Wear This Not That

Holly and Nolan are living la dolce vita-style this week, people! Not only are we talking about Italy, but Canada, Dubai, and more. We are so freaking honored to welcome special guest Traci Jeske this week.  She is the director of En Vogue Stylist and an internationally certified Personal Stylist who helps women over 40 and beyond level up their glamour game to unapologetically create and live their best and most stylish second acts ever. Traci was born and bred in Canada before establishing her stylish, stiletto-sharp brand in Italy (via Australia, btw) where she has lived for the last 20 years. In this episode, Traci tells us how she loves to blend Italian ‘la dolce vita’ with her flair for fashion and style. She divulges her styling experiences of over 30 years in the fashion industry and reveals her tips for helping women find their unique style.  Traci is SO CHIC, Nolan can hardly stand it. She just oozes international charm, style, and coolness - and now - Holly and Nolan have invited themselves to Milan next summer. Holly loves Traci, and Nolan loves Canada (because meds are cheap?), and no one can agree if they really like Balenciaga Crocs or not. It’s a hot mess, so you’ll just have to try to keep up. Travel along as we follow Traci’s professional styling stories from Canada to Australia to London – and then to Dubai – where everyone literally dresses like the Kardashians, and Traci made the mistake one time of taking a cab instead of a Rolls Royce. Well, duh! How embarrassing.  Styling gigs in Europe, international designer fashion shows, living in Italy, and being a WOMAN OF AGE – we use all of our swear words through it all!  In This Episode: [1:35]  Nolan suggests that PERHAPS Holly’s weekly intros of him as her best gay each week are a tad too long…? [2:31]  Traci dares to ask Nolan if it’s okay if she wears Balenciaga Crocs. [3:48]  Nolan confesses his secret lust for Canada and lists his reasons as to why. [5:19]  Holly learns that her favorite photo of Traci was actually shot on the French Riviera, and thus, we get off subject (again). [7:24]  We learn how Traci went to Australia, returned to Canada, and met her Italian husband. [9:45]  Hear why Traci turned to her unique fashion style instead of learning Italian. [13:50]  Traci shares what to expect when traveling and styling in Dubai. It’s beyond hot, and she got to style a photoshoot in a sandstorm! [18:16]  Fashion Week War Stories: they are hard to get into, we discuss favorite designers and how to have more fun on the side. [22:19]  Traci mentioned her upcoming “Shopping Retreat in Italy,” and Holly lost her damn mind. [26:38]  Apparently everything starts falling south after 50? Holly and Traci discuss how they help women fight their insecurities through fashion. [33:11]  Hair weaves? Extensions? We debate.  [33:49|  Nolan talks skincare: La Prairie vs. fetus facials vs. La Mer.  [38:59]  We discuss what is next for Traci’s brand, and how much we love her! Key Takeaways: Once Traci figured out her passion for professional styling, she ran with it – literally spanning the globe. Don’t be afraid to do what you love.  Styling gigs differ by county and culture. What people need, how to best style clients and what to expect can be very different depending on where you are, or where your clients are.  Just when women hit their strides with wit and wisdom, life experiences, and finally get rid of their pesky kids, their bodies change. It sucks and we talk all about it.  All the skincare products, short-term dermatology fixes, and plastic surgery in the world don’t always help, and it’s freaking expensive.  “No matter your age, your size or your lifestyle, you can look and feel fabulous. There is no reason why you too can’t wake up, jump out of bed with joy and purpose, excited to start your day.  Living and being the woman you have always dreamt to be.”  – Traci Jeske Links Mentioned En Vogue Stylist Website: http://www.envoguestylist.com/ En Vogue Stylist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/envoguestylist Traci Jeske Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracijeskeofficial/ En Vogue Stylist LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/en_vogue_stylist Quotes: “I'm just jealous because you live in Europe. And that means every like luxury goods or just in general, slightly less expensive. And that makes me resent you for living in Europe.” – Nolan Meader “And you know, in my 40s, I had my kids going in their teens, and they literally drove me fucking nuts. When I got to 50, I was like, screw this, screw all of you. Like, this is my time! It's my time to sparkle and shine. I'm doing whatever. And there's the door if nobody likes it.” – Traci Jeske “So, you know, you can't show your knees because you're 50, and you can't do this because you're 50, and I'm just so sick of it. And so, I think the biggest struggle is that there are these age-appropriate rules - and you tell me age-appropriate - I'm going to break it.”  - Traci Jeske “You’ve got to buy the La Prairie stuff that costs more than a kidney and all of a sudden you look like a baby again. But, I draw the line at the fetus facials.” – Nolan Meader

