This month, we chatted with Alexandra Rhodes, a French and History of Art Student by day, and fashion writer by night. Alexandra runs a lifestyle blog called ‘Her Ribbons and Her Bows’ which documents her search for the perfect minimalist wardrobe and beauty products.
Below, we asked Alexandra Rhodes her Rules to Live By…
We all know Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but the temptation to skip it can be great if you are in a hurry. What’s your favourite quick-start to the day?
I always start the day with my morning cup of Mariage Frères green tea. For breakfast, I alternate between muesli and porridge with generous helpings of blueberries, flax seeds and walnuts for an antioxidant boost!
How do you move it? Tell us what you love about your exercise of choice.
I must admit my exercise regime is a work in progress and I’m trying to get myself more motivated! That said, I’ve recently discovered Mary Helen Bower’s Ballet Beautiful workouts and enjoy doing the Abs and Cardio streaming videos. She’s a former New York City Ballet dancer and trained Natalie Portman for her role Black Swan. It’s great for lengthening and strengthening muscles and improving posture. Plus pretending you’re a ballerina makes everything better!
Your travel bag has been stolen – it’s happened to all of us! Which three beauty products do you replace first?
I’d say I’m pretty minimalist in my approach to beauty. My essentials are a good cleanser and moisturizer so I’d replace these first. My latest obsession is Nude’s Cleansing Facial Oil. It gets rid of all traces of my makeup without causing breakouts. As for my moisturizer, I couldn’t live without Ren’s Vita Mineral Day Cream – it smells divine! I also try to do a masque once a week; my favourite is the Wild Rose Smoothing Masque from Weleda.
You have won a week in a destination of your choice. Where would go and what are your 3 must visit places when there?
I lived in Paris for a year and I’d love to move back! My first stop would be a morning stroll in the Jardin du Luxembourg followed by a trip to City Pharma in St Germain to stock up on some French beauty products. Then I’d stop for lunch at Nanashi in Le Marais for one of their bento boxes followed by a slice of matcha and raspberry cake!
What or who makes you smile?
Laughter.
We all have little rituals that make life better. What’s yours?
A hot bubble bath and a new magazine!
If you had to choose one, what would be your Rule to Live By?
Carpe diem.
