Dressed to Heal: Fashion, Femininity, and Finding Balance with Bianca Best

Chani Ra — stylist, content creator, and all-around fashion queen — joins me this week on Off the Hanger to talk personal style, wardrobe wins, and the lessons we learn through clothes.From her early days as a model to helping others find confidence through styling, Chani’s fashion journey is full of fun stories and unexpected wisdom. We chat about childhood fashion moments, how her style has mellowed (in the best way), and that jaw-dropping £12,000 Alaïa coat.She opens up about embracing imperfection (yes, even the pros have wardrobe fails!) and explains why her younger self had the best fashion advice of all. We even tackle a listener’s bridesmaid dress dilemma and chat about showing up authentically — even when the outfit isn’t your vibe.This episode is full of style inspiration, laughter, and heart — a perfect listen whether you live in your wardrobe or just want to feel a bit more confident in your clothes.🎧 Hit play if you love:Real stories behind standout wardrobe piecesHonest chats about fashion confidenceWedding style tips you’ll actually want to followBig energy, bold outfits, and some brilliant gigglesFind more of Chani here:​ ⁨@thefashionnap⁩  https://www.tiktok.com/thefashionnaphttps://www.instagram.com/princesschanira💬💬💬 Get in touch!! Send in your fashion dilemma's to: [email protected]

Ever wondered what it’s like to go from working with iconic luxury brands like Escada and Pucci to launching your own DIY sewing empire? In this episode of Off the Hanger, I chat with the lovely Christine Lindebak — founder of Sewing and the City — about her incredible career in fashion and why she swapped the high-end runway for handmade wardrobes.We dive into everything from her 25-year-old Escada tweed coat (yep, it still looks amazing!) to a box full of her grandmother’s vintage scarves. Christine’s all about quality fabrics, timeless style, and making pieces that actually last — and trust me, she’s got the stories to back it up.She also talks about what it means to create clothes for yourself, not for trends — and how designing her own striped jacket with a scarf lining (genius!) reminded her just how creative sewing can be.Whether you're a fashion lover, a vintage treasure hunter, or someone curious about sewing your own stuff, this episode is packed with warmth, inspiration, and serious style goals.Find more of Christine here:https://www.instagram.com/sewingandthecityhttps://sewingandthecity.com/💬💬💬 Get in touch!! Send in your fashion dilemma's to: [email protected] ✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157

This week on Off the Hanger, I’m joined by April Banbury — bridal designer, pageant queen, and star of Married at First Sight UK. April spills the tea on her incredible journey from pageant queen to designing her own wedding dress on national TV.We chat about:✨ What really goes into making a bridal gown (hello, layers and labour!)👠 The truth about bridal shoes (comfort matters!)🎉 Fashion fails that remind us style doesn’t have to be perfect💬 Her best advice: dress for your personality, not the trendsApril’s honesty, warmth, and behind-the-scenes stories from both the fashion world and reality TV make this a brilliant listen — especially if you love weddings, wardrobe chats, or a good laugh.April Banbury Bridal is available in selected boutiques across the UK & South Africa. www.aprilbanburybridal.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aprilbanburyhttps://www.instagram.com/aprilbanburybridal💬💬💬 Get in touch!! Send in your fashion dilemma's to: [email protected]

This week on Off the Hanger, host Emma Lightbown is joined by fashion pro and midlife style creator Helen Hope. From designing kidswear at Tesco to launching a jewelry brand and now creating content for women over 40, Helen’s career path is anything but ordinary — and that’s exactly what makes it inspiring.Helen shares:✨ Her unique fashion industry journey🎯 Why vision boards are powerful tools (not just “woo-woo”)👠 The joys of styling timeless outfits with modern accessories😂 Style mishaps from her overplucked 2000s brows to a bold pre-wedding chopIf you're into fashion that fits your life (not just the latest trends), you'll love Helen’s smart, stylish, and down-to-earth take on personal style.Follow, share, and get ready to embrace your own squiggly story.Find more of Helen here:https://www.instagram.com/helenhopeofficial http://linkedin.com/in/helenhope💬💬💬 Get in touch!! Send in your fashion dilemma's to: [email protected]

