What happens when the career that once defined you…stops fitting?

In this episode of A Styled Life, Alex Standley Personal Stylist is joined by Rosie Nixon, founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats, author of the Stylist novel series, and former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! Magazine. They talk about the moment Rosie came close to burnout, how perimenopause and “always on” culture collided, and why reinvention isn’t a one-time pivot, it’s a mindset for the rest of your life.

They also dive into style: how clothes can support your mental health, why dressing “too power dressed” can change the tone in a room, and the freedom that comes from understanding what truly works for you (not what the job, the trend cycle, or social expectations say you should wear).

We cover:

• Burnout as a breakthrough (and what changed after)
• The “pause, reflect, organise” formula Rosie now teaches
• Identity beyond your job title
• Why confidence and clothing are more connected than we admit
• Sustainable style shifts: pre-loved, investment pieces, and letting go of “outfit repeating” shame
• How to start a reinvention when you feel stuck: begin with joy

Episode highlights

• 00:34 Rosie’s magazine career journey (Red, Glamour, Grazia, HELLO!)
• 01:23 The “perfect storm” that led to burnout (2022)
• 03:46 Stress, nervous system burnout, and perimenopause overlap
• 06:59 Why “busy” became a badge of honour (and why it’s breaking us)
• 08:00 “Reinvention mindset” navigating change over and over again
• 10:51 The swan effect: looking fine on the surface, flapping underneath
• 14:36 Who am I if I’m not editing a magazine? (identity beyond a role)
• 17:46 Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats + the PRO method: Pause, Reflect, Organise
• 22:26 Rosie’s style evolution: colour, storytelling, confidence, and dressing for the room
• 25:24 Dressing for authority without feeling inaccessible
• 30:38 Confidence, trends, and the rise of sustainable style (and why outfit repeating is cool now)
• 35:56 Where to start if you’re ready for change: start with joy
• 40:23 Quickfire: most-loved item in Rosie’s wardrobe
• 42:48 Quickfire: what Rosie has “too much of” + the wardrobe detox
• 46:07 Quickfire: trend regrets (Camden market, grunge, the “smelly coat” era)
• 47:47 Rosie’s new book on reinvention (late Aug / early Sept)
  

Connect with Rosie:

Find out more about Rosie and her reinvention retreats:
https://www.rosienixon.co.uk/

Follow Rosie on socials

https://www.instagram.com/rosiejnixon/

Book a free style strategy call with Alex:

https://www.alexandrastandley.co.uk/service-page/style-strategy-call