gypsycapetown

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A Bittersweet Farewell – Stellenbosch Bids Adieu

It was with heavy hearts that we had to close our beloved Stellenbosch store after an incredible 22 years. It has been an amazing journey, and Dorp Street has truly been our home for so long. Stellenbosch, with its vibrant energy, and the most wonderful community, has been a place where Gypsy has thrived. We have loved being a part of this beautiful town, meeting so many incredible customers and sharing in your stories, your laughter, and your love for all things unique and eclectic.

We especially want to thank Ronel for her dedication, warmth, and spirit—she has been an integral part of our Gypsy family. We are so sad to say goodbye but wish her all the happiness in the world for her next adventure.

But it’s not all bad news! You can still find us online at www.gypsytrading.co.za

 And, of course, our Kalk Bay store remains at the heart of Gypsy—the same quirky, wonderful space it has been since 2002.

Thank you for being part of our story. Stellenbosch will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will forever cherish the memories made within its charming streets.

[gypsycapetown]

A Journey to The Bent Head: Trading in the Bush

In the heart of the bush, near the mouth of the Breede, you will find a bar called The Bent Head – a haven of creativity, craziness, and yummy pizza. As guests at the December weekly farmers market, Gypsy was in for a treat.

The weather was perfect, the sun was shining brightly and a cool, refreshing breeze promised a laid-back day.

The atmosphere at The Bent Head is nothing short of magical, with its unconventional charm and community spirit.

Mark is the creator. He sleeps little and is definitely to be avoided before lunch, a gem in the rough. Over the last ten years he has built up this wonderland, absorbing the weird and the bizaar no longer wanted by others. His home and his canvas.

Amidst this setting, the aroma of pizzas wafts through the air. The kitchen at The Bent Head is a hub of yummy and the pizzas that emerged are nothing short of delicious. Mystic Overlanders B and Alan, the pizza champions.

Gypsy seamlessly blended into the surroundings, adding to the colorful tapestry of characters that populates The Bent Head. The community embraces diversity and Gypsy found a home amidst the creative and crazy ambiance that defines this extraordinary place.

Setting up felt like creating art within a masterpiece. The structures around us were a testament to the free-spirited nature of The Bent Head, providing a backdrop that was as dynamic and unique as the people who call this place home. From the lovely bar lady Lacey, shark scientisrt extraordinaire, to the holiday maker, the farmers and the general population of destination somewhere.

These kinds of days, where time seems to slow down, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of camaraderie, are the ones we cherish most. The Bent Head offeres a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting one to savor the moment and appreciate the beauty of a chilled, laid-back day in the heart of the bush.

In conclusion, our trip to trade at The Bent Head's weekly December farmers market was an escapade into a world of crazy creativity . It was a day filled with the simple pleasures of life, where the sun, the breeze, and the delicious pizzas created an unforgettable experience.

The Bent Head is not just a destination but a celebration of the unconventional.

[gypsycapetown]

Thailand 2023 Shopping Extravaganza. Our recent buying trip to Thailand was nothing short of a whirlwind. From navigating through bustling markets to savoring delicious street food, every moment was filled with excitement and discovery.

The markets in Thailand are a sensory overload – vibrant colors, exotic scents, and the lively chatter of vendors. The maze of stalls is like stepping into a treasure trove. From handmade crafts to unique textiles, every corner holds a potential gem waiting to be discovered.

In between shopping sprees, we indulged in the devine street food, from savory pad Thai to delicious mango sticky rice. The street food not only fuels our energy for the shopping marathon but also adds a delicious dimension to our overall experience.

Our efforts were rewarded with a plethora of unique finds – intricately designed handcrafted items, beautiful textiles, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs that would make ideal Christmas gifts. The diverse range of products we stumbled upon ensured that everyone on our list would receive a thoughtful and memorable present.

The anticipation of sharing these treasures with our customers, just in time for Christmas, adds an extra layer to the entire experience. Unpacking each item feels like unwrapping a gift, and we know that our customers will feel the same sense of delight.

In conclusion, our buying trip to Thailand was a rollercoaster, from the chaotic markets to the delectable street food and the joy of unearthing hidden gems. The treasures we found will not only make this Christmas special for our customers but also serve as a reminder of the incredible journey we had in the heart of Thailand. Happy happy merry merry festive season all.

[gypsycapetown]

Summer is here. Steadily walking forward, looking for new adventures.

