Jade: Viva to vintage!

I don’t have a particular style – it all depends on my mood and, of course, the weather. One day I will look elegant and the next day I will be rocking the athleisure trend. I love vintage pieces because of the great quality and uniqueness, and from a young age I have been “borrowing” from my mom and aunt’s wardrobes. Who is your style icon? My style icon is Rihanna; she’s a complete sartorial risk-taker and she makes anything look good. She won a style icon award and being the creative director for Puma, she’s a major influence in the fashion industry. I can totally relate to her fashion daring. What influences your style? I follow fashion weeks around the world and I wear clothing that I like, not what the fashion critics in the media dictate. I’m a great bargain shopper and I hardly buy anything at full price. I time the sales and save up my money and buy in bulk at the end of the season.

What are your top tips for winter dressing?

My number one rule is dress for comfort. Don’t pack all your summer clothes away, re-purpose your summer wardrobe. I pair my summer dresses with polo-necks, leggings or skinny jeans.

Every woman should own a pair of good quality boots, whether it’s ankle or knee-length.

Jerseys and coats are great investment pieces, but stick to neutral colours like black, navy or tan, as they will go with almost everything.

When it comes to styling, it’s all about the staples in your wardrobe.

The rule I live by? Every woman should own a pair of butt-hugging jeans that she can rely on for any occasion.

What other interests keep you motivated and inspired?

I and my partner Ondela Mlandu have started a movement called @ authoric_sa. It is aimed at female empowerment. We want women to know their value and that each woman is beautiful. Beauty is not limited to models in magazines.

We aim to start a women’s running club, where we run on Saturday mornings and have conversations and share life stories.

We are all about reaching out and we recently just did a pamper day at an old age home, where we painted ladies’ nails and shared life stories.

“Another one of our outreachprojects is the #authoricwinterdrive, for which we are currently collecting clothes and non-perishable foods. All donations go to the Kensington Haven night shelter.”

Check out more of Cupido’s looks on her Instagram page @fashionstylecrave.

‘Every woman should own a pair of good quality boots,’ says Jade Cupido.