The Style Stories Podcast

How to look fabulous in vintage (and not like you’re going to a fancy dress party)

Vintage expert, writer and speaker Kate Bavis joins me this week on the podcast to talk about her passion for all things vintage. We discuss how different eras of vintage suit different body shapes as the cuts change over time. Think of straight-cut flapper dresses, they would be better suited to a straight up and down body shape but a 50's cut dress suits curves and boobs. I love the fact that Kate wears what she loves rather than bends to rules of what we 'should' wear past the age of 40. That really is the essence of this podcast, it's for rebellious women 40 and beyond who refuse to be told what to wear and that they should fade into the background.  With everything going on in the world right now it's a great time to enjoy some escapism in fashion. Fashion is a benchmark for what is going on in the world at the time, vinatge is a window into that particular era and is endlessly interesting and let's not forget, unique and sustainable too! Kate Beavis is also a vintage fashion expert and you can follow her on instagram here where she has over 52,000 followers: https://www.instagram.com/magpiewedding/?hl=en Or follow Kate here where you can see the lady herself showcasing her amazing collection of vinatge dresses and her home, furnished in mid-century second-hand vintage furniture of course! https://www.instagram.com/ihavethisthingwithvintage/?hl=en If you want to join my all new online style course 'How to Nail Your Personal Style' and get styled by me, please email me Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com.  Over five weeks on facebook I'll be covering all my tips and tricks to get your wardrobe looking tip-top and shaking up your style so you can look the best version of yourself possible and get a massive confidence boost and a lot of swagger. Come and join me and be part of the Facebook community!

How to get your smart/casual outfits for work right - with Sarah Gilfillan of Sartoria Lab

This week I am joined by Sarah Gilfillan, leading London men's stylist and owner of Men's Personal Styling Company of Sartoria Lab.  Getting smart/casual right for men can be a total minefield so how do you make sure you don't show-up at work looking like an overgrown teenager? Wearing sports gear is a massive no no and mixing really formal items with super casual is also something to be wary of. Sarah shares her hot tips for making sure you don't end up too formal or too casual in a smart/casual work environment and finds the sweet spot in the middle,  making sure you feel super confident in your outfits. Lisa shares her tips for gliding seamlessly from home working back into the office if that's what you're about to do.  Find Sarah here: https://www.sartorialab.co.uk/

Hot flashes in a meeting and dealing with menopause at work

This is a whole new ball game Ladies. Until very recently there was no way in hell the taboo subject of menopause would have been discussed or recognised in the workplace! oh no, it was ignored and brushed under the carpet. In this second episode in my mini-series on menopause I am chatting with menopause trainer Julie Dennis all about raising awareness and providing support for women going through this in the workplace. Businesses need to retain talent and look after the well being of their staff and this is something that has been totally ignored. Julie provides webinars, 1:1 training and group training sessions within companies to help them support their employees during this challenging time. Sleeplessness, memory loss and sudden hot flashes are all very real and it's about time this subject was out in the open! If this episode helps you in any way please leave a review to explain how. I'd love to hear your comments. 

Nutrition in menopause and why supplements are mostly a waste of time

This podcast covers style, fashion and image in your 40's and beyond but health is also a big part of that. If you feel well and strong then you are far more able to deal with the challenges life throws at us on a daily basis! This is why I'm doing a mini-series on the effects of menopause and how you can feel better from a health perspective as well as about your outward image.  This first episode in the series (also recorded live on Facebook) is all about nutrition and how you can support yourself during menopause and also during the winter months too. I'm joined by 'Healthy Eating Dr' AKA Dr Harriet Holme to discuss the foods and supplements to eat and those to avoid too.  Harriet has written an article on this subject which you can find here: https://healthyeatingdr.com/ Follow the Healthy Eating Dr for loads more tips on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/healthyeatingdr/?hl=en This episode was recorded live on Facebook - if you want to watch, click on videos on my FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/LisaGillbestyle If there is anything you'd like me to cover on my podcast please drop me an email Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com I would LOVE to hear ideas and suggestions from my listeners xx

What the hell do you wear in a formal workplace post-Coronavirus?

