These stylish fashion insiders juggle high-powered jobs with super-hectic social lives - all while still managing to slip into their favourite new season buys. We asked seven designers and bloggers for their secrets to staying healthy and maintaining their svelte physiques.

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @MARGARET__ZHANG
RACHAEL RUDDICK

RACHAEL RUDDICK, ACCESSORIES & JEWELLERY DESIGNER

On swapping champagne for mineral water…

“I find that I am drinking less now than ever before as I need a clear head at night in order to work with our clients in Australia and Asia on different time zones. My advice?  If at an event try to alternate each alcoholic drink with sparkling mineral water”.

TANJA G

TANJA G, MODEL AND BLOGGER (MY EMPIRICAL LIFE)

On hangover cures…

“In my early twenties I used to love going out and I still don’t mind a great glass of wine or champagne (or three!) I keep my body balanced by making sure I combat the acidity that alcohol causes in the body by sipping alkaline cold pressed vegetable juices the next day. A spoonful of aluminium free baking soda after a night out is my go-to hangover cure”

On finding the perfect running shoe…

“I love running but I always had really bad knee problems until I discovered Nike Free’s – for some reason I never get knee pain now. It is hard to get your hands on all black ones though as they are in high demand!”

MARGARET ZHANG

MARGARET ZHANG, BLOGGER (SHINE BY THREE)

On making exercise fun…

“Incidental exercise has always been the best way for me to relax and stay in high spirits – frequent ballet classes and walking between meetings, for instance. You don’t realise that you’re working hard, which is somehow more rewarding than killing yourself at the gym.”

On her drinks of choice…

“My go-to meetings drink is a soy chai latte with cinnamon; my events drink is sparkling water (I talk with my hands and am almost guaranteed to spill something); and I’m never without my power smoothie in the morning (example recipe here).

REBECCA VALLANCE

REBECCA VALLANCE, FASHION DESIGNER

On holding the canapés…

“I often have a quick healthy snack before I go to parties so that I don’t feel the need to eat all the canapés. I often have a quick salmon salad or maybe some tamari almonds. I also try and keep my diet as green and organic as possible with lots of leafy salads and green juices.”

GAIL ELLIOTT

GAIL ELLIOTT, CO FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LITTLE JOE WOMAN BY GAIL ELLIOTT

On early morning exercise…

“I love feeling energised from a fast paced walk along the Bondi to Bronte coast before heading to my office in the morning. It allows me to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. I also do Pilates once or twice a week. It’s a great way to strengthen and tone muscles and I find my body responds quickly to it.”

BEC COOPER, FASHION DESIGNER, BEC & BRIDGE

BEC COOPER

On soft sand running…

“I love to run the soft sand at Bondi so I try and get down there 3-4 times a week. It’s a great way to de-stress and clear my mind while keeping me active.”

On waking up feeling fresh…

“During the week when we are out at events we generally avoid alcohol, we will have one glass of wine with dinner but definitely keep it to a minimum. Our days are too full to not wake up clear headed.”

BRIDGET YORSTON, FASHION DESIGNER, BEC & BRIDGE

BRIDGET YORSTON. PHOTO: XIAOHAN SHEN.

On ankle biters…

“Chasing two little boys (3 1/2 yrs and 18 months) around is enough to keep me permanently active! I recently also started with a personal trainer twice a week though which I absolutely love. It has been wonderful to feel like I have my body back after four years of either being pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Words by Madeleine Boyd.

Comment (3)

  1. July 2, 2014
    Larissa

    Love these tips! Great for party season!

  2. July 2, 2014
    Gia

    Great tip from Rebecca Vallance, I am usually running all day from one meeting to the next so by the time I make it to an event I am usually scoffing down all the canapes even if they are terrible because I am so hungry! Need to learn to make a little more time to eat prior to events!!!

  3. July 2, 2014
    Lara

    Love Tanja’s hang-over cure! Will have to try it next time!