Disko Kids Meets | Sulky Doll Styling
Us ladies have got to keep up with our stylish kids nowadays, and with stylists like Sulky Doll (aka Donna McCulloch) providing all the inspiration you could need online, it's easier than ever. Since training at the London School of Styling, Donna is one of the leading ladies of styling, from working with brands such as BareMinerals and Stylist Magazine to styling the Scummy Mummies for red carpet events, to vlogging about 'School Run Style', she does it all whilst looking effortlessly fashionable. She's all about confidence and dressing to make you feel like you, so if you're looking for some encouragement and inspiration, look no further.
We squeezed ourselves into her super busy schedule for a quick chat about what inspires her...
Give us a short history of Sulky Teenager to Sulky Doll Styling - How did you get to where you are today?
Ok so, I have a spectacular career pathway...I have always loved fashion as my family and friends will attest to but I trained as a speech and language therapist and was in the NHS but I also worked in retail at Liberty and M&S, then in my 30s, after I lost my beloved Nanna, I took the plunge and followed my heart as she would have wanted me to. I retrained in fashion, and now in my forties I am living proof that it's never to late to do what you love and make a living out of it!
Who's style are you currently loving?
Cliche - but Kate Moss, she's my spirit animal. I grew up with her and she is the real queen of England in my opinion. I also love SJP who looks increds at 51, Diane Kruger too as she isn't afraid to take risks and Kerry Washington always looks flawless on the red carpet. Michele Obama is instanely stylish - how we miss her! Solange gets a special mention as another stylish Knowles sister.
Who were your fashion heroes growing up?
Too many...Mossy, but also Brigitte Bardot - I went to live in St.Tropez at 18 just to soak up that whole riviera vibe...oh, and to learn French! Also, Catherine Deneuve, Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor, all of the Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman, Princess Leia, Dolly Parton, Bianca Jagger, Romy Schneider...I find a lot of women inspiring.
Do you still buy magazines or does most of your reading now happen online? Any good blogs to follow?
Yes, I am old school and still love print journalism. I love Glamour, Vogue and Stylist magazines but particularly partial to Cosmo too. Small Town Threads is a great wee blog and an all round lovely person too.
Who are you loving on Instagram at the moment?
I follow some great stylists, brands and some bloggers...Fullerton Fash is a great account as is Donna Ida, Victoria Genevieve, Style Mum, The Style Nurse, Esa Evans, The Fashion Craver, Scummy Mummies, Monday I'm In Love, Selfish Mother, Mother's Meeting and Disko Kids! There's too many to mention!!
Do you have kids? If so, how many?
I have 2, a girl aged 11 and a boy aged 5.
Have your kids followed in your fashion footsteps? What's fashionable to them?
Yes, they are both really into clothes and very different styles. My daughter is quite utility, she could be a backing dancer for Kanye with her look! My son is like a surfer dude but he loves a bomber jacket or a Donegal tweed! That's his father's influence (he's Irish!)
We get the feeling you like Disco - what are some of your favourite disco tracks?
I love Disco! Big fan of the 70s - I Feel Love by Donna Summer is my fave though.
What other music do you like to listen to?
I listen to all sorts and am only grateful my kids are past the stage of listening to bloody nursery rhymes on a loop. I love Rock'N'Roll, Classic, Garage, Grunge, Country...honestly, the list is endless. Don't like Grime though.
Have your kids inherited your music taste?
Hmm...not sure, my daughter maybe but my son always tells me to "turn it down!"
Party out or party at home - Discuss!
Both - it depends on my mood. I tend to relax a bit too much if I party at home as I know I can head up to bed at any point, so party harder at home but I love going out too.
What's next for you?
LFW is on the horizon, Barcelona for a styling assignment, Scummy Mummies' book launch, 3 events with Donna Ida and that's just in the next month! There's a LOT happening at the moment and although I've worked very hard I'm very grateful to those who have supported and believed in me along the way.
You can follow Sulky Doll Styling at the following links: