Through The Back Door

In this solo episode Claire gets honest about something a lot of people in fashion are thinking; secondhand designer isn’t always the better choice anymore.From overpriced resale finds to pieces that fall apart after a few wears, Claire breaks down how secondhand has shifted from a “fashion hack” into a gamble. When you’re spending real money, is it still worth the risk? Or does it make more sense to save up and buy something new that actually works for your life?She shares her own experience of ending up with a closet full of designer pieces she doesn’t even wear—and the turning point that led her back to buying basics that actually function.She also dives into what it really takes to break into fashion today, sharing practical, advice inspired by helping her sister job hunt.At its core, this episode is about intention; how we shop, how we participate in fashion, and how to build a wardrobe (and life) that actually makes sense.The real question:Are you buying something because it works for your life… or just because of the label?Topics CoveredThe rise (and fall?) of secondhand designerWhy resale shopping feels like a gamble nowPrice inflation on platforms like eBay & curated vintageQuality vs label: what are we actually paying for?Buying new vs secondhand: what’s more intentional?Building a functional wardrobe vs aesthetic closetNYC fashion events + entering the fashion sceneLosing a makeup bag → Sephora reset (life moment)The pressure to “look the part” in fashionHow to break into fashion (real strategies that work)Networking, self-advocacy, and standing outFinding balance between ambition and actually enjoying your lifeHost Claire VastolaInstagram: [@girlintofashion](https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashion)Instagram: [@workinginfashion](https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashion)Substack: [Working in Fashion](https://workinginfashion.substack.com)

In this episode, I’m talking through a rebrand—both creatively and mentally.I share why I’m shifting some episodes away from video and back into audio, and how that change feels more aligned with where Girl Into Fashion is heading. I also reflect on this past New York Fashion Week and why it felt like a real up-level for me: attending shows I genuinely admired, being invited by PR teams for the first time, and experiencing fashion week from a place that felt earned rather than aspirational.This episode is less about recap and more about perspective—what changed, what clicked, and how mindset plays a bigger role than we like to admit. A check-in, a reset, and a quiet marker of growth.

This episode is a little unhinged in the best way.Claire sits down with Laura Stemmer (single mom of two, Manhattan-based, nightlife/bar owner energy, fashion background, zero fear) for a conversation that starts with chihuahuas being… chihuahuas… and ends with actual life advice that hits way harder than it should.We get into:how Laura went from Parsons fashion design → nightlife survival mode → running the roomwhy everyone should work service at least once (or you’re not real)the power dynamics of bartending, the $100 tip effect, and why “no” is weirdly profitablelist-only, no-photos NYC nightlife lore + protecting celebrity regularsbecoming a mom, still dressing like a menace, and your kids still rating you as “the coolest”mindset shifts: there are no rules, failing is learning, consistency = trust, and “hot” is a state of mindfashion talk: 90s mistress, vintage archives, lingerie-as-going-out, fur discourse, and why basics can still be cunty if your aura is rightIt’s the kind of episode that makes you want to go do something reckless (in a productive way), text your bartender friend, and buy a turtleneck + Louboutin boot combo immediately.Laura StemmerInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/laurastemmer/?hl=en⁠Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and all major platformsWatch the full episode on YouTubeFollow the host, Claire VastolaInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashion⁠Fashion networking & resourcesInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashion⁠Substack: ⁠https://workinginfashion.substack.com⁠Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.GUESTLISTEN + WATCHFOLLOW + RESOURCES

In the first-ever solo episode of Through the Back Door, we talk ambition — what it really looks like, why it gets labeled as “cringe,” and why it’s the real engine behind success in the fashion industry.We are celebrating episode number 20!I reflect on my week in New York fashion, from attending the Chanel watch party to noticing how fashion culture is becoming more community-driven, creator-led, and accessible. From there, I connect pop culture, history, and real life — pulling inspiration from The Gilded Age, the rise of fashion content creators, and the relentless networking that helped figures like Kim Kardashian long before their success felt inevitable.This episode is about owning what you want without apology, especially in fashion, where nothing is handed to you. We talk about taking up space before you’re invited, legitimizing yourself when no one gives you permission, and understanding that success is often engineered, not accidental.I wrap with a weekly inspiration list — what I’m reading, wearing, and loving — plus a quick update on what’s coming next for the podcast.If you’re a designer, creator, stylist, or anyone building something from the ground up, this episode is for you.Links & MentionsBreaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr Joe Dispenzahttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1401938094Mary & Shelly – Guitar Strap Baghttps://maryandshelly.comMiista Bootshttps://www.miista.comSummer Fridays – Lip Butter Balmhttps://summerfridays.comSummer Fridays – Sheer Skin Tinthttps://summerfridays.com🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and all major platformsWatch the full episode on YouTubeFollow the host, Claire VastolaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashionFashion networking & resourcesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashionSubstack: https://workinginfashion.substack.comSubscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