🎙️ Off the Hanger: Kathryn B Wilson on Dressing Like the Main Character & the Power of a Pink SuitThis week on Off the Hanger, host Emma Lightbown is joined by the fabulous Kathryn B Wilson — presenter, wedding celebrant, and self-proclaimed main character — to talk all things fashion, confidence, and secondhand sparkle ✨From the pink suit that landed her a dream gig to the unforgettable childhood outfit with hot pink puff sleeves, Kathryn shares how clothes have always helped her step into her power. If you’ve ever believed in the magic of the perfect outfit, this episode is for you.We chat about:👗 Styling bold looks that tell your story👜 Her most-loved wardrobe pieces (hello, Burberry and Vintage Louis Vuitton!)💒 How to dress for weddings without upstaging the couple😂 Fashion fails involving odd shoes, rogue slippers, and lifesaving safety pinsThis is a feel-good, fashion-fueled conversation that’ll have you smiling, inspired, and ready to raid your wardrobe. Whether you’re into preloved fashion, designer finds, or just want to feel great in your clothes — this one’s a must-listen.💚 Don’t forget to follow, rate & share with your fashion-loving friends! #OffTheHanger #MainCharacterEnergy #SecondhandStyle #WeddingFashion #PersonalStylePodcastFind more of Kathryn here:https://www.instagram.com/kathrynbwilsonhttps://kathrynbwilson.com✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaLightbown/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://www.emmalightbown.com/✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157 ==============================

We're having another rewind on this week's Off the Hanger, we’re diving into the colorful world of fashion prints, personal style, and sustainability with the amazing Jess Williams—a creative force and talented print designer making waves in the fashion industry.Jess takes us on a journey from her childhood fashion memories to her current role designing bold, expressive prints. We talk about the power of wearing what makes you feel fantastic, breaking the "fashion rules," and why prints are more than just patterns—they're personality.We also get real about body image and the industry’s (finally!) growing commitment to inclusivity and representation. Jess shares her passion for sustainable fashion, including her go-to tips for vintage shopping and building a wardrobe that’s both stylish and eco-conscious.From why she invests in quality coats to her thoughts on slow fashion, Jess brings both inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to dress with more joy, confidence, and care for the planet.💬 If you’re into fashion design, body positivity, vintage style, or just want to hear from someone who really gets what clothes can do for your confidence—this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Don’t forget to like, follow, and drop a comment sharing your favorite vintage find or go-to style tip!Find more of Jess here:https://www.instagram.com/madebyjess✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaLightbown/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://www.emmalightbown.com/✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157 ==============================✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Embrace Colour! Inside the wardrobe of Nancy Sorrell!https://youtu.be/HxjF92Sow6c👉 The Art of Authenticity - Inside Influencer Morag Atkinsons Wardrobe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrZqo0pt0Uw👉 I was given Yoko Ono's Caftanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TxZYiMb6oQ👉 High Street Heroes: Eliza Co-Founder's Fashion Favouriteshttps://youtu.be/uSYHjJM1Yzo=============================

This week on Off the Hanger, I’m joined by the brilliant Rahila Ahmed, founder of the modest fashion label Rialine—a brand that’s all about bold style, beautiful coverage, and redefining what modest fashion can look like.We chat about how Rahila turned her vision into a reality, creating a brand that merges coverage and confidence. From the design room to real-life wear, she shares the highs and hurdles of building a brand that champions both personal expression and modesty.Rahila also gives us a peek into her own wardrobe—think bright colours, statement silhouettes, and a pair of wedding shoes she’ll never part with. There's even a story about a gold dress moment in the Maldives that proves modest fashion is anything but muted.If you’ve ever felt stuck between dressing how you want and dressing how you're "supposed to," this one’s for you. We talk owning your style, loving your clothes unapologetically, and holding on to those timeless pieces (because yes, trends always circle back).🎧 Hit play for a chat full of fashion feels, self-expression, and some serious outfit inspo.Find more of Rahila here:https://www.instagram.com/rialineofficialhttps://www.rialine.co.uk✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaLightbown/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://www.emmalightbown.com/✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157 ==============================✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Embrace Colour! Inside the wardrobe of Nancy Sorrell!https://youtu.be/HxjF92Sow6c👉 The Art of Authenticity - Inside Influencer Morag Atkinsons Wardrobe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrZqo0pt0Uw👉 I was given Yoko Ono's Caftanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TxZYiMb6oQ👉 High Street Heroes: Eliza Co-Founder's Fashion Favouriteshttps://youtu.be/uSYHjJM1Yzo

