Cherryflava 'write-off': Day 2

Right...after yesterday's entertainment, welcome to day 2 of the Cherryflava 'write-off'.

By now, you know the contestants and the rules, so let's get stuck right in.
Please hold your rousing applause and rather hit the 'comments' button at the end of the post to have your say.

 

Ghetto Fabulous Fashion: The influence of Hip-Hop music on fashion    By  Lisa

 

Hip-Hop isn't just a genre of music - it's a culture, a way of life, a language and a unique perspective. It has also become an aspirational lifestyle for todays’ youth but more than anything, it has become fashion, and it is influencing the way the youth of today dress.

It was only a matter of time until Hip-Hop (or Urban Music as it’s otherwise known), crossed the line, from music into fashion. This blurring of the boundaries between music and fashion has brought about the phenomenon of Urban Street Culture.

The way in which the fashion industry has embraced this trend can be illustrated by the recent advertising campaigns for Reebok and Adidas. 50 Cent and Missy Elliot respectively, have been used as spokes people or rather, Brand ambassadors. Whether it's wearing the right clothes, observing the look or influencing fashion, music artists have always made statements through their style and their music has always influenced fashion. Just look at new kid on the block, musician/fashionista Gwen Stefani with her newly launched clothing range, LAMB.

Jennifer Lopez took the common velour tracksuit from “wouldn’t be could dead in unless I’m running into the 711 to buy bread and milk” to Ghetto Fabulous. The UK’s Garage scene has resulted in replicas of Ms. Dynamite on every high street. Locally, the popularity of our own Hip-Hop flavour proves that this trend is a global one, one which translates into a uniformity of fashion across the youth of all countries.

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5 cocktail bars you have to visit before you die…     By Isabel

 

Well, at least in Cape Town… and as (wo)man’s mortality is the only thing that is certain, besides taxes, it’s a good enough excuse to set off cocktail tasting…. Clearly, a cocktail start-up is like jet-fuel to party lovers all over the world. No evening is ever quite the same after a few interesting mixes… as long as they’re done with flair, mischievousness… and have more colours than the shirt of a Hawaiian weirdo!

• Tank, (Cape Quarter), is definitely      the place to go for the best Cosmo, a la “Sex in the (Mother) City”. Refreshing Vodka, cranberry with a dash of mojo… I believe the secret lies in the spray      of the orange peel, or so the dashing Tom Cruise apprentice told me. Who am I to argue with the hottie mixing      the drinks .

• “La Med      Just Like That”, (Clifton) ranks extremely high on my favourites… well, to be      honest, anything with Grapefruit Schnapps in it, does… very healthy with lots      of vitamin C… And of course there are the sunsets….

• Now,      in Spain you definitely have to object faster than Aragorn could draw his sword in Lord of the      Rings, as Mojito’s consist of as much rum as the waiter can pour, before you start protesting      vehemently! The mint, castor sugar and soda all but an afterthought… Cape to Cuba’sMojito’s (Kalk Bay), brings back memories of sultry evenings, passionate      people and rythms that carries you into the night...

• If      it’s Views, Variety and Vibey liVe music      you’re after, The Leopard Room Bar and Lounge, (Twelve Apostles Hotel),      with 72 varieties of Martini, should shake or stir any Martini lover’s      heart.

• The      ultimate at Billy the      B.U.M.S. (mmm, the mind boggles at this name, don’t get      visuals, don’t get visuals …. heeeheee), is called Billy’s Bad Behemoth Bowl a.k.a. That Big Blue Thing. It is served to be shared in a big fish bowl, and trust me with      some Cuervo, Vodka, Gin and Curacao, you definitely do not want to go it      alone. You might get to do some      celebrity spotting while you’re at it.

The idea is actually to feature another 45 bars to visit before you die, but definitely not consecutively. Thus in the interest of responsible blogging and the risk of alcohol poisoning, I’ve stuck to 5.

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Lighting up Jozi    By Ndundu

A buzz of excitement fills the air as hordes of people meet to witness the dazzling display of fireworks, fashion and tradition that makes Diwali the most anticipated date on the Hindu calendar.

For the first time ever the Newtown Cultural Precinct will celebrate and share the experience of Diwali festival with the diverse society of Jozi this Saturday. The festivities are celebrated through dance, theatre, music and fashion.

As we know Diwali, or Hindu New Year, is also known as the festival of lights. It is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil and the brilliance of light. Many decorate their houses with Diwali diyas and candles and enjoy the revelry with fireworks.

Fashionistas will also have something to look forward to.

The fashion show promises to add yet another glorious dimension to the festivities. Fashion students from the University of Johannesburg flaunt their creativity by showcasing their latest designs.

The multi-talented Sandhya Lalloo, a Design lecturer at the University has been busy stitching together a fashion show with a difference. 

Lalloo, who's a highly respected designer with her label SIN, a contraction of her name, comes from a family that is steeped in the traditions of tailoring and show business.
She says "The fashion show will have all the elements of enchantment. The designs will range from the traditional to modern, a blend of cultures, whirling together a glorious splash of Indo-African design."

Festival organisers are thrilled to have her on the line up. Nisha Moodley, the event manager says "Sandhya has an excellent profile in the fashion industry and she's not afraid to experiment with design.”

So if you want to explore the intricacies of Indian Culture from draping a sari to exotic Indian dances and even taking part in a Bollywood street bash, this is the place to be!

The entrance is mahala, so there is no excuse to miss out!

For more information on the event you can check the Newtown Diwali Festival website.

If you want to know learn more about Diwali, go to www.diwalifestival.org.

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Beyond tranquil    By Lientjie

 

If tranquil is your game, then Tranquillity Lodge is the name.

