Festival casual part 2**

There are days during the National Arts Festival when the sun decides to make a guest appearance in town. This is a little winter sunshine that is appreciated by all festival goers. It's tricky finding the perfect winter/summer balance on days like this, though. You want to pull out those booty shorts that have now become as useful as a Tyga album in the music industry, but you know by 5pm warmth will be merely a myth.

This is why on such a day I was just happy to not have to layer like an onion. I kept it simple in an all black ensemble accompanied by a statement blazer - the ultimate daywear cheat. 

During the day someone made a comment about how "tomboyish" my outfit was and that sparked a conversation about the unlearning of such terms. The unlearning is necessary because gender binaries in clothing are imposed on us from childhood and when we seem to somewhat deviate from said binaries, our choice is misconstrued as a symbol of our sexuality rather than simply a sartorial decision, which is exactly what this was on this particular day. 

Enter gender neutral fashion, which in itself is still a difficult term for some to grapple with because of its connotations to sexuality. I can't speak for everyone, but I appreciate it from a fashion perspective rather than an actual position on the gender spectrum because that isn't for anyone to define other than the individual. 

We shouldn't have to call Jaden Smith a "carefree black boy" when he dons a skirt with all the class in the world for a Louis Vuitton campaign. Kid Cudi and Kanye West have both worn crop tops before and their masculinity remained in tact after the American tabloid furores.

As I always say; fashion is how you say this is who I am today. So on some days I'm a black Barbie doll in a mini skirt and stockings and on others I'll be that laid back girl in loafers and yes, "boyfriend" jeans. 

I think it's important to challenge fashion norms you feel uncomfortable with. Like why has the label "boyfriend" been attached to our loose fitting clothes? Why is it called a "man bag" rather than just a handbag when it's for men? Perhaps a fashion chat for an upcoming post? Let me know ;) 

[Look out for Fashion Friday's episode on gender neutral fashion next week] 

Pictures by: Elelwani Netshifhire 

Festival casual**

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is a time when some of the most talented and well-dressed individuals visit this small colonial town for about 10 days in July. The town becomes a hub of artists, hustlers, tourists and media personnel alike. 

Even though I was working a 9am to midnight daily interviewing directors & cast members, I knew that this was no time to wear my exhaustion. During the festival I usually spend a little more time planning out my outfits because the streets become abuzz with some of the latest trends from literally all over the world. Also because it's just generally way too cold, one has to figure out all their layers. 

It's no Fashion Week, but the air is somewhat reminiscent of one if you compare it to the rest of the year in quiet little Rhini. 

So this past #NAF I was lucky enough to link up with old friend & founder of Thase Media, Elelwani Netshifhire, who was more than happy to take snaps of one or two of my festival looks. Here's what came of it: 

Ensemble breakdown: 

* Black long sleeve basic Tee - Betty Basics @ Stuttafords

* Blue denims - Ronald Sassoon @ Sissy Boy 

* Grey Melange coatigan - Jenni Button 

* Black suede thigh highs - YDE 

* Eyewear - Marciano for Guess 

 I guess the key is making comfort and warmth look effortlessly chic ;-)