Podcast Summary: The Heart & Hustle Podcast

Episode 463: Feel Like a '10' – How to Discover Your Personal Style Through Thrifting with Krista Lavrusik
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Guest: Krista Lavrusik
Date: December 16, 2025

Episode Overview

The episode features personal stylist and thrifting expert Krista Lavrusik, who shares her journey with fashion, offers game-changing thrifting advice, and unpacks her signature concept of “10 energy”—the idea of feeling like your most confident, authentic self through personal style. Evie and Lindsey guide a vibrant conversation packed with practical wardrobe tips, mindset shifts, and a hefty dose of Krista’s infectious, best-friend energy.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. Krista’s Background and Fashion Philosophy

[05:07]

• Krista is a California-based mom of four boys, self-described as someone obsessed with all things fashion and especially thrifting.
• Her mission: “If it’s not a vibe, it doesn’t belong in your life. If it doesn’t make you feel like a 10, it doesn’t belong in your life.” (Krista, 05:07)
• Krista started her influencing journey during the pandemic, seeking to show that motherhood doesn’t mean losing confidence or personal style.

2. Defining “10 Energy”

[10:29]

• “Being the 10 you wish to see in the world” is Krista’s motto for self-expression and confidence.
• “For me, 10 energy is like, confident in all the ways. And you’re just living your best life, because life’s too short, life’s too beautiful. And you deserve to every day be the best and see the best in yourself.” (Krista, 11:28)

3. How to Start Finding Your Personal Style

[13:03]

• Use Pinterest as a “doom scroll” to find visual inspiration and figure out what styles consistently attract you.
• Try out new trends through thrifting, since it’s a cheaper way to experiment without fear of regret.
• “…just kind of trying things out…if it doesn’t work…the shirt was $6… it’s not like you paid a lot for it.” (Krista, 13:30)

4. Thrifting as a Tool for Style Discovery

[18:52]

• Step 1: Go thrifting with a vision (use your Pinterest board as a guide).
• Step 2: Head straight for the men’s section for quality pieces—especially button downs, jeans, and sweatshirts.
• Krista’s “thrifting boyfriends” (favorite brands for thrift shopping): Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Land’s End, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, Russell Athletics.
  [20:52] “If the tag is a man you’ve heard of, lean into that!”
• Avoid: Shein (“I refuse to buy Shein”), but open to older Forever 21 and H&M pieces if the quality is right.
• The “neck trick” for jeans: Wrap the waistband around your neck to estimate fit—helpful when dressing rooms are unavailable. (Krista, 19:52)
• “Go consistently. If you really want to find certain items, it’s not like a standard store…budget two hours in the thrift store, minimum…” (Evie, 28:38)

5. Tips for the Overwhelmed or the Introverted

[15:46]

• Embrace confidence incrementally—no need to make a drastic style shift overnight.
• “If at the end of the day, you’re like, no, it’s not my vibe, just be confident in that…Try one thing that’s a little out of your comfort zone.” (Krista, 16:06)

6. Color, Seasons, and Practicality

[30:00]

• Krista focuses on “the vibes” and does not adhere strictly to seasonal color theory.
• Try holding clothing up to your face and arms in-store to check if it complements your complexion.

7. Closet Purge for Instant Style Clarity

[34:07]; [47:52]

• Try on every item in your closet and purge anything that doesn’t make you feel confident (“like a 10”).
• “The less you have, the more creative you get to be with it.” (Krista, 34:45)
• “Before you bring stuff in, you’ve gotta get stuff out. Get that ish out.” (Krista, 47:54)

8. Special Tips for Moms & Women in Transition

[36:22]

• Give yourself grace—your life stage deserves celebration.
• Best post-partum clothing: oversized men’s button downs, wide-leg flowy pants.
• “The decollete is the sexiest part of a woman. This doesn’t change if you are with child, largely postpartum. This is still—she’s hottie.” (Krista, 37:01)

9. Styling the Button Down: Krista’s Signature Piece

[39:43]

• Style tips: “Two button situation—just let the flaps fly,” cuff the sleeves, tuck with a belt for a polished look, or wear open and breezy over pants.
• Avoid stiff business shirts; seek “non-iron” labels and softer fabrics.

10. Miscellaneous Style Hacks

[46:22]

• Quick outfit elevation: “Get a belt, tuck, belt, sandal, boom.” (Krista, 46:22)
• Accessories (like jewelry), cuffing pants, and showing the neckline all help polish a look.

11. Dealing with Multiple Style Personalities

[44:08]

• If you genuinely enjoy wearing different styles, embrace it. If it feels chaotic, hone in on what you reach for most; consider focusing per season.

12. Mindset and Final Encouragement

[47:52–50:48]

• Prioritize self-care, even if it’s just a couple hours dedicated to a closet purge.
• “You can’t give before you give to yourself. You are the most important thing.” (Krista, 50:24)
• Inspiration: Watching confident older women live vibrantly—“Tell me what you have done that is still bringing you this energy.”

13. Krista’s Book Recommendations & Mom Life Hack

[51:14]

• “Every Summer After” & “One Golden Summer” by Carly Fortune (“Slay obsessed”)
• “Conditions of Will” by Jessa Hastings; “Magnolia Parks” series (“toxic Gossip Girl of the British variety”)
• “Rewind It Back” by Liz Tomforde (Windy City sports romance series)
• Life hack: “Just put one AirPod in your ear the whole time to drown out the sound of your children. So you’re like half paying attention—you have a moment for yourself…” (Krista, 53:36)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Thrifting is my gifting.” (Krista, 06:32)
• “10 energy only—be the 10 you wish to see in the world.” (Krista, 10:29)
• “Confidence and 10 energy is the goal at the end of the day for yourself and for life.” (Krista, 44:57)
• “If it’s not giving you life, get it out of there.” (Krista, 32:54)
• “You can’t give before you give to yourself. Like, you are the most important thing... I will feel like a 10 when I do.” (Krista, 50:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Krista’s Background: [05:07]
• Defining “10 Energy”: [10:29]
• Starting Style Discovery: [13:03]
• Introverted/Overwhelmed Thrifting Advice: [15:46]
• Krista’s Thrift Store Playbook: [18:52]
• Go-to Thrifting Brands (“Thrifting Boyfriends”): [20:52]
• Closet Purging for Clarity: [34:07], [47:52]
• Styling the Button Down: [39:43]
• Special Advice for Moms: [36:22]
• Tips for Multi-Style Minds: [44:08]
• Krista’s Lightning Outfit Elevation Hack: [46:22]
• Book Recommendations: [51:14]
• Mom Life Hack (Audio + Parenting): [53:36]

Resource Links

• Krista Lavrusik Socials/Shop: Krista’s Website with Thrift Bundles
• Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @kristalavrusik
• YouTube/Shorts: KristaLavrusik

Closing Thoughts

Krista’s vibrant spirit, practical wisdom, and genuine encouragement remind listeners that style is personal, thrifting is accessible, and every woman deserves to feel like a “10.” Whether you’re a mom seeking to rediscover yourself or anyone wanting to break out of a fashion funk, her advice is empowering, actionable, and joy-filled.

(For full stories, outfit demonstrations, and Krista’s infectious energy, check out the YouTube episode!)