Razzle Dazzle Lola

I've been ill the last day and half and have hardly been in clothes that are bloggable. While very cute, my dressing gown will never make an appearance on this blog. Never. So I decided, what better way to celebrate feeling slightly better than playing dress up. As I'm told, playing dress up has been my default state of mind since I was three when I first started taking an interest in clothes and 'reading' my mom's Vogue magazines. Typical Sarah behaviour. It goes even further, my family sometimes call me Lola after the little girl in Charlie and Lola. My catch phrase of 'I am the Sun' even caused my sister to give me the set of Charlie and Lola DVDs for my 21st birthday. Sadly, I feel no shame about this alter-ego of mine.  Here's part of my favourite episode - There is only one sun and that is me!

That introduction into the inner workings of my mind aside, the outfit. I loved the simplicity of this skirt-jersey combination. Perhaps I like it even more because the boots and proportion of the skirt make me feel tall. The cream mesh skirt, made by mother, last made an appearance on the blog in The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain.... I love the length of the skirt and how it heightens the contrast with the black jersey, black scarf and black ankle boots. I'm fond of monochrome outfits and often wear black and white together.

I love how the simplicity of the outfit is contrasted
 with the loudness of my bedroom.

I think this room says a lot about me.
Feminine, nostalgic, creative,  over-the-top...

These pearl earrings are favourites of mine. 

Earlier today while listening to my iPod on Shuffle I came across this song that I haven't listened to in ages. Camera Obscura is a favourite band of mine that I always seem to forget about. There's a contradiction in that statement I'm sure but it makes sense to me. Razzle Dazzle Rose is such a beautiful song as are many of Camera Obscura's songs. Have a listen: 

I hope to be up and back to my normal busy self soon with more adventures into Joburg and with more things to blog about soon. 


Much love, 
S. 

Though she be but little, she is fierce!

There's almost nothing that I love more than a lazy Saturday morning with the people I love. This is especially after this past week with two exams. I think I'm still comatose after them but the Gluhwein brewed last night may have something to do with that as well! As a result, not much is happening in the life of this angelheaded hipster. At least not today.

 However, I do have a large pile of books to read, for fun, piled up on my bed. I'm so thrilled that now on holiday, I'm able to read for enjoyment and not just read copious amounts of academic journals.  Yes, I am that girl. The one that loves books just as much as she loves shoes. One day in my own home, I hope to have shelves and shelves of books to get lost in. At the top of my reading list for the holidays is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald (of course!). I've just started The Grapes of Wrath, and I'm really enjoying it so far.

These photos were taken by my dear sister, as I teach her manual exposure photography. I just wanted to take some really simple photos where the focus isn't necessarily on the clothes. I loved the simplicity of this leotard-like black t-shirt and the simpleness of the shirt reminded me of this quote by fashion designer, Christian Lacroix; 

 "... Black is just as much matter as it is colour, it is light as much as shade...It is neither sad nor cheerful, but allure and elegance, perfect and necessary. It is irresistible as the night" 

My hair isn't normally as curly. I had fun adding to the craziness with my curling iron.
 Love it!

After the fun of these pictures, I picked up my Mom's grey tailcoat by Lunar which was featured in Fashion Fridays at the Greyscale Gallery and put it over the t-shirt and jeans. I love how the masculinity of the jacket heightened the softness of my very feminine hair. My style is all about embracing and owning my femininity and in combining masculine elements into my wardrobe, like in The Natural Counterpoint, I can do just that. For me, that's true sexiness. 

"Though she be but little, she is fierce!"
This quote, found in A Midsummer Night's dream by William Shakespeare,
 is my new lifequote. I think it describes me perfectly. 

And now, I am off to watch movies, enjoy freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and enjoy the people I love best in world, my family. That's happiness for me. And perhaps make some more gluhwein...

S. 

'Arts on Main' Love

Ever since I moved back to Johannesburg, and even before, I kept hearing about Arts on Main, and how I have to visit it. Any Joburger who is in touch with the city, and not just the suburbs, knows about this space. So naturally after hearing all about this the collision of art, fashion and architecture, I'd be curious.

