The Style Stories Podcast

In this episode of The Style Stories Podcast Lisa is joined by Maxine, the vibrant voice behind @dressedtothemax for a warm and honest conversation about style, confidence, changing bodies, and dressing for yourself. Maxine shares how leaving a long career in banking during perimenopause led her to Instagram, where she found a community of women who wanted to see themselves represented in fashion. From navigating lipedema and significant weight loss to rediscovering her personal style, she talks openly about health, body image, and the freedom that comes with getting older. Together, Lisa and Maxine explore why clothes should bring joy rather than approval, how to resist trend pressure, and why the best style advice is often simply to wear what makes you feel like yourself. In this episode Finding confidence and community through personal style Perimenopause, identity shifts, and feeling unseen in fashion Maxine’s journey from banking to building Dressed to the Max Living with lipedema and choosing self-acceptance Weight loss, health, and changing how you get dressed Why body shape matters more than size labels Shopping with intention, altering clothes, and using Vinted Wearing colour, accessories, and pieces that genuinely bring joy Letting go of age-based fashion “rules” Find & follow Maxine: Dressed to the Max on Instagram, TikTok Find & follow your host Lisa here on Instagram Book Lisa's Sixty Minute Styling Session here. Email Lisa: [email protected]

The Style Stories Podcast: with Caleigh O'Donnell 'The Style Scientist' on the 3Cs framework for personal style. If you are feeling disconnected from your wardrobe or just interested in personal style, this one is for you! Outfits are a recipe - it's all about balance. In today's episode, we unpick the most important things to think about when it comes to building a great wardrobe. Forget all the dated style advice, add a bit of science and feeling to how you approach your style and everything will feel so much more aligned. Follow Caleigh here: https://www.instagram.com/itscalbal/?hl=en Follow Lisa here: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en Lisa Gillbe talks with Caleigh O'Donnell, the style scientist, about why personal style is more than following generic rules about body shape, colour analysis, or capsule wardrobes. They explore how getting dressed can become a tool for self-knowledge, confidence, and creative expression. Caleigh explains her 3Cs framework, built around comfort, confidence, and creativity, and how it helps people audit their wardrobes, spot style patterns, and build outfits that actually feel aligned with who they are. Key topics Lisa introduces Caleigh O'Donnell and her fresh approach to personal style. Why style is not frivolous or superficial. How getting dressed with intention can help you listen to and understand yourself. Clothing as both a communication tool and a way to feel grounded, powerful, or creative. The limits of capsule wardrobes, body-shape rules, and colour analysis. Why generic style advice often misses the individual. The 3Cs framework: comfort, confidence, and creativity. How to pull out your “top 10s” from your wardrobe. Identifying the specific style elements that make you feel a certain way. Recognising wardrobe gaps and building a better mix of pieces. Why a wardrobe should be viewed as a system rather than a collection of isolated items. Whether the “if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it” rule really works. How upbringing, geography, and personal history influence style. Caleigh’s seven-week group programme for discovering and developing personal style. Timestamps 00:00 — Why Lisa invited Caleigh O'Donnell onto the show00:38 — The problem with generic style advice and the promise of the 3Cs02:53 — Why style is not superficial or frivolous04:20 — Clothing, intention, and learning to listen to yourself06:30 — Dressing for how you want to feel in high-stakes moments07:59 — Why Caleigh started questioning traditional style advice09:55 — Rejecting the goal of looking richer, younger, or thinner11:50 — Comfort, confidence, and creativity as the real anchor14:28 — Why two people can look good in the same dress but feel different16:20 — Starting with the desired outcome instead of the rule17:12 — Looking backward through your wardrobe for patterns19:34 — The first step: pulling out your top 10s20:32 — Style elements matter more than specific garments23:13 — Defining comfort, confidence, and creativity24:32 — Creativity is novelty and play, not just boldness25:29 — Creating your North Star style vision26:24 — Thinking about wardrobe gaps like a recipe27:52 — Why having lots of clothes is not the same as having a balanced wardrobe30:02 — Evaluating clothes as part of a system31:12 — The one-year rule and why context matters34:54 — How geography and upbringing influence style37:42 — Why Caleigh once felt embarrassed to care about clothes39:33 — A pivotal style moment and finding yourself through clothes41:35 — Why generic frameworks can still be useful guardrails42:07 — Why Caleigh built her own model42:55 — How the seven-week group programme works44:50 — When the next cohort opens Notable quotes “What you're wearing is an element of communicating with other people, just as words are.” “The root of what we're all trying to feel is in some way feel comfortable, feel confident, and feel creative.”

