Thebe Magugu’s ideas of clothing designs came from a dark place, unlike many other fashion designers. Whenever Magugu had a bad dream, his mother would ask him to take notes about the dream. It is here from where Magugu got his inspiration for his dark-themed dresses.

His unconventional method paid off when he showed the results during his fall 2019 show in Johannesburg in October by showcasing a black mesh blouse, a full circle skirt spliced with white duchess satin printed with segments of text.

Magugu’s clothing brand Magugu was founded in the year 2016, imbibes in the cultural complexities of the womanhood in South Africa. Each set of clothing contains subtle political explanations; while his basic dresses and forward-looking fitting are complimenting and frequently highlight nipped-in midriffs and components of corsetry, there is likewise a lot of abnormality and asymmetry. Magugu isn’t hesitant to investigate the obscurity under the surface. In Home Economics, his accumulation for fall 2018, for example, he insinuated a progression of exceedingly advanced femicides that occurred in South Africa in 2017 and 2018, including that of Karabo Mokoena, who was murdered by a previous beau in Johannesburg. He utilized hues that brought to mind cleaning synthetics — sulfuric yellows, antacid pinks, and purples — yet gave them new power by joining them with rakish lopsided fitting and belted frocks with utilitarian work-wear references. The gathering sang of things to come pulling against the past; warrior ladies bracing themselves to guarantee space and impact in a changing South Africa.

A doctor shares how to prepare your mind, body, and soul for your next getaway.

Travel is a beneficial activity for your mind and your soul. However, the act of getting on a plane or heading out for a long car ride can do a number on your body. That’s why medical professionals like Kristin Wright McKitish, MD, who specializes in preventative medicine and concierge care, make sure to prep their bodies before heading out on vacation.

“People often overlook how stress can negatively affect the body,” McKitish shared with Travel + Leisure. “Planning, coordinating, and packing for a trip can be more stressful than you think, so make sure to give yourself adequate time to prepare and, in turn, actually enjoy your travels.”

Here are five other things McKitish said she does before traveling to ensure she’s physically prepared for the journey that you should do, too.

Drink lots of water.

According to McKitish, getting the right amount of water is critical for overall health, especially before travel.

“Staying well hydrated by drinking roughly two to three liters of water per day will help your immune system perform optimally,” she said. “Every cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function properly — immune system included. Water helps support the barriers that protect areas inside your body — think nose, esophagus, lungs, and stomach. Water also makes up a key component of your lymphatic fluid, which is responsible for transporting cells that help fight infections.”

Flying, she noted, is particularly dehydrating, so remember to drink water throughout your flight. And, sorry coffee lovers, McKitish recommended avoiding highly caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as both will cause dehydration.

Check in on your supplements.

McKitish recommends her patients look into an immune-boosting supplement before travel to ensure their system is in tip-top shape.

“I recommend all my patients take immune-boosting supplements for three to five days leading up to travel and continue to do so throughout their trip,” she shared. “Specifically vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics.”

Get enough sleep.

Prepping for a healthy and happy trip also means ensuring you catch enough Zs before you go.

“Sleep is absolutely critical and, unfortunately, often takes a back seat leading up to travel, whether it be from the planning, stress, or excitement of the trip,” McKitish said. “Your body does its most important work while you’re sleeping, specifically strengthening your immune system. When traveling, you have the potential for exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other illnesses, depending on your destination. Therefore, make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night so your immune system is optimal for your trip.”

Sneak in a pre-travel workout.

You’ll likely be getting a fair amount of steps in on your journey and may be carrying some heavy bags, which is why McKitish recommended getting in a few workouts leading up to your trip and one right before you depart to help ease any stress.

“Getting in a workout right before traveling is very important to me personally,” McKitish said. “This helps to relieve nerves and stress, but also gives my immune system an immediate boost.” She even takes it one step further by incorporating a visit to a concierge doctor for an IV drip packed with vitamins post-workout. “This ensures adequate hydration and floods the system with electrolytes, vitamins, amino acids, and peptides for the ultimate immune enhancement.”

Actually enjoy the process of planning a trip.

Finally, it’s important to lean into the joy of planning your getaway, as this, too, will lower your stress levels and leave you feeling great for the journey to come, according to McKitish.

“If you’re fortunate enough to take a long vacation, enjoy it,” she shared, adding that any new healthy habits you pick up while prepping for a trip could pay dividends if you keep them going once you return. “While it’s important to remember that the days leading up to a vacation are crucial, taking care of your body and immune system on a regular basis will provide sustained health.”

December is here, and with it the much-awaited holiday season. While you’re busy making plans to enjoy that family vacation, here’s what you need to keep in mind if you are planning to take your furry friends along.

Ashish Anthony, co-founder of JUSTDOGS, pet care services provider in India, shares expert tips to have an amazing vacation with your pets this season.

Make sure your pet is fit to travel

Before planning any holiday that includes your pets, consult with their vet to ensure it is fine to undertake the journey. In some cases, it would be advisable to leave your pet at home with a pet sitter, in a boarding facility, or at a pet boarding facility.

Ensure breed specific care

Winter-care needs to be breed specific. A Husky or a Saint Bernard for instance might not need intensive winter care compared to smaller breeds like Shih Tzus or a Maltese. Give your pet more food in the winter than you do in the summer. For instance, dogs, especially those who exercise outside, may require up to 25% more energy in the winter than they do in the summer. Pets require more food since outdoor exercise in cold weather requires more energy. Make sure to give them foods that enable energy development and provide holistic nutrition.

Ensure a comfortable ride

For any road trips, always ensure to include a blanket and/or a pet bed that they are accustomed to using at home. It makes traveling much simpler and keeps them comfy in an unfamiliar setting. Favourite toys or snacks are often a great addition for longer journeys where they could get restless or nervous.

Pack items that will keep your dog warm

It’s crucial to pack warm-weather gear for your dog so that they can travel in comfort. Have additional blankets, dog sweaters, and boots on hand for your pet. Consider carrying a water restaurant jacket for your pet if you’re staying at a place where rain or snow is likely. Certain resorts or hotels may not have sufficient equipment for dogs, so don’t forget to pack things your pet can’t do without.

Take care of the paws

Chapped paws and itchy skin can arise due to exposure to winter’s dry, cold air, chilly rain, and snow. Maintain short nails and neatly groomed toenails. For adequate paw protection, a range of dog booties are also available. If you don’t have booties, be sure to constantly inspect your dog’s paws while you’re out and about. Allow your dog’s paws to thaw in the warmth of the house or hotel once you return. To treat cracks or dryness, you may even get some dog paw salve.

Your dog must be trained well

Make sure your dog is trained in basic commands like sit, stay and respond well to their name. Your dog should be well trained before you take them along on a winter trip. But even with a well-behaved dog on your side, you should always use a leash. New environments and the curious urge to discover might lead them to ignore commands. Train your pets to stay in the crate during the journey as having their own area gives them security and also helps to curb their anxiety during the trip. Animals also have motion sickness, so carry paper towels or wetting pads to minimize the mess.

Keep your pets hydrated while traveling

Traveling with a pet water bowl or water bottle is advised since animals get dehydrated too. Put it in your pet’s crate so that they will always have water available. Prior to travel, you can freeze the water in the bowl to reduce spillage. You might stop frequently to make sure they are receiving adequate water breaks if spills bother you as well. Feeding them moist food, which will aid in hydration, is another sensible move.

The world has finally opened up after unprecedented lockdowns and we all are already planning for our next trip. And when it comes to traveling, we want to make sure that we don’t burden ourselves with heavy luggage, instead have a small backpack that carries all the necessities including clothing.

Especially for guys carrying the bare minimum while traveling is a conscious call. There is no denying the fact that travel is not all about exploring places. It is also about looking and feeling good. Many a time we don’t understand what clothes to carry that would not only be comforting but will make us look stylish.

Even if you are on a business trip, slaying in style for those casual evenings is a must. You can easily create your own style statement without overburdening yourself with heavy luggage. Swear by these styling tips to be ever-fashionable while traveling:
Solid casual tees

In most parts of India, the weather right now is humid and no one would want to overdress just to look good. But you can still travel in style with solid casual tees that have a comfortable fit. To add a style statement, go for the tees that have an element of rough edges to create a raw look for yourself. Considering the weather, make sure to go for fresh bright colours like bright blues and yellows or earthy browns.

Popcorn casual tees

For many of us, t-shirts can be a very basic way of dressing. But wait, your tees can also give a premium and a luxury feel, if you go for the right one. Try Popcorn casual tees for those evening parties or luxury lounges.

Chinos shorts

They are one versatile pair of shorts that can be replaced with jeans for any occasion anytime. And while traveling chinos shorts are a perfect option as they are not only very casual but also lightweight. You can pair your chinos with cool t-shirts or classy linen shirts to complete your look. Pair them with stylish loafers, or comfy sandals and you will be ready to slay in style. Overall even if not traveling, there should always remain plenty of room for chinos in your wardrobe.

Joggers

One pair of clothing that will always make you look cool is the ultimate joggers. They can make you look very trendy when worn properly. Joggers these days come in varied styles and are not only limited to your athleisure. You have to be sure to go for the right ones for your travels. Pair them with cool sneakers, a t-shirt, and your favourite sunglasses to complete the look.

Slip-on footwear

Well! Who would want to go through the hassle of lace-on-lace-off shoes while traveling? Go for a travel-friendly pair of slip-on that is lightweight. The best part about slip-on is that it comes in a variety of styles and patterns for creating different looks. You can even carry two or three pairs of different styles without worrying about the weight of your luggage as they are very light compared to heavy sports shoes or leathers.