Power: A Toast to Women

Dearest Reader,

Today, I raise my teacup (and, let’s be honest, a glass of bubbly shortly thereafter) to the women of this land — the bold, the brilliant, the beautifully stubborn.

It is National Women’s Day in South Africa, and though I adore a floral bouquet and a lace-trimmed robe, let it be known: we are not delicate things.

We are thunder in heels.
We are grace with grit.
We are soft voices that carry very firm messages.

From flower girls to grandmothers, we carry entire families, businesses, bridal parties, and handbags no mortal man could ever lift.

And so today, whether you’re a bride juggling 47 opinions and a Pinterest board, or a bridesmaid calming a last-minute meltdown, or simply a woman quietly holding the world together — I see you.

You are the reason the table is set, the dancefloor is full, the vows are whispered, and the future still believes in love.

A toast, then — to resilience wrapped in satin.
To those who came before us and made a way.
And to you, darling, for being a force with a fabulous manicure.

With admiration and affection (and a bit of lipstick on my wineglass),
Lady Belle