In the 14th episode and final installment of Why Don't We Dress for Dinner Anymore, Teddi and Melissa dive into the polarizing world of holiday themed clothing, starting with Teddi's genuinely ugly Christmas sweater complete with bells and strategic rips. They dissect why certain professions (teachers and HR professionals, anyone?) seem drawn to pumpkin sweatshirts, turkey earrings, and light-up ornament accessories, debating whether these festive displays signal "I'm safe and approachable" or "I'm secretly wild and crazy underneath my mild-mannered exterior." The conversation takes a hilarious turn when they blame the Von Trapp family for starting the matching pajamas trend, questioning what Instagram has done to our holiday authenticity and whether those perfectly orchestrated family photos in identical sleepwear represent genuine festivity or carefully manicured performances. In their Style It or Pile It segment, Melissa confronts a Thailand souvenir dress she hasn't worn in six years, leading to a discussion about vacation shopping mistakes and the pressure to upcycle versus just letting go. As Teddi and Melissa sign off for the final time, they reflect on the incredible journey of producing this show together and the joy it brought them to explore fashion, vulnerability, and why we stopped dressing up in America. Thank you to all our listeners for joining us on this adventure. Happy holidays, stay fashionable, and keep asking why!
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the 13th episode of season 3, Teddi and Melissa sit down with Chicago fashion producer and former fashion model, Maxi Black, who's reimagining the entire industry model from the ground up at MM Productions. The conversation dives deep into why the "build your portfolio" mentality exploits creatives, how the pay-to-play model has infiltrated fashion shows, and why sponsorship and patronage might be the only sustainable path forward for emerging designers. They explore the stark reality that most fashion creatives in Chicago work multiple exhausting day jobs, leaving them depleted and unable to pursue their passion with full energy. The discussion takes a philosophical turn when they connect fashion to agency, vulnerability, and authenticity, asking why Americans have stopped dressing up and whether our collective exhaustion has made us afraid of choice itself. From decision fatigue caused by fast fashion overload to Teddi's hilarious $10 Shein disaster, this episode examines why quality over quantity matters and how upcycling and vintage shopping offer both novelty and sustainability.
Follow Maxi at @maxiinoir and @mproductions.llc
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the 12th episode of season 3, Teddi confesses to Melissa in their segment "Style It or Pile It" that she hasn't worn her pick for the show in eight years, sparking a hilarious debate about good eating clothes, closet hoarding, and why we keep items we'll never wear again. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Teddi's guilty pleasure watching The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives leads to a deeper discussion about how religion has historically controlled women's fashion choices. From mandatory head coverings in Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches to the evolution of "magic underwear" in Mormon culture, they explore how declining church attendance forced religious institutions to relax their dress codes. Melissa shares her own experiences growing up Mormon while Teddi unpacks the hypocrisy of labeling women as either "holy" or "hookers" based on their clothing choices. This episode is part fashion confessional, part cultural commentary, and all about the judgment we face whether we dress up or dress down.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the 11th episode of season 3, Teddi and Melissa interview Emma Lyons, the self-trained artist who dances on canvas to create both paintings and wearable fashion simultaneously. Emma shares her journey from professional nurse to full-time creative, explaining her revolutionary technique that merges dance, painting, and fashion into one emotional performance. The conversation explores her philosophy that "you are a work of art" and why we've entered "the tired era" of fashion where our collective exhaustion has made us afraid of the vulnerability that comes with dressing up and being truly seen. From champagne tasting better in evening gowns to why being critiqued is inevitable no matter what you wear, this episode is a rallying cry for authentic self-expression and the radical act of blurring every creative line.
In episode 10 of season 3, Teddi and Melissa discuss their theory about why Americans have become so casual in their dress: we now live in public. Building on insights from their conversation with stylist Katie De Luna, the hosts explore how the combination of COVID-19 isolation and the rise of social media surveillance culture has fundamentally changed how people approach getting dressed.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the psychology of living in a "panopticon", a world where everyone has a camera, everyone has an opinion, and everything is potentially public. Teddi and Melissa examine how employers now scrutinize social media, how strangers can photograph and comment on you without consent, and how the pressure to maintain a curated image online has paradoxically made people retreat into invisibility in their everyday lives. They also explore the loss of genuine social connection, noting that even at fashion events, people have forgotten how to have meaningful conversations beyond superficial small talk and photo ops.
In the 9th episode of season three, Teddi and Melissa speak with Katie De Luna, a Chicago-based freelance fashion stylist who brings an infectious energy and rock-and-roll aesthetic to everything she does. Katie shares how her upbringing surrounded by music directly influences her edgy eclectic styling approach. The conversation takes an honest turn as Katie reveals the challenging financial realities of building a styling career, including the costs of pulling clothes, paying for dry cleaning, and transportation—all while many editorial opportunities remain unpaid collaborations. Despite these obstacles, Katie's passion shines through as she discusses the importance of tailoring, the power of mixing fashion eras, and her philosophy of spreading kindness through genuine compliments.
Follow Katie on Instagram @stylingbydeluna
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In episode 8 Teddi and Melissa bring pieces from their wardrobe that they just can't seem to figure out and ask, "should we style it, or should we pile it?" They discover that some things, even when they fit beautifully are just too cheaply made to see the light of day.
Ever wondered what happens to fashion after it makes history? Jessica Pushor, who manages 50,000 pieces of clothing at the Chicago History Museum, takes us behind the velvet rope into one of the most fascinating jobs in fashion. From a European court dress that survived 250 years (and a 1925 rummage sale) to Emilio Pucci hot pants that won't fit on any mannequin, Jessica shares stories that will make you see museum collections in a whole new light. Her journey to this role is just as compelling, she got some of her best education working at Buffalo Exchange, learning what makes clothing worth saving by handling thousands of secondhand pieces and hearing the stories behind them.
In this episode, Jessica reveals the surprising challenges of costume curation: Why do Civil War shoes last longer than 1990s sneakers? How do you display a dress from the 1770s when you don't have the original undergarments? And what do you do when everyone wants to donate their grandmother's underwear? She also shares practical wisdom for vintage lovers and collectors, explaining when to invest in quality basics versus trendy pieces, and why that emotional connection to clothing makes fashion such a powerful way to interpret history. Whether you're fascinated by conservation techniques, vintage shopping, or just love a good fashion story, this conversation delivers.
Follow Jessica on Instagram @Jessica_pushor and learn more about Chicago's fashion history at @chicagomuseum
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the sixth episode of our third season, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce discuss the pros and cons of wearing the flag - a touchy subject in today's political climate where every fashion statement is a political statement, but especially this one.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the fifth episode of our third season, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce speak with stylist, consignment luxury studio owner, and expert authenticator, Demeta Arvanitis, about how deep her passion for all things couture goes - folks, it goes pretty darn deep. Tune in to hear just how deep this FGI board member gets into the details.
Follow Demeta on Instagram @styledbydemetra
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the forth episode of our third season, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce talk about Melissa's recent business travels and the styling, or lack of styling happening in airports these days.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the third episode of our third season, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce interview Marquan Jones the president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, an organization that works to position Chicago as a prominent global fashion hub. We talk about Chicago Fashion Week and all of the upcoming events that the Chicago Fashion Coalition has a hand in producing (find them here). But Marquan's vision for how we show up in the world is more than how Chicago turns out on the runway, he is also a dynamic community builder and brand strategist who merges technology, creativity, and social impact by serving as an Impact Officer for the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Chicago. Marquan's journey through food deserts to Chicago fashion is one that will likely get you out of your seat and into action.
Follow Marquan and the Chicago Fashion Coalition on Instagram: @chicagofashioncoalition
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In the second episode of our third season, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce introduce a new show feature, "Style it or Pile it," where we each take turns pulling something beloved but long left unworn from our closets to ask each other and you - do we move it into this season's rotation or do we move on?
