New month, and my life feels like it hasn’t stopped moving. There are fresh spaces to sink into, old rituals worth protecting, a small human who grows in her sleep, and a wardrobe I’m still stitching into being. Everything is shifting, all of the time. And I’ve been noticing, more than usual, what stays. What takes root. What steadily earns the right to be permanent in a life where the ground keeps changing.

It’s been one month since we moved into the new Atelier. My friend and I have spent every one of those weeks moving in slowly, one piece of furniture and kitchen appliance at a time, and I’m here to tell you that the slowness has been the entire point. When you settle in without rushing, you get to feel how you want the space to hold you before you commit to how it looks. You get to notice that the light is at its best at 4pm (golden hour is magic in this place) and arrange the reading nook accordingly. You get to figure out, in real time, how you want your guests to feel the moment they walk in. That kind of arrival cannot be rushed.

The rituals came in with us. Every week, I put together a floral arrangement (or two, or three) for the spaces we occupy, because a room without flowers reads as unfinished to me, and because the act of choosing stems on any given afternoon has become a form of meditation in itself. Every day, we light the wood fireplace, even when it isn’t strictly cold enough to justify it, because there is something about a fire in a room that says we live here. And each morning, before anything else, we get our heads into a place to create. That, more than the furniture or the art on the walls, is what makes the Atelier feel like ours. The practice, not the props.

A friend sent me a note recently that has stuck with me. She said the objects and rituals we return to are the ones that end up defining us. Not the fashionable ones, not the loud ones, but the quiet, considered, consistent ones. Which brings me neatly to something I’ve been thinking about all month, and which the lovely people at Juce have been thinking about even longer: what does it actually take for something to earn a permanent place in your life?

Their recently released campaign, which invited me to share my own perspective, is centred on the idea that modern life pushes us to chase the next drop, the next launch, the next everything, when the truer luxury is reliability. A signature. Something that stays. To mark the moment, they’ve moved their Mystic Haze fragrance from limited edition into a permanent resident of the collection, and honestly, of everything they could have made permanent, this one makes sense. It’s the scent I’ve landed on personally. Woody, green, grounded, a fragrance that anchors itself to the heavy wool of a coat and lingers in a room long after you’ve left. It sits alongside my daily accessories and smaller arrangements in my space, and does what all the best permanent things do, effortlessly binding itself to what already exists.

ON THE WISHLIST

Three things I’ve been circling this month, all in service of the Atelier build:

• An M2 Yamaha piano: Since the Atelier has become a place we return to daily, a piano was always going to be part of it as I embark on the practice. The M2 is the one that keeps coming back to me: upright, deep-toned, an instrument I can imagine sitting at first thing in the morning before anyone else is up, or it accompanying my creative process as the sweet melodies guide my mindset. If I’m serious about the practice (and I like to think I am), it deserves a seat in the room too.

• A silver Foiled Artblock from Weylandts: The clever thing about this piece is how many lives it can live. One on its own works as a sculptural side table. Four or more, arranged together, become a coffee table with the weight and presence of an installation. An object that does more than it needs to, without fanfare, which is my favourite sort of thing.

• An antique armour from Wazy Antiques in Knysna: Placing an aged, worked piece into an evolving space keeps the room from feeling brand-new in the flat sense of the word. It gives the Atelier a history it hasn’t quite lived yet. An armour is my definition of being all grown up, and at this point I think I need to just accept that I’m actually an adult.

So that’s where my head is this month. Not chasing the next thing, but paying attention to what wants to stay. The flowers on the table. The fire in the grate. The scent in the room. The friend building beside me. The wardrobe taking its own time. The little person who grew again overnight. All the things that keep showing up, faithfully, on repeat.

If you’re in a season of motion, I hope you’re being tender with the things that root you. And if you’re not sure what those things are yet, I hope you’re giving yourself the time to find out.

Until next month,
Seet x

Well hello there! I feel like I have to begin this week’s newsletter with an explanation for why I’ve been gone for such a stretch. The last time we gathered here, I was still reeling from the remnants of the best birthday of my life, and then things sort of took a left turn: out of nowhere, I got ill. If you’re in the Southern hemisphere, you’ll know it’s winter, and yes, that’s synonymous with flu season. I caught it from my husband, who caught it from our nanny, who caught it from somewhere else, because that’s how viruses work (eyes rolled all the way back). But nonetheless, I’m back, doing what I love, and grateful for my health. So much has happened since we last chatted, and you’re gonna get the full update below, along with some of the things keeping me alive. Let’s get into it.

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THINGS KEEPING ME ALIVE

Moving into a new space: A good friend and I took a huge leap and decided to move into a new space that we intend to house both of our creative endeavours in. We currently call it HQ, but really it’s more of a home base for the two of us. There’s so much to come out of it, but for now we’re getting settled and revelling in what this means for us, personally and together.

The opening of UNI FORM at 44 Stanley: Three weeks ago, the award-winning UNI FORM opened its new doors at 44 Stanley, and if you’re in Johannesburg, this one is a must-visit. There’s something about a brand that has held its point of view for as long as UNI FORM has that makes stepping into their world feel like coming home. The opening in partnership with Krone, married performance with art through soft embrace featuring sonic artist Muneyi, ecological artist and dear friend Annegret Affolderbach, the brands muse Amora (who was dressed live by UNI FORM’s designer Luke Radloff), and the brand’s master tailor Osman Mwanyali. The store itself is thoughtfully created, refined, unfussy: everything you’d expect and more. Go pay them a visit.

