Bleh...

It has been a long week, and whether it's due to the fact that it's the first week back from holidays or it's simply been a drag, I feel like each day has been an entire week in itself. The exhaustion has reached an all time high, and in the only and most precise way I could describe it, I'd say I'm feeling rather bleh.

My go-to remedy for times like this is most commonly music, so for all the guys and gals inwardly hollering in agreement, I've compiled a list of 10 songs that have pulled me through this week, and maybe a few in celebration of the weekend! Can I get a whoop whoop?!

1.  Candles - Daughter

2. Anything Could Happen - Ellie Goulding

3. That's How Strong My Love Is - Alicia Keys

4. Christmas Eve - Justin Bieber (Yes, it's a Christmas song, and yes, it's by Justin Bieber, but at least give it a try.)

5. Burning Desire - Lana Del Rey

6. Waiting All Night - Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre

7. Wake Me Up - Avicii

8. Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi (Steve Aoki Remix)

9. Silvia - Miike Snow (Robotberget Remix)

 10. Treasure - Bruno Mars

I sincerely hope that the majority of you (at least) have had a much better week than I have. Happy Friday, and enjoy your weekend! 

xo,

Mr. Photographer | Davide Zanoni

During one of my recent Internet escapades, I came across a brilliant man by the name of Davide Zanoni. He is an Italian photographer who takes the most gorgeous photos. Although his primary focus is wedding and documentary photography, he recently went backstage at Milan Fashion Week to take a few snaps to let us in on the glamorous world that is fashion.

I first saw these photos a while ago, but somehow I just couldn't seem to get them out of my mind. Whether it's the intimate take he has on photography or simply his eye for a good photo, it all comes together in a sort of nostalgia and holds so true to the saying we all know so well: 

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

And with that overly excited introduction, you can take a look at that the photos below knowing good and well that I truly love these pictures. If you're just as enthusiastic as I am and would like to see more of Zanoni's work, you can check him out here.

(image source: VSCO Journal)

I hope you've all had a good week so far. For most of us South Africans, holidays have become but a distant memory as we all return to the daily grind. I've got a number of things planned for the blog, starting with the change of layout which should be pretty evident if you've been reading for a while. (You like?) I'll also be partnering up with some IFB and Lucky Magazine bloggers for a new post, which is very exciting! For me, at least...

xo,

Trend Alert: Military Madness

A trend I'm loving right now is the military vibe the fashion world has taken on. Street fashionistas seem to have taken the trend as literal as the go with camo print on everything from t-shirts to sunglasses, while designers on the runway have gone in the completely opposite direction and steered far away from the camo print, opting for military colours, sharp shoulders and big buttons to stay on trend.

Runway:

(image sources: pinterest)

 Street Style:

(image sources: pinterest)

I'd prefer to wear one statement camo piece with solid colours, but there are some of us brave enough to wear the look from head to toe. (Kudos to you!)

Camo Jacket, Sneakers, Bralet, Jeans, Blue Backpack, Beige Backpack, Lipstick

Happy camouflaging! (That was cheesy, I'm sorry...)

xo,

Lovely Links - 06.07.13

• A while ago, I discovered the photographic treasure that is VSCO Journal. This is the blogging site of an iPhone app called VSCOcam, which consists of interviews of some brilliant photographers. Head to the blog and download the app!

• I love shoes, and I love brand identities, so it's practically inevitable for me not to love this brand identity for Loeffler Randall, a New York based footwear company. This stunning aesthetic was designed by the RoAndCo Studio.

• Market On Main at Arts On Main has become quite a well-known Jozi hotspot which I'm sure you've heard of before. If you haven't visited it as yet, make sure to pop in soon to grab some lunch, indulge in a snack, shop, explore, and mingle with the good old inner city urban folk.

Address: 264 Fox Street, City and Suburban Gauteng, Maboneng Precinct.                                       Running every Sunday, 10AM - 3PM.

• This week, I've been enjoying my holidays at home, and as a result of that, I've had plenty of time to pamper and spring clean my Pinterest boards. They look pretty fabulous, even if I say so myself.

• One of the presents I received for my birthday was an iPad mini (thanks dad!), and I recently downloaded an app that is so beautiful, so easy to use, so efficient, and so creative... And it's FREE! It's a drawing application called Paper, which gives you an easy way to sketch down ideas and such. Download it here.

• Good poetry is like food to my soul, and the poets of The Strivers Row have yet to disappoint me when it comes to good poetry. They're comprised of the most incredible poets, and among them is Alysia Harris, my favourite modern day poet. As a whole, they make my heart go asdfghjkhasdasfdla!

• Very high up on my list of favourite and most hilarious books is Neither Here Nor There (Travels In Europe) by Bill Bryson. The author tells you about his lonesome journey through Europe, while simultaneously bringing you to tears with laughter. Note: Don't read it in public. You'll honestly be laughing too hard, I swear!

• I absolutely love short documentaries, and the other day I came across one about Scott Schuman aka The Sartorialist aka the King of modern day street style photography. Even though the documentary is a few years old, it still gives you a quick peek into a world which a lot of us might be dreaming of. Watch it here.

This is probably my favourite set of links so far. Hmmm... Anyway, I hope you all keep warm this weekend, seeing as the weather forecast has predicted some grey skies and rainy days! 

xo,

Philip Barlow

While reading the Saltwater Girl magazine's June issue a few days ago, I saw a group of these fuzzy photographs of people all over town... Seeing as I love photography, I took a closer look, only to find out that they weren't photos at all, but paintings by Cape Town based artist, Philip Barlow. I couldn't believe it! I mean, they're absolutely incredible! 

I bookmarked that page (digitally) in seconds with the title: "blog!" So, here I am, sharing with you the work of a very talented South African artist. It triggers the patriot in me when I see us creating such beautiful things... Go figure!

You can take a look at more of Phillip's work here.

With that, I hope you're having a lovely week and a good start to the new month!

xo,