The Rise of Vinyl

By now you’re likely aware of the big resurgence in vinyl sales that’s taken place giving music and nostalgists alike have reason to rejoice . But what is driving this rise in Vinyl?

Vinyl remains popular because the high-quality sound it delivers. While everyone from DJs to your grandfather has been saying for years that the sound on vinyl is richer, warmer and clearer than what’s being released online, it might not just be music snobbery talking. Most industry experts agree with them to an extent. Yet sound isn’t the only part of vinyl’s renewed appeal. Many agree that the tangible aspect of vinyl, its physicality, is a draw for most people. Simon Cole said "There’s a physical thing about putting a record on a record table and dropping the needle. I think that physical thing is great. I think there is a new generation that is discovering the physicality of playing a piece of music like that.” 

Part of that appeal could come down to good old fashioned consumerism — we allow our possessions to define us. Nik Pollinger, a digital anthropologist who advises companies on the factors that motivate consumer behavior, told TIME in an email, “What we display in public is used to send social signals about our identities. Making our taste in music visible has historically played an important role in such signalling for many people.” Owning a vinyl collection, of course, “restores this ability.”

For me its all about Nostalgia and my love for everything old that has got be rejoicing. I remember many nights listening to my Dad's records on his old turn table. My parents would dance around the room singing along to the Beatles, Elvis and more. My dad loved his records so much he saved his collection of LP's (as he likes to call them) ;) and everytime he walks past Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town i see his face light up. The memory of the joy on their faces listening to these old records lives on whenever I see a turn table or vinyl. It is because of this memory I hope the rise of the vinyl continues.

I decided to post this today because it is World Record Store day and it is a day to celebrate vinyl. Record store day is an annual event that promotes independent record stores. Participating record stores across the world sell a limited supply of records released just for the day. Happy record store day to all those celebrating. If you live in Cape Town be sure to check out Mabu Vinyl just off Kloof Street.

All Choked Up

I have on many occasions wished that my mum had not thrown out all of her beautiful vintage pieces but never would I have thought the day would come where I would be wishing I hadn’t thrown my own stuff out. The 90’s being back with cropped tops to ripped jeans has filtered down to accessories and the 90's choker is back. This left me wishing I hadn't thrown my old stuff out. It seems like just the other day I was rocking my velvet and tattoo looking choker :(

Everyone from Kylie Jenner and Miley Cyrus to top fashion bloggers have been rocking the 90’s choker this year in its various forms from minimalist metallic cuffs to tribal-inspired pendants to Gatsby-worthy beads, these rad styles are perfect for making a serious statement or just adding a little bling.

Will you try this throwback trend?

This is just me rocking the choker...a new one that I had to buy ;)

To market to market

Weekly food markets in Cape Town are becoming more and more popular. So much so that it’s hard to keep track of the day of the week and the market in question. But to be honest, this is a trend that I really don’t mind seeing escalate. Have a look to some of my favorite markets

The Oranjezicht market

The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is a non-profit project celebrating local food, culture and community through urban farming in Cape Town.

The market fits under a large tent. Because of the unique setting there is plenty of space to sit and enjoy the culinary delights either near the playground or in the vegetable garden with its comfortable wooden benches and gorgeous views. 


The atmosphere is relaxed, happy and animal friendly. Nestling in the city bowl hovering between the mountain and the sea, the Oranjezicht City Farm is urban agriculture at its best. This is a taste of country living in the City Bowl.

I love this market so much I even have a separate post for it 

http://spreadingthequirky.blogspot.com/2014/09/oranjezicht-market.html

The City Bowl Market

Housed in an old building on Hope Street this market takes place every Thursday evening from 4:30 to 8:30pm and Saturday morning from 9:00 to 2:00pm. This place is a throwback to the days of old, when people had face-to-face interactions with their grocers and gathered over a plate of something delicious. Visitors can pick up some unbelievably fresh produce from the vegetable stand and then choose a meal or a nibble from one of the 40-odd stalls present each week. Once a month, the fair showcases local designers with a market dedicated to fashion.

Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay

This is probably one of the more popular markets that occur every weekend. The best and most unique part of the market for me is the gigantic fireplace. This is especially handy on those rainy winter days in Cape Town. Doesn't it sound appealing to sit in front of this massive fire place with a cup of coffee or a glass of red listening to a live band play your favourite tunes whilst snacking on your some scrumptious dishes...Or you can wander around and take in all the interesting goods on sale, most of which are handmade or produced locally. In some cases you can watch a trader making an item that is for sale. There is a smell of coffee and baked bread in the air and a happy buzzing of people chatting to one another. The market has recently introduced Vintage Saturdays on the sec on Saturday of each month for those fashion vintage hunters out there. If you've read Girlboss by Sophia Amuroso I'm pretty sure she would have been there hunting those special pieces to auction online as she used. If she is any inspiration to you be sure to check the market out

The Earth Fair Market

This is market takes place every Thursday at St Geroges Mall and is one of my favorites because it's so close to work and such a great break away from the office. Top quality traders and artisans sell a good selection of farm cheeses, free-range meat, organic produce, olives and olive oil, biltong, preserves and pâtés. There are also organic nuts and grains, breads, smoked fish, specialty sausages, sweet treats and more. Make sure to take a turn past the pie stall, there you‘ll find a 'Guiness and steak pie'. Wrap up your al fresco lunch with a cup of Truth coffee. Plus, there’s live music to listen to.