Alice Frawley on Motherhood, Jewellery & Finding Balance

Dermatologist student and mother of two, Alice Frawley brings warmth, wit, and effortless style to the everyday. In this month’s Verse Mothers feature, she shares the pieces she cherishes, how motherhood reshaped her priorities, and her favourite Melbourne discoveries.

Name: Alice Frawley
DOB: 25 July 1986
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Australia
Occupation: Dermatologist student 

What is your personal style signifier?
Jeans, a white tee and an oversized jacket. I’m in the thick of a classic postpartum style identity crisis, but this combination always makes me feel like myself — slowly weaning off the leggings!

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?
My engagement ring — a special piece designed by my high school friend. Hugo proposed on my birthday during COVID in 2020, and a few months later I was pregnant with Vivi. It symbolises a big year of growth. I also wear my Two Letters & Heart necklace from Verse Fine Jewellery every day — it carries both my babies’ initials and means the world to me.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
A pair of Isabel Marant Naori leather sandals I picked up overseas. They elevate every summer outfit while still feeling low-key and comfortable — I’m obsessed.

What is currently on your wishlist?
Rachel Donath dining chairs. I’m slowly curating timeless, special pieces for our home.

Your earliest fashion memory?
Breton tee, black overall dress, knee-high socks, and a beret. She’s always been a French girl at heart — or maybe Cher from Clueless, hard to say!

The beauty staple you’re never without?
A hydrating lipstick or gloss. There’s one in every bag, pocket, car door, and pram.

What will you always find in your fridge?
Oat milk for smoothies and avocado for... everything.

How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally?
I start every day with a smoothie — packed with nutrients to set the tone. Pilates is my go-to and has been a non-negotiable since my late 20s, especially for my mental health. I’m a huge advocate for 30 minutes of movement a day — it makes such a difference.

Any great discoveries recently?
Coffee: Wolf in Paddington — my local lifesaver during the first nine weeks of mothering two.
Food: Marion Wine Bar on Gertrude Street — the best!
Online: Lucy Williams’ Remotely newsletter. Home, renovation, fashion — it’s a weekly delight.
Shop: Monti online. Just discovered it and now obsessed. Sadly, I want everything.

What object would you never part with?
Books — I’m a self-confessed book hoarder. I’d rather carry 5kg of books than leave them behind. Not even Demi Moore’s autobiography is safe!

What are some of the challenges of being a mother and how do you juggle it all?
Parenting two is a whole new world. The logistics are wild, the relationship dynamics shift, and relinquishing control has been tough. We don’t have family nearby, but we’ve built a strong support system — and that’s been key. We prioritise solo time and weekly non-negotiables to fill our own cups.

Alice wears Two Letters & Heart Necklace here 

Film Photography: Vivi, Hugo and Alice