Ep. 6: Authenticity as armor: Style, confidence, and career with marketing maven Erin Wallace
In 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 like costumes, and what it means to truly feel like yourself in your clothes.If you’ve ever questioned whether you can be taken seriously while dressing boldly—or felt like your closet was full of pieces for someone you used to be—this one’s for you.We talk about:How style can be a “positive weapon” in your careerThe link between confidence, clothing, and authenticityWhat to do when your go-to jeans stop fitting during peri- and post- menopauseThe internal feeling of knowing when an outfit is “you”Erin’s advice for anyone second-guessing their bold style in a boardroomHer go-to styling tricks (hint: it starts with rolling up your sleeves)Why you should find your own pink plaid suit💌 Subscribe to our Substack for deeper dives, style essays, and behind-the-scenes content.#ClosetPhilosophy #AuthenticStyle #MidlifeStyle #FashionAndLeadership #MenopauseStyle #SustainableStyle #AgingOutLoud
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Ep. 5: Shira Gill on minimalist style, body changes, and the power of now
Bestselling 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 version of itPlus, Shira shares her go-to closet edit tip, how she broke up with uncomfortable jeans, and why your clothes might be saying more than you think.🎧 Tune in and learn how editing your closet can help you edit your life!
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Ep 4: Making good with Sophia Hall — Thrifting, style, and taking up space
In 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 mindset shiftsThe magic of her Instagram Live sales, where community, confidence, and clothes come togetherHow women of all ages and sizes can reclaim comfort, color, and self-expression—even in a world that tells us to shrinkPlus: unexpected styling hacks, Billie Eilish shoutouts, the secret weapon of the men’s section, and why one of her customers once watched a live sale from the front row of a Botticelli concert (yes, really).✨ Subscribe now so you don’t miss next week’s episode—because we’re just getting started unpacking what style can really do.💚 Find Sophia on Instagram: @makegood💚 Follow us on Substack: Closet Philosophy💚 Join the conversation on Instagram: @closet.philosophy
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Ep 3: Healing, beauty, and taking up space — Jenn Harper of Cheekbone Beauty on building a brand with a soul
What 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 trauma—and healing—shaped Jenn’s identity, sobriety, and purposeThe power of representation for Indigenous people in the beauty industryWhy not knowing your full history doesn’t mean you don’t belongSustainability beyond buzzwords—what it really means to build a brand with the next seven generations in mindVeganism, cultural nuance, and honoring traditional lifewaysThe story behind Cheekbone’s stunning lipstick names (spoiler: every shade is a language lesson)And a sneak peek at a powerful red lipstick collab you’ll definitely want on your lips—and in your lifeJenn also shares how her Indigenous values shape every decision—from the supply chain to the pigments—and why sustainability, transparency, and community care are non-negotiables.If you’ve ever wondered how to live your values out loud, or how to turn personal pain into world-shifting power, this episode is your roadmap.✨ Subscribe now so you don’t miss upcoming episodes—and keep an eye out for that red lipstick drop.💚 Find Cheekbone Beauty on Instagram: @cheekbonebeauty💚 Follow us on Substack: Closet Philosophy💚 Join the conversation on Instagram: @closet.philosophy
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Ep 2: Dressing like you mean it — Heidi Clements (AKA @WelcomeToHeidi) on authenticity, aging, and not giving a damn
What 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 into:Heidi’s surprising path to online influence (spoiler: it starts with pizza 🍕)Dressing without shame, rules, or apologyThe myth of the “cool girl” and why being unbothered is the new sexyWhy your neck, your stomach rolls, and your closet are not problems to fixFinding your power in midlife—and giving yourself permission to be loud, visible, and realThe magic of saying “f*ck off” (lovingly)This is a conversation about more than personal style—it’s about personal freedom. Whether you’re navigating midlife, recovering from people-pleasing, or just want to feel a little braver in your own skin, this episode is for you.📌 Plus: Heidi’s best accidental outfit formulas, why she films in her bathroom, and what happens when you accidentally flash your... well, just listen.✨ Subscribe now so you don’t miss next week’s episode—because we’re just getting started unpacking what style can really do.💚 Find Heidi on Instagram: @welcometoheidi💚 Find Heidi on TikTok: @welcometoheidi💚 Follow us on Substack: Closet Philosophy💚 Join the conversation on Instagram: @closet.philosophy
Think it doesn’t matter what you wear? Hosts Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski uncover the ways your personal style is not just personal. What you choose to wear every day is a political act, whether you’re aware of it or not. And putting thought into your personal style is not superficial, unintelligent, or a waste of time. Along with guests including bestselling authors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and more, the Closet Philosophy podcast explores how what we wear influences and reveals what’s within.