DVIP Exclusive Feature: Lisa of Practical Fashionista

Lisa the Practical Fashionist

Lisa, you offer many different types of packages including group fashion shopping trips, style services and what seems to be coming soon in makeup. Do you have a favourite and what do you like about each?






Thursday, May 17th 11am to 2pm is the next shopping date! Click for deets!



That’s right I have four basic style services. I created the packages because there are people who don’t really know where to start but they want an experience with a Stylist. The group packages are the exact same service and I offer discounts when you sign on for more than one trip. The group trips are great! My clients get to go out and have fun with their friends, get a taste of my services and what it’s like working with a Stylist. There isn’t as much individual attention but you still get tips along the way and I take you to places that are a little more off the beaten path so it isn’t your typical mall shopping experience – it’s all very unique. I have clients who book as an entire group of friends for a girly time out or you can sign up individually and make new friends. It’s a reduced rate to my 3 hour service. Some get nervous about having a Stylist with them by themselves, so it’s a great way for me to show them cool new places and they can test me out, it’s less risky. Seems like a lot of fun, I’ll have to book one in for myself soon! So tell me about your makeup services? Sure! I’ve had lots of clients ask about if I do makeup too since they go hand in hand. The whole look isn’t really complete without the makeup basics so I went back and took some training. I now do little mini makeup sessions where I show my clients how to do basics for day and evening and we shop for new products on our trips too. Since I’m not affiliated with the products and purely using them because I think they’re great, my clients tend to trust my recommendations a lot more.

You’re a colour expert? What do you enjoy most when playing around with colourful pieces and do you have favourite colours you always work with?



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I’m trained in colour analysis and my job is to figure out the clients’ best colours. I try to not be too predictable so I like to pair up items that people wouldn’t necessarily think to go together. I always look at patterns for inspiration. An example would be a patterned skirt like a plaid or a floral. For the top, I'd pick from the array of colours in the pattern - there are lots of colours mixed in patterns and you can see that they go together so to think that they wouldn't go together as solids doesn't make sense.

Once you get the hang of it, it becomes simple. You just pick up a certain pattern and think "What can I pair this with?"


You grew up with a single Mom and I know it taught you how to make the most of things you had and shop on a budget. What tools do you think you gained that you brought into your business?


With being raised by a single Mom shopping was never a luxury - it had to be really thought out and planned. Every new season it was all about figuring out "What are my staples clothing pieces for this season?" I’d make a clothing list and I would read Seventeen magazine for inspiration. Before my trip I’d research and price all of my must haves then I’d mix and match pieces from different stores to keep to the budget. All of my must haves I’d put on my list I wanted so bad, so I found a way to get them. I guess I’ve just always grown up that way so I still use those practices - I see what’s available where and I’m a bit of a stickler. That’s very crafty of you! Hey if you can find it for less why not! I know you have pieces that you will spend a pretty penny for. What are they? I spend money on pieces of clothing for the hardest to fit body area. For most of us women it’s our bottom half so pants, skirts and jeans. I find with expensive jeans they hold their shape longer. There is however a fine line between a quality jean and spending too much! You have your premium pricing because it’s a great fit and wash then there’s the logo premium brands where that’s all you’re paying for. I find anything over $400 is too much and that’s when it’s all about the label. Some of my favourites are J Brand, Citizens of Humanity and Yoga Jeans.


I know you’re big on spending more money on clothing as opposed to, buying “cheap” things. Where do you get quality items for less?


Oh there are lots of places! Winners is a good start or Marshalls. Holt Renfrew Last Call is amazing too! Any sort of outlet mall like Vaughan Mills is great too. I like getting well made pieces for less so I go for the names and brands for quality, but don’t always want to pay for the high ticket pricing that comes with it.


Okay so I’m a big fan of “What Not to Wear” and I’m sure you knew this question was coming, What was it like to be trained by THE Stacy London? How did that come about?


Of course! I actually just saw something online about Stacey starting a new network of Stylists being personally recommended by her and if you wanted to get more information, to sign up on the website. I did just that. I sent an email and forgot about it. I got a call a couple months later from her reps inviting me to take training with her in New York for the weekend! I was one of two chosen Canadians and it was for established Stylists only! Stacy added her flare and what she knows best in style and image consulting and working with clients in that industry. We learned about tailoring, and doing wardrobe audits with clients. She is pretty much exactly like she is on her show - brutally honest and if you say something she disagrees with, she let’s you know! She doesn’t hold any punches that’s for sure. It was a great experience! Our industry tends to be isolated and competitive which I try not to be, so it was really nice to share ideas and learn from other people and get Stacey’s experience in what she’s done over the years. I learned a lot about tailoring which was nice. I find that women think everything should fit right off the rack and that isn’t always the case. We blame ourselves instead of the clothing and try to make it fit, that’s where tailoring comes in!


What is most rewarding for you when you transform your clients’ wardrobe to one that compliments all they are?


What’s most rewarding would be when I get people I’ve worked with calling me back and they want me to come do something with them again. This let’s me know I’m doing something right and it feels amazing! When people tell me they can take a step back from what I’ve shown them and really love what they’re in, that makes me feel great too. With a Shape & Style Session my clients can relax more; they can feel good about themselves and okay knowing they don’t have to fit into some kind of "norm." I also love when I hear “Wow I do look cute in this” and “I can wear this!” I push them outside of their comfort zone and then they do feel like “oh yeah I can do that.” There are exceptions to every rule and I show them how to make something work that they are dying to wear but just don’t know how. I make it fun and I’ve always loved it!


What’s your definition of someone who is fashionable?


Fashionable to me is someone who knows themselves well enough to know what trends work for them. They take the three most important factors of style into consideration – their lifestyle, body shape, and personality. I think the word trendy has gotten a bad rap. It’s important to be current because it shows you care about yourself but know what’s appropriate for you and what’s not. A quick example is giant wedges this season. Well, you wouldn’t be wearing these if you’re a mom running around with your kids all day - it  doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Know what works for you and your lifestyle. That to me is the epitome of someone who is fashionable. Ah yes love the wedges this season! Thank goodness I’m kid free so they’re still good for me!


How about we close with a few tips? What tips would you give anyone who wants to change their clothing choices today but doesn’t quite know where to start and is on a budget?


First find a colour that excites you that you don’t have in your wardrobe. You can start small – a scarf or jewelry pieces. Accessories are the easiest way to spice up your wardrobe without making a big investment. Women get nervous about how they look to other people so the safest way is with accessories that play on a current trend. This is also more affordable and it makes a huge statement. Make sure it isn’t matchy matchy, it just has to go. Also, start thinking that your clothes should work for you, you don’t have to work for the clothes. Sometimes alternations are all you need. A strap made shorter, take in the side of shirt for better body shape definition. This makes clothes look like their perfect for your body with simple little tweaks and can make a whole new statement for you!


Thanks so much Lisa you’ve been amazing to chat with and I definitely got a bunch of fashion tips I’ll be using! For your styling needs be sure to contact Lisa, everyone needs a personal stylist! Check out her website and Like her on Facebook.


If you would like a feature written up on your brand for amazing exposure contact me at – julia@divagirlfitness.com


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Interviewed and written by: Julia Gallo xox