Co-founder of Bloom and Blossom, Executive Fashion & Beauty Editor at Glamour, and mum, Julia shares her top fashion and beauty tips with StyleNest.
Having spent 10 years in public relations, Julia moved into magazines and is currently the Executive Fashion & Beauty Editor of Glamour Magazine. As if that wasn’t enough, Julia co-founded the mother and baby skincare brand Bloom and Blossom with her sister-in-law Christina Moss.
Where did the idea come from for Bloom and Blossom?
There was a market out there for a natural, premium skincare range. So many friends were telling me they couldn’t find products to use when pregnant, that they felt completely confident with, and that also looked beautiful in the bathroom cabinet. The concept of developing a range of skincare products with the brand philosophy of ‘minimum ingredients equals maximum results’ grew from that point.
Did you find your style changed when you entered motherhood?
It didn’t change much as when I was working, I went back to my usual style. I started to be more practical with my handbags weirdly; thank goodness cross-body bags are so popular now, as I need both hands at all times.
Who are your top three designers and top three high street stores?
It has to be Antonio Berardi for his feminine and super sexy silhouettes, Isabel Marant for her unique Parisian-grunge look, and Erdem for prints and texture. On the High Street I can’t live without Whistles, Gap, and Topshop.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
All mums inspire me; it is a mean feat just to get out of the front door in the morning alive. My mum has been an incredible inspiration to me; I am who I am because of her.
Any styling tips you can offer our readers?
Dress for yourself and your shape, not because something is in fashion. If you have a fabulous waist then show it off; great boobs, then let them be accentuated; don’t cover up the good bits.
What beauty products couldn’t you live without?
Aveda Brillant Shampoo and Conditioner; with my mass of curls I need these products in my life. Givenchy Phenomen eyes mascara; I will never look back now I have discovered this. Sienna X Extremely natural self tan; just a hint of a tan makes me feel 1000 times healthier.
What’s your home style? How to you manage with kids’ toys everywhere?
We live in a 17th century cottage and there’s never enough room for all the toys. My policy at the end of the day is to hide everything behind the sofa; what I cant see won’t hurt me.
What’s your moto in life?
It is very clichéd but I have always believed in, and find myself repeating, ‘treat others how you want to be treated’. I find I apply this to my working day regularly.
When you’re not at work what do you enjoy doing with your son? Are there any local parks or attractions you both enjoy?
My son loves going to an animal farm near us called Willows Farm; he is obsessed with all the animals big and small. He also loves the indoor play area just down the road called Big Space; luckily for my they serve great coffee and cake.
You must be very organised to juggle a business with motherhood. Do you have any top tips on how you stay on top of it all?
Lists. I have always been a lists person, even as a child, and I continue to this day to have lists. I have one by my bed as I do wake up with ideas, thoughts and never fall back to sleep if I don’t write them down.
Do you have a particular restaurant that you love going to but that’s also family friendly?
We have a great restaurant near us called Hillside in Wheathampsted; it serves fabulous food and they have always made my 18 month old son feel incredibly welcome.
Is there any particular investment piece you are lusting after this season? (A/W11)
The Miu Miu two-tone silk/crepe dress in black/navy – timeless.
To browse your future skin products, check out bloomandblossom.com