In the final episode of the "Wear Who You Are" podcast for 2025, host Fiona Dieffenbacher, an Associate Professor of Fashion at Parsons School of Design, discusses her research that intersects dress, embodiment, and spirituality. Fiona, a former fashion designer and published author, shares insights from her key projects, including "Dress and Emotion" and "The Outlier Initiative," which explore the emotional significance of clothing and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She emphasizes how clothing choices are influenced by personal identity and cultural environments, illustrating that fashion is a profound expression of the self.

In this episode of Wear Who You Are, host Natalie Tincher talks to Becky Blank, a CEO and tech leader at Ample, a Cincinnati-based digital marketing agency. Known for her commitment to inclusivity in the tech industry, Becky shares her personal and professional experiences that have shaped her advocacy for women and people of color. Her story isn't without challenges; Becky opens up about difficult times marked by pain and alienation, which ignited her passion for fostering a more equitable environment in her industry.

The holidays herald a season of cheerful gatherings, festive spirit, and, to the delight of many, shopping extravaganzas. But beneath the allure of promotional emails and the excitement of sales lies a responsibility we all share: being conscious consumers. At the heart of this holiday shopping bonanza is a vital conversation about mindful purchases, hidden costs, and intentional gift-giving. Today, we dive deep into a guide that not only helps you navigate the often overwhelming shopping landscape but does so with authenticity, intention, and style.

Get ready to jingle all the way with Nat on this episode of the "Wear Who You Are" podcast! Nat dives into the holiday shopping season, equipping listeners with practical strategies to navigate the crowded market with style and confidence. She highlights vital sales dates, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, while cautioning against the traps of inflated pricing often seen during these events. Of course, Natalie emphasizes the importance of creating a Strategic Shopping List to avoid impulse buys, suggesting tools like browser extensions to track item prices historically. This episode also shows a Strategic Shopping List in action, demonstrating how a stylist identifies specific items they're looking for during the holiday shopping sales. In the final notes of this solo episode, Natalie also delves a bit into the BU Style values and ethical implications of holiday consumerism, advocating for mindful purchasing that takes environmental and social factors into account. We encourage listeners to support small businesses and engage in community-building initiatives like Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday, and ask you to join us in being thoughtful consumers this holiday season.

The article reflects on Michelle Obama's fashion evolution, culminating in her striking appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), where she wore a tailored navy suit by Monse. This evolution has seen her transform from a supportive spouse in Chicago to a commanding figure on a national stage. In her memoir "Becoming," Obama discusses the challenges she faced as a Black woman balancing sophistication and relatability in her wardrobe. Early notable choices included wearing a vintage Norman Norell gown to a 2010 event and a dress by Black designer Laura Smalls in 2012, emphasizing her support for smaller brands. Post-presidency, her style shifted to stronger, structured outfits with playful elements, reflecting a newfound independence. The article highlights her journey of self-expression through fashion, showcasing her vibrant looks and natural hairstyles that signify her empowerment, ultimately capturing the audience’s attention at the 2024 DNC.

How to dress when you’re going through perimenopause and menopause.

In this solo episode of "Wear Who You Are," host Natalie Tincher takes listeners on a Nat Chat that blends community interaction with expert advice, all centered around the art of finding and celebrating wardrobe "hero pieces." Inspired by questions submitted via Instagram (proving that many fashion dilemmas are COMPLETELY universal), Natalie invites everyone to join her in crafting a closet that makes them feel fabulous and confident. As always, you'll learn how to apply the BU Style methodology to help distinguish between long-lasting fashion trends and those pesky microtrends that seem to pop up overnight only to fade just as quickly (remember Mob Wife?!), likening them to moments from pop culture that came and went without leaving a lasting impression. You'll learn how hero pieces are the ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself—those pieces that transform your mood and feel like a superpower. Natalie shares concrete anecdotes and examples, and even weaves in testimonials from real clients who have applied this methodology in their own lives. If you're interested in learning more about the BU Style methodology, consider a Q the Stylist one-on-one session with Natalie, or submit your questions via Instagram to be answered via the podcast!

Halloween guide from BU Style. Stylists and Makeup Artists Ideas for Halloween Costumes You Can Mostly Thrift, DIY, & Put Together from What You Own. Top 10 list of ideas, plus a process guide!