The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to fashion and tech experts Phoebe Gates [1] and Sophia Kiani [2] about their app "Phia" [3], fashion product recommendations, and must haves for maintaining a great wardrobe.
Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni might be building their buzzy new secondhand shopping app Phia and co-hosting "The Burnouts" [4] podcast on the Unwell Network [5], but they're also just two friends in their 20s who decompress with puzzles [6], unwind over homemade pasta, and love a good secondhand find (bonus points if it's Khaite on resale). Gates, 22, a recent Stanford grad, finds balance hanging out with her sister and curating minimalist wish list looks in soft butter yellow [7]. Kianni, 23, splits her time between NYC and Washington, D.C., recharging with long walks [8], zoo trips, and the occasional Persian takeout night.
The idea for Phia came out of a familiar kind of chaos: too many tabs open, too many resale sites, and no real way to compare prices across them. Now, the app helps users shop more intentionally, surfacing both new and secondhand options from over 40,000 retailers in just one click. "We care about the climate – but also about making fashion accessible," says Kianni.
Between building a company and sharing the behind-the-scenes process of creating their podcast, things move fast. But their philosophy is simple: "Shots on goal. Every rep counts," says Gates. And when the pressure builds? There's always a train ride home, a puzzle on the coffee table [9], or a thrift scroll waiting for them.
As for what they're loving lately? Ahead, the duo share their favorite fashion pieces.
Evil Eye Bracelet
BaubleBar Aisha Evil Eye Bracelet [10] ($38)
"Everyone needs an evil eye bracelet," says Kianni. This one from BaubleBar is perfect for everyday wear. Featuring a delicate evil eye charm believed to offer protection, it's both a stylish and meaningful accessory.
Linen Dress
Reformation Aubree Linen Dress [11] ($98)
"Dresses from Realisation Par and Reformation [12] are my favorites," says Gates. "Both brands have iconic silhouettes, and they're some of the most sought-after on Phia. They sell out quickly, so I stock up on these for summer and find them secondhand whenever I can."
The Reformation Aubree Linen Dress is one of those timeless pieces. Lightweight and made from 100 percent linen, the dress has an effortless silhouette that makes it ideal for summer.
Stacking Ring
Monica Vinader Siren Muse Stacked Ring [13] ($99)
"I'm obsessed with feminine rings - this one will round out any stack, or can be worn as a simple statement on its own," says Gates. Crafted with 18k gold vermeil, this ring features a timeless design, making it perfect for both solo wear and stacking.
Cardigan
Sézane Gaspard Cardigan [14] ($120)
"The Gaspard cardigan is super versatile year-round for the office AC temps, or I wear it in place of a button-down shirt tucked into jeans," says Kianni. "I found mine on Poshmark for $80."
This red cardigan embodies cool, effortless style associated with Parisian fashion, making it a staple for those who love being comfortable and chic at the same time.
Summer Top
Dôen Nera Top [15] ($198)
"Breezy for summer-in-the-city pairings with jeans and sneakers, which is my everyday uniform," says Kianni. "This is a new style, but there are so many great similar pieces on different retail and resale sites in a range of prices."
This vintage-inspired blouse, made from 100 percent organic cotton poplin, features romantic puffed sleeves, a scoop neckline, and eyelet details.
Work Blazer
Wilfred Generation Blazer [16] ($248)
"My go-to for work is a blazer over a dress," says Gates. "I have found great secondhand versions of this classic style through Phia on platforms like Depop and ThredUp for a fraction of the price. I'll snap them up whenever I see them in my size."
This classic-fit black blazer is a stylish, versatile piece made from lightweight Japanese crepe fabric. It offers a sophisticated yet comfortable look with its notched lapels and subtle shoulder pads.
Balim Tezel [17] (she/her) is a shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.