Entertainment | 11
8 May 2023
Crash Course: Thrifting in Pretoria Danielle Yeatman and Rebecca van Besouw
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n today’s world of fast-approaching deadlines, fast food, and fast fashion, thrifting offers a slow and sustainable release from all the chaos. Pretoria has a habit of consuming local markets and local artists, leaving them unseen to most who hunt for their locations. This leaves it up to the veteran thrifters to illuminate the yellow brick road of local events for those new thrifters to navigate. Following issue 4’s “Thrifting Save-the-Dates” article, this is not a closed list of markets but a short description of Hatfield’s most prominent and inclusive thrift markets. Vintage Square Thrift Fair For those staring into the wardrobe abyss every month, finding that none of their clothes provide satisfaction, there are monthly markets that could fill an entire Saturday with delicious food and vintage clothing. The most popular of these is the Vintage Square Thrift Fair. Located at Brooklyn Mall on the first Saturday of every month, the fair boasts a vast collection of stalls offering copious amounts of clothing, shoes and accessories for all styles and all sizes. A particular treasure trove for all Doc Marten lovers is a personal favourite. And after hours of shopping, thrifters can reenergise at one of Brooklyn’s many restaurants. Litchi Vintage Thrift Market Another monthly favourite, less-known to the thrifting audience, is the Litchi Vintage Thrift Market at the corner of Milner and 198 Long Street, Pretoria. While slightly smaller than the Brooklyn Market, Litchi’s Saturday shopping is filled with wonderful people and fantastic finds. This outside market is perfect for dog lovers who wish to bring their canine companions along for the thrift, as the market is dog friendly and encourages one to bring along their furry friends. And their project, Mother Litchi, is easy and innovative; it ensures that less material ends up in landfills. This project encourages thrifters to bring old clothes and fabrics to the market to either be repaired as you thrift or recycled into reusable items. Sungardens Hospice Charity Shop Another thrifting spot for anyone looking to support a good cause is the Sungardens Hospice Charity Shop. The hospice provides palliative care for patients with terminal illnesses. According to the hospice’s website, almost 50% of their
Visual: Gabriella Msuya
fundraising is done via their charity shop located on 18 Twig Street in Lynnwood Glen. The shop offers many thrifted treasures, including clothes, vintage furniture, craft supplies, decor and a library’s worth of secondhand books. Additionally, anyone who has clothes, books or furniture that deserve a new home can donate them to the shop and keep the cycle of sustainable thrifting going. Tips for thrifting Thrifting is a rewarding hobby, but the experience can be made better with a little strategy. Here are some guidelines to get the most out of your trip to the thrift market: 1) Look out for quality. Check for holes in fabric and cracks in leather. Make sure to identify the kind of fabrics used in clothing, as natural fabrics like wool will be of higher quality and will last longer than synthetic fabrics like acrylic. 2) Dress for the occasion. Many thrift shops and markets do
not have fitting rooms, so making sure that you can easily try on new finds over your clothes is essential. Dress for comfort and ease of trying clothes on; bulky clothes will make it more difficult to see what fits. 3) Donate before you buy. Thrifting should not be an excuse to clutter up your space. Donating also keeps thrift stores alive; you might donate a piece that someone will discover on the shelves and cherish. Re-wearing is caring, and with this crash course in mind, students are encouraged to thoroughly thrift until they discover the item that belongs in their hands. In an unsustainable and fastpaced world, slow and sustainable fashion offers a break from the hustle and bustle. Instagram Handles for the markets: Litchi Vintage Thrift Market: @litchi_vintage_thrift_market The Vintage Square Thrift Fair: @thevintagesquarethriftfair
Literature Spotlight: Babel by RF Kuang Rebecca van Besouw
