Avsnitt
-
Join our host senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they explore the evolving role of women's fashion in the professional sphere. In Episode 6, Teddi and Melissa examine the seismic shift in workplace fashion from the era of "power suits" designed to help women blend in with their male colleagues to today's celebration of distinctly feminine professional style. They dive into how this transformation reflects broader changes in society as women increasingly outpace men in educational achievement and professional advancement. The conversation explores how the freedom to dress authentically in the workplace parallels women's growing confidence in owning their power and visibility. The discussion takes an intriguing turn as they connect the dots between reality TV's portrayal of wealthy women, the myth of the "down on their luck millionaire," and how these narratives influence public perception of successful women. They examine the political implications of these cultural shifts, including a frank discussion of Trump voters and gender dynamics in contemporary America. Through their signature blend of cultural analysis and personal experience, Teddi and Melissa make a passionate case for women stepping out of the background and into the spotlight – both in their professional presence and personal style.
-
Join our host senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they explore the intersection of fashion, psychology, and culture.
In Episode 6, Teddi and Melissa welcome fashion industry veteran Maggie Gillette, dialing in from a sun-drenched New Orleans garden while her Chicago home undergoes renovations for expanded closet space. Maggie shares a heartwarming story from her childhood about being found hugging a rack of dresses in a department store, foreshadowing her future career spanning nearly every aspect of the fashion industry - from PR to lingerie design, high-end retail to styling.
The conversation flows through Maggie's journey from New York's fast-paced fashion scene to her return to Chicago, where she now serves as a Principal at The Curio, fostering the local fashion creative community. Drawing on her extensive experience as a trend forecaster and industry insider, Maggie