Welcome back to Where Who You Are, the podcast where everybody has a style, and every style has a seat. In today's guest episode, Natalie chats with Karya Schanilec, a street style photographer based in New York City who has just returned from Paris Fashion Week. Karya has a unique perspective on fashion through the lens of the camera; years of work in the field have given her the ability to discern between trend and true personal expression. As for herself? As she puts it, “I really just want to be comfortable...I don’t have time for uncomfortable clothing." Amen to that. Throughout the discussion, Karya shares her experiences capturing street style from around the globe and how each fashion week offers something slightly different, but that the universal tell for personal style is “wearing who you are.” Natalie and Karya bond over their shared belief in the difference between aspiration and inspiration, examining how to translate global trends into our own wardrobes as long as it serves you. Karya also passionately notes the significance of community in fashion, stating, “It’s fun to find like-minded people.” And with that, we think we've found a like-minded person for our BU Style community! From the belief in consuming less (Karya even makes some of her own clothes), down to naturally championing the basic tenets of BU Style, this episode felt like coming home.

Go back to basics with a BU Style foundational methodology episode! This dynamic podcast episode emphasizes the importance of connecting your authenticity to your fashion choices. In this solo Style School episode, Natalie guides listeners through a framework she refers to as the BU Style Six—Relaxed, Classic, Polished, Soft, Magnetic, and Creative. With characteristic passion and a love of puns and wordplay, Natalie underscores that authentic style transcends fleeting trends and social media pressures; it’s about understanding and expressing who you genuinely are through your wardrobe. Throughout the episode, Natalie weaves together expertise and personal anecdotes to highlight how you can combine different elements of the BU Style Six. Whether you’ve got a Relaxed disposition but want to step out with more Magnetic energy at a corporate event, or if you thrive in a Creative environment yet crave Classic sophistication—there’s always room for blending styles to create looks that resonate with your personality. Natalie encourages you to rummage through your closet, pinpoint the pieces that align with your style identities, and confidently develop your own unique blend. And underscoring all of this is the importance of self-acceptance and understanding, all to help listeners step away from the distractions of mainstream fashion and societal expectations. By embracing your individuality and the diverse elements of your style, you can wield your wardrobe as a powerful tool for self-expression. This is a really foundational episode of Wear Who You Are, and there's so much to learn here in this Style School methodology episode. True style is a reflection not of what you wear, but who you are.