H: Vicky Letch, host
L: Lisa Butcher, style guru
R: Rimi Obra, nutritionist
H: Hello and welcome to the Lifestyle Show, I'm Vicky Letch. Now it's spring time and in fact starting to feel a little summery, so whether you're planning a beach holiday, or you're going to go to one of those festivals, in your skimpies you might be thinking about that summer wardrobe. Now if I were to say to you "shopping trip" do you go uuuggghh or do you go yeah. Probably you go uuuuggghh because it's summer clothes and it's a bit scary – well actually it has a name – it's seasonal wardrobe syndrome. Sounds serious doesn't it? Don't worry; we're going to shed light on the situation with our style guru Lisa Butcher and nutritionist Rimi Obra. Welcome ladies
R: Thank you
L: Hello
H: What on earth is seasonal wardrobe syndrome?
L: Well it's something that two in three women suffer from, and it's basically freaking out thinking that you're going to have to put your winter layers away and wear your skimpy summer outfits
H: Ok
L: So you know, we were discussing this before we were on air; I mean I suffer from it. The idea of having to wear your little dress, under the full sunlight, cellulite showing – it's just; it starts you to think doesn't it?
H: Yes. I love my winter wardrobe and the minute I then have to put on sort of a flimsy dress actually which I avoid right up until I can't bear the heat any more
L: Yes me too
H: I virtually feel naked
L: It's because we can hide. We can hide in our winter wardrobes whereas in the summer it's you know all flesh is in full view which is – it's hard, it's really hard. Particularly when you get a little bit older, I mean I'm 37 now and I was looking in the mirror because I'm planning my holiday and got my little bikini out and I was just thinking that didn't look – my body didn't look like this this time last year, so you know I think summer's coming, we need to start being a little bit more healthy and start thinking about what the best things, what the best clothes are for our shape, because not all of us are the same size as we were last year
H: Yes
L: That's another thing that came out in this recent poll that you know pretty much, predominantly most of the average women want to lose about half a stone or more for the summer
H: What do you think it is women are most worried about when it comes to summer clothes?
R: Gosh I think it's all sorts, I think you know the phrase muffin top has come about hasn't it, so I think you know it's the thigh, tummy, you know bum region – classic for women isn't it?
L: And the bingo wings, don't forget the bingo wings
H: Where do they come from? I literally remember waking up one day thinking what's that dangling from my arm? And they just seem to come from nowhere
L: Do you know what my children do? It's really awful, they're like "oh look mum" they're like pulling it really long like it's a bit of elastic, so it's like "mummy it wasn't like this before" – I'm like God. Awful, getting your kids to ground you
H: Yes. I think muffin tops one of the worst ones, because it's such a difficult thing to hide, or I find it a difficult thing to hide
L: Not really, actually. The problem is that I think because the trends have been really low slung jeans
H: Yes
L: Just wear them slightly higher, because high-waisted jeans are really in. I know some people don't – they really stuck to their low-waisted skinnies, but if you have a bit of a muffin top, just get something in the right size and buy it with the waistband a bit higher then you'll be fine.
H: One of the biggest lessons I think is dressing for your style and what suits you. I was desperate to get into skinny jeans and low slung waists, and I can't do it. These are skinny jeans but they have a higher waist on them as they just don't suit my body.
L: I think it is about adapting fashion to suit your shape. You see girls like Kate Moss wearing these minute outfits but not everybody is that shape. So you can take an element of that and make it your own and make it your own style.
H: Yes great. Rumi. Food. Let's talk – I love it, I can't stop eating it. How can I adjust my diet so I feel and look great in the summer?
R: You know it's – the biggest point I want to get across is making sure you do eat, don't starve yourself, so anyone out there who is looking to shed the pounds, make sure you don't skip meals, especially breakfast. It's surprising how many women out there actually think skipping breakfast is saving calories. They feel a bit virtuous – I just had a coffee. When actually all the nutritional scientific research shows that you're more likely to maybe overeat at lunch time, have those indulgent snacks mid-morning. Research actually shows that people who eat a low fat breakfast cereal like Special K tend to be slimmer than those that don't. So it's about good eating habits and choosing low fat but great tasting foods. So maybe swapping your Danish for a bowl of cereal with a banana on top – it's great
H: Ok
R: So you're getting variety in your diet, it's still tasty, it's good for you
H: Yes. I wonder how this whole thing of skipping breakfast comes about, because I would say the majority of my girlfriends do skip breakfast
L: I do
H: Do you skip breakfast?
L: Uggh. Yes!
R: We need words!
