After the Fire: Rebuilding Style, Community, and Compassion
As soon as I heard Altadena, I thought of my client, Britney, and her charming ’40s ranch house nestled in the foothills. My sick suspicion was confirmed—they had fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
A few months earlier, Britney and I had a closet session. I’d admired her thoughtfully kept, uncluttered home, and she had been saving up for our shopping trip. As a middle school teacher transitioning from public to private school, she saw our service as an investment—she knew she needed to refine her style to fit in with the Pasadena moms she’d soon be among.
Then the fire struck.
Those first few days were a blur, the entire city on edge, waiting for the next fire duty app notification. My horror deepened as I scrolled through social media—images of towering piles of donated clothing at makeshift centers, a stark reminder of how disposable our wardrobes had become. Just like that, people could toss a few bags from their closets and move on.
Meanwhile, my Instagram feed was instantly filled with brands offering free clothes. But I kept wondering—how does someone who has just lost everything possibly navigate this overwhelming flood of options?
By sourcing generous donations and carefully selecting a few essentials—including a mini shoe wardrobe—I built Britney a new wardrobe in just a couple of days.
At that moment, clothes felt insignificant. But I knew reality would set in soon enough. I needed a way to channel my anxiety, so I poured my energy into creating a capsule wardrobe of comfort for Brittney. And honestly? It turned out beautifully.
The look of amazement and relief on her face meant everything.
In the weeks since, seeing her share smiling photos in the pieces I carefully chose has been incredibly meaningful—a reminder that even in loss, a sense of self can be rebuilt, one outfit at a time.
In moments of crisis, the way we give matters. Thoughtful donations, intentional support, and human connection make all the difference. Whether it’s rebuilding a wardrobe, a home, or a sense of normalcy, it’s not just about stuff—it’s about restoring dignity. As you clean out your closet this Spring season, consider where your clothes are going, who they might serve, and how you can give in a way that truly helps. – and if you need help with that, reach out to me!
If you feel compelled to donate to Brittany and her family, their gofundme is here.
How We Can Continue to Help
Two incredible organizations are making a lasting impact—not just for those affected by the fires, but for many others in need in L.A. Supporting these organizations not only makes a direct impact but also helps spread awareness about sustainable fashion and the importance of conscious giving.
Project Ropa
Project Ropa partners with companies to rescue surplus, imperfect, sample, and secondhand clothing and shoes, keeping them out of landfills and giving them a second life. They also provide countless organizations with essential clothing for those in need.
Suay Sew Shop
At the forefront of sustainable fashion and textile recycling in LA, Suay Sew Shop is a powerhouse led by a mother-daughter duo. Their massive operation includes selling upcycled clothes and homegoods , textile recycling, and community-driven initiatives like dye baths—helping to reshape the way we think about clothing waste and conscious consumption. Tip: their website is super cool, but go in person for way more
What Clients Have Loved Lately
I’ve lusted after these for months.
G.H. bass loafers — the originators of the penny loafer
During a recent client styling session, it seemed like every outfit led back to the G.H. Bass loafers—and she’s not the first. I’ve rounded up my clients’ favorite styles of these well-made yet affordable essentials, along with a few irresistibly cute options featuring hearts(!).
SHOP my Clients Favorites HERE
Silver Linings & Something You Might Not Know About Me
Something you may not know about me—yet fills my heart—is the time I spend volunteering at East Valley Animal Shelter. It’s been a year now, and what a year it has been. I was moved to take action after seeing one too many heartbreaking shelter videos on Instagram and realizing, this is my city. At the time, our shelters were nearly double their capacity, with most outdoor kennels holding two dogs. Some dogs went up to 10 days without getting out of their runs for exercise.
But in the wake of the unprecedented fires, something incredible happened—Los Angeles showed up. The community came together to clear the shelters, with adoptions, fosters, and rescue organizations stepping up in a way we hadn’t seen before. Today, our six city shelters are at about 80% capacity—nearly half of what they were—thanks to this collective effort.
However, our work isn’t done. The numbers are slowly creeping back up, and if we don’t act fast enough, we risk ending up in the same situation again.
If you’d like to follow along, I share shelter dog content on Instagram: @playswithghost