Meet Elise —a vibrant force who truly embodies the art of creative chaos. A dedicated mother to two beautiful, energetic toddlers, Elise's life is a colourful tapestry woven with threads of fashion, art, and vibrant design. With a professional background that spans from fashion design to marketing, her joy comes from perpetually creating in any form—be it styling the most charming outfits for her minis (@mes_petits.amours), losing herself in a painting, or the meditative process of collage editing.
Who you are, what you do, and what life looks like for you right now?
Hi! I’m Elise — a lover of fashion, arts and crafts, and all things quirky and colourful. I’m a mum to two beautiful toddlers who keep me on my toes (and my coffee cup full). With a background in fashion design turned marketing, I find joy in creating in any form — whether that’s styling cute outfits for my minis, painting, or collage editing.
I’m forever inspired by my surroundings and constantly tempted to take up something new — crochet, embroidery, you name it. It’s both a blessing and a curse. Life is busy and sometimes chaotic, and while you can’t do it all, you do your best. If we’re all smiling, I count that as a win.
What does a dreamy morning look like for you?
Firstly, it’s the weekend (obviously). The sun is shining, coffee made by me, because I’m the pro barista of the household. Then we're out the door. I find it hard to sit still and I also get stressed with a messy house, so I find the best thing to do is leave it. A morning down at the beach puts us all in the best mood.
In the afternoon, we relax in the garden. Mum is listening to music, kids are making “mud potion” and dad is watering his veggie garden. We all have our thing.
What’s surprised you most about motherhood?
When you think of your own parents, it’s wild to realise they were doing it all for the first time too. You never feel the age you are, and you don’t always feel like you have the answers. Looking back, you always expected your parents to have it figured out because we’re so wise, right? In actual fact, I still feel like I’m in my early twenties and absolutely don’t have all the answers.
Also…How tired I would be. I joke, but not really. Motherhood has taught me to slow down a little. You can’t be everything to everyone. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to not be able to do it all. Working full-time and juggling motherhood is just accepting the chaos and making the most of the small moments. Weekends are for soaking up family time.
What are your summer tips for styling toddlers?
Have fun with it. Colour loves colour, so mix all the brights. Clash prints and let your little one own the show. Current toddler obsessions include terry toweling everything, stripes, and graphic prints that celebrate everything childhood is about — animal drawings, cute sayings, and clothes that are actually play-approved. Comfort is key, and bonus points if it’s oversized.
I’m big on buying quality. For birthdays, we invest in pieces to be passed down, and I love seeing my two-year-old wear her older brother’s clothes.
Top tip - Up the accessories this summer. There are slightly more limitations without being able to layer for interest like in the cooler months, so instead add a colourful hat that is both cute and sun safe (Beeji obvs), racer sunnies and fun sneakers/slides are always a win.
I must admit, as my children get older my inner fashion aesthetic does cry out a little when they reach for superhero shirts, but seeing them independently throw an outfit together is such a proud mum moment. We have “dress yourself days” where they can go wild with their choices, and on other days we find a happy balance between their creativity and my love for a coordinated look.
If we’re going somewhere special, I give them a choice of two outfits. My hairdresser once told me to always give kids two options, and honestly, it’s been great advice for everything in life.
Go-to outfit when you want to feel fab?
Something colourful with a bold silhouette. I also adore my LMS cowboy boots with anything, whether it’s a big t-shirt and mini skirt, a flowy boho vibe, or denim shorts. They always make you feel confident and ready to take on the day. And if I happen to end up in a country pub, I’ll be ready to line dance too. Yeeee-ha!
One thing you always pack in your bag?
One? Can I have five? A few essentials I never leave home without are:
Nivea Watermelon Lip Balm
A brush because thin hair needs that midday fluff
A pair of sunglasses
Wyuna Botanicals Misty Mushroom Face Spritz, my little 3pm pick-me-up
This face spritz is from my friend’s label, created because one of the founders has various allergies, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin types.
What’s bringing you joy right now?
Simple things. My children are both at such fun stages where they constantly surprise you with everything that comes out of their mouths. It’s thoroughly entertaining, and they are simply adorable.
I’m also loving the fleeting quiet moments where I can paint, drive home with my own music blasting and our Friday night movie nights where we rewatch all the Disney classics together.
Christmas is just around the corner, so all the crafty Christmas things ahead have me very excited. This year, I’d love to make novelty-size stockings that are a bit out there, with big pom poms.
Current Obsession: Podcast, Snack, Scent, Show
I’m probably a bit of an oddball because I don’t listen to podcasts very often. I am more of a listen to the same song on repeat kind of girl… My attention span is short, and honestly, Spotify is ruled by my two minis most of the time anyway.
Snack-wise, I have a sweet tooth, so carob bears are my daily go to post lunch.
Scent-I’m currently loving Yves Saint Laurent Libre, but I also adore the Lush Super Milk leave-in conditioner. It smells amazing, it’s divine, and sometimes I even spray that like a perfume too.
And for shows, I’m a sucker for a rom-com. I love anything that might look like a 4 out of 10 but secretly gives you everything you want. I’m still mourning the end of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and I low-key miss when weekly episodes were the norm. It really made each episode feel romanticised in a way, instead of just one big binge. Right now, I’m also prepping for all the incoming Christmas trash TV. You name it, I’ve seen it, and I’m here for it.
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Follow Elise @mes_petit.amours