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: Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com

The Heart Flutter Wardrobe Formula
Lisa Gillbe introduces a personal styling framework for rebuilding a wardrobe that feels exciting, not stressful. Drawing on 16 years as a London stylist, she explains why so many wardrobes end up full of “just in case” pieces and how to reconnect with what actually makes getting dressed feel good. In this solo episode, Lisa focuses on one central idea: your clothes should create that small spark of recognition and confidence when you look in the mirror. The episode is about tuning out wardrobe noise and finding a clearer, more joyful way to dress.

 

Work with Lisa Directly - media enquiries Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com

Work with Lisa on your personal wardrobe - find out more

Get Lisa's recommendations from today's podcast on her Substack here

Book your Sixty Minute Styling Session with Lisa here

Key points

Lisa Gillbe, a personal stylist in London with 16 years of experience, frames the episode around helping people get dressed with confidence.

She describes the feeling she wants listeners to reconnect with: that “flutter” moment when an outfit feels unmistakably like you.

She says many wardrobes are filled with sensible buys, last-minute purchases, and items chosen for a “fantasy self” rather than real daily life.

The episode’s main idea is the Heart Flutter Wardrobe Formula, a simple approach for identifying what you genuinely love to wear.

Lisa positions wardrobe building as something that should feel emotionally rewarding, not confusing or dutiful.

She encourages listeners to open their wardrobe while listening and use the episode as a reset for how they think about their clothes.

The goal is to cut through fashion noise and make getting dressed feel good again.

The episode sets up a practical, self-reflective style process rather than a trend-driven one.

Timestamps
00:00 - Lisa Gillbe introduces The Style Stories and her styling background
00:30 - Why wardrobes fill up with “just in case” clothes and fantasy-self purchases
00:58 - Introducing the Heart Flutter Wardrobe Formula and the episode’s main promise

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 show
00:38 — The problem with generic style advice and the promise of the 3Cs
02:53 — Why style is not superficial or frivolous
04:20 — Clothing, intention, and learning to listen to yourself
06:30 — Dressing for how you want to feel in high-stakes moments
07:59 — Why Caleigh started questioning traditional style advice
09:55 — Rejecting the goal of looking richer, younger, or thinner
11:50 — Comfort, confidence, and creativity as the real anchor
14:28 — Why two people can look good in the same dress but feel different
16:20 — Starting with the desired outcome instead of the rule
17:12 — Looking backward through your wardrobe for patterns
19:34 — The first step: pulling out your top 10s
20:32 — Style elements matter more than specific garments
23:13 — Defining comfort, confidence, and creativity
24:32 — Creativity is novelty and play, not just boldness
25:29 — Creating your North Star style vision
26:24 — Thinking about wardrobe gaps like a recipe
27:52 — Why having lots of clothes is not the same as having a balanced wardrobe
30:02 — Evaluating clothes as part of a system
31:12 — The one-year rule and why context matters
34:54 — How geography and upbringing influence style
37:42 — Why Caleigh once felt embarrassed to care about clothes
39:33 — A pivotal style moment and finding yourself through clothes
41:35 — Why generic frameworks can still be useful guardrails
42:07 — Why Caleigh built her own model
42:55 — How the seven-week group programme works
44:50 — 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.”

Finding Fashion Freedom: Day-to-Day Dressing for Confidence 
In this episode of Style Stories, Lisa Gillbe chats with Amy Simpson about the importance of dressing well for yourself, breaking free from ageism, and redefining confidence through fashion. They explore practical tips for elevating everyday style, challenging societal stereotypes, and embracing personal style at any age.

Key Topics - 5-10 bullets:

The significance of dressing for self-empowerment rather than external approval

Amy’s journey from professional dance to launching Nudie Spray, a solution for patch wearers

Addressing ageism in fashion and media, and how societal standards impact women's self-image

The importance of practice in building confidence to wear bold outfits

How casual dress can lead to clutter blindness and a disconnect from personal style

The power of small daily rituals like wearing earrings or a statement outfit to boost mood and productivity

Challenging outdated stereotypes about women’s fashion, arms coverage, and societal expectations

The concept of the "arrival fallacy"—waiting for perfect conditions to enjoy life and style

The impact of social media and street style in normalizing diverse aging looks

Tips for creating a wardrobe that reflects your current style and lifestyle without spending excess

