Style for Life

How to get the best out of preloved clothing with Amanda from 'To be Continued Preloved" 03.07.2026 32min

In this episode Amanda from the Christchurch preloved clothing store 'To Be Continued Preloved' traverses the best way to buy pre loved clothing and shares all of her industry insights. She has been in business selling pre loved clothing for over 10 years and has an impeccable eye for pieces that she knows you will love. She also shares some tips and tricks to get the best out of pre loved clothing and what you need to do as a seller as well as become a discerning buyer! Thank you so much Amanda for your most excellent insights. Check out the store at any of the locations in Christchurch: 1. 1027 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, 2. 9B Normans Road, Strowan 3. 182 Papanui Road, Merivale https://tobecontinuedpreloved.com/ Have a great week and enjoy this episode!

How to look great without spending a fortune 26.06.2026 31min

There is a common myth that looking great is directly correlated to spending heaps of money. This is a fallacy. This weeks podcast explores all the ways you can look and feel great without spending heaps of money on clothes. My 10 top tips on how to do this include: Know what suits you – colour, style and personality Shop for items on sale Shop outside the current season - swimwear in winter, jerseys in summer Go to car boot sales / preloved vintage fairs Pre loved shops Air-points, hot points and other promotions Quality over quantity – see the last episode on fibres. Multi season and multi way pieces - wear your clothes everywhere. Capsule wardrobes Mend and repurpose fabric and clothing Be mindful of grooming and make up Thank you for listening. I really appreciate all of you. Thank you to Image Innovators for their ongoing support and sponsorship. https://imageinnovators.com/ If you want some help to get the most out of your budget reach out to: https://www.brightred.co.nz/styling

Do you really know what your clothes are made from and does it fit with your values? 19.06.2026 32min

One of the things I am very passionate about is the fabric or more specifically the fibre that garments are made from. The fibre content of the garments you wear has a big impact on so many aspects of the fit, cost, performance, look, drape and handle (how the fabric feels next to your skin) of a garment. In this podcast I explore the difference between man made and natural fibres and cover off the pros and cons of each. Natural fibres are: Cotton Wool Silk Linen Manmade are: Nylon Polyester Elastane Natural fibres that require a lot of chemical processing: Rayon Viscose Bamboo Listen to this episode to learn much more. Enjoy this episode.

What is busyness and is it really a thing? 12.06.2026 30min

I often hear people commenting that they are really busy or do not have time or capacity to do something or interact. In this podcast I explore the causes or perceived causes of busyness and what to do about it. I explore the psychological roots or busyness and what are some practical time management tools for managing a busy life. Thank you for listening to this podcast and for being a supporter of the show. Thank you also to our sponsor Image Innovators for helping make this happen. https://imageinnovators.com/ For all things style and wellness you can find me at: https://www.brightred.co.nz/

How to create your best winter capsule wardrobe for work or casual 04.06.2026 31min

Almost everyone I work with wants me to help them curate a capsule wardrobe. This podcast covers off the key pieces that make up a winter capsule wardrobe and how to put them all together. A winter capsule wardrobe is made up of around 12 pieces consisting of: 1 -2 Jackets / blazers / cardigan 5 -6 tops 1 - 2 skirt or dress 2 trousers Restricting the wardrobe to 3 -4 colours with 1 -2 hero pieces is also really useful. Most capsules work with one pair of shoes that work with everything. If you want some help curating your own capsule wardrobe feel free to reach out. https://www.brightred.co.nz/

How much money should you spend on your clothes each year? 02.06.2026 31min

Super commonly I get asked 'how much should I spend on my wardrobe' every year? In this podcast I discuss how much is enough and how to plan your finances around your wardrobe. There are so many reasons why people don't shop, plan or look after their wardrobes. Style takes effort, budgeting and commitment. In this episode I cover off why people don't buy clothes, how to overcome some of the barriers that lead to style inertia and realistically what we suggest you spend on your personal appearance. Thank you so much for listening and for all your support and feedback. https://www.brightred.co.nz/

