FAQs and Where To Start
As of today, in June 2025, I’ve been writing this Substack for 4 years(!!!). As time has gone on, what started as a place for comprehensive guides to common styling issues and sustainable fashion education has evolved into so much more, from commentary on the aesthetification of fashion, criticism of mainstream style advice and even explorations of the very meaning of style itself and its intersection with politics. There’s a lot, here! So, I’ve written this little “FAQ” page as a guide through the humble beginnings and beyond. For the new readers, I hope my words help set you on a journey toward a personal style and wardrobe you truly love. For the old, thanks for sticking around!
How do I shop better?
I wrote Slowing Down: Breaking the Fast Fashion Mindset as a primer specifically for those who “have already come to the conclusion that shopping fast fashion exclusively is not conducive to building a wardrobe they love.” It breaks down how we’ve been conditioned to shop and how to unpack those habits, and then how to find better brands. My How to Shop Better e-book goes into even more depth with details on quality markers, proper clothing maintenance, and more.
How can I learn about fabrics?
I talk about some common fabrics in How to Talk About Clothes Pt. 1, but I really break it down in my e-book Fabric Cheat Sheets.
How do I figure out my personal style?
I personally recommend starting with a moodboard and with part one of my six-part series on how to find your personal style: Analyzing Inspiration.
What is sustainable fashion?
There’s sustainable fashion at an industry level, and sustainable choices we can all make as consumers. I talk about the nuances of both in Sustainable Fashion vs. Sustainable Choices. And (humorously, hilariously) dispel some myths in both Sustainability Bingo and Sustainability Bingo Pt. 2.
Do you have any tips for thrifting/secondhand shopping?
Yup! Thriftin’ Ain’t Easy covers in-person thrifting, online secondhand shopping, and so much more.
Why does personal style matter?
I can’t tell you why personal style should matter to you (because, honestly, maybe it doesn’t have to), but, I can tell you what it is: What Is Personal Style?
Do you have any advice on how to overhaul my wardrobe?
First, I invite you to consider whether you actually need an overhaul, or, if there’s some other factor in your life that’s making you opt for a new wardrobe as a Band-aid. I talk about that in I’m Over the Overhaul.
If you come to the conclusion that you do need to start over, How to Evaluate Your Wardrobe will help you find the best method to do so (and prioritizes figuring out what should stay, more than what to get rid of).
What timeless pieces do I need for my capsule/wardrobe?
Firstly, I have quite a different idea of “timelessness” than most people. I talk about it in What Is Timelessness?
Secondly, contrary to mainstream advice, there is no one-size-fits-all checklist for a capsule wardrobe. Or, rather, it’s not a list of specific garments, but a list of functions. I explain in 30 by 30.
I also talk about why a capsule might not be right for you in Do Capsules Work? and how to avoid common pitfalls of building one in Continuing the Capsule Conversation.
How do I work with/get styled by you?
You can book me through my website for live Zoom sessions: we can evaluate/style your wardrobe, create a shopping guide for your wardrobe gaps, or I can shop for you! I can help you shop for an event/photoshoot/vacation, as well.
I’m also partnered with the digital wardrobe app Indyx, where you can get a ten-look Lookbook or two outfits weekly via the Feed using your existing wardrobe (plus recommendations if you want)!
What sustainable/ethical brands do you recommend?
I created a database of ethical/sustainable/independent womenswear brands called Where 2 Shop a long time ago that’s available exclusively to my paid subscribers (behind the paywall, below). (The menswear version is officially in the works and coming soon.)