Vera Wang's black bridal gown collection, fab or drab?

My last fashion post was mainly for guys (see previous post: First impressions count), ok and maybe eye candy for the ladies, but this time it's girls only.

Almost every girl has an idea for their dream wedding (I'm special coz I never dreamed of getting married, hence I had no perfect wedding in mind but suprisingly I found myself walking down the isle, not so long ago, but the most exciting part of all the preperations was choosing my wedding gown). So whether you plan on saying, "I Do" in the near future (that is if your nigga ain't trippin') or maybe 10 years from now, it wouldn't hurt looking at a few dresses every now and again. Besides a girl is allowed to dream. 

Heck, I enjoyed wearing my gown so much I'm already thinking what to wear when I renew my vows a couple of years down the line *laughs to self*, don't judge me.

So, is the traditional white, and sometimes Ivory, wedding gown the way to go or is it time to be daring and get a little, or maybe not so little, creative?

    

Vera Wang

Vera Wang worked at U.S. Vogue for 16 years as a senior fashion editor before leaving and setting up her bridal design company.

She left Vogue after she was overlooked for the editor-in-chief position, currently held by Anna Wintour, and went to work at Ralph Lauren, where she stayed on as design director for two years.

In 1990 she opened a bridal salon in New York's Carlyle hotel where her dresses continue to be sold today.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2050047/Vera-Wangs-black-wedding-dresses-mark-turning-tide-bridal-trends.html#ixzz1bIrZYK00



A day in the life of taxi operators

S’nethemba Gumede

Many a times stories are written about taxi drivers and the taxi industry in general. More often than not, these stories reflect negatively on this industry. Not to say that some of the things written are not true but surely there must be some good as it is one of the most popular forms of transportation in country. Cleary the South African government has come to this realization which explains their notion to start a taxi academy where drivers and conductors or SDO’s (sliding door operators), as they are commonly known, will be trained how to run their businesses and equip them with the skills of practicing proper customer care.

With this in mind a colleague of mine and myself took to the taxi’s to get insight into the happenings of this industry on a day to day basis and a day in the life of drivers and conductors or SDO’s (sliding door operators) as they are commonly known. She spoke to the driver while I attempted to speak to the conductor but had to stop every time he jumped off to call passengers.

West Street in Durban, one of the busiest roads in the city,
often a hive of taxi activity

While travelling in one of the taxi’s, operating in the CBD and Point area, I witnessed  another side to conductors that is often not seen.

A lady, presumably around the age of 50, hails for the taxi to stop. The conductor jumps off the taxi and helps the lady, who appears to have an injured leg as she is using a walking stick and her leg is bandaged, into the taxi. Conductors are often known for their rudeness and ill treating of passengers but it appears there are a select few who know how to practice proper customer care.

This conductor is Nkule Dube, 22, from Ntuzuma a location near Inanda, wakes up  everyday at 4am and is at work by 5am one hour before taxi’s start operating. He says he hardly eats in the morning as he is always in a rush to get to work. “On busy days our first meal of the day is usually at 1pm but on ordinary occasions we eat at 9am or 10am when we are done with the morning rush of individuals going to work,” he says. Dube says he often fights with the driver, over what time they should go and eat, because he (driver) doesn’t want to take a break but carry on making money.

Dube has been a conductor for almost eight years. “My father died in the year 2000 and my mother the following year. My siblings and I were very young at the time so it was tough but we had to work together to make ends meet.” Dube says one day a friend of his, who was also a conductor, suggested Dube go with him to town and hang around the rank in hopes of being approached by drivers to help them count the money. Indeed a driver did approach him. “I was still in primary school then, grade 7, so I would go to school during the week and on the weekends I would work as a conductor.”

