Too Smart For This

Haitian-raised, Brooklyn-based sisters, Shelcy and Christy Joseph (@NYCxClothes), are among many leading the fight for inclusion and diversity in the high-fashion conversation. And this week, the vibrant duo joins the Too Smart for This podcast to discuss all things luxury and lifestyle!

Show Notes

1:14 Learn about our guests!
3:14 Introductory questions
9:00 Lightning round!
15:36 How @NYCxClothes began
16:04 Expanding – not limiting – your career
17:57 Connecting passion with purpose
19:10 Crafting timeless, culture-shifting stories
19:44 Black women as historical actors
20:33 How childhood dreams can lay the path for your future career
24:30 Grinding now to reap the harvest later
25:37 Tips for pitching yourself
30:52 Importance of overcoming perfectionism
32:23 Being intentional with your relationships
33:28 How to navigate working with others
35:05 Discovering and crafting your personal style
37:16 Building and maintaining relationships into adulthood
41:44 How to take care of yourself and others!


Resources/Mentioned
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/

Keep up with Shelcy & Christy!
@nycxclothes on TikTok
@nycxclothes on Instagram
@nycxclothes on YouTube
https://www.nycxclothes.com/
@nycxstudio on Instagram

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

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¡Ciao! With Alexis’ month-long trip to Europe in full effect, this week’s episode is centered around all things travel. With her tips and tricks you’ll be able to conquer your summer vacation(s) with ease and in style.

Show Notes
2:33 Travel tips!
3:32 Importance of planning to ensure a seamless trip
3:46 A Guide to Financial Planning for Travelers
3:55 Importance of Travel Credit Cards
4:22 Choosing the best credit card for rewards/points
7:50 Building a relationship with/loyalty to an airline
10:31 How I go about booking hotels!
10:52 Importance of filtering your searches
11:11 Utilizing prior-reviews to make informed decisions
12:45 Travel planning logistics
13:14 Where/How to research a travel destination before you go
15:22 Utilizing Notion to arrange the itinerary, financials, etc
17:12 Be mindful of downtime!
18:12 Downloading Google Maps to navigate offline
18:48 Packing logistics
19:00 Packing in a color scheme
19:49 How I utilize luggage packing cubes
20:23 Visualizing outfits before your trip
21:10 High Maintenance Travel Girly Things!

Resources/Mentioned
Amazon Cosmetic Containers:
Bose Earphones: https://rb.gy/9zqle
MEC Travel Pillow: https://rb.gy/no549
Downy Wrinkle Releaser: https://rb.gy/0o6rq
Arrae Bloat Alchemy Supplement: https://rb.gy/vh5js
Rimowa: https://rb.gy/oiojd
YSL Rive Gauche Supple Bag: https://rb.gy/tz5fl
Lululemon Clean Lines Tote Bag: https://rb.gy/2qchs
Cuyana The Travel Bag: https://rb.gy/lszvm


Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After discovering a love for writing his senior year of college, the exuberant @cashmeretote (Cole Habersham) has since used his skills to navigate familial estrangement, the highs and lows of dating, and finding joy in the mundane … all while balancing a full-time advertising career. He joins the Too Smart for This podcast to discuss cutting ties with family members, finding fashion inspiration, and so much more! It's an episode you won't want to miss.

Show Notes
1:32 Quick introduction to Cole!
2:40 NY vs LA
7:28 What works for others won’t always work for you
11:50 Cole’s background
14:51 Viewing your work as a source of empowerment
15:56 Embracing uncertainty to jumpstart your creative endeavors
16:31 How does one get published?
17:54 Healing through creativity
18:24 Knowing when to end relationships with unsupportive family members
19:46 Discomfort precipitates growth
20:13 Building your chosen family
20:48 Importance of intention within budding/established friendships
21:51 Everything gets better with time
25:32 How to build your personal confidence
26:10 Surrounding yourself with people who stimulate you
26:35 Fake it till you make it
30:40 Finding what works and/or what inspires the most confidence in you
32:58 Your worst day only lasts 24 hours
35:35 Journaling as a preventative self-care measure
37:00 Let’s talk dating!

