Ep. 13: Tattoos, piercings, and style as self-expression with Marie McCarthy
💎 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
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Ep. 12: How clothes spark connection: friendship, vulnerability, and personal style with Danielle Bayard Jackson
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
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Ep. 11: Gem app founder Liisa Jokinen on the joy of second hand clothing and documenting personal style around the world
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
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Ep. 10: The power of pattern: Artist Windy Chien on knots, creativity, and control
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
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Ep. 9: Style, status, and self-love: A Conversation with stylist, designer, and closet philosopher Wale Sanni
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
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.
Netherlands