this episode, Claire sits down once again with model Riley Woodell to talk about what it really takes to build a career in fashion in 2025. Riley is one of those rare people we get to watch evolve in real time — blending modeling, social media, and genuine support for emerging designers in a way that feels transparent and refreshing.We talk about her experience at Paris Fashion Week this September — a pivotal moment in her career that showed how different the Paris scene is from New York. In Paris, you need representation; in New York, grit and showing up can still open doors.Riley also shares what it means to grow with a brand, describing how working with labels like Jane Wade feels like being part of a creative family — the same people, the same energy, season after season. We get into the behind-the-scenes realities of modeling, how she balances authenticity with opportunity, and her advice for anyone trying to make it in fashion today.🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify + all major platforms👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube📡 Follow host Claire Vastola: @girlintofashion📬 For fashion networking: @workinginfashion📝 Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com💫 Follow guest Riley Woodell: @rileyhundleywoodell💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

What if one of the coolest fashion stores in NYC was built by walking up to strangers on the street and asking, “Where’d you get that fit?”In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Sophia Boli, founder of Retail Pharmacy — a cult-favorite boutique in the Lower East Side that’s become a hub for underground fashion and emerging designers. From chasing down fits on the street to curating one of the coolest stores in NYC, Sophia shares how personal taste, community, and creative grit shaped every step of her journey.They talk about how the post-COVID era gave space for real artistic expression, the role of Dime Square in shaping a new downtown aesthetic, and what it actually takes to run a store, day in and day out.This conversation is funny, sharp, and full of fashion deep cuts — a must-listen for anyone building something real in NYC or chasing creative freedom.Key Takeaways:This episode dives into how self-image is shaped by our digital presence, and how Sophia turned a pop-up into a lasting retail space by staying rooted in community and personal taste. We talk about the evolution of Dime Square as a cultural force, the financial and emotional realities of running a fashion business in NYC, and how Fashion Week has shifted into a more accessible yet oversaturated space. Sophia shares why storytelling matters more than ever in a crowded industry, how authenticity cuts through the noise, and why building a career in fashion is less about virality and more about consistency, connection, and grit.Chapters:00:00:00 Navigating Self-Image and Media Perception00:02:51 Sophia's Journey into Fashion00:05:33 Influences and Inspirations in Fashion00:08:40 The Birth of Retail Pharmacy00:11:10 Building a Brand Identity00:13:58 The Aesthetic of Retail Pharmacy00:16:45 Curating Unique Fashion Pieces00:19:49 The Challenges of Running a Store00:22:41 The Reality of Retail Success00:25:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life00:28:31 Seasonal Challenges in Retail00:30:10 The Evolution of Dime Square00:37:53 Post-COVID Fashion Trends00:44:57 Fashion Week Dynamics00:58:33 The Future of Fashion Shows00:59:18 Fashion Week Aspirations01:00:18 Breaking into the Fashion Industry01:03:40 Experiences at Paris Fashion Week01:05:37 Future Plans and Community Engagement01:14:10 Advice for Aspiring Fashion EntrepreneursFollow Sophia:Instagram: @retailpharmacy_🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify + all major platforms👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube📡 Follow host Claire Vastola: @girlintofashion📬 For fashion networking: @workinginfashion📝 Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