Oh, it’s on like Donkey Kong. New York Fashion Week is back and will be on FIIIIYYAA! Holly and Nolan can’t contain their excitement about this announcement, and this week, they are elated to discuss all things NYFW! They reminisce of fashion weeks passed, dabble in the idea of wearing matching outfits, speculate on how NYFW will look this year coming out of the pandemic, and the most important question: where are they going to eat?! Nolan recalls his favorite drunk story of Holly at a previous NYFW and Holly gives the audience the 411 on a fashion crime - her client’s colossal plastic earring collection. OYE. Tune in to this entertaining episode as Holly and Nolan plan their exciting comeback to NYFW! YYAASSSSS. In This Episode: [02:54] New York Fashion Week is returning! We will be talking about this until the end of time. [04:00] A slew of designers that usually do not come to NYFW are coming this year in support of New York City opening back up. [05:50] Holly and Nolan speculate how NYFW is going to look this year following the pandemic. [08:14] Planning and strategizing their outfits for New York Fashion Week. To match or not match? [14:27] Nolan is excited for the NYFW parties! He also discusses his favorite drunk story of Holly during NYFW. [23:37] Touching on what’s really important - where they are going to eat during NYFW. [26:47] Holly is giving us the 411 on fashion crimes she witnessed this week.  Key Takeaways: New York Fashion Week is returning! Best. News. Ever!  Holly and Nolan speculate how NYFW will look this year following the pandemic; limited entry, masks or no masks, etc. Outfits, outfits, outfits! Holly and Nolan discuss the outfits they think they’ll wear to NYFW and the strategy behind them. To match or not match, that is the question.  Nolan and Holly take a detour and discuss all things shorts - the look, fit, type, length, and Nolan’s aversion to shorts for himself. You can’t forget about the best part of NYFW, where Holly and Nolan are going to eat. Time to break out Google spreadsheet to plan out the restaurants they want to dine at as well as their backup restaurants. Fashion Crimes has spotted a serious offender. A client Holly is working with has a plastic earring collection big enough for a small village. Alrighty then. Links Mentioned: New York Fashion Week - https://nyfw.com/home/  Quotes: “I don't think I've ever been more excited for anything in my life, to be honest with you, which probably sounds sad but it's just so exciting. The thought of it (NYFW) being back.” - Nolan “We're going to have to hire somebody to follow us around.” - Holly  “I would like, sell meth to go to the Tom Ford show.” - Nolan “I don't care if you have the most gorgeous legs, make sure your shorts are not too short.” - Holly “We eat nothing and then we drink four glasses of champagne and we wonder why we're absolutely destroyed in public.” - Nolan

Watch out...hold the phone......B.F.D. ALERT!  This is not a drill! How lucky are we that Joseph Katz joins us on the Fashion Crimes Podcast this week! Joe is a Hollywood fashion expert, VIP personal shopper and red carpet commentator. He's best known for his expertise on the Red Carpet. His fashion media contributions include Good Morning America, The Doctors, Yahoo, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Associated Press, CBS 2 and NBC LA. We start the episode diving into the disconcerting world of jackets these days as Nolan's devastated about the fit of his recent Balmain purchase. Joe reveals to us the outrageous style requests from his crazy rich VIP clients, his virtual styling offer, and his podcast “The Katz Walk.” His podcast brings in-depth interviews with celebrities and influencers about their style and personal experiences, as well as sharing the best beauty and lifestyle tips and tricks to help you look and feel your best. Grab a martini and enjoy the episode! In This Episode: [01:44] Devastation rocks the Fashion Crimes Podcast as Nolan can’t fit into his recent Balmain jacket purchase. [06:07] “The Katz Walk” podcast Joe created at the beginning of this year. [09:46] What Joe does as a stylist for his exclusive VIP clients. [17:04] Joe provides virtual styling. Is it similar to what you could expect from an in-person stylist visit? [20:50] Speaking with different agencies about all the different ways of dressing for corporations. [24:58] Joe’s history with bow ties and why he likes them. [34:06] How Joe is currently contributing to TV and what he’d like to do in the future.   