Ep. 24: Exploring beauty, aging, and authenticity

In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complicated relationship between beauty standards, aging, and authenticity. The conversation weaves together personal stories, cultural analysis, and feminist perspectives to unpack the pressures women face to look younger, thinner, or more polished—and the freedom that can come from rejecting those expectations.

From hair extensions and Botox to the social media anti-aging industrial complex, the hosts examine how personal choices intersect with social norms, capitalism, and patriarchy. They reflect on when beauty practices can feel empowering and when they cross into performative territory.

The discussion expands into history and culture, touching on icons like Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Madonna, and Serena Williams, as well as how older women are represented—or erased—in media and literature. Ultimately, Jennine and Kristen underscore the power of visibility and authenticity: showing up as yourself not only challenges beauty standards but also gives others permission to do the same.

If you’ve ever questioned where the line lies between self-expression and societal pressure, this episode will resonate.

Notes: 

This is the YouTube video about Lolita that Jennine mentions. 

In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with career consultant Dilara Casey to explore what it takes to reinvent your career and style in midlife. Even if you've taken a decade out from your career, Dilara has tops for everything from making confident pivots to navigating ageism. She shares practical strategies for reframing your story, updating your resume, and embracing change with authenticity.

She also opens up about reclaiming personal style during challenging times and why staying true to your look can be a source of power. The conversation touches on AI’s impact on the workplace, the importance of human creativity, and how Equipped Women is helping close the gender gap.

What you’ll learn:

• First steps for successful career pivots

• How to position volunteer work and nontraditional experience as strengths

• Concrete strategies to combat ageism and claim your value

• Why authentic personal style fuels confidence and reinvention

Follow Dilara: 

TikTok

LinkedIn

Check out her novel, Wherever You Go

Subscribe for weekly new episodes packed with style, strategy, and real-life encouragement for authentic self-expression!

In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Denise Pines, an influential filmmaker and leader in the effort to normalize conversations about perimenopause and menopause. 

She’s a Peabody-winning filmmaker, health advocate, founder of Tea Botanics and WisePause Wellness, and president of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Together, they unravel the cultural silence around menopause and perimenopause, discuss Denise’s influential documentaries (The M Factor and upcoming Before the Pause, and explore how personal style, society, and women's health intersect.

• Denise’s personal and professional journey in women’s health, filmmaking, and advocacy

• The impact of The M Factor and the new focus on perimenopause in Before the Pause

• Why perimenopause and menopause remain so misunderstood—and what has to change in medicine and culture

• The legislative fight to improve menopause training for doctors in California (AB 360 and beyond)

• Common but rarely discussed menopause symptoms, and why early education matters

• How Denise balances her multifaceted career and the wellness routines that keep her energized

• When Denise met Prince (!)

• How aging changes personal expression, style, and purpose

Connect with Denise:

LinkedIn

The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause

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Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complex experience of visibility for women as they age, sharing candid stories and discussing cultural, psychological, and societal shifts that impact self-expression and confidence beyond 40. This episode explores the challenges women face in retaining visibility, feeling confident, and expressing authentic style, offering hope and actionable insights for listeners.

Key Topics:

• The first personal experiences of feeling invisible: Jennine and Kristen recount moments in retail and influencer settings where age influenced how they were treated.

• The myth that women’s value revolves around youth and male attention, and the shifting priorities toward self-authenticity in later years.

• Statistics from a menopause and aging study: Over two-thirds of women over 45 feel ignored by men in public spaces, and many cite issues like graying hair and access to fashionable clothing as confidence barriers.

• The challenge and power of speaking up: Including an incident at a coffee shop that went viral, and how fear of being labeled a "Karen" hinders self-advocacy for older women.

• Personal style as visibility: Discussion of how style can be a tool for self-expression and why hiding in “invisible” clothing is a missed opportunity during the most powerful years of women’s lives.

