Marle Woman: Tanice Elizabeth

Marle Women is created to celebrate our philosophy of designing pieces for women of all ages and stages of their lives. We hope each interview inspires you, the same way in which these women do to us.

Here, we speak with Legal Negotiator, mother of two, and co-founder of Content For Better, Tanice Elizabeth, about her minimal approach to style and the culturally diverse upbringing that shaped the confident and worldly woman she is today. Tanice talks us through the importance of having open-ended conversations around race, class, gender and sexual orientation, and why education is the key to eradicate systemic racism.

Can you share a little bit about yourself, your background, career and upbringing? What aspects have contributed the woman you are today?

I’m 31 and live in the North of Ireland. I am half Jamaican, half Irish and am a mom to two boys. I spend my 9-5 working as a Legal Negotiator in the financial services industry but the part of my day that I love is the time that I get to dabble in content creation. I was brought up by my parents to strive to be happy. I spent my years growing up between both Jamaica and Ireland and was so grateful to be able to be so close to both sides of my family - this was important as growing up in Ireland there weren’t many people like me or families like mine. Even though I lived in Ireland, it was very important for me to give the same amount of love to both sides of my life and even if that isn’t by being in the country, it’s very easy for me to keep my culture within my life via music, food, my family connections and reading.

How would you describe your personal style? Has it always been this way or has it evolved over the years? How?

I would say that my personal style could be described as neutral, elevated but relaxed. My personal style has definitely evolved over the years (possibly matured?) but my taste always seems to centre around the same line. I love being comfortable and I feel that I am at my most confident when dressed comfortably. So, no matter what I am wearing, if I am truly comfortable in it, I will wear that same outfit in different situations and still not feel out of place.

Have you always been confident in your style or is it something one learns with age?

I would say that I have always been confident in what I would and wouldn’t wear (my parents always said that I was so hard to dress as I always wanted to dress myself). That confidence has definitely increased with age; when I was a teen, I always wanted to have what was ‘in fashion’ however now I don’t like to follow ‘trends’ as such, but I do let myself be influenced by what is trending. That doesn’t mean buying new pieces that are coming out but using what I already have and perhaps styling that differently. I try to purchase items that work through different seasons (living in Ireland we sometimes have four seasons in one day) and those pieces will stay with me for years.

After being introduced to your feed via one of our stockists, The Undone, we’re so thrilled to have been able to introduce you to Marle. What do you love most about wearing Marle? How does it make you feel?

I love that Marle makes me feel effortlessly comfortable. You can never go wrong with a beautiful knitwear design and a pair of tailored trousers - They will remain statement pieces in my wardrobe for years to come.

Do you have any rituals when getting dressed each morning?

I do have a ritual when getting dressed. I think it is good to have a little bit of routine in your day, but I definitely think it is important to go with how you feel each morning. What helps me get ready is putting on the radio or some music in the morning. I always remember when I was young my parents alarm clock was a radio, so music helps me get up and get things done. If I am feeling sluggish, I try to put something on that will help motivate me and if I am feeling good and empowered, I put something on that will complement that mood. Other than that, I don’t put too much stress on myself and am in tune with my feelings and like to use them to express myself, usually through my content that day.

"I love that Marle makes me feel effortlessly comfortable. You can never go wrong with a beautiful knitwear design and a pair of tailored trousers - They will remain statement pieces in my wardrobe for years to come."

What do you wish people were more aware of? Is there something you wish was more openly discussed?

I wish that people were more educated in racism and aware of making differences, not just between races, but also class, gender and sexual orientation. There is a lot of work to be done and the only way that we can move forward is if we talk openly about these topics. At least one of them will affect each of us in some way, and so I think it’s important that we continually discuss, educate and re-educate ourselves. I also think it’s very important to not make differences within race. I find that being mixed-race that you can sometimes feel that you are not part of either race, like not enough of one or the other. Thankfully, I know that it is normal to have those kinds of feelings, so I simply use them and put that energy into my work, my friends and family or into strangers.

What is a piece of personal wisdom that you carry with you?

Always go with your gut feeling and never be afraid to speak your mind.

Most treasured accessory?

My most treasured accessory is my Cartier Panthere watch. I got it for my 30th birthday and it will stay with me forever and probably be passed down the generations.