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abel, the latest novel by fantasy author RF Kuang, is relevant to any student with its pointed criticism of academia and its relationship with colonialism. Set in the early 1800s, Kuang depicts an alternate history in which the British Empire is powered by magical silver. The magic system is imaginative and unique, involving silver bars engraved with translated phrases in order to create magical reactions. The novel plays with the power of translation and connection through language, but also comments on imperial power, the flaws of academia and the power of individuals working together to correct injustice. The story follows Robin Swift, a boy torn from his home in Canton and brought to London, where his skill in language is honed until he is finally admitted to the Institute of Translation at Oxford University. At the institute, people of colour are accepted for study and taught to use their native languages to manipulate silver. At first, Robin sees Oxford as a paradise where he has friends and a purpose, but he gradually begins to realise the injustices of the academic system. The translators, fluent in many
languages from around the world, must submit the power of their native languages to the British Empire, thereby contributing to the expansion of the empire. Eventually, Robin must make a choice between safety and justice, with unexpected consequences. Babel is unflinching in its criticism of the academic system, reflecting on academia’s role in colonialism as it explores Oxford’s complicity in exploitation. As a recent example of the ‘dark academia’ trend in literature, the novel effectively examines and subverts the romanticised view of so-called ‘prestigious’ universities. Another highlight of the novel is the character development; Robin’s struggle to reconcile his love for Oxford with his conscience is particularly well-realised. The ‘alternate’ world, however, is perhaps not as developed as it could be, with the historical setting remaining largely similar to ours despite the inclusion of magic as a major influence. Nevertheless, Kuang’s writing style pulls the reader into Robin’s world, delivering emotional punches with ease. Despite its considerable length, the novel flies by with exciting twists and believable characters. Any fantasy enthusiasts, disillusioned students or fans of dark academia are encouraged to seek this one out.
1. Uh Oh! PHLO
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Putting the hype in hypothermia Amani Cassim, Kirsten Minnaar and Jade Fabri
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ith Winter fast approaching, many people are likely planning on waiting out the cold by spending the next few months indoors. But just because temperatures are dropping, does not mean that you cannot live your best life. Here are some tips to combat the winter boredom. Get some new hobbies Winter can be a great time to develop new hobbies and skills that you might not ordinarily have time for. Try your hand at mixology and finally learn how to make that R90 espresso martini. You can also learn how to crochet and make yourself some blankets and scarves to help survive the chilly season. Alternatively, you can create some crochet tops and bikinis in preparation for when summer rolls around again. Go coffee shop hopping Campus and Hatfield itself are both filled with an endless array of coffee shops. Why not keep warm by swinging by some new coffee shops this chilly season? Switch things up by trying various specialty drinks. Or order something different and finally find out what on earth a cortado really is.
Host a dinner party Invite your friends over and host a dinner party. Keep things simple by lighting a few candles and putting on your favourite playlist. If you are feeling more ambitious, then you can pick a theme, and coordinate all of your decorations and dishes accordingly. Either way, you can never go wrong with some pasta and wine. Go out Excessive drinking and unhinged dancing are sure to warm you up. After all, it is always summer weather inside the club. Grab all your friends and go “shake ass” on your favourite sticky floors to defrost. And always remember, in the wise words or Cardi B, “Hoes don’t get cold.” Shop the Steam sale Steam’s seasonal sales usually have some great deals. This year’s Summer Sale is set to take place from 29 June to 13 July, just in time for the e-sport enthusiasts on campus to start a new game during the winter break. And (finally) finish Elden Ring. Have a spa day Those in need of a little pampering can enjoy a mini spa day. Doing nails with scented candles burning in the background and wearing
a facemask can truly make one feel like a brand-new person. So why not break out all of those Oh So Heavenly products you still have not touched since you received them at Christmas and spoil yourself? Winter can be an utterly dull season, but these activities can add some excitement. The cold should not stop anyone from having a good time, especially not during the best and most stressful years of life. Make winter wonderful, but remember to keep your friends close and your hot water bottle closer. Visual: Cleo Qin