Summer Nostalgia

I actually can't wait for summer, because these Swimming Costumes are legit, bro. 

Flip I hope we get them here.

I love the crazy patterns and the cool details, and who doesn't love things that are high waisted. I mean lets be real for a second. But, most of all I love the odd styling of them. The tops are awesomely ribbed and slightly longer, or have cool piping detail. The patterns are perfectly placed and well thought out. This is fashion design right here, and who would think that you're meant to swim in that. Gosh darn it. this stuff is flipin' cool

The master mind behind all these amazing Aztec patterns is none other than Mara Hoffman, a super cool fashion designer from New York. You can check out all her cool stuff here: http://www.marahoffman.com/

  

Sorry about the creepy model stance, is it creeping you out as much as it is me?
&Kathrynwhat

Indulgence: Addressing the Issue

in·dul·gence

inˈdəljəns/

noun

1. 1.

   the action or fact of indulging.

   "indulgence in self-pity"

   • 
     
     
     

The other day I found myself scouring the internet to entertain myself through these cold, winter-y days. I even spent a great deal of time on E! Online catching up on what feels like years of Celeb Gossip. Weddings to breakups and that Avril Lavigne music video that everyone was going on about.

Then I found all these pretty dresses and just had to share them with you. While they are wildly over priced through the American Dollar and the dying economy of South Africa, they are still nice to look at and fantasise about wearing. Maybe we can get some of our awesome South African designers to start making things like this and not those horrible tube dresses that everyone seems to wear. 

The first dress is really flattering without having to be too revealing. I really appreciate the detailing in the lace print (which is real lace, not just lino screening) and the beautiful detail in the cuffs of the sleeves.

The second I actually found under the Prom Dress section, which isn't anything like you see in those movies any more. This was the best of the lot, and with the right red lipstick you'll definitely be a knock out on the dance floor. I also really love the chunky clutch bag, I think it adds a little edge to the dress which is quite flow-y, albeit a slightly odd shape.

The next two dresses are more casual. The mint green dress has really ice detailing on the shoulders. Its really nice for summer, but hey, that's what we get living in the Southern Hemisphere - all the fashion seasons are all mixed up. 

The Boho Chic dress is my absolute favourite. I like the delicate details in the fabric, the long sleeves and the delicate neckline.

The last dress is absolutely fabulous. Look at how it flows. I think if I ever wore that dress I wouldn't stop jumping around because I'd feel like a really fabulous and stylish Flower Fairy.

So, if I was a famous movie star, that's how I would dress for sure - even on the Red Carpet. Whaaaaaaaat?! Like a G

&Kathrynwhat

Spookasem: The best thing ever.

No, no Im not talking about the Candy Floss, although I do love it. I'm talking about all the things I need in my life right now from this amazing Cape Town based Shop. (I'm almost starting to believe that Cape Town is on the scale of Moderate to Average... but I could be wrong.)
They're busy working on their online store at the moment, so unless you live in Cape Town and can pop by The Woodstock Exchange any time soon, it might be a little harder to get your grubby hands on these delicious designs.

Or you could order them from here (http://www.utique.co.za/seller/spookasem/)

You can keep up to date with them on Facebook, until their website is up and running then I'm sure we can all live inside the internet looking at these delicious things. Damn.
All right, enough babbling from me, take a look!

I particularly love the little illustrations and the cute story behind them. I think this brand can go along way and boy do I want one of those cute Ghostie Tote Bags!
&Kathrynwhat

Market Madness: Kamers 2014

As you probably know, I have a little bit of a Craft Market Crazy streak around December when all the Creepy Crafters Crawl out of their hiding places in time for the Christmas Craze. Well, Kamers Vol Geskenke, has just added a new Market to their bill, one that's happening right now! To keep all of us Jo'burgers sane over these long weekends for the next month, Kamers has introduced a Market over the Easter Weekend. It's still going to be on until Monday, so you have plenty of time to get your goodies.

Click HERE for some more of my Market Adventures.

This is my delightful new pillow from a lovely little Cape Town based Online Shop called ZANA. 

Their stuff is supper fresh and has a really good texture. 

I'm a sucker for good textured things. 