Key Takeaways: The craziest styling requests Joe has received being a stylist for VIP and very wealthy clients. Diving into Joe’s Podcast, “The Katz Walk,” which brings you in-depth interviews with celebrities and influencers about their style and personal experiences. How Joe makes styling more accessible during a pandemic by offering a virtual styling option. Joe has made the bow tie a fashion staple in his wardrobe. He talks about why he loves them so much.   Links Mentioned: Joseph Katz Website - https://josephkatz.com/  The Katz Walk Podcast - https://evergreenpodcasts.com/The-Katz-Walk  The Katz Walk Podcast on YouTube -   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgZmr1YXi6nNmR3DB6XxyA  Joseph Katz Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joseph_katz/  Quotes: “I've worked with a whole range of people, but the uber wealthy can be very fun because a lot of times they don't look at the price.” - Joe Katz “Fashion touches everybody. So whether they're an NFL running back, or an actor, an actress, or a musician, I love to have them on the show just to talk about their style and the red carpet secrets.” - Joe Katz

Today on Fashion Crimes, we are joined by Masha Titov, a fierce, badass woman who started a lingerie line called TITOV that has limited drops, inclusivity of sizes, and NO underwire (good riddance! Am I right?!). As a production manager at Yeezy, Masha was working long hours traveling to manufacturing facilities. In the middle of a 109° day, wires digging in and boob sweat in all, she took off my bra at work. Embarrassed and annoyed, she made it her mission to create lingerie that doesn’t distract her from her busy life. She's inspired to bring women lingerie that feels special and like it was made for them. TITOV has been featured on Boston Globe, NBC, ELLE, Boston Magazine, Boston.com along side with hosting pop ups in collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff (we love a good Rebecca Minkoff moment), private pop ups in Milan, Italy during fashion week, and virtual events supporting great causes like I Support The Girls. She’s here today to share why she decided to start a lingerie line and speak about her dreams for the future of her TITOV; you won’t want to miss it! In This Episode: [03:43] Masha’s quest to make the bras that are comfortable, supportive, pretty, unique and don’t give you the dreaded uni-boob that sports bras do (thank you!). [08:07] The exhausting process Masha goes through to source elastics from manufacturers  [12:29] Masha prides her company on exceptional customer service. [18:42] How long TITOV Label has been in business and how people are finding out about TITOV. [24:05] What Masha’s vision for the future for TITOV Label is and what she would like to achieve. [27:22] Debunking myths around how to wash and maintain the life of her bras. [33:05] Where to find Masha on the Internet. Key Takeaways: A bra with no underwire doesn’t have to be mundane or boring, Masha proves that with her lingerie line, TITOV Label, where she creates comfortable, supportive, and unique bras in an assortment of sizes. Masha’s number one priority in her business is customer service. Her label provides exceptional customer service that she prides herself on. Properly taking care of your bras will extend their life. Masha provides tips to keep her bras in good, lasting condition. Offering exclusive sizing is important to Masha, providing everyone with the opportunity to become a customer. How Masha is networking and promoting her business. She credits Pinterest as a good tool to get new eyes on her products. Links Mentioned: TITOV Label Website - https://titovlabel.com  TITOV Label Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/titovlabel/ TITOV Label Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/titovlabel  TITOV Label Twitter - https://twitter.com/titovlabel?lang=en  TITOV Label TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@titovlabel?lang=en  TITOV Label Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/titovlabel/  Quotes: “I like to say he (Nolan) has seen more boobs in his lifetime than most straight men.” - Holly “I would say that's like my number one, it's always my number one. I will drop everything to answer customer service.” - Masha Titov “If you're thinking about being a fashion designer, if you're thinking about your product, a story, anything, if you try it, the universe will align” - Holly “A big, big thing. Don't hang your bras off the straps when you store them.” - Masha Titov “I put on the other day, like my crazy outfit, just to go to the coffee shop. Cause I was like, you know what? I have no other excuse to wear this stuff.” - Nolan

