I'm honored to be the October Guest Editor for Hampden Clothing: a Charleston boutique with world-wide renown. We shot at Blue Bicycle Books (our indie partner) and I made sure to dress the part: dark academia, with nods to our leading Strange Beast ladies. Don't forget to find the Easter eggs!

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GUEST EDITOR: KATHRYN BUDIG

Kathryn Budig is a yoga teacher, author, publisher and acquiring editor of Inky Phoenix Press, and founder of the online platform, Haus of Phoenix. Known for empowering her students and readers through her accessibility, humor, and creative instruction, Kathryn regularly inspires Team Hampden with her passionate love of fashion and styling.

With nearly two decades of experience in her field, Budig served as the yoga editor to Women's Health magazine for five years, contributed recipes and sat on the Yahoo Health Advisory Board, was an athlete in Under Armour's "I WILL WHAT I WANT" campaign, and regularly contributed to Yoga Journal, The New Potato, and MindBodyGreen. She is the creator of the Aim True Yoga DVD, author of The Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga, and the best-selling book Aim True.

Off the mat, Budig founded and runs The Inky Phoenix, a membership book club and publishing imprint for lovers of magic and story. Their debut novel, STRANGE BEASTS by Susan J. Morris comes out on October 15th, 2024. Click here to pre-order your copy! Kathryn lives in Charleston, SC with her wife, Kate Fagan, and their rescue pup, Ragnar.

We are always obsessed with your style and the unique outfits you put together! When did your love for fashion begin?

I suppose it started when my mom’s best friend dropped off a trunk of theatrical costumes when I was five. I learned from an early age I can express the multifaceted aspects of my personality through fashion. What I wear on my outsides can represent my insides. I love fashion because I can tweak it according to my environment, giving all these characters inside of me the stage time they deserve.

What inspires your style?

My daytime style is inspired by designers like Tibi and R13 — think relaxed but purposeful denim (shout out to local Jean Genie Vintage Co for their vintage Levi’s) with a beaded corset over a tee, playful shoes or great kicks, pairing a ruffled top with a baseball cap. My style is very high-low.

My going-out style is heavily influenced by Simone Rocha with a bit of Sacai. I like clothing that moves and isn’t afraid to take up space. And I always strike a balance that allows me to feel like me: If I’m wearing a tutu I’ll probably pair it with a vintage tee, track-pants with heels and a gorgeous button down, a frothy dress with combat boots, sporty socks with strapy sandals.

Okay, now the tough questions! How would you describe your style in 3 words?

I always falter with this question because I tend to be a bit of a chameleon, always adjusting for location and event, but I would say irreverent, whimsical, and chic. I say irreverent because I don’t dress for the male gaze and I enjoy blending traditional femme and masculine styles. There’s also a touch of dark, moody Victorian spiritualist in most of my going out looks. Whimsical because I love drama, tulle and beading, and something unexpected. Chic is the foundation of it all and brings balance to the first two.

We are SO excited about your debut publication, Strange Beasts. Tell us about the genesis of your publishing company, Inky Phoenix Press!

I’m the founder and acquiring editor of a small publishing imprint named Inky Phoenix Press under Bindery Books. We launched last year, hoping to disrupt the publishing industry by making it more accessible and equitable for authors through community support. My debut publication, STRANGE BEASTS by Susan J. Morris, comes out October 15th and will be sold wherever you buy your books, however I always recommend buying local and indie, like from Blue Bicycle Books!

If you’ve always loved books or been curious about the publishing industry, joining Inky Phoenix is for you! You get an exclusive behind-the-scenes access showing what it’s like to publish a book, from acquisition of manuscript to cover design to book launch party — all with an amazing bookish community you’ll fall in love with. You can learn more at inkyphoenix.binderybooks.com.

Shop the looks HERE .

And last but certainly not least...tell us about your online platform, House of Phoenix!

My other business is Haus of Phoenix: a community-oriented online platform for yoga and movement, meditation, storytelling, ritual, recipes, and education. I teach there alongside an amazing line-up of teachers, and recommend Haus of Phoenix to anyone tired of being told how to look, show up, or fit in. We’re a warm, quirky group of renegades.