I spoke with Molly Rooyakkers (@style.analytics) about how trends can sometimes feel huge online—but don’t always show up in real life. We got into the nuance of interpreting digital trend cycles and how sometimes what looks like a viral trend is really just a curated moment that doesn’t break through beyond the screen.We also talked about sustainability—how her platform walks the line between showing trends people are drawn to (often through fast fashion) while still encouraging mindful consumption. Molly emphasizes using what you already have, repurposing existing wardrobes, and building a personal style narrative instead of constantly chasing the next new thing.What really stood out to me was how she translates raw data into thoughtful storytelling. Whether it’s recession-core theories like “the big bag” making a return or why skinny jeans come back around, she’s not just presenting numbers—she’s giving them context. That’s the real art of Style Analytics: turning charts and numbers into culturally relevant, useful insight for people who just need a little inspiration.This episode also gets real about content creation. We talked about the balance of working a 9–5 while building an online presence, the creative burnout that comes with constant production, and the tension between monetizing a platform and keeping it passion-driven. Molly’s in a space a lot of creators can relate to—loving her current career while still wanting to explore the possibilities of what her online voice can become.Follow Molly Rooyakkers / Style Analytics: Instagram: @style.analytics Substack: styleanalytics.substack.comFind the host Claire Vastola and the podcast online:Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platforms.Follow me on Instagram: ⁠@girlintofashion⁠For fashion networking, follow ⁠@workinginfashion⁠Read more on Substack: ⁠https://workinginfashion.substack.com/⁠Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode. More fashion deep dives coming soon.

In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Amelie Stanescu, the voice behind The Fashion Archives, for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about fashion, identity, and finding your place in a shifting industry. Amelie shares her journey from Romania to Berlin and even Paris, where she carved out a space for herself in the fashion world. She reflects on the contrasts between Berlin’s experimental, open-minded energy and Paris’s structured, legacy-driven scene, and how each city shaped her creative perspective.Amelie opens up about how her academic background in business continues to inform her approach to content, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Claire and Amelie dive into everything from the pressure of follower counts to the challenges of gaining access to fashion shows, and the realities of building a personal brand in the age of Instagram. They discuss the rise of fashion as entertainment, the transition from visual content to podcasting, and what it really means to create something with substance in a trend-chasing world.Their dialogue touches on the emotional complexities of being a content creator—navigating imposter syndrome, embracing vulnerability, and learning to speak with conviction in an industry that often rewards conformity. From Copenhagen Fashion Week to the politics of invitations, to what it means to add real value as a designer or storyteller, this episode pulls back the curtain on the multifaceted realities of working in fashion today.Follow Amelie:YouTube: The Fashion ArchivesSpotify: The Fashion Archive – The PodcastInstagram: @chez.amelieFollow the Host:Instagram: @girlintofashionPodcast IG: @throughthebackdoor.podThrough the Back Door is an extension of Blossom Nite, our real-life space for connection, collaboration, and celebration in fashion.Want to be part of the next Blossom Nite?Follow along here: @blossom.niteRSVP for the next event: Eventbrite

In this engaging conversation, Hanna and Claire explore the intersection of makeup artistry and photography, discussing Hanna's journey from a photographer to a beauty influencer. They delve into the impact of social media, the evolution of trends in the beauty industry, and the role of AI in creative processes. Hanna shares her experiences with viral content and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a fast-paced digital landscape, while also reflecting on the personal growth that comes from embracing change and creativity. In this engaging conversation, Hanna shares her journey from personal struggles to launching her own lipstick line, emphasizing the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity in the beauty industry. The discussion touches on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of finding balance to avoid burnout, and the joy of creating art. Hanna expresses her desire to build a supportive community for beauty creators and highlights the transformative power of makeup as a form of self-expression.Follow them on instagram and tiktok and youtube! https://www.instagram.com/not_another_hanna/https://www.tiktok.com/@not_another_hannahttps://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherHanna

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Riley shares her journey from North Carolina to New York City, detailing her experiences in the modeling industry, the importance of networking, and the evolving role of social media in fashion. She discusses her participation in various fashion weeks, the challenges and triumphs of modeling, and offers valuable advice for aspiring models. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity, personal branding, and the interconnectedness of the fashion community.Keywordsmodeling, New York, fashion week, social media, networking, career advice, runway, designers, authenticity, personal branding. More info on Riely:Check them out at on instagram @rileyhundleywoodell About Us!Through the Back Door is a brought to you by @blossom.nitea fashion industry party in NYC for networking and collaboration.Follow the podcast @throughthebackdoorpodcastFollow the host Claire Vastola @alienwestwoodemail: clairevastola@alienwestwood.comwww.alienwestwood.com

