Kind Regards
Sincerely Yours
The World In 8
Dominique Lamoer
Group Chat
The hottest topics and the latest trends
Your most stylish character's fashion wishlists
This ladies’ month we’ve opted for dressing like your favourite stars of stage and screen, the ladies who we can’t get enough of and one gent who we all wish our men would emulate.
The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly
How do you define the style of the lady whose life is all about defining style? Miranda has the keen eye of someone who knows exactly which shade of blue made its way down the Oscar de la Renta runways of 2002.
She is all about form and perfect tailoring but is playful in her silhouettes and loves a pop of colour in either her jewellery or shoes. Her hair is perfectly in place, she opts for a matte makeup look with a touch of colour to the lips, and is never ever without a perfect pair of sunnies.
FINISHING TOUCHES
TOP SHELF BEAUTY
Suit’s Jessica Pearson
The key to Jessica’s fits? Impeccable fit. The queen of Suits is perfectly polished and always elegant. She opts for classic colours and interesting, angular shapes.
You won’t catch her dead in anything but a perfect heel; and while she sticks to minimalist styling tricks, she is partial to a statement piece of jewellery.
HER CLOSET’S FAVES
FINISHING TOUCHES
TOP SHELF BEAUTY
Crazy Stupid Love’s Jacob Palmer
Ryan Gosling has given us women so much- Noah from the Notebook, Ken from, well you know, and this gem- Jacob Palmer. Ladies’ man, server of shady looks and a hate for old and crusty-looking New Balance sneakers.
Polished is the name of his game, he loves a good formal shoe and a perfectly-coordinated pocket square. Even his lazy looks are impeccable, a good v-neck sweater and a crisp white shirt.
HIS CLOSET’S FAVES
FINISHING TOUCHES
TOP SHELF BEAUTY
Feminism in 2025: From Empowerment to Policing Women's Choices
When did feminism become Law & Order-ish?
Feminism used to be about giving women options. Now, it's about giving women orders. Law & Order, but it's women vs women.
We've entered an era where saying, "I want to be a wife and mother," is more controversial than announcing you're polyamorous and childfree with a corporate hustle. Suppose you're a woman who dares to choose marriage, motherhood, or a traditional role over climbing the corporate ladder. In that case, today's feminism looks at you sideways—as if you've somehow betrayed the sisterhood. Why would you appease men and make sandwiches instead of being a CEO?
Let's be clear: feminism should mean freedom of choice. But in 2025, it feels like choice is only respected if it checks the right ideological new age feminist boxes. You want to work 80-hour weeks in a startup backed by stolen government funds while posting boss babe quotes on LinkedIn? Applauded. But if you're going to homeschool your kids, make dinner for your husband and be the dream makoti? Suddenly, you're a brainwashed pick-me. Why?
Here's the irony: the very movement that fought for women to have choices now shames them for making the "wrong" ones. If you're not "breaking the glass ceiling," you're accused of reinforcing the patriarchy. Why did we fight for equality and choice when we only want it in one shade? Boss Babe.
And speaking of patriarchy—let's talk about men for a second. Modern feminism has shifted from being about women's empowerment to being about male takedown. It's no longer "we want equal opportunities." It's "men are the problem." Loadshedding? Men, Inflation? Men. No size 4 in your favourite shoe? Men. Everything wrong in the world? Men.
Meanwhile, the women screaming the loudest often have platforms, book deals, and degrees—privileges they use to tell other women how oppressed they are. Irony much? Not sniffing yourself much?
Many may not agree with this, but we need men. You might not need one in your bed, but we need them in the world. Eeeuw, I know!
There's also a political layer to this. Women in politics have become the ultimate "pick-me's"—but not for men, for the movement. They parrot feminist talking points not because they believe in them, but because it's currency. Virtue-signalling has become the new campaigning. If you want women to notice you on the ballot, speak to them about what matters to them, even if it means nothing to you.
