Sustain This! Podcast Episode Summary Episode: Things that are Inspiring Our Style Right Now
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Hosts: Alyssa Beltempo, Christina Mychas, & Signe Hansen

Welcome to Sustain This!, the slow fashion podcast that delves into mindful consumption, personal style, and the pursuit of a more intentional life and wardrobe. In this episode, titled "Things that are Inspiring Our Style Right Now," hosts Alyssa, Christina, and Signe explore the various influences shaping their current fashion choices. From personal reflections and travel inspirations to social media influences and seasonal trends, the conversation offers a comprehensive look into the nuances of conscious styling.

1. Personal Style Inspirations

Signe Hansen's Reflective Approach
Signe begins the discussion by describing her current "fashion and style hibernation," where she focuses on preserving her favorite outfits for future wear.

"I'm in a bit of a fashion and style hibernation right now... I just feel very much forward to the future, future me."
01:07
She emphasizes the importance of celebrating past styles and acknowledges the challenges of reverting to previous aesthetics.

Alyssa Beltempo's Italian Influence and Love for Menswear
Alyssa shares her inspiration drawn from Italy, highlighting the authenticity of Italian brands and the impeccable craftsmanship in menswear.

"Italy has been inspiring me a lot... I love the structure, the layering, the textures, the footwear."
03:03
She mentions specific creators like Giovanna, who focus on genuine Italian fashion, and praises designers such as Brunello Cucinelli and Xander Torres for their influence.

Christina Mychas's Denim Obsession and Travel-Inspired Styles
Christina discusses her current fascination with denim, particularly the denim-on-denim trend, and how upcoming travel to Los Angeles is shaping her style choices.

"I'm really, really liking [loafer] as an alternative to a sneaker... I feel like fall is loafer season."
06:05
She elaborates on how different cities like Copenhagen, New York, and LA influence her wardrobe, blending various aesthetics to create a personalized style.

2. Packing Tips and Travel Styling

Christina's Efficient Packing Method
Christina introduces her "5-4-3-2-1" packing strategy, ideal for trips lasting a week or more:

• 5 Tops
• 4 Bottoms
• 3 Pairs of Shoes
• 2 Layering Pieces
• 1 Accessory/Singular Item

"It's a really great packing method... It sort of gives you a nice structure."
07:43
She shares her dilemma between packing a long blazer coat versus a leather biker jacket, ultimately leaning towards a style that aligns with LA's aesthetic.

3. Social Media and Style Inspiration

Navigating TikTok for Style Content
Signe expresses mixed feelings about TikTok, appreciating creators who share "getting dressed" content for its storytelling and casual vibe.

"I love watching creators just getting dressed... It's like having a conversation with them."
12:20
Christina adds that these videos feel cozy and akin to catching up with a friend, highlighting the platform's dual nature of short and long-form content.

Curating Inspiration on Pinterest
Alyssa voices nostalgia for Pinterest's earlier days with up-to-date photos, lamenting the platform's shift towards older content and increased advertisements.

"Pinterest come back. Be good again."
18:18
Christina and Signe discuss strategies to maximize Pinterest's utility, such as refining search techniques to find more curated and relevant style inspirations.

4. Current Fashion Elements and Seasonal Trends

Embracing Browns and Layering
The hosts express a collective affinity for brown tones and layering, which they associate with fall fashion. Alyssa mentions her preference for browns and black, complemented by over-the-knee boots and loafers.

"I’ve been trying to wear a lot of browns and embrace, like, the browns."
20:37
Christina agrees, noting that brown softens outfits and offers versatility across seasons.

Adapting to Mild Weather Trends
With unusually mild weather, Christina observes a shift towards lighter footwear like loafers and sandals, defying typical seasonal expectations.

"This season it's been so mild... I'm just starting to pull out a lot of the false shoes and boots."
30:35
Alyssa adds humor, reflecting on children's Halloween costumes layered over snowsuits, highlighting the ongoing mild weather trends.

5. Influences from Television and Media

James Bond and Mad Men Aesthetics
Christina draws inspiration from Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond, admiring the tailored tuxedos and classic yet modern suiting.

"The tailoring and the tuxedos... it's like classic and modern at the same time."
22:12
Signe shares her experience watching "Sex and the City," appreciating the series' focus on friendship and fashion, despite initial hesitations due to familiarity with the films.

6. Community Engagement and Personal Reflections

Encouraging Listener Interaction
Towards the end, the hosts invite listeners to share their own style inspirations and reflections, fostering a sense of community and mutual learning.

"Let us know in the comments and yeah, we'll see you next week."
33:30

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, along with an invitation to engage via social media for future topics and guest suggestions.

"Thank you so much for joining in our conversation this week... We hope you join us again next Tuesday."
34:00

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Reflection: Embracing past styles can foster future wardrobe choices.
• Cultural Influence: Travel and exposure to different fashion cultures (e.g., Italian menswear, LA's relaxed styles) significantly impact personal styling.
• Media Consumption: Social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest serve as both sources of inspiration and avenues for curated content discovery.
• Seasonal Adaptability: Fashion trends adapt to unusual weather patterns, emphasizing versatility and comfort.
• Entertainment as Inspiration: Television series and films continue to influence contemporary fashion aesthetics.

Whether you're seeking to refine your personal style, looking for packing strategies, or navigating the vast landscape of social media influences, this episode of Sustain This! offers valuable insights and relatable experiences from hosts who are passionate about mindful and intentional fashion.