Arts On Main is situated in the emerging Maboneng Precinct on the east side of Johannesburg city, in close proximity to the Absa headquarters, Ellis Park and Jewel City. Much like the architectural phenomenon in New York City's SoHo district where old industrial warehouses are turned into workspaces and apartments, the Arts on Main space is a renovated liquor store built in 1911. It's incredible to walk through this space, which is a little oasis right in the heart of the city which is marked with so much decay. But that's the amazing thing about spaces like this, when the artists and those who subscribe to that lifestyle move in, so do the renovators and developers, leading to a migration from the suburbs into the city. Walking around Arts and Main and seeing the potential and the investment in both this building and the city, I can't help but hope that this will happen here as well. 

I went with a new American friend of mine, Shelby, and my mom (she's my wingwoman/bestfriend), and it was such an awesome experience for all of us. More than the variety of galleries and local designer stores, was just the beauty of the space. It sounds weird to say, but the thing I loved the most was the huge white washed brick rooms with exposed wooden rafters. The Loft aesthetic is something I'd love to have in my own home one day. 

On Sunday mornings, Arts on Main becomes Market on Main with a variety of food and even clothing stalls! It's a market within the city for all of us fast-paced Joburgers who'd rather enjoy the bustle of a city than the stillness of a traditional farm stall. 

Playing with Rachel's Pentax again.
All pictures,except the ones with me in them, were taken by me. 

A little oasis in the middle of the city.

Main Street Life in the distance. That space is so cool. 

The Loft look which I love. 

The emerging Maboneng Precinct 

Love this old Elevator shaft.
This area is the space where the clothing stalls are on a Sunday morning. 

Shelby and myself.

The Maboneng Precinct, of which Arts on Main is one part, promises to extend further in 2011  with 5 new buildings varying in more office spaces, retail, entertainment  and cultural venues. This Joburg girl cannot wait to see more from this precinct and more from this city! 


S. 

Entering Shoe Sanity

Hello lovely readers, 

I feel like I haven't blogged in ages.In reality, it's just been a week but my mind has been elsewhere. Namely in my Sociology of health and Illness notes. Nothing like exams to suck the life out of you. Thankfully, today has been a lovely little reprieve and an excuse to blog. 

Since I broke my ankle over a year ago, I have been gradually letting go of those dreams of sky high Christian Louboutin and embracing so called 'shoe sanity' i.e., choosing shoes that will help my ankle as opposed to leaving me even more crippled than I already am. I have even started working out properly again (something which has been terrifying me) and taking Pilates classes. No one tells you that breaking an ankle will be a lifelong commitment to exercise and 'shoe sanity'...

So with that, I managed to find an actual proper pair of high heels (not ankle boots or long boots). Actual heels that are comfortable and so so so pretty. And yes, I compromised on the height but the shoes more than make up for it both in style, comfort and prettiness. And well, if shoes like these mean an attitude of 'shoe sanity', well then, I guess I'm finally sane...

Shoes: Edgars, Tights: Woolworths, Jeans: Sissy Boy

Worn with Pussy Bow Blouse from Woolworths and Cream Waterfall cardigan

S.

A foray into Wonderland

What fun last night was! It was a really lovely evening with an old friend and new friends, who all made the effort of dressing up as characters from Alice and Wonderland. If it wasn't obvious from thursday's post, Why is a raven like a writing desk,I went as the Red Queen, Alice's nemesis. Honestly, I was looking for an excuse to wear the exquisite Pascual dress once again and once again it proved to be a head turner. And if the dress wasn't over the top enough, my Philip Treacy inspired headpiece ensured that this Red Queen was one Avant Guarde queen. 

The headpiece was initially inspired by this hat by Philip Treacy, but I put my own spin on it with black tulle, a few little black roses and a huge red rose. I absolutely loved making it and was amazed at how beautifully it came out. Being able to conceptualise and make my ideas happen has reawakened my love of making things. As soon as my exams are done, I will be sewing again! Exciting! 

As soon as I put the whole outfit together for these photos, I felt very in character and very evil. Just like the Red Queen is supposed to be. Given my love of drama and acting, being able to play a character different from myself was so much fun! I'll always remember my drama teacher telling me that I could never play Lady Macbeth because she is such an villian but I'd make a wonderful Juliet because I was so sweet. Ouch.