In this episode of Off the Hanger, I sit down with the incredible Bianca Best—author, speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of The Burnout Business. We talk about how she made the bold move from a high-powered corporate career to building a business that helps people achieve what she calls "success with grace"—a life of ambition without the burnout.Bianca gets real about her own experiences with burnout, and how finding her voice—and her style—became part of the healing. We also dive into how fashion can be a tool for self-expression, confidence, and personal transformation.She shares the story of a life-changing trip to Rome that taught her to dress up no matter how she’s feeling, the emotional power behind her favorite vintage pieces (like her mum’s 1970s dress), and the thrill of buying a hot pink Italian couture suit that makes her feel powerful and feminine.Of course, we laugh about fashion fails too—like the time she wore a completely see-through dress to a big event (yes, there’s a lesson in lighting in there).If you're into style, mindset shifts, burnout recovery, or just love hearing from women who are boldly becoming their true selves—this one’s for you.🎧 Hit play to hear Bianca’s take on authentic dressing, entrepreneurship, and how to show up for yourself—on your terms.Find more of Bianca here:https://www.biancabest.comhttps://www.instagram.com/biancabest_/Grab your copy of Bianca's brilliant book here: https://biancabest.com/big-impact-without-burnout/✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaLightbown/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://www.emmalightbown.com/✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157 ==============================

Nick Portello on Turning Trash into Couture, Thrifting Hacks & Uncomfortable FashionThis week on Off the Hanger, Emma Lightbown chats with Nick Portello, the upcycling genius turning pool floaties, trampolines, and bed sheets into fashion statements.We dive into Nick’s journey into sustainable fashion, how a $1 liquidation bin changed everything, and why he almost never spends more than $25 on an outfit. Expect thrifting tips, wild DIY fashion stories (including a wardrobe malfunction in Milan), and some real talk about choosing expression over comfort.Nick also opens up about his move to London, the influence of UK queer culture, and how embracing bold fashion helped him embrace himself.✨ If you’re into upcycling, thrift flips, or just love a good origin story, this one's for you.Follow Nick on IG → [@nickportello](https://www.instagram.com/nickportello) Follow Emma → [@emmalightbown](https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown) More at → [emmalightbown.com](https://www.emmalightbown.com/)---

In this week's episode of Off the Hanger I sit down with Abby Mchale, Deputy Fashion Editor of Fabulous Magazine, for a chat about fashion journalism and personal style. Abby shares her journey into the fashion world, debunking stereotypes and revealing the less glamorous side of the industry. We shift the conversation to fast fashion and sustainability, where Abby highlights the importance of making conscious fashion choices. She discusses her most complimented wardrobe pieces, like a Ganni bag and a leopard print jacket, and her love for sharing lesser-known brands.Abby also opens up about her shoe preferences, emphasising comfort over style, and recounts her experience with Botox for high heel pain. We wrap up the episode with Abby's fashion advice for her younger self: prioritise comfort and ignore size labels.Find more of Abby here:https://www.instagram.com/abbymchale✅ Subscribe To My Channel For More Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaLightbown/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links: 👉 Website: https://www.emmalightbown.com/✅ Stay Connected With Me: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalightbown/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehangerofficial👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@offthehangerofficial👉 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/offthehangerofficial/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561529271157