Innehållsförteckning för Apr/May 2022 från True Love

TIPS: A lightweight sweater dress is the ideal transitional piece as it provides just enough warmth without causing discomfort. It can be worn with both sneakers and flats, or boots for when the weather begins to take a turn. Mini skirts, which come in an array of designs, fabrics and prints, can be conveniently styled to suit the cold weather by being paired with stockings. As the temperatures begin to drop, think of investing in preppy-inspired clothing. This style is synonymous with the cooler months, carrying distinct pieces such as cardigans and waistcoats. You can also go for a chic leather jacket.…

TIPS: Silver jewellery offers a fresh alternative to the staple gold pieces we are used to, and carries just as much pizzazz. Chunky rings have replaced dainty, stacked pieces. It’s about wearing one statement accessory and leaving your other fingers bare. The jewellery industry can’t seem to get enough of chain and layered necklaces — which is great, because we also love them. When it comes to hat trends, we look at investing in berets and fluffy bucket hats, especially as we move into the cooler months. The wide waist belt is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it create an hourglass silhouette, but it also looks fabulous paired with anything from blazers to fitted dresses. Something that has been making waves on the fashion scene lately…

As we approach the two-year mark of the pandemic, we see cult creams being replaced by natural ingredients, and self-care routines becoming more popular. Gone are the days of relying on highlighters for a healthy glow; we’re letting our skin rejuvenate at a more meaningful level. What do the next few months have in store for us? SKINIMALISM There is a major shift towards embracing a natural and intentional skincare regimen. Whether you are simplifying your skincare routine or going makeup-free, it’s time for natural skin textures to shine. Smarter products are also slowly gaining popularity to help minimise the number of steps in your skincare routine. The less-is-more approach is simple and sustainable. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SKINCARE Anti-inflammatory skincare will force us to say goodbye to acid peels and choose products…

What is skinification? It’s all about using skincare ingredients for the health of your scalp. It's true – the ingredients that make your skin glow can also benefit your hair. There is a new focus on the scalp (it’s skin, after all), and hero ingredients such as collagen, peptides, aloe, caffeine, and vitamin C can help promote scalp health and overall hair hydration. Most shampoos have started adding shea butter and various oils to their products, to ensure optimum nourishment of your hair and scalp. VITAMIN C You know vitamin C as the brightening ingredient that gives you radiant skin. Used on hair, it protects against environmental factors. That’s right: this superstar ingredient isn’t just for your skin. Vitamin C also protects your scalp from harmful effects of the sun,…

From making saddles, to bags and couture, perfume, accessories, shoes, and that belt, Gucci’s brand has shown surprising and inspiring resilience through the multitude of its various evolutions. Family disputes, lawsuits and takeovers, near-bankruptcy, public divorces, murder trials and convictions, this Italian brand, through the years, has found its way into South Africa’s mainstream consumer and pop culture – resulting in cult-like status not only among celebrities but also regular folk too. Not only is everything Gucci*, but dedicated followers have even been moved to start an Instagram account dedicated to exposing fake Gucci items. South Africans have historically queued outside Gucci stores to spend their year-end bonuses on hot-ticket items from the world’s most-loved luxury fashion brands. Who and what is Gucci, how did it start, what makes it…

It was the harsh catchphrase introduced by Donald Trump in a reference to Hillary Clinton that soon took on a meaning of its own: a more powerful meaning. And that is, be a “nasty woman”. How can this translate to the workplace? We should all embrace the power player within – she who rebuffs an unworthy colleague’s attempted knock-out punch in the boardroom. She who doesn’t give up. She who doesn’t tolerate sexism, discrimination and bullying. While it’s not about being too cold, it is about not being so damn nice all the time. “In terms of power, I used to think talking about money was terrible, and wanting it was just shallow, but what is life like when you don’t have it?” psychologist Angela Bradley says. “If you intend…

The day before you have a big presentation, you might be worrying that you’re not very articulate. The thing is, maybe you’re not! But you might be a great leader or fantastic at motivating people. No one is perfect, so forget your failings and focus on the things you’re good at. KEEP GOING REGARDLESS. If you sit around waiting for the day you feel 100% confident to ask for that pay rise or go for that promotion, you’re going to be waiting a long time. You need to change your thinking and also your behaviour now – your feelings will slowly catch up to this new non-imposter way of being until it’s normal. When in doubt, remember you’ve earned every bit of your success – own it.…

If I could have a rand for every time I have heard a person say to me, "Coach, please help me get a job," I would genuinely be able to compete with the winners of the Lotto! I usually smile, knowing I won't earn that rand, but I can add my two-cents’ worth. So often I do, and I ask, "How many hours per day do you spend job-hunting?" I am usually met with a perplexed look and a voice trailing off in confusion, asking, "Hours?" The task of job-hunting is precisely that of a full-time job in permanent employment. In such a competitive market and the evolving world of work in the era of digitisation, it becomes crucial that you treat the pursuit of work with the commitment you…

