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/
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To print or not to print - all you ever wanted know about wearing prints.
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 to print.
She also explains how print can stretch and grow your wardrobe and give you plenty of options to choose from - it also takes the thinking out of dressing when you pair it with other solid colours.
So many tips and tricks in this podcast for everyone.
https://www.brightred.co.nz/colour-analysis-consultation
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30:42
How to choose and style an outfit for the races
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 shares how she started with a Zambesi dress when she won Addington Cup Days Fashion in the Field in 2006. She then styled the hat, shoes, jacket and all accessories to work with the dress.
Alternatively she explains how you can start with a hat or fascinator and then work your outfit to fit with the vibe.. Aligning colours and shapes makes your outfit look cohesive – so if your clothing has circles in the fabric emulating this in your accessories and footwear gives a ‘styled’ look.
If you want advice for racewear or any style advice links are below.
Brightred.co.nz
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32:09
Navigating Emotional Responses in Conflict
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 information around accountability coaching and personal styling, check out: https://www.brightred.co.nz/
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33:16
2025’s Spring Summer Fashion Trends Unveiled
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, and masculine suits, concluding with a recap of the trends discussed.
Watch it on YouTube to see the examples as Steph walks us through them.
For resources and information around accountability coaching and personal styling, check out: https://www.brightred.co.nz/
New Zealand