Spotlight on Natalie Alcala

Natalie Alcala is a fashion writer and the Founder of Fashion Mamas, an inspiring members-only network for influential mothers who work in fashion and creative industries. We fell in love with Natalie and the magical community she has created and are thrilled to announce that Rose & Rex is Fashion Mamas' official toy partner for 2017! We look forward to a play filled year from coast to coast with Natalie, her adorable son Diego and the amazing women of Fashion Mamas! We hope you enjoy our Q & A with Natalie, one of the coolest and most creative mamas we've ever met!

Q: We are in love with Fashion Mamas and the inspiring community of women that you have brought together. Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to start Fashion Mamas.

A: I’ve been a fashion writer for nearly a decade. In addition to freelancing for publications like Vogue, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, and LA Magazine, I was also the senior editor of Racked LA for five years.

I created Fashion Mamas when my son was three months old, back in 2014. I was looking for a community of women who could relate to both my industry and motherhood.

I also knew a small handful of amazing mamas who I had the genuine desire to connect and watch them make magic together.

Q: What have you found most rewarding about the journey of creating Fashion Mamas?

A: Watching my members build lifelong friendships with one another. There’s something to be said about meeting someone who can relate to multiple aspects of your life.

Q: We know you have big plans for Fashion Mamas in 2017. What are you most looking forward to this year?

A: Of course, I’m absolutely looking forward collaborating with Rose & Rex on tons of Fashion Mamas events this year! I’m also very excited to be bringing our Kids Fashion Fair to SF & NY, in addition to our flagship LA shows. We also have some very exciting summer activations planned, which I can’t wait to reveal in the near future. ;)

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to mamas trying to balance motherhood and a career?

A: Only take on what you can truly handle. Motherhood is an overwhelming job in itself, so whatever big moves you decide to take on in your career (opening a store, launching a campaign, booking an international job, etc.), make sure that you truly feel prepared and have a solid support system.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Q: What were you like as a kid?

A: I was super sassy and extremely curious. I couldn’t wait to grow up — wish I realized that being a kid was easy compared to adulthood! Now I’m just a big kid at heart.

Q: Let’s talk about your adorable son Diego for a second. What have been the surprises—both terrific and trying—about raising a toddler?

A: The greatest surprise is actually both a gift and a curse: they truly soak up knowledge like sponges! I say gift because it’s beautiful to watch Diego learn from our mannerisms. (For example, right now he calls this fox from Rose & Rex his “baby” — he pretend feeds him and cradles him and literally says “aw, baby!”.)

I say curse because I literally can’t curse in front of him anymore, which is a shame because I admittedly have a sailor mouth!

Q: What are your favorite Rose & Rex toys?

A: Definitely that Mini Red Fox, as well as Tegu blocks and those adorable little matchbox mice!

Q: If you had an additional day between Saturday and Sunday, how would you spend it?   

Dancing with my husband and Diego somewhere in Palm Springs.

Okay, lightening-speed round! Ready, set go:

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate (cacao, specifically!)

Early bird or night owl? Early bird

Heels or sneakers? Tough one! I’m going to say heels this time because I’m a shorty and appreciate the height. :)

Books or movies? Movies

Favorite color? Black

French fries or cake? Sweet potato fries

The super power you would want to have is ______? The power to cure cancer

You have an open plane ticket- where will you go? Turks & Caicos!