"Me on the stairs at the Met Gala with my finger pointer showing the best leggings of all time"
At Tully Lou, we’ve always believed in doing things differently, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s right. From championing size inclusivity to creating pieces that make women feel powerful, confident, and seen, we’ve built our brand on bold choices and unapologetic values.
So, when Kate Forster, renowned author, culture commentator, and now host of The Blunt and The Beautiful, gave Tully Lou and our infamous leggings a two-thumbs-up review, we weren’t surprised. Honoured? Absolutely. Shocked? Not one bit.
You might know Kate from her bestselling novels, her TikTok, or her brand-new podcast with daughter Tansy. But what makes Kate a woman after our own hearts is simple: she’s unfiltered, she’s fashion-savvy, and she doesn’t perform for the crowd.
Kate has opinions, the kind people think but rarely say out loud. She’s outspoken about the fashion industry’s outdated standards, the importance of real representation, and how clothing should make you feel.
Star sign: Taurus sun, Pisces moon, Cancer ascendant
A typical day in your life: When I'm being a model version of myself, I go to strength training and walk every other day. I write at least 1000 words a day, make some silly social media content, and plan a good dinner as I live with my husband and my 24-year-old son, who is a food monster.
When I am being a deadline goblin, I roll out of bed, make coffee, waste time procrastinating, and then panic and write like a crazy woman and order Uber Eats for dinner.
What’s one thing about you that would surprise most people? I think people are constantly surprised by me, as people tend to have a perception of me from social media. But I am actually a big old softie, and I volunteer a lot. I worked at Dame Phyllis Frost Prison last year in the protection unit to visit women who don't get any visitors or outside support. I have also volunteered for the RSPCA, Sacred Heart Mission Dining Hall, and Good Shepherd. I also worked with the asylum seekers/refugee homework club in Dandenong for school kids, which was eye-opening and powerful. I think if you have privilege of any sort, you have a responsibility to share your time, talent, money, and resources.
If you could do any other job, what would it be? I would love to have been a doctor, but I am not smart enough. I love watching medical TV dramas like The Pitt.
How do you describe your style? When I'm writing- Frumpcore, t-shirt, hoodie, trackpants, and slippers. When I go out, classic, preppy, a little vintage, something fun to break up the classics.
Who is your style icon? Véronique Tristram - the Fashion Director at Glamour Germany and a stylist. She' older and her style is pared-back, directional, and timelessly Parisian and has that elusive French fashion quality of looking both considered and completely effortless.
What has been your biggest career achievement? Writing 20+ books for the big five publishers over 14 years and maintaining and growing my readers, and having several #1 in USA, UK, and Australia.
How do you switch off? Probably on a holiday when I am swimming in a pool or the ocean. Swimming brings me peace.
What’s always in your bag? I have an everyday bag, which is a Japanese men's bag by Porter-Yoshida & Co., and it has a bright orange insert that is always filled with about 10 lipsticks, not even a joke. Keys, wallet, hairbrush, a pen, a notebook, my phone, sunglasses and reading glasses, and a little spell, or talisman - you ain't gotta get protected, if ya stay protected!
Quote you live by: I am deliberate and afraid of nothing. - Audre Lorde
Favourite Tully Lou piece? The compression leggings. The 18 fits perfectly, and I am a 18-20, are sooooo comfortable. It doesn't feel like I am wearing leggings, and they pull me in, but I don't feel like I am being punished when I wear them. I tell everyone to buy them. I'm annoying like that, because if I find something I love, I am insistent that everyone has them. See compression leggings here.
You can watch to Kate & her daughter Tansy on the vodcast The Blunt & The Beautiful here.
Watch Kate's interview on Curious Conversations below