This episode is as engaging as it is educational. I am joined by Farida Raafat, founder of DALYA, for a rich conversation about personal style, the meaning behind materials, and the art of intentional design. We talk about what it looks like to “dress the way you want to be addressed,” the bespoke process she’s created specifically for women, and how she builds silhouettes that balance strength and ease. Farida also pulls back the curtain on the business side—sharing the complexities of working across borders, navigating tariffs, and staying grounded in your values while growing a brand. Whether you love fashion or just want to feel more like yourself when you get dressed, this one’s full of insight and inspiration.

Show Notes: 

—Visit DALYA's website and follow on Instagram

—Connect with Farida on LinkedIn

—Join our newly launched BU Style Circle paid membership and resource hub

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At 89 years old, Marin Foster is proof that style has no age and that life’s next chapter can always be rewritten—one outfit at a time. After losing her beloved husband of 70+ years, Wayne, this lifelong performer didn’t retreat; she reinvented, heading out to refresh her wardrobe and embrace a new way of being. In this episode of Wear Who You Are, we dive into her story of love, loss, and the power of personal style to connect and celebrate life. From bold fashion choices to even bolder hugs, Marin reminds us that joy is something you can wear—and share.

Show notes:
— Join our newly launched BU Style Circle paid membership and resource hub

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In the newest episode of Wear Who You Are, Natalie opens up about her month-long adventure through Asia, sharing some valuable lessons she picked up along the way. With stops in Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan, she reflects on the theme of respect. It can be strange, reconciling life in America with the incredible cleanliness and respect for public spaces she witnessed in places like Tokyo and Bangkok. Nat shares how the principle of loving-kindness influences interactions with both the environment and each other. There’s a refreshing take on shopping, too (of course!)—she noticed how shopping in these countries feels more social and community-focused, rather than just transactional. Where do you go to gather in a public space? The mall, of course! It’s like a return to the 80s and 90s.

In terms of what Nat packed for her trip, she shares her strategy. No secrets here. Her choices emphasized comfort and versatility in the scorching Bangkok heat and cool Tokyo nights. She leaned on breathable fabrics and versatile pieces that could serve different purposes, perfect for navigating the varied climates and activities of her trip. There are also some revelations about how some of her outfits might just have to be “good enough,” rather than fixating on clothes too much to the point that it distracts from the real reason you’re there. To enjoy traveling and be part of another culture!

All of this emphasis on community and respect ties into the BU Style Circle community, a membership-based platform where people can connect, share resources, and discover fashion inspiration together. We hope you check it out!

Show Notes & Resources:

Link to Photos of Cambodia

Natalie's Packing Strategy

Brands:

Epoi

Garden of Desire
Mon Panama

Sucette Thai Silk

Shaka

Jim Thompson

GoodGoods

Tutti and Me

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Follow the podcast on social media, and submit your questions by sending us a message here!
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Welcome to our "Party on the Bottom!" In this town-hall format Nat Chat, Natalie tackles the world of denim. (And, yes, she addresses the Gen Z backlash against skinny jeans.) With a focus solely on jeans (no skirts or shorts here!), Natalie aims to demystify denim by discussing everything from raw denim and sizing intricacies to maintenance and cleaning tips, ensuring that by the end of the episode, you'll feel informed and confident on your next shopping expedition.

One of the critical areas explored in the episode is the concept of raw denim. Natalie explains that raw denim refers to fabric that hasn't been washed or distressed, giving it a distinctive dark, uniform look. She emphasizes the importance of understanding terms like "once-washed" and "unsanforized," which can be particularly intimidating for first-time buyers. Moreover, she reminds listeners that the sizing can vary greatly across brands and types of denim. The key takeaway? When in doubt, reach out for guidance from sales associates or customer support teams to ensure you’re making an informed decision. And listen to Wear Who You Are (obviously!). Remember that jeans can be versatile pieces for personal expression! Whether you're holding on to your beloved skinny jeans or experimenting with wider fits, the ultimate goal is to wear what makes you feel great. So tune in and join the conversation—by the end, you just might discover your inner denimhead!

Show Notes & Resources:

Selvedge Jeans

Slubs in Denim

Raw denim companies:

• Momotaro
• Pure Blue Japan
• Naked & Famous
• Nudies
• Oni

Follow Us:

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@bustyle
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In a world that often feels chaotic, finding order can be a transformative experience. This episode of the Wear Who You Are podcast is here to help you get your new year off to a good start, with an Industry Adjacent episode with Camilla Frederico of The Personal Helpers. Our guest is a passionate advocate for decluttering and creating spaces that foster well-being and clarity, and she's also just incredibly warm and funny. 

Camilla, a seasoned organizer, emphasizes that organization is not just about tidiness; it’s an essential tool for improving focus, reducing stress, and enhancing productivity. Whether it’s your closet, workspace, or kitchen, a thoughtfully organized area can lead to a more harmonious living experience. A crucial part of Milla's approach is the mindset shift she advocates. She believes that organization should not feel like a chore but rather an act of self-care and empowerment. Creating a space that reflects who you are can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction in your daily life. This episode also explores the psychology behind clutter. Perhaps a client is holding onto an item because of some emotional attachment or a fear of loss. Camilla suggests that if it's really time to let go, perhaps you can ease that pain by gifting that item to someone you really love? 

This episode is full of wonderful pieces of advice as you start the sometimes difficult work of simplifying your life. By questioning our belongings, we can make informed decisions about what to keep, toss, or donate. And then that change and simplicity will feel like a sustainable shift, and not a disruption. To make it even easier for listeners to embark on their organizational journey, BU Style has put together a downloadable PDF. This handy cheat sheet guides you through the process of assessing your belongings, helping you decide what to keep, throw away, or donate—making it simple to tackle that overflowing closet or cluttered drawer. Take a look in the show notes below to download yours.