If you are someone who has previously worn a suit to work and now your workplace has switched to smart/casual, this is the episode for you. Dress codes have been gradually getting more and more relaxed at work for years. For some people this is a massive headache because they don't have the security of throwing on a suit. Now we need to match smart separates and put outfits together. It's still important to look professional and pulled-together, especially if you are senior so how do you do it? I'm giving some quick-fired tips on the actual items I suggest you get so your wardrobe/closet flows. A small list of things you can mix and match. One main thing to add is a 'presentation dress' a dress you can just throw on without thought when you've got a major work event to deal with.  For actual visual suggestions of things I recommend for work - have a look at my Pinterest page or my blog.  Please hit subscribe if you enjoy the episode.

What to wear if you’re an older bride

We are getting married later and later these days and of course, some of us move on to second marriages later in life.  But what do you wear? You don't want to look like a woodland nymph or a princess bride but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look and feel spectacular on your Big Day no matter what age you are. Don't make the mistake of thinking once you are past a certain age you should dial things down and disappear - the opposite is true - with age comes understanding of yourself and can be an excellent time to shine, sometimes for the first time.  In this week's episode get stying tips and tricks on what to wear if you are an older bride. Lisa is joined by UK Milliner Harriet Head of byharriet.co.uk. Harriet has been a milliner for 17 years dressing people for weddings, The Races and special events creating beautiful headpieces, hats and accessories. Hers is a business that was hit hard by Covid in March. She shares her personal story of how she has got through that and managed to pivot into a new business as well as what clothes mean to her and how they have helped her through certain situations in life.  byharriet.co.uk @lisegillbestylist

Why personal style matters even more after lockdown

Lisa is back after her Summer holidays with lots of tips on how to elevate your outfits but still stay casual. This week she talks about how starting her business and leaving her soul-crushing job changed her life and how important it is to know yourself and be true to yourself.  We are in the age of individuality where expressing yourself through what you wear is more accepted than ever - this raises other challenges though, the main one being all the choice we have to sift through! By finding your unique personal style you will make shopping far easier and wear clothes that make your heart sing. Above all, you will feel confident and comfortable - we all want to feel comfortable right now! Grab Lisa's ebook with free body shape guide here.

How to RESET your health and safely and sensibly lose half a stone in 12 days

Have you (like lots of us) put on a few pounds/kilos during lockdown? What if I told you there is a super healthy way to lose half a stone in only 12 days and get your fitness back on track without any crazy crash dieting? Tune in to find out how you can get straight on this weight-loss program in this week's episode where I chat with Tom Marien, the founder and owner of the outdoor fitness company One Element. Tom is explaining his excellent 'reset' program that will shed the pounds in a speedy 12 day window. This program is easily accessed through an APP and includes recipes and even complete shopping lists for the food you need so you can get involved really easily.  He also shares the story of how his fitness company managed during lockdown and in fact thrived by taking all the classes online. Tom wasn't at all familiar with Zoom when the pandemic hit but is a great example of a business owner adapting fast and still delivering what his members needed. In fact I'd say the online exercise classes One Element were running helped keep me sane! Lockdown has changed the range of fitness offerings One Element offered from HiiT based sessions to now include a much wider range from pilates, to yoga and meditation. Now they are all online you can access them from anywhere in the world and join the party! One week’s free membership here https://goteamup.com/p/1113869-one-element-wandsworth/memberships/80712/. Find RESET diet here https://reset-your-body.co.uk https://www.one-element.co.uk/

How to look good on Zoom

Zoom and video calls are here to stay! This is what I cover in today's bonus episode. Tinder is now pushing online dating too so let's talk about how to really nail your Zoom and look your absolute best. If you are a professional there are many pitfalls to avoid - laundry drying on radiators behind you, unmade beds and broken curtain rails are just a few of the things to avoid if you are an ambitious professional and want to gove off a great impression.  I cover lighting (which is KING), camera position, background, what to wear and make-up.  As ever, I hope you enjoy the show and come on over and connect with me on Instagram @lisegillbestylist

Style Ruts and Style Confidence

This week I'm welcoming fellow entrepreneur Avni onto the podcast. Avni is the founder of spice kit company Virtulicious, nifty little packs of spice that make sure you can prepare a delicious meal within 10 minutes.  Avni talks about working in a corporate environment, wearing dull suits and losing her sense of style to how she regained her style confidence when she used an in-store personal stylist.  This really is the key to style confidence, once you know you are wearing the right things, you'll have swagger! Since then Avni has lost a bit of fitness and like lots of us gained a few pound over the years (and in lockdown) so she is now launching a July weight loss challenge, watch her journey over on instagram @virtulicious.    Connect with Avni over on facebook too.