In this honest and often funny conversation, Jennine and Kristen talk with Isobel Schofield, founder of the iconic clog brand Bryr Studio, about style, aging, menopause, and power. The episode opens with Kristen’s reflections on how her personal style has evolved post-menopause — from abandoning painful heels to embracing the liberating truth of wearing clothes that actually fit.

Then Isobel joins the conversation, and the three dive into how personal style is shaped not just by bodies, but by generational values, cultural shifts, and an ever-present questioning of the patriarchy. From her roots in sculpture and theater design to building a slow fashion brand in San Francisco, Isobel shares the winding path that led to Bryr — and how the creation of her now-iconic “Chonk” shoe became a reclaiming of creative power.

Along the way, they unpack everything from Gen X fashion DNA, London vs. New York style archetypes, menopause visibility, and the radical power of not giving a f*ck. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod furiously, and you might measure yourself for a bathing suit by the end.

Guest:
Isobel Schofield — Founder & Creative Director of Bryr

Topics Discussed:

• How menopause affects personal style and self-perception

• Gen X fashion identity and cultural attitude

• The cultural invisibility of older women and how we fight it

• Designing fashion as a feminist and creative act

• Reimagining aging as power, not decline

Where to find Isobel & Bryr:

• Website: bryrstudio.com

• Instagram: @bryrclogs

What if your fitness journey wasn’t about chasing a smaller body—but about feeling strong, energized, and alive? In this empowering episode, we talk to Oonagh Duncan, multi-award-winning fitness expert, bestselling author of Healthy As Fck* (aka Ditch the Diet), and founder of the Feel Good Movement.

We dive deep into what it really means to feel good in your body—at any size, at any age—and how fitness can help us reconnect with our power. Oonagh shares her journey from fat activist and actor to fitness leader, and how she’s redefining health for Gen X women and beyond. She breaks down why habits—not willpower—create change, how movement is a form of self-respect, and why no one ever achieved lasting transformation through shame.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, struggling with body image, or just ready to feel good again, this episode is for you.

Topics We Cover:

• Why self-hate doesn’t lead to body love

• Oonagh’s surprising path from fat activism to fitness

• The myth of willpower—and what actually works

• Why consistency beats intensity

• How strength training builds more than muscle—it builds identity

• Moving through menopause, burnout, and the “I’ve lost myself” feeling

• The truth about HIIT, cortisol, and over-40 fitness fears

• How fashion and fitness intersect as tools of empowerment

Resources Mentioned:

• Oonagh’s Free Fitness Resources

• Follow Oonagh on Instagram

• Oonagh’s podcast: Goals, Grit & Some Woo Woo Sh*t

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 problem
• What to do with clothes that no longer fit but are hard to let go of
• How to make getting dressed easy and empowering
• The emotional cost of hanging on to “someday” clothes
• Why dressing with intention is a form of self-trust and self-respect
• The myth of “effortless” style—and how to find your own version of it

Plus, 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!

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 joy
• Why the fashion industry still isn’t cutting it for plus-size folks—and how secondhand can offer freedom and power
• Sophia’s honest, empathetic approach to styling clients, from measurements to mindset shifts
• The magic of her Instagram Live sales, where community, confidence, and clothes come together
• How women of all ages and sizes can reclaim comfort, color, and self-expression—even in a world that tells us to shrink

Plus: 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

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 possibility
• How generational trauma—and healing—shaped Jenn’s identity, sobriety, and purpose
• The power of representation for Indigenous people in the beauty industry
• Why not knowing your full history doesn’t mean you don’t belong
• Sustainability beyond buzzwords—what it really means to build a brand with the next seven generations in mind
• Veganism, cultural nuance, and honoring traditional lifeways
• The 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 life

Jenn 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

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 apology
• The myth of the “cool girl” and why being unbothered is the new sexy
• Why your neck, your stomach rolls, and your closet are not problems to fix
• Finding your power in midlife—and giving yourself permission to be loud, visible, and real
• The 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

Welcome 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 Philosophy
• Why dressing powerfully is a political act—especially for women in midlife
• Jennine’s Venn diagram of Quality, Memorability, and Authenticity
• A client success story that proves a red suit can change your life
• Why quiet luxury isn’t always as “aspirational” as it seems
• The real reason you don’t need a personal shopper—you need personal agency
• And what AI, tax accountants, and The Jetsons have to do with getting dressed

This isn’t a podcast about fashion. It’s a podcast about meaning. About how we show up in the world. And how we take up space—on purpose.

