Hello lovely readers,
Welcome back to the second instalment of my new mini monthly series, ‘Off The Hanger’ where I dive deeper into the world of style and fashion with some of the most inspiring people I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with through Instagram and Substack!
If you didn’t catch the first one, you can read it here now
This month, I’m thrilled to be interviewing the effortlessly cool Dina Jacobs from the Substack WANT THAT STAT. I first “met” Dina about 12 months ago when her new account, dhoopshop, popped up on my Instagram feed, and I was instantly drawn to her signature minimalist style (a girl after my own heart!). Her looks are the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
What I’ve enjoyed most, though, are our DM chats—she’s every bit as warm and genuine as her style suggests. It’s been such a joy to connect with someone who shares a love for understated, minimalist fashion, and her approach is endlessly inspiring. I know you’re going to adore her as much as I do! Dina is diving deep into her personal style, sharing the icons and ideas that inspire her, and giving us a sneak peek at what’s on her spring wish list. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
So let’s get right to it…
Hi Dina, thanks so much for joining for this months ‘Off The Hanger’, can you tell us a little about yourself…
I live in NJ with my husband of almost 22 years and our 3 sports crazed boys (ages 11, 14 & 16). Post college and prior to having kids, I lived in a few different cities including NYC, San Francisco and Brooklyn and worked in a few different professions (Human Resources, School Counseling and a short stint in Fashion). Since becoming a mom in 2008, I’ve been home raising my children which has been both joyful and quite a whirlwind. I’ve pursued a few creative ventures these last handful of years to keep my head on straight such as jewelry making, indigo dying and starting a notecard shop on Etsy with my mom and sister! While football games are on round-the-clock in my house, you can find me creating fashion content.


I started this venture about a year ago as I absolutely adore fashion and admire those I follow on Instagram who make it look like so much fun! I also began a Substack page devoted mostly to fashion and snipets of my life. I love Substack and find writing to be such a great tool as it challenges me to organize my thoughts and thoughtfully express myself as best possible. This creative outlet has been an amazing journey thus far (lots of work!) and I truly love the little community I’ve built! I look forward to growing it and seeing where the path leads.
I also love to travel and am usually dreaming about my next adventure. To me, exploring new places, sights and cultures is food for the soul, and so creatively inspiring. I adore the beach and visit my mom as often as possible at her beach bungalow! In between life’s business, I’m usually listening to music (belting out a song in the car), running outdoors or lifting weights at the gym, watering my plants, cooking or eating delicious food, volunteering for a cause I’m passionate about, and most importantly laughing along the way!
So lovely to find out a little more about you Dina! Can you share the story behind starting your Instagram & Substack …what inspired you to take the plunge?
I have always loved fashion and have always had a strong sense of personal style (which is not to say it hasn’t changed over the years). I intuitively know what I like and don’t and what things catch my eye. My parents are probably my biggest fashion influencers. My father instilled my love and appreciation for quality fabrics as he owned a successful fabric store in the heart of the garment district in NYC and was always educating me on textiles. My mother was a very artsy woman. From an early age, she and I would take the train into NYC, walk around Soho to all the cool places where I’d get exposure to beautiful style and design. Her artistic spirit carried over into everything - her cooking, her clothing, her home decor choices - our house was adorned with hammocks in all the bedrooms and earth-tone bean bags and she’d roam around town in the coolest clogs!I I was always surrounded by creative energy, thus definitely shaping my passion for fashion! I’d say for many years my style was boho chic. I spent time chasing every sample sale and grabbing every last kaftkan in site!
About 5 years ago, my style began to organically shift to a more minimal mindset and I became much more interested in neutral colors and downsizing my closet to be more functional. I worked at growing a good base layer of wardrobe essentials and incorporating great layers and accessories, thereby creating numerous looks using the same pieces. I now appreciate and find that I only want to invest in items that are quality over quantity and purchase things that I will wear on repeat and own forever!
I completely resonate with your note about knowing your sense of style—I’ve always had a clear idea of what I like and don’t like too! And that’s the perfect transition into my favourite topic… Fashion & Style!
If you had to describe your style in three words, à la Allison Borstein, what would they be?
Casual, Comfy & Cool
I’d love to know who or what has had the biggest influence on your style evolution?
Well, not sure there is one particular thing or person but over the last handful of years, I’ve definitely become more minimal and intentional with my approach to fashion and building my wardrobe. As such, I have a true appreciation for each article of clothing I add to my closet, I work hard at scaling back rather than accumulating and I’ve become better at deciphering my clothing needs and how to build a balanced wardrobe.
If you had to name one style icon who would it be?
I don’t have ONE icon, rather a few influencers/designers/brands that I love and follow including Natalie Borton, Vincent James, Monikh Dale, Angharad Jones, Ozma of California and Na Nin.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re in a rush but want to look put-together?
Depends on the season but typically, a GREAT pair of jeans, a white tee, and trench (a trench always elevates an outfit!, even over sweatpants!)
What’s one trend you’re excited about right now and one you’re ready to leave behind?
I don’t do trends but this year was an exception- I bought into ‘barrel’ jeans because they're such a flattering shape and I've been pretty excited about them.
I love a barrel Jean too! What’s one underrated wardrobe essential you think everyone should own?
A great pair of loafers - they are so classic and can be so chic and cool if styled right!
Have you faced any challenges with your style, and why?
Just the occasional wardrobe rut everyone experiences where nothing feels right and you feel you look terrible in everything you put on, however, I can usually turn it around quickly.
Are there any style rules you’ve happily broken?
Yes! I happily and lovingly wear WHITE ALL YEAR ROUND!
Total rule breaker, love it! So, I’d love to know what’s on your spring / summer wishlist?
I’m always in the market for great accessories, particularly bags! There are definitely some older bags in my closet I need to post on Poshmark before adding any new ones to my closet! Also, I would love to score a fabulous vintage leather jacket (for early spring) - I don’t have any in my wardrobe and feel this would be a great add!
I can’t wait to see you in a leather jacket—you would look absolutely incredible and such a great fit with your style aesthetic!
And one final question, since this Substack is called Off The Hanger: What’s one piece in your wardrobe that always comes off the hanger when you need to feel your best, and why?
Ohh, LOVE this Substack name, brilliant! Can it be two pieces, pretty please?? First would be a great pair of jeans (probably a loose wide leg pair). Next up would be my black merino wool V-neck tank by Vincent James.
A huge thank you to Dina for taking the time to answer all my questions! It’s been such a pleasure getting a deeper insight into your style journey—I’ve loved every answer!
You can follow Dina across her various platforms…
Thank you so much for reading along this month—I really hope you enjoyed this installment. Join next month for another fabulous guests conversations about style & fashion! Keep an eye out—it’ll be landing in your inboxes in March. (Not subscribed yet? Sign up to receive it via email!)
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I’ve missed so much on here Julia. Absolute love your new series, brilliant title 👏
Great to find this new account too, thanks for introducing me to this lady 🙏👌
Can’t wait to read many more interviews x