Self Portraits

These are some lovely self portraits which I feel embody aspects of my personality. A picture is worth a thousand words and these speak volumes.

Holiday Season

It is no secret that I love the ocean. I make it a point to be as close to sea as possible for as long as possible. I think this may have come as a result from having studied at Rhodes University in Grahamstown for 3 years and suffering from a severe case of cabin fever.

Durban has the most scenic locations and "chill spots" and what better way to spend the summer holidays than with your family in the summer sun, making the most of the last summer months.

Showing your cleavage at the office...the ultimate fashion faux pas

A study conducted by style compare which is a fashion website showed that 6 out of 10 bosses felt that the ultimate fashion faux pas at the office for their female employees was wearing clothing which showed too much cleavage. Female employers were more offended by this than their male counterparts with 65% of female bosses placing  "too much cleavage" at the top of their list of fashion faux pas. Other items of clothing which were not appreciated in the workplace were visible bra straps, jeans, Ugg boots and fake tans amongst other things.

If you're looking to get a job or want to get ahead these are amongst the things you shouldn't wear to an interview or at the workplace. I think however, for most women  the challenge would be to find a sense of balance in expressing your sexuality without looking being suggestive or inappropriate for the workplace. Besides nobody ever said that being fashionable meant displaying goods. I don't necessarily believe that women shouldn't develop their own sense of style at the workplace, however, that doesn't mean anything goes. Some of the women who manage to be stylish and successful are Michele Obama, Christine Lagard (managing director of the International Monetary Fund since July, 5 2011)  and writer, Nora Ephron.

Top 10 list of office fashion faux pas

1) Cleavage

2) Frayed clothing

3) Ugg boots

4) Jeans

5) Piercings

6) Visible underwear

7) Fake tan

8) Stilettos/pointed shoes

 9) Bling jewellery

10) Wedge heels.

"The Black Allure"

In the world of fashion and beauty, there have been many advances, many changes which saw the industry which is largely European and mostly white, take some form of shape other than that which people had become used to. The faces on the covers of some of the worlds most renowned fashion magazines are starting to reflect the many different shades which exist in everyday life. As much controversy that surrounds Naomi Campbell's personal life, one should acknowledge that her signature look has been that which has changed the fashion industry and more importantly, people's minds. Tyra Banks has also been a pioneer in giving women of colour an opportunity to enter the fashion industry as models without the prejudice often associated with them with her show, America's Next Top Model.
However, I do believe that there is still a long way to go before we can say that fashion has truly accepted black women as beautiful without making an effort which appears patronising and humiliating. Although completely unrelated, articles such as the one which appeared in Psychology Today which asks and then un-asks Why are black women less physically attractive than other women show a general attitude by the media that black women are still not considered beautiful, despite many consciousness movements which have taken place in various parts of the world. And to be honest, it is not only people from other races which make these discretions in dictating to the world as to what makes us "beautiful". Black people play an equal, if not more diminishing role in accepting the status quo that lighter skinned women are seen as more beautiful than darker women. It took me a long time to get myself to type out those last few words, and as I did I cringed at the thought that people believe in this.
This idea is as political as it is social because our ideas and those which we are given by the media will influence the way in which we think and our actions. Nelson Mandela who fought against race discrimination his whole life said in his speech "the truth is we are not yet free, we have simply achieved the freedom to be free".

American Vogue and Vogue Italia have come up with seemingly brilliant ideas to curb these ideas, their efforts do deserve credit but the approach was all wrong. The black allure was the name of the Italian Vogue issue which showed many of the successful black models within the industry. The American version was called "Black Spring" (cringe again)! The name black allure, however suggests something which isn't necessarily pleasant, it shows the views that black people and some minority groups are still viewed in an "us and them" manner, seen as "exotic creatures from the jungle" and reinforces these ancient ideas of black people. Although the issues are dedicated to black women, majority of the adverts and promotions remain unchanged which undermines the idea of the magazine. However, on a more positive note, I do believe that no matter how slow, change is occurring and one should acknowledge an effort for change, no matter how futile.

Kulture Noir

Simphiwe Dana's first name means 'gift" and that is exactly what she has been to the South African music industry. With her latest offering "Kulture Noir", she has truly exceeded many expectations and dispelled the notion that South African artists are not capable of producing quality African music. I was already blown away by her vocal ability in her first single "Ndiredi" which was released in 2007. However she has managed to maintain her vocal charm and depth in her melodies.
Kutlure Noir is a deep exploration and you get a sense of a journey which you can relate to when you listen to the album. My favourite song on the album is "Ndimi Nawe" which translates into "Me and You". Her voice   echoes into the rhythms and melodies of her music and it can be described as an experience, one which should not be passed on too easily. You FEEL her humanity in her melodies and the soul which she possesses.

Simphiwe Dana has impeccable taste when it comes to fashion. She is able to incorporate her own personality and identity as a Xhosa woman into her clothing and still manages to achieves a couture look. If you were to truly analyse the contents of the album you would understand why she chose the title Kulture Noir. Her sound is contemporary, however it has a reminiscent feel which gets you thinking about many things; childhood, growing up, being a black woman, being African, being a woman and living an authentic, fulfilled life. If music's purpose is to inspire growth, change and a sense of pride in our identity than Kuture Noir has achieved that.

Lost Generation- Jonathan Reed

I am part of a lost generation.
And I refuse to believe that
I can change the world.
I realize this may be a shock, but
"Happiness comes from within"
Is a lie, and
"Money will make me happy"
So in thirty years, I will tell my children
They are not the most important thing in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
Work
Is more important than
Family
I tell you this:
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
But this will not be true in my era.
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
Thirty years from now, I will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of my divorce.
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making.
In the future,
Environmental destruction will be the norm.
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this Earth.
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.

And all of this will come true unless we reverse it.

(Read the poem in reverse)

In the words of Bob Marley

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."