What is trending for early winter that you can buy in the shops right now 22.05.2026 32min

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 15.05.2026 31min

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 08.05.2026 31min

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) 01.05.2026 31min

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 24.04.2026 45min

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 17.04.2026 44min

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 03.04.2026 29min

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) 27.03.2026 36min

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. 20.03.2026 36min

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 13.03.2026 31min

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

How to prevent diabetes in your life with Clara Fergus Dietitian 06.03.2026 43min

Diabetes is rife in New Zealand and with so many people presenting with it I thought it was time to chat to an expert on this and fill in the gaps. Clara Fergus is a dietitian who has embarked on a PhD looking at the efficacy of continuous glucose monitors and other diabetes-management strategies such as insulin pumps. She shared some very enlightening insights on diabetes and also some great tips and tricks to give yourself the best possible chance to prevent it happening to you. If you want to contact her for a consultation or for more advice she can be reached by email on: info.thenutritionspecialist@gmail.com Massive thank you to our sponsor Clare Maxfield from Image Innovators https://imageinnovators.com/ You will find me on the following: https://www.brightred.co.nz/

How to be married for 30years - an interview with my husband David Rumble.... 27.02.2026 33min

In this episode I interview my husband David Rumble about his experience of marriage and being married for 30years and I share my thoughts. We lament on the challenges and highs of being together so long and we both offer some insights that have worked for us. This episode is dedicated to him and the life we have created. Many thanks to our premium sponsor Clare from Image Innovators https://imageinnovators.com/ https://www.brightred.co.nz/

Why podcasting builds deeper client relationships than social media ever will with Maxene London 20.02.2026 38min

This week I interviewed Maxene London. She is an expert in all things podcasting and I wanted to share how the journey and business of podcasting has evolved over time. Maxene is only 29 and has worked in some really interesting places and has so many insights that open up the discussion about podcasting and also help dispel any myths. She is a podcast consultant and has also been a judge at the New Zealand podcast awards. I interviewed her because many of you have been curious about why I do this podcast and what is in it for me. Maxene and I explain the altruistic nature of podcasting and how we both see it as a very progressive and fast moving industry with so much potential to grow and expand. As a thank you for listening, you can get 10% off any of Maxene’s podcasting resources using the code STEPH10 at checkout: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/shop-resources. As always thank you to our major sponsor Image Innovators https://imageinnovators.com/ Thank you for listening every week. It really means so much. https://www.brightred.co.nz/

The role of a stylist in helping you choose fashion brands that resonate with you 13.02.2026 36min

Sometimes I find that clients are not sure which fashion brands will suit their life, body and even personal preferences. In this episode I unpack what to look for in a fashion brand, how to choose a fashion designer (brand) that you you resonate with and give you some industry insights into our New Zealand fashion industry. Please note that I have done my best to mention all the brands I have come across and worked with in some capacity. I acknowledge that I may have left someone out. I also want to say how much respect and love I have for our New Zealand designers. We are a tough market and they all strive to provide excellent and beautiful choices for everyone. Please do support them. I also want to correct my error as Trelise Cooper has four brands and I said she had three. The four brands are: 1. Trelise Cooper 2. Cooper 3. COOP and 4.. Curate I mixed this up in the podcast and want to apologise. Designers are discussed are: Karen Walker Zambesi World Nom*D Sylvester Huffer Juliette Hogan Taylor Trelise Cooper and associated brands KowTow Saben YuMei Twenty Seven Names Standard Issue Penny Sage Untouched World Maggie Marilyn Tuesday the Label Workshop Denim Campbell Luke Swanndri Sills and Co Max Ruby Caitlin Crisp Knewe Briarwood Check out the podcast to hear all you need to know about our fantastic designers and how they can be a part of your wardrobe. I also mention style personalities so please feel free to click this link for more info: https://brightred.myprivatestylist.com/your-style-expression/ Thank you to Clare from Image Innovators for her ongoing sponsorship. https://imageinnovators.com/ Check out my webpage for all services: https://www.brightred.co.nz/ Thank you for listening.