When it comes to creating a home with femininity and flair, stylist Lulu Wilcox is the master. Each room tells a story created by the precious treasures she has lovingly collected over the years. Editor Trudi Brewer learns the secrets to her interior mantra that she likes to live by.
From fashion to interiors Lulu Wilcox has built a career around her passion - styling. From her colourful and cute inner city haven that she shares with her husband and two girls Wilcox shares her career, home and beauty philosophy.
Career
What’s a typical working day for you?
As a freelance stylist and the mother of two girls, I wake up early to get the girls ready and off to school, and then I check emails and plan my day. Organisation is key when you are juggling motherhood and freelance work. I always try to fit in exercise; often it will be a walk in the park with the dog. Then I’m off sourcing and prepping for magazine shoots or my personal styling clients.
What do you like most about your career?
I am a people person. I love meeting and working with a range of different people from celebrity shoots to makeovers with my personal clients. Taking people outside their comfort zone with a new, unexpected fashion look and seeing their faces light up is the best reward.
What is your career high to date?
I have worked on some amazing projects over the years. My time spent working at MTV in Australia as the head stylist is my proudest working accomplishment. I got to meet and style some incredible talents, such as Delta Goodrem, Anna Nicole Smith and the hilarious Osborne family to name a few. To today with my day to day work on magazine shoots or TV commercials, and lately, my new venture into interior styling and home staging.
What advice would you give other busy working mums?
Organisation is key. Take care of 'you' first. As a mum if you’re not rested and happy, it's harder to care for your kids. I try my hardest to be in bed early, and I drink lots of water, my pink Queen of The Foxes drink bottle is never far from my side.
How do you stay balanced and happy?
I am happiest when I am with my kids. They make me laugh every day, and I have learned over the years, not to sweat the small stuff. Everything in moderation is my mantra. I do enjoy a glass of rosé with my girlfriends, and if there is paté on the menu - I order it.
Home
How would you describe your home?
It has a Mexican influence with an eclectic mix of pastels and bold colour and religious artefacts.
What makes a great interior?
Pulling together an interior look is like pulling together an outfit, it’s the details that count. Candles, vases, cushions, art, plants and flowers bring life to any room and can transform any space from drab to fab. Start with a white base, and then layer on colour. I like the quote: 'injecting personal style and items with a story are what turns an average room into a stunning home.'
What's your favourite room?
Our bedroom. It's not cluttered, which calms me at the end of a busy day.
What do you never compromise on?
Plants. I love the way they soften a room and add texture, wellness, freshness and colour to my living spaces. And I always seek the guidance of Gemma from Flora and Fauna when buying plants.
Your most treasured possessions?
My Designers Guild lounge suits, lampshades and cushions. They never date and have been great investment pieces. And the nativity set I recently purchased in Mexico that I will pass down to the children.
Best interior advice?
Your home should reflect your personality so buy things you can’t bear to walk away from when shopping. Paint walls white, so you have flexibility with colour, mix gold and silver together, and you can never have too many cushions.
Beauty
What does beauty mean to you?
I'm a beauty junkie, I adore makeup and skin care. I never leave home without a bright lippy. Grooming is important to me. However, I do believe true beauty comes from within.
What is your beauty indulgence?
I have weekly spray tans at White Spa & Float Lounge in Herne Bay, Auckland. They are quick, and my tan is always flawless. Also, I try and squeeze in a weekly blow-dry and hair treatment at Killer Hair.
What do you keep on your bedside table?
The Aromatherapy Company Everyday Sleep Essential Oil Blend and Naturals Wild Iris and Peony hand cream. My Trelise Cooper See the Light candle and my weekly Woman's Day magazine.
What is in your beauty bag?
Curtis Collection by Victoria Curtis mineral foundation, and illuminating bronzer. Savar Hand Repair and Smashbox Be Legendary Lippy.
Style
How would you describe your style?
Understated glamour. I dress to suit my mood. I wear tight leather pants and killer heels one day, and then trainers and a shirt dress the next. My outfits are always well thought through, everything from my jewellery to my shoes is well put together.
What Is your fashion personality?
Fun. Fashion should be fun, and reflect who you are. I like to wear colour, and very rarely wear all-black.
Who is your fashion Icon?
The late great Gianni Versace. He produced glamorous, beautifully tailored masterpieces using the most opulent fabrics and exquisite detailing.
Favourite local and international designers?
Ruby, Trelise Copper, Adrian Hailwood, Yvonne Benetti and accessories Kathryn Wilson, and Lindi Kingi. Off shore, Camilla and Marc, Camilla, YSL and Versace.
How has your career influenced your style?
While my style has changed over the years I have adopted, a less is more approach to my look. However, I am always influenced by beautiful prints and colour.
Photography Milana Radojcic
Makeup Lochie Stonehouse for MAC Cosmetics