We launched this series because we believe that the morning can be the most intimate time of day, and because we appreciate that everyone’s routine is uniquely theirs. Whether you’re up at 6am or 10am, and whether you’re first move is to tend to pets or children or your own spiritual self, it can be a magical time that directly influences the rest of your day. Combine that with great style, and you’ve got just the kind of inspiration and eye candy that we love here at Camille Styles.
Melbourne-based Alex Van Der Sluys reminded us of all that. As one of the three creative geniuses behind Kip&Co, we knew Alex would bring it when it came to interiors and wardrobe.
But the cherry-on-top that made us want to be her best friends IRL? Her down-to-earth personality and undeniably lovable pack of pups. Start your day on the right foot by getting inspired by Alex’s personal style below, and be sure to follow @kipandcousa for all the latest in her colorful adventures.
What time is your wake-up call?
5:45 AM. Normally my pooches wake me up, closely followed by the alarm. Gerald, Jimmy and Fred are the wolf pack in my life.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I really wish I could say I meditated for 30 mins every morning but like most people I know, I spend the first moments of the day either checking out news, social media, replying to emails or chatting to my boyfriend about what we have on for the day.
Then, I’ll throw on my Kip&Co bathrobe and slippers and while I potter around making a cup of tea and having a quick read of the paper.
Click here to shop all of Kip & Co’s bath robes.
Your personal style is so inspiring. Do you plan your outfits in advance?
Definitely on the fly! Melbourne weather is very unpredictable – you really need to leave it until the minute you are walking out the door. Or, that’s my excuse anyway!
Click here to shop Kip&Co’s colorful bedding.
Healthiest morning habit:
Lots of sleep and quality products for my face and body.
Worst morning habit:
iPhone in bed!
What’s your favorite product in your shower?
Sebastian Penetraitt Mask for my hair
Do you experiment with hair and makeup?
I’ve got my makeup routine down pat. I really love makeup and have some beautiful pieces from Mecca in Australia that I’ve found through years of trialling other products.
I am not sure if I am my hairdresser’s dream or nightmare – I really like changing my hair colour and cut pretty regularly but the one consistent is that it has to be low maintenance – I don’t do any styling or use any products or a hair dryer, my hair has to fend for itself! Not sure if Ill be able to keep that up now as I just got bangs yesterday!
Click here to shop more Kip & Co bath.
If you could only put on one item of makeup, what would it be?
What’s your signature scent?
Definitely. Fleurs D-Oranger by Serge Lutens.
Click here to shop all of Kip&Co’s cosmetic cases
What do you eat for breakfast?
I’m really pretty simple with breakfast, just some fruit, yoghurt, nuts and honey. We got the best chai in India last year so have been making lots at home. It’s a morning must-have.
What’s your favorite getting-ready soundtrack?
We have a record player in our new place and that is pretty much all we use now. We’ve ‘borrowed’ a bunch of amazing old records from my parents – the covers are almost as entertaining at the music – and have been listening to a lot of Leonard Cohen and Rod Stewart recently.
I love my home because it’s unique and hopefully and honest reflection of me… little but packing a lot of punch 😉 I also love how warm it is. It’s super chilly in Melbourne at the moment and before our renovations, I would go to bed fully dressed with a beanie on. Now I can strut around in a Kip&Co robe and be happy as larry.
Do you workout in the morning?
I’ll either walk the dogs or do a yoga class – neither are a particularly hardcore “workout” but it gets me moving. I keep buying new exercise gear to get me back into running but so far that trick hasn’t worked!
If you had one extra hour every morning, how would you use it?
I’d love to say I’d start running again but realistically I think I’d read the paper in bed.
One word to describe your mornings:
Simple