The piano: I’ve been a long-time lover of the piano, and now I’ve taken on yet another project (I might have a problem, only time will tell, but I can’t seem to help testing the limits). Through my piano teacher, I’ve discovered the lineage of teachers from whom I come, and honestly, the list is awe-inspiring. As far as my teacher can trace, it goes all the way back to Franz Liszt, a Hungarian composer, pianist, and teacher. Considered one of the most prolific composers of his time, you really should take a listen to some of his work here.

A small home luxury: A quick detour into the guest bathroom, because I’ve been thinking about the details that make people feel considered when they step into your space. I’ve placed a bottle of Juce fragrance on the vanity for guests to spritz onto themselves for a moment. It’s the kind of scent I want people to walk out with: warm, clean, unmistakably chosen. And it makes hand-washing feel like more than a functional pit-stop. Tiny gesture, but the good ones always are. Grab a bottle here.

The same coat, every day: Since the temperature dropped, I’ve been reaching for the same coat every morning, and I’m not the least bit sorry. There’s something about a piece that just works, that greets the weather with confidence and requires zero thinking on my part, that quietly reinforces everything I’ve been building toward with this whole forever-wardrobe experiment. More on that soon, I promise.

Before I sign off: there's something about winter that pulls at the urge to slow, to hibernate, to draw the curtains earlier than you'd care to admit. And I've decided that's not something to push against. Stepping back is a natural part of moving forward, and the seasons keep whispering as much if we're willing to listen. If you're feeling the same tug, I hope you allow yourself to lean into it. The return to the light is always sweeter after a proper cocooning.

Until next time,

Seet x

There are things I do every single day without negotiating with myself about it. Coffee in a cup I actually like. A good playlist before I open my phone. And hand cream. Always, always hand cream.

I cannot stress this enough: dry cuticles are a personal affront to me. Not yours specifically, but the concept. They are entirely preventable, you know. A thirty-second ritual, a product you love, and the whole problem disappears. Beyond the anti-dryness argument (which is already compelling enough on its own), applying hand cream has become one of the few genuinely still moments in my day. A pause. A reset. A chance to breathe in something that smells like someone tried, and remember that I am, in fact, a person who takes care of herself. It is a small luxury, and small luxuries are everything.

Which brings me to something I’ve been wanting to start for a while. Welcome to The Four: a new monthly series where I share four of my current favourites in one category. Some months it will be beauty. Others, it will be books, interiors, or things I’ve been eating at strange hours when nobody is watching. Whatever the category, the principle stays the same: these are things that make daily life feel like something. Something worth showing up for. Something that turns a perfectly ordinary Tuesday into a Tuesday with intention. I have come to believe, with my whole chest, that joy lives in the details. Not waiting for the big occasion but constructing a life that feels indulgent on the average day. The Four is my attempt to share that with you.

We’re starting with hand creams. Obviously.

AESOP GERANIUM LEAF BODY BALM

Yes, I have two Aesop products in this edit. No, I do not feel the need to justify myself. When a brand is this consistently excellent, you simply make room. The Geranium Leaf Body Balm is the earthier, greener counterpart to the Orange Rind: geranium, mandarin, bergamot, carrot oil, all blended into something that smells like a proper botanical garden rather than a beauty shelf. It’s herbaceous and alive in the best way, the kind of scent that feels cleansing even after you’ve already washed your hands. The balm itself is generous without being heavy, absorbing well and leaving skin feeling genuinely nourished. I reach for this one in the mornings, when I want something that feels fresh and purposeful rather than warm and winding-down. Two different moods. Both completely necessary. Purchase here.

BYREDO SUEDE HAND AND NAIL CREAM

If you have ever smelled the Suede fragrance and thought, “I need this in every single format possible,” this is the answer to your prayers. Byredo’s Suede Hand and Nail Cream carries all of that signature warmth: soft, powdery, woody, the kind of scent that is impossible to fully describe and entirely impossible to forget once you’ve encountered it. As a hand cream, it performs brilliantly: the formula is nourishing without any stickiness, and a pea-sized amount coats both hands completely. (A little genuinely, truly, does go a long way. Don’t squeeze the tube like it owes you money.) It lives on my desk for a reason. This is the hand cream that makes the act of applying hand cream feel like a considered choice rather than a chore, and that distinction matters more than you’d think. Purchase here.

AESOP ORANGE RIND BODY CONCENTRATE

Aesop is never wrong. I will stand on this hill for the rest of my natural life. The Orange Rind Body Concentrate is peak Aesop: thoughtfully formulated, quietly exceptional, and scented in a way that manages to be both invigorating and centring at the same time (a skill I respect enormously). Pink grapefruit, lemon rind, orange rind, rose. It sounds like a cocktail and smells even better. The concentrate is exactly as described: potent, long-lasting, and far more nourishing than it has any right to be given how quickly it absorbs. I reach for this one specifically on the days I need to feel centred rather than just moisturised, and it delivers, every single time. (Scroll up. You’ll see there’s a second Aesop in this edit. Some brands just earn that). Purchase here.

FLAMINGO ESTATE MANUKA RICH CREAM

Flamingo Estate is the kind of brand that feels like it was dreamed up on a slow, golden Californian afternoon, all considered ingredients, botanical provenance, and that very specific LA energy of we care, deeply, about everything. Based on a working farm in Los Angeles, they bring real ingredients with real intention to everything they make, and the Manuka Rich Cream is no exception. It’s indulgent in the best way: thick, restorative, honey-forward, designed for skin that genuinely needs attention rather than a surface fix. This one I save for evenings, applied just before bed so the manuka can quietly get on with its work overnight. Every morning my hands are noticeably softer. These are proper results, from a brand that takes the whole thing seriously. Thanks Botanicus for bringing a piece of their farm to our shores. Available in-store. Enquire here.