Holly and Nolan recap their adventures in New York City where they break down the shopping, the purchases, where they went, and who's doorstep they darkened. They express their Covid related frustrations about timed sample sales, (rude), store closures,(super sad yet annoying), odd hours of operations at stores,(SUPER RUDE), and lack of bathroom availability in NYC.  SOOOOOO RUUUDDEEEE. A few celebrities were spotted during their dinner one night (Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Richie!), and Nolan debates whether or not to buy a $300 bottle of perfume he’s had his eye on for years! Finally, stick around for this week’s biggest fashion crimes and hear what Holly and Nolan are planning for their next NYC adventure. In This Episode: [08:26] Holly and Nolan’s adventures in New York City. [15:52] The frustrations towards sample sales and the pressure Holly feels shopping at these timed sample sales. [21:30] Celebrity sightings! Who they encounter in NYC.  [28:09] Nolan gained a lot of experience in the high jewelry world. [33:10] Holly and Nolan’s biggest fashion crimes they witnessed in this episode.  [37:03] How Michael Kors and Nolan are connected.  [39:40] Planning for their next trip to New York. Key Takeaways: Holly and Nolan take on New York City! They’re diving into their time there and telling us where they shopped and what they did. Covid has shifted the experience of shopping at retail stores in NYC and the surprising sparsity of access to bathrooms. Which celebrities Holly and Nolan spotted on their adventures. This week’s biggest fashion crimes - spoiler alert, Holly spotted one in a gas station in South Carolina. Surprising? How Holly and Nolan are approaching their next trip to NYC. Quotes: “I said, “don't look, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, and Matthew Broderick are behind us.” And wouldn't you know, she (Holly) whips around like we are at f*cking Disney world” - Nolan “I just bought the perfume. I've wanted for two and a half years like you have no idea. I'm so excited, it was like I just won an Oscar.” - Nolan  “No, I don't want that suit. Cause I'm sure it comes with a drinking problem that can only be solved with Johnny Walker and a lot of tax evasion.” - Nolan

Joining us this week on Fashion Crimes Podcast is Vienne Brown, thigh high stocking designer extraordinaire and founder of Vienne Milano. Vienne Milano is the first luxury hosiery brand and online boutique dedicated exclusively to thigh high stockings, created in Italy. Vienne has been featured on Fox, Good Morning America, Spark and Hustle by Tori, and New York Fashion Week.  She’s here to talk to us about all things thigh high! She’s breaking away from the drab pantyhose fashion of years past and creating fun, affordable, and luxury thigh highs tailored to fit anyone, regardless of size or gender. Tune in for this fun conversation and see why we’re so intrigued about these luxurious thigh highs. In This Episode: [05:48] Holly asks Vienne the ultimate question, are thigh high stockings back in style? [10:00] Can women who are curvy wear thigh high stockings and have them stay in place? [12:12] Vienne shares her inspiration, design ideas and products available for purchase.   [13:40] Why she chose to have her stockings created in Italy. [16:14] Thigh highs can be worn by both men and women. [18:40] Advice on giving to those who are wanting to get started in the lingerie, hosiery, or thigh high stockings business. [20:42] How she is growing and expanding her business to incorporate other products. [28:29] How she transitioned her career in the direction of creating thigh high stockings. Key Takeaways: Breaking away from the stigma that thigh high stockings are only for a certain size or gender - Vienne Milano stockings are for everyone, regardless of size or gender! Vienne provides high quality, affordable thigh high stockings- you don’t need to break the bank to own a pair of these fun stockings Thigh highs do not need to be drab and boring! Vienne proves how much fun you can have by incorporating thigh highs with your fashion Why, as an American business, are Vienne Milano stockings made in Italy? She shares her story of why she fell in love with Italy and why she chose to have her stockings created in Italy.   Links Mentioned: Vienne Milano Website https://www.viennemilano.com  Vienne Milano Instagram https://www.instagram.com/viennemilano/  Vienne Milano Facebook https://www.facebook.com/viennemilano  Vienne Milano Twitter  https://twitter.com/viennemilano?lang=en  Vienne Milano Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/viennemilano/_created/    Quotes: When you're in the business of fashion, you're not selling sanity, you're selling someone vanity. What can I provide that can make a woman feel good and look good? That’s why I'm in the business of vanity. - Vienne Brown “I love anybody who’s trying to make American women more glamorous” -Nolan

