Podcast Summary: What We Wore – Episode 144: Becky Malinsky | Light Bulb Moments

Release Date: June 25, 2024
Host: Laura Vinroot Poole
Guest: Becky Malinsky

1. Introduction and Background

In Episode 144 of "What We Wore," host Laura Vinroot Poole engages in an enlightening conversation with Becky Malinsky, the former Deputy Fashion Director of the Wall Street Journal. Becky has transitioned from a prominent role in fashion journalism to becoming a sought-after stylist and a beloved Substack writer. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and serving people through fashion, rather than merely focusing on trends.

2. Early Life and Minnesota Roots

Becky Malinsky hails from Minnesota, a state that has profoundly shaped her identity and work ethic. She shares, “[00:43] My family has been in Minnesota for many generations...I grew up in Minnesota. I've lived here 20 years” (Becky Malinsky, [00:43]). Her upbringing in a tight-knit, hardworking community instilled in her the values of perseverance and a strong work ethic, which continue to influence her career today.

Reflecting on her childhood, Becky reminisces about the freedom she experienced: “I rode my bike to school in fourth grade with my best friend...I went sledding every single day after school with my neighbors” ([01:32]). This sense of community and authenticity fostered her ability to connect deeply with people, a trait that is central to her approach in both journalism and styling.

3. Entry into Fashion and Initial Career Steps

Becky’s passion for fashion was evident from a young age. Despite her grandmother’s practical views on sewing, Becky taught herself to sew in seventh grade, a skill encouraged by her mother who suggested she explore fashion. This early interest led her to pursue internships in New York, starting with Cosmopolitan magazine in 2002. “[03:07]...I sort of taught myself to sew in seventh grade...So I sort of taught myself to sew in seventh grade,” Becky explains how her foundational skills and determination paved the way for her career in fashion journalism.

Moving to New York was a pivotal moment for Becky. She recounts her move: “I moved to New York. I had no job. I pounded the pavement...I would talk to anyone who would talk to me” ([06:19]). Her relentless pursuit led to an internship at Cosmopolitan, setting the stage for her ascent in the fashion media landscape.

4. Career in Fashion Media: Lucky, GQ, Glamour, and the Wall Street Journal

Becky’s tenure at Lucky magazine was a significant chapter in her career. “[12:16]...Lucky magazine changed the way magazines spoke to readers. They were the first fashion magazine that talked to you like you were their friend” ([12:34]). She emphasizes Lucky’s innovative approach, likening it to “the Internet before the Internet” ([13:17]). Her role involved managing sample trafficking and developing relationships with magazine assistants, which eventually led to her securing a position at Lucky.

During a corporate reorganization at Lucky in 2008, Becky was transferred to GQ, where she handled demanding tasks such as traveling with numerous trunks and managing high-stress photo shoots. Despite the challenges, she found the experience exhilarating: “[16:12]...But also like, isn't this the best life?”

Her journey continued at Glamour, where she honed her editorial and writing skills. Becky credits her growth as a writer to her mentors at the Wall Street Journal: “[18:13]...she made me a better writer. The editor of the section too, was an unbelievable editor and writer.”

5. Transition to Independent Styling and Writing

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes, prompting Becky to pivot from traditional fashion media to launching her own styling business and Substack newsletter. Inspired by podcasts discussing the new norms of office dressing, Becky identified a gap in helping people navigate their work wardrobes in a post-pandemic world. “[26:17]...light bulb moment. This is a business. I'm going to help people get dressed for work” ([26:17]).

She swiftly moved from her role at the Wall Street Journal to establish her styling business, focusing on helping individuals create professional wardrobes that align with their personal style. Becky launched her Substack simultaneously, aiming to run two businesses: a professional styling service and a personal newsletter. “[29:20]...It's a word of mouth business...the majority of my clients were not newsletter readers first.”

6. Insights on the Fashion Media Landscape and Sustainability

Becky shares her perspectives on the evolving fashion media landscape, highlighting the challenges and future directions. “[13:44]...people are always like, well, you know, you could turn five things into a media brand...we're going to see things that are niche surviving” ([13:44]). She believes that niche publications focusing on trust and authenticity will thrive as larger media companies struggle to maintain relevance and resource allocation.

On sustainability, Becky underscores the importance of ethical consumption: “[23:37]...everything that you consume...the person who created it is earning a living wage” ([23:37]). She stresses the need for transparency and ethical practices in the fashion industry, reflecting her commitment to integrity from her time at the Wall Street Journal where strict ethics policies were paramount.

7. Personal Reflections and Challenges

Balancing two businesses presents its own set of challenges for Becky. She discusses the difficulty of managing both her Substack newsletter and her styling business: “[34:07]...it's a lot to manage...delegating in a way that I haven't quite figured out yet” ([34:11]). Additionally, she touches on the challenges of remaining present as a parent while running her businesses: “[34:11]...being a present parent...you are the business.”

Becky also reflects on her confidence and authenticity in her work, emphasizing the importance of serving real people with practical fashion advice: “[32:22]...knowing what you're good at...translating real fashion for real people” ([32:22]).

8. Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Towards the end of the episode, Becky shares delightful personal anecdotes, offering a glimpse into her personality and fashion sensibilities. She recounts her prom experience with vivid detail: “[34:52]...I wore a strapless floor length column gown...with little mini seed bead, floral embroidery” ([35:04]). Additionally, her winter formal attire highlighted her unique style: “[35:27]...black lace with nude under...poof out circle skirt to the knee, black satin” ([35:27]). These stories illustrate her long-standing passion for fashion and her ability to blend personal style with professional expertise.

Conclusion

Becky Malinsky’s journey from Minnesota to the heart of New York’s fashion media, and her subsequent transition to independent styling and writing, underscores a career driven by passion, integrity, and a deep understanding of people. Her insights into the changing landscape of fashion media and sustainability reflect her commitment to fostering trust and authenticity in the industry. As she continues to navigate the challenges of running her own businesses, Becky remains a beacon of inspiration for those looking to make meaningful impacts through fashion.

Notable Quotes:

• “She was the woman for the job.” – Laura Vinroot Poole ([00:05])
• “I felt like I had a real childhood. Like, I rode my bike to school in fourth grade with my best friend.” – Becky Malinsky ([01:32])
• “Lucky magazine changed the way magazines spoke to readers. They were the first fashion magazine that talked to you like you were their friend.” – Becky Malinsky ([12:34])
• “Being a present parent...you are the business.” – Becky Malinsky ([34:11])
• “This is the business. I'm quitting my job. And if I start this business, it has to be right now.” – Becky Malinsky ([27:53])

For more insights and updates, follow Becky Malinsky on Substack and on Instagram @whatweworepodcast.