SDO Nkule Dube with driver, Siphosenkosi Nxazonke Picture:Sandile Ndlovu

Before he can carry on telling his story, the taxi stops and Dube jumps out calling on for people to get into his taxi. “Uyahamba Ma?” meaning are you going mam? “South Beach, Wheel, Point,” he shouts informing potential passengers where the taxi is going. Almost every two minutes, and sometimes less, the taxi stops and Dube has to repeat the same routine. “This goes on from six in the morning until six in the afternoon,” says Dube, “there’s hardly enough time to rest because there is almost always someone along the sidewalk waiting for a taxi.” Even if pedestrians don’t indicate for the taxi to stop it does so anyway, “because at times they are waiting for a nice taxi to take but once you start talking to them and ask them politely where they going, often they will agree to get into your taxi, fancy or not,” he says. Dube admits though that the condition of the taxi, sound and the music booming from it, plays a major role in helping the people decide whether they want to use the taxi or not.

After some time Dube carries on with his story. “As difficult as it was my brother and sister, whom are older than me, tried to put me through school but I quit after I failed grade 11 twice.” He says he had wanted a job that would make him respected and feel like a somebody.

“I must admit,” says Dube distractedly as he tries to signal through the window for people to come into the taxi, “that being a conductor isn’t the best job in the world  but it pays and I am able to bring a small contribution back home at the end of the day.” Dube says conductors in the CBD earn R150 a day and sometimes R200 if the driver is generous.

During my time spent travelling around in the taxi, with paying of course, I paid witness to the many difficult experiences conductors and drivers encounter, resulting in them losing their patience and sometimes responding rudely. “I think because of the stereotypes around the taxi industry, that we are rude and don’t know how to treat people, you find that passengers treat us in that same manner without being provoked. “Whether it’s asking for change or asking to jump off, they often speak harshly.” Dube admits that it is not always easy to remain calm but that in order for them to succeed they have to endure the abuse and respond in the politest manner they are able to.

This experience has proven to that there always is two sides to a story. Often the confusion arises from two, or more party’s involved, not taking the time or making attempts to understand where the other is coming from or be open minded about the situation.

Durban's English Market, not my favourite part of the city

By the time we were done with the interviews we were starving. I myself had not eaten breakfast as I had been rushing to get town to catch the morning rush and busyness of the taxi’s. So before we headed back to the office, Dube and the driver took us to a shisa nyama, on the outskirts of the early morning market, where they usually grab a bite to eat. I must admit that I am not a fan of the market, if you live in Durban you will understand why, but this experience called me to get out of mu comfort zone and be open minded. Once I started eating the meat, which tasted devine, and downing an ice cold coke I forgot about my surroundings and the fact that there was good conversation helped.



Damn that meat was good



Then of course it was back to the office to document my findings. I was some what exhausted and having to sit in front of the computer was a drag. Call me lazy, maybe I am, but it made me realize how tiring their job was. I only did two trips around the CBD and they do almost more than 50 every day. I have a new found respect for drivers and their conductors. *done with me*

sthombe@yahoo.com

For guys: First impressions count...

...and the next and the next.
There can never be enough fashion blogs, for men or women. Therefore we shall continue to do so until the world is rid of fashion disasters. Yes everyone has their own style or unique taste but which ever style you like you have to make it look good and work for you.
I'm not a fashion expert but I do have an opinion. So...

Here is my personal compilation of male casual, smart casual and formal wear, which I prefer. Whether you like these styles or not doesn't matter. Point is you have to put an effort to your appearance no matter where you go, whether its an award function, party or even going to get milk and bread at the local supermarket. 

So ladies enjoy the eye candy and guys please do take notes...  

A Paradox

By George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems                                                         more medicine, but less wellnes.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. 
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. 
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. 

 These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... 
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. 
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. 
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: 
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin

Surf's Up!

Who said black girl's can't surf

I’m black and I can swim. No I don’t mean jumping up and down or bathing in a river but I mean actually swimming, was one of the best swimmers at school. And no the water doesn't need to be warmed up before I jump in.

