Podcast Summary: The Good Buy – Tracee Ellis Ross on Her Iconic Fashion Inheritance, Shopping Obsessions, and Wardrobe Maintenance Tips

Release Date: November 22, 2024
Guest: Tracee Ellis Ross
Hosts: Leah Chernikoff & Lynette Nylander

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Good Buy, hosts Leah Chernikoff and Lynette Nylander delve into the vibrant fashion world of Tracee Ellis Ross. As a Golden Globe-winning actor, producer, founder of Pattern Beauty, and a passionate fashion enthusiast, Tracee offers a compelling glimpse into her shopping habits, favorite pieces, and the influences that shape her iconic style.

Influence of Family and Early Years

Tracee attributes a significant portion of her fashion sense to her upbringing and her mother, the legendary Diana Ross.

• Early Exposure to Style:
  "From a young age, I was... witnessing a woman that used clothing as a way to express herself and to have a sense of agency," [07:42] Tracee shares, highlighting how Diana Ross's impeccable taste and glamorous presence deeply influenced her own aesthetic.

• Shopping with Purpose:
  "I would take things out of her closet and put them in my closet to make them seem that they were mine," [09:08] she recalls, illustrating her early desire to cultivate a personal style inspired by her mother.

Shopping Philosophy

Tracee's approach to shopping is both intentional and resourceful, balancing luxury with practicality.

• Hunting for Treasures:
  "I hunt. I don't believe in waste. I don't have a personal shopper," [04:35] she explains, emphasizing her hands-on approach to finding unique pieces that resonate with her personal style.

• Value and Care:
  "If you buy something over $100, every compliment you get knocks off $5... over $500, every compliment knocks off $50," [17:53] Tracee outlines her philosophy on valuing high-quality purchases and the importance of maintaining them.

Wardrobe Maintenance Tips

Maintaining a well-curated wardrobe is a cornerstone of Tracee's fashion strategy.

• Regular Care:
  Tracee discusses her commitment to preserving her favorite items: "I have a really good shoe repair. I constantly am fixing the heels on my shoes... getting things cleaned," [18:26] ensuring her pieces remain in pristine condition.

• Strategic Wearing:
  "I wear things over and over again. It doesn't leave," [29:54] she notes, maximizing the longevity and versatility of her wardrobe staples.

Favorite Purchases and Repeat Buys

Tracee shares her beloved items that she returns to time and again.

• Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots:
  "I have five pairs of those... they look like candy," [24:58] illustrating her fondness for colorful and functional footwear.

• Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers:
  Despite having an extensive collection, Tracee remains passionate about her chunky Balenciagas: "I might have about 12 Balenciaga sneakers," [26:38] showcasing her love for bold, statement shoes.

Shopping Regrets

Even fashion enthusiasts like Tracee experience moments of buyer's remorse.

• High Heels:
  "The biggest regret buys... high heels," [18:56] she admits, balancing her love for stilettos with the physical discomfort they can cause.

• Missed Opportunities:
  Tracee laments not acquiring certain coveted items: "The balloon shoe from Loewe. I wanted it so badly. I couldn't find it," [23:39] highlighting the thrill and occasional frustration of the hunt.

Dream and Recent Buys

Tracee's current fashion pursuits and latest additions reflect her evolving style.

• Dream Buys:
  "A belt from Alaia with all this sort of cut out leather... got all my size," [27:50] she expresses her ongoing quest for unique accessories that complement her wardrobe.

• Recent Acquisitions:
  Tracee excitedly mentions her latest purchases:

  • "Eco-friendly red leather pants from Frankie Shop... they dry clean well," [30:14]
  • "Azzedine Alaia pink nylon balloon pants," [31:17]
    demonstrating her commitment to sustainable and high-fashion pieces.

Fashion as Self-Expression

For Tracee, clothing is a powerful tool for personal expression and storytelling.

• Creative Armor:
  "Clothing is how we wear our insides on the outside... a form of creative expression," [33:02] Tracee eloquently describes her relationship with fashion, viewing it as both protection and artistry.

• Television Wardrobe Integration:
  Tracee reveals how her personal style seamlessly integrates into her characters: "The first season... I brought my clothes in," [13:33] ensuring her on-screen presence authentically reflects her unique taste.

Conclusion

Tracee Ellis Ross embodies the perfect blend of passion, practicality, and creativity in her fashion journey. Her insights into shopping philosophy, wardrobe maintenance, and the influence of her iconic heritage offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to cultivate a meaningful and stylish wardrobe. The Good Buy episode with Tracee is a treasure trove of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts eager to embrace their personal style with confidence and flair.

Notable Quotes

• Influence of Mother:
  "From a young age, I was... using clothing as a way to express herself," [07:42] – Tracee Ellis Ross

• Shopping Philosophy:
  "I hunt. I don't believe in waste." [04:35] – Tracee Ellis Ross

• Wardrobe Maintenance:
  "I take great care of them. I don't like waste or excess." [17:53] – Tracee Ellis Ross

• Fashion as Expression:
  "Clothing is how we wear our insides on the outside, you know, so it's a form of creative expression." [33:02] – Tracee Ellis Ross

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Tracee Ellis Ross's insights on fashion, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her style journey and the principles that guide her shopping habits.