The Last Party

"This is your birthday song, it isn't very long. But! We added another verse! Why were they born so beautiful? Why were they born at all? Because in 1992 there was no irth control! 
There waaas noooo biiiirrrth cooontrooollllll!"

Happiest of Birthdays to Alice, Amy, Chloe and Chrissy. 

Alice,

I have no idea why we werent friends before. Your amazing insight on the bigger picture really grounded me when I needed it. I'm glad we were friends, and with out you I dunno what  I would have done. I'll miss you when youre out there in the big wide world making a name for yourself. Please don't forget me. 

xxx

Chrissay!

You are themost beautiful person I know. I'm so glad that you are who you are. 

You're funny and wonderful and fantastic and down to earth. You're wild and crazy and loyal and beautiful. 

I wish you all the best in the world. Thank you for everything.

High school would not have been the same without any of your crazy antics!

xxx 

Chloe.

Wow, what an adventure we've been on. We've had the most drama in our friendship and it probably wont ever be the same. I just want to let you know that youre a wonderful person when we see the real you.  I love you very much, but I think you'll do great next year and in life still to come,  as long as you remain true to that fun loving, lovable creature that you are.

 I'll miss you, but I wish you the best of luck for finding just who Chloe is.
xxx

Dearest Kamo, 

You were the biggest inspiration to me during our years at school together. You always managed to make me smile with your silly puns, you always helped me when I need it. Weather it be with home work or with life problems. You would even sing when it was raining. To me this said so much about you and I'm glad you were my friend.

Thank you for everything. xxx

Dear Amy,

You never failed to make us laugh with your Amyisms, and your silly anicdotes about life.

I know we had our differences, but these last two years would not have been the same without our crazy asian friend from Ireland. 

Thanks for everything.

You were always the best to party with! xxx

You've all molded me and shaped everyone you've met into the people they are today. I hope you'll look back and remember the good times, more than the bad, but never  forget what we've learnt.
Your hat party was spectacular just like all your faces!

I'll miss you all! Lady chums 2007-2011
xxx

With Love,
Kathryn What?

Dear Jozi,

Have you ever experienced the amazing-ness that is Shortstraw?
Maybe you have, maybe you haven't. I wouldn't know, seeing as no body ever tells me these things.
Just for arguments sake, lets say you haven't.


The song "LYSAGFY" is the best song. Please go listen to it right now. and then read the rest of this post.

I now own your shortstaw virginity.
If you try hard enough, that rhymes.

This is shortstraw:
They have a song about Keanu Reeves. That should be enough for you people. But I'll tell you why I really like their music. It's because its edgy and amazing and I could just listen to it all day long and never get sick of it. That's how amazing it is. They don't give a flying fuck about any of the lyrics which makes their songs awesome.

Shortstraw play music. 

Music that sounds like puppies being born. 

Music that sounds like protesters outside an abortion clinic. 

Music that sounds like church bells ringing on a crisp Sunday morning. 

Music that sounds like angels playing scrabble. 

Music that sounds like a married couple fighting through a thin wall of your apartment. 

Now, doesn't that sound nice?

If you don't believe me, here's a video to prove my point.

This is their first official music video from their official album (below) that released earlier in July this year. I was fortunate enough to be there for this, and let me tell you, it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. Unfortunately  for fear of my camera committing suicide, I didn't take any pictures.

TO BUY THEIR ALBUM CLICK ON THIS SENTENCE AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO BUY IT, AND ITS NOT EVEN THAT EXPENSIVE AND YOU WONT REGRET IT SO CLICK HERE NOW.

Go fuck yourself.

With Love,

KathrynWHAT?

Dear Jozi,

Did I Forget To Mention?

I went to school for the very very last time on Monday.

This means:

1. I never have to wear horrid brown school shoes ever again.
2. I never have to wear a horrid baby puke/diarrhea coloured jersey ever again.
3. I never have to write another history essay ever again.
4. I never have to tie my hair up just because it cannot be down.
5. I can wear all the brightly coloured nail polishes I want and no one can do jack shit about it.
6. I don't have to have an alarm, to wake up at some ungodly hour for the next three months.
7. I can sleep for days.
8. I'm now allowed to blog and tumbl and watch TV and watch TV series ALL DAY and not feel guilty about it.
9. No bed time.
10. No sleepless nights due to homework.
11. No more trying to do something and some old person telling me its shit.
12. Music. ALL FREAKING DAY.
13. I don't have to have useless people on Facebook anymore, so I've cleaned up my friend list and now Facebook is no longer redundant.
14. No more school.
15. I'm just cooler than you.
16. I can go out drinking on a Monday.

To mark the occasion, as all occasions should be marked with pictures and photographs and whatnot. My mom made me pose for "Last Day Ever" pictures.

Never have to go to school again. Freedom is sweet. Like cake. CAKE FOR DINNER! CAKE FOR DINNER!