L: I'll tell you why I skip breakfast, it's because I'm trying to get my kids ready for school in the morning, I'm running around, I take them to school and I get the classic coffee in the morning, but I do eat at about 10 or 11 because I end up starving
R: Well this is it, and I think you're not alone, there are so many women out there who are in that household routine, getting the kids ready. Getting everybody else ready apart from themselves, looking after themselves. It's a typical women trait isn't it?
H: Yes
R: Looking after everybody else but not looking after yourself and putting yourself last. And you know what if it's a question of setting the alarm clock ten minutes early or making sure you maybe lay the table the night before or get things ready, invest in yourself, it's an investment in your health
H: Yes
R: As well as your shape
L: But Rumi is it enough – sorry
H: No go on
L: Because I do eat Special K and I grab those little packs – is it enough, I mean I take that in my handbag and when I get hungry at about 10, 11, is that enough? Would you constitute that as having breakfast or not really?
R: Do you know, there's nothing wrong with that but I would always advise you have a balanced breakfast, I would want you to have it with milk and maybe some fruit on the top, a glass of juice, you know making sure you get one of your five a day
H: Yes, yes
R: It's all about sort of getting that variety and balance, because I think eating on the hoof probably is – you know – one of the things of today's society
H: Absolutely
R: And really we need to make sure that rhythm of the day remains, you know, good that you have those three meals a day and maybe a couple of snacks, but make sure they're good snacks so instead of having a chocolate bar maybe try a cereal bar like one of these, you know great tasting
H: Delicious
R: But probably half the fat
H: I love them. But you still feel like you're being a little bit naughty because it's got that sweet flavour to it, but you like savoury snacks as well don't you?
L: I like – yes – I'm a bit – I get my chocolates out and crisps in the evening when the kids have gone to bed. I'm terrible; my kids eat really healthily and I'm not quite as healthy, but like I said I do carry food in my bag like snacks, the little Special K but yes I do prefer, I do like savoury snacks
R: Something like pretzels, you know, are a good option, things like – and you can get very low fat crisps now as well. So you know what, making those small changes, those quick swaps can actually add up to a big difference by the end of the month. So I'd recommend maybe trying something like that for a few weeks and see how you get on
L: I'm going to challenge myself; I'm going to do it actually
H: Do it!
L: I am. Why not?
H: And we'll monitor you
L: Oh God!
H: We'll have a weigh-in –
L: Stop it
H: No we won't do that! Now Lisa –
L: Yes
H: How do you feel about a quick fire round?
L: Go on then
H: Ok so 30 seconds, I'm going to fire some questions at you
L: Go on, yes
H: From My Celebrity Fashion, so thank you very much and the first one is "what was the first designer item you bought and how much did it cost?"
L: Chanel handbag and it was expensive!
H: Come on
L: Yes it was expensive. I mean it was expensive back then – thousand and something
H: Thousand and – ok. One item of clothing that you could not live without?
L: Oh my jeans, my skinny jeans. I love my jeans so much, I have so many pairs of jeans, my wardrobe's full of them, and it's – it's the skinnies, can't do without them
H: Yep, hearing it. Hearing it. Who are your current favourite designers?
L: Oh I like Religion because that's more the kind of high street thing, and I like Grey and Black. I used to love Hardy Amis but they've gone bust now. Obviously Long, Tall Sally because I design clothes for them. My own designs
H: Yes
L: And yes that's it
H: Ok. What is your – what are your favourite high street stores?
L: Have to be Top Shop I would say
H: Love a bit of To-Show. Love it
L: Especially the big one on Oxfords Street
H: Yes
L: I just think you get so many fabulous clothes there. But it's quite expensive I find though
H: It's a one-stop shop though; you can just walk in and walk out with a brand new –
R: Wardrobe
L: Have you ever tried walking in there and not walking out – walking out with nothing?
H: Why would you do that?
L: It's pretty hard to do that. Well no I go shopping with my kids and things and I always end up buying stuff- well this was the last purchase
H: Lovely
L: Yes thank you. This – yes I just find it impossible not to buy anything there
H: Yes I understand that. How would you class your own fashion style?
L: I would say I'm probably a bit rock and roll actually. I don't come across on TV like that but when I'm at home I wear my torn jeans and sort of rock and roll T-shirts and kind of – that's probably a bit more me
H: A rock chick
L: A little bit. Classic rock chick probably
H: Oh nice twist, I like that. Do you have a fashion statement you live by, i.e. dress to impress or always purchase the most expensive design item you can afford?
