How I'm styling a satin slip skirt from The Style Story, a beautiful style boutique at Sunninghill

Back in early November, I was invited over to leafy Sunninghill, a pretty village close to the more famous Ascot in Berkshire.  I'd been introduced to Lauren who runs a small style boutique in the village - The Style Story is a cross between a personal styling studio and a traditional fashion boutique.  And Lauren herself is welcoming, friendly and incredibly stylish, with a background in visual merchandising, she started her career by studying at The London College of Fashion and The Fashion Retail Academy.  Walking into her beautiful boutique it is clear she has an eye for both fashion and interiors and she has created an incredibly beautiful space and is clearly an expert at choosing just the right styles to stock both online and in-store at The Style Story.  

This is a gifted blog post.

Satin Skirt from The Style Story, Sunninghill

Above: Satin Skirt and Jumper from a selection at The Style Story with the Brush Print Scarf in Fuchsia and Gold

I arrived in torrential rain and had been feeling quite down, as many of my regular readers will know, and I was a bit hesitant about my outing, but Lauren made me feel relaxed and welcome, she is a delight to spend time with.  There is no pressure to buy, Lauren will step back and allow you to browse or if you'd like some styling help then she is more than willing, as well as very talented, to help you.

Having moved out of London back to her hometown of Sunninghill and starting a family with her husband, she knew she didn't want to go back to corporate life and commuting.  She wanted to combine her love of style and visual merchandising and create her own small business as well as be at home for her daughter.  And so The Style Story was born, Lauren actually first opened just before the pandemic then like so many businesses had to pivot her plans somewhat to deal with not being able to open her boutique fully.  She has had to overcome her shyness to share more of herself and her stunning style on social media, and she is doing a fantastic job.  It is always refreshing to see someone being natural and genuine and learning to navigate the online space when they would rather not be quite so visible on camera!  I applaud Lauren for her willingness to get on with it and of course for her ability to choose and style beautiful but affordable fashion.

Above: Mini Love Bag in Gold from The Style Story

Lauren loves handpicking the styles for her boutique, she only ever chooses things she loves and would wear herself and she chooses items in small quantities so you can pop by at anytime and find fresh new stock arriving every week.  Lauren features all her outfits on her Instagram account and you can watch her talk through her favourites and how she is styling them!  There is no ideal age at The Style Story, Lauren picks outfits that will suit everyone from teens to midlife and beyond!

Because of her ever changing stock, it does mean that some of the outfits I am featuring in my blog post might not all be available but hopefully you can get an idea of the type of styles Lauren stocks and maybe be inspired to visit yourself - do follow Lauren on Instagram, it is always a fantastic way to support small businesses, an extra like or a comment can make someone's day and really help the business owner navigate the overcrowded Instagram space.

The Style Story is a beautiful style boutique with a store in Sunninghill as well as online

Outfit 1 - Navy Blue Satin Slip Skirt
Worn here with a navy blue high neck batwing jumper and a soft suede belt with an attractive gold buckle to add shape and detail, I've then added a colourful scarf, Lauren has lots of fantastic scarves in her boutique.  The satin skirt is an easy pull on style, maxi length and an elastic waist, it is more flattering than many of the bias cut skirts I have tried on in the past.  My boots are from Marks & Spencer.  I'd wear this outfit for lunch at the pub and in spring I will swap out the boots and wear with white trainers and a white t-shirt with a denim jacket.

Jeans and a jumper with a pop of turquoise and teal wrist warmers

Above: Zig Zag Scarf in Turquoise and Black from The Style Story worn with jumper and jeans also from The Style Story.

Outfit 2 - Straight Leg Jeans and High Neck Batwing Jumper
Here I am styling the same navy jumper with a fantastically comfortable pair of dark wash jeans from The Style Story, they are a straight leg style, not currently in stock but look out for new stock arriving, these have a great stretch and nice colour!  I'm wearing a similar scarf to above but in the very striking turquoise shade and my wrist warmers are from Turtle Doves and both add a fun pop of colour.  Perfect for a walk in the woods as the days get a little milder!

The Style Story, Sunninghill

Outfit 3 - Black and Grey Ruched Waist Maxi Dress
This is a style of dress that Lauren gets in on repeat but in different colours and prints, I've added a Sezane Gaspard knit around my shoulders for a pop of colour and I am wearing a v-neck thermal top underneath for added warmth.  I love the detailing on the sleeve and the elasticated ruched waist pulls you in and shows off the waist without feeling restrictive.  The v-neck is universally flattering and creates shape and interest.  The dress is cotton and will work throughout the seasons.

Above and below: Tropical Print Ruched Maxi Dress in Black and Grey
​from The Style Story

My silver cross body bag is a staple in my wardrobe, The Style Story stocks a selection of bags and straps

Lauren also stocks a range of candles and diffusers from the Salcombe Candle Co. and has lots of super accessories, scarves, hats, bags, belts and jewellery.  All available online or at her style boutique in Sunninghill.  Lauren is not open full time but she publishes her hours each week on her Instagram page so be sure to check before visiting, there is plenty of car parking and it is easy to get to from the main high street too.

​Do let me know in the comments below if y0u have a favourite outfit amongst those I've styled here!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this is a gifted blog post.

Visiting The Style Story at Sunninghill near Ascot