Style Sanctuary

Style Sanctuary Stuck in a rut or unsure about what suits you, especially when your body and life are changing?

I offer down-to-earth colour analysis and styling advice for choices that work for your colouring, body shape, lifestyle – and budget.

Well, I gotta say, it looks like this stylist on the other side of the world has in fact read my mind.
27/09/2026

Well, I gotta say, it looks like this stylist on the other side of the world has in fact read my mind.

26/09/2026

It's time to say goodbye to a trusty old friend.

Myth busting –“Everyone suits black or white”. No – this is not quite right.Only one of the seasons – winter – is really...
21/09/2026

Myth busting –
“Everyone suits black or white”. No – this is not quite right.

Only one of the seasons – winter – is really flattered by these colours worn by the face. For the rest of us, we might not need the intensity or depth of winter colours, which are vibrant, bold, or icy. They are either too stark or cool for us when we might need a warm or a muted colour.

We might need the soft, rich, and muted colours of the autumn palette. Or lively, bright, and warm colours – as in the spring palette. Or for summers, muted, cool, elegant colours are the order of the day.

But as I always tell people, you’ve got way more flexibility about what you wear on your bottom half, because obviously it is not near your face.

Something for everyone, especially 'summers' –It looks like the shops have plenty this season for you lasses with a summ...
15/09/2026

Something for everyone, especially 'summers' –

It looks like the shops have plenty this season for you lasses with a summer palette. Here's a few pieces that I spotted this morning and even if you are not a summer, the styling hints apply regardless.

The pink blouse is good flattering length at the front, and handily, is longer at the back. Its flared sleeves are also flattering and feminine, but you probably wouldn't want to be cooking when you wear it (as I've learn the hard way with these kind of sleeves!).

I am so tempted by the jacket and trousers outfit, with the jacket ending at the right spot to emphasise the waist and the longer top underneath is good for creating some extra shape.

The green dress's lines are the kind of one that will suit the majority of figures, and I'm seeing this style everywhere now, especially with shirring around the waist, which is very accommodating when you need a bit of extra room at certain times of the day.

All spotted in Farmers in Queensgate. (I was in buying, would you believe, turbans).

Last Friday I ducked into make an op shop donation, had a quick look at the jackets section while I was there, and as is...
07/09/2026

Last Friday I ducked into make an op shop donation, had a quick look at the jackets section while I was there, and as is always the way when I am not looking for anything in particular, I found this teal faux-fur jacket, which I am stoked with.

I had already had a clothing clear out, so I didn't have to worry about the 'one in, one out' exchange. Wore it on Saturday night and got lots of admiring comments.

While I am still getting used to photographing myself well, you will have take my word on it that I teamed the wine wide-leg trou with a pointy-toed black flat slingback, and for the next time (photo number two) it will be my washed grey barrel-leg jeans and round-toed mary janes.

I've been meaning to do this for a while – I've now got a webpage about the workshops, webinars, and group events that I...
04/09/2026

I've been meaning to do this for a while – I've now got a webpage about the workshops, webinars, and group events that I offer. Useful, practical, and even fun stuff that will save you time, money, uncertainty, and frustration – done with the company of friends or colleagues.

https://stylesanctuary.co.nz/style-services/styling-workshops-webinars-group-experiences/

The next one I shall add is entitled, "Beyond Fashion: Building Professional Confidence Through Personal Style" (webinar or in-person workshop).

Let me know if any of these take your fancy or I can always tailor one to your group.

“You must have a good eye for clothes.”Yes, in my job, having an eye for clothes helps, but personal styling involves mu...
01/09/2026

“You must have a good eye for clothes.”

Yes, in my job, having an eye for clothes helps, but personal styling involves much more than choosing something that looks nice.

When I work with a client, I am considering things such as:
• colour and how it interacts with her natural colouring
• proportion, balance, and scale
• body shape and where clothing lines sit or fall
• fit and fabric
• her personality and preferences
• her lifestyle and the occasions she needs to dress for
• what she already owns
• what is missing from her wardrobe
• her budget, and
• perhaps most importantly, how she actually feels about what she is wearing.

There is also a very important skill that does not involve clothes at all – listening. Because the right answer is different for every woman.

My job is not to tell you what I think you should wear; it is to understand you well enough to help you work out what works for you. That takes training, experience, observation, good communication, and quite a lot of thought.

So while personal styling might look easy from the outside, there is rather more going on than meets the eye.

If you want to chat about what kind of service would suit you – online or in person, book me in for a free 15-minute style check: https://stylesanctuary.co.nz/book-a-consultation/

This latest purchase from Reskew Upcycle I really like. Bought yesterday at the very enjoyable drinks and bites afternoo...
30/08/2026

This latest purchase from Reskew Upcycle I really like. Bought yesterday at the very enjoyable drinks and bites afternoon where we could browse Sally's collection.

Sally is so clever and has so many great designs. And my new top is as environmentally conscious as they get.

Are you ready for a spring 'reset'? This online giveaway until Sunday 30th brings together 17 health and wellness practi...
27/08/2026

Are you ready for a spring 'reset'?

This online giveaway until Sunday 30th brings together 17 health and wellness practitioners who have each contributed something powerful to help you to:
💪 Boost your energy and strength
🥗 Eat better without the overwhelm
🧘‍♀️ Find balance in body and mind
✨ And most importantly, get back on track.

I have contributed a guide called 'Not Built Like a Mannequin?' and the chance to join my styling tips webinar called 'Take the Fight Out of Your Mornings'.

It's all yours, free of charge until Sunday 30th. Sign up here: https://www.whyweightacademy.com/spring-reset-giveaway-2026

Absolute confidence –Here is my ‘bush comber’ dog with another manky old foraged ball from this morning, and she has abs...
24/08/2026

Absolute confidence –

Here is my ‘bush comber’ dog with another manky old foraged ball from this morning, and she has absolute confidence that we can play fetch with it in thick bush. Tricky.

I wish that all women had this kind of confidence (not for playing fetch though), and it is one of my drivers in styling – to help with advice to develop that confidence.

I reckon that if you have some of the basics of styling you can ease into your day and feel certainty about going into that meeting, conference, photography shoot, or wherever you need to feel credible and well put together.

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Wellington

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Thursday 11am - 5pm
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