The Market Hipster

Traffic Clothing Autumn/Winter Fashion Show

Dominique Whitman — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:03:20 +0000

So One.Dog.Chicken and I attended the Traffic Clothing fashion show earlier this year and shot a really rad video while we were there.

Here are some of my favourite shots of their Autumn/Winter collections. Yes, collections. They had FIVE different collections. All very on trend in their own way. Exactly what you would expect from this brand which is quickly becoming the most famous street style brand in Cape Town.

Trend 1: Utility

Trend 2: New Nudes

Trend 3: Embellished Black and Gold

Trend 4: Sports Lux

Trend 5: Berry-Monochrome

Images are sourced from SDR Photography. Check him out, he shoots some really cool events around Cape Town too.

Incredible India – Travel Diary

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:02:49 +0000

India, the land of curry, spice and everything…hot! My first month in India as an IPL cheerleader has passed by so quickly and with only 4 weeks to go I have decided to make the most of this colourful once in a lifetime adventure. Arriving in the spring time, temperatures around India reach a MINIMUM of 30 degrees most days with over 50% humidity. Considering we travel around with our cricket team- Kolkata Knight Riders, it is easy to say we’ve experienced everything from rural desert land with not one tourist in site to the hustle and bustle of the streets of Mumbai. As soon as we leave the serenity of our air-conditioned hotel room it feels as if a hair dryer is being blown into your face. If you don’t carry a bottle of water around at all times, it is almost certain you will pass out from the heat. You’d think in such heat the most sensible thing would be to wear as little clothing as possible. There is such a vast cultural gap between my home in South Africa and this poverty stricken yet colourful land far away. The religions of India- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism demand modesty in their dress code. It was difficult for me to relate to this tradition as the social significance of what we wore meant more than we could ever imagine. The most important aspect as a woman of the Indian dress code is to cover ones shoulders. Whether you’re walking down to the super market or shopping mall you’re expected to follow the code. If you have failed to cover up you will surely be subjected to nasty and judgemental stares from almost everyone you walk past. Never mind the fact that you’re dripping in sweat and about to pass out, this has to be done. The traditional dress for woman in India is known as the Sari. It comes in every colour, and fabric with all sorts of patterns and jewels. Every woman from the highest of royalty to a homeless woman living on the street will be wearing a sari of some sort. Costume jewellery almost always accompanies the sari. I tried on a beautiful turquoise sari only to discover it cost 12 000 Rupees and decided not to buy it. The men wear cotton shirts and long pants, this only enhances the smell of body odour which roams the streets of India. We decided to visit a sacred temple in Chennai, this temple was situation on the Bay of Bengal- the longest (and dirtiest) beach in the world. Obviously it is respectful to cover up even more so here and after half an hour of exploring the temple we were ready for a nice cold shower and an air conditioner. Thereafter we went exploring through the markets and what a treat that was! To experience to culture, atmosphere and vibrancy of the nation is just something remarkable in itself! The market shopping is not very mainstream, but you do find some gems, especially if jewelry is your thing. We decided to also get henna tattoos, because, well, when in Rome (or when in India I should rather say). We were also fortunate enough to witness a fashion show held exclusively for cricket players and special guests. This was extremely fascinating to witness for me, because although the norm is for women to cover up in India, these designs were particularly skin-showing in terms of the Indian dress code. Nonetheless, they were absolutely beautiful and showed off the culture in such a fashionable yet still modest way! I am looking forward to another month of exploration through the fashion in India with its fine fabrics, traditional themes, elaborate embroidery and timeless silhouettes. About the author: Beth Sher was recently chosen to be a cheerleader for the Calcutta Night Riders in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL). She spent two months travelling all around India, boarding on more than 30 flights. She is a former Business Science graduate from the University of Cape Town with honours in Marketing and completed her thesis on the effect that positive word-of-mouth on Twitter has on a brand’s image.

Topshop is now in Cape Town, South Africa

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:17:25 +0000

Topshop South Africa has opened up a new store at the V & A Waterfont in Cape Town.

When did Topshop open you ask? 17 April 2013.

Want to read my experience at the launch event, VISIT THE ONE.DOG.CHICKEN WEBSITE HERE.

