How to Make It in Fashion: Tips From an FIT Professor

01/22/25 • 65 min

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In Dinner for Shoes podcast episode 59, How to Make It in Fashion: Tips From an FIT Professor, host Sarah Wasilak chats with FIT Assistant Professor of Fashion Design Amy Sperber about what it’s like to be a student at the renowned college. Amy and Sarah talk about the technological advancements in fashion design that have been introduced to the curriculum and Amy offers tips for aspiring designers that dream of making it in the industry.

Sarah also depicts her own journey as a fashion journalism student studying at NYU, offering insight into the internships she tried and various career moves she made to land where she is now.

Sarah tries Amy’s favorite meal — a refreshing herb salad with fruit and goat cheese, complemented by a crispy chicken cutlet — then goes on to answer her first Shoe Therapy call.

Whether you’re in need of outfit advice or in the midst of a style dilemma, the Shoe Therapy hotline is open for your anonymous voicemails. Call 917-336-2057 with fashion vents and funny stories so I can “heel” ya — you just may hear your message on the podcast.

THIS DINNER

Paulie Walnuts Salad with a chicken cutlet from Chickie’s in Jersey City, NJ and Redbull Zero

THESE SHOES

Steve Madden Lawsen Black Leather Loafer

THIS OUTFIT

Shop my look

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Scarf

Hollister Low-Rise Medium Wash Baggy Jeans

Brahmin Lane in Pecan Melbourne

Warby Parker Andre colorblock eyeglasses

THESE CHAPTERS

0:00 - INTRO

4:30 - THE OUTFIT BEHIND THE SHOES

11:10 - FIT PROFESSOR INTERVIEW

42:30 - REDBULL AND CHICKEN CUTLET SALAD

47:20 - MY FASHION CAREER

59:00 - SHOE THERAPY HOTLINE

THIS PRODUCTION

is created, written, hosted, and produced by Sarah Wasilak.

is creative directed and executive produced by Megan Kai.

is tech supervised by Nick.

includes photos and videos in chronological order by Sarah Wasilak, Fashion Avatars, Fashion Institute of Technology, Tanner Leatherstein, Parsons School of Design, Central Saint Martins, Marshall Columbia, Haley Greene, Amazon, Anthropologie, Revolve, and Reformation.

references Craft Me More Faux Pearl Trim, Syhood Velvet Ribbon Trim, Tinkrstuff Resin Rhinestones For Crafting, Gras E6000 Fabri-Fuse Fabric Adhesive Glue, Pilcro The Kenna Mid-Rise Heritage Barrel Jeans via

Sarah also depicts her own journey as a fashion journalism student studying at NYU, offering insight into the internships she tried and various career moves she made to land where she is now.

Sarah tries Amy’s favorite meal — a refreshing herb salad with fruit and goat cheese, complemented by a crispy chicken cutlet — then goes on to answer her first Shoe Therapy call.

THIS DINNER

Paulie Walnuts Salad with a chicken cutlet from Chickie’s in Jersey City, NJ and Redbull Zero

THESE SHOES

Steve Madden Lawsen Black Leather Loafer

THIS OUTFIT

Shop my look

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Scarf

Hollister Low-Rise Medium Wash Baggy Jeans

Brahmin Lane in Pecan Melbourne

Warby Parker Andre colorblock eyeglasses

THESE CHAPTERS

0:00 - INTRO

4:30 - THE OUTFIT BEHIND THE SHOES

11:10 - FIT PROFESSOR INTERVIEW

42:30 - REDBULL AND CHICKEN CUTLET SALAD

47:20 - MY FASHION CAREER

59:00 - SHOE THERAPY HOTLINE

THIS PRODUCTION

is created, written, hosted, and produced by Sarah Wasilak.

is creative directed and executive produced by Megan Kai.

is tech supervised by Nick.

