From Melbourne to Vietnam to the Gold Coast: The Wild, Wonderful Ride of Fashion Designer Mum, Lexi Bell

Can you tell us a little about you and your family?

My name is Lexi Bell. My family is made up of my husband, Rob, and our two young kids—a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son—with another on the way. We’ll soon have three kids under four, and the juggle is going to be wild.

Rob and I are both from Melbourne originally, but we moved up to Noosa during COVID – best decision we’ve ever made! Since then, we moved to Brisbane to have our first, then finally settled on the Gold Coast where we had our second baby.

I’m a business owner, my label, Alexandra Australia, is a womenswear brand I started seven years ago. Rob also works in fashion and textiles, so we’re a busy, creative household.

The biggest adjustment to motherhood?

Sleep, or should I say lack thereof! I didn’t get any time off work when I became a mum, so I had to figure out how to do my usual workload and learn to be a mum… all while severely sleep deprived!

How do you manage the juggle?

I really don’t. I’ve accepted that doing it all perfectly is impossible.

“Some weeks, my health and fitness get pushed aside, other times it’s work or my social life. Every day I’m compromising in a different area.”

The best thing about being a mum?

The cuddles. There is really nothing better. I love feeling so needed.

The biggest challenge?

Adjusting to a new body, and the hair loss! I felt so strange and unsexy for so long. I lost so much hair around my hairline, it was hard to look in the mirror. It takes time to mentally shift how you see yourself again.

What surprised you the most about motherhood?

How much more emotional I’ve become! I tear up at the smallest things, like seeing another mum hug her child!

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. You have no idea what kind of child you’re going to have. My second had colic for the first three months, which made life very difficult, but of course, I wouldn’t change him for the world. I just wasn’t prepared for that level of challenge.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself?

Enjoy all the selfish free time and the sleep! I miss those days.

Tips or tricks to manage the juggle?

If someone offers to help, say YES. Always.

How do you make time for work, family, your relationship and yourself?

I work as hard as I can Monday to Friday, no wasted minutes. Then I try to devote mornings, nights, and weekends to the kids and Rob. Giving them my undivided attention when I can is the goal… even if it doesn’t always happen.

Who’s in your village?

Sadly, we don’t have family nearby in Queensland, which makes it harder. But I have the most amazing mum, she’ll fly up just so I can get to a nail appointment!

The 5 things in Lexi’s bag she can’t leave home without:

1. Chanel flip mirror
2. QV cream for my dry, sensitive skin
3. Frank Green hot pink drink bottle
4. BioCeuticals D12 spray for energy
5. Avene Eau Thermale spray for my face

Your favourite holiday spot?

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Rob and I lived there in the early years of our relationship, in District 2 with all the expats. It was nothing like I was used to (and people who knew me back then wouldn’t have believed I lived there!). The humidity was wild, but I loved it.

Why did you love it so much?

Every corner was an extreme. You could walk into a high-end Argentinian steakhouse and right next door there’d be a bustling street vendor selling $1 banh mi.

Next on your travel wishlist?

Japan. I can’t believe I haven’t been yet! That said, travelling overseas with two kids under three? Not my idea of a holiday.

Favourite brand right now?

I’m loving DISSH. Now that I live in Queensland, I need lightweight, natural fabrics year-round. They do so much linen, which I never used to love, but now I’m all about it. Plus, their pieces are well-priced, so I don’t panic when the kids come at me with sticky fingers.

Trend you’re loving?

Printed tees. I live in them and honestly, you can never have too many.

Trend you can’t get on board with?

Oversized blazers that look three sizes too big and fall off your shoulders.

Latest brand discovery?

I’ve just discovered some amazing jewellery labels like Arms of Eve and Murkani.

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

When I can, I head to Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. But I really miss Melbourne shopping!

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

A few walks and weights sessions a week, and eating as much unprocessed food as possible.

How do you stay active?

I love going for a walk while listening to music. And let’s be honest, I do a lot of squats just picking up the kids!

Top 5 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

1. Exercise first thing, or it won’t happen.
2. Even 10 minutes of movement is better than nothing.
3. Only drink when you really want to, like a night out with the girls.
4. Take your vitamins.
5. Don’t ban carbs, sugar, or fat – just don’t overdo them.

Your non-negotiables?

Veggies or salad every single day, and 10 minutes of morning sunshine on your skin (or a BioCeuticals D+K spray if you’re in Melbourne!).

What does ‘balance’ mean to you?

Balance doesn’t have to happen daily. It can happen over a week or even a month. Some days I work until 8pm and barely see the kids. Other days, I’m in full-mum mode and take them to daycare late. Don’t put time limits on when ‘balance’ should show up.