L: No because if I purchase the most expensive design item, i.e. like that handbag which I've only used three times, I never use them. It's the weirdest thing, I feel – I find that if I buy something cheap I'll wear it all the time, whereas if it's more expensive I'll look at it. It's like shoes, high heeled shoes, I'm 6' I can't wear them. I'll look at them in my cupboard and make me feel good, but I can't wear them
H: See savings things for best, it doesn't work
L: No it doesn't
H: Because we never have that "best" moment do we?
L: I agree
H: Talking about fashion and key items and all the rest of it
L: Yes
H: You've been a busy girl haven't you? You put a little film together for us, so if you look down there, we'll just have a look at it
L: Ok
Video Footage
"Now I've put together this day outfit for Laurie. She's wearing this tulip skirt, this really flattering if you're slightly pear-shaped, as you can see it has this lovely shape to it. If you've got a bit of a cleavage and you like showing it off, or your best features are your arms, this is the perfect top for you. Now this fabulous jacket is by Hoss and this would work really well with this bag by Cottinelli. All the colours tie-in beautifully, and as you can see she's got this belt on which really cinches in her waist and gives her this fabulous hour-glass figure.
Now it's always a good idea to have a staple summer dress in your wardrobe. I love this one; it's my favourite colour, as you can see I love wearing red. Now this was also made out of silk. Silk is a luxurious fabric and – but as you can see the shape of it, it doesn't cling, it kind of glides over the body and it's got this really pretty effect around the front, the ruffles. If you spin round, you can see it's got a belt; it will cinch in your waist and make you have a really flattering figure shape. Now these sleeves are a very flattering length, because not every woman likes to show off their arms. As you can see it would cover the bingo wings if you had them. Also the length of the skirt is just above the knee, at the smallest part of the leg which is perfect if you're trying to show off your legs in the summer. There you go, the perfect summer dress."
H: The perfect summer dress you say! So I suppose it's the whole thing of just trying on different styles, because I really do fear the summer dress. I need to get over this.
L: Well thank God for maxi dresses!
H: Yes, love them
L: Yes?
H: Yes
L: Covers a multitude of sins and biscuits!
H: Even with my height though, 5'1 ½ – very important
L: Wedges. That's what you need to wear. Wear some wedges with a maxi dress
H: Yes. I like that. Now we're talking about key items and looks but what sort of goals, Rimi, do we need to set ourselves, say over the next four weeks to get ourselves ready for all of these skimpy clothes?
R: Realistic ones I think
H: Yes
R: Realistic ones. You can't say to yourself you know by the end of this month I want to look like Kate Moss, I think it's about making sure you set the right goal for you. The right shape for you, make sure first of all that you are in the overweight category and that's having a BMI of 25 or over. I certainly wouldn't recommend you know, women out there who have a normal BMI of 20-25 doing any kind of dieting or weight challenges
H: Right
R: So I think we need to make sure you set realistic goals, have goals like right I'm going to have breakfast every day, I'm going to have a bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit every day. Start small and then start bolting on other goals to it
H: Are you listening to this?
L: Yes. Note to self
R: Start adding sort of other goals to it and you know before you know it, something that you found really hard or you couldn't bear before starts to become second nature. And you know when you do something for maybe 7-10 days, it starts to form habits and you start not to even think about it, and you may even enjoy it
H: Yes. Oh.
R: So give it a go
H: Ok. We've had a question from Demelsa for you Rimi. It says "is it true that eating no carbs after 6pm can seriously reduce your waistline?"
R: This is a great opportunity to dispel this myth that's been bandied around –
H: Really?
R: Everywhere. Yes, absolutely. Nutritionists like me certainly would never advocate that austere way of living. Certainly you can have carbohydrates after 6pm; you know you should have carbohydrates with every meal, so that it's balanced. There's no magic formula, it's all about making sure you balance what you take in with what you spend during exercise. It's as simple as that
H: Ok. Because that's an interesting one, because I've always believed that was –
L: I always thought that as well
H: I don't stick to it, I still have spaghetti at night time, but I always feel rather guilty when I'm doing it
R: No you shouldn't. I mean think about our mothers, our grandmothers and their mothers, you know they certainly had carbohydrates in the evening and you know it didn't do them any wrong
H: Yes
R: It's all about balance, having a little bit of what you fancy, don't eat too late at night and give your body a chance to you know, burn off some of those calories rather than eating something very large and then going to bed straight away. It's just about getting into a nice routine
H: Yes
R: And build-in activity into your day as well, maybe a 15 / 20 minute brisk walk at lunchtime. Most of us are capable of that, aren't we?