THE CHEMISTRY OF FRAGRANCES An experience with the AQUALIS PARFUM COLLECTION is a remarkable adventure for the senses. Aqualis, as described by South African founder Steyn Grobler, “...exists as the equilibrium between perfume (aqua) and the self (qualis), where the wearer and their experiences merge with a scent to create something entirely unique” The brand’s focus is to create modern, intriguing perfumes of extraordinary quality, where the raw materials are the vessels for your experiences. You’ll be hard pressed to choose a favourite from the nine fragrances – especially because Steyn and his team have developed scents that are reminiscent of some of South Africa’s best natural wonders – deserts, seas, botanicals, fruits, and gold — all beautifully crafted to reflect perfumes that enhance both the important and everyday moments,…

MADE WITH LOVE The feminine love of adornment is as old as time. The Makery Collection is a Johannesburg-based brand that consists of beautifully crafted beaded necklaces known as Heartstrings, as well as a contemporary range of sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery sourced from South Africa and beyond. The team sources and creates accessories for both every day and special occasions. The pieces entail a lot of attention to detail, and each design carries a unique finish. Visit www.themakerycollection.com to shop online. They also deliver nationwide. TOTAL COVERAGE G-Star RAW have released their new line of trench coats just as we prepare to transition into the new season. This wardrobe staple has been revamped to incorporate denim, cotton twill, and sophisticated mixed blends. The women’s wear collection comes with a…

TIPS: Blazers and coats with double-breasted and military finishes will forever be desirable. Gold- plated buttons and oversized shoulder pads exude an air of confident dressing no matter what they are paired with. Construct a feminine yet grown-up look through seductive dressing. This is the art of pairing a mini dress with oversized silhouettes – creating the perfect fusion between masculine and feminine tailoring. Bright hues are a great way to introduce colour to your wardrobe. These will be especially popular as the clouds begin to turn grey. If a monochrome palette is more your thing, you can never go wrong with gradients of grey and beige shades. Achieve a balance in your overall look by teaming a baggy cover-up with a fitted midi skirt. This duo will radiate class,…

Who is Sello Medupe and what inspires your designs? Sello Medupe is a “God fearing”, happy go lucky creative. Revolutionising shape is key to my brand’s philosophy. My designs are inspired by anything that exists in this universe – from music to nature, and everything in between. When formulating your vision for a new creation, what are some of the thought processes you go through? It starts with inspiration. I have to be inspired by something, then I sketch, create patterns and eventually, the final look. I have to see the complete garment in my mind before it’s done. I always aim to bring a fresh and innovative approach to design, in order to create wearable yet cutting-edge pieces. Tell us more about being featured as one of Vogue’s new…

Would you rather look luminous and radiant or velvety and polished? Choosing the right foundation can be a bit tricky. There is a lot to consider – from matching your shade to coverage preference – but deciding on the right foundation finish is even more confusing. When most of us were beginning to enjoy the dewy look, masks came along, and they didn’t allow the dewy foundation to stay even. The big question remains: which finish should you go for? Before you decide, you need to understand the good and the bad of each foundation. The difference between a matte and dewy foundation Dewy foundations work well for normal-to-dry skin. They are enriched with natural oils and humectants (substances that promote retention of moisture) to reflect light and produce younger-looking…

BLISS-FULLY DELICIOUS Want a decadent chocolate dessert but not in the mood to make it? We’ve got you covered! Introducing Bliss Chocolate Dairy Dessert from Clover. No whipping, no cooking, no baking, no fuss – Bliss Dessert is indulgent, delicious and ready to eat! Pour it, use it as a sauce or drizzle it on top of your favourite dessert. Available at all retailers. Bliss Dessert, irresistible indulgence. REAL FRESH ICE TEA Manhattan Ice Tea is the perfect natural refreshment fortified with vitamins to pack a healthy, fresh punch! Made with no added colourants, natural sweetener and robust tea extracts, Manhattan is naturally refreshing for any occasion. Available in a variety of flavours, including Blackcurrant, Lemon, Peach and Pineapple, in 500ml or 1,5L bottles at all leading retailers. NOURISHED CURLS,…

Running a small business? Financial planning is critical for survival. Get your house in order this month by preparing a realistic road map for the year ahead. Now’s the time to establish your financial priorities and go after your goals. Santam provides five tips to get you on the right track: IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN This should include a budget, accounting, tax planning, risk management (including insurance and an emergency fund), and some forecasting for the future. Consult an adviser for help preparing a step-by-step plan. Insurance should be a key consideration as proactive risk management is essential. WAX YOUR TAX Keep your records and bookkeeping tight to avoid unnecessary hassles later. Consider ways to maximise your tax deductions to lower your tax burden. An intermediary can assist.…