But here's the truth: not every woman dreams of being a CEO. Some dream of raising good kids, having a stable marriage, and finding joy in home life. That doesn't make them less feminist—it makes them human. The real danger isn't the patriarchy; it's the idea that feminism now polices women as aggressively as the systems it was supposed to dismantle. Nothing changes if feminism keeps going this route. It's a form of patriarchy in a pink tutu.
Feminism was supposed to liberate. Now, in some corners, it dictates.
If we're serious about empowerment in 2025, we must reclaim the right for all women to choose their own path—whether that's the boardroom or the backyard, the startup or the school run.
Until then, feminism isn't about freedom. It's about conformity—with a different uniform.
Confessions Of A Woman
The Messy, Hilarious Truth I Don't Always Share. (Sshh, don't tell anyone)
Hey there. If you're reading this, chances are you're a woman — or someone who knows one. So let me be honest right off the bat: I don't have it all together. Not even close.
There's this idea out there that women are supposed to "have it all"—a perfect job, perfect family, perfect Instagram feed, perfect mental health, and still somehow look flawless in yoga pants. Spoiler alert: that's not me. And maybe it's not you either.
So here are some confessions from my life — the messy, funny, sometimes frustrating realities that I think a lot of us share but don't always say out loud.
💬 Confession #1: I'm Still Figuring It Out (And That's Totally Normal)
Some days I wake up and feel like I could take on the world. Other days? I hit snooze five times and wonder if coffee counts as a meal. Sometimes I wonder if I really need this job and what would happen if I skipped a month of rent?
Between work deadlines, family demands, friendships, and trying to find a minute to breathe, I often feel like I'm juggling flaming torches — and occasionally dropping one. But you know what? That's okay. Figuring it out as you go is part of the journey. I wish more women would be okay with not being perfect. Nobody is, not women, and especially not that other gender we shant speak of 😐.
💬 Confession #2: I Love My Kids and Husband! But Sometimes I Need a Break (please don't tell them, or my mom)
Don't get me wrong — I adore my family. My kids' laughter can light up a room, and my husband is my favourite person to annoy. He really, really, really is, but there are moments — okay, many moments, when I need a little me time. Far, far away from them.
Whether I lock myself in the bathroom for five minutes of silence, take a solo walk, or sit quietly with a cup of tea, those breaks are essential to me. I obviously would opt for a week away in a different country with unlimited cash, bottomless mimosas, and a beach view, but a five-minute bathroom break will have to do (for now😬).
Loving your people and needing space from them? Totally Possible. Totally Human.
💬 Confession #3: I Accidentally Became "Important" at Work (And Sometimes I Wish I Could— Blend In)
One day, you're minding your business and doing your job, and the next thing you know, you're being cc'd on everything, and people are calling you "the anchor of the team." When did I become this important?
I didn't mean to become someone people rely on. I wanted to do good work and keep my inbox manageable. Now I'm "key to strategy. "Some days, I just want to un-strategise, un-lead, and go home quietly without being asked for 'one quick input' at 5:03 p.m. Leave me alone, Ma'am, I want to blend in with the wall, get my job done and then go home to annoy my husband and hide from my kids. Is that too much to ask for?
💬 Confession #4: I'm Tired of Trying to Be "Strong" All the Time
We hear it all the time: "Strong women rise."
And yes, we do. But sometimes I don't want to rise. I want to lie down, cry a little, eat snacks, and not have to be the dependable one. I do not want to have to wreck my brain and break my back to fit into the mould that society has put women in. I want to cry when it hurts, leave the house without makeup, admit that I am weak and let my fupa hang in all its glory and not get any cramps from constantly sucking it in.
Being "strong" shouldn't mean pretending you're fine when you're not. It should mean being allowed to be vulnerable, messy, emotional, soft and still respected. I'm just a girl bandla!