What this episode is aboutThis week on The Style Stories Podcast, Lisa joins us fresh off last week’s Super Styling Workshop to unpack the real‑life style problems we all secretly share—and the surprisingly simple fixes that can change everything. From not knowing what goes with what, to feeling lost, stuck in a style rut, bored of your clothes, or just plain confused, Lisa breaks down exactly why these struggles happen and how to move past them. This is the episode to play when you’re staring into your wardrobe thinking “I have nothing to wear”… again. What you’ll learn Why so many of us feel stuck in the same style traps, even when we “have loads of clothes.” How to spot the difference between a wardrobe problem and a confidence problem—and why that matters. Practical decluttering tips that don’t feel like a chore, so you can actually see what you own and what works. Where to shop (and what to buy) so your next purchase actually adds value, not clutter. How to build a wardrobe that feels like you at your best, not like a confusing collection of “almost‑right” pieces. Why this episode mattersStyle struggles are universal, but they’re also fixable. In this episode, Lisa shares honest, relatable stories from the Super Styling Workshop plus gold‑dust solutions that you can start using immediately—no overhaul, no stress, no guilt. If you’ve ever felt bored of your clothes, overwhelmed by choice, or unsure how to put outfits together, this is a must‑listen. It’s like having a trusted stylist sit down with you and say: “Here’s exactly what to do next.” Perfect for you if… You feel stuck in a style rut and don’t know where to start. You’re tired of buying things that never get worn. You want to declutter your wardrobe without throwing half your life away. You’d like to know where to shop and what to buy so your next shopping trip actually pays off. Tune in nowGrab your headphones, a coffee, and your most “meh” outfit, and press play. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer, calmer, more confident relationship with your clothes—and a plan for what to do next. This is The Style Stories Podcast: where style feels less like a problem and more like a conversation. SUBSCRIBE TO LISA'S SUBSTACK HERE: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/ All Lisa's styling services can be found here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/ Contact Lisa - [email protected] Please follow the podcast if you enjoy it!

Setting Style Intentions for the Year A stylish wardrobe isn’t random - it’s rules + rebellion, opposites that attract. Today, Lisa shares how great dressers master both: structure from body shape/colour knowledge + the confidence to break free with your style vibe. In today's show Your 3 style words: Define your vibe (e.g., "crisp, bold, fluid") – game changer for shopping, decluttering, feeling you. Rules as guardrails: Body lines, best colours = fewer mistakes, more confidence. Rebellion with knowledge: When/how to bend trends, dress codes, play with edge. Style Intention Framework Audit 2025: What lit you up? What drained you? Narrow to 3 words that feel like home. Build 2026 around them – ruthless declutter, joyful buys. Announcements ✨ New Substack launched – deeper dives, style psychology, free resources. [Subscribe here] 🎟️ Super Styling Workshop – 5 tickets left (Jan 31st, Arding Rooms). Rules + magic live. [Grab tickets] here (use discount ARDING50 at checkout to get £50 off). Follow Lise on Instagram here Click timestamps to jump:0:00 – Why opposites attract in style3:45 – Your 3 style words exercise12:20 – Rules that actually work18:40 – Rebellion done right25:15 – 2026 intention setting32:10 – Substack + workshop news Hosted by Lisa Gillbe, London personal stylist (15+ years). New episodes weekly. #fashionpodcast

