Style for Life

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 rea...

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 ul...

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 co...

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...

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 feelin...

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 int...

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 behavio...

In this episode, Steph unpacks all there is to know about wearing prints.  She explains the difference between. Plain and printed fabric and discusses the different types of prints in 5 broad categories:   Floral  Geometric  Abstract  Animal print Ethnic print    She discusses the reasons why people may choose not to wear a print and gives some encouragement to think outside the box when it comes...

This week Steph takes a deep dive into her wardrobe to show you how to put together an outfit for Race day.  Whether you are attending for fun with a group of friends,  wanting to enter the best dressed or going with a bent for the horses there are certain things that make a race day outfit work well.   Start with one element and work the rest of your outfit around it.  In this episode Steph share...

In this episode, Stephanie explores the concept of amygdala hijack, a term used to describe the emotional responses that occur during conflict or escalation.   She identifies three primary responses: fight, flight, and freeze, and emphasises the importance of recognising which response one is experiencing in order to manage emotions effectively during challenging conversations.   For resources and...

In this episode, Stephanie walks us through the latest spring-summer fashion trends, providing insights into various styles, colours, and combinations.   She emphasises the importance of personal style over trends and showcases items from her own wardrobe to illustrate key points.   The conversation covers a range of topics, including nightie dresses, tank tops, athleisure, plaid, utility styles,...

Stephanie talks with Olivia Hay-Smith, a young entrepreneur who has successfully launched two businesses in vintage fashion and marketing.   They discuss Olivia's journey into vintage fashion, the challenges of thrifting, the ethics surrounding fast fashion, and the importance of sustainability.   Olivia shares her insights on content creation and marketing strategies, emphasising the need for pat...

In this episode, Stephanie shares her personal journey through menopause, discussing the various symptoms she experienced, the impact of COVID-19 on her health, and her exploration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She emphasises the importance of knowledge and support during this transition and offers insights into managing anxiety and lifestyle changes. Steph also touches on Frocktober, a fu...

Stephanie talks with Suli, a seasoned group fitness instructor and community health advocate.   Suli shares his journey from teaching fitness classes to becoming a registered nurse, emphasising the importance of community health, particularly for Māori and Pacific populations.   The conversation explores the significance of building relationships in fitness, the challenges faced by the rainbow com...

This week, Stephanie discusses the different body shapes and how to dress for them.   She talks about why understanding your body shape and proportions is important, and how this knowledge can lead to better styling choices.   She explains the significance of vertical proportions and the role of visual harmony in dressing, and highlights the limitations of AI in accurately assessing body shapes an...

Stephanie talks with Clare Maxfield, the owner and director of Image Innovators, a leading company in image consulting and stylist training about what it takes to be a stylist in 2025.   Steph and Clare discuss the importance of training for stylists, the evolving role of technology and AI in colour analysis, and the comprehensive services offered by Image Innovators.   Clare emphasises the need f...

In this episode, Stephanie discusses why colour analysis could completely change the way you think about your wardrobe. Steph delves into the world of colour analysis, explaining its significance in fashion styling and personal branding. She discusses the benefits of understanding your colour palette, the process of colour consultation, and the evolution of tools used in colour analysis. She also...

In this episode, Stephanie recalls her time at New Zealand Fashion Week and brings interviews with some amazing industry insiders about the event.   Hear the stories of volunteers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts who make this week unforgettable.   Interviews include:   Becky from Hyde Boutique in Oamaru  https://hydeboutique.co.nz/ Stacey Beatson Stylist -  https://staceybeatson.com/about/ Nok...

In this episode, Peri Drysdale, founder of Untouched World, shares her journey from starting a small cottage industry to establishing a successful, sustainable fashion brand.   The discussion covers the origins of Untouched World, the challenges faced during its growth, the transition to production, and the brand's commitment to sustainability.   Stephanie and Peri also touch on innovation in fibr...

In this episode, Stephanie discusses the upcoming New Zealand Fashion Week, sharing insights into its history, evolution, and significance in the fashion industry.   She highlights the event's focus on sustainability and diversity, the operational aspects of Fashion Week, and the importance of sponsors.   Stephanie also expresses her excitement for the upcoming shows and the connections she looks...

It is never too late to start exercising. The best time to start is now. In this episode, Stephanie discusses how to get into exercise for those who dislike it or feel unfit. She emphasises that it's never too late to start exercising and shares scientific insights about sedentary lifestyles. Steph provides practical tips for finding enjoyable forms of exercise, the importance of accountability, a...

After travelling to many countries over the past few weeks, Stephanie has seen so much colour and style, and it has got her reflecting on why we wear so much black. She explores 8 key points that commonly arise with her clients about wearing black. Is black slimming? Why are there so many black clothes and not much of anything else? Is black really safe, and does it prevent me from making a dressi...

Food can impact all aspects of our lives, gut, mood, energy, hormones… the list goes on. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Dr Rachel Scrivin about how food works in the body and how to make it work for your goals.   Rachel shares her extensive journey in dietetics, discussing her career evolution, the challenges of pursuing a PhD while balancing family life, and her research on FODMAPs and their...

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Gina, who shares her incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation.   From overcoming physical challenges to embracing a healthier lifestyle, Gina's story is a testament to the power of choosing yourself and the impact of accountability.   As a busy mum with young kids, prioritising your own health and fitness can be a massive challe...

Coming to you from Ibiza, Spain, Stephanie discusses the pros and cons of travelling, sharing personal experiences and insights from this trip and others she’s had in the past. She highlights the financial burdens, safety concerns, and physical fatigue associated with travel, while also emphasising the stress reduction, personal growth, and cultural experiences that travel can provide. The convers...