✨ Subscribe now so you don’t miss Episode 1, where we’ll start digging even deeper into the psychology and politics of personal style.

💚 Follow us on Substack: Closet Philosophy

💚 Join the conversation on Instagram: @closet.philosophy

💎 Guest: Marie McCarthy Founder of Fiat Lux and Rose Gold’s Piercing & Tattoo

In this episode, personal stylist Jennine Jacob and fashion journalist Kristen Philipkoski talk with Marie McCarthy, founder of fine jewelry store Fiat Lux and Rose Gold’s Piercing and Tattoo in San Francisco.

Marie shares how jewelry, tattoos, and piercings can be forms of power, rebellion, self-love, and pure fun—especially as we age. We discuss:

• Why women are getting piercings and tattoos later in life
• How style is about how you feel, not just how you look
• Using clothes and accessories as a language to communicate your mood, politics, or power
• How trends reflect society and why Marie ignores them
• Her personal style “rules” (hello, black skinny jeans forever)
• Why accessories are the secret to feeling cool in any outfit

Instagram:

Fiat Lux

Rose Gold’s

In this episode, personal stylist Jennine Jacob and fashion journalist Kristen Philipkoski talk with Danielle Bayard Jackson, friendship coach and author of Fighting for Our Friendships. They explore how what we wear can open the door to meaningful connections—and how friendships shape (and are shaped by) our personal style.

Danielle breaks down her three affinities framework—symmetry, support, and secrecy—revealing why women’s friendships are so powerful yet often fragile. She shares how style plays into first impressions and why dressing to express yourself authentically is a form of vulnerability that can actually fast-track finding your people.

They discuss:

• Why women’s friendships dissolve at a higher rate than men’s
• How wearing something “conversation-worthy” invites connection
• Why friendships sometimes fade after big life shifts
• Scripts for repairing friendship missteps
• The power of showing up as yourself, even if it risks rejection

Guest:

👭 Danielle Bayard Jackson – friendship educator, speaker, and author of Fighting for Our Friendships. Find her work at Better Female Friendships.

Listen if you want to:

✨ Feel more confident approaching new people ✨ Understand why friendships sometimes drift ✨ Explore how your style choices impact your social life ✨ Learn practical scripts to navigate common friendship pitfalls

This week on Closet Philosophy, we talk with Finnish street style archivist, photographer, and founder of the Gem app, Liisa Jokinen. Liisa has been documenting what people wear on the street for more than 20 years—and in doing so, she’s built a visual time capsule of personal expression, cultural shifts, and everyday creativity.

In this episode, we dig into:

• How second-hand shopping is freedom
• How clothing choices offer clues about identity, mood, and values
• What changed when she moved from Helsinki to New York
• How she developed the Gem app for vintage and secondhand shopping
• Why older women are some of the most exciting dressers
• And how to cultivate your own style voice over time

Liisa also shares her philosophy on dressing for yourself, what makes a great outfit, and why individuality—not trends—is the future of fashion.

Find Liisa:

• Street style archivist and founder of Gem
• Explore her photos: NYClooks.com
• Instagram: @nyclooks, @hellooks and @liisajokinen

Artist 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 her life
• The connection between personal style and artistic voice
• Why repetition is powerful—and not boring
• What it means to be a beginner on purpose
• What she loves about getting older (and no one tells you about)
• And why constraints can be the key to freedom

Windy also shares her take on aging, being a late bloomer, and how we don’t need to retire our style as we get older.

