Style for Life

What is trending for early winter that you can buy in the shops right now

This week I decided to source some garments from four local retailers at different price points to showcase what is trending for Winter 2026 here on the ground in Christchurch.
Overall some trends emerged that seem to be here to stay:
1. Barrel leg trousers and jeans
2. Chocolate brown (still staying strong from summer and autumn).
3. Patterned, coloured and monogrammed knitwear
4. Skirts
5. The peasant style blouse with billowing sleeves and a lot of fullness.
6. Suiting in all colours but especially in navy and chocolate brown.
7. The trendy puffer
8. Long coats
To purchase these items check out:
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/
https://floandfrankie.com/
https://www.stormonline.com/
https://www.max.co.nz/
 
Labels featured from Fashion society are as follows:
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/collections/ag-denim
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/collections/citizens-of-humanity
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/collections/ba-sh
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/collections/lagence
https://fashionsociety.co.nz/collections/zadig-and-voltaire
 
Labels featured from Flo and Frankie
https://floandfrankie.com/collections/auguste-the-label
https://floandfrankie.com/collections/among-the-brave
 
Any feedback about the podcast is greatly welcomed.
Enjoy and many thanks to our sponsor Image Innovators
https://imageinnovators.com/
If you want some help to select some winter clothes you feel great in https://www.brightred.co.nz/styling
 

Why women struggle to put themselves first and how to change that

One of the most common things I see when I deal with women is the mindset that everyone else's needs are more important than theirs.  This podcast explores the reasons why women often put themselves last and the impact of this choice.  
I also look at how to change this mentality and the benefits of doing so.  
Thank you to Image Innovators for their sponsorship of the podcast 
https://imageinnovators.com/
If you want to step into who you are and find your style or rediscover yourself through health changes or style then reach out: 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
 
 

The All-or-Nothing Trap: Staying Active Through Injury & Illness

So often when we get ill or injured our first response is to stop all activity especially exercise and hope that doing vey little will allow us to heal or recover.  There is definite merit in this approach in some cases and it is important that you work with your medical professional on what works for you.  However there is much evidence that movement is one of the greatest elixers.   
 
In this weeks podcast I explore some of the reasons why people stop exercising,  give some options and discuss how we can stay active when our bodies are not performing optimally.  
Have listen and let me know your thoughts. 
Many thanks to Image Innovators for sponsoring this podcast 
https://imageinnovators.com/
Connect with me if you need some support to stay active wheb you body isnt playing ball or you want some style advice.  
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
 

How to Layer Clothes for Autumn and Winter (Using Your Summer Wardrobe Too)

Having clothes that transcend both colder and warmer seasons can be challenging.  
In this episode I discuss how to wear your summer clothes in the cooler months and still look stylish. I talk about how to add layers underneath your  tops, dresses or shirts so you can still stay warm and how to remove layers when you get hot without pulling apart your outfit.  
This episode has good visuals so jump over to YouTube to see how it all works! 
Thanks to Image Innovators for their sponsorship of this podcast.  
https://imageinnovators.com/
For advice and help in all things styling: 
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
 
 

AI and Your Wardrobe: Friend or Fashion Risk - with Clare Maxfield

Such a great chat this week about styling and AI.  In this podcast Clare Maxfield (Image Innovators) and I unpack the pros and cons of using AI in the styling space.   
 

Facing the Unimaginable: Sheena Hemen on Loss, Strength and Carrying On

It was my absolute privilege to have the lovely Sheena Hemens on the show this week.  
She shared her story of extraordinary resilience after many hard life setbacks then the unimaginable grief she experienced after losing her daughter Lauren.  
 
Listen this week to hear how she came back from ultimate grief  and many other of life's challenges and still manages to show up today.  
 
Thank you Sheena for sharing your story.  
 
Find Sheena on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenahemensspeaker/
Thank you as always to Image Innovators for your sponsorship of the show.  https://imageinnovators.com/
 
 

How to pack for a 1 week island holiday and not take your whole wardrobe

Travelling to Niue – small pacific island 3.5hours travel from Auckland. Very warm and humid and small population of 1260 permanent residents.
 
Staying in self catering. Only one food delivery per month from NZ.
Humid 88% humidity
Can rain
 
Niue Casual Clothing
· 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
· 2 Light blouses/shirts to cover the shoulders for church and sun protection
· 2 Shorts/skirts which are not too short so you can enjoy wearing them at both your resort and when out exploring
· 1 Light evening dress to impress at dinner
· 1 Dress/skirt below the knee for church, spending time in villages, etc. We recommend light fabrics such as
· 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you’re against sleeping in your undies
· 1 Light Cardigan/pashmina/poncho for cooler evenings
· 1 Sports shorts/leggings for active activities
· 1 Sports T-shirt/singlet for active activities
· 1 Outfit to travel between Niue and home
· 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfort
· 6 Underwear
· 4 Socks.
Niue Swimwear
· 2- 3 Bikini
· 1 One-piece for watersports · Mask and snorkel · Beach/travel towel · Rash vest · Beach bag/Day pack · Dive gloves
Niue Protective Clothing
· Sunhat
· Sunglasses
· Light shirt to cover arms and back
· Light rain jacket/small umbrella
Niue Footwear
· Flip-flops/sandals (optional, some people find that they stick to the next two options due to the varying nature of Niue’s terrain)
· Walking shoes/sneakers · Reef shoes/water shoes
· Snorkelling fins (available to hire from Niue Blue if you don’t have your own).

Your Personal Autumn Style Forecast (Without Buying Everything New)

Its getting stormy and cool.  The leaves are turning orange and red.  At this time of the year we say goodbye to summer and welcome in the cooler weather.  With that often brings a rethink of our wardrobes.  
 
Fashion is cyclical and styles very often repeat with slight nuances and changes.  It our job as stylists to help guide you into the new season with some suggestions as to how to stay up to date as well as wear things you already have in your wardrobe.  
 
Check out this podcast for the most up to date trends as they are in the shops now or may even be lurking in your own wardrobe! 
 
Many thanks to Image Innovators our premium sponsor. 
https://imageinnovators.com/
For info or guidance on all things style check out my website:  
https://www.brightred.co.nz/
 
 

Do you ever feel like you are at your limit? A deep dive into human capacity and what it means.

One of the things I have noticed as I age is how I have less capacity to take new things on.   I have spoken to numerous others who also find that they experience the same.   It can be frustrating and feel limiting. 
This podcast examines what human capacity is,  what controls it and how we can look after ourselves better.  
 
Don't forget to also check out my blog which deep dives a little further into this topic.  
https://www.brightred.co.nz/blog
 
Big shout out this week also to Clare from Image Innovators our major sponsor of the podcast.  
https://imageinnovators.com/
 
 
 

Struggle with choosing jeans for your shape? Step by step guide on styles for every body shape

Almost every client I work with struggles in way or another to find jeans that work for them that they feel good in. This podcast unpacks body shapes and jeans styles and how to marry them together. if you have always found buying jeans a struggle for whatever reason then have a listen and head out this weekend to source your best jeans.
Check out my blog for all of the images and details about what is best for who.
As always a big thank you to Clare from Image Innovators for her sponsorship:
https://imageinnovators.com/
For styling services check out:
https://www.brightred.co.nz/styling