Heather Hurst is a multi-hyphenate creative—a writer (catch her sharp, thoughtful takes over on Substack), personal stylist with a knack for the effortlessly cool, and viral content creator (find her on Instagram and TikTok) sharing OOTDs that blend vintage charm with modern edge. Originally from Maryland, Heather now calls Brooklyn home, and you can often find her strolling the streets of Brooklyn Heights with her adorable rescue pup, Pig. We stopped by her character-filled apartment to talk fashion philosophy, styling tips, and what life looks like as Pig’s proud dog mom.
When and how did Pig come into your life?
I adopted her in 2020 from a shelter in New York called Yorkie911. Many of my family members have adopted dogs from Animal Haven and Yorkie911, so when the shelter hosted an event that January, my aunt and I decided to go. My aunt adopted a dog who had recently given birth at the shelter, and Pig was the only puppy from the litter who hadn’t been adopted yet, so I took her home with me on the spot.
How did you come up with the name Pig?
When I adopted her, she was named Tika, but I didn't think that resonated, so I named her Ziggy after Ziggy Stardust. Everybody started calling her Piggy, and then Pig. Her little teeth get stuffed up against her face sometimes, which makes her look like a piglet, so it feels right.
What made you want to start sharing style and lifestyle content with the world on TikTok?
During the pandemic, I was working in scientific operations at a research lab, but had a host of side hustles like staging homes for real estate agents and running a vintage business with my roommate.. There wasn't a great way to connect with people in person, so we started using TikTok to advertise our vintage drops.
What has been the most impactful part of becoming a content creator?
Content creation has had an immeasurable impact on my life. It’s expanded my idea of “work” and what it means to connect with people. I used to think I wanted to work in fashion in a proper brand or in-house capacity, but it’s been lovely bringing people who work in research or tech, and want a space to connect with people organically about fashion, style, and the philosophical and psychological aspects of consumption. I learn so much from other people every time I host an event or a live.
Pig has also become a main character of my content; I’m thrilled to platform her. People have come to my vintage events just to play with her, and I get sent screenshots of people’s group chats exchanging their favorite photos of her. To me, style has always been about curiosity, surprise, and joy, and it makes me laugh that wherever I go, anyone from people on the street to professional photographers at Toteme events are taking pictures of her, calling her a muse, or wanting to carry her around. I love the joy she brings people. Being Pig’s handler and pal is my dream job.
It’s been an unexpected benefit that her presence has opened up public conversations around adoption and our volunteer work with domestic violence awareness, as most shelters are not pet-friendly. I’m also excited to expand upon that.
What is your fashion philosophy?
Clothes are meant to be lived in! My neighbors recognize me for my silly outfits, whether it's a colorful fleece or an impractical dress for a muddy dog park. They're always worried about their dogs jumping on me, but it feels nice having clothes that I spent the entire day in and don’t fuss over. I cherish the grass stains and dog dust on my clothes from long days out with Pig.
What is your biggest tip for someone trying to find their style?
Trust your intuition on what you're drawn to and what excites you, versus trying to construct something with force. I always learn from Pig in this way. Dogs respond to what excites them and always make their needs or wants known. Pig loves any of the leashes I use, but only likes one harness and wears that same harness every day. People have started to recognize her for her fun Wild One neon poop bag / leash combos with the standard harness. That’s her style! I think human style is built the same way. Dignify your bizarre preferences.
You have some pretty incredible secondhand pieces—any thrifting tips?
Search widely. Write down or screenshot anything that excites you, and try to find it secondhand. You’ll always find something unexpected in the hunting process.
Also, tenacity. Pig broke her first harness that I was obsessed with, and I went to the depths of eBay, Depop, and other places to try to find another one, which I did. Anything is possible if you're looking hard enough to find it.
If you had to describe Pig in one word, what would it be?
Feisty. She's either very bashful or an uncontrollable firecracker. It’s been five years and I still haven’t figured out what’s going on in her head.
And if Pig had to describe you in one word, what would it be?
Unfortunately, it might be smothering. But wishfully, I’d hope it would be best friend or mother.
Does Pig have any silly quirks?
She usually won’t bark at animals in person, but if someone on the TV is wearing a photorealistic animal shirt or if there's a painting of an animal, she’ll bark at it. She doesn’t like when Marnie wears that tiger tank top in Girls. She also hates Renaissance paintings and the horse episode of Gossip Girl. She loves to listen to Radiohead, Christmas jazz, and Valentine by Fiona Apple.
What’s something you never leave the house without on your dog walks?
Her little Wild One Poop Bag Carrier—it's life-saving. I'm always the person at the park giving somebody an extra bag. Also, her Wild One Leash in the color Limeade. I love it so much. I get compliments on it all the time, especially in the depths of the NYC winter when I'm wearing all black and nothing feels joyful. That neon green really pops and feels like a light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, I love the way it looks hanging on the back of my front door.
Biggest tip for new pet parents?
I’m exposing myself by saying this, but if you’re lucky enough, my biggest tip is to have friends who don't have dogs but are obsessed with the idea of getting a dog, because then you don't have to worry about boarding. When I travel, my friends are all fighting over who gets to babysit Pig, which is such a blessing. Also, get to know people in your immediate dog community! Everyone in my neighborhood trades extra pet food or toys in our Buy Nothing group on Facebook, and I go to the same local pet store every week, even if just to say “hi”.
Hottest take as a pet parent?
Aside from restaurants, if you can take your child there, dogs should be allowed too. I love taking Pig anywhere she's allowed. I’ve only slipped deeper into this since everyone always asks where Pig is, and requests her presence at in-person meetings. My favorite thing about living in New York is how easily we can be out and about together. Oh, and I let her sleep in the bed. I've dated people who don't want Pig in bed, and that's a deal breaker. Sorry, I’ll choose her every time.