The incredible thing about Instagram is getting a look into other peoples lives… people in other cities, countries, worlds apart from your own lives… whether they’re a doctor, stylist, blogger, architect, scientist, teacher, model… yet they’re going through the same life experiences, dealing with life changes as they become mothers, balancing their old life, work or no work, with motherhood. Like postcards sent from a distant pen-pal, little snippets of other peoples lives. And with that comes comparison of course. But comparison doesn’t have to be negative, it can be a powerful instigator, a motivator, a drive. When you look through that squared peep-hole at someone elses (edited) life – take inspiration, lessons, ideas, feelings and use them in your own life.
After having Margot I would spend a lot of time browsing through those little squares in the middle of the night whilst feeding. And I would find myself wondering how these other mums are managing to get out the door looking like they didn’t have a care in the world when I was struggling to brush my teeth before the nursey-school run.
So I thought well why not ask them…
And here it is, my new Edit series: The Successful Mother.
And I am incredibly proud to say that for my first Edit of the series I spoke with a mother I find immensely inspiring, kind, beautiful, open and honest as well as being a powerhouse of a business woman and mother.
Introducing Charlotte Groeneveld also known as ‘The Fashion Guitar’.
1. Do you plan your outfits in advance?
I do plan my outfits for big events, or when I travel for work. For the first, it’s mainly because I sometimes borrow a look for an event from the respective PR, and this needs some time to be processed – and fitting, the pieces have to be sent to my home, etc – for the latter it’s because of packing. Needless to say, I do have only a certain amount of suitcases I can bring, so rather than stuffing them all full, and have no idea what to wear, still, I rather plan my looks for Paris and bring what I need! Saves spaces and stress 🙂 Day-to-day looks I never plan.
2. What is the average morning routine for you?
I wake-up, and try to leave my phone until my work day starts. I don’t want my kids to see me holding my phone first thing when they wake up.. I get out, prepare outfits for James and Stella, and jump into the shower. Meanwhile my husband prepares breakfast, and COFFEE – we need that! Then we eat in our kitchen, very casually and fun. Either Thomas brings the kids to school on the bike, or I by taxi. After that, my workday starts!
3. Do you have any quick makeup hacks that hide a sleepless night?
I have a concealer from Laura Mercier that is the one and only for me. It works so well!!
Shop it here.
4. Do you manage to style your hair everyday or do you have a tip for making second/third/fourth day hair last?
I wash it every other day, but I make it wet every day. After sleeping there are just too many waves and wrinkles in it. Then I brush it roughly, and blow-dry it straight. Super simple, but best “casual” look for me.
5. Any sneaky ways to look better than you might be feeling?
Really rich and hydrating day creams – Estee Lauder for the eyes and La Prairi for my skin – and good make up. As mentioned, I have a wonderful concealer, that ALWAYS does the trick. I also cover red blemish, and other things that bother me. Then a light compact powder – I use Chanel at the moment
Shop it here. – and a good bronzer to slightly contour, and a blush for some freshens. Mascara is key for me as well, and I do my brows a little too (
Shop it here). Done!
6. How do you manage to fit in keeping fit with work and the children?
I’m going to be honest with you, I never work out, and I hate it. But I’m too busy, and just not the person who will get up at 5AM to make it work. I make sure I eat healthy, drink plenty, and sleep well. Being active when I’m with the kids is one thing I do, and I try to walk everywhere I go.
7. Do you work a lot in the evenings too?
Yes, almost every night there’s some event or party. I’m not going to all of them, but still a good amount of nights I’m away for work.
8. Do you have any tips for keeping the kids entertained whilst you get ready?
We have a lovely nanny, who’s there to help in those moments, too. If she’s not around, they come in my room when I get dressed, and we make it fun, or I put up a film and make them comfy on the couch until I’m done.
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Thank you so much for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed the first in my new series and have been as inspired as I was by this little insight into Charlottes life. I will definitely be purchasing her beauty hacks.
And watch this space I have some amazing mothers stories, tips and tricks to share with you every Sunday night in the following weeks. And if there is someone you’d love to know more about and how they make it work – comment below and drop me an email.
Thank you again,
Ashley
x
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Loved this! Look forward to the next
Emma x
Author
Thanks Emma xx
Really enjoyed this, tips from other mums are so helpful especially if they mean i leave the house looking a bit more put together! Looking forward to the rest if the series x
Author
Thank you so much Alison xx
Oh wow! I need all of Charlotte’s hacks! What a stunner! Fab series lovely xx
Author
Thank you so much Helen xx
I love her instagram! really enjoyed reading this – looking forward to the rest of your posts x
Author
Thank you so much! Xx
I think you are inspiring, Ashley 😍 Can you interview yourself? ☺️😘
Author
Ah thank you! Xxx