H: Yes. Well yes –
L: Yes one would say. One would think
H: Let's go to another question then, oh it's disappeared, is it coming back? It is. From Emma-Louise, thank you Emma-Louise, she says "I am a classic pear-shape being a size 12 / 14 on bottom and more like a size 10 on top. I feel so out of proportion and feel very self-conscious about my small bust and big bum. What do you recommend for a chic work look which can be worn for all weathers, and how can I wear colour without highlighting my lack of proportion?"
L: Oh well you just wear the colour on the bit you like, for example if she's conscious about the lower half of her body I would suggest wearing darker colours on the lower part, and lighter colours on the top. There is also such a thing called a padded bra
H: Yes
L: Chicken fillets.
H: Yes
L: They're also very useful. And it's all about the underwear. If you wear sort of control knickers to sort of squeeze the lower area into a better shape and you wear a padded bra, you're going to look much bigger on top. And it's all about balance, for example big shoulders are in with your jackets, like your jackets – slightly big shoulders. You know like the Kate Moss look? Yes. That would balance out if you have bigger hips. So that's the perfect thing for her to wear
H: I'm quite astonished about the return of the shoulder pad – I mean I didn't take the news well
L: It's not quite the same way is it? Well it's not like Dallas is it? Thank God.
H: Carol Vorderman back in the day, you know if you're watching woman you know you can't deny it. Jan says "hi, I'm 5'1"" – I'm about half an inch taller than you – "no boobs and weigh about 8 stone, but have a bit of a tummy and short legs, so what to wear all year – hold on – so what to wear all year different seasons and what is it in this year's fashion for me I am white and pale skin. You can have me on your show if you like!"
L: Ok well the first thing, if you have short legs wear high heels
H: Right
L: Rather like you with the wedges actually
H: Yes
L: Put a pair of wedges on, again because that will elongate your leg
H: Yes
L: And also when you're trying trousers on, make sure that you're going to be wearing the shoes that you want to wear with the trousers when you're in the changing room, because then you can actually have a look at the whole look. And again it's about balance. You wouldn't wear a longer jacket if you have shorter legs; you wear a shorter jacket that probably comes to the waist to make your legs look a little bit longer. There were quite a few questions in that one question – what did she say?
H: Yes so a bit of a tummy as well, what do you do about –
L: Control knickers
H: Control knickers, I'm a fan of them
L: It's the key for everything, I really think. And also when you get a little bit older. And also when summer comes in you have the finer fabrics so you might actually see the odd lump and bump. Again, wearing the right underwear will get rid of all of those lumps and bumps and give you a really sleek look.
H: Ok. We like sleek don't we? No more muffin tops. Ben says "I get so bored on diets because there just isn't enough variety of low fat foods available. What are your suggestions?"
R: First of all I would ditch the word "diet"
H: Yes me too
R: It's about healthy eating. Don't sort of put your mindset in the wrong frame of mind. Suddenly you say the word "diet" and it feels like a rain cloud, doesn't it? It's suddenly very negative and it's all about denial, when actually nutritionists like myself would always recommend the opposite. It's about filling your diet with the right kinds of foods and yes maybe the right amounts as well. But low fat – the options are endless. I mean with Special K cereals alone we have 10 varieties, even chocolate ones that are low fat
H: Oooh that's exciting!
R: There's even 11 types of Special K snacks like cereal bars or little biscuity mini breaks as well. And fruit – fantastic you know in terms of savoury foods. Pile your plate full of vegetables and salads, think about pulses, think about rice, potato. You know just don't smother it with oily or fatty sauces. I think everyone these days tends to drizzle olive oil over everything, but they actually forget that ok it might be good for you, but it's still fat
H: So just being sensible and I think it's so key to have variety because otherwise you do get bored. I think it's quite easy then to get into that habit, and dinner time you know, mix it up
R: Mix it up, try something new – a fruit you've never tried before, you know try guava, some people might not have tried a mango, passion fruit or – you know just – and vegetables as well, okra, aubergine – try something different, you know get the whole family involved
H: Ok brilliant. Thank you so much, I wonder if Lisa Butcher's going to start eating breakfast after this?
L: Yes I will. I'm going – like I said I'm going to challenge myself, I'm going to give myself a month, just like we've been talking about today, and I'm going to see actually if it makes a difference
H: Well you look fantastic either way
L: With my clothes on, thank you
H: Could you take them off and let – no that would be wrong. Thank you so much ladies, thank you so much for your time
R: Pleasure
L: Thank you
H: The rest of you at home, do log on to all the w's shapemate.co.uk and if you go on there you can get some more tips and advice and you can also see Lisa's video all over again. Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next time