[gypsycapetown]

Happy mid winter week to you all. So this last weekend I did the very cosy @shantifestival. It was at the gorgeous Monkey Valley in Noordhoek. There was rain, there was shine and there were loads of very lekker vibes. Definitely looking to do some other mid winter little markets.

[gypsycapetown]

It has been so lekker to be back at the markets.

My new favorite is Rondebosch Craft Market. Super chilled vibe under gorgeous old trees.

Find our POP UP here on the second Saturday of every month.

Have a wonderful weekend all.

@gypsycapetown

@rondeboschcraftmarket

[gypsycapetown]

Wow. A crazy wild amazing weekend last week at Origin. What a jol. And now so looking forward to the wonderful, mindful, fun Retreat Yourself

Loving being back on the road.

[gypsycapetown]

Winter 21

Hiberenation time.

[gypsycapetown]

It is just over a year since we opened for winter essentials.  A year where nothing happened.  We have taken to saying two years ago instead of one because quite literally THAT year just DID NOT HAPPEN.  As the third wave lands we have decided to look past that, to pretend that the next six months are going to be the twilight zone.  To just hunker down and get ready for when we all emerge into the sunshine.  The vaccine is working its way through the community and the antibody count is on the up.  

Our focus has been very much on getting the online store going strong and we have slowly been loading gorgeous clothes, accessories and homeware.  We still have loads to learn but that is the fun part and i do feel we are building a strong solid base and getting all our processes sorted and smooth.

I was advised to write a newsletter (blog) and my response was - who would be interested in all the nothing happening at the moment?  I still wonder but have decided that i will think of it as a diary entry, something to look back on and remember how nothing happening is.  Because at the end of the day there is always something happening.  The day to day is what it is all about.  I have become very comfortable with each days tasks.  There is no feeling of urgency or fluster. 

My new project is loading a Bargain Rail on my website.  I still find it incredible that with just my phone I can photograph, edit and load on to my website in less that 5 minutes.  A game changer.

My next big learning curve will to be to figure out how to insert pictures into my Tumblr posts.  I have done it before and just cannot figure it out again.  Sigh.  At least i have the time.  

Enjoy the beautiful sunny winter days out and about. Hunker down warn and snug when it turns miserable. We will be there through out it all plotting, planning and getting ready for a glorious summer.

[gypsycapetown]

Playing “photo photo website Instagram”

Our Instagram has been totally overhauled.  The brilliant Barbara has taken over the account and, wow, she has put us on a new level. So much so that I felt it was time for a bit of a website revamp.  

Getting started with this process is quite a thing.  Photographer, stylist, models, location, food. The exact outfits need to be ready, all props and sets need to be easily at hand and an iron cast plan for executing is essential.  And of course, food.  Food is the be all and end all of any successful venture.

Barbara did a mood board and we got a general idea of what we were looking for.  A perfect boho picnic.  A day with Gypsy.  I quite liked this way of starting things (the right way) as once one has the idea in one’s head it just flows from there.

I contacted Sarah Gardiner to do the photos for this shoot.  She has been in the business of pics for many years and is someone who I feel resonates with Gypsy.  

The location is always so important. One of the main objectives is that a large variety of moods and setting needs to be shot, as they will populate the banners and the website revamps for a while to come. A challenge when one is only visiting two locations. So many different parts to put together for such a small window of time to get the best shots, therefore we need to find versatile spots. It has to be relatively accessible and have the right light at the right time.  I accidently came across the perfect look one evening whilst having sundowners. Sandy Bay dunes.  What an amazing place.  Right on my back doorstep, easily accessible and just plain downright spectacular. And as always my back garden is a great place to shoot, the easiest as all is set up right there.  We were extremely ambitious with the idea of two locations for one afternoon, but it never hurts to aim high.

And the models – the gorgeous Gypsy gals.  This time around we had Emma, Fynn, Ella, Sarah and Lotus with mama bear, the beautiful Phillipa.

Finally, we had a date, we had locations and we had a team.  Now all we had to worry about was the weather.  Always the problem in Cape Town, the weather can change from one hour to the next.  We can have four complete seasons in one day plus and extra sideway windstorm just for fun.

The Saturday chosen dawned glorious.

All was set and ready to rock.  Whilst we were setting up to go to the dune we quickly realised the logistical horror of carting all the picnic paraphernalia onto a dune and decided to build our Boho picnic scene in my back garden.  So much simpler and looked just as amazing, if not more so as we had time to really pay attention.  Of course, when I say we, I mean Barbara because, really, I just faffed and fussed.  

