In this episode, Kate and Tansy sit down with the unstoppable Melanie Dale, the creative powerhouse behind Let’s Get Layered, for one of the most honest, raw, and unexpectedly funny conversations about fashion, self-expression, and neurodiversity you’ll hear this year.

Mel opens up about her late autism diagnosis, how fashion became both her armour and her voice, and what it’s really like navigating the online world as a woman who refuses to blend in. From op-shop treasures and Vivienne Westwood’s legacy to fast fashion, mental health, and the outrageous pricing at charity stores — nothing is off limits.

They talk about the beauty and burnout of social media, the blurred lines between self-expression and self-preservation, and the freedom that comes with dressing for yourself — even if people think you look like Shrek in green (Mel’s words, not ours).

And in true Blunt & The Beautiful style, they cover:

Why fashion is inherently political

What it’s really like living with autism and ADHD in a beige-wearing world

The emotional toll of online hate and “outrage bots”How creativity becomes survival

Why Kmart jeans might be the unsung hero of 2024

Plus, Mel gifts Kate a spider-themed handbag — and yes, it’s exactly as unhinged and perfect as it sounds.

Key Takeaways?

Fashion can be a form of therapy, rebellion, and communication.

Neurodiversity and creativity often go hand in hand — but so does exhaustion.

The fast-fashion cycle isn’t just bad for the planet, it’s bad for people.

True self-expression means not needing validation — from strangers or comment sections.

Sometimes the best looks are made from cat-piss vintage.

Chapters

00:00 – Meeting Melanie: From TikTok to friendship

06:00 – Fashion as self-expression and mental health

14:00 – Autism, ADHD, and finding power in creativity

24:00 – Op-shopping, fast fashion, and the ethics of style

37:00 – Charity shop chaos and Kmart confessions

47:00 – The gift that no one saw coming

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Find Mel below:https://www.instagram.com/letsgetlayered