Last time we checked, over a million people had used the #northwest on Instagram. #Blueivy? About 250,000. And little #harperbeckham? More than 40,000 people. Kids fashion is trending right now and trendy tots like Harper Beckham and North West are leading the pack...
Locally, Melbourne-based mother Sandi Zaljevic is one of Australia’s most loved kids fashion bloggers. The stylish mother transitioned from a career in the fashion and beauty into the world of blogging after the arrival of her two daughters Bella, 6 and Giselle, 3. Back in 2013, she started Kids Fashion Blogger, an online destination for on trend girls’ fashion on Facebook. “It was a great way to share my finds, my style and where to shop as people would often ask where I purchased threads for the girls,” she says. Fast-forward two years and Zaljevic now has an Instagram following of nearly 100,000 and uses the platform to showcase her chic girls’ outfits. Her passion for kids styling has developed into a successful career and her adorable daughters are coming along for the ride. Often complementing each other and sporting signature topknots, Bella and Giselle are styled in a cool mix of leather jackets, printed dresses, Converse sneakers and aviator sunglasses. They’re social little butterflies too, attending everything from Emirates Stakes Day to a party with Khloe Kardashian. We caught up with Zaljevic to chat about motherhood and what goes into the perfect children’s outfit…
Motherhood has taught me…
To trust my inner voice and that feeling you have is generally always right. It has taught me patience and unconditional love that I never imaged possible.
Life has changed in so many ways…
Life before children was all about me; travelling, shopping, lunches, out every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Life now is about my girls. My career has even changed to involve them. I have slowed down a lot and enjoy all the little things. I loved my life before motherhood and I love my life now as a mother both very different but with new experiences all the time.
The most challenging period of motherhood for me…
Not having my family live close by as support and babysitting. My parents live in country NSW and I miss my mum terribly. Just little things like appointments I have to either take the girls or rely on a friend or babysitter. I didn’t realise how much you would need that family support when you have kids.
My beauty routine consists of…
Cleansing in the shower every morning then applying eye gel and moisturiser. I finish off with a small amount of mineral powder over the little bit of rosacea I have over my nose. At night I cleanse and moisturise. Before the girls I used to wear a full face of make up every day. I actually would never leave the house without it. Now I’m lucky to wear it once a week.
My children are happier with structure…
When Bella was three weeks old and I was religiously writing feed times and sleep times. I sent my hubby off to buy ‘Save Our Sleep’ by Tizzie Hall. I found it to be the best help ever as it was a guide for everything. I didn’t live off it by the minute but it was my guide. Both my girls, lucky for me started sleeping right through the night from eight weeks. By the girls having a routine we had a life. Still both my girls are in bed by 7pm, which then gives me my time and time to work on Kids Fashion Blogger.
What I love about raising girls…
The conversations, the fashion, and the movies they watch. I love revisiting all the Disney princesses, that they believe in fairies, playing with makeup/dress ups, shopping. Watching them as they grow into little ladies. I’m such a girl and to be honest I don’t think I would know what to do with little boys.
My advice to first time mothers is…
Savour every moment it goes faster than what everyone tells you. Do what you want for your child, follow your inner voice.
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When I had Bella I knew my career path would change…
It would’ve been too hard to go back to the corporate/training life but I had no idea what I wanted to do. When Bella was 18 months old I took a casual position in retail at Decjuba, which I loved. My mum used to say Bella was like my dolly I would dress up! One day, about a year after having Giselle, I came across Sydney Fashion Blogger and I thought I want to do this for kids. Not make it about Bella or Giselle but share my finds, style and where to shop with everyone. People would often ask me where I purchased threads for the girls when we were out and about. Kids Fashion Blogger was created on Facebook in March 2013. In the July a friend saw how well it was going and said I needed to be on Instagram. I had no idea about Instagram so he set me up, gave me some lesssons and we were off. We have been so fortunate and have so much fun. It’s one of the best things I’ve done. I feel like I’ve evolved all over again too.
Kids Fashion Blogger evolved organically…
I just took each day as it came and ran with whatever I was presented with. I believe things happen for a reason and if you put out what you want it will come. I currently plan the girl’s looks in advance depending on the event or where we are going. I always know what’s coming up and generally picture it in my head when I lay in bed at night! Most of the time I will have flat lays ready to go. I always check the weather and lastly if the girls have new items I will choose them first if not then I style up something they already have differently.
Time is my biggest challenge…
Time management/routine became a must for me as I did struggle juggling both. I always feel as if I don’t have enough hours in the day. I do it all myself like a lot of mums. Sometimes I do wonder whether I give enough to both. You also need to have a balance and took me a while to find.
My summer essentials…
Havaianas, Seed maxi skirt, Seed wedges, Wittner tan heels, white tee, Une Fille boyfriend jeans, Mimco clutch, Moisture lipstick always on hand, I just purchased a gorgeous strapless jumpsuit, bathers.
My favourite brands for my girls…
Chikhi, Zara, Sudo, Witchery, Whitefilly, Milk N Soda, Bardot, Tutu Du Monde. In the girls bedroom’s I keep their everyday wear plus labels I’ve posted. Then in my office I keep two clothes racks one for each with pieces just posted or to be done with shoes at the bottom plus hats, glasses and handbags surrounding.
The hardest part of being a mother…
Is when they are sick it breaks my heart and hoping you are being the best mum you can be. The best part of being a mother is knowing that you created these little people inside you and watching them grow. It really is the best thing ever!
My favourite part of the day is waking up with both girls beside me…
Both end up in my bed at some stage early in the morning and I love it. The best cuddles and the smile on their little faces when they wake is more than anything in this world.
Quick questions:
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Heels or flats: Flats now most of the time but I still love my heels!
Currently reading: Raising Girls.
Favourite Instagram accounts: Rozalia_Russian, OracleFoxBlog, ScoutFashion, SeeWantShop and StylingTheTribe.
Words of wisdom: Be happy doing what makes you happy, your soul will smile and opportunities will always come your way. Always try to be kind even when people aren’t as everyone has their own story.
Next travelling to: Bali
Favourite food: Tapas
Funniest moment of motherhood: Too many!
Sandi’s little list of loves:
New Colorescience Mineral powder
Warmer weather and lots of beach time.
Tuesday afternoon soy chai with Bella.
An espresso martini.
New Cadbury chocolate picnic block.
Redesigning the girls’ bedrooms.
The book Champagne Supernovas
Photography: Fiona Storey. Hair and makeup: Amy Harrison Jess. Words: Annabelle Dickson. Sandy wears Decjuba. Bella and Giselle wear Chloe, Billieblush and Bella & Lace.
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