Closet Philosophy

Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski
  • 5.0 (13)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 33: Dress for the Life You're Actually Living

    In this episode, Jennine and Kristen talk about something that's often overlooked in personal style advice: how your wardrobe needs to match the life you're actually living, not just your Pinterest boards. Jennine shares her recent experience moving from San Francisco's busy Mission District to the quieter, beach-adjacent Sunset neighborhood—and how it's making her completely rethink her wardrobe. City loafers don't work on sandy beach paths, and those pristine sneakers aren't cutting it on dirt trails. Her style is evolving out of necessity, and it's raising a bigger question: are you dressing for your real life, or for some imaginary version of it? The conversation digs into why so many of us collect inspiration for outfits that would never actually work in our day-to-day routines. We pin quiet luxury looks while working from home in sweats. We save "mob wife" aesthetics while living in Silicon Valley. The disconnect is real. Jennine and Kristen discuss: • How your environment should directly influence your wardrobe choices • The trap of aesthetic trends that have nothing to do with your actual activities • Why you might be boring yourself with your own closet (hint: you're not honoring your actual life) • How to handle special events without the last-minute shopping panic • What our grandmothers can teach us about getting dressed with intention—even when staying home • The difference between dressing for what other people think vs. what you want to communicate about yourself This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like their closet doesn't match their life, or who's struggled to translate style inspiration into clothes they'll actually wear. It's a reminder that the most stylish thing you can do is dress authentically for the life you're living right now. Got questions? Suggestions? Email us at hey@closetphilosophy.net

    24 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

    2D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

    Introducing 843: We Fancy with Jerrelle Guy and The Heart Shaped Tin with Bee Wilson from The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters. Follow the show: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters This week, we’re all about mindfulness in our kitchens. First, we explore a whole new meaning of fancy with author and recipe developer Jerrelle Guy. She shares her unusual thinking and creative recipes that can transform your everyday eating. The little extras that can make a dish a bit more celebratory. Jerrelle Guy’s latest book is We Fancy: Simple Recipes to Make the Everyday Special, and she left us with her recipe for Olive Oil Brownie Pudding. Then we talk with Bee Wilson about the surprisingly sentimental nature of kitchen objects. In Bee’s latest memoir, The Heart Shaped Tin, she dives deep into the emotional relationships many people have with their kitchen tools, from a mother’s rice cooker to learning to eat off the best china rather than saving it. She shares her personal relationship to her most cherished kitchen items with stories of people who share the connection. Bee Wilson’s latest book is The Heart-Shaped Tin: Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects. Broadcast dates for this episode: February 13, 2026 (originally aired) Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews! Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. FEB 8

    What happens when you stop trying to be pretty

    In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine explore what it means to age visibly, dress authentically, and resist the pressure to always be striving for youth and prettiness. We start with a reflection on the cultural impact of Catherine O'Hara, her premature passing, and the rare visibility of older women who embrace their faces, bodies, and style without apology. From there, we dive into a wide-ranging discussion about beauty standards, midlife identity, and the complicated relationship many women have with being seen. We unpack how personal style can serve as both armor and self-expression—and why midlife is often the moment when women finally begin dressing for themselves rather than for approval. The episode also touches on: How media and celebrity culture shape expectations of aging The politics of visibility for women over 50 Why confidence often grows as the pressure to please fades The role of clothing in reclaiming identity during life transitions Letting go of "flattering" rules that were never designed for real bodies As always, Closet Philosophy reminds listeners that getting dressed is never just about clothes. It's about power, self-definition, and the freedom to show up in the world exactly as you are. Connect with us! Follow along for more conversations about personal style, aging, and cultural shifts. Share this episode with a friend who's rethinking what it means to be visible and fully expressed in midlife!

    24 min

  4. FEB 1

    From big tech and law to gold and clay: Two founders on creativity, identity, and the courage to pivot

    What does it really take to leave a prestigious, intellectually demanding career and step fully into a creative life? Two women who did exactly that join us for this episode of Closet Philosophy. Erin Hupp and Subikksha Balaje come from wildly different professional backgrounds (law and data science, respectively), yet both found their way back to creativity through clay, metal, and a pull toward working with their hands. Erin Hupp is a former child welfare and land use lawyer who now runs Erin Hupp Ceramics in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating sculptural dinnerware, lighting, and objects for restaurants and private clients. Subikksha Balaje grew up in Chennai, India, built a successful career in Big Tech, and later launched Gold Stories, a fine jewelry brand rooted in storytelling, cultural memory, and wearable art. Recently, Erin and Subikksha collaborated on a stunning fine jewelry collection that transforms Erin's signature folded ceramic forms into silver and gold—future heirlooms that honor both precision and imperfection. Together, we talk about: Why midlife can be a powerful creative awakening—not a crisis The vulnerability of shedding a "serious" professional identity Imposter syndrome (before and after success) How collaboration sparks ideas AI never could The tension between perfection and imperfection in handmade work Why stories matter more than ever in a tech-saturated world And how personal style, craft, and creativity are deeply human acts of resistance This conversation is a love letter to creative courage, curiosity, and the belief that it's never too late to claim who you really are. Whether you're considering a pivot, craving more creativity, or simply want to hear how two artists think about meaning, work, and making—this episode is for you.