Find Windy:

• Artist & author of The Year of Knots
• See her work: windychien.com
• Follow her on Instagram: @windychien

In 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 do
• Why quality isn’t just about fabric—it’s about how you care for your clothes
• The deeper meaning of the Walmart Birkin
• How self-love is the foundation of great style

Plus, Walle shares his take on what three things are actually worth investing in if you want a wardrobe that works and feels meaningful.

Find Wale:

• Stylist & co-founder of Nero Chicago
• Follow him on Instagram & TikTok: @stylebywale

This 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, competing in powerlifting, and applying for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue at 60+. Her message? Your joy is contagious—and it's never too late to be fully, loudly, you.

Topics We Cover:

• Why dressing up when you don’t feel like it is a powerful move
• How creative disciplines (like graphic design and abstract art) can shape personal style
• Using fashion as a form of emotional regulation
• What powerlifting taught Manny after cancer and injury
• Midlife confidence, visibility, and pushing back against patriarchal beauty standards
• The design principles behind good outfits—and good paintings
• The real reason she applied to the Sports Illustrated model search
• Why wearing a bigger size might be the most liberating thing you do all year

Follow Manny:

• Instagram: @mannyfashionstylist
• Art account: @mannymartinscarmen
• TikTok & YouTube: @mannymartinscarmen

💌 Subscribe to our Substack for deeper dives, style essays, and behind-the-scenes content!

#ClosetPhilosophy #AgeLikeARebel #MannyMartinsCarmen #MidlifeStyle #PowerLiftingOver60 #StyleIsNotNeutral #AgingOutLoud #StyleAsJoy #NotYourDaughterStyle #WearTheSequins

In 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, cringe, and what it means to keep evolving your style in a culture that worships youth.

If you've ever stood in front of your closet wondering who you're getting dressed for—this one’s for you.

Topics We Cover:

• How she coined the term “Millennial pink”
• The commercialization of the female gaze
• Why effortlessness is its own kind of performance
• How personal style can be armor—and storytelling
• The privilege of “not caring” about fashion
• Why influencers burn out—and what’s changing in that world
• What fashion can learn from sports
• The difference between authentic style and aesthetic conformity
• Her journey from Juicy Couture to ELLE editor—and everything in between

Follow Véronique:

• Instagram: @veroniquehyland
• Column: Style Points on ELLE.com
• Book: Dress Code (available now)

💌 Subscribe to our Substack for deeper dives, style essays, and behind-the-scenes content.

#ClosetPhilosophy #DressCodeBook #VeroniqueHyland #PersonalStyle #FashionPolitics #FemaleGaze #EffortlessStyle #MidlifeFashion #NotInvisible #AgingOutLoud #StyleAsResistance

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 career
• The link between confidence, clothing, and authenticity
• What to do when your go-to jeans stop fitting during peri- and post- menopause
• The internal feeling of knowing when an outfit is “you”
• Erin’s advice for anyone second-guessing their bold style in a boardroom
• Her 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

Welcome to a special episode of Closet Philosophy where Jennine and Kristen open up about the challenges and rewards of reinventing yourself—especially after taking a work break to care for family or shifting gears in midlife. They share their personal journeys of returning to the workforce, navigating ageism, career gaps, and finding new purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Personal experiences of leaving and re-entering the workforce after motherhood or caretaking

• The surprising roadblocks and opportunities that come with a career gap

• Ageism and the difficulties faced by midlife women in today’s job market

• The importance of meaningful work, creativity, and autonomy—and why these are non-negotiable for some

• Why so many women turn to entrepreneurship in their 40s, 50s, and beyond (with fresh statistics!)

• How personal style is a secret networking weapon and catalyst for engaging with the world

• The unique struggle (and privilege) of figuring out what you really want from work at this stage of life

• The power of community: you are not alone in your quest for reinvention!