You can be smart and rock a high IQ, but emotional intelligence (EQ) is where you’re going to get ahead in your 9-5 job. A strong EQ helps you not only manage your own behaviour and emotions more effectively, it also helps you deal with stress and with heightened emotions from colleagues. It’s also about being able to get ahead in business by building meaningful relationships – whether you’re rocking the corner office or doing the coffee run. “You need to be someone who is constructive, trustworthy, compassionate, focused and determined, and build up your relationships with other people, says Bradley. Familiar with the term, “The Boys’ Club”? It exists because those guys built relationships and were confident in the strength of those to call upon them to get ahead.…

The manterrupter (n): A man who often interrupts a woman, especially in the workplace. Just think Donald Trump interrupting Hillary Clinton 51 times during the first US presidential debate. Studies show that men interrupt at twice the rate of women, and women are more likely to be interrupted during meetings. You can have the best idea in the world, but who’s going to notice if you’re being cut off ? “We speak up, only to be shot down by a louder, more forceful male colleague,” says Shivani Gopal, founder of The Remarkable Woman movement in Australia. “Interruptions are, in essence, a verbal assertion of power, enabling the interrupter to take the floor of the current conversation.” So what can we do about it? A former aide of former president Barack…

Transracial adoption was legalised in South Africa in 1991. Before this, it was prohibited, so parents were not allowed to adopt a child from a different race group. But this is no longer the case, and many parents now have the chance to adopt children from any cultural group. However, there are challenges that add to the already extensive adoption process that prospective parents have to go through. A Stellenbosch University scholar and researcher from the faculty of arts and social sciences, Sandra Jackson, outlines some of the challenges of transracial adoptions in her Masters’ thesis. She highlights the adoptive parents’ preparedness to raise a child outside of their own culture, dealing with racial prejudice, and helping the child develop a cultural identity, as some of the issues to be…

The truth is, people often have opinions and judgements on what should or shouldn’t be. But these are just that – opinions. They will not affect your relationship unless you allow them to. It is important to set up boundaries about who has a platform to speak into your relationship, and you need to protect it [your relationship]. Before you proceed, be sure your friend and their ex have had ample time to get over each other. The best way to approach this involves an open conversation. This calls for honesty about your feelings from the get-go. It is important to give your friend space to heal from any hard or unresolved feelings. So, again, treat them with respect, and avoid engaging in gossip and malicious rumours. Do not pry…

PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKES AND ONION Serves: 4 Cooking time: 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 T extra-virgin olive oil 4 chicken leg quarters 4 small onions, trimmed and halved 1 clove garlic, skin on and halved 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock, heated 125 ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine 4 long-stemmed marinated artichokes, halved lengthways 6 white anchovies, finely chopped 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 T lemon juice METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat oil in a large oven-proof frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken, add to the pan and cook skin-side down for five minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate. 2. Add onions, garlic, stock and wine to the pan and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan,…

30 SECONDS WITH ACTRESS LERATO NXUMALO How do you relax? I usually make TikToks, cook, or enjoy a good bottle of Merlot, MCC, or champagne. When it’s holiday time – beach, bush, or forest? I love the beach and the bush, so it would depend on how I’m feeling or the reason for the getaway. Usually, when I feel a bit emotionally drained, I prefer the beach. What are you currently binge-watching and reading? I just finished watching Tinder Swindler – hectic! I’m currently reading The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. What’s your favourite food? uPhuthu and chicken stew, but I usually go for prawns or pasta in restaurants. Who are you listening to? I am listening to Mnqobi Yazo and Doja Cat when I’m jamming in the car.…

TIPS: Dare to stand out from the crowd in a crisp all-white suit. This clean ensemble has a feminine quality that’s also packed with confidence. White complements every season, so having a statement piece in your wardrobe as your go-to head-turner will be worth the investment. Mixing different textures brings an interesting dimension to your outfit and is a great way to add a fashionable spin. White footwear is still all the rage. Strappy heels and boots look surprisingly striking in white, and you can never go wrong with sneakers. As we prepare to enter the cooler months, give your heavy-duty materials a fresh twist in this shade.…

STYLE TIP: What’s great about platform shoes is that they provide both style and comfort. The chunky heel, unlike that of stilettos, eases the overall pressure on the foot, which allows for longer wear. Get elevated to dramatic heights through the Mary Janes’ platform addition. They are also the perfect transitional shoes as they can be worn with stockings and knee-high socks. Mules and brogues get a sleek update in this design. They are both chic and practical, pairing well with everything, from everyday jeans to a feminine mini dress. Strappy and platform styles may seem like a daring choice, but as we’ve seen on some of the global fashionistas, they are sure to make a statement. Platform sliders and brogues are a fabulous alternative to the high-heeled versions, and…

