#trackoftime

Welcome Passengers, we’re going off the rails for awhile to visit some clothing rails instead…

Imagine a clothing rail stocked with diverse and unique vintage pieces, now think about having to pick only one item… well you can’t, you have to know a bit more about each piece, right? This was basically me the past Saturday, only with clothes and people alike.

I went to the May edition of The Vintage Square Thrift Fair on Saturday, searching for a new “something old”. For all my passengers wanting to visit for themselves, it is only 7 km from the Hatfield Gautrain station and also situated among several trendy restaurants which means it’s worth taking a day trip for. My mission was clear, I wanted a unique piece, something that I can wear in a million different ways and not spend a lot on…as is the reason behind many thrifters I guess. The task at hand was quickly interrupted by a girl inviting me into her shop… more accurately a fancy gazebo. When I stepped in, I saw a rail of leather bags and at that stage didn’t know with what amazing back story they would come. The girl told me that the creator of these 100% leather tote bags is a car guard for the University of Pretoria who hand crafts them. I honestly can’t imagine anything more authentic and local!

Speaking of local, my second encounter was fast like the Leopard she wore in her ears. “Oh my goodness, I love your earrings!!!” I heard a girl say in the crowd of thrifters. As I looked back at her, I realized that I should’ve been the one complimenting her. There was no significance behind the earrings she wore, other than it being totally unique, authentic and proudly South African, I just had to capture it.

I also gave her a high five for representing one of the Big Five, it’s only polite!

The crowd at the event started to grow; you could feel the energy of all the thrifters wanting that new “something old”. That’s what I love about thrift markets. The combination of fear and excitement of knowing that there’s only one of a kind of everything you see there and you might lose out on a deal or find something you can’t even imagine. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, I had already seen and heard so much from the people I spoke to, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic in finding my new “something old”.

As I was about to enter another stall, a voice in my head told me to stop and talk to the shop owner. I would like to give a word of thanks to that little voice. This lady turned out to be a design teacher at Pro Arte in Pretoria and gave class to my current principle, Pierre du Pisani. What a small world! After learning our small ,but interesting connection. I felt I had to know more about this teacher gone small business owner. I went on to ask her how she managed to start a Vintage clothing brand. Her answer was one that I personally can relate to. “Me and my friends discovered that we have way too many clothes…”  She carried on saying, “…so much pieces we just don’t wear anymore.” Preaching to the choir, only difference between me and her is that she had the strength to part with her clothes and decided to start selling it. She told me that over the years they have collected so much local and overseas pieces, that the time has come to share them with souls that will wear them and give them a second life. Her last quote to me was, “It’s all about sharing, you might think it’s the end for a garment, while someone would be overjoyed to find it and argue it is only the beginning.”

After those final words and finding a familiar face in her store. It could not be more suited. Dené, a fashion design student who studies and shares the love for second hand clothes with me, I found hunting through the rails.! I put my own hunt for my thrift find aside and had a quick chat with her. She was buying second hand clothes, but not for the fit or construction, for the material. “I’m a student and material is expensive, my plan is to start a new business...” A new business? I had to know more…

She told me that she wants to stay true to her own style and using second hand clothes helps her do just that. ”Some items I find, I might just tweak and up-cycle, with others I want to design and create an entire new garment. Second hand thrift finds gives me that opportunity.”  For her, old clothes can only mean endless possibilities. Finding her inspiration on YouTube tutorials and being a design student, I see nothing but success for this new venture. As well as a lot of anticipation as to what she has in store for her thrift finds.

So you see, a lot like the endless rails of vintage clothes, my rail of people were fully stocked and I got to know something about everyone and saw something beautiful in each of them, so how does a girl decide which to pick… well I don’t. I just share all of them and leave my passengers to choose their favorite for themselves. Much like I did with my thrift find.

After all of this my eyes were still fixed on finding that special something. And I did!!! The lady who sold it to me neatly wrapped it up; it was in that moment that I realized as she wrapped up my tangible blouse, she was also wrapping the stories and memories of the day with it. Not a lot of events leave you with something left after; but this event on the other hand left me feeling richer than ever. Taking my memories and the stories home with me, not only in my mind but attached to my garment.

That’s all for now passengers! Hope you enjoyed the trip and depart with a feeling of inspiration for finding people and listening to their stories or even sharing your own.

LOCAL NOTICE!!!

Make sure to pop in early next week, I will be taking a detour trip where I tell a bit more about my newest thrift find and the earrings that stopped a stranger in her tracks…

Dear Passengers,

I formally apologize that the Localmotive has been out of order for a while. There were some issues with navigation and new schedules and terminals. I assure you all is fine now and better than ever, however the new boarding point is Johannesburg, but I’ll tell you all about that soon. I am honoured to invite you all on the Localmotive to enjoy new spots, adventures and treats. ALL ABOARD!!!

Passengers, it’s a busy ride that’s waiting for you, with multiple stops so buckle up and enjoy the journey.

I moved to Johannesburg at the start of this year and have loved every minute of it. I must admit it’s been crazy, a bit lonely, but mostly exciting. I’ve explored quite a bit in my time here, so I’ll be telling you about my Top 5 Favourite places in Johannesburg so far, and the rest we can discover and explore together!

#1 Tonic – This quint little bar tucked away in Linden has been the number one place I take friends from home who come to visit, they have the best gin cocktails and even if you don’t fancy a “Ginny” type of drink, they are so photogenic and make adorable photos! So be sure you go for a visit, odds are you’ll bump into me there.

#2 Brian Lara Rum eatery – So if you walk a block to you right from Tonic you’ll walk into Brian Lara, just in case you didn’t get your photo fix in at Tonic. This restaurant is so unique and filled with antique décor, so while sipping on yet another cocktail, you can admire the layout and innovative concepts within the bar. This can certainly be a visit when you’re in need of going out but have a tight budget, me and my brother went and got a jug full of water and some pork ears on arrival, where after we decided to only order desert to be polite and enjoyed each other’s company for the rest of the evening.

#3 Toc H Charity Shop – Moving to a new town, meant I get to find new charity shops, and throughout all my ventures, Toc H Charity shop won second hands down!!! I found Ralph Lauren, Giorgio and Trenery gems there. Certainly, my favourite shop and if you’re feeling thrifty, make your way down there and donate why don’t you!

#4 Johannesburg Botanical Gardens – It might have been because my first visit to this gem was with the man of my dreams, but I’m certain the Botanical garden will be just as beautiful without him there. It has free entrance and you can visit the Emmarentia Dam, have a picnic and take a walk through the rose garden all while enjoy some sunbeams and fresh air.

#5 7th Street in Melville – This is apparently a very popular location in Johannesburg, so sorry for arriving to the party a bit late, but luckily, I’ve discovered this street and have enjoyed it through and through! *Important Note: Happy Hour is from 12h00 to 17h00 at Six Cocktail Bar and worth a shot and a drink! ☺

There you have it, my Top 5 Favourite hangout spots. Looking at this list it’s no wonder I took so long getting back on track with my blog, but worry not passengers, I’m here to stay and will keep you up to date with future trips and adventures. As always, travel safe and wander often.

Anna von Hausswolff "Track of Time"