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Join our host, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, former mental health professional, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce in this season opener as Chicago's creative underground gets its moment in the spotlight as multi-talented director, producer, and stylist Casscellina. Known for her ability to spot hidden talent and create compelling visual narratives, Casscellina represents a new breed of artists who refuse to be boxed into single categories. From styling decades-spanning fashion shows to penning crime family sagas, Casscellina embodies the entrepreneurial creative spirit that drives Chicago's alternative arts scene.
The discussion explores how creative disciplines intersect and inform each other, particularly as Casscellina transitions from visual storytelling to written narrative with her upcoming three-part crime fiction series "No Questions Asked." Her insights into fashion's evolution across the 70s, 80s, and 90s, combined with her observations about society's increasing casualization, offer both historical perspective and contemporary cultural commentary. This episode reveals how one artist's diverse skill set reflects the broader changes in how we create, consume, and present ourselves in modern culture.
Follow Casscellina at @Casscellina, and @antixartshow
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
In this magical season finale, Teddi and Melissa break open fortune cookies that deliver an identical, mysterious message about journeys and transformation - and suddenly find themselves experiencing life from each other's perspectives. What starts as a typical evening of Chinese takeout becomes an extraordinary exploration of aging, beauty, and self-perception as 71-year-old Teddi inhabits Melissa's 48-year-old body and discovers what it was like to be "hot as hell" in her prime, while Melissa gets a preview of life at 71. Through this supernatural lens, they dive deep into the psychology of how we see ourselves at different life stages and the anxieties that come with each decade.
This episode serves as both a fitting finale to Season 2 and a perfect encapsulation of what "Why Don't We Dress for Dinner Anymore?" is all about - using fashion and appearance as a gateway to discuss the deeper truths about confidence, identity, and the female experience across generations. As Teddi reminisces about turning heads in Manolo Blahniks and mini dresses while Melissa contemplates wrinkly knees and the wisdom that comes with age, listeners get a poignant and often hilarious look at the full spectrum of womanhood. Thank you for joining us for Season 2 - we'll be taking a summer break and returning this fall with Season 3, where we'll continue exploring the fascinating intersection of psychology, fashion, and the stories our clothes tell about who we are.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
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In this captivating episode, hosts Teddi Krochman and Melissa Pierce welcome Melissa Carter, owner and creative director of Kameo Vintage, a Chicago-area pre-loved styling brand. Melissa shares her fascinating journey from a fifth-grader who rejected conformity on Chicago's North Shore to becoming a vintage fashion expert mentored by legendary stylist Patricia Field. Her story reveals the profound psychological impact of using fashion as a form of self-expression and rebellion against homogeneous environments. From shopping 1940s capes for bar mitzvahs in seventh grade to curating vintage pieces in Patricia Field's Lower East Side store, Melissa demonstrates how authentic style can become a powerful tool for creating identity and building community.
The conversation delves deep into the psychology behind vintage fashion's current resurgence, exploring how people are increasingly seeking authentic human connections and meaningful stories behind their clothing choices. Melissa discusses her concept of "style integrity" as essential business etiquette and explains how different body types align with specific fashion eras, revealing the intimate relationship between personal identity and historical aesthetics. The hosts and guest examine society's current fashion malaise—from the overwhelming nature of fast fashion to the loss of personal styling relationships—and explore how vintage fashion might offer a path back to intentional dressing. Their discussion of the 1970s as the ultimate fashion era, celebrating diversity and challenging social norms, provides insight into how clothing choices reflect broader cultural movements and individual aspirations for self-expression.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Melissa @kameovintage
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In this lively buddy episode, hosts Teddi and Melissa catch up on their recent fashion adventures around Chicago. They dive into their experiences at designer Tytus's jungle-dinosaur themed fashion show where guests were instructed to wear only black and white (though one rebel showed up in red!). Teddi shares her enchanting visit to Sujata Gazder's design studio, describing it as "being in a candy store," and recounts her eye-opening preview of Dior's fall collection at Neiman Marcus, where a perfectly fitted bomber jacket came with a $6,000 price tag and a Lady Dior handbag cost $10,000.