Previous Episode

Fashion-Obsessed NYC Realtor Talks ‘And Just Like That’ Extra Role + Style Over 50

In Dinner for Shoes podcast episode 58, host Sarah Wasilak chats with NYC real estate agent and “And Just Like That” extra Ellen J. Silverman about her experience on-set filming with the original “Sex and the City” cast — including Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes), and Kristin Davis (Charlotte York). Ellen also shares the ways in which she blends fashion and real estate in her everyday life living in Manhattan along with her tips for revamping a wardrobe at any age. They discuss her biggest style icons, from Diane von Furstenberg to Diane Keaton, as well as her favorite hidden gems for shopping in New York.

Next, Sarah shares some of her favorite fashion-over-50 influencers she follows for incredible style inspiration for all ages. She ends by trying Ellen’s go-to meal, Two Boots Pizza, and talking through Shoe Therapy, the new Dinner for Shoes hotline you can call at 917-336-2057 for advice or to share funny stories and outfit dilemmas. Your message might just make it into the next episode!

THIS DINNER

Small Cheese Pizza with fresh garlic from Two Boots in Jersey City, NJ

THESE SHOES

André Assous Winter Bootie

THIS OUTFIT

Shop my look

Reformation Clara Crew Cardigan

Z Supply Europa Luxe Sheen Midi Skirt in Olive Night

Gucci Ophidia Belt Bag

Astrid & Miyu Olivine Wave Dome Hoops + Ring

THESE CHAPTERS

0:00 - INTRO

3:41 - THE OUTFIT BEHIND THE SHOES

7:06 - AND JUST LIKE THAT INTERVIEW

42:25 - 50+ FASHION INFLUENCERS

49:30 - TWO BOOTS PIZZA

53:08 - SHOE THERAPY HOTLINE

THIS PRODUCTION

is created, written, hosted, and produced by Sarah Wasilak.

is creative directed and executive produced by Megan Kai.

is tech supervised by Nick.

includes photos and videos in chronological order by Carrie Bradshaw’s Closet, Sarah Wasilak, And Just Like That...Costumes, Ellen J. Silverman, The Guardian, Diane von Furstenberg, Lola Faturoti, Bleusalt, Betabrand, Megan Kai, Iris Apfel, Diane Keaton, Kelly Bensimon, Lisa Corbo, Gina Kieslich, Grece Ghanem, Aki and Koichi Kim, Jordan Trent, Tziporah Salamon,

Next Episode

Master Your Money + Shopping Habits in 2025 | Sponsored by Ritani

InDinner for Shoes podcast episode 60, Women, Money & Smarter Shopping 2025, hostSarah Wasilak chats with the founders ofWealth of a Woman,Lauren Reed Williams andTeresa J.W. Bailey, about the ins and outs of managing personal finances as a woman 2025. They discuss how shopping plays a part in achieving a desired lifestyle and the reasons why women should feel empowered to own their spending. Teresa, who is a senior wealth strategist at Waddell & Associates, and Lauren educate educate their clients and help women explore and redefine their relationships with money through a free,six-lesson course that is both relatable and meaningful. As a follow-up, Sarah does some honest reflecting on her personal spending, classifying major purchases she’s made as either investments or impulse splurges — while revealing what she learned from these experiences.

Sarah tries Lauren’s favorite meal, steak and truffle butter, fromThe Brick Fire Baked Pizza, which feels like a happy compromise since Teresa’s favorite meal is, in fact, pizza.

Finally, Sarah fields her next Shoe Therapy call. Whether you’re in need of outfit advice or in the midst of a style dilemma, the Shoe Therapy hotline is open for your anonymous voicemails. Call 917-336-2057 with fashion vents and funny stories so I can “heel” ya — you just may hear your message on the podcast.

Dinner for Shoes episode 60 is sponsored byRitani. Get 40% off all jewelry with exclusive discount code “DFS40” through 3/31/25.

THIS DINNER

Truffle Parmesan Steak fromThe Brick in Hoboken, NJ

THESE SHOES

Zara Buckled Strap Heeled Shoes

THIS OUTFIT

Shop my look

Abercrombie & Fitch Collarless Suiting Blazer

Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Scarlett Mid Rise Mini Skort

Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Crew Tee

Ritani 14kt Gold Rib Link Necklace

Ritani 14kt Gold Rib Link Bracelet