Resources/Mentioned:
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin: https://tinyurl.com/2s366e9e

Keep up with Cole!
@cashmeretote on Tiktok
@cashmeretote on Instagram
@cashmeretote on Twitter
cashmeretote.com

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to Too Smart for This! In this week's solo episode, Alexis talks all about the business school application process, how she chose Wharton, her April favorites, and more!

Show Notes:

3:05 Experience at Wharton Welcome Weekend!
4:25 Application process
13:24 How the GRE went
15:42 Importance of networking in business school
17:38 Why I chose Wharton!
17:53 Searching for community in business school
19:16 What Admit Weekend taught me
19:22 What I hope to gain from business school
23:00 State schools vs M7 Business Schools
23:52 Unexpected vs Expected costs of MBAs
25:21 Reckoning with the financial aspect of business school
27:12 Learning more about myself and my vision for the future
27:53 The process of growing TooCollective
30:50 April favorites!


Resources/Mentioned:

How I Built This: https://tinyurl.com/bdh6mcwu
Big Conversations with Haley Hoffman Smith: https://tinyurl.com/33wfpsem
Balanced Black Girl Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4s4krn62
Due Diligence Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5854tnwe
The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters: The Tragic and Glamorous Lives of Jackie and Lee: https://tinyurl.com/5n82zkt5
Succession on HBO: https://tinyurl.com/4ycb3pxu
Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles: https://tinyurl.com/4pnjz9ey
Energy and Focus Mints: https://tinyurl.com/54muwa65
Mango: https://tinyurl.com/2mk2eztk
Ami Cole Skin-Enhancing Tint: https://tinyurl.com/w3eb8f56
Ami Cole Lip Treatment Oil: https://tinyurl.com/mryarpk4
Ami Cole Eyebrow Gel: https://tinyurl.com/2p8455dj
YSL Black Opium Perfume: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9yykw

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

To put it simply, Blake Newby is a multi-hyphenate. From beauty & style editing to influencing to reporting, the Detroit-born superstar has cemented herself as an expert in multiple industries. Today she joins Alexis to discuss influencing, cultivating personal friendships, and more!

Show Notes:
19:20 How to make things work within your current constraints
21:31 Be aggressive, but genuine
21:44 Cultivating relationships by constantly staying engaged
24:45 The importance of protecting your space
25:24 Maintaining authenticity in the face of adversity
27:21 Knowing and understanding yourself as a means of former deeper connections with others
27:43 Realizing that not everybody has the best intentions
28:34 Straddling the line between suspicion and naivety
28:45 Stepping out of your comfort zone to jump start your social media career
32:48 Ridding your life of the things that don’t serve you
33:28 Importance of prioritizing yourself
34:05 Achieving a balance between highs and lows
35:49 Importance of being comfortable in your own skin
44:40 Everything is a reflection of you

Resources/Mentioned:
Brandon Blackwood
Spell on You
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
The Know for Sure Pod

Keep up with Blake!
@blakelawren on Instagram
@blakenewby_ on TikTok
@blakelawren on Pinterest
@blakelawren on Twitter

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Girl Gangs” have long been a staple of the female experience – a way for women to lean on each other as we navigate life, love, and everything in between. Unfortunately, creating and maintaining these strong friendships can be difficult post-grad, as the demands of adulthood can crowd our vision. If you’re in need of some tips and advice on cultivating bonds with women that’ll last a lifetime, this week’s episode of Too Smart for This is for you!