When it comes to maintaining a healthy glow and reducing fine lines, there’s no ingredient in skincare that’s more praised than retinol. But what do you really know about retinol? This powerhouse skincare ingredient is derived from vitamin A and works really hard to improve skin texture, encourage cell turnover, and fade pigmentation in just a few drops. The positive effects on the skin are because of the potent formulations, which have caused questions or opinions around this “R” word. When should you use them? Are they compatible with sensitive skin? Are they compatible with vitamin C? This confusion has led people to avoid using retinol completely, especially during summer or warm days. With all this false information floating around, we’re here to offer some clarity. This holy grail ingredient…

CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION Have you been overlooked for a job you knew you would nail? Have you missed out on a promotion you totally deserved? According to Franziska Iseli, co-author of Perception, it’s not your skillset that needs tweaking – it’s your mindset. “What you tell yourself when you walk into a job interview really matters,” says Iseli. “Your inner voice can be your worst enemy. You really have to believe that you can get the job.” If your inner voice is being negative, that’s going to directly affect how others perceive you. “That internal perception creates our reality,” says Iseli. “For example, you might be hiking when it suddenly starts raining. If your internal perception is saying, ‘it’s all ruined now. I can’t do this, now I’m going to…

Let’s take a quick look at actress Emma Watson, shall we? It’s fair to say she’s killed it at, well, everything. You know, between graduating from the prestigious Brown University, slaying it in the remake of Beauty and the Beast, and her work with the UN that includes that game-changing speech on gender equality. So why, then, in a recent interview, did she say she feels like “an imposter”, undeserving of her success? What is imposter syndrome? It’s the confidence-zapping phenomenon that causes successful, competent women to doubt their abilities and feel like absolute frauds in the workplace. The term was first coined in the 1970s, and recent research from Ghent University shows women are flying under the radar at work for fear of being exposed. A crying shame, no?…

Did you know that many workers end up with unused leave each year? Why, people, why? Some workers feel that they are unable to take leave due to commitments at work and others feel that they needed to be in a job for at least a year before asking for annual leave. We all know the pressure and competition in the workplace, but you’re doing more harm than good by not taking that well-deserved break. “When we get too stressed, it affects every system in our bodies. All of those things have a long-term impact on our health,” says psychologist Melissa Podmore, adding that mental health burnout is an epidemic. After a holiday, you’re going to come back more refreshed, more insightful, hopefully more creative and you’re going to have…

As smoking rates have declined in the traditional markets of North America and Western Europe, the tobacco industry has re-focused its promotions and marketing onto the less-developed and emerging nations, including those in Africa, says Cancer Council NSW. The often-weak regulations in these countries has further encouraged the industry to target populations in these nations, it continues. Current patterns of tobacco use were expected to kill approximately 10 million people every year throughout the world by 2020, with 70% of these deaths occurring in less-developed and emerging nations. All the more reason for South Africans to resist the efforts of the tobacco industry to lure them into a habit that is so very bad for their health, and to investigate and understand the implications of any tobacco alternatives before taking…

When you make the decision not to pursue a relationship, you need to acknowledge your feelings in the situation – both for your friend and their ex. “People tend to disregard or minimise the feelings that have led them to where they are. If you cannot acknowledge how you got here, you will not be able to move on properly,” says Thwala. The next step is to allow yourself to grieve the loss of the potential relationship, so that the pain of “what could have been” will not grow and hold you back. In this time, it is important to cut all communication with your friend’s ex, so you can get them out of your system. During this process, feelings of regret, shame, and guilt may come up. When this…

Mabusi is just lovely. That’s the first thing one thinks after our interview especially because her grace, fun-loving, and conversational nature has been interrupted by a glitch in our meeting. The day before – again – we were interrupted by a storm which caused connectivity issues. But she’s here, glammed up and looking stunning. Her hair looks great, and she shows me her pair of statement dangly earrings layered in gold. Both are from two of her many businesses – Glam Fab Hair, and Glam Fab Jewellery. She’s friendly, open, talkative, and very likeable. She laughs, shares jokes, and some gossip in-between. We share stories about successful Black businesses, and I commend her choice of bubbly for the photoshoot. “It’s delicious. I’ll tell you where to get it,” she says,…

Is it possible for the average South African to be a sustainable tourist, and play their part? Yes. Sustainability in tourism, much like confronting climate change and other socio-economic issues, starts within our spheres of influence – unlearning, relearning, and educating others about everything we understand about a specific sector and its challenges – in this case, tourism. To start, interrogate and understand your hotel destination’s impact in the community or cities it operates in. Do they recycle, and what is their procurement policy when it comes to their entire value chain – from staff to third-party vendors and tour operators, right through to food. Do they employ and empower SMMEs? Do they employ local people? How are they using natural resources to ensure longevity and protection of these resources?…