(This is the reposted - CORRECT episode and it's a good'un!) In this episode, Lisa kicks things off by shouting out some of the brilliant listeners who’ve left reviews recently (thank you!) and responds to two specific requests for an episode on “elevated casual.” Those messages sparked today’s chat on how to look pulled‑together over the festive season and when you’re WFH – because how you show up at home still affects how you feel and how you work. You’ll hear loads of ideas for elevating casual looks, from jeans‑and‑a‑nice‑top (the forever hero outfit formula) to easy ways to smarten your everyday knits, denim and flats so you feel stylish but not “done.” Lisa also talks about what she’s actually wearing this Christmas, with party outfit ideas that work whether you’re heading to a house party (no heel dents in someone’s wooden floors, please), a cosy drinks night or something a bit more glam. Jeans and a nice top still absolutely earns its place, but you’ll also hear about the hottest trend for 2025/26: underwear as outerwear – think slip dresses, lingerie‑inspired pieces and “nightie but make it out‑out” styling, for those who dare.​ You can also shop the pod: use the link in the show notes to see Lisa’s curated edit and shop her recommendations directly – from elevated casual staples to party‑ready pieces that actually work in real life. Finally, Lisa shares why now is the moment to grab your ticket for the Super Styling Event: The Winning Wardrobe Formula in January. If you’ve got lots of clothes but never feel like you have outfits, feel a bit lost with your style, or don’t know where to shop and what to buy next, this one‑day event is designed to change that. You’ll walk away with your 3 style words, a clear way to declutter, practical styling tips and outfit ideas mapped out for your real life – and there are only a few spaces left, making it a brilliant Christmas present to yourself. Links mentioned: Shop the pod: Lisa’s elevated casual and party edit​ Super Styling Event: The Winning Wardrobe Formula – January tickets (limited places) Lisa's website: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/ Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Festive Fashion Introduction09:04 Elevated Basics for Home and Work09:32 Party Season Style Tips19:52 The Importance of Fashion in Personal Identity

Rediscovering Style After Weight Loss: Alison’s Journey In this follow-up episode to an earlier episode about finding your style after weight loss, Lisa sits down with real-life client Alison to discuss what happens when dramatic life changes, including losing three dress sizes with weight loss jabs, reshape your sense of style and confidence . Alison's Story: From City Lawyer to Country Life Alison opens up about her career as a lawyer, her move from the fast-paced City to the serene Cotswolds, and how these shifts mirrored changes in her wardrobe and daily dressing. She shares candid details about embarking on a weight loss journey, the realities of dropping three dress sizes, and how that affected her clothing choices, sense of self, and overall personal style. Advice for Listeners Navigating Change Alison’s experience is deeply relatable for anyone facing big life transitions—whether dramatic weight loss, moving home, or changing careers. Lisa and Alison discuss common struggles, like clothes no longer feeling right, outdated wardrobes, and the psychological side of changing your look after body transformation. The conversation is packed with practical tips for rediscovering your style, building confidence, and making your wardrobe truly reflect the current you. Your Invitation: ‘Find Your Style’ – January Event Lisa shares details of her upcoming London styling event: “Find Your Personal Style,” where attendees can get clarity on their style personality and discover their 3 style words—setting the foundation for a fresh, authentic wardrobe in 2026. Early Bird tickets are available until 30th November. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience—click this link for more info and to book your spot today! Tune in to hear Alison’s inspiring story and grab actionable style tips for anyone ready to revive or reinvent their look. Listen, learn, and start your own journey to a wardrobe that fits your life and personality! TICKETS TO THE STYLING EVENT AND INFO HERE Follow Lisa on Instagram here Work with Lisa on your wardrobe. More info and contact details here Podcast Sponsorship enquiries email [email protected] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alison's Journey02:07 Alison's Career and Style Evolution05:17 Moving to the Cotswolds and Wardrobe Changes08:18 Weight Loss Journey and Its Impact on Style10:46 Self-Image Transformation Post-Weight Loss13:06 Technical Aspects of Weight Loss Medication16:03 Style Evolution and Personal Aesthetic19:46 Finding the Right Wardrobe Pieces23:17 Navigating Trends and Personal Style25:42 Final Thoughts on Style and Confidence #fashionpodcast #personalstyle #healthandwellness

Show Notes:As the festive season approaches, it's time to refresh your wardrobe for those after-hours client dinners and gatherings. In this episode, Lisa explores how professionals can effortlessly transition from office-ready to evening chic without sacrificing style or authority. Discover how to dress with more sass, style, and direction; so you not only look polished but also radiate confidence and personal flair. This episode is packed with quick outfit ideas, styling tips, and where to shop for versatile pieces that work from desk to dinner - perfect for busy professionals who want to enjoy every outfit with authority and fun. Whether you’re heading into a season of celebrations or simply want to elevate your everyday style, this episode is packed with inspiration to make your wardrobe work harder and look better. Tune in to unlock your perfect desk-to-dinner wardrobe and embrace the festive season with confidence and flair! There really is no need to dress in a boring way in the office - times have moved on! Grab your ticket for Lisa's style event in London HERE: https://mailchi.mp/lisagillbestyle/super-styling-workshop Shop Lisa's suggestions here: https://liketk.it/5tovx Work with Lisa on your wardrobe - website here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/ Follow Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en #fashionpodcast #personalstyle #corporatestyle