From long hair to Californian blonde, a hat and bangs from head to toe, this month we take you to meet Marion, aka @fringeandfrange on Instagram. We love her world of French California girl, and we fall in love with each photo of her adorable little Romy, 5 months old.
Marion is our Koala Mom of the month!
What kind of mom are you? Cool or slutty? Introduce yourself ;)
I think I fit into the Maman Pool category if there is one! 50% Hen, 50% Cool. I am an entrepreneur, I have had a blog for 6 years and my hat brand since December, and I take care of Romy full time. So, that means a baby who follows me to all my professional lunches, on trips, on outings. I am completely gaga and I have a hard time being separated from her for more than an hour, hence my mother hen side, but I think I am still a bit cool!
What are your 3 “must have” childcare accessories that you recommend to all future mothers?
My favorite accessories since I became a mother are the Charlie Crane deckchair in which my daughter spends a good part of the day: we installed an activity arch there, she also takes her nap next to me when I work, and on top of that it's gorgeous! Then there's her comforter, it's a Maileg deer. She chose it all by herself and hasn't left it since. Finally, the bandana-shaped bibs are pretty and practical!
And your essentials for going on a walk?
I would say a pouch (to store diapers, liniment, cotton wool and a spare bodysuit because you can never be too careful), a blanket (it's useful for everything, everywhere - stroller, car, etc.), and a Studio Romeo baby carrier, it's a luxury to have your hands free when you're out and about!
By the way, where do you like to walk with Romy?
At the beach! My parents live in the south and we go there regularly. We love going for long walks there with Romy and our dog Maui. Every time, Romy is super attentive to everything we see there, she seems to love it as much as we do!
What is your favorite travel destination?
The United States. We go there several times a year, especially to Los Angeles, our favorite city. This year, we are going to discover two new places, first time for us with a baby, we can't wait!
And for this winter, any holiday spots to recommend?
I admit that I'm not a big fan of cold and snow, so in winter I always opt for the sun. For an immediate change of scenery, a little closer than the USA, you can go to Bardenas, in Spain! It's less than two hours from Biarritz by car, and you'll discover a sublime desert, you'd think you were in the American West. I love this place!
Do you have any kid-friendly addresses or tips to share in the Paris region where you live?
For a kid-friendly outing, head to the Haut-Marais in the 3rd arrondissement. You can go shopping at Bonton , have lunch at Maison Plisson or Nanashi, have a coffee at Folks & Sparrows, Café Pinson or Season Paris, buy plants at Les Succulents Cactus… It’s my favorite neighborhood!
What does carrying your baby mean to you?
Romy was in breech position in my belly, and I immediately felt when she was born that being carried against me was her favorite position, far ahead of lying down in a stroller. I love feeling her fall asleep against me, it's such a relaxing and soothing moment for both of us. Even today, when she weighs more than 8kg at 5 months, I continue to carry her in a sling whenever I have to go out. It's one of our special tender moments I think!
What are some blogs that you particularly like to follow?
On the subject of family, I love the blog of the Canadian Bethany Menzel : so positive and inspiring! I also follow a lot of Australians like @justy_olive, @yoli_and_otis, @courtneyadamo, solaires.
For fashion, @Mija_mija is my favorite! I also love @andicsinger!
Designers, brands, artists... who inspire you?
I love the work of woodworker Aleksandra Zee . She creates wooden paintings in her Oakland studio, inspired by her regular stays in Joshua Tree National Park. I love her world, close to mine but at the same time very inspiring.
A cult object on your desk or in your bag?
I always have one of my FRINGE&FRANGE hats lying around, either on my desk or within reach! I worked on prototypes for a long time so now they are everywhere in my house!
What has changed since you became a mother?
Before, I used to go get a manicure every month. But that was before I became a mother! Otherwise, I find that my life before, although great and very happy, was seriously lacking in this unconditional love. Now, when I see Guillaume, my husband, taking care of Romy, my heart races. When she falls asleep against me, when she laughs, when the three of us are together… life is much sweeter than before.
A piece of advice you'll never forget?
To enjoy every moment because time goes by too quickly with a child. We are told this at every stage: pregnancy, birth, etc. But today, at 5 months, I realize how quickly everything goes by and that every moment is precious and important.