City Suits to Muddy Boots: A Journey from London to Country Living
A STORY FROM THE LADIES OF CORDEZA
Photographed by Emily Dicks @emilydicksphotography
For many women, fulfilment isn’t found in following one set path but in changing direction when life calls for it. Meet Janine. Born and raised in North London, Janine spent most of her life surrounded by the fast pace of city living, but has since moved to Hertfordshire in the British countryside marking a significant lifestyle shift. Since relocating, she has expanded on an ongoing interest in farm life, especially in caring for animals. Adjusting her style and wardrobe to fit the lifestyle of rural living, Janine's transition has been both eye-opening and rewarding. In this interview, she shares some of the key lessons she’s learned since trading the city streets for country lanes.
Janine’s story began in a North London community, where her Austrian, Caribbean and Nigerian heritage influenced her to feel multiple senses of cultural belonging. “We were always in and out of each other’s houses,” she recalls, “The neighbours felt like family. Maybe people aren’t as trusting now, but back then it was much more open and connected.” That feeling of being a part of community has always stayed with her even as she transitioned to a slower pace of life in Hertfordshire.
The decision to leave London was rooted in family. “Children were the main reason,” she admits. “Different schools, a safer environment, it just made sense.” Still, the move was more than practical; it was transformative. “For me, change is always good. I can always go back to the city. This was simply a new stage of life.”
Janine highlights that alongside the shift in pace came a shift in what she felt was her purpose. The countryside opened the door to a lifelong passion: caring for animals. “I’ve always loved looking after animals and wildlife,” Janine shares, "but being exposed to people doing the same really encouraged me to get outside more." After reflecting on this, she found it has given her a sense of purpose and feeling of nurture, which she missed as her children have grown older. “That’s who I am now,” she laughs, “caring for my donkeys and goats is part of my identity.”
Fulfilment, for Janine, is not a destination but a state of openness. “Basically never fully settling makes me feel fulfilled, I never want to settle. I want to wear all different types of clothes, go to cafes and walk the dogs but I also love to party in Ibiza! I just love to experience different things, that’s what makes me feel fulfilled.”
When asked how she finds confidence in herself, she quickly responds with, “first and foremost, it’s community and love. Security amongst your people is the foundation of confidence.” But she also embraces the power of aesthetics. “I like to look good. Getting my hair done or wearing something that shows I’ve taken care of myself always makes me feel more confident.”
This philosophy extends to her style, which balances elegance with practicality. “I’m all about comfort, so nothing too fussy. I need clothes that work for the school run but I can then wear for an afternoon dog walk or dinner with friends. REN CORDEZA gives me that balance because I feel like I'm dressed up, I feel comfortable but at the same time it’s not too fussy.” She laughs, describing her go-to look as “shabby chic”, scruffy hair and not much makeup. “I’m a denim girl at heart, always in trainers. I’ve never been into heels, (partly due to my height) but I like to feel effortless.”
Janine’s relationship with fashion, being 5’11, has been shaped by her height and body type. “High street clothes don’t always work for me. I’ve had to invest in better-tailored, higher-quality pieces so that it fits better length-wise. It can be frustrating, but it’s influenced my style. I gravitate toward clothes that enhance my body, that make me feel like myself.”
This is why REN CORDEZA resonates with her. “For a woman who doesn’t want to live in baggy jeans or sweatshirts every day, the brand is a game changer. The extra-long leg length works perfectly for me, and the pieces transition so well through my day.”
Away from fashion, Janine’s philosophy today is rooted in strength and grace, but also in letting go. “I remind myself to be strong, but to do it with care and consideration. And sometimes, my mantra is simply ‘fuck it,’ because life is too short to be weighed down and dwell on things.”
Once inspired by women who did it all, for example “full time mums who have businesses, who workout everyday and always look put together,” she’s since redefined her perspective. “Seeing that on social media was toxic for me because it’s great for people that it works for but it’s not for me and so I used to feel like I was failing. Now, I just want peace. That’s how I view personal success.”
Her advice for women seeking a slower pace of life is clear: “Never have regrets, be who you want to be and lean into what you’re feeling. I’m governed by nature and found to be the happiest in the sun. Don’t get caught up in trends. Embrace who you are and just do the best you can.”
Community remains central to Janine’s journey. “Being part of a community of women is priceless. The boost you get from girlfriends in sharing memories and talking about how hard life can be, is actually so important.”
“I’m also inspired by diversity. Everyone is unique and you can learn so much from each other, so never confine yourself to one group, surround yourself with different groups of people.”
“Becoming a Lady of Cordeza, she adds, is about belonging. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that celebrates women in all their different stages of life and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Janine’s story is a reminder that fulfilment comes not from chasing someone else’s version of success, but from embracing change, whilst honouring your community and wearing clothing that let you move confidently through every stage of life.