Style for Life

Episode 27 - How to sleep well

One of my listeners questiosn this week was about sleep.  So here is my podcast on the things I have gleaned and learnt over my time having sleep issues and working with clients who also struggle in this area.  
Increase bright light exposure during the day
Reduce blue light exposure – like phones and computers – 2 hours before bed
Reduce caffeine at midday -  And if you’re taking a caffeine supplement, don’t take it within 13 hours of bedtime.
Reduce foods that keep you awake at night – refined carbs, anything with caffeine,  fatty foods,  ultra processed foods,   
Get rid of irregular or long daytime naps
Sleep and wake at a consistent time
Take a melatonin supplement
Other supplements to try include magnesium, nitrate,  omega 3, resveratrol,   
Don’t drink alcohol
Get comfy bed, mattress and pillow. 
Consider noise, temperature and ventilation. 
Don’t eat late in the evening
Don’t drink lots of liquids before bed
Relax and clear your mind
Rule out a sleep disorder
Exercise regularly but not before bed
Enjoy and please subscribe to and follow the show!  

Episode 25 - How to lose that last 5kgs (if you want to!)

Just to preface this   - I am not advocating that anyone needs to lose weight.  This podcast is based on a listener request and is about how to lose that extra 5kgs if you want to.   
Here are my top tips:  
Drink enough water - 2 - 3 litres per day 
Adjust the protein content of each serving - around 30grams (of protein not actual weight) 
Limit the amount of carbs in the body (eat at the beginning of the day not the end) 
Fasting  (14 - 16hours and eating window 10 - 12hours)
Do exercises to burn fat. ...Resistance training
Cardio vascular exercise
Change up your exercise  - tweak
Add more fiber in each meal - non starchy veges are a good option 
Create a scientific sleep schedule - get a routine and stick to it. 
Review your stress levels - high stress is not good for weight loss 
Hormone balance  - sex hormones and others 
Always stay consistent in your weight loss plan even when you're at the most difficult stage and seek support and talk about it healthily
Check out this amazing podcast about nutrition: 
https://zoe.com/learn/category/podcasts
 
 

Episode 24 - All you ever wanted to know about make up....

Applying make up can be either a highly enjoyable or daunting task.   This podcast covers the basics from my experience working with some of the best make up artists in New Zealand on events and also having many discussions and instances of trial and error myself.  
My top 10 tips (as usual haha) are:
Moisturise first
Pay attention to your lighting and mirror 
Brushes are important - basics are: 
Eye shadow brush 
Blush brush 
Powder brush 
Brows next as they frame the face
Eye make up before foundation 
Base in colour that suits your skintone – cream, white, then a mid colour on centre and dark in C shape on corners 
Eye liner on upper lids 
Blend and clean up under the eyes afterwards
Mascara - For the longest lashes, start by applying mascara on the top lashes, and be sure to coat the entire lash. For a natural look, apply just one or two coats, but if you’re going for a bold look, apply a third. Bottom lashes only need one coat, regardless of how many coats you apply to the top
Foundation – always a skin match – persevere until it is right
Consider blending a couple to get right tone
Apply with a sponge or fingers for lighter look
Apply concealer 1st
Blush – cool or warm toned - it always feels heavy first off then settles 
Highlighter and powder to seal the deal
Lips – always last Before you do anything else, scrub the lips with a toothbrush to remove dead skin cells that result in a dry, cracked look. Use a lipliner that is just darker than the lipstick you plan to use. Whether you choose liquid or cream lipstick, pick a colour that works well with your skintone and clothes.  
Practice when you are not under pressure and enjoy the process!! 

Episode 23 - How to have difficult conversations about someone's appearance

This was a listener question.  She wanted to know how to have a difficult conversation about someones appearance when they were not or appeared not to know how to dress for a particular occassion or just work.  Here are my top tips; 
Establish what the issues are:
Smell?
Clothing style or fit?
Lack of knowledge or understanding about clothing norms?
Hair / make up / shortness or exposure?
Establish and write a company dress code policy.  
Make a time for a casual meet up and find out a bit about them – what are their values and are they in a position to fund new clothes or pay more attention to their appearance.  
Ask them if they have noticed what others wear to work around the office
Talk to the person on the day that they have dressed inappropriately, in a confidential setting & tell them that their attire may be perceived as inappropriate
Define casual Fridays so there is no confusion about what to wear
Talk to the person in person not over email
Always speak in private
Be clear on what the problem is and explain why
Be positive about other aspects of their job and reassure them that they are not going to lose their job
Act quickly as soon as the issue arises
Don’t get personal  - talk about work standards and the image your company is is trying to portray.
Help them with solutions
 
Best of luck and keep the feedback coming.  