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why dressing well matters for confidence and self-care
00:28 - Introducing Amy Simpson and her background in dance and pharmaceuticals
01:22 - Amy’s transformation and launching Nudie Spray for patch removal
04:32 - Amy’s professional dance career and iconic moments with Kylie Minogue
08:23 - Society's misplaced focus on women's arms and ageism in advertising
11:20 - The myth of arm coverage and body image at any age
12:26 - Why we shouldn’t aspire to Victoria Beckham arms
13:40 - The lack of representation of relatable women in fashion marketing
14:37 - Building a positive self-image and narrative around aging
16:00 - Challenging the "I don’t care" attitude and embracing self-acceptance
17:30 - The importance of small daily efforts like wearing earrings and dressing intentionally
19:33 - The influence of appearance on mood and self-trust
21:07 - Debunking the idea that caring about style is superficial or vain
22:30 - Practicing style as a form of self-therapy and confidence-building
25:43 - The impact of societal stereotypes on women’s style choices
29:09 - The rooted misogyny behind the devaluation of women’s fashion interests
34:50 - The "arrival fallacy" and why waiting for perfect moments to dress up is a trap
36:29 - Creating a special atmosphere daily with small luxurious touches
38:25 - Breaking free from the idea that only wealthy people can dress well
39:22 - Overcoming fears of standing out or being judged at social events
45:00 - Moving past the "dreadful vs. show home" outfit cycles
48:53 - Building confidence to be seen and represented at any age
50:16 - Reframing your relationship with style and self-image
52:11 - The power of bold textures, colors, and quality fabrics
54:50 - Embracing vintage and retro styles, and the influence of Parisian fashion
57:00 - The importance of setting fashion boundaries and investing wisely
58:57 - Resourcefulness in styling and the value of personal style over volume
60:02 - Practical steps to start dressing for today, not for an idealized future

Resources & Links:

Nudie Spray – For patch removal and skin care

Amy Simpson’s Instagram – Follow her style and journey

Street Style Photography Accounts – For daily style inspiration

Book: Style Evolution – On developing your personal style

Connect with Amy Simpson:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Key Frameworks:

The three-word style vision

The "Bold One" statement rule

The concept of “practice” in building style confidence

The "Arrival Fallacy" in happiness and style

Building personal visual narratives to reflect current self

Notable Quotes:

"Everyone else is so involved in their own life, they're not thinking about you."

"If you build it, they will come—your style, your presence."

"Put on earrings every day—transform your mood with a simple act of self-care."

Action Items:

Practice wearing one statement piece daily

Reassess your wardrobe: remove what no longer serves your style

Dress intentionally each morning, even if working from home

Reframe your mindset: wear clothes you love today, not "when"

Start small: add brightness, texture, or a bold accessory to elevate your look

In this episode of Style Stories, Lisa Gillbe chats with Amy Simpson 

Connect with Amy Simpson:
Instagram; 

https://www.instagram.com/nudispray/

Website:

https://nudispray.com/

 

Connect with Lisa Gillbe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/

Substack: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/

Key Frameworks:

The three-word style vision

The "Bold One" statement rule

The concept of “practice” in building style confidence

The "Arrival Fallacy" in happiness and style

Building personal visual narratives to reflect current self

Notable Quotes:

"Everyone else is so involved in their own life, they're not thinking about you."

"If you build it, they will come—your style, your presence."

"Put on earrings every day—transform your mood with a simple act of self-care."

Action Items:

Practice wearing one statement piece daily

Reassess your wardrobe: remove what no longer serves your style

Dress intentionally each morning, even if working from home

Reframe your mindset: wear clothes you love today, not "when"

Start small: add brightness, texture, or a bold accessory to elevate your look

Episode notes:

Weddings. Work presentations. Graduations. The big dinner you've been dreading dressing for since the invite landed. These are the moments when what you wear actually matters — and where most of us default to the same safe, forgettable choice out of pure fear of getting it wrong.

In this episode, Lisa throws out the old playbook. No more starting with "what's appropriate." Instead, she shows you how to start with the feeling you want to walk in with — confident, powerful, unmistakably you — and build the outfit from there.

Expect real, practical gold: how to choose colours that actually photograph and film well (because everything's on camera now), how to dress for the room without losing your personality in the process, and why the right unexpected shoe or accessory can turn a "fine" outfit into one people remember.

Lisa breaks it down event by event — wedding-guest dressing that doesn't default to boring, workwear that reads as polished and powerful, graduation outfits that are relaxed but still feel like an occasion, and how to properly dress up for a high-end dinner without it feeling like a costume.

If you've ever stood in front of your wardrobe panicking about a big event, this episode is the reset you need.

 

Work with Lisa - Need help with an event or just getting more clarity on your style? I have an online styling session here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/60min-styling-session

 

Follow Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en-gb

 

Sign-up to Lisa's Substack newsletter here: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/