There you have it: four hand creams that have become completely non-negotiable in my daily life. Pick one. Start the ritual. Apply it slowly, breathe in the scent, and take those thirty seconds entirely for yourself. Your cuticles, and frankly your whole nervous system, will thank you.

Until next time,

Seet x

This month’s musing comes on the heels of the most magical birthday of my life. I’m a Gemini sun, and I honestly embody every single cliché there is about my kind. Not only is my birthday a days-long festival (I literally had an event every day for three days straight), it’s the only time of year I allow myself to be celebrated, because I find it cringe otherwise. My general philosophy around birthdays is that it’s a moment to do anything you want to do to mark the occasion and celebrate another year lived. More importantly, I think birthdays are the perfect time to set the tone for the year ahead. And if this year’s occasion and energy is anything to go by, I’m about to have the best year of my f*cking life. (Sorry, Mom.)

If you follow Chinese astrology, we’re in the year of the Fire Horse. Amongst other things, that means this is the year plans come to fruition, but only if you’re aligned with your maker. Alignment above all else is the determinant for what’s to unfold. Maybe it’s because May is my birth month, but as soon as the month began, I felt a tangible energy in my bones; my spirit woke up, momentum kicked in. I sincerely pray it isn’t all in my head, and that a year from now I’ll be writing to you saying “I knew it!” Wish me luck.

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The result of this new awakening (and getting gifted Emma Grede’s Start With Yourself, remember it was on my wishlist in last month’s musing? Yay me!) has me seriously contemplating what I let into my life and how I choose to show up each day. The end goal is to frame a life I can enjoy daily, not one I’m waiting for the big things to happen in. Sensual, luxurious morning routines to set the tone. Afternoon siestas to invite back calm. Structuring work so the brain-work happens once, not on repeat (so I can actually get things done and bring the projects in my head into reality). Standing in the sun. Squeezing my daughter with cute aggression. Anything that restores me and makes me feel things are moving in a forward motion. I’m choosing to make each day meaningful, not waiting for the Big Bang. Since doing this, life has become a little bit more delicious.

Each musing, while reflective, is at its core about setting the tone for the month ahead. I like to look back before moving forward, as a way of recognising the completion of one cycle and the start of the next. So without further ado, here’s what’s kept me alive this past month:

CURRENTLY INSPIRED BY:

Daily luxuries. As mentioned above, each day has become a special occasion in its own right. I’ve carved out time in my mornings to “live my dream life,” so to speak. Bath time (well, really shower time) has become ritualistic. I’ve turned to indulgent products and slowed the process down so I can properly enjoy “me time.” If you’re a mom, you completely understand how important that is. If you want to join me, grab yourself the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil and Body Lotion. You’ll be glad you did.

CURRENTLY LISTENING TO:

The Morgan Stewart Podcast with Hilary Duff: One for the millennials. Hilary Duff was the Disney Channel underdog in my book, with her show (and subsequent feature film) Lizzie McGuire. If you’re into nostalgia (Stewart’s Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and Duff’s childhood revival), this one’s for you. Cute, short, and sweet.

The Run Through Podcast: Vogue Editors Answer Your Summer Dressing Questions with Liana Satenstein: Although the global South has officially entered winter, anyone lucky enough to escape to warmer parts of the world will appreciate this. I always treat the change in seasons as my precursor to the summer to come, because I’ll forever be a fashion girlie.

Jazzy Morning Playlist: I’ve started taking my mornings seriously, and by seriously I mean intentionally tuned to the frequency I want to enter the day on. This playlist is a compilation of soft sounds that gently welcome you into a new day. Give it a try. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

ON THE WISHLIST:

(small confession: I’d already bought these yesterday, and they were most certainly on my wishlist, until they became a part of my life)

• Table Clock: As I move into the next phase of my life, I’d like to think I’m becoming a better person, which involves less screen time, especially towards bedtime. I am still human, however, and need to know what time it is. So a clock in the bedroom felt only natural. This stunning brass brick jumped straight out at me on a table full of other stuff, and I knew I had to bag it immediately.

• Vintage Cutlery: While this isn’t my first vintage cutlery buy (I collect them because they’re soooo lovely and a delight to eat with), it’s certainly my favourite. They’re a starter cutlery set, so slightly smaller than the average knife and fork, which is what makes them so darn dainty. Check the ornate detail on the handle, and how brand new they look despite their age.

• Brooches: I’m convinced I’m actually a 65-year-old woman living in a millennial’s body. Anything ornate and old and I’m sold. Just look at these beauties. I can’t wait to style them and show you.

THE ADDRESS BOOK:

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Portugal farm, their third Architectural Digest Open Door, has me vicariously living out my farm-housewife dreams through them. Having watched their first and second AD tours (they renovated their house and invited AD back twice; you can watch them here and here), I knew this one would be nothing short of swoon-worthy, and I wasn’t wrong. From the old-world charm of the reclaimed doors and checkered floor tiles, to the stream running through the entire estate, to the farm animals taking up space (they have peacocks, peacocks!), this is a world created with intention and absolute reverence for design. It’s exactly what I picture when I tell my friends, “I’m gonna retire on a farm,” and I’m so glad I now have a visual reference.

