With the possibility of digitizing every thought we’ve ever had, and having the advantage of finding people that might resonate with what we’ve found is lacking, the internet can be a very important tool in making big changes in small ways. Diversity is now celebrated more than ever, and the fashion realm is making strides to reflect this ethos, one step at a time. Embracing inclusivity isn’t merely a trend, it’s a transformative journey toward representation and empowerment. Our latest Cool Face of Bastet Noir is pioneering fresh perspectives that are reshaping fashion’s landscape, making it more reflective, representative, and resonant than ever before with the help of a little technology.
Sarah Wasilak is a writer, podcast host, and Associate Director of Commerce at PS, focusing on fashion, fitness, and lifestyle while using her platforms to emphasize minority voices. With a BA in Fashion Journalism and Creative Writing from New York University, she has nine years of industry experience and has contributed to various publications including PS, Who What Wear, InStyle, Byrdie, Refinery29, NYLON, and The Quality Edit. Continue reading to get inspired by Sarah’s story and make sure to tune into her podcast, Dinner for Shoes.
Sarah Wasilak is wearing The Mae Skirt, custom-made for her
Who is Sarah Wasilak?
Sarah Wasilak is a published writer and podcast host, aiming to amplify minority voices across all her work. She’s been in the fashion industry for 10+ years and is a doting mom to her two cats, Trish and Kit.
What’s your morning routine like?
Small parts of my morning routine shift often — for example, these days I wake up to feed the cats and have a glass of hot water with lemon. Then I go on my run on high impact days or improve my strength at Solidcore. Several cups of coffee to follow as I dive into my daily work.
Having started your career since graduating from NYU in Fashion Journalism in 2014, you’ve been in the center of the scene for 10 years straight. With such an impressive career and so many publications under your belt, have you felt a shift in the fashion journalism landscape over the decade, and what would you say surprised you the most?
The biggest shift I’ve felt in my career over the past 10 years came when COVID hit. The fashion landscape became a hell of a lot more digitally-centered, which is something I never could have imagined at my start. Fewer market appointments and less in-person networking actually sparked new and creative ways to tell a story — hence, where I am now — podcasting, creating reels, and attempting to bring fashion to life via screens and smartphones.
You are the host of the podcast “Dinner For Shoes”, a fun and informative podcast surrounding fashion and food. You have a very niche theme to your podcast, merging two things that don’t necessarily go together — food and fashion, yet make for a unique twist on the classic podcasts we’ve already seen. How did this idea come to be?
My main goal with Dinner for Shoes was to have a very REAL conversation about fashion and food, two things I absolutely love in this life. Too often, fashion can feel like an exclusive space that’s not meant for everyone. With this podcast, I wanted to bash that idea by inviting everyone to the table to break bread, since trying new food can be heartwarming and emotionally gratifying. From a style perspective, I hope that my point of view is relatable and inclusive. I learn so much from my special guests that I interview, which hopefully expands that notion even further.
Three things you wish you knew before starting out?
Take things slow. Your job shouldn’t feel like a race. (I still struggle with this one.)
Recognition comes with hard work and time — and it will be even more gratifying the longer you wait.
The people you think are judging you, sizing you up, or looking you up and down are just as paranoid and are probably feeling the exact same way inside. Just be you — there’s no “game” to play.
Biggest setback in life and what you’ve learned from it?
In general, allowing the opinions of others to hold me back from expressing my beliefs and who I really am. Now, I feel comfortable and confident knowing that I may not be “for” everyone, but life is too short to surround myself with people who don’t appreciate me.
Books that changed your life
The Style Mentors: Women Who Define the Art of Dressing Today by Elyssa Dimant
When You Love a Cat by M. H. Clark
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Favorite female empowerment speech
Less of a speech, but more of a conversation — Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah really struck home for me when it comes to standing up for what you believe in as a woman or a minority, dealing with mental health issues, and doing what’s right for YOU.
What’s in your Bastet Noir cart?
I am absolutely obsessed with the combination of The Mae Trench Coat and The Mae Skirt. I will always be a sucker for a matching set, but there’s something about the regality of rich jacquard combined with the casualness of classic denim that speaks to who I am as a person — and some of my favorite trends.
If you liked Sarah’s story, there’s plenty more to come, just hit that sign up button to get in our inner circle of coolness and shop sustainable Bastet Noir dresses — zero waste and custom made.