I’ve always believed that life isn’t made up of grand gestures so much as it is the accumulation of small pleasures – the fragrance you reach for each morning, the perfect glass of red wine at the end of the week or a quiet winter walk that reminds you just how beautiful the world can be.
Lately, I’ve found myself taking particular delight in these everyday luxuries. Some are new discoveries, while others are simply old favourites finding their way back into my life. So, here are a few things I’ve been loving lately.
If, like me, you were obsessed with fashion magazines in the early 2000s, you’ll remember the Juicy Couture velour tracksuit phenomenon. Every celebrity worth mentioning seemed to own one (usually in pink), and I desperately wanted to join their ranks. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be.
Fast forward two decades and life has come full circle. I’m writing this wearing a velour tracksuit and couldn’t be happier about it.
My latest find is from Miladys and, at just R449 for the set (SHOP), it’s proof that looking chic doesn’t always require a luxury price tag. Available in navy, chocolate and plum, it feels wonderfully soft against the skin and strikes that elusive balance between comfort and style. There’s something rather elegant about these rich, wintery shades that makes them feel decidedly grown-up. Consider this my love letter to elevated loungewear.
Speaking of winter, this season has once again reminded me why I love Cape Town so much. Morning walks on the Rondebosch Common have become one of my greatest pleasures. If you’ve never visited during winter, you’re missing something truly magical.
The wildflowers are in brilliant bloom, transforming the landscape week after week as new varieties emerge in bursts of colour.
Some mornings, a thick veil of mist settles across the Common, softening the world around you until only silhouettes remain. On others, the mountains command attention beneath dramatic, ever-changing skies. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and simply look. In a world that moves increasingly fast, that’s something I find myself appreciating more than ever.
A few weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to step briefly back into my former life as a fashion editor. I was asked to style a political party leader for his election campaign photographs and social media content – a role I rarely take on these days.
After almost 15 years working as a fashion editor, I can confidently say there’s far more schlepping involved than most people realise! But some projects are simply too interesting to turn down.
The shoot took place within the South African Parliament precinct and, somewhat embarrassingly, it was my very first visit. I was immediately struck by the beautiful juxtaposition of grand Victorian architecture and African-inspired interiors. It’s one of those places that quietly reminds you of the rich and layered history that surrounds us every day. Most of all, it was simply wonderful to spend a day immersed in creativity once again.
My latest fragrance obsession is equally transportive. The Chanson D’Eau Les Eaux du Monde collection by Coty feels like a niche fragrance discovery without the accompanying price tag – something I didn’t think was possible.
Each Eau de Toilette captures the spirit of a different destination. There’s delicate jasmine inspired by Bali, comforting vanilla from Polynesia, juicy peach from Andalusia and sparkling neroli from Cinque Terre. Every fragrance tells its own story and evokes a different mood. They’re joyful, sophisticated and wonderfully escapist – like collecting postcards from beautiful places, only bottled instead. At R275 for 100ml (SHOP), they’re almost impossible to resist.
When it comes to dining out, few things make me happier than a long, leisurely Sunday lunch. Club Kloof’s Sunday Steak and Frites special has quickly become one of my favourite recommendations in Cape Town. For R295 per person, you’ll enjoy a succulent grass-fed sirloin accompanied by skinny fries, Café de Paris butter, a signature sauce and your choice of a carafe of wine or a refreshing mocktail. It’s simple, delicious and exactly the sort of meal that encourages you to linger a little longer around the table.
No favourites list of mine would ever be complete without a beauty discovery and one product I’ve remained loyal to for years is Environ’s RAD Activé Antioxidant Sun Cream SPF 20. It’s lightweight, breathable and beautifully hydrating, making it ideal for everyday wear.
What makes it particularly noteworthy is that Environ was the first skincare brand to incorporate antioxidants into its sunscreen formulations. Dr Des Fernandes’ pioneering research demonstrated that antioxidants help limit damage caused by free radicals, making sunscreen protection even more effective. Formulated with Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB filters, it’s one of those hardworking products that quietly earns its place on your bathroom shelf.
And finally, a recent discovery that has become my favourite winter indulgence – Le Pommier’s Mac Cabernet Franc-Malbec R205 (SHOP). Rich and beautifully balanced, it offers notes of blackberry and mulberry alongside velvety tannins and a lingering finish that’s made for cooler evenings. Serve it alongside roast lamb, venison or a perfectly cooked roast and you’ll understand why I’m so smitten.
Perhaps that’s what I’ve come to appreciate most as I’ve grown older – that luxury isn’t always found in the extraordinary. More often than not, it reveals itself in the everyday moments: the warmth of a velour tracksuit on a cold morning, the scent of wildflowers after winter rain, an unforgettable meal shared with friends or a beautiful fragrance that transports you somewhere new. These are the little luxuries that make life feel richer, and right now, I’m savouring every one of them.