Interested in shopping on a budget? You definitely won’t wanna miss this episode as Nolan schools us this week on the ins and outs of thrifting and reselling. There is an art to how he digs, finds, keeps and resells. Even though we absolutely love  a thrifting moment, he educates us on the amount of patience and diligence you need in order to be successful in the thrifting world. Plus, we chat about how Nolan really scored big on threadUP and some of the other reselling sites he frequents. We cover all of the questions about thrifting and how to know if you’re doing it right. When you’re thrifting, how do you know what to look for?  How do I know what will resell?  What is involved in the care in cleaning of secondhand clothing?  Later, we discuss The RealReal and why Nolan became besties with someone who works there (DUH).  Tune in as we talk about pairing thrift shop finds with expensive pieces to make yourself look like a million bucks without the high price tags.  In This Episode: [01:50] Nolan loves a thrift moment; he opens up about his latest shopping trips.   [10:50] threadUP is an online consignment store. Nolan says it’s pointless because they take forever. [13:10] When you’re thrifting, how do you know what to look for?   [17:00] All about The RealReal and why Nolan became besties with someone who works there. [26:05] You can pair something you find in a thrift store with an expensive piece and look like a million dollars. Key Takeaways: Thrifting is not for everyone because it requires so much patience to go through everything.  You can easily spend over two hours in a single thrift store.  If you’re thrifting for yourself, buy whatever you love and make sure it fits.  Style tip: pair a men’s shirt over a bikini to the beach; it’s chic and trendy.  Links Mentioned: Derek Lam https://dereklam.com threadUP https://www.thredup.com The RealReal https://www.therealreal.com Quotes: “Thrifting is a skill that you can develop, but I would say it takes a long time.” -Holly “I love a thrift moment.” -Nolan

We are bringing in the sunshine this week with personal stylist, boutique owner, blogger Kaitlin Langley. First, Kaitlin talks about the inspiration behind her brand and what it’s like working with her tween daughter. Then, we jump right into Kaitlin‘s essential fashion advice: Find undergarments that fit CORRECTLY. Bras not only change the way you look in your clothes, it changes the way clothes can look on your body. If you haven’t been fitted recently, then what are you waiting for? Also, we talk about the importance of getting your first pair of Spanx. (A MUST for your wardrobe!) Tune in as Kaitlin speaks about how she grew her business during Covid and what things she educates her clients on when revamping their closets – including why you should actually WEAR the things you buy! She is amazing, we love her- listen now as she joins our posse! In This Episode: [03:30] Kaitlin reveals the story behind her brand and talks about working with her daughter.  [12:40] The importance of finding undergarments that fit correctly. Plus, you NEED a pair of Spanx.  [16:45] Kaitlin speaks about her fashion evolution and the inspiration behind starting her own business.  [34:00] How Kaitlin chooses her inventory by engaging with clients through Facebook.   [43:15] Being a personal stylist is all about educating your clients.   Key Takeaways: It’s okay to spend a ton of money on a pair of jeans; you just have to make sure they fit correctly.  All your fashion purchases do not have to be over the top. However, make sure that you are not lowballing yourself.  When you buy something nice, wear it! Your fashion should never live in your closet.  You should never feel bad about buying yourself something expensive.  Bio:  Hi Friend! I’m Kaitlin, I’m a tween mom, personal stylist, boutique owner, and blogger! You might be able to tell from my year-round colorful wardrobe that I live in Florida. I hope to bring a sense of authenticity to my readers with the goal of providing tested tips and tricks for busy moms and boss babes!   I love working with companies and brands to share products with all of you. However, I will never share or promote a product/business that does not align with empowering women and making a positive mark on the world. Every product I share is a product that saves me time, benefits our family, or that I love so much. Want to collab? Shoot me an email kaitlin@kaitlinlangley.com.    Links Mentioned: Website https://kaitlinlangley.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kait_lang Spanx  https://www.spanx.com Quotes: “Evolve or die.”  “I wanted this bag my entire life. I'm going to carry it every day.”