Instead of an evil black coat, this Red queen chose this Topshop jacket. 

This charm bracelet, from my gran for my 21st birthday,
 was perfect for the Alice and Wonderland theme

The fashion part now out of the way, the party was so much fun with many a hilarious incident with some crazy people. Somehow, I was coerced into giving my number to a Abi's thirteen year old nephew. He said he'd give me a call in 5 years time. Oh dear... Awkward moments aside, what I enjoyed the most was seeing so many people who love my friend as much as I do. She's a special girl and I hope we stay friends in the years to come. 

Taken at the beginning of the evening, with Abi's mom Gail, when we were all still dignified. 

Towards the end when the headpiece was laid aside and the beer goggles were quite literally on.  Abi was given beer goggles for a birthday present. Hilarious! 

That's my girl.

S. 

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Here's a little post after a very fun DIY day.

It's one of my closest friends 21st birthdays tomorrow evening and the theme is Alice and Wonderland. While I would love to be Alice, the birthday girl, Abi, has already threatened a painful death to anyone who dresses as Alice. Typical Abi... She and I have been friends for 17 years and are closer than we have ever been before. I love this girl and can't wait to celebrate her day with her. 

So, if Alice is off limits, and its much too cold to be a 'sexy' little Mad Hatter... who to go as?  Well I'm not going to give it away just yet but perhaps the following pictures will make it obvious if you know your fairytales. Part of my costume involves a headpiece which I made quite easily. I love to sew and make things with my hands. I once thought about going into jewellery design because I used to make antique looking brooches out of beads. But, after this afternoon, I think I missed my calling as a milliner! Philip Treacy would be proud. I will be posting pictures of the finished headpiece with the full outfit soon hopefully! 

My Canon SLR has an issue with the lens and is busy being fixed. So I've been playing with Rachel's
 Pentax SLR on manual and though very out of practice, I am so impressed with the quality of the pictures,
 particularly the focus of the Pentax.

As my bedroom is very warm, and we've had freakishly cold weather (yes cold) and rain, the cats have migrated to my room. And being the attention seekers that they are, Tia and the Kerouac cat naturally make for interesting subject matter especially when I'm messing around with a new camera. 

S. 

There she sits with them big old fields of daisies and rusted mills...

Hello, 

I know that I featured this Forever New dress on yesterdays post but in the rush to take pictures before leaving for the gallery, those photographs didn't quite do this dress justice. So with that, I thought that another Veld inspired photoshoot would complement the dress' loveliness more. 

I was inspired by the song Bella by Angus and Julia Stone for these pictures. And in my hunt for a youtube video of the song for the post I found this little animation which is adorable. Some of the lyrics of the song are posted as captions. 

Bella by Angus and Julia Stone

Worn with Mr Price lace tights and cream Steve Madden shoes.

I love the chiffon textures on the cuffs and neckline.

'There she sits with them big old fields of daisies and rusted mills'

'And when the sun it shines on her hair of gold.'

'Can I have this dance with you'

I also wanted to share a few things that I've loved, been inspired by and reflecting on. 


A Beautiful Mess: Right now this is my favourite blog and two posts of Elsie's are particularly inspiring and beautiful and make my inner romantic sigh with hope. 
Having just gotten married, check out her husbands love letters to her a week before their wedding here: Mr Larson's love letters
Even more beautiful was her wedding film which is so unique, quirky, soft and romantic. I love seeing weddings like this which go against mainstream wedding productions: Our Wedding Film

The Ubuntu Girl: Earlier this week I flicked the television channel and came across the story of Sonja Krause, a woman who hitchhiked across South Africa with R100 (about £ 9.09, €10.23, $14.83), a camera, a cellphone and a backpack. No map. No means to support herself. Her motivation for the journey was the belief in the spirit of Ubuntu(I am because we are’), her faith in common humanity and her belief in South Africa's journey of forgiveness. Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu describes Ubuntu as:
"…It is the essence of being human. It speaks of the fact that my humanity is caught up and is inextricably bound up in yours. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness, it speaks about compassion...The quality of ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanise them."