Last thing:

This newsletter is late because instead of sitting down to write last week’s note, I planned a three-day party and spent the following days recovering from it. And you know what? I regret nothing. Even as I press publish on the day of, I sit with no regrets and an incredible camera roll of what was, hands down, the best birthday of my life. Moral of the story: life goes on, and is most certainly HAPPENING NOW.

Until next time,

Seet x

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Nina Garcia famously (well, at least to me) used to say in episodes of Project Runway, “it’s a matter of taste,” when referring to a competing designer’s creation. Usually it came up when she was questioning whether the designer had sound aesthetic sensibilities and could actually apply them. The English dictionary defines taste as “the ability to discern what is of good quality or of a high aesthetic standard: she has frightful taste in literature.” Which, I think, is about as ambiguous as beauty, because by now we all know that our experiences shape our view of the world. Two people could be looking at the same chair; one sees a seating object, the other sees the labour it took to build a unique piece of art.

I’ve been pondering this a lot as I build my forever wardrobe (see last week’s newsletter for more on that), questioning who the evolved version of me is, what pieces I want to see myself in, and what I want the clothes I wear to say about me to the world. I know most people don’t think about their wardrobes as much as I do, but fashion to me is as big a communication marker as fine art, décor, or literature. Someone’s inclination towards something says a lot about them, whether intentional or not. In today’s oversaturated, derivative world, we tend to see a lot of the same, which influences a lack of original thought. Think about it: when last did you have a thought that was completely uninfluenced by someone else’s opinion or take? Something you deduced yourself and felt entirely sure of? I believe this inability to “think” anymore is a symptom of the current state of affairs. We don’t stop scrolling long enough to ask how we actually feel about something. Subconsciously, the clothes I’m making serve as an antidote to that.

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Rooted in the celebration of femininity, I’m creating a wardrobe that highlights the power of being soft and effortless. It comes through in design, fabrication, fit, and of course, taste. Taste dictates the critical decisions I make throughout this process: what detail to add on a hem, which off-white tone of fabric fits the vision best, what type of button to place on a jacket. I had a beautiful conversation this past weekend with a friend about the relationship between intentionality and time, which brought me (for the millionth time in my life) to the conclusion that effort and time yield the best possible results. This is why I’m interrogating my own taste more than ever before, so that this really can be my forever wardrobe.

One can speak about personal taste and style in the same breath, but taste is transcendental. It can refer to fashion, décor, food, people (lol), and many other things. In building a deliberate life, with my wardrobe being a huge part of that since I wear clothes every day, I want this journey done right. Which is why, more than ever, it’s important for me to be clear on what my taste actually is. Right now, I’d describe it as classic, with a touch of tactile sensuality.

As the weeks unfold, I’ll share how I achieve this (and where I sometimes fall short). Because this is a process, and I loooove a process, I’ll document each step and reveal what goes into creating something of meaning, the way I see it. I’ll also share the decisions I make along the way, shaped by my taste. Stick around if you want to be a part of it.

And quietly, between us: this whole personal exercise is starting to grow into something bigger. Something I’m not ready to talk about properly yet, but let’s just say my forever wardrobe might not end up being just for me. More on that when the time is right.

It’s possible we’ll never see new or original design ever again, bar Jonathan Anderson. But I think there’s a solid argument to be made for something that feels new to you. Lately I’ve been pondering personal style (my own, to be exact), and wondering whether the general disinterest in the contents of my closet is a postpartum symptom (though I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans again, celebrate with me!), or whether I’ve simply evolved into a different version of me who has to live life fully. Before growing a human, I was steadily riding the minimalist, monochromatic train, taking my cues from classic French-girl style. But since becoming a metaphorical butterfly, simple “basics” don’t quite fill my cup the way they used to. Don’t get me wrong: a good white tee is a staple that belongs in every single wardrobe, I don’t care who you are. But I’m feeling a lust for something beyond the trusty denim-and-blazer combo.

If you look at my moodboard at the top of this newsletter, it expresses exuberant sophistication; a feeling rather than an actual product. A world where beauty reigns supreme and dreaming becomes reality. Essence made tangible, and I’m finally able to be the woman I’ve always actually dreamt of. Applied to my personal style (or rather, the evolution of it), the items I want appear to be unavailable. Structured midi skirts and gathered, belted coats in that specific off-white tone are damn near scarce, and I know I’m not looking in the wrong places, because if anyone knows how to find a piece, it’s me.

Which brings me to what I’m calling a solution: making my own clothes. Not your average DIY (I only know the basics around a sewing machine; I can fix a loose seam, and that’s about it), but I’ve found the tailor of dreams, someone who can drag the millions of garment ideas circulating in my head out into something I can actually put on my body. I call it that because it’s honestly the only way I can get what I want without hopping on a plane and actively scouring “hole-in-the-wall” stores in other countries.

The best part of all of this is that every piece I create with my tailor will be the perfect fit and size. There’s something so polished about an outfit that looks like it was made for you, because, well, it was. The most recent example is a look I wore to my sister-in-law’s father-in-law’s 65th birthday (a mouthful, I know): a white lace top paired with a satin skirt, both impeccably tailored. The first iteration of the top was a little loose around the waist and neck (sorry, no before pics; you’ll just have to take my word for it). The final result was sublime: a top-and-bottom combination that made me feel like I was back in my body, and injected a level of confidence I hadn’t felt in a year. This is what good clothes do.