Show Notes:

3:46 Why are female friendships important?
3:53 There’s a lived experience that only other women will understand
4:50 Importance of nurturing female friendships in a world that prioritizes romantic love
5:00 Why are female friends hard to make and maintain?
5:08 Patriarchy encourages competition between women
6:40 Recognizing and unlearning a patriarchal mindset
7:09 Personal experience with female friends
8:10 Struggling to find belonging/security in homogenous environments
9:31 Navigating self-segregated environments in Academia
11:34 Being your most authentic self is the foundation for any relationship
11:57 Avoid people who project their insecurities onto you
12:12 Strong, lasting relationships require vulnerability
13:01 Finding comfort in self-awareness
13:48 Authenticity and confidence create the foundation for great female friendships
14:12 Viewing interpersonal relationships as a reflection of ourselves
17:28 Taking each friend at face value – always assuming the best intentions
18:16 Analyze your feelings/emotions in the presence of certain friends
19:11 Set expectations with new friends
20:40 Categorizing friends
22:26 How to make friends after college
22:40 #1 Connect with people through your network
23:12 #2 Bumble BFF
23:19 #3 Join clubs/activities that fit your interest
25:04 Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear!

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Micaéla Verrelien does it all: creative direction, hosting, modeling, content creation, and today, she graces the Too Smart For This pod to discuss investing in yourself, chasing your dreams, and more!

Show Notes:

• 4:09 Forging your own path rather than being swayed by the opinion of others
• 5:18 Your creative ambitions deserve your all or nothing
• 7:01 Leave what no longer serves you, but always have a plan
• 10:56 Book yourself for things you really want to do – invest in yourself
• 11:11 Doing what you need to do to get where you want to be
• 11:21 “No” means “Not right now”
• 16:40 Importance of being present and living moment to moment
• 18:36 How intuitive thinking allows you to make better decisions
• 19:11 Navigating the unhappiness of landing your “dream job”
• 19:24 Viewing the unknown with excitement, rather than trepidation
• 20:11 Finding comfort in the balance between happy and sad – regarding and accepting each emotion with equal weight
• 24:00 Accepting your body as is, not comparing yourself to others
• 25:25 Looking forward (not left, right, or to social media) for validation
• 27:20 You are your own competition
• 27:51 Finding inspiration in others
• 28:20 Importance of looking forward to what’s to come rather than lamenting the past
• 30:04 Finding the determination to pursue your dream even on bad days

Resources/Mentioned:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own by Shonda Rhimes
UnPrisoned on Hulu

Keep up with Micaéla!
@micaelaverrelien on Instagram
@micaelaverrelien on TikTok
@micaelaverrelien on Pinterest
@MVerrelien on Twitter
Micaéla Verrelien’s Website


Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If Q1 didn't quite go the way you expected, this one's for you! In another solo episode, Alexis talks Q1 coming to an end, looking excitedly to Q2, business school, and her current lifestyle favorites!

Show Notes:
1:57 Life update
2:12 Dealing with burnout
3:13 Q1 goals didn’t quite come into fruition, but that’s okay!
4:27 Struggled to find structure and feel inspired amidst fluidity
5:26 Viewing these recent experiences as a new challenge or skill, not as something to overcome
6:27 A brief recap of getting into Wharton
8:37 Everything happens for a reason
12:04 Important of expanding your network in a product-based industry
14:17 Q1 Faves!
14:51 The benefits of meditating as soon as you wake up
16:30 Sleep routine
18:39 Regaining a sense of normalcy and connection with your body post-Birth Control
19:10 Hormone talk – listening to your body
21:21 Bodycare
23:13 Tips for dealing with Eczema
23:41 Skincare
25:53 Skin cycling to combat hyperpigmentation
26:01 Retinol, Faded Topicals, Lactic Acid, Moisturizer, Repeat
26:51 Hair struggles
28:39 Clothing I practically live in
29:26 Using Pinterest as a source of outfit inspo
29:43 What I’ve been eating!
30:24 The power of protein
30:37 Separate TikTok for inspiring content – workouts, recipes, motivation, etc
32:19 Two ways to get extra protein in your day!
33:21 Final Q1 favorite
33:30 Q2 Goals!