Even if you’re not looking for tranquillity and just want a downright dirty weekend with a lover (very sexy when pronounced with a Russian accent), it is still THE name.

The wooden cottage is cosy, fully equipped and tastefully decorated. There are candles and incense burners everywhere, and there is even a TV for when you’re bored with your lover (remember the Russian accent).

It is situated in Noordhoek and surrounded by mountains, which is another excellent reason to go to bed early – cause it gets dark early…

What’s even more attractive is the fact that the owners don’t try to make conversation and leave you alone.

And it’s not too far (attention those living in the Northern suburbs, those who tackle the 30 km to “town” once a year because it is too far) – it’s a 30 minute drive from Cape Town.

Contact Beth on (021) 789 2136 or 084 606 0646.

Comments

[ND]

Thanks Isabel for an interesting article...I will make sure I check out the cocktails bars before I relocate to Pretoria.Great stuff man!

[kgomotso]

Isabel, totally awesome! Us Capetonians really like going out, more so if we'll be trying something new. How about giving up the other 40 places!

I thought Diwali was just about lighting candles and saying some prayers...pretty ignorant hey! I like ur research style Ndundu, and offering links to find more info. If I was in Jo'burg, following that article, I definately would have been there.

[WILL03]

Good one Isabel - let's get ready to rumbbbbblllllleeeee!

[Jammin]

I can't help getting the feeling that you are pimping these poor ladies. forcing them to be creative and original under extreme duress. Posting should be natural

[Carol]

Great stuff Isabel! Loving all the links!!

[AnniP]

Thanks a lot Isabel!! I'm sitting in my boring office thirsting after a Margarita now!! Go on Gurl out with the rest of the info!!! Loving your work!!

[Tskiskie]

Hey girl, thanx for inspiring article, must say your timing is spot on, no excuse this time of the year not to increase my existing to Do list!!!!! when down their next week will definatley try one of the spots. Thanx

[Tskiskie]

Hey girl, thanx for inspiring article, must say your timing is spot on, no excuse this time of the year not to increase my existing to Do list!!!!! when down their next week will definatley try one of the spots. Thanx

[Tanya Theron]

Isabel's article is fun and clever with great humour! The others are soooooooo serious...life is stressful enough!

[Lee-Anne]

Hey Girl, WOW! Great article - cant wait to hear about the other 40!

[Karen]

Er, I'm in Grahamstown (so may be mistaken, apologise if so) - but last time i was in CT Billy the B.U.M.'s had closed. Recommending a cocktail from a place that is no longer there made me lose faith in the other recommendations, and regretablely in Isabel too. Posts need to be accurtate and reliable

[Rashida]

I found the Isabel's article a tad pretentious. She tries too hard to be hip. The article was a bit faffy for me. As a reader, I hope to gain soemthing from the article and the one on Diwali gave that to me. It was informative and evocative. Even though Lisa's article was cool, it had absolutely no links, whcih was a let-down.

[Rashida]

I found Isabel's article a tad pretentious. She tries too hard to be hip. The article was a bit faffy for me. As a reader, I hope to gain soemthing from the article and the one on Diwali gave that to me. It was informative and evocative. Even though Lisa's article was cool, it had absolutely no links, whcih was a let-down.

[endz]

Lientjie baby, now i know u really are desperate>

[k8ep]

Isabel edges up on the inside, passes Ndundu, does a quick hop skip jump, and slips past Lisa and Lientjie, to win by a mile! Now THATs an appropriate piece for a CT vibe. Your wit and style are charming but yes, i'm afraid our old haunt Billies has become Sohibar. Well done!

[isabelm]

mmmm, my apologies... last time i went to Billy's was NOT in our beloved city, but i will miss those blue moments of sharing... i will just have to go drown my sorrows... now where's that list, no 6. Cafe Vespa here I come :D

[Chesh]

Refreshing stuff....will definitely be checking your site daily, and as for the cocktail hot spots, will have to see what durbs ahs got .

[Timon]

Pity about the unreliable info for the CT pubs - have to agree that I am not wondering about the other 4..
Will make sure though to check out the Noordhoek getaway Lientjie....sounds like the thing to do after a looooong week at work!

[Chesh]

Refreshing stuff....will definitely be checking your site daily, and as for the cocktail hot spots, will have to see what durbs has got to offer.

[Ditebogo Mthimunye]

This one goes for Ndundu,girl you rock.I just love your article,because you are promoting diversity which is very important especially since we're living in this beautiful diverse country.I'm definately going to be there to celebrate Diwali,it's nice to learn about other cultures.I like your style of writing it's funky,vibrant and so refreshing.You go girl.

[AnniP]

Some people can be sooooo anal, so the girl was maybe a tad nostalgic (remembering good times at The Bums)at the time of writing the article, WHO CARES?? the rest of the info is ligit! and not to mention HANDY! PARTY ON!

[Deon]

Isabel: well done! Very impressive layout! Good words as well!

Reality is the pulsating rhythm of time. The rhythm that can't be stopped. Feel it in your veins and get used to it! <|;oD

[soooo]

K8eP - you understand the concept of a bit of this a bit of that - a slice of Cape Town. I'd like to see you enter girl. Like your comments and your style....

[seadragon]

I agree with most of the previous comments. Isabel's post (like yesterday) is the only one that reads like a blog post. Plus, it's light and entertaining, not awkardly educational.

[Greg Caine]

Isabel, after reading your article I want to board a plan from Durban and jet over there right away, 'before i die' :-) Will my mates and I get to see you mixing it up? I hope so. Don't think many people share your view on grapefruit schnapps but that's because they probably haven't had it chilled to perfection, it's the bomb. Thanks for highlighting all those awesum spots in the BIG MUTHA C*ty, we'll be sure to check it out. From one coast to the other keep it rocking and keep those articles coming

Greg