In the quest to fill my cupboard with more well-made pieces (and not be haphazard along the way), I’m making a list and checking it twice. Just kidding. Not really. It’s important in any project to have a goal, so I’ve outlined every piece I want to make. At first glance, they may look like your typical wardrobe staples, but the excitement is in the details. I’m more-so chasing a feeling, rather than the actual pieces (Although the pieces themselves are tré importanté). Ornamental touches, daily rituals, tactile notes, and more. I’m creating a world that feels suited for me and my taste, and honestly, what began as a moodboard for my wardrobe became a vision board for my dream daily life. But circling back to my wardrobe, I basically want an everyday uniform: pieces I can throw on effortlessly that somehow look like I actually put in effort. All that will be left is to find spaces and places to wear them to. Watch this space!

Now that I have some sort of idea of where my updated taste sits, I can develop ideas, playing with textures, tones, and materials, to create a strong line-up of pieces I can circulate every day. My personal preference is to sleep in silk pyjamas, and through this exercise, I’ll make sure I do (even sleep should be romanticised). I truly believe every day is an occasion, and one should dress for it. Yes, no one needs another white t-shirt, but when you find the perfectly fitting one, in cotton at exactly the right grammage, heavy enough to make you feel expensive? You can’t tell me you’re not going to buy it. Fashion’s whole premise is personal expression, and I think that, ultimately, is what will feel fresh to me: being able to summon a particular mood through bespoke pieces, made just for me. I’m also a firm believer in the power of femininity, and that’s what’s really driving the overall spirit of my reimagined wardrobe. As much as I love an oversized fit, I’m dying to see waistlines again. Give me silhouette, give me curves. I’m a woman, for heaven’s sake.

Before I go,

Fashion has become optimistic, and I’m so excited about that. The effect of Covid on our collective dress-sense was dire (everything in its time and place, I know), but it’s high time we appreciated and celebrated getting dressed again. I won’t tire of saying this until we actually start getting dressed, promise :)

Until next time,

Seet x

This sentiment has been circling my orbit for months, and it’s reignited my excitement for making the small, seemingly mundane things feel special — a return to romanticising life, if you will. It’s also nudging me to savour the big, brilliant moments, even when they’re still just a thought. Everywhere I look, people are slowing down, not only to appreciate the good moments, but to ask themselves what they actually want, and whether their lives are pointed in the direction of getting it. It’s really beautiful to watch. The social media bubble is bursting in real time, and the ones paying attention are quietly taking the wheel.

So, with all of that in mind, I’ve decided to turn this newsletter into a curated dump of musings, inspirations, and moments that keep me alive. Things I’ve just bought or have on my wishlist (remember, we’re getting dressed again). Things that made me stop and ponder (yes — we are returning to critical thinking, praise be). And things I’m working on, because I’m obsessed with making beautiful things and I want to take you along for the ride of making something out of literally nothing.

This might read like a re-introduction, and maybe it is. But between us, let’s call it an evolution. The old me is still the new me, just with considerably fewer f*cks to give, and a whole lot more gusto for dragging the things in my head out into real life. Now, let’s get into it.

Currently inspired by:

A recent article by Net-a-Porter that finally gave me language for feelings that have been swirling endlessly in my orbit-about conscious gatherings, about the quiet return of the salon. The Return of the Salon brilliantly describes how people are slowly converging in beautiful spaces to engage in dialogues about anything and everything. A salon can simply be described as "a reception room in a large house," but as Natasha Bird puts it, its true purpose is "a rebound to ritual, cultural exchange and the relationships that develop out of cossetted closeness." Essentially: beautiful people, dressed excellently, talking and drinking wine (or your drink of choice, naturally). There is something deeply enticing about being in an exquisitely furnished room with a curated list of guests, exchanging particulars, while a fire burns and soft jazz plays. This brings back the full allure of the dinner party, and I am formally petitioning we bring these all the way back. Can I count on your signature?

Currently listening to

These three podcasts, in no particular order:

• The Naked Beauty Podcast with Bozoma Saint John — they get into Boz’s past, present, and future, but unlike other pods I’ve heard her on, host Brooke Devard’s interviewing style ties so seamlessly into her guest’s story that the whole thing unfolds like a well-written novel. A rare kind of listening.

• Vogue’s The Run-Through with three of Anna Wintour’s former assistants — on the heels of The Devil Wears Pradasequel premiere, they debunk and confirm a few of the rumours surrounding comparisons between Anna Wintour and Miranda Priestly. This one made me deeply nostalgic for my fashion assistant days at ELLE Magazine, one of my favourite jobs to date, and a chapter I think about more than I let on.

• Harper’s Bazaar’s The Good Buy with Emma Grede — unpopular opinion: I’m not the biggest fan of Emma’s interviewing style. But she is one of the finest guests to sit in front of a microphone, so it evens out entirely.

On the wishlist

• The Cora Cuff by Daphine: available in both silver and gold brass, and firmly the girl-on-a-budget's answer to the Tiffany bone cuff. Throw this on with a black polo and your look elevates instantly. Minimal effort, maximum return.

• Start With Yourself by Emma Grede: this is Emma's second mention in this newsletter because, well, she is to me what Oprah is to her. I stan a businesswoman who is completely unapologetic about her convictions, and I cannot wait to get into all of her truths in this book. Did I mention she regularly hosts a dinner club called A Seat at the Table? Now you understand why I love her.

• The Chanel jacket: as seen on look 28 of Matthieu Blazy's debut SS26 show for Chanel: a black and white cotton-mix jacket that is quietly perfect. It was shown with a matching skirt, which I adore-but I'd wear it with great denim and really good flats for something more relaxed. A tennis necklace, diamond studs, an intricate clutch, and a baseball cap, and your carpool-to-anywhere outfit is sorted.