From there we just flew.

 The team did a little forest adventure.

 And our tie dye teepee session was wonderfully spontaneous .

 The music blared and the vibe was easy.

As the sun started to dip and beauty hour approached, we dashed off to the dunes for a quick little jaunt.  Felt like we had to do it, it was the plan after all. So glad we did.

My lesson, or should I say realisation, from this shoot was that I am the one that organises and feeds. I am good at making sure everything is happening on time and with all the right bits and bobs in place. I am not a stylist and I am not a photographer. The day felt like a well-oiled machine with all the right people doing all the right jobs.  

It was the most satisfying day and the pictures are just glorious.  

[gypsycapetown]

Re Entry

And slowly but surely, we start to emerge. Gypsy opened with winter essentials as soon as we were allowed. We are following all the right protocols and our customers are amazing.  Everyone is respectful and does what they need to.  

It is very strange looking back and reflecting on the last few months.  At the beginning, three weeks seemed like an eternity and here we are on over 100 days.  

All the things which we planned to get done, all the clear outs that were going to happen and all those bright ideas put into action…….and then, the time warp! It was like time bent and buckled and the next thing we had been at home for 5 weeks.

Personally, I absolutely loved the time.  It felt like any task no matter how big or small could take all the time in the world. It did not matter if it took me three days just to sew a simple seam. I learnt to make masks, we cooked and baked, the dog thinks it has become a human.  Bunting - i made tons of bunting.  Those bits of gorgeous fabric i have been hoarding have finally been used. (Although i still have enough to make bunting and mask for the next 20 years!!)

One thing became abundantly clear to me, all those little tasks that had been set aside for another time…..mmmm…. well, if they didn’t get done in the last few months,  they will NEVER get done!!  It was one of the most liberating things in the whole world,  going into deep dark corners of my house and just getting rid of the deadwood.   I feel like the mojo in my house is restored and that I can look around and  know exactly what is going on everywhere. (In my space that is, not so much out in the big scary world.)

The time spent with my family felt like a gift.  

Never again will I get to spend such a quantity of quality time with these gorgeous beings who are becoming young humans.

Dave and I early on realised, that actually, lock down was similar to a buying trip, being in each other’s space 24/7.  We are well practiced at that!

It made me realise that the house we live in is very much a home.

My whole adult life I have always being going somewhere, every three or four months there was somewhere - whether it be India, Grahamstown, a festival or a trip with family and friends. This is the first time that we have nowhere pending. Buying trips are off for the foreseeable future, festivals, well who knows, and holidays are a thing of the past financially speaking.  We will go back to our early roots and camp A LOT for the next few years.  This is not a bad thing though.  I do love camping!

So, as we move forward, our little shops are operating.  Very slowly, but one does have to put it into perspective, we are in the middle of winter in Cape Town, in the middle of a planetary pandemic.  With this in mind, we are grateful for the days we are having.  All we can do is keep on moving forward, stay positive and throw large amounts of good energy out there.

Happy happy day all.

[gypsycapetown]

March 2020. UMMMMMM

So – I always seem to start with SO and I always end up editing it out , however I reckon this one is going to stay

SO.  Holy macaroni, what the hell.  Crazy crazy zombie apocalypse times.  After my last not blog I started to plan my next one around my other goals for 2020 (aside from strengthening online).

I was going to tell you all about the little festivals I would be doing, about getting back on the road, about reconnecting with the Gypsy roots and about just how much I enjoy all this new  energy. I was having a hard time getting anything onto paper.  Everything I said sounded trite and pretentious.  I decided I would hang ten and see if it just came naturally.  Thought about doing a hindsight number. Think I will, since it is now nostalgic and not trite.

In Late Feb we did UP the Creek rock festival...  It was epic. Long long hours and physically demanding.  We had to pack away the entire stall every night at around 10 and have it set back up again at around 8.30ish.  We were trying out a different way of set up so that we could have a comfier camp vibe. So, although the camping was divine the work entailed to have that was hectic. And have to pack all away as the elements were trying at best.  We had crazy wind, rain, baking baking sun,  Hot hot and Cold cold.  Definitely back to the drawing board on all fronts.   The festival itself was FANTASTIC.  I could not say enough nice things about how well organised it all was.  The people were just all so friendly, the crowds were great fun and we just generally had an excellent time. We even had an amazing super moon.

Came away feeling very happy, content and totally shattered. Took these two old bods at least 4 days to recover.

Two weeks later I set off by myself to Spiritfest.  A much more gentle and easy set up.  A completely different vibe all together from Up the Creek.  In fact, I think you could say they were exact opposites of each other and both so amazing in their different ways.  Once again long hours, only shutting down at around 10 and up again with the sun.   Those yogis are up early let me tell you.  It is one of the nicest festivals to trade.  Everyone is so relaxed and chilled out.  A beautiful setting, that just lends itself to the complete calm of Spiritfest. 

Came back from there happy and ready for our next one.  As I was unpacking, I was setting up and getting ready for Retreat Yourself at the end of March. The whole family was thoroughly looking forward to that

.And then the world as we know it ended

.UMMMMMMMM

SO, and this is where the so comes in, what the……

It is still amazing me how quickly this is all happening.  All so surreal.  As we have gone into lockdown and our income has pretty much dried up, one as to look at how we will be operating in this time. I have chosen to use this time for regrouping. The online project is about to get seriously jacked up and I can only be extremely grateful that it is all set up and I don’t have to use capital to get it going.  Our stockrooms are going to be completely sorted and organised and my wonderful little shops are going to be getting a deep sort out and stock take. It is almost like this pause is necessary to regroup and get all those little tasks that NEVER get done, done. We can only look at this as a positive, if we don’t it is too awful to contemplate.                                                                                                                

 So, from us old Gypsys’ – be safe, stay at home and see you on the other side. 

BIG LOVE

[gypsycapetown]

Blog, Not Blog

2020 – Finally! We’ve joined the digital age. Not only does Gypsy inhabit its own very fabulous corner of the world wide web, it also boasts inspirational Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Gypsy is a business well into its twenties. We believe that what’s not broken does not need fixing; it’s a mantra that has served us well – keep the overheads down, the prices as low as possible and ALWAYS be nice!

As the business has grown, however, we realise there’s a need to spread the wings a little. With our kids metamorphosizing into fully-fledged teenagers, we’re beginning to discover that venturing into the bold new digital world (well new to us anyway) holds lots of exciting opportunities.

At the start of this journey, I felt a website was all that was needed. Once it was up and running, though, I began to appreciate the need for more.  In fact, by the time the website was finished (it felt like forever to put together), it felt almost obsolete. I do love my website regardless.  It feels like my own little space where I can play as much as I like and I’ve learned so much!

Photography for example. Well, let’s just say the lessons there have been endless and I have heaps more to learn: lighting, poses, settings, editing… How something can look amazing in real life and terrible in a photo and vice versa… the list goes on. It soon became very clear to me that having a website is just the knob on the door – it’s the photographs that are key – and can cost a pretty penny.  They must look amazing, there have to be online shop shots and lifestyle pics for the banners… Then there’s styling the images in a way that evokes what I want them to say.  Ha! We’ve had some really fun times playing photo-photo with some very special people.  Happily, every single session I learn new lessons. Why don’t I do a course or hire someone to do it, you ask?  Well frankly, at the end of the day it’s fun and interesting doing things this way round.  Also, love me a little spice to keep life nice! (Perhaps one day I’ll put time aside to do a little course, though.)

Marketing on the other hand...  Hmmmm!  Admittedly, not something I know vast amounts about and I have much to learn in that department. My goal this year is to put Gypsy out there in our unique round-about-face, inside-out kinda way – an adventure we’re very much looking forward to, so watch this space.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our brand-new online store. Or if you’re in the area pop into our Kalk Bay and Stellenbosch shops, which are both filled to bursting with gorgeous goods you’ll want to bag before anyone else does.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out our feed and online store for yourself.

[gypsycapetown]

Satisfying the Gypsy in Us

It’s that time of year again when we leave our beautiful Cape Town and head to the mystical and magical East in search of more gorgeous goodies that tickle and tease the free spirit in all of us. Here, the air is redolent with the scents and sounds of a bustling country steeped in ancient history and mists of intrigue.

There is so much to this mystical place that the very air around us seems full, as though there is just so much history here that it has overflowed into the air around us. It twists and swirls amongst us, we inhale it, India’s ancient scents and secrets and just for a moment there is an awesome sense of the divine.

[gypsycapetown]

Moving at speed. Time for Gypsy to catch up. Website, done. Online shop, done. Go and check it out and let us know what you think. www.gypsytrading.co.za