The Products Substacker Erin Louise Has Loved Since 1998 (or, at Least Wishes She Discovered Sooner)

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With brands sending free stuff to the microest of influencers, we decided it’s high time for a roundup series that includes exclusively products that have been purchased and loved outright by people you know, people you follow, and people you’ve definitely heard of. Think of Receipts as a fun-things-only money diaries.

In a world of endless product drops and “must-haves,” it’s getting harder to tell what people actually love. That’s exactly why Receipts exists: to cut through the noise and get to the good stuff. The things people buy with their own money, use daily, and recommend without hesitation.

That kind of honesty is Erin Louise’s whole brand. The voice behind Worn Out Since 1998 has quickly built a following, in part because, “I think we’re all a bit worn out, in one way or another, and there’s something quite comforting in admitting that.” 

Ahead, Erin gives us a glimpse into her world and the products she’s bought, loved, and lived with.

Before The Receipts

TQE: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to start Worn Out Since 1998, and when did you realize it was resonating with readers?‍

EL: “Worn Out was honestly a breakdown turned breakthrough. I’d just moved back home after a year abroad and felt completely lost — like everyone around me had things figured out, while I didn’t. But through a few honest conversations, I realised that wasn’t true at all. We were all just figuring it out, just in different ways. 

That realization became the foundation of Worn Out. I wanted to bring that same honesty into the slow fashion space, which can often feel quite idealistic or out of reach, especially when, in reality, not everyone can afford to be perfectly sustainable all the time.

I realised it was resonating quite quickly. After sharing the concept on Substack, the response was immediate. People connected with the tone, the satire, and the openness. It felt like I was saying the things people were already thinking but didn’t always feel comfortable admitting. 

Within the first five weeks, we grew to over 1,000 subscribers, and the engagement has stayed really strong. More than anything, it showed me there was a real appetite for a more honest, less polished conversation and that sense of shared experience is what’s continued to grow the community. It’s very special and a beautiful reminder that we’re all a lot more similar than we think.”

TQE: The name Worn Out Since 1998 feels both nostalgic and very online. What does that phrase mean to you now?‍

“The name Worn Out Since 1998 has a bit of a double meaning. On one hand, it reflects the idea of wearing your clothes until they’re truly worn out. But it also speaks to a shared emotional state. A lot of people in their twenties and thirties feel a bit worn out, whether that’s from work, life, or just trying to keep up with everything.

For me, it captures that balance — being exhausted at times, but still showing up, still figuring things out, and still finding ways to enjoy it. That’s really the spirit of the brand.

The ‘since 1998’ is personal, it’s the year I was born, but honestly, it was just a way to get the Instagram handle!”

TQE: How would you describe your taste or perspective when it comes to fashion, culture, and the things you recommend?‍

“Know that it takes a lot for me to recommend something. As both a people pleaser and libra, my ability to make a final decision is somewhat challenging. For me to tell you something is worth your money, it is my honest opinion that it is. 

In terms of my taste, I’d describe it as quite minimalist and considered. I’m drawn to pieces that will age well, that I can rewear in different ways, and that don’t feel overly trend-led. It’s less about having more, and more about having things that quietly work over time.

I also don’t believe good style, or good quality, has to always mean expensive. I’ve become much more mindful about checking labels, understanding fabrics, and thinking about aftercare. For me, it’s about making smarter choices with what you can afford, rather than striving for perfection.”

The Products Erin Louise Can’t Live Without