Mentioned:
Superhuman Meditations App: https://rb.gy/wqry
Chani App: https://rb.gy/5kvq
Headspace App: https://rb.gy/y9lr
Alive App: https://rb.gy/mpmg
Beam Dream Sleep Powder: https://rb.gy/rgd6
Oura Ring: https://rb.gy/haxu
In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life: https://rb.gy/3avs
JSHealth Magnesium Vitamins: https://rb.gy/wyay
L'occitane Shea Butter: https://rb.gy/wl6x
Ouai St Barths Body Cleanser: https://rb.gy/e5p7
Ouai St Barths Body Scrub: https://rb.gy/adnj
Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial Treatment by Joanna Vargas: https://rb.gy/i4yf
Summer Fridays Retinol: https://rb.gy/l16r
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid: https://rb.gy/6i9a
Topicals Faded Serum: https://rb.gy/d2l2
Laneige Moisturizer: https://rb.gy/1tsm
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: https://rb.gy/994i
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Creme: https://rb.gy/0tyi
Alo Yoga Sweatshirt: https://rb.gy/4c1n
Alo Yoga Sweatpants: https://rb.gy/t0xf
Beyond Yoga Top: https://rb.gy/vwze
Trader Joe’s Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings: https://rb.gy/sg8f
Ratio Protein Yogurt: https://rb.gy/kf5a
Premier Protein Shakes: https://rb.gy/553k
YSL Black Opium Perfume: https://rb.gy/7t0r

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Daily Affirmation Texts: toocollective.norby.live
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

With March coming to an end, it’s time to check in on how much progress you’ve made in your professional/personal goals! In today’s solo episode, Alexis dives into the strategies that allow her to both reflect on the past quarter, and make the most of the next.

Show Notes:
1:09 Planning goals in quarters allows you a flexibility that annual plans don’t offer
1:30 Think of each season as a quarter
2:25 Personal Q1 recap
3:27 Comparison is the thief of joy
3:45 Perfection is paralyzing
5:05 Ask yourself questions, check in with yourself, rather than being self-critical
5:55 Reframe your shortcomings – they aren’t setbacks but valuable information
6:11 Grant yourself grace
6:54 “Spring Reset” should come from a place of positivity rather than negativity
8:04 5 Steps to ensure a successful Spring Reset
8:06 #1 Spring cleaning; decluttering
9:22 Prioritize when it comes to cleaning out your closet
10:43 Reflect on these past few months: What went well? What didn’t?
11:38 #2 Intentionally journal: How are you feeling now? How have you been feeling? How do you want to feel in the future?
12:00 Acting vs feeling – how to go about cultivating the emotions you want
12:34 #3 Set minimum, viable goals that you’re more likely to accomplish
13:02 The world is not happening TO you, you create your own destiny
13:57 Spring as a time for “good enough” goals
16:36 #4 Create a quarterly vision board
18:01 #5 Social media detox – mute, unfollow, remove what doesn’t benefit you
22:06 PR product giveaway!

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Daily Affirmation Texts: toocollective.norby.live
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s talk time management! In today's solo episode, Alexis continues The Smart Girl’s Guide.

Show Notes:

1:24 Embracing discomfort after a big decision
3:22 Three pillars of time management: longtime goal setting, prioritization, boundaries
4:34 Setting ~realistic ~ goals
5:05 Think about how you want to feel, not what the outcome is
9:33 Boundaries as an act of self-preservation in achieving your future goals
9:50 Time management tips!
9:57 #1: Time Blocking
12:21 #2: Bookend your day with morning and evening rituals
12:34 Evening routines are essential for: planning, reflection, and pouring into yourself
13:04 Remember to show love to yourself
15:22 Monday Hour One
16:21 Scheduling gives you the confidence to take on your week
17:09 Grouping tasks as a way to promote efficiency
19:15 Using technology to become the You, you aspire to be
24:23 Audible vs Tangible reminders
24:45 Digital vs Physical calendar
25:48 Having a backup plan to avoid feeling overwhelmed

Shop Too Collective with discount code PODCAST15 here: toocollective.com
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Daily Affirmation Texts: toocollective.norby.live
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy