In this buddy episode, Teddi shares her exciting experience working with talented photographer Marcus Jenkins, highlighting his meticulous attention to lighting and composition that resulted in portrait-quality images she describes as "like paintings." She gives special recognition to designer Omaima Couture from Niles, who provided the stunning navy blue pleated gown she wore for the photoshoot. Teddi also mentions an upcoming project with photographer Skyye Kimmons for his "40 Over 40" series featuring women over forty, showcasing Chicago's vibrant creative community.

The conversation shifts to current fashion trends, with both hosts discussing the resurgence of 1970s style, specifically boho chic aesthetics with flowy blouses, wide-legged jeans, and platform shoes. Melissa, dressed in vibrant patterns and layered accessories, embodies this trend that Teddi notes is prominent in 2025 fashion. They explore how vintage shopping connects to these cyclical fashion trends, with Melissa sharing insights from her thrift shopping adventures with her teenage daughters and giving shoutouts to local vintage shops, including Dovetail in Wicker Park and Luvsick, which specializes in plus-size vintage clothing.

As the episode draws to a close, Teddi and Melissa celebrate their one-year podcast anniversary, recalling how they first met at last year's Curio spring mixer—the same event they had just attended. They reflect on their journey creating a podcast dedicated to showcasing Chicago fashion creatives and express gratitude to Curio for bringing them together.

Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@teddilovesfashion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@the.melissa.fierce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@getdressedfordinner⁠⁠⁠⁠

People and places we love mentioned in the show:

@emjay_fotos

@aesthetic_by_skyye

@omaimacouture

@vintagefrills

@shopfleeky

@Luvsickplus

@Dovetailchicago

Join hosts Theodora Krochman and Melissa Pierce as they welcome Sharaun B, who shares her journey from America's Next Top Model (Cycle 11) to creating Model Tribe, a platform revolutionizing the modeling industry by combining fashion with wellness. Sharaun candidly discusses the reality behind reality TV, revealing how being eliminated for "having too much confidence" became a catalyst for her personal transformation and eventual mission to help others.

Through Model Tribe, Sharaun has created virtual and physical spaces where women of all ages learn modeling techniques while focusing on confidence-building and self-worth. She challenges traditional modeling industry toxicity by emphasizing the connection between fashion and mental health, declaring, "Fashion is wellness," and advocating for a more feminine, creative approach to personal style.

The conversation explores how modeling can serve as a tool for self-discovery rather than just a professional pursuit. Sharaun shares how her new headquarters at Chicago's Water Tower Place offers runway training, photoshoots, and wellness activities that help women connect with their bodies and develop authentic confidence that comes from embodiment rather than performance.

As the episode concludes, the three women contemplate why society has become so casually dressed. Sharaun offers insights on how systemic pressures and exhaustion lead to prioritizing comfort over self-expression. She presents her vision for breaking this cycle through celebrating individuality, reclaiming feminine energy, and creating supportive communities that encourage creative expression through fashion.

Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@teddilovesfashion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@the.melissa.fierce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@getdressedfordinner⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Sharaun B: @sharaunb

Join hosts senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce on "Why Don't We Dress for Dinner Anymore?" as they examine fashion as a psychological and cultural phenomenon.

In Episode 13, Melissa shares exciting news about completing her MBA thesis, which examines how the absence of strategic planning sets small creative businesses back, creates poor workforce feedback loops, and keeps fashion brands trapped in survival mode. Drawing from her personal experience working in the fashion industry, Melissa describes the challenges of operating in environments where leadership fails to establish clear key performance indicators and collaborative decision-making processes. Teddi, drawing from her own marketing background in healthcare, provides contrasting examples of effective leadership practices that involve team members in budget decisions and strategic direction.

The conversation expands to explore the broader challenges facing creative professionals in the fashion industry, with both hosts noting how many talented designers and stylists in Chicago must maintain other careers while pursuing their passion part-time. They discuss the particular difficulty of monetizing artistic pursuits without compromising creative integrity, sharing personal examples from their families, including Teddi's husband Ken, a talented artist who spent years in the insurance industry to support their family despite his artistic talents. The hosts reflect on how economic necessities often force creative individuals to put artistic aspirations on hold.

As the episode wraps up, Teddi and Melissa contemplate the value of pursuing one's passion, even if later in life, highlighting how constraints of time, energy, and financial responsibilities can postpone creative pursuits. Their candid conversation offers listeners insight into the business realities of creative industries while celebrating the persistent drive that keeps artists and fashion professionals pursuing their vision despite institutional and economic challenges.

Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@teddilovesfashion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@the.melissa.fierce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@getdressedfordinner⁠⁠⁠⁠