Musings on Motherhood
In celebration of Mother’s Day, our founder Julia sits down with three members of our FWF community - longtime customers and friends of the brand - all at different stages in their motherhood journey.
Bannie Williams is the founder of Fort Green Yoga studio in Northcote, Melbourne, mother to Daphne (3), and newborn baby boy Clancy. Bannie was 38 weeks at the time these images were taken, with Clancy being born just last week!
How do you juggle your career with motherhood?
Bannie: “It can be be the most rewarding and challenging balance to strike. The beauty of running my own businesses is the flexibility to be with my children. I can teach the classes and work the hours that suit our family best - an incredibly fortunate position to be in.
On the flip side, running a business never stops. I remember doing the payroll the same day I gave birth to Daphne! Thankfully, I look back and cringe at how crazy that was.
However, Fort Green was my first baby and every part of the motherhood/career juggle is worth it for me. The fulfilment my studio and operating the business gives me, enables me to be a better mother.”
How would you describe your personal style, and has it changed since becoming a mum?
Bannie: “Minimal, comfort and quality over quantity.
I spend more time curating my ‘effortless’ wardrobe and filling my online carts than I would like to admit! Although since becoming a Mother, practicality and comfort has become my main priority (whilst still staying true to my style).
I can never go past an oversized shirt paired with a beautifully fitting pant. In summer, I live in classic shirt dresses and in the cooler months it’s knit dresses, cashmere sweaters and long coats.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given on motherhood?
Bannie: “‘Everything is just a phase.’
I continually strive to practice the yogi philosophy of ‘non-attachment’ during tricky parenting phases. When I feel deep in the trenches and life is riddled with constant wake ups, fussy eating and big toddler melt downs - I give myself a gentle reminder (and pour a big glass of wine) that this too, shall pass.
The next phase is just around the corner and as parents it is our job to nurture our children through the highs and lows. However, I’m not sure anything can prepare you for the selflessness that comes with parenting and being at the mercy of our tiny dictators! But motherhood sure is the most beautiful and messy job in the world. To end on a serious question for other parents - does the Frozen phase ever pass?!”
What is your favourite FWF piece from AW23 collection?
Ooh this is a tough one! The Cleo Scoop Neck Dress in chocolate, the Cleo Skirt in blue melange and the Anais Rib Knit Pant in taupe.
Anna Brown is the mother of Winnie (5) and Aggie (2). She juggles motherhood with her full-time career, where she works on tourism infrastructure projects within Victoria. She also happens to have been best friends with FWF founder Julia since high school.
How do you juggle your career with motherhood?
Anna: “I have balls dropping all over the place… This stage of life with a two and five year old, plus a full-time job is total chaos. Anyone who says otherwise, I want your number. A good friend once told me, ‘at this stage of life you have three major elements: your family, your friends and your career, and you can only do two of those well.’ I think this is spot on. Having this realisation took so much pressure off.”
Has your style changed since becoming a mum?
Anna: "I wouldn’t say I’ve transferred into ‘sensible mum’ but can safely say the 2008 Jeffrey Campbell hot pink sparkle platform boots have been retired. For good. I do however, wear the FWF silks with Crocs… I’ll probably regret this decision."
“A good friend once told me,‘at this stage of life you have three major elements: your family, your friends and your career, and you can only do two of those well.’ I think this is spot on. Having this realisation took so much pressure off.” - Anna
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given on motherhood?
Anna: "How bad is some of the advice you get while trying to wrangle your kid… that being said, I have two advice pearlers that don’t send me into a spin:
1. Give your kids 15 minutes of undivided attention a day. Put away your phone, stop creating a mental list and just be with them. This is all they need to feel truly connected.
2. Set yourself a transition routine from coming home to your kids. No one likes that parent who may be physically there, but are still in cranky work mode for all that didn’t get done. My routine: I change out of my work clothes, 90% for the mental and physical transition and 10% for the sticky hands…"
What is your favourite FWF piece from AW23 collection?
Anna: "Safe to say I’ll be strategically allocating my purchases across different bank accounts for AW23….But if I had to pick one, the Mimi Bomber Jacket for sure."
Margitta was one of Julia's first-ever customers, and the two have formed a strong friendship over the last seven years. Margitta is the mother of three adult sons, Nick, Alex and Kris.
How would you describe your personal style?
Margitta: "I look for harmony in an outfit that is effortless and relaxed, yet still relevant and unexpected. Classic, modern with an edge I feel best describes my style today."
Do you have a favourite piece of advice that you live by?
Margitta: "Live each day to the fullest without regret, don’t waste time worrying about the past, and relish the freedom of choice in what you can control. Always treat others as you wish to be treated with kindness, tolerance, empathy and humility."
“I look for harmony in an outfit that is effortless and relaxed, yet still relevant and unexpected. Classic, modern with an edge I feel best describes my style today.” - Margitta
What advice would you give mothers of younger children now that your three boys are all adults?
Margitta: "Probably not to take advice, even mine, as anything other than one persons opinion which should be heard but measured to suit your own individual thoughts, needs and experience. Trust yourself, follow your own instincts and let your heart guide you. I hope I have given my boys the unconditional love, guidance without judgment and freedom to live their truth, but you might have to ask them."
What is your favourite FWF piece from AW23 collection?
Margitta: "The AW23 collection is so strong to be honest and would blend seamlessly into my wardrobe. But, if I have to choose, it’s the silk pieces for their transseasonal appeal and timeless silhouettes. The Willa Dress, Willa Pants, the quilted Fredric Jacket and Vest are all timeless."