💬 Confession #5: I Don't Always Agree With Feminism — And That's Okay
Wait! Before you throw your stilettos at me, hear me out for a second.
Here's the thing: I'm grateful for the rights I have as a woman today. But I also don't relate to all the versions of feminism I see. Sometimes it feels like it pushes one kind of "empowered woman" while bringing down and discouraging the other. A true "Boss Babe" in 2025 is a woman who is the hustler, the loud disruptor who stands on tables while rocking her afro while fighting for other women, but what about the one who has relaxed hair and asks for help from a man?. Feminism today forgets that empowerment can also look like choosing to be a stay-at-home mom, aka a Tradwife, or wanting a traditional life and not fighting 👏EVERY👏SINGLE👏BATTLE👏. You know.
I believe in equality. But I also believe in choice, and it seems like feminism has slowly taken that away from women. Equality means respecting all choices — not just the ones that look progressive on paper.
💬Confession #6: I Don't Always Make "Perfect" Choices — And That's Fine
Whether it's the career I chose, how I raise my kids, or the way I show up for people (or don't), I have my doubts. I second-guess things. I get anxious, and believe it or not (because I am so perfect), I mess things up—a lot. But I'm learning that I don't need to be perfect to be proud of myself. I'm proud of the unsure me, the weak me, the emotional me, the lazy me, the "what am I doing", and even the me that has reached my glass ceiling. Progress, not perfection — that's my new mantra. My other mantra is,
I'm just a girl💋💄🎀
Braai Day, Brunch Trout Braai Pie
To be a woman is to be loved. Women are the very embodiment of love, nurture and care.
Everything we do, we do with our entire heart and soul. Whether we selflessly pour ourselves into our children, our careers, one another, or even ourselves, we do so with everything we've got.
Our hearts know no bounds. We are infinite. We are alchemy. We are MAGIC!
"I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life." - Maya Angelou.
To celebrate us, I created this delicious take on Trout Pie, with the added bonus of being able to make it on the braai. Meaning, if you have a significant other who may not know their way around the kitchen but knows their way around a braai, let them take the wheel and spoil you!
If your household is anything like mine, you will probably still have to do all the chopping and preparation, deliver it outside to the "Braaimaster", and give them all of the credit. Did I mention how generous we are??
Enjoy beautiful ladies!
Ingredients:
300g trout fillet (no skin)
1 medium potato, boiled
1 stalk of leek, sliced thinly
1 spring of Dill (depending on your relationship with dill, you can always add more)
2 TBSP butter, i used salted but any will do
1 heaped tsp all purpose flour
250ml lite cream (milk will do for a lighter option)
60ml dry white wine (you can omit)
60 ml water with chicken stock (1 tsp or billioun)
400g pre made puff pasty (1 roll)
50g peas
30g cream cheese (you can omit)
30g mayo (you can omit)
Egg - for egg wash
STEPS:
Step 1; in a medium pot, saute the thinly sliced leek in your butter till aromatic with a slight browning.
Step 2; Add your flour cooking and stirring consistently for around 1 minute.
Step 3; gradually add your cream whilst constantly stirring as your sauce thickens.
Step 4; combine your wine and milk together and gradually start adding this to the mix, with some salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5; Add your frozen peas and your chopped dill, stirring through.
Step 6; Using your hands, crumble your boiled potato into the mixture.
Step 7; Chop your trout fillet into generous bite size chunks and fold that into your sauce (yes raw - if you were second guessing : ).
Now set aside or place in fridge to cool just below room temperature.
Step 8; Flour your counter and unroll your already made pastry, and cut it down the middle, leaving you with two identical size squares. On the one side spread your mayo, and the other size spread your cream cheese.
Be sure to leave a 1cm margin along all sides.
Step 9; Scoop your cooled down filling into the middle of your square, spreading evenly and agin steering clear of your 1cm boarder. Now close your pie with the other half - using a fork you will press down along the sides, closing your pie.
