Shows
Closet PhilosophyEp. 10: The power of pattern: Artist Windy Chien on knots, creativity, and controlArtist and former Apple exec Windy Chien joins Closet Philosophy this week to talk about how she left a high-profile tech job to follow a totally different thread—literally. Windy became world-renowned for her intricate and sculptural knot work, which she began exploring during her transformative project The Year of Knots. In this conversation, we dive into the parallels between fiber and fashion, the deeper meaning of making things with your hands, and how creativity becomes a form of identity, discipline, and even rebellion.We explore:How tying knots helped Windy reclaim authorship of he...2025-06-1642 min
Closet PhilosophyEp. 9: Style, status, and self-love: A Conversation with stylist, designer, and closet philosopher Wale SanniIn this episode of Closet Philosophy, we talk to stylist and luxury handbag designer Wale Sanni about what personal style really means—and it has little to do with what we wear. Wale shares how he went from sneakerhead to Saks stylist, why timeless style is about emotional connection, and how status, self-worth, and fashion are always intertwined.We also dive deep into:Why people say they don’t care about status but they usually doWhy quality isn’t just about fabric—it’s about how you care for your clothesThe deeper meaning of the Walmart BirkinHow...2025-06-0952 min
Closet PhilosophyFear less: Style, strength, and joy with Manny Martins CarmenThis week, we sit down with the joyful and unapologetically bold influencer Manny Martins Carmen—a 61-year-old model, weightlifter, painter, and accidental content creator who encourages her followers to “age like a rebel.” What started as a creative outlet during COVID has become a movement of radical self-expression, vibrant style, and fearless aging.We talk about dressing up for joy (even if you're just going to the optometrist), the healing power of movement, and how style can shift your mood and the energy of a whole room. Manny also opens up about recovering from a cancer diagnosis, compet...2025-06-0247 min
Closet PhilosophyIs personal style ever truly personal? A deep dive with author and Elle editor Véronique HylandIn this mind-opening conversation, Véronique Hyland—features director at Elle magazine and author of the acclaimed book Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink—helps us unpack the hidden forces shaping how we dress. From the myth of the “female gaze” to the politics of effortlessness, this episode asks big questions about power, gender, class, and whether we can ever truly dress just for ourselves.We explore fashion as communication, resistance, and identity—and why “I don’t care what I wear” is almost always a lie. Plus, we get personal about aging, influence...2025-05-2654 min
Closet PhilosophyEp. 6: Authenticity as armor: Style, confidence, and career with marketing maven Erin WallaceIn this deeply honest and empowering episode, we talk to Erin Wallace, head of marketing at ModeSens, and formerly of ThredUp and Crossroads Trading. She’s a fashion marketing powerhouse, creative leader, and style icon in her own right. Erin shares how her personal style became her superpower in the workplace, why she didn’t truly find “her look” until her late 30s, and how fashion helped her step into leadership after a major life transition.We also get real about what happens when your body changes in midlife, why some outfits feel like home and others feel lik...2025-05-1955 min
Closet PhilosophyEp. 5: Shira Gill on minimalist style, body changes, and the power of nowBestselling author and organizing expert Shira Gill joins us this week. Her work goes far beyond decluttering—Shira believes that organizing is not about perfection, it's about creating space for what actually matters.We talk about:Why most people don’t have an organizing problem—they have a volume problemWhat to do with clothes that no longer fit but are hard to let go ofHow to make getting dressed easy and empoweringThe emotional cost of hanging on to “someday” clothesWhy dressing with intention is a form of self-trust and self-respectThe myth of “effortless” style—and how to find your own...2025-05-1251 min
Closet PhilosophyEp 4: Making good with Sophia Hall — Thrifting, style, and taking up spaceIn this episode of Closet Philosophy, we meet Sophia Hall, the vibrant force behind @makegood on Instagram. Sophia is a secondhand style expert who turned childhood thrift store adventures into a thriving online business serving women of all sizes—especially those who often feel ignored by the fashion industry.We talk about:Growing up as the youngest of eight and learning to dress for survival, identity, and joyWhy the fashion industry still isn’t cutting it for plus-size folks—and how secondhand can offer freedom and powerSophia’s honest, empathetic approach to styling clients, from measurements to minds...2025-04-1251 min
Closet PhilosophyEp 3: Healing, beauty, and taking up space — Jenn Harper of Cheekbone Beauty on building a brand with a soulWhat if lipstick could change more than your look—what if it could change the narrative?This week on Closet Philosophy, we’re joined by powerhouse founder Jenn Harper, the visionary behind Cheekbone Beauty—one of the first Indigenous-owned beauty brands in North America. Jenn shares how a dream in early sobriety led to a mission-driven brand that’s redefining what beauty means, who it’s for, and what it’s made of.We dive into:The dream that started it all: three laughing Native girls with lip gloss and a spark of possibilityHow generational...2025-04-1249 min
Closet PhilosophyEp 2: Dressing like you mean it — Heidi Clements (AKA @WelcomeToHeidi) on authenticity, aging, and not giving a damnWhat if the coolest girl in the room was 64 and completely unbothered?This week on Closet Philosophy, we’re talking with the one and only Heidi Clements—a writer, content creator, and style icon with 1.8 million followers who has become a voice of radical authenticity for women of every age.Heidi shares how she went from TV writer to unexpected TikTok star in her 60s, why getting dressed is both a political act and a personal therapy session, and how to finally stop dressing for the male gaze—or anyone else’s expectations.We get i...2025-04-1253 min
Closet PhilosophyEp 1: Dressing for power, not permission — Why your closet is a political statementWelcome to Closet Philosophy, the podcast that believes what you wear is never just about clothes.In our preview episode, personal stylist Jennine and fashion writer Kristen share how this podcast was born—from a serendipitous interview to an ongoing conversation about the power of personal style. Together, they unpack why midlife is a moment of transformation, not disappearance—and how clothing can be a tool for confidence, self-expression, and resistance.We dive into:The story behind Closet PhilosophyWhy dressing powerfully is a political act—especially for women in midlifeJennine’s Venn diagram of Quality...2025-04-1226 min