Style for Life

Does human connection really matter?

In this episode Stephanie explores the basis and need for human connection.  She covers off what it is and how we can improve our relationships by being better connected to each other.  In a world where much of our connection has moved online the way we connect has changed and there is an impact.   
This episode also discusses loneliness which can be the end result of no connection.  Sometimes loneliness can lead to poor mental health.  If you feel at risk please see some of the links below that point you to areas of support.  
https://www.lifeline.org.nz/
As always a big thank you to Clare and the team from Image Innovators for their sponsorship of this podcast. 
https://imageinnovators.com/
If you want to read more about this topic feel free to check out Stephanie's blog.
https://www.brightred.co.nz/blog
 
 
 

High summer fashion trends explained...

In this episode as the summer here in New Zealand is (mostly lol) in full swing Stephanie unpacks what she is seeing the the shops that you can buy now.  
Stephanie explains how to wear these trends and also how things can be recycled from years gone by...  
The trends explored in this issue are: 
1. Chocolate brown 
2. Long full skirts 
3. Co-ords - this is matching tops and bottoms 
4. The Pantone colour of the year - 'Cloud dancer’ which is just white 
5. Low rise wider legged jeans
6. Low rise longer shorts
7. Some shorter shorts low rise 
8. 90's slip dresses and camisole tops
9. One shouldered and asymmetric tops 
10. Chunky necklaces and jewellery
11. Birkenstocks and lattice footwear
A big thank you to our sponsor Image Innovators. 
https://imageinnovators.com/
Feel free to contact me if you some help with your style.  
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
Have a great week... 
 
 

How to get motivated to exercise

At this busy time of the year, it is really challenging to find time to prioritise self-care.  In this episode, Stephanie discusses the stats around exercise adherence and reiterates the recommended guidelines for exercise.  She also covers the common barriers to exercise and what the health impacts are of not exercising. 
 
She then gives some top tips to get you moving at this time of the year: 
 
Make it enjoyable. 
Pair up with others/buddy system 
Start small and build habits 
Schedule exercise 
Set goals 
Track progress 
Give yourself a non-food reward 
Know your ‘why’ and let it motivate you
Focus on how it makes you feel 
Stay consistent 
 
She troubleshoots all the issues that can get in the way and provides practical tips to help you navigate the challenges that inevitably come up.  
 
For help with all things motivation and exercise, please contact Steph 
 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/accountability-coaching
 
Thank you to Image Innovators for their amazing sponsorship of this podcast.  
 
https://imageinnovators.com/

How Melody did it…

In May of 2025 it was my great pleasure to sign Melody up for a 6 month accountability coaching package.  She came to me feeling extremely body conscious,  exhausted and very frustrated with her health outcomes.  We had a long conversation and made a plan for her that worked with her busy family with two small children and a husband and got started.  
 
This podcast tells Melody’s story and it really is a story of transformation,  finding herself again after babies and becoming the best version of herself.  Without giving too much away have a listen and hear for yourself how it all unfolded.  Warning you might need a tissue as things get a little emotional (in a great way)….. 
 
Check out the link below if you want to find out more about accountability coaching or any of the services I offer.
 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/accountability-coaching
 
Many thanks to Clare Maxfield from Image Innovators for her amazing support of the podcast.  I am very grateful.  
 
https://imageinnovators.com/

Guiness world record attempt for the most number of consecutive ultra marathons - interview with Shannon-Leigh Litt ultra runner

Today we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes of 2025, a listener favourite we’re re-releasing for Boxing Day while we take a short break.I was so privileged to interview my beautiful friend Shannon-Leigh Litt who is in the middle of attempting to break the Guiness world record for the most number of consecutive ultra marathons run - this is over 51kms per day.  Today she completed ultra 382 - the current record is 200.  
Listen for some super heated inspiration from this incredible athlete and human.  
Thank you Shannon and best of luck with your amazing journey.  

