Podcast Summary

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode: WHY @merricksart GETS DRESSED EVERYDAY
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Guest: Merrick White (@merricksart)

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the importance of getting dressed every day, featuring popular creator and fashion influencer Merrick White ("Merrick's Art"). Hosts Kelly and Lizz—sisters, business partners, and auto industry experts—share a lively conversation exploring fashion routines, accessible style tips for moms, and actionable advice for listeners as the holiday season approaches. The episode is packed with practical takeaways, including wardrobe essentials, Black Friday shopping strategies, and even a life-changing grilled cheese hack.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Getting Dressed Matters (16:43, 26:29)

• Merrick shares how her mom, a stay-at-home, homeschool mom, always prioritized getting dressed daily. This influenced Merrick’s belief that dressing up—even for a day at home—boosts confidence and positively impacts mood and behavior.
• Quote (Merrick, 26:52):
  "She prioritized getting dressed every day…even though we were going to be home all day and just sitting on the couch or at the table doing our schoolwork, you get dressed because it makes you feel better."
• Both hosts admit they find Merrick's approach both inspiring and slightly intimidating as busy moms but ultimately empowering.
• Merrick notes that confidence with style comes with practice:
  Quote (Merrick, 40:26):
  "The confidence doesn't come by itself. The confidence comes from doing the thing...It's the same thing with fashion."

2. The “Seven Point Outfit” Theory (24:38)

• Merrick explains her viral "seven point outfit" method. Every clothing item or accessory is worth 1-2 points; aim for a total of 7 to create a polished, complete look.
  Accessories like bracelets, scarves, or belts can instantly add points.
• Kelly praises the method for helping her get more use from items already in her closet.
  • Quote (Kelly, 25:34):
    "It's really been such a fun and easy exercise...It’s just been such a tangible takeaway."

3. Practical Outfit Building for Busy Moms

Top 3 Wardrobe Essentials (30:34):

• 1. Great pair of jeans:
  • Recommendations: Quince jeans (affordable, various inseams), Everlane, Spanx, Mother (noted for comfort but pricier).
• 2. Pullover sweater:
  • Suggests Old Navy as an affordable option; any substantial, versatile sweater will do.
• 3. Cute pair of sneakers:
  • Favorites: Gola, Adidas, Golden Goose, Steve Madden.
• Merrick stresses versatility—each piece works together or separately and helps an outfit feel finished, even on busy days.

4. Color Theory, Mixing, and Confidence (36:30, 42:48)

• Merrick encourages experimenting with color, highlighting unique but doable combinations like chartreuse and burgundy or plum and rust.
• She supports "wearing your clothes" instead of saving them indefinitely for special occasions—"just wear it on a Tuesday" (38:00).
• On color analysis/personal color theory: Merrick finds it useful but not prescriptive—"You can wear whatever you want. Some colors just work better for your tone" (43:55). Kelly and Lizz share their own underwhelming experiences with formal color analysis.

5. Black Friday/Shopping Strategies (21:27, 45:39)

• Sales are starting earlier; all approve, as it gives more time to shop mindfully instead of rushing.
• Frustrations are aired about “flash sales” requiring multiple purchases or shipping payments.
• Merrick’s Black Friday recommendations:
  • Spanx (30% off, includes lounge sets, dresses, jumpsuits)
  • Omnilux (red light therapy masks, high-ticket, great gifting)
• Merrick shares her approach to team gifting and encourages listeners to create wish lists for better gift-giving within families.

6. Jewelry Recommendations (48:34)

• Everyday jewelry: Miranda Frye for high-quality cuffs that don’t snag and come in various sizes.
• Affordable statement earrings: Target, for trends that don’t need to last forever.

7. Family & Food Traditions (50:22)

• Merrick’s go-to quick family meal: Grilled cheese on Trader Joe’s brioche bread, with the cheese melted in the microwave before grilling in buttered pan—her “hottest tangible takeaway” for busy moms.
• Kelly and Liz discuss their mother’s tradition of dressing up for holidays to make ordinary gatherings feel special—“I will be in a heeled booty at Thanksgiving at our house” (12:01).

8. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Kelly, on Merrick's influence (16:52):
  "You've inspired me in such a real way...I’m just really grateful that I've been getting dressed more and I've been wearing the clothes in my closet more."
• Merrick, on growing confidence (40:26):
  "You don’t get good at it until you do it multiple times."
• Liz, on adopting accessible style (41:48):
  "If you're hearing this and you're, like...feeling bad, like, let’s say you’re postpartum or you’re just, like, not fully in the stage of your life to, like, wear the neck scarf and the earrings and the bracelet and all the things—baby steps."
• Merrick, on shopping mindfully (38:11):
  "If you’re gonna buy this dress, like, I'm going to make sure you’re going to get your wear out of it."

9. Fun Tangents & Pop Culture

• Quick takes on “Dancing With the Stars” finale (13:08) and central time zone superiority (00:06, 14:35)—delivered in the sisters’ signature friendly banter.
• Multiple shout outs to their mom, Chris, and sharing her “legendary” practical Christmas list (09:13).

Notable Timestamps

• [16:43] – Start of the interview with Merrick White
• [24:38] – Explaining the “Seven Point Outfit” concept
• [26:29] – Why Merrick gets dressed every day
• [30:34] – Top three wardrobe essentials for moms
• [36:30] – How to pair unexpected colors
• [40:26] – Merrick on style confidence
• [45:39] – Best Black Friday deals and gifting advice
• [48:34] – Where to buy everyday jewelry
• [50:22] – Merrick’s grilled cheese hack

Closing Thoughts

Kelly and Lizz’s conversation with Merrick White brings humor, relatability, and a trove of actionable tips for women seeking to find joy and confidence in their daily wardrobe—even (and especially) as busy moms. The episode is both inspirational and practical, balancing life advice with approachable fashion strategies, and leaving listeners with a little extra motivation to embrace getting dressed—even if just for themselves.

For more:

• Follow @merricksart on Instagram
• Show notes will include all products/brands mentioned for easy reference

Episode summary prepared by Podcast GPT