I just want to print these and put them on my wall

Dominique Whitman — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:46:21 +0000

Bangkok. The City of Life. – Travel Diary

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:03:32 +0000

This year I was fortunate enough to spend my birthday in Bangkok. Every time that I go to Bangkok I am always shocked at the vibrancy of the Thai city! It’s almost as though I know what I’m expecting but then each experience is so different that I always end up going back!

There is honestly no better place to shop for someone my size! I literally can walk into a boutique, pick out an outfit on a mannequin and that’s that. No fittings, no alterations, I am literally a Thai woman trapped inside a South African girl’s body. Or something like that. Although I love MBK and the tourist prices that come with it, the best shopping I experienced was around the block at Little Siam. Rows and alleyways of the trendiest little boutiques priced extremely moderately, run by the coolest types of people. You really do step into a new world within a matter of minutes.

The hotels are another reason why I love the city! I’m going to be honest and say that I haven’t (and wouldn’t) stay anywhere else but in Siam, simply because of its vibrancy and its fabulous shopping! This year we stayed at Siam @Siam, which is a design hotel and spa. The decor is absolutely unbelievable and it’s literally a 5 minute walk from MBK and Little Siam (where I did most of my shopping). The hotel room we stayed in had a breathtaking view of the city (especially at night) and a full view of the national stadium. What made this hotel special though was that they were kind enough to send up an indulgent mini-chocolate cake for my birthday, which I found was very cute!

Anyway, here are my favourite shots from the 3 days:

Visiting the temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia – Travel Diary

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:51:52 +0000

This January we visited Siem Reap in Cambodia. This is where the world’s largest Buddhist temple is – Angkor Wat. Take away the fact that the grounds have become extremely touristy, the temple is in itself, completely breathtaking.

From the large statues to the intricate detailing on the stones, it really is a sight to see. You can rent a tour guide for approximately $12, haggle a bit and they’ll will come down to $10. You really do need a tour guide if you are going to visit Angkor Wat. Unless you have read up extensively on the temple, a tour guide for 1h30 min will be the best money spent.

Just remember to wear pants (or skirts) that are longer than your knee and a t-shirt that has sleeves. If you do not, you will not be able to enter the top levels of the temple.

We visited two other temples after that, followed by a lunch with our new best friend, our tuk-tuk driver. We paid $22 for 3 meals and 5 drinks. With leftover food.

The surrounds are beautiful, renting a bicycle for the day and travelling through the town is the best bet if you are a) fit and b) can handle the Cambodian heat. I’m not good at either, so we just stuck with out tuk-tuk driver for the entire day.

Here is a collection of my favourite images of the day:

Vietnam – Travel Diary

Dominique Whitman — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:39:23 +0000

This January I jetted off to South East Asia for a little bit with our first stop in Vietnam. We spent a week in Ho Chi Minh City (previously called Saigon) before flying to the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang.

I could go on for days about how delicious the food is and how cheap the shopping is, but I’ve rather decided to share some of my favourite shots of the journey with you:

February Favourites

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:11:34 +0000

Trending South Africa

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 18:16:00 +0000

I’ve decided to put all my heart and soul into a brand new blog called Trending South Africa.

No more obsessing over America, England, Europe and Asia – it’s time to love our nation and celebrate our unique qualities that make us who we are.

From our food to our fashion and from our culture to our creativity, this blog will feature the best that South Africa has to offer presented in a true South African way by a true Saffa!

Visit the blog by clicking here.

Lekka Boet.

Relaxation

Dominique Whitman — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:04:47 +0000

Sometimes we just need to do absolutely nothing. And then relax afterwards.

Here are some gorgeous photographs of the Wembley MediSpa in Cape Town, South Africa.

Doesn’t the spa just look divine?

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience my first Chemical Peel here and I must confess that the results were very pleasing. My skin felt smoother, looked lighter and for the first time (all month) I felt comfortable enough to run around town without any make-up on.

Chemical Peels among other treatments are specific treatments that although are fine for once-off spoils, however to ensure long lasting results, it is best to continuously get them. Think I may be ready to book my next appointment!