How to pack light when you always overpack

Today we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes of 2025, a listener favourite we’re re-releasing while we take a short break.In this episode, Stephanie shares her journey of packing light for an extended holiday.
She discusses her strategies for choosing the right bags, selecting essential clothing, and organising her items using packing cells.
Stephanie talks about the importance of comfort in footwear and shares her go-to travel snacks. She also covers toiletries and personal care items, and concludes with a checklist for her carry-on essentials, all while aiming to travel efficiently and avoid overpacking.
For resources and information around accountability coaching and personal styling, check out: https://www.brightred.co.nz/ For info on the cotopaxi bag, check out: https://www.cotopaxi.co.nz/

How to navigate Christmas indulgence, have a good time and feel great afterwards

Right on Christmas time, we spend weeks celebrating the end of our year.  This involves many celebrations, parties and get-togethers that almost always revolve around food and alcohol.  It’s a great thing to connect with others in this way, with food and often alcohol being a social lubricant and a common enjoyment.  Sometimes these celebrations and events do not provide options that support your health outcome, which can lead to feeling bloated,  unwell and sometimes regretful.  
 
The top 10 tips that Stephanie discusses are below:  
 
 Ask yourself is this s 10/10 for me? 
Have I pre planned how I am going to show up to this event?  
How am I treating alcohol? 
Am I bringing a plate or checking the menu first? 
Can we make the function an ‘active’ on so the focus is on the event not drinking and eating 
Are we practising mindful eating rather than mindless snacking while talking to someone.  
If things get out of hand can we get back on track the next day and nourish our bodies? 
Are we practising gratitude? 
What’s happening with water?  
Are we connecting with people not just food. 
 
Feels free to reach out if you hold celebrations have got a little off track and you need some help to get back into focus.  
https://www.brightred.co.nz/accountability-coaching
 
A huge thank you to Clare Maxfield at Image Innovators for her continued and generous support of the podcast.   
 
https://imageinnovators.com/

How to manage Christmas burnout

In this episode, Stephanie explores the causes and management strategies for dealing with Christmas burnout.  
 
Christmas burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by the stress of the holiday season, which can be triggered by financial pressures, family expectations, and packed schedules. Signs include fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, a loss of joy, and feeling overwhelmed. This often occurs in the lead-up to Christmas.  
 
She identifies that Christmas burnout can be caused by any of the following:  
 
 Financial pressure
Family expectations 
A packed schedule 
Comparison 
Perfectionism
 
She also discusses some suggestions to manage it, including managing self-care, amongst others.  Tune in to learn more.  
 
Thank you to Image Innovators for their sponsorship of Style for Life.  
 
https://imageinnovators.com/
 
Thank you so much for listening.  
 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/

What is style personality and does it really matter?

Many aspects of fashion styling have seen a resurgence over the past few years  - colour analysis being the big one! Such a great service!  The other service that has risen in popularity is exploring your clothing style personality.   This is a service I have offered my clients for 20 years and I thought it may be useful to unpack it on the podcast this week so you understand the relevance and intention of discovering this fun fact about yourself.  
 
I offer an online quiz that helps you work out where you sit.  This is super useful when you are shopping or even working out how you want to show up in the world.  The 7 clothing style personalities covered are: 
 Classic
Creative
Dramatic
Elegant
Feminine 
Natural 
Sexy 
 
Have a listen and learn how it all works and maybe you can work out which one sounds like you?   IF you want to know for sure check out the link today to discover who you are… 
 
https://brightred.myprivatestylist.com/your-style-expression/
 
If you want to know even more then check out my website for all styling options.  
 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
 
A massive thank you to our great premium who sponsor Image Innovators who offer all things style.  
 
https://imageinnovators.com/
 
Until next week… 
 

Feeling the empty next syndrome

This week, Steph explores empty nest syndrome and shares her experiences.  She also discusses the challenges and positives of the children leaving home.  
 
The challenges traversed are.  
 
Identity crisis, as your purpose has changed 
Anxiety and worry about your children away from home 
Loss of control of your children’s day-to-day life 
Regret and guilt about your parenting choices and behaviours.  
Financial implications of supporting a child outside the home
Role transformation to a supportive guide rather than a parent 
Unrecognised grief from others who have not experienced this or who do not share it 
Changed social interactions as your children’s friends and their parents are often no longer in your realm.  
 
Positives of Empty Nest Syndrome 
Rediscover and pursue personal interests
Focus on career and preprofessional development 
More time for self-care and mental well-being.
A sense of accomplishment in seeing their children become successful, independent adults. 
Deeper marital  / partner satisfaction
New parent-child dynamic to a more mature, supportive friendship based on mutual respect and shared experiences.
Stronger social connections with old and new friends 
Time to spend with your aging parents  
This week, we are really excited to have a premium sponsor, Image Innovators Australia, on board.  Please check out this link to see what they offer.  I am proud to be partnering with them to offer Fashion Stylist Training heading into 2026.  
 
https://imageinnovators.com/