Sonja's year long journey took her through 114 towns in all 9 of South Africa's provinces, staying with 150 families - representing 16 different cultures. She returned home safely and with the firm belief that the spirit of Ubuntu is alive in South Africa, despite so many challenges that distract from the wonders of South Africa. Wow. (check out Sonja's website)

Why do Bad Things Happen? This is a series that my church, GodFirst, has been running for the last month. And it has been one of the most emotional, challenging and comforting bible series I have ever heard. Our pastor, PJ Smyth, has just come out of a 9 month battle with cancer, so you can believe that it's a discussion thats close to his heart. And it is to me as well, because for the last few months I've been hurting a lot and this pain has huge spiritual and emotional dimensions which have left me confused, depressed and angry with God for not letting me escape either the pain or the responsibilities he's given me in this situation. But through my own walk and this series, I've been so comforted in digging deeper into who God is and his love and plans for me. And while the temptation is to demand explanations as to 'why?' and 'how?', this discussion only points to the 'who?'- God and his nature. I don't always know the answers but the comfort comes in knowing that there is a God that loves us and I receive extraordinary strength through the relationship with him. Please check out the podcasts here if you're interested or have questions about bad things and a good God: Bad Things

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon,

S. 

Fashion Fridays at the Grayscale Gallery

There's something so wonderful about discovering new places in Joburg and seeing where the night will take you. Last night was certainly one of those nights. Earlier this week, as I was researching blogs for work I stumbled upon Twenty Two and their blog. Twenty Two is a store that stock local designers just down the road from my university in Braamfontein. Over the last four months, on the first Friday of every month, guest fashion designers from across the country are invited to exhibit at Twenty Two in celebration of supporting, loving & buying local fashion. 

It's no secret that I'm passionate about South Africa and I think I've more than established a love of fashion. So local fashion is something I'm really excited about and I love to see how it's growing here with more and more openings and gatherings happening like last night's one. One thing I'm noticing more is that local fashion here is so diverse and full of ingenuity. While on trend with the rest of the world, it is also very different. Very much like South Africa. 

So last night, my friend Tas and I managed to convince her boyfriend Dylan, and our friend Ryan to come along with us to the Greyscale Gallery to have a look at what Twenty Two and local designers had to offer. We (ie myself and Tas) were all impressed with the standard of the clothes by designers like Two, and by some of the up and coming names like Avant Apparel and the promise of seeing this scene grow. 

Here are some photographs from the night:

The Greyscale Gallery space

Avant Apparel's beautiful installation. 

Skirt by Avant Apparel

Love the fringe detailing

Ruff by Two
I tried a similar ruff to this one at Two's store.
It is so beautifully crafted. 

Dylan and Ryan, looking so fashionable. They needed no help from us! 

Me and Tas. 

I was also quite excited by my outfit which comprised of an ivory Forever New dress which I love because of it's innocence and softness and how it looks like a doll's dress. Paired with a grey men's style tailcoat by local designer, Lunar, which was niffled out of my mom's cupboard. The term 'Niffled' is an inside joke between myself, my sister and my mom which describes my ability to find/borrow things out of my mom's cupboard. A Niffler is a treasure hunting creature in Harry Potter. So much like a Niffler does, I find hidden treasures in my mom's cupboard that she no longer wears or forgets that she has. Niffle, niffle....

Accessorised with my grey ankle boots,
 grey tights from Marks and Spencers and this brown doctor's bag
which I remember playing with as a little girl.

The Kerouac cat is always looking for an excuse
to climb into my lap or to sneak a cuddle

The rest of the night was a little bit of a whirlwind through the cool areas of Joburg as Tas, Dylan and Ryan were determined to show me places I hadn't been to before. We went for dinner on the Greenside strip and then quickly popped into The Office and Gin, which are two very popular bars. You definitely need to be in the right mood for these places as they throb with teams of people and after a quiet evening, none of us where quite in the mood to fight the crowds.  After that we drove to The Baron in Sandton for a drink, which is a provided me with a rich cultural experience of the term 'Meat Market'. I'll leave it at that. 

This weekend's plans are still up in the air but there's definite promise of another post or two! 

S.