You can order Online or check them out at the Biscuit Mill.

Added a new ring to my ever so slightly growing collection! This one is super cool. Its paper thin, made out of copper and sterling silver. You can check out more from Liesbet Van Cappellens' Jewelry Collection on her website: http://www.lvcjewelry.com/

This, however, was the best. this chocolate is the most delicious chocolate you'll ever taste in your life and it hail from good old Pretoria. They have 6 exciting flavours and the best chocolate package design you could ask for. Check them out on Facebook to get your hand on some! 

Ah! A good day indeed!
&Kathrynwhat

I spend too much money on clothes for my body.

Could it be that horrible affliction of Body Vs. Mind Vs. Soul that we hear all too often being a part of Generation X? Maybe, but maybe it's the fact that I've been looking for boots since I was 7 years old and my last pair got a hole in the toe. They were really cute little brown boots that kinda look like Timberlands... sign... that day killed me forever. I haven't been the same since.
BUT, I found these at this fantastic shoppe called Factorie, maybe you've hear of it? Its from New Zealand. This also begs the question as to why, oh why South African designers cant hit the mark with good fashionable wear for the broke ass students. We seem to only end up with ill fitting, horribly made and even worse fabric choices from places like Edgars and Mr Price. Yes, yes you can tell me all about home grown and the whole re-branding thing, but lets be honest, it's still pretty shit and not quite as unique as we'd like to think. How am I supposed to be 'me', if ten thousand other people are also being 'them', whilst wearing the same clothes. Bla bla clothes don't make you who you are and you'd still be beautiful if you wore a plastic bag, inner beauty and all that, but hey, nothing beats a good pair of boots when that Winter Chill sets in and then you can take your plastic bag and tell me your toes aren't cold...
...and besides, really good South African designed clothes from Sgt. Pepper or good old YDE will pretty much break the bank, so...
My boots are cool and you can suck it biatch.
I've been wearing them all week cause they're amazing

&Kathrynwhat

The Market Place

Today I ventured out into the world to do some exploring. Weird right, I never leave my house any more. I tagged along with my Mom (classic me right) to one of my favourite South African Markets; The Mosaiek Crafts Expo. I've been before and you can read all about that little trip here.
South Africa has so many cool Markets, and because I'm a Craft Market fanatic I tend to frequent them, from the biggest to the smallest to the weirdest and of course, they're all wonderful.

This time though was a little blast from the past and a look into the future. Gahd, I'm deep.

Ice-Cream Necklace by Two on Toast

Ice-cream and Necklaces?! Damn, could it have gotten any better than this? Two on Toast is a great little South African find started by two Besties that share my passion for tea and toast. Check out their website at: www.twoontoast.co.za They have pretty cool stuff, especially the dresses.

Denim Backpack by Skinny Cow

I love Skinny Cow, they have the coolest jewellery and accessories, and to make it even better I nabbed this beauty! Good for the beach or to be super cool which is obviously what I will be doing with it. You can check out their Facebook Page or just head on over to their shop in Linden.

Wooden Stud Earrings by Net 'n Kameel

 Net 'n Kameel has the coolest wooden broaches and earrings, but if thats not your thing you can check out their silver, cut out necklaces on their Facebook Page.

Fabric Covered Tin Mugs by Jamtin

I absolutely love to collect odd and extraordinary mugs, so you can imagine my delight when I found this beauty. Jamtin have a range of awesome Fabric covered Tin Mugs and Lanterns. You can check out their website (here) and maybe even indulge your tea scenes to one of theses guys.

So that was my little outing to the Market. Yay!

Ok

&Kathryn

Cant wait for the Kramers Market in January! This is what happened last time.

Ye Olde Hipster Central

We've all heard about Neighbourgoods Market that has cause a massive ruckus in the streets of Johannesburg. Its the place to see and be seen by all of Joburg's trendy-est citizens, and if you haven't gotten yourself down to New Town yet, then you better get there soon. There's amazing home made food and coconut and rum drinks and the biggest and best fashionistas in the city, showing off their finest threads. Not to mention us photographers who skulk around the market snapping some tasty pictures to put on our blogs.

That's what I did this weekend.

xxx