BFD ALERT: Personal stylist, published author and personal development coach Lauren Messiah, (not to mention Holly’s mentor and total BOSS chick) joins the show. She is a personal stylist known for her method of combining her entrepreneurial personal development courses to help develop one's style and goals. We get to the history of how she started her career, rising up and creating her business that has surpassed the million dollar mark. She spills the tea on the common problems people have when getting dressed, and which pieces in your wardrobe you should invest in. She speaks from experience knowing that when you dress for the job you want, it pays off BIG time in your career. Unfortunately, most people do not understand their true essence and potential through fashion. She teaches that people can use style and fashion as a tool to get them ahead in life. Tune in as we talk about how leveling up your style can be uncomfortable, but certainly pays off in the long run. Catch all of her programs on social media and her new YouTube series Style Therapy Makeover Experience.  In This Episode: [03:25] First, Lauren inspires us and gives us the scoop on who she is and what she does.   [14:00] In Lauren’s book, Style Therapy, she teaches people how to be the best-dressed in the room.  [18:00] Women need to make an investment in their fashion to help their career. Nolan points out the MAJOR double standard.   [20:30] Lauren explains what it’s like to be in her SCC program.  [26:35] So many people are do not understand their true essence and potential through fashion.  [31:50] The importance of finding your niche in business.  [41:25] Going a level up will not be comfortable; get out of your comfort zone when it comes to fashion!    Key Takeaways: Don’t waste your money on a Michael Kors bag; instead, go big or go home.  You need to invest in nice clothing and bags because it's going to help you in your career. Even during the pandemic, you need to get dressed up; it’s critical for your overall wellbeing.  You have to buy the bag, and you have to wear the blazer to get in the right environments.  Bio:  Lauren is a personal stylist known for her signature method of combining personal development and style. She founded and created on-demand styling systems: Style Confidence Collective and Personal Style University™ and authored books: ’Style Therapy™, ‘The Book of Style’ and ’The Style Solution™’. Named Google’s #WomenToWatch on Youtube, Lauren has been featured in Marie Claire, Vogue, Elle, VH1, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, WWD, Refinery 29 plus many other print and digital media outlets for her style expertise. Links Mentioned: Website www.laurenmessiah.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenmessiah/ Quotes: “Find things that fit with you and fit with your goals, and then you can fully express yourself.”  “Find the thing that makes you different and stand out.”  

It’s the best time of the year, Award Show Season! Currently, we are recovering from the fashion tragedies that took place at the Oscars. Sadly, someone tried to kill Glenn Close by putting her in a terrible outfit but that's besides the point. She did redeem herself by doing 'Da Butt' so we gave her a pass. There are some elephants in the room that Nolan addresses, including Carey Mulligan and gold Valentino Couture. Later, we chat about the major fashion crime at the Oscars; yes, we’re talking about Laura Dern. I mean, she kinda looked like Plumette from Beauty and the Beast but in a chic way? Listen now as we do a deep dive into our favorite and not-so-favorite looks from the event. In This Episode: [06:35] The best looks at the Oscars this year (even though the bar was so low).  [14:30] Nolan addresses the elephant in the room; who attacked Glenn Close?   [19:35] We have a love-hate relationship with Halle Berry and her fashion choices.  [27:30] Laura Dern is fabulous; however, her outfit was a major fashion crime.  [29:45] There are two more elephants in the room: Carey Mulligan and gold Valentino Couture.  [36:10] Holly and Nolan dive into the rest of their favorite and not-so-favorite Oscars looks.    Key Takeaways: Don’t let your age stop you from being fashionable; there are so many incredibly dressed women at every age. You need to have lipstick on if you’re going to the Oscars; that’s a given.  If you know Glenn Close, please tell her to fire her personal stylist.    Links Mentioned: Oscars Red Carpet 2021: See All the Fashion & Dresses Here https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/oscars-2021-fashion-red-carpet Quotes: “I have a straight girl crush on [Angela Bassett], and she can do no wrong fashionably to me.” -Holly “I am just recovering from the fashion tragedies that took place last night.” -Nolan