Today we’re getting into the world of sustainable fashion with New York City-based designer Helena Eisenhart. They’ve been running their own brand since 2015, blending creativity with ethical practices to craft standout collections. In this episode, Helena shares their journey from college to becoming a brand owner, how they source sustainable materials, and the challenges of maintaining a small, independent fashion label. Join us as we discuss the importance of community, collaboration, and staying true to your values while navigating the ever-evolving fashion landscape.Starting the Brand: Helena began the fashion brand in 2015, right after graduating college, and transferred to Pratt Institute to gain a more conceptual and artistic background in fashion. Sustainability Practices: they sources materials from places like Fab Scrap, deadstock fabric, and vintage garments, ensuring that everything is made in order to prevent overproduction and waste. Collaboration & Experimentation: Collaborating with artists and experimenting with different techniques and materials lead to unique fashion collections that stand out in the market. Technical Expertise: Helena’s skills in pattern making and draping are essential in creating custom orders for diverse body types. Freelancing for Flexibility: Freelancing provided they with valuable experience and flexibility before fully committing to they brand, allowing they to grow at they own pace. Challenges of Running a Small Brand: Helena emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the constant need for funding to sustain they business while ensuring ethical practices like fair wages. Community Building: Building a community through social media and in person interactions is crucial for brand growth, with a focus on meaningful connections and collaborations. Creative Reflection: Taking time to reflect and journal is a key part of they creative process, helping they develop strong concepts and ideas for future collections. Expanding the Studio: Growing they studio and working with a regular team enhances creativity and productivity, with plans to incorporate live music and more events to foster a collaborative atmosptheye. Runway Shows for Exposure: Organizing runway shows provides exposure and opportunities for growth, as seen in they upcoming Spring/Summer collection, which will feature new aesthetics and different fabrics. Sustainable Textile Access: Helena highlights the need for better and more affordable sustainable textiles for smaller brands to continue thriving in the industry. Find out more about Helena@helenaeisenhart https://www.helenaeisenhart.com/ About Us!Through the Back Door is a brought to you by @blossom.nitea fashion industry party in NYC for networking and collaboration.Follow the podcast @throughthebackdoorpodcastFollow the host Claire Vastola @alienwestwoodemail: clairevastola@alienwestwood.comwww.alienwestwood.com

In this episode of "Through the Back Door," we sit down with Veronica Campos, a New York City-based model, to talk about her journey and career. Veronica shares how she got started in modeling, what it's like to be a full-time model in New York, and how to navigate the complexities of modeling agencies and social media.Veronica discusses the impact social media has on a model's career, explaining how it can shape a model’s public persona and create opportunities to connect with their audience. Through social media, Veronica has embraced her role not only as a model but also as a passionate advocate for the plus-size community.We discuss the specific challenges plus-size models face, examining the ever-changing standards of the fashion industry and how these trends impact their careers. Veronica candidly talks about the prevalence of fatphobia and why some brands, which should offer larger sizes, often choose not to.This episode offers a unique and heartfelt perspective from Veronica, who is deeply committed to advocating for size inclusivity in the fashion industry. It's a rare opportunity to hear her speak about these important issues on a platform like this podcast. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a truly passionate and lovely person.Connect with Veronica on Instagram: [@veroocampos](https://www.instagram.com/veroocampos/?hl=en)

A new episode of @throughthebackdoorpodcast with the talented designer and artist, Caroline Zimbalist ! 🌟 We talk about her incredible journey from her early days to now, how she showed in fashion week, CFDA application process, having her art in museums, and dressing celebs for major events and more.Caroline also talks on her signature bioplastic designs—how she started using this cool material and what she’s doing with it now. Plus, we talk about fashion sustainability, clothing life cycles, social media, and all the exciting things she’s planning next.Episode drops on Sunday everywhere you get your podcasts, and you can catch the video on YouTube. 📅🎧🎥 Episode brought to you by @blossom.nite a fashion industry party in NYC.#Podcast #Fashion #Art #Sustainability #CarolienZimbalist #BehindTheScenes #nycfashion #nycfashiondesigner what woukd be the title of this podcat