Now as good a swimmer I am I’ve never been a fan of the sea, in fact I had a bit of a fear for it due to some childhood experiences which I’d much rather not get into. But when I was offered to go for surfing lessons my concern was not about my fear, I’m a grown woman now so I ain’t scared of waves, if anything I was excited and looked forward to it. I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, looks amazing when the pro’s do it, and I could just imagine the rush of riding a wave. My only concern was my weave. You can mess with anything but a black woman’s hair is a no go area. I did more preparation for getting my hair fixed than preparing to surf. Having figured out a solution of redeeming my hair, after experiencing the trauma of being submerged under salt over and over, I looked forward to my surfing lesson.

They first showed us the basic instructions of lying on a board, standing properly and getting the right balance. That part took like five minutes and in to the water we went, talk about being thrown in the deep end. According to the instructors, the waves were quiet feisty and not the best of conditions for surfing lessons, none the less we went ahead. The water was extremely cold of course but got used to it. Walking against the current was a bit of strain and got worse after having to walk back a few times due to many failed attempts of standing on the board and riding the wave. First time I got onto the board I was determined I could do it, I was natural footer after all, well at least that’s what Bronwyn (the instructor) said...maybe they tell that to everyone to give them a boost...no I'm a natural footer I believe it', that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

As I mentioned before I fell quiet a few times but I had fun, regardless of the terrible taste of sea water in my mouth, stinging in my eyes and being toppled over by the waves. If there was such a thing as knee surfing I would’ve killed this lesson, sadly there isn’t, but I did manage to get on my feet a couple of times. It was quiet an amazing experience, a rush really and I’m definitely going back.

My hair looked course and frizzy, weave's worst nightmare, but it was worth it, besides it wasn't anything a hair dryer, moisturiser and hot iron couldn't fix, (side thought - yes niggas we go through all that trouble to look good but don't get cocky and think we do it to impress you but acknowledging that your girls hair looks good is a must if you know what's good for you) Infact I already had an appointment set up to get it done even before the surfing lesson began.

So ladies don't deprive yourself of having fun because you fear for your hair. Don't get scared get smart! Surf's Up!

Zodiac, Smodiac who cares!

I honestly cannot stand this whole zodiac ish but when you are in this industry you don't always have the liberty of refusing to write about some things...

 

S’NETHEMBA GUMEDE

 

THE world of astronomy is for ever evolving with revelations 

Personally this start sign just freaks me out....

and discoveries being made every minute. The universe is described as having never ending possibilities, so the discovery of a new star sign shouldn’t be that much of a surprise right? Wrong.
Ophiuchus “the serpent bearer”, dubbed the 13th sign, has been causing waves of panic on the internet and on social networking sites like Facebook.
“What is the deal with the Ophiuchus sign? What the heck does that one mean now? Please do not tell me that our zodiac signs have been changed to something else because I am freaking out now. I would so hate to have to experience such thing. Is this one true or what?” wrote Drewskies Sheldon Leslie on one of the many Ophiuchus pages on Facebook.
 Another suddenly had the revelation that all the other star signs were his enemies, “We have secret enemies,” wrote Jeff Baker,  “Some of the other 12 resent us, be steadfast, for we shall rise up and walk among Kings as Kings.”
While many take this seriously, to others it is a joke. “It just means there is a new Pokémon named Ophiuchu an evolution of Pikachu! A group of Ophiuchu makes Ophiuchus!!!,” wrote Matt Ball.
The discovery of this “new” star sign, which falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius,  has caused a shift in the Zodiac moving all the dates of the other signs ahead.
Fortune Tellers, Mellissa and Jayshree Rabia Mallaya, known as the Mystic Sisters, and as well as other astrologers have assured people that there’s nothing to worry about. Clearly the message is not getting through as many are still panicking, thinking they’re having an identity crises.
 “So I grow up thinking I’m Sagittarius, now to be told I’m Ophiuchus, what does this mean...? How do you pronounce it Ophiuchus?” wrote David Ferguson.

