Style for Life

Packing to go on holiday can be a fraught experience where sometimes you just throw everything into the suitcases and hope for the best, and you wear half of what you have taken and spend the whole time lugging a heavy bag around feeling frustrated with yourself for not taking more time.  
 
This time we are travelling to:
 

 Turkey- hot temps between 28 - 35oC so VERY hot by NZ standards

Sweden  - temps between 10 - 18oC - cold compared to Turkey 

London  - temps  between 12 - 22oC - coolish but not as cold as  Sweden 

New York - temps between 18 - 30oC - so hot again!!

This has meant that I will need to take more warm clothing than I usually would on a hot holiday.  I am also running a half marathon, so I need sports clothing that performs well. 
 
I have limited the packing to three pairs of shoes;
 

 1 pair of trainers that also double as casual shoes - after much searching, I have opted for Skechers, which I haven't run in before so a risk but these are designed for running, and I'm finding them great!

1 pair of Ecco sandals that I can walk in  - super comfortable and a great option 

1 pair of Birkenstocks - I could have left them at home and managed with one pair....  

https://nz.ecco.com/product/ecco-gruuv-sol/213103/02710
https://www.skechers.co.nz/shop/women/footwear/athletic-sneakers
https://www.birkenstock.co.nz/collections/womens-sandals
 
Clothing is as follows:  
 
1 pair of jeans 
2 pairs of lightweight trousers 
2 long sleeved shirts (one light weight and one medium weight)
2 short sleeved shirts 
2 singlets 
2 tops
2 very fine long sleeved thermals 
2 pairs of shorts 
3  sets of sports / workout gear:  3x shorts, 3x sports bras,  3x sports tops  - running visor and sunglasses 
3 dresses 
1 puffer jacket 
1 rain jacket 
2 cardigans 
1 jersey
 
This feels like a great amount of clothing for the travels I am doing.  I may have been able to trim, but I suffer in the cold!  
 
Luggage I prefer is: 
 
https://www.lojel.com/category/travel/
https://www.cotopaxi.co.nz/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21369784761&gbraid=0AAAAAoaFc6ATnwzGc-X3zrK4hzZLlIIT8&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiNH7tNrZlgMVuKhoCR3Hki91EAAYASAAEgKkevD_BwE
 
 
If you want some help with packing please feel free to reach out and I can help!

For the past few years I have had the privilege of being a delegate at NZ Fashion week in Auckland. 

This is a coming together of all people in fashion,  a chance to see what is coming up for the new season and a great chance to talk fashion non stop with people who are interested lol.   

In this episode I discuss the shows I went to, a little bit about the designers and what we can expect in the season ahead.  I also discuss the history of NZ Fashion week and how it has evolved.  

If you are interested in the Christchurch version of Fashion week which is 15 - 18th of October please click the link below to book tickets.  

 

https://www.nzfashionweek.com/christchurch-spring-fashion-festival

 

If you are interested in some styling advice please click on the link below.  Thank you so much for listening.  

 

https://www.brightred.co.nz/

It was such a pleasure to interview fellow Stylist Abby Button this week.  I feel so privileged to have her in the studio and to chat with her about her journey to being a fashion stylist.  

I have known Abby since she started as a stylist intern over 10years ago and its inspirational to see how far she has come and where she is at now.  

Abby and I are also working a little more together at The Crossing https://thecrossing.co.nz/

this weekend (15 & 16 August 2026 ) to deliver a fashion event on how to choose a colourful capsule wardrobe from the fabulous retail at The Crossing.  Please click on the link above to get your last minute tickets!!  

Check out Abby's website here:

https://abbybutton.co.nz/

And of course for all things Bright Red Styling here: 

https://www.brightred.co.nz/styling

In response to come industry discussion I have recorded this podcast on how colour analysis fits into our 2026 'stylescape'.  

The key discussion points are: 

1. How to ensure the client voice and preferences are heard and acknowledged in the delivery of colour analysis 

2. The pros and cons of colour analysis in 2026

3. How to apply colour analysis, look and feel great and still feel like you

4.  How colour analysis can help you feel more confident 

5.  How a stylist delivers and works with colour analysis in 2026. 

 

It was super interesting researching and putting this together.  Im really interested to hear your comments and thoughts.  

Contact me if you want to learn more about colour analysis.  

https://www.brightred.co.nz/colour-analysis-consultation

I thought long and hard about this episode as its something close to my heart.   In this episode I discuss my own relationship with alcohol,  why I have made the changes I have and how that journey unfolded.  I also wanted to explore the reasons why women from the ages of 35 - 70 have normalised regular and sometimes unhealthy drinking habits.   

This podcast unpacks the reasons why we drink,  what the health implications are and what we can do about it.  

I honestly have no judgement - I just wanted to share the facts with you and I hope this helps you in some way in your life

Thank you for listening.  

If you want some help with helping improve your health goals feel free to reach out 

https://www.brightred.co.nz/accountability-coaching