Step 10; Place your pie in your braai grill, and egg wash both sides.
Now off to the braai!
If you are braaing on coals, make sure the coals are not too hot, and there is good height on the grill.
On gas, set to your lowest setting.
This is a low and slow baby, so get your drinks and enjoy some sun!
For the next 20 - 30 minutes you will braai on 4 minute rotations, flipping every 4 minutes till she is crispy and golden! Remember to close the braai between flips.
Serve with a yummy fresh salad and enjoy ladies.
COC' Tales
Salutations, celebrations and congratulations!
THE BOYS DON'T KNOW
Videographer:
Given Mashego, Sisa Canca, Luka Ribeiro, Tebogo Moletsane, and Washu Ratshiungo
WHAT’S ON: OCTOBER GIG GUIDE
THE WILDS
Date: 01 Oct – 30 Oct
Venue: The Wilds, Houghton Drive, Houghton
Price: Admission Free
If you’re in the mood for a short hike and a perfect picnic spot in one of Joburg's most beautiful parks, then The Wilds is the place for you. Filled with lovely koppies, well-developed indigenous gardens, and offering gorgeous views of the city of Johannesburg and its suburbs, this hidden gem is sure to brighten your day and provide a calm retreat from the city's busyness.
PARKLIVE FESTIVAL
Date: 18 Oct
Venue: Marks Park, Emmarentia
Price: Tickets from R395 available at Howler
Celebrated for its eclectic blend of genres and dedication to established acts and emerging stars, Parklive Festival returns with an even more impressive line-up that includes Shekhinah, Matthew Mole, The Parlotones, Freshlyground, Ross Learmonth, Ben Rodrigues, Saxby Twins and more.
PICK N PAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL JOHANNESBURG
Date: 04-05 Oct
Venue: The Wanderers Club
Price: From R150 at Webtickets
SA’s top wine producers are ready to take you on a mouth-watering gourmet journey like no other as you taste and discover a world of award-winning wines and extravagant food at the Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival.
SECRET SUNRISE JHB HALLOWEEN SUNSET
Date: 31 Oct
Venue: Bryanston Market
Price: From R100pp at Quicket
Put on your most imaginative Halloween attire and step into a world of Halloween magic with this one-of-a-kind, vibrant silent disco. Slip on your wireless headphones and let energetic facilitators lead you through an exhilarating blend of movement and uplifting beats. Surprise treats await the most eye-catching dancer…
SA WIN AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
Earlier this year, South Africa’s Floral Kingdom Shone at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
This year's display was inspired by South Africa's two mighty oceans, the Indian and Atlantic.
The Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned five-day event by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in London, held annually at the Royal Hospital Chelsea to showcase cutting-edge garden design, floristry, and new plant introductions.
It is attended by over 160,000 visitors, including members of the Royal Family, celebrities, and designers.
It was described as one of the most monumental displays of South African flora ever displayed abroad. The designer Leon Kluge and artist-gardener Tristan Woudberg led a team of passionate volunteers who carefully prepared and arranged up to 25000 stems of fynbos.
For the second year running, South Africa claimed gold in their category.
Flora of South Africa
BoxOffice
Here Are Your Top Six Titles That You Can Rent On BoxOffice for July to August.
DIRECTOR: Jonathan Entwistle
CAST: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio join forces for this fun, nostalgic sixth instalment in the iconic franchise. Mr Han and Daniel LaRusso help Li, who moved from Beijing to New York City, to prepare for a karate tournament.
DIRECTOR: Julius Onah
CAST: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez
Anthony Mackie takes on the responsibility of carrying the shield in this thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He must unravel a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
DIRECTOR: Marc Webb
CAST: Rachel Zegler, Emilia Faucher, Gal Gadot
The classic fairy tale gets modernised into a live-action musical. Fleeing the Evil Queen, Snow White escapes into the woods and meets the seven dwarfs, who join her quest to restore the kingdom.