The Address Book

Model Paloma Elsesser’s Brooklyn townhouse, as featured on Architectural Digest’s Open Door, has my heart racing. This home is a masterful collision of past and present-eclectic touches set against sleek contemporary design, inspired by vintage Milan décor and the African artefacts she has gathered on travels across the world. The result is deeply intentional and quietly, confidently sensual.

The media room alone-featuring Schumacher’s Zèbre Épinglé printed sofa-screams boudoir in the very best way. (And yes, we are bringing boudoirs back too). The kitchen is a masterclass in complementary materials: tile, wood, marble, all in conversation. And the pièce de résistance? The master bathroom, flooded with mirrors and the most arresting burgundy marble you have ever seen in your life.

One Last Thing

Life is meant to be lived. What is the point of being here if we are not going to savour it? I recently shared a video on Instagram about challenges, and about how genuinely grateful I am for them. The hard times are what make the good times so sweet. Black needs white. Up needs down. Neither exists without the other. The sooner we learn to accept that and swim with the current rather than against it, the easier and richer this whole journey becomes.

Until next time,

Seet x

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A thought keeps popping into my head: dress code and a genuine sense of occasion. Two weeks ago, I enjoyed an intimate, candle‑lit dinner at a dear friend’s flat, and we both confessed how much we miss really dressing up. Our main gripe? Getting glammed seems optional these days—and every restaurant feels the same: ‘Instagrammable’ mood lighting, so‑so food and an endless wine list. And I found myself asking, “What happened to The Art of Dining?”

Now, if you’ve read my last newsletter, you’ll know I’ve been a minimalist dresser for a while. But I’m in an evolution phase—slowly sprinkling in colour and print, staying polished yet ever so slightly adventurous. I’m absolutely loving it, which only makes me itch for an occasion to wear these pieces. Problem is… there’s nowhere to go.

Yes, shout‑out to the Marble, Blockman/Modena/Kolonaki groups for keeping things exciting, but I’m craving something even more unique. And hey, maybe I’ve been living under a rock—feel free to nudge me to the latest hidden gems! What I really want is a space with a menu of just five dishes I’ve never heard of (three I’ve never tried), and that’s it.

The closest I’ve found so far? A dinner date at Pot Luck Club—now at The Peech Boutique Hotel in Birdhaven. Food was sensational (I highly recommend the sharing menu: just enough bites of everything, and exactly the right amount). That pared‑back menu feels delightfully arrogant in the best way: “We serve only A & B. If you want C, tough luck, buddy.” Do your thing, and be the best at it. That’s an experience.

And you simply can’t have a culinary journey like that without a proper dress code. You wouldn’t turn up to, say, the Tate Modern in your pyjamas—so why roll into these temples of taste in jeans and a T‑shirt? (Nothing wrong with my denim uniform—I live in it—but time and place, darling.) These truly special spots are offering art on a plate; we owe them our best selves in return.

Some blame lies with the restaurants for not demanding more of us, but we can also step up and show off. They need to give us something one‑of‑a‑kind (beyond décor), and we need to respect that with what we wear.

In the meantime, I’ll be manifesting a three‑day‑only pop‑up dinner, open for four hours each night, with a single sharing menu and zero alternatives. And of course, I’m already day‑dreaming about the outfit I’ll wear—when I win that lottery ticket to dine there, of course.

Yours in manifestation,

Seet <3

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This journey, although still in its infancy, has already taught me so much. One of the most important lessons? That “the worst part about showing up online isn’t pressing publish”—it’s the moments before, as one of my favourite Substackers, Anna Mackenzie, so beautifully put it in her latest newsletter.

Since we’re stepping into a new month, I like to begin anything new with a reflection. January, in general, was a good month. Some of my 2025 goals were to sign up for Substack (check!), explore my city (evidence of this below), and get a hold of my finances (happy to report we’re on track—so, check!).

I’m also happy to report that No-Buy 2025 is holding up strong. I’ve added nothing new to my closet. In fact, as I wear my wardrobe, I’m realising that this girl (me—I’m said “girl”) is beginning to crave some texture and personality. I’m so grateful for the process of defining my style and building a wardrobe of staples I can wear every day. I recommend it to anyone going through a style transition. But as I continue learning more about myself, this evolution is slowly translating into my style as well. I’m very much a minimalist, but my personality—as I become more in touch with it—is starting to use her outside voice. More updates on this as they unfold.

As with life, where there are ups, there are also downs. My month was no exception. Some things I set out to do didn’t quite pan out. I wanted to spend more time in nature—under the sun, among the trees, near a river. But once work started, I put my head down and I haven’t really come up for air since.

My health also took a knock when my thirty-something body started acting up—hip pain, toe cramps, shoulder tweaks… oh my! Apparently, it’s not just me; it’s a thirty thing—thoughts? This meant I couldn’t be in the gym consistently either, which ultimately led to a higher level of fatigue. Fatigue turns into exhaustion. Exhaustion turns into unhealthy habits and patterns. But I believe that if you can recognise a downward spiral while it’s happening, you still have a chance. Meaning—we’re still in the game!

I’m also reflecting on the wonderful conversations I’ve had this month. In fact, they’ve been the highlight of January. Talking about business, self, health, dreams, and God has deepened my love for those around me. The people who continue to hold me up—but also hold up a mirror. I couldn’t be more grateful for those who unconditionally support me and make me feel seen. Everyone deserves a space filled with compassion, love, and honesty. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we move into the second (and shortest) month of the year, let’s use that as an excuse to regroup and execute—no excuses. January was our stepping stone, our trial and error. We’ve now experienced a full calendar month and seen how quickly (or not) it can go by. The point is—we’re a month in, and life is happening right now! This is an opportunity to take hold of everything we’ve ever wanted to achieve and move closer to becoming the people we ultimately want to be.

