importantly Instagram stores are easily accessible and visible and most offer doorstep delivery to buyers. Here are the Instagram stores we love:
1. Sheikhs Collexion
This luxury store stocks high-heel shoes with similar designs to international brands like the "So Kate" collection by Christian Loubotin, Giuseppe Zanotti and Tom Ford. You can also find gorgeous handbags for the boujee girl who loves to look glam.
2. Forever Trendy 22
This is the number one store for all your swimwear needs. The shop carries a large variety of swimming costumes to meet the different tastes and preferences of their clients - bikinis, fancy two-pieces (fringed brassieres and high waist bottoms with cute cut-outs), monokinis, one pieces, you name it! What's more, they also sell fab cover ups and super cute handbags.
3. Unique Accessories Kenya
The store that is owned by three sisters is one to get acquainted with if you have been invited for a fancy brunch and you have absolutely nothing to wear. They have skinny jeans in a wide range of colours and provide them in a large range of sizes. They stock shoes- both high heels and sneakers, trendy tops, coats and handbags. It's a one-stop shop for all a girl needs and they're reasonably priced.
4. Mali Kali Kenya
This has to be the most affordable Instagram store yet! They sell trendy ex-UK outfits which sell out within minutes of being posted. So, look out ladies - the competition for that killer dress is real. They stock dresses, body suits, jumpsuits, coats and tops. They regularly re-stock so you're always assured of finding something nice. The store is purely an online store and deliveries are charged depending on the drop-off location.
5. Shoe Rack KenyaIf you're looking for classy and unique shoes to match that gorgeous outfit then look no further, Shoe Rack have got you! They operate on pre-order basis and it's as simple as perusing their page (@shoerackkenya) to find a shoe that best suits you. When you have the perfect shoe, simply drop them a WhatsApp message on the number provided on their bio, detailing your shoe size and attaching a screenshot of that particular shoe. Afterwards they'll book your order and ask you send a down payment - voila! After two weeks, you'll have your brand-new shoes. Once they arrive, clients have the option of either having them delivered at an extra charge or collecting them.
6. Haus of Mednette
The bandage dress craze is still causing a stir in Nairobi and if you're one of those ladies who is obsessed with them, then you need to check these guys out. They have the most stylish bandage dresses a girl can ask for and they're perfect for a wide range of occasions: parties, dinner dates, graduation day, a night out with the ladies - you name it. They definitely aren't the most affordable dresses or jumpsuits but they are worth every penny.