The conversation takes an entertaining turn as they explore sneaker culture through their attendance at a Curio sneaker event, where Teddi stood out as the only person wearing four-inch stilettos among a crowd of sneaker enthusiasts. They discuss the cultural significance of sneakers with featured speakers Yohance LaCour, and Dave Jeff, learning how getting dressed "from the feet up" was a revelation. Between sharing stories about shoe sizes (Teddi is size 5.5 and Melissa is a size 10), upcoming fashion events, and their summer hiatus plans, the hosts deliver their signature blend of fashion insight and personal humor that will keep you laughing right up until the end.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
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In this sparkling episode, hosts Teddi and Melissa welcome a Chicago-born jewelry designer Maancy (pronounced MAHN-see), who creates modern, interchangeable jewelry pieces. From her "I can't find what I want to wear" frustration to studying at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, Maancy's journey to launching her brand in October 2023 is nothing short of inspiring. Her designs are a stunning fusion of Art Deco glamour and modernist architecture, transforming gorgeous gemstones like quartz and calcite into wearable art that speaks volumes.
Maancy spills all the tea on why she chose to work with just three master artisans in a dreamy downtown LA atelier instead of going the cheaper overseas route. These skilled craftspeople hand-forge each piece in solid sterling silver, creating jewelry so personalized you practically know whose hands touched your earrings! Fresh off her debut at Paris Fashion Week (yes, PARIS!), where buyers couldn't stop buzzing about her innovative concept, Maancy is proving that sustainable luxury isn't just possible, it's personal.
Find Maancy on Instagram at @maancy.m or visit her website: https://maancy.com/
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
To sponsor the show, email us, or join our Patreon community
In Episode 19, Teddi and Melissa tackle the intersection of politics and personal expression through fashion, examining how government policies are increasingly controlling how people present themselves. The conversation opens with the Trump administration's declaration that only two sexes exist and people must present according to their assigned gender at birth, effectively policing clothing choices and self-expression through dress.
The hosts explore the historical roots of "fashion statements" as political rebellion, tracing back to figures like Joan of Arc who challenged gender norms through clothing. Drawing connections to their recent interview with Professor Linda Przybyszewski, they discuss how the dismantling of home economics departments during the Cold War eliminated spaces where women could pursue scientific careers and learn the art of dress. The conversation reveals how fashion has always been a form of political communication—from protest t-shirts to the symbolic power of the pink pussy hats from the Women's March.
The episode takes a sharp turn examining the current administration's targeting of marginalized communities through appearance-based discrimination, while noting the irony of MAGA women's hyper-feminized aesthetic that mirrors drag performance. Teddi and Melissa issue a passionate call to action, encouraging listeners to use fashion as resistance and to dress as a form of political expression, emphasizing that in a constitutional crisis, our clothing choices become statements of defiance against authoritarianism.
(Note: Teddi mentions that the Pritzkers own the Marriott hotel chain, however, it's the Hyatt)
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
To sponsor the show, email us at whydontweressfordinner at gmail.com, or join our Patreon community
In Episode 18, Teddi and Melissa welcome Professor Linda Przybyszewski (pronounced "Pruh-buh-SHEF-skee") , author of "The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Made America Stylish" and Associate Professor of History at Notre Dame. The conversation explores the fascinating world of the "Dress Doctors," professional women in the early 20th century who applied Western art principles to fashion, creating democratic guidelines for beautiful, economical dress through five key principles: harmony, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and proportion.
The discussion delves into the "six occasions for dress" that guided women's fashion choices: school, business, housework, spectator sports, social afternoons, and evenings, revealing how each occasion had specific principles about appropriate styles and colors. Professor Przybyszewski explains how the 1960s youth movement, alongside the dismantling of home economics departments, led to the rejection of dress principles and the rise of casual fashion, resulting in the loss of sophisticated styling for women over 30.
The episode concludes with a thoughtful examination of our current fashion landscape and a hopeful discussion about pockets of resistance through vintage clothing and appreciation for elegant dressing, suggesting a potential future rebellion against ultra-casual fashion in favor of more intentional, occasion-specific attire.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish by Linda Przybyszewski
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