Keep going. We have another chance.

Until next week, all my love.

Seet <3

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Although my approach to masculine dressing is more classic, I absolutely love a stand-out menswear look – one that catches the eye and makes a statement about personal style, rather than wearing what one’s “supposed” to wear. Developing personal style was the ultimate inspiration for starting Seet at the Table – both mine and anyone else who’s on their own discovery journey.

Dressing how you feel on the inside is an art. However, it’s not as huge a task as one may think. I always say, if you don’t know how to do something, either learn how to do it or call an expert. In this case, the experts were all over Paris. Romance and femininity were recurring themes, as we saw adorned cardigans, draping, bursts of grounded colours, and women on the menswear runways (I love when they do this). These elements embrace the blurred lines of “men’s” and “women’s” dressing and throw the ball in the wearer’s court to decide for themselves what works for them and what doesn’t.

Since we’re talking about menswear, it would be remiss of me not to mention some of my favourite masculine-feminine girlies, some of whom have influenced my own personal style journey. First up, Louis Trotter, who was recently appointed as the new Creative Director at Bottega Veneta (she comes from her post as CD at Carven). Her style dabbles in “careless” masculine dressing, often opting for oversized fits and minimalist colour palettes. Another fave is Julie Pelipas, former Vogue Ukraine Fashion Director, who now runs her own fashion brand, Bettter, which reimagines vintage suits into modern designs. Last but certainly not least, a fellow Instagrammer, Cassandra Lanrick, who I’ve dubbed my “internet pen pal” (she’s one of the sweetest people I’ve never met). Obsessed with her style is an understatement. She opts for easy-going boyish vibes with a hint of femininity.

All these women embody a sense of confidence in themselves, which can be said to stem from deep self-awareness. I believe that once you can identify with your inner self, your confidence is sure to grow. There’s nothing better than holding your head up with an unshakeable assuredness that you are who you are, and nothing can break that. This is at the core of the power of fashion. If you can use it as a tool, you can set yourself up for success just by putting on clothes. When people undermine clothing and deem “fashion” as inconsequential, I know they haven’t yet intellectualised it. Not to get all Miranda Priestly on you, but it’s really not “just a pile of stuff.”

Working as a stylist, writer, editor, creative director, and entrepreneur, I can say with confidence that clothing is one of the most powerful tools one can use in everyday life. You can influence perception just by what you wear – both your own and those you come into contact with. Menswear, in this respect, can be further used to embody our inner masculine selves for when we need it most.

That’s all for now. Until next week.

Seet <3

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Minimalist. Desribed in the English dictionary as the following:

While there are some aspects of the above definition I relate to, like the phrase in the adjective “deliberately simple,” I would not describe the style as ‘basic,’ but rather ‘classic.’ If I were to define a minimalist as it pertains to one’s own style, I would say:

A person adopting a restrained apparoach to dressing, taking inspiration from minimalism and infusing it with classic sartorial codes.

Essentially, minimalism is a way of dressing that ensures that the outfit or wardrobe never goes out of style, thus a collection of foundational pieces that can be mixed and matched together in endless combinations.

As I started my wardrobe building journey, my ultimate goal was to solve a problem: spending (rather wasting) too much time in the morning trying to figure out what to wear. If you have a high pressure job, or jugging plenty projects at once, clearing brain space for things that truly move the needle is essential. Thus a uniform was the answer. Once I figured out my style archetype (classic minimalist), I became clear on what I needed to do next.

Step 1: Define your colour palette

Being a minimalist simplified the process because the items chosen were to be either black, white, or grey. This also ensured that any top would coordinate with any bottom, and vice versa.

Step 2: Start with the basics

“The Fundamentals” as I like to call them, are standard, quality clothing items that will be on rotation in your wardrobe. These include t-shirts, relaxed trousers, denim, button ups, skirts and other classic articles, all being monochromatic. These individual pieces can create a wide range of outfits for various different occasions and climates. The ones below are pieces I actually own and wear weekly.

An important note to make is to never compromise on shoes and handbags. This was something I learned from my mother at an early age (thanks mom!). Good quality shoes and bags can immediately elevate the simplest of outfits. They’re also the most “heavy duty” of all your worn pieces and will probably be put to the most work, so best you invest in something that can take it, your feet will thank you! While we’re on the topic of shoes, rotate your good staples. For me, loafers, ballerinas, and sneakers work with just about any look I put together.

It’s also important to note that if your style archetype is different to mine, this still lends you a solid foundation. The best part of my archetype is that it can develop ang grow as you wear the combinations because you’ll start to realise you can play around a little.

Step 3: Add some personality

While being a minimalist essentialy requires one to dress in monotones, rules are made to be broken right? So why not dabble in a bit of colour. Once I defined my archetype and colour palette, and built a wardrobe with The Fundamentals, I could then take note of how each outfit made me feel. This laid ground for me to start realising what was missing. I started to dabble with browns and dustry pinks, moving outsid of the monochromatic palette but still remaning classic. This proved to give my wardrobe the personality I was looking for and felt more “me” than a just a cookie-cutter wardrobe.

