Once one of the most eligible bachelors in Australia, David was a perfect match to the zest, beauty and vivacity of the lovely Marilu. In no time, David had gone from being a bachelor to becoming the devoted husband to Marilu. She shares, "We’ve been married for 11 years now. We met in Sydney while I was still working in a hotel, became friends, then, we got married. Yeah, you can say it was sort of like a fairy tale. When David was assigned to work at the Peninsula in Hong Kong, we moved there and lived in the city for eight years," recalls the striking beauty.
The charming Marilu leads an equally charmed life. She says, "Well, there is really no phrase or word that can define my lifestyle. My usual schedule, however, is pretty much normal. I spend time with my two boys during the day."
"Then there are meetings to attend to. I love tennis so I try to play as often as I can. And since my husband’s work involves attending functions almost every night, I accompany him," she continues.
The Australian-raised Marilu says, "I am definitely a city girl. I like the hustle and bustle of the metro. I love the vibrant lights of the city at night." For one who is constantly on the go, Marilu explains she’s always in pants and jeans. With her two boys running around all day, she needs clothes that will allow her to move freely. She likes to wear capris or jeans with a tee on busy days or she glams up the look with a beaded top.
"Then I add on a pair of fabulous shoes and a bag to match," she smiles as she comfortably lounges on the couch in a pair of Tod’s silver Matisse thongs with a light green Charlotte Piccola bag by her side.
Admittedly, just like any other lady, good quality shoes and bags are tops in her list of must-haves. "I like Tod’s because it really suits my lifestyle. Not only that, it is practical, very comfortable and elegant. Also, I find that its designs give that perfect finish to any outfit," says Marilu.
The Batchelor’s cozy home is a reflection of Marilu’s appreciation for good living. "I believe that style is something that comes from within. It is an expression of one’s personality. When it comes to fashion or home, I go for pieces that are timeless and comfortable," she says.
Her cream-colored receiving room and dining area are resonant of her interest in travel, food, art, literature and fashion. Local paintings and several Australian landscapes surround the area. Neutral, rich fabrics are complemented by Oriental and local wooden chests and cabinets. One will also marvel at the wide variety of destination, cuisine and art coffee table books and other hardbound novels in their home.
"I love to travel. My favorite destination is always Australia. It’s home to me as much as Manila is," says Marilu. She adds, "We travel quite often as a family."
Effortlessly refined and charming because of her genuine amiable nature, Marilu’s look can go from casual chic during the day then elegant at night. "I really stick to the classic yet laid-back pieces like collared shirts and pants. My wardrobe color palette is all about neutrals. I go for clean, tailored cuts that never go out of style." She confesses she also loves wearing heels with jeans.
It is on rare occasions that one encounters women of style; the genuine kind that you get a clear picture of what elegance and class is truly all about. It is not about sporting designer labels in blinding logos and colors. Neither is it about going over-the-top with pieces that are style essentials today, fashion taboo by next week. A luxe lady in every respect, Marilu is naturally chic and stunning in her understated grace.
(On this spread, Marilu models bags and footwear from Tod’s, at Greenbelt 4)