With Love,

KathrynWHAT?

Dear Jozi

The FADA Fashion Exhibition:

Here I sit with all the new additions of Business Cards from all the recently graduated fashion designers from UJ. They held a fashion exhibition, which I was lucky enough to go to. 

Here are my personal favorites:                                                                                                                    

I love the African inspired chic of this designer. This collection provides a young African women with a way to express her culture in a new, modern chic way. The designs are very contemporary yet subtle The bold pops of blue and red in among the browns and beige really bring out the spirit of Africa. The dress in the middle is my favorite because the  tailoring and the structuring is so flattering and beautiful. This dress is awe inspiring.

This dress is exquisite.  I feel like the designer really used the fabric and  technique  wonderfully. 

 The material was quite stiff ranging from brown leather to textured, but it was all balanced out by the soft use of shifon, that created a sense of wind and movement in the garments.

This designer used beautiful float-y fabrics to capture the essence of womanhood and what it really means to be a fashionable woman in todays' society. Not shown in the image are tailored pants, shorts and floral tops. The back of the long dress was open, not revealing too much but still giving the garment that young and sexy feel, perfect for summer.

 This  designer had  amazing functional ball gowns. The idea was that each dress could change by just a pull of a string, from a ball gown, into something a little more fun and versatile. The purple dress worn by the model had a small string in the middle that transformed the dress. By pulling the string, the front of the dress would gather revealing a little bit of leg, but to be more conservative, one could leave the string un-pulled for  a sleek, slimline silhouette.

The bronze and orange dress in the back ground,  would be pulled into a beautiful rose detail with the pull of a string, which doubled as a sleek, thin strap from waist to shoulder.

For more details contact: Marissa van Zyl 

mazeecreations@gmail.com   

I just loved the tailoring in this black jacket, by Mint Clothing. 

For more details contact:

 Riflwe Tema on: refilwetema@gmail.com

Alice Slab Fashion  Design and Stylist.

For the more tailored individual. The work was amazing, inspired by women in the 1950s. The colours came from grass and nature. The slight pops of purple and creme really bring out the femininity of the figure.

Roxanne Pengilly, clothing design.

These gowns were absolutely amazing. The detail was beautiful, and they were made exactly to the specifications that she outlined in her portfolio.

  For more info: roxannepengilly@gmail.com

Chinese inspired dresses and coats by various designers, showcasing their tailoring talent, and bringing cultures together.

 Coats!

Beautifully tailored and each one so different and unique.

Fashion! 

Jozi, there's some awesome new designers on the loose. 

With love,

KathrynWHAT?

Dear Jozi

This past weekend would have marked the sixth time I've seen Desmond and the Tutus this year. the first being at "Thornfest" and they were probably the only reason I went, and the last being the 5 Gum Summer Sessions. Because Cape Town stole "Rocking the Gardens" from us, these guys put together one of the best gigs this year. 

It took place on the roof of The Alex Theater. There was fake grass and if you got there early enough, people were sitting having a couple of drinks and just hanging out. The high building walls and the fake grass made it so urban yet, summery and Cape Town-y. It was well worth the visit.

Of course, it wouldn't have been the same without the bands.

Desmond and the Tutus blew everyone away just in time, because the police showed up to shut the whole thing down. Darn party poopers.

Shortstraw was amazing as always, with their acoustic rock sounds that just get the crowd going. They're definatly one of my favorite bands to jam to, mostly because their music is sweet and the lyrics are just silly.

It was my first time seeing Rambling Bones, and I was not disappointed. I've had their first CD for a while and their beautifuly sung duet of "Baby Shoes" never failed to make me happy again. I've attached it below so that you can feel the musical magic and the warm feeling it brings for yourself :D

Rambling Bones - Baby Shoes

Unfortunately we arrived too late to see all the other bands but after doing some Facebook stalking I've decided that they're actually quite cool. I'll keep you posted on their gigs and music.

This is a photo from the back of the entire event. Amy and myself sat down to have a drink and I thought it was the most amazing thing. You can see the huge building behind the stage, which just reminded us all that partying under the stars in Jozi, isn't that bad.
Who needs Cape Town anyways?
They'd probably be to chilled to party like real rock stars. 

At every Desmond gig I've been to, there's always those crazy people that do crazy things. This time, I met two girls who were determined to get on stage with them. The first went and played her harmonica with the lead singer to "Kiss you on the cheek" and the second, did an amazing stage dive/crowd surf. It was beautiful.

This is me and Amy, taking silly "Who are we?" pictures like total dweeeebs. 

Every event needs one.

This was just after these silly little boys tried to hit on us, and before all these people made it their mission to find out how old we were. It was quite annoying really. But I had a great time with Amy, I really enjoy hanging out with her!

I saw a whole bunch of my Jews there too!

Jew spotting FTW!

With Love,

KathrynWHAT?

Dear Jozi

I have something magical to share with you.

Today, I went to a lovely little Christmas market with my mom, and they had the most amazing things there. Every last thing your little heart could desire, you could find. So, I'm sharing my amazing finds with you, in hopes that you'll support our local crafters and fashion icons.

This is Skinny Cow.
They're a local fashion and accessory store located right here in Joburg. Linden to be exact. Unfortunately they don't have a website or a Facebook page. (Much to this bloggers disappointment, because I always Google EVERYTHING before deciding its legit.)
But their stuff is so pretty and so versatile that I just can't keep it to myself.
These are the things I bought today:

This is a vintage inspired ring, 

(the last one they had at their store I might add) 

But don't fret! They also stock matching pendants, and a wide variety of different rings, for those of you who arent mad on vintage and want something a little less casual. They also had different shapes and sizes. Just take your pick!

Vintage Ring- R55.

These are the first over-sized earrings I have ever bought. 

They have such a wide variety most are vintage inspired patterns, such as floral and portraits of Audrey Hepburn. They also come in gold inlays and silver. These are made with actual material but if that's not really your thing there are some super shiny ones and smooth, glassy ones. 

And they look really good with an updo, just to show them off a little (:

Vintage Earrings- R45

These are my favorite, and I'm wearing them RIGHT NOW. 

That's how comfortable they are. Not too heavy. 

That's really important to me because I'm really fussy about the kind of dangly earrings I wear. 

They had all sorts of other bronzed hanging earrings, and matching necklaces with long and shorter chains. Look out for the rocking horse, key and teapots! They just make me feel so pretty and grown up, but still edgy.

Clock Earrings- R45

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm just like every other girl when it comes to jewelry and I probably could have bought the whole shop. But if jewelry isn't your thing, they also had bags, clothes, shoes and headbands.

Here are some of my stylin' new bags to carry the loot!

This is my new favorite thing in the whole entire history of the world. 

It's a vintage  radio bag. Is'nt it cool? 

The "Volunme" and "bass" knobs even turn! 

They also come in a lighter brown.

Radio Handbag- R225

This my mom bought actually. 

The material is slightly more durable and plastic coated. But its super cool anyway. 

They had them in different shapes, styles and sizes including blue and red floral, with matching purses, makeup bags and pencil cases.

Floral Handbag- R225

I'm kicking you out of my closet now, but I hope you'll give this lovely little boutique a visit one day. You won't regret it!
Happy Shopping!

Skinny Cow. 
Eclectic fashion and accessories.
Shop 6. 65- 4th Avenue, Linden
0849812177

With Love,
Kathryn

Dear Jozi

Halloween Bitches.

So, I went to this Halloween party, and it was jam packed with people dressed so epicaly. The usual sluts could be spotted with their angel wings and halos among the sea of zombies. But there were a few people that had gone above and beyond the call of Halloween costumes and put on some amazing outfits. Before you get to excited, it wasn't me.

There was a guy (The guy from The comic Book Theory, whom I met, and was unbelievably starstruck because I love him) who dressed up as Nathan from Misfits.
There was another guy who I saw walking passed who was Napoleon Dynamite, and there was a guy who was  Where's Wally. My friend Abby was Edward scissor hands, which I thought was pretty rad. I on the other hand, always go as something lame, and non slutty. Like a save the world superhero. Oh well. Next year I'll be something epic.

There were some cool ass bands playing including: Shortstraw, The Stellas' and Desmond and the tutus. Not to mention the cool Drum n Bass room, The Dubstep room and all the DJ's like Sibot who made the walls shake till 4am.

Happy Halloween Everybody!

With Love,

KathrynWHAT?

Dear Jozi

Let me educate you. 

Just quickly. 

On the most amazing band in the ENTIRE universe. 

Yes. 

The whole place. 

They're called Desmond and the tutus, and they will blow your mother flipping mind. They're a local band, originally from Pretoria right damn here in South Africa. They played an epic gig on Friday night at the Town Hall/ Converse Halloween party, and everyone was going completely insane, it was so sick.

They play the most amazing, jamming, rock your freaking socks off music you will ever listen to/ dance to in your whole life. That's how amazing they are.

This is my absolute favorite song, and I vow that if the universe permits me I will name my daughter Peter. That's how much I love this song. Also, that's how much I love Desmond. They just make everything seem right with the universe.

Desmond and the tutus- Peter

Those are just some more pictures for you little trolls to feast your eyes on. They're from the Desmond and the tutus blog which can be found by clicking here. 

The photographer is:  Eduan Kitching. Hes an amazing photographer, kinda like my role model right now. Check out more of his work on his website by clicking his name (:

Also, just for good measure, you should check out their Facebook page, become a fan, and take a listen to some of their other rocking tunes. Maybe even checkout their upcoming gig in November?

It'll be a party!

With Love,

KathrynWHAT?