....even Homer is freaked out

The Mystic Sisters said the star has been there for years but previously  did not have enough planetary energy for it to have any significance.
“This is causing major confusion but people should know who they are. The zodiac signs are merely there to help you be a better you but ultimately the decisions you make determine who you are,” they said.
Dion Van Zyl, a astrologer from Hillcrest, after explaining the ever confusing workings of the universe and stars, concluded that this new discovery wasn’t so new but that someone was trying to popularise astrology.
 “I’m not complaining though because it’s good for business since everyone wants to know how this will affect them,” said Van Zyl.
 He advised a trip to the dusty archives of astronomy for a trauma relief for all those ripping out their hair and biting their nails in panic.
“Every person who believes in it should go and take out the oldest zodiac calendar and have a look at this so called new constellation (group of stars).” 
Van Zyl said if they paid attention to every star that appeared there would be stars added onto the zodiac signs every year.
“It’s much easier to use the 12 signs because we have 12 months and four seasons, adding all these other signs is just confusion,” said Van Zyl.
International famous astrologer, Jacqueline Brook, said it was important  the record was set straight because these so called new revelations were causing confusion.
 Reports on the internet and social networks say some people have changed the décor in their homes to go with their new zodiac sign.
First it was the prediction that the world come to an end in the year 2000 (Y2K), which obviously it never did. And then many predictions of the ever impending doom of the world in 2012, which we await to see, surely this must be the beginning of the end right….right!
S’nethemba.gumede@inl.co.za

Next formula please!!!!!!!!!

In my opinion the "I'm a good girl/boy" and then all of a sudden "I'm all grown up" formula has gotta stop, its has been done to death. Yes it works for some but still. All those wanna be's, talented or not, have to think of another formula of grabbing people's attention. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying they shouldn't grow up but they just seem to do it the wrong, at least that's what I think, or maybe I'm the clueless one. Does growing up mean you have to go goth, naked or just plain crazy? I mean really!!!!!

A few illustrations if I may...

Britney Spears                                     



        

Didn't we all love our sweet Teen Princess...         then of course she grew up and a bit came off...        

and then she totally lost it!

This ladies and gentlemen is what you call three in one, she did it all...sweet, naked/goth, and crazy.....I must admit though the media had a lot to do with her losing it. We can be so mean and develop stalker tendencies, make a lot of speculations, honestly we can drive anyone to insanity. But we not all like that...*grinning innocently* Infact let me make a correction, paparazzi and tabloids can drive anyone to insanity. They could either make you or break you...depends how you make use of them.

Next: Miley Sirus

                  

             Looks appropriate for her age...                        acting not so appropriatley for her age,           

                                                                             although she looks beautiful but still, not approriate...

and she just had to try out the goth image!

Yes she too got all three strikes. I'm not denying that nature to take its course, everyone has to grow up, but honestly do you have to get naked or look scarey to convince people you have...

And then of course Riri (good girl gone bad...she said it herself)

Below: Although she showing a lot she still                    Below: Looking oh so beautiful and elegant

         looks cute, not tacky 

                                                

                                              This is just plain scary, barbwire? really Riri????

Believe you me there were far more scarey ones which were a bit too inappropriate to put on my blog. Ok so this girl came into the industry naked as you can see so that wasn't a shocker because she came in with that image, and she looked cute, ok well Barbados cute. But then she grew up, got rid of the tank tops, she looked elegant then all hell broke loose literally...as I'm sure you have seen for yourselves. I guess one can justify and say she came in naked she just spiced up her nakedness a bit...a lot...ok no it's still messed. She beautiful and all and her image is working for her right now but honestly...
...Next formula please...


Prediction to who will use this formula next.....you guessed it...Bieber!

Below: Lol! He's already started with the new haircut. Soon he's gonna be taking his shirt off (all those with Bieber fever wouldn't mind), just hope the boy doesn't go goth or punk rock on us.

 

Ayt, I gotta bounce...much love & God Bless!