An important thing to note here is that I wore The Fundamentals for over a period of a few months, noting each look in a journal and most importantly what each look was doing for my confidence and overall mood. I know you’re probably thinking “Girl, I need a solution and I need it now!” But let me assure you, taking your time to build a solid wardrobe means you don’t have to ever do this again, like ever. This slow approach will ensure you grow with your wardrobe, and your wardrobe grows with you. It was only through the intentional yet painstakingly slow process that I arrived here: being able to plan my outfits in advance based on whether, occasion, and desire. I can’t tell you how much more time and joy this has brought to my mornings. It’s really quite sinple to execute.

If you’re looking to transform your wardrobe and build a uniform of your own but don’t know where to start, or need a ittle help, email me: seet@seetatthetable.com. Two heads are better than one :)

That’s it for today. I’m off to nursing my inner child. See you next week, or in my inbox.

Best,

Seet <3

P.S. if you’re interested in seeing how I execute these tips daily, head over to my Instagram and pop me a DM so that I know you’re part of the Substack family.

The question I posed in the title is something I started asking myself prior to undergoing a complete wardrobe purge. For those who may not have experienced this stage of existential crisis yet, allow me to paint this picture: You’re sitting alone at home. You’ve had countless and consistent thoughts about building your dream wardrobe but never quite started. You open your cupboards and see a closet full of clothes you never actually wear. Your head explodes in frustration over never having ANYTHING to wear ALL the time (the head exploding is metaphorical, of course). You decide that you’re done wasting away each morning with questions like “What will I wear today?” And statements like “I don’t have any clothes!” Finally, at the tail-end of your spiral, you feel your hands reaching towards every item and pulling (or rather yanking) them out of your closet until you see nothing but that mark you just couldn’t quite remove when you first moved in.

At this point, your adrenaline has you deep breathing and smiling from the inside. There’s nothing left to pull out. Now, for me, this was the “ah-ha” moment because it meant I could start building an intentional collection of items I actually loved and would want to wear (as a creator, a blank canvas is my haven so this was a moment for me). In 2024 I made a deal with myself that I would only purchase clothing items that I was obsessed with, like actually obsessed. A practice I still maintain which has taught me 2 things: 1. Making decisions on whether I should buy something has become a lot easier (the litmus test from above proved a success each time if I would be really honest with myself), and 2. I now treasure and take care of the clothing items I have because I really do love them. This has stretched the shelf-life of my clothes incredibly.

In addition to feeling completely light (and light-headed) after purging my wardrobe, I was able to approach its rebuild systematically with tools I’d learned working as a stylist. The first steps being:

1. Define your style archetype (mine is a minimalist—examples of minimalist wardrobe combinations at the end of this newsletter)

2. Determine which clothing items align with that archetype a.k.a. which ones are you keeping, and which ones are you donating or archiving (archiving allows for special items like heirloom pieces to remain in your possession but stored elsewhere for future, so not to take up wardrobe or brain space)

3. Create a Wishlist of missing items, because you just got rid of most things, remember? So this is the rebuild phase (my personal fave because we’re completely in dream-land and if you’re like me, you’ll go as far as to have your wishlist items made if you can’t find them in-store)

The rest follows from there. Once I embarked on this “rebrand” I figured I could do it for other people. Not only did it save me the morning headache, but it saved me money. I’m posed to save even more this year with a no-buy 2025 mission, meaning no new items purchased for the entire year (I’ll let you know how this goes). I was able to reach this point because I followed the above steps and over the course of last year, built a capsule wardrobe of items I love and wear that are aligned to my style archetype.

Perhaps my next newsletter should be a deep dive into the wardrobe of a minimalist, so you can see the many combinations that can be drawn from it. Even though it’s driven by minimalist principles, there’s plenty opportunity, trust me. Let me know!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Seet <3

P.S. Here are those outfit combinations I spoke about somewhere in the ramble above.

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To start anything new is the most daunting thing I believe a human can do, especially in their adult age. But there’s a growing movement towards doing something despite the fear, well at least that’s what the internet therapists who pop up on my Instagram feed tell me. “Just start,” they say. “In order to be good at something, you have to accept that you’ll be bad at it first,” they say. These nuggets have infiltrated my algorithm a lot more these past weeks; my favourites being the teachings shared by my adopted internet Mom, Kelly Rutherford - shout out to my Gossip Girlies.

So here goes. While the imposter syndrome still lives rent-free in my head, I like to believe we’re all not only trying to figure out our place in the world (the existential “what is my purpose?” question) but doing our best to navigate our path in the most uncertain times of our generation. All the things I know, I’ve learned from experience. Everything I don’t know, I choose to believe I’ll either find out through trying, or not find out at all, and I think that’s okay.

The point I’m trying to make here is that after much self-doubt and fear of failure over my career, I think I can safely speak for us all when I say that no one really knows what’s cooking (but if any of you do, please comment or DM me! Please!). However, even with all the insecurity, age and time has a way of developing a peculiar confidence consciousness. I’m gonna go out on a limb and give this one up to being thirty (anyone else experienced a miraculous sense of clarity after turning 30? Seriously, someone should study this).

This has all brought me to this place - accepting my most vulnerable self and sharing it with whoever will hold her with tenderness. My working world has been nothing short of an inconsistent whirlpool of chaos and beauty (more on this as we go along), but it’s also provided me with tools that have helped to define my own identity. As I share, I, in turn, hope to learn a great deal from you as well. I haven’t been this simultaneously excited and scared to do something new in a very long time. Perhaps that’s how I know it’s right.

I look forward to connecting with you all.

With Kindness and Love,

Seet.

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P.S. Check out The Row’s Spotify playlists - this one is Jan’s. They release one at the beginning of every month and their all pretty much a vibe.

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