• Erasure of older women in media and fashion, contrasted with real examples of powerful, stylish women over 50, and how Hollywood continues to favor male experience at the expense of older female visibility.

• Breaking stereotypes: Examples from film, fashion, and real life illustrating authenticity, confidence, and visibility for women at any age.

Quotes to Remember:

• “Women want to be seen for who they are now—not as a younger version of themselves.”

• “Visibility is not just about being seen by men; it’s about being recognized and respected in your own right.”

• “Now is the time to figure out what visibility means and how to pursue it with intention.”

Call to Action: How do you want to be visible? Share your story with us—we want to hear from listeners! Drop a comment or get in touch to join the conversation on confidence, style, and living authentically at every age.

In this episode of the Closet Philosophy podcast, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Cat Pierce—writer, artist, entrepreneur, and musician, best known as half of the band The Pierces.

Cat shares her inspiring journey of continual reinvention, highlighting how creativity flourishes at every stage of life, especially beyond the age of 40. The conversation delves into themes of overcoming societal expectations, building inner and outer confidence, and finding empowerment through personal style, beauty rituals, and creative experimentation.

Cat discusses launching her beauty and lifestyle brand, Omen, the viral “Higher Self Therapy” series on Instagram, and the importance of reframing midlife as a time of transformation and vibrancy. The episode also explores personal challenges Kat faced—such as stage fright, people-pleasing, and post-divorce healing—and how creativity and self-love underpin resilience. Listeners are encouraged to embrace play, reimagine what’s possible at every age, and nurture their creative spark to unlock personal and collective growth.

Find Cat on Instagram, check out her skincare brand Omen, and listen to her music, and watch her videos!

This week on Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen sit down with fashion creator Angel Edme. Her bold style and fearless approach to self-expression embody what it means to use style as self-expression. Angel Edme is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator based in New York—known for her razor-sharp style, unfiltered honesty, and a deep passion for helping people show up as their boldest, truest selves.

She started behind the camera as a storyteller, and now she’s in front of it—empowering real people to reclaim their confidence through fashion, skincare, and creative self-expression. Angel doesn’t just serve looks—she sparks transformation. Whether she’s sharing outfit inspiration, speaking truth on identity and visibility, or demystifying beauty standards, Angel brings style, and substance to everything she does.

Get ready for a conversation on personal power, redefining beauty, and why what you wear is never just about clothes.

Highlights include:

• How growing up shaped her approach to style.

• Why “styling principles” should be tools, not rules.

• Her process for mindful shopping and choosing pieces with versatility.

• The rise of African designers bringing bold creativity and inclusivity.

• Practical advice for anyone struggling with body image and confidence.

Angel reminds us that the most stylish thing you can wear is self-love—and that what you wear is never just about clothes.

👉 Follow Angel on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and check out her Substack Stuff I Wouldn’t Gatekeep for her latest fashion, travel, and beauty insights.

in this inspiring conversation, we talk with Alicia Johnson—global marketing strategist, Ford model, and author of Buried Treasure: A Field Guide to the Life-Changing Magic of Revealing Yourself. Alicia shares how she re-entered the modeling world in her 60s through a twist of serendipity, the challenges and biases that still exist for older plus-size women in fashion, and how personal style can be a radical act of self-acceptance.

We explore the deeper meaning of authenticity, why self-trust is the foundation of showing up fully, and how movement—not dieting—can be a key to reclaiming joy. Alicia also offers practical tools for reconnecting with your body, noticing where emotions live physically, and using clothing to express your most powerful self.

Other highlights include:

• The magical story of Alicia’s unexpected contract with Ford Models

• The ongoing cultural double standard for older women’s bodies

• How hope differs from optimism (and why it matters)

• Practical style advice from tailoring to designer investment pieces

• Why authenticity is an active, ongoing practice—not a buzzword

If you’ve ever wondered how personal style intersects with healing, agency, and joy, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to reveal yourself—inside and out.