Resources & Mentions:

• EvolveMe: an organization supporting midlife women re-entering the workforce

• Recent LinkedIn and demographic statistics on career breaks and entrepreneurship

Whether you're feeling invisible, itching for a new chapter, or struggling to make your experience relevant, you'll find humor, hope, and good company in this conversation. Be seen—by your community, and by yourself!

Share your story! Have you tried to return to traditional work and ended up an entrepreneur? Are you struggling with finding purpose or translating your experience? Email us or leave a review—your story could inspire a future episode!

in this inspiring conversation, we talk with Alicia Johnson—global marketing strategist, Ford model, and author of Buried Treasure: A Field Guide to the Life-Changing Magic of Revealing Yourself. Alicia shares how she re-entered the modeling world in her 60s through a twist of serendipity, the challenges and biases that still exist for older plus-size women in fashion, and how personal style can be a radical act of self-acceptance.

We explore the deeper meaning of authenticity, why self-trust is the foundation of showing up fully, and how movement—not dieting—can be a key to reclaiming joy. Alicia also offers practical tools for reconnecting with your body, noticing where emotions live physically, and using clothing to express your most powerful self.

Other highlights include:

• The magical story of Alicia’s unexpected contract with Ford Models

• The ongoing cultural double standard for older women’s bodies

• How hope differs from optimism (and why it matters)

• Practical style advice from tailoring to designer investment pieces

• Why authenticity is an active, ongoing practice—not a buzzword

If you’ve ever wondered how personal style intersects with healing, agency, and joy, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to reveal yourself—inside and out.

Find Alicia online: alicialjohnson.com | Instagram & Substack: @alicialjohnson

In this episode we are very thrilled to talk with Leah Elson—scientist, author, and viral science communicator—about the power of showing up fully as yourself, whether in a lab coat or a leather jackets.

Leah has degrees from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and USC, and has published more than 87 scientific manuscripts. But she’s just as known for her incredible eyeliner, tattoos, and bold, unapologetic personal style. We talk with her about how embracing her full self—pink hair and all—actually enhanced her work as a neuroscientist.

We cover:

• Why personal style isn’t superficial—it’s essential, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

• The science behind gut health, nerve regeneration, and outer space.

• Her book There Are No Stupid Questions in Science, why she illustrated it with crayons, and how it came to be.

• Her journey from surviving a tumultuous upbringing to becoming a global role model.

• AI, AGI, and how human creativity might be the last frontier.

This one is inspiring, enlightening, and packed with ideas about fashion, feminism, trauma, science, and how all of it connects.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Leah’s favorite eyeliner

• Miracle Balm by Jones Road

• Leah’s book: There Are No Stupid Questions in Science

• Follow Leah: @gnarlybygnature

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen sit down with fashion creator Angel Edme. Her bold style and fearless approach to self-expression embody what it means to use style as self-expression. Angel Edme is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator based in New York—known for her razor-sharp style, unfiltered honesty, and a deep passion for helping people show up as their boldest, truest selves.

She started behind the camera as a storyteller, and now she’s in front of it—empowering real people to reclaim their confidence through fashion, skincare, and creative self-expression. Angel doesn’t just serve looks—she sparks transformation. Whether she’s sharing outfit inspiration, speaking truth on identity and visibility, or demystifying beauty standards, Angel brings style, and substance to everything she does.

Get ready for a conversation on personal power, redefining beauty, and why what you wear is never just about clothes.

Highlights include:

• How growing up shaped her approach to style.

• Why “styling principles” should be tools, not rules.

• Her process for mindful shopping and choosing pieces with versatility.

• The rise of African designers bringing bold creativity and inclusivity.

• Practical advice for anyone struggling with body image and confidence.

Angel reminds us that the most stylish thing you can wear is self-love—and that what you wear is never just about clothes.

👉 Follow Angel on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and check out her Substack Stuff I Wouldn’t Gatekeep for her latest fashion, travel, and beauty insights.