Episode 22 - How to elevate your style for a promotion or career change

We have all heard the old adage 'dress for the job you want,  not the job you have'.   Sometimes it can feel impossible to know where to start with this.  Following a listener question I have popped this list of 10 tips to elevate your style for a promotion or career change together for you.  
Take your cues from the people who rank just above you at your company. Be inspired by how they dress.
Ensure your clothes fit you properly. I can't emphasise this enough – fit is king. Cheap clothes that fit will look much better on you and give you much more presence than expensive clothes that don't.
Change up the default uniform slightly, so you stand out but people don’t know why. Subtle patterns will help you stand out, but make sure they don’t clash. 
Choose dark colours like black, burgundy, charcoal, and navy to convey authority and be taken seriously. Limit bright colours and pastels to one piece like a shirt OR a jacket
Collect a wardrobe of good basics - quality over quantity - good quality trousers,  blazer, skirts and dresses that are in classic cuts.  
Take care of your personal grooming. Haircut,  make up and good nails.  
Pay attention to your shoes – good quality shoes do everything for an outfit. Buy the best you can afford. 
Ensure everything is pressed and tidy. Well laundered and looks clean and sharp. 
Accessories also need to be up to date - jewellery all matches and bags also co-ordinate 
If you wear glasses - ensure that the frames are current and suit your face shape.  
Good luck! 

Episode 21 - 'How to look slimmer in your clothes (if you want to)'

Some of my clients ask me how to look slimmer in their clothes.   I just want you guys to know that I am about everyone being the best version of themselves regardless of size.   Here are some of my pointers: 
Buy decent underwear
Understand your best necklines
Wear one colour head to toe
Colour placement
Wear a tight fitting bodysuit of singlet to smooth out the bulges
Choose a shape of dress that works for your figure – a shift if your weight is in your tummy, a wrap or empire line if its in your hips and thighs
Add some height in your shoes
Put volume in your clothes to balance things out
Pair dark pants with a statement top
Get your lengths and proportions correct
Suggest a waist
Look for a good blazer
Get out of all black - it can be heavy and solid looking. 
Enjoy and please let me know if you have any suggestions for another podcast.   
 

Episode 20 - How using a stylist and accountability coach can improve your mental health - with special guest Charlotte Cummings

It was an absolute privilege to chat with my friend,  the lovely Charlotte Cummings about her journey with styling and accountability coaching.  Charlotte is a therapist,  private investigator and master podcaster.   She has also shared this episode on her podcast 'Feel Better'  - a podcast about all things mental health.  
This episode is about Charlottes journey to improve her health, wellness and we discuss all things parenting,  mental health and the vagus nerve even gets a mention!
I am eternally grateful to Charlotte for starting me on the this podcast journey and I am in awe of al she juggles while raising three small children.  Have a listen to this podcast about how you really can have it all!  
 
 

Episode 19 - How to choose clothes for a special Occassion or event

For some people the words black tie can feel like 'black death' and they decline an invitation that they may want to accept.  
An event may be a wedding, The Races,  a ball or simply a family gathering that requires you to dress up a little.  
This podcast unpacks my 10 top tips for getting sorted for an event.  My tips are as follows;  
Understand the invitation
Over dress to impress
Keep balance and choose what to accentuate
Understand what best enhances your figure and colouring
Invest in a simple dress or separates that can be worn again
Think outside the square
Wear statement jewellery
Choose comfortable heels
Sort your ideal party handbag
Be confident
Enjoy

Episode 18 - Do you have to spend a lot of money to look good? How to dress well for less.

It is a common misconception that you have to spend vast amounts of money to look great.  This podcast guides you through 11 ways that you can get the most out of your clothes,  style and wardrobe without spending a lot of money.  
Here are the tips for your reference:  
Think about the image you want to portray
Choose clothes you feel good in 
Choose clothes that suit your personality, colouring, shape and lifestyle
Create a capsule wardrobe 
Create a coordinated look
Know what to spend money on 
Know what to save money on 
Shop in your own wardrobe
Have a clothes swapping party
Buy preloved clothes
Shop smart in the sales
 
 

Episode 17 - How to lose nearly 40kgs without surgery. With special guest Julie Hercock

Accountability coaching is one of my offerings.   This is where I provide intense, totally personalised health and weight management coaching for people who have tried for many years to lose weight and failed.  I help unpack the complexities of weight management and I am there as a support person every step of the way to help you navigate all of the obstacles that come up.  
Julie and I have been working together for nearly a year now and she has lost 37kgs and is still on her journey with a goal of completing a half marathon in Queenstown in November.   She has made significant and life changing modifications to her routines that have allowed her to not only lose weight but come off many medications,  participate in activities with her children and ride a horse again.  She feels 20years younger and has stepped back into her life with gusto.  
This is her story....