Find Alicia online: alicialjohnson.com | Instagram & Substack: @alicialjohnson

In this episode we are very thrilled to talk with Leah Elson—scientist, author, and viral science communicator—about the power of showing up fully as yourself, whether in a lab coat or a leather jackets.

Leah has degrees from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and USC, and has published more than 87 scientific manuscripts. But she’s just as known for her incredible eyeliner, tattoos, and bold, unapologetic personal style. We talk with her about how embracing her full self—pink hair and all—actually enhanced her work as a neuroscientist.

We cover:

• Why personal style isn’t superficial—it’s essential, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

• The science behind gut health, nerve regeneration, and outer space.

• Her book There Are No Stupid Questions in Science, why she illustrated it with crayons, and how it came to be.

• Her journey from surviving a tumultuous upbringing to becoming a global role model.

• AI, AGI, and how human creativity might be the last frontier.

This one is inspiring, enlightening, and packed with ideas about fashion, feminism, trauma, science, and how all of it connects.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Leah’s favorite eyeliner

• Miracle Balm by Jones Road

• Leah’s book: There Are No Stupid Questions in Science

• Follow Leah: @gnarlybygnature

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Welcome to a special episode of Closet Philosophy where Jennine and Kristen open up about the challenges and rewards of reinventing yourself—especially after taking a work break to care for family or shifting gears in midlife. They share their personal journeys of returning to the workforce, navigating ageism, career gaps, and finding new purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Personal experiences of leaving and re-entering the workforce after motherhood or caretaking

• The surprising roadblocks and opportunities that come with a career gap

• Ageism and the difficulties faced by midlife women in today’s job market

• The importance of meaningful work, creativity, and autonomy—and why these are non-negotiable for some

• Why so many women turn to entrepreneurship in their 40s, 50s, and beyond (with fresh statistics!)

• How personal style is a secret networking weapon and catalyst for engaging with the world

• The unique struggle (and privilege) of figuring out what you really want from work at this stage of life

• The power of community: you are not alone in your quest for reinvention!

Resources & Mentions:

• EvolveMe: an organization supporting midlife women re-entering the workforce

• Recent LinkedIn and demographic statistics on career breaks and entrepreneurship

Whether you're feeling invisible, itching for a new chapter, or struggling to make your experience relevant, you'll find humor, hope, and good company in this conversation. Be seen—by your community, and by yourself!

Share your story! Have you tried to return to traditional work and ended up an entrepreneur? Are you struggling with finding purpose or translating your experience? Email us or leave a review—your story could inspire a future episode!

In this honest and often funny conversation, Jennine and Kristen talk with Isobel Schofield, founder of the iconic clog brand Bryr Studio, about style, aging, menopause, and power. The episode opens with Kristen’s reflections on how her personal style has evolved post-menopause — from abandoning painful heels to embracing the liberating truth of wearing clothes that actually fit.

Then Isobel joins the conversation, and the three dive into how personal style is shaped not just by bodies, but by generational values, cultural shifts, and an ever-present questioning of the patriarchy. From her roots in sculpture and theater design to building a slow fashion brand in San Francisco, Isobel shares the winding path that led to Bryr — and how the creation of her now-iconic “Chonk” shoe became a reclaiming of creative power.

Along the way, they unpack everything from Gen X fashion DNA, London vs. New York style archetypes, menopause visibility, and the radical power of not giving a f*ck. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod furiously, and you might measure yourself for a bathing suit by the end.

Guest: Isobel Schofield — Founder & Creative Director of Bryr

Topics Discussed:

• How menopause affects personal style and self-perception

• Gen X fashion identity and cultural attitude

• The cultural invisibility of older women and how we fight it

• Designing fashion as a feminist and creative act

• Reimagining aging as power, not decline

Where to find Isobel & Bryr:

• Website: bryrstudio.com

• Instagram: @bryrclogs