Resources:

Free Closet Organization Flow Chart Download (to be created)

The Personal Helpers Website

The Personal Helpers instagram

Follow Us:

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@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
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In this solo Nat Chat episode of Wear Who You Are, host Natalie Tincher welcomes listeners to 2025. With many Americans still working remotely, Natalie is all about helping us keep it comfy yet professional. The episode also includes an opening section all about the distinction between "hard" and "soft" pants—what are they and when do you wear them. This episode centers on the concept of how what you wear can actually influence your mood and productivity. So, say goodbye to those pajamas! Changing into something a bit nicer can help you transition into work mode. Natalie shares practical tips on setting your outfit according to your to-do list. If you’ve got a creative day ahead, dress for it! And if you’re tackling spreadsheets, perhaps go for something straightforward (yet stylish).

Throughout the episode, Natalie peppers in her personal styling wisdom, detailing her go-to outfits for desk days—think cozy yet chic ensembles that keep you ready for anything from a Zoom call to a quick trip outside. Part of the problem (as we all know) is that our days now encompass so much—how do you dress for them all? The episode wraps up with reminders of the joy fashion can bring, even in remote settings. Clothing helps us feel connected and conveys a little piece of our personality, which is a beautiful tool that often goes underutilized. So let's get started!

Style from the Inside Out: https://www.bu.style/course

Q the Makeup Artist
To book your Q the Makeup Artist appointment with Rebecca Robles, head to bu.style/makeup-services

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@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
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Welcome to the final episode of Wear Who You Are for 2025! We have the honor of speaking with Fiona Dieffenbacher, an Associate Professor of Fashion at Parsons School of Design. Fiona's work expertly intertwines the realms of dress, embodiment, and spirituality, providing valuable insights into how clothing impacts our emotional and social well-being. Fiona shares her journey into the world of fashion education and her tenure at Parsons, emphasizing her passion for teaching, enacting change, and the importance of research in understanding the intricacies of fashion. Natalie and Fiona also bond over their spiritual religious practices and how their spirituality, the soul, and the body are all linked.

What we love most, however, is of course how her research focuses on how dress acts as a medium through which we express ourselves. Sound familiar? Natalie and Fiona discuss the research work on “Dress & Emotion,” which highlights varying perceptions of clothing, from uniformity and persona to provocation and protection. Additionally, this episode delves into Fiona’s “Outlier Initiative,” which shares surprising interviews, revealing highly unique insights into people’s relationships with their clothing. Fiona’s research also focuses on articulating the “space in between,” fostering understanding between fashion, philosophy, and theology. She challenges misconceptions within these intersections, encouraging us to consider how our clothing choices reflect deeper truths about ourselves and society. As a seasoned insider of the fashion industry, Fiona also discusses inclusivity and the evolution of beauty standards within the industry. She provides a critical perspective on the efforts made towards representation but also identifies areas demanding improvement. Through teaching her students about body positivity and inclusion, she aims to cultivate a more compassionate future for fashion.

Read More About Fiona’s Research

Books Recommended by Fiona: 

• Fashion Theology by Robert Covolo 
• Silhouettes of the Soul by Otto von Busch 
• The Social Psychology of Clothing: Symbolic Appearances in Context by Susan B. Kaiser 

––

Follow Us:

Follow the podcast on social media, and submit your questions by sending us a message here!
@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
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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 conversation begins with an exploration of Becky’s career path and her role in mentoring women and underrepresented groups in tech. She discusses the importance of leadership representation and how her experiences have influenced her understanding of style as an extension of self-expression and intention. Natalie and Becky also tackle where the "voices in your head" come from and how they're affected by societal pressures facing women regarding image, age, and attire.

As Becky grew into her leadership role, she started working with Natalie and BU Style, which helped her understand that she could start representing herself differently at work. As her career advanced, she felt compelled to reassess her style, not just as a personal choice but as a reflection of her work identity. She recounts the transformative moment of embracing her "Magnetic" power, which will resonate with any women who have wanted to light up a room in a professional setting.

This Wear Who You Are episode feels a little special, as Becky is a bit of a poster child for the work that we do. Through her work with Natalie, Becky recognized that she was worthy of feeling good and confident, even while societal pressures told her something different (f that, we say!).

We hope you enjoy this Client Style Story with Becky Blank!

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Dress for your day [https://www.bu.style/articles/dress-for-your-day]

Ample [https://www.ample.co/]

Course [https://www.bu.style/course]

––

Follow Us:

Follow the podcast on social media, and submit your questions by sending us a message here!
@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
Sign Up for Nat’s Newsletter
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This Podcast is brought to you by Upstarter Pods

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.

Q the Makeup Artist
To book your Q the Makeup Artist appointment with Rebecca Robles, head to bu.style/makeup-services

Follow Us:

Follow the podcast on social media, and submit your questions by sending us a message here!
@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
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This Podcast is brought to you by Upstarter Pods

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. This episode is also super actionable, and contains additional advice about some of those jeans brands that promise to fit across multiple sizes. That's how we start the episode off!

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!

Q the Makeup Artist
To book your Q the Makeup Artist appointment with Rebecca Robles, head to bu.style/makeup-services

Follow Us:

Follow the podcast on social media, and submit your questions by sending us a message here!
@bustyle
@natalie_tincher

Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
Sign Up for Nat’s Newsletter
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This Podcast is brought to you by Upstarter Pods