    55 min

  5. JAN 25

    Want better style? Get rid of your clothes

    In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine dig into a counterintuitive idea: less really can be more — especially when it comes to personal style. Jennine shares how her attempt to curb overconsumption led her to experiment with a 40-piece wardrobe ecosystem, not as a deprivation tactic, but as a creative framework. What started as a practical solution quickly became a powerful way to clarify her style, reduce spending, and build confidence. Together, Kristen and Jennine explore how creative limitations fuel innovation across disciplines—from art and graphic design to filmmaking and fashion. They discuss why having guardrails doesn't stifle self-expression, but actually sharpens it, using examples from Bottega Veneta's woven leather legacy to iconic brands like Ace & Jig and even the cult-classic Clueless wardrobe. The conversation also turns personal, touching on the emotional weight of holding onto clothes (and stuff), the fear of making decisions, and how trusting your taste is a skill—one that gets easier with age and experience. Whether you're navigating a no-buy season, overwhelmed by trends, or trying to define a signature look that actually fits your life, this episode reframes style as something deeper than shopping. Because great style isn't about having more, it's about knowing yourself. In this episode, we cover: Why limitations can unlock creativity, not kill it How a 40-piece wardrobe helps clarify personal style Overconsumption, thrifting, and the myth of "more is better" The emotional side of letting go of clothes Trusting your taste—and why confidence is the secret ingredient What fashion, film, interiors, and branding all have in common If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Questions or love notes? Email us at hey@closetphilosophy.net

    32 min

  6. JAN 18

    Ep. 29: How to find your style by editing, not adding to your closet

    In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen explore one of the most misunderstood ideas in personal style: that having more clothes actually makes getting dressed harder, not easier. What begins as a conversation about Kristen's long-standing 70s, bohemian California aesthetic opens into a much deeper discussion about identity, decision fatigue, creativity, and why true personal style comes from editing rather than accumulation. Jennine shares how style is not about finding the perfect piece or chasing trends, but about making intentional decisions. Drawing parallels between writing, design, and wardrobe building, she explains why constraints are essential for creativity and how an overflowing closet can block clarity rather than inspire it. Together, they unpack the psychological weight of "maybe someday" clothes, the myth of endless options, and how a tightly edited wardrobe ecosystem can free up mental space, time, and confidence. The conversation also touches on belonging versus fitting in, the role of comfort in looking "cool," and why style should ultimately work for your life, not demand constant attention. This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their closet, stuck in style limbo, or exhausted by the pressure to keep up. It's an invitation to stop looking outward for answers and start trusting yourself. Topics covered: Why style is a decision-making process, not an aesthetic label The connection between editing, creativity, and confidence How too many clothing options create decision fatigue The concept of a "wardrobe ecosystem" and seasonal rotation Letting go of clothes that don't reflect who you are now How constraints help you develop personal style signatures Shifting from "How do I look?" to "How do I feel like me?" If getting dressed feels harder than it should, this episode will change how you think about your closet—and yourself.

    33 min

  7. JAN 11

    Ep. 28: Season 2 kickoff! Why Shopping Won't Give You Good Style (and What Will)

    We're kicking off season 2 of Closet Philosophy with a conversation about overconsumption, emotional shopping, and the cultural forces that keep us chasing "more." Jennine shares a personal reckoning: years of daily thrifting, racks sagging with clothes, garbage bags stuffed into closets — all while telling her audience they didn't need to shop. What started as reselling and "style experimentation" slowly revealed itself as something else: a way to soothe anxiety, regulate emotions, and chase an external version of identity. Together, Kristen and Jennine unpack why this isn't a personal failure — and why so many of us feel stuck in the same cycle. We explore: Why thrift culture isn't always sustainable The massive labor and environmental cost of donated clothing How only a fraction of clothing ever gets worn again Why dopamine feels like "style" — but isn't How propaganda and psychology trained us to shop for identity The role of algorithms, influencers, and targeted desire Jennine introduces her 40-piece wardrobe ecosystem, a turning point that helped her stop chasing trends and start wearing what she already owned. The restriction inherent in a 40-piece wardrobe led to clarity. The conversation widens into belonging, people-pleasing, and the liberation that comes from choosing yourself — in your closet, your work, and your life. Kristen shares parallel experiences from teaching Pilates and learning to release the impossible task of being liked by everyone. This episode isn't about minimalism or moralizing consumption. It's about understanding the systems we're operating inside — and creating enough awareness to pause, choose differently, and reconnect with who we actually are. Season 2 will continue exploring creativity, personal style, and how to step off the hamster wheel of trends — without giving up joy, expression, or beauty. We'd love to hear from you: How has shopping shown up in your life? What have you learned on the other side of overconsumption?

    36 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    Ep. 27: Jennine's tips on how to rescue, restore, and love your clothes again

    In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine dive deep into the art and satisfaction of caring for your wardrobe. From repairing damaged handbags to reviving old leather jackets and removing stubborn stains, Jennine shares practical, proven methods to extend the life of your favorite garments. What we cover in this episode: How Jeannine learned to restore thrifted clothing and leather goods through reselling Easy DIY fixes for suede shoes, handbags, and faded leather jackets Using household products—like dish soap and vinegar—for cleaning and stain removal Tricks to rescue shrunken or misshapen clothes Preventing mildew, odor, and dust mites in stored clothing Thoughtful ways to repurpose furs and keep your accessories organized Caring for your clothes doesn't require fancy tools or professional skills—just curiosity, patience, and a few smart products. With these methods, your closet can become more sustainable, organized, and personal.

    35 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Closet Philosophy 2025
  • Show Website
    Closet Philosophy

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