Find stories to inspire you, ideas from people we admire and our expertise for a home well curated, a wardrobe well put together, a life well lived.
Legal director Thandi Maqubela and corporate lawyer Lisa Ing Marinelli are two women who know a thing or two about everyday styling. We asked them to tell us a bit more about their approach, as well as their advice and favourite pieces for the season.
I’m a huge fan of dresses – add broderie to the equation and I’m sold. This dress is so flattering and timeless that I know it’s something I’ll come back to season after season. With a bit of smart layering, it will work nicely as a trans-seasonal piece as we move from winter to spring. The colour-block co-ord caught my eye because I can see myself styling it in lots of different ways – I could pair it with low-heeled sandals and a clutch for an evening look, or Birkenstock Boston clogs for a more casual feel.
I’m going to cheat here and give two! As trite as it may sound, I really do believe that comfort is key, if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing you’re more likely to exude confidence. I also feel just as strongly about having fun with your clothes. What we choose to wear is a tool of self-expression which is really valuable to me in a professional context.
My mother taught me that investing in timeless pieces will stand me in good stead. Plus, I find I have really good memories attached to them as they’ve stayed with me through the years.
A rule I live by is ensuring that I’m comfortable in what I wear. Keeping up with a toddler has pushed this up my priority list, but it doesn’t mean that I’ve had to forego looking and feeling good – being functionally stylish is something I’ve fully embraced.
Over the years, I’ve made an effort to lean towards clothes that can traverse the various areas of my life, from work to weekends and play time. It’s amazing what you can do with a bit of styling and layering. Of course, there will be pieces that are more office- or event-specific, but interchangeability is something that I keep at the forefront of my mind whenever I add to my wardrobe.
I need a good base to start with in order to build a full look, with accessories. A crew-neck sweatshirt seems simple, but it is very versatile for giving looks a cool, casual edge when paired with something like tailored trousers. A neutral jacket will go with everything and is useful for grounding brighter colours in your wardrobe, too. My favourite styles for spring are this classic trench and short wool coat. As for the cashmere set, well, luxurious everyday loungewear is super underrated, in my opinion.
I’m always, always thinking about proportions. The key is playing with shapes and silhouettes that work for you. Showing off an area that flatters you does wonders for your confidence – as does skimming over parts that don’t. If I don’t feel good in something, I simply won’t wear it.
My mum has never, ever dressed herself in something that wasn’t ‘her’. Even for my wedding, I got her a beautiful Oscar de la Renta dress for the evening, but she looked the best in her Chinese ‘Qi Pao’. Maybe it’s because she felt most confident in it, but she truly shone.
My footwear has! I have far fewer heels and I invest in great flats and boots – any shoes I can feel comfortable in for a long day. My loungewear collection is also pretty strong now. Just because I’m spending more time at home, I won’t skimp on style and like to still look put-together.
I mix and match a lot, so nothing I wear is exclusive to a certain scenario. I love that I can wear a sweatshirt to the office, but I will always pair it with something a bit more professional on the bottom – or maybe even a blazer. On the weekend, I might take that same sweatshirt and wear it with sweatpants and a cool blanket coat. The key is juxtaposition of styles and fabrics, it keeps everyone on their toes!
Gifts to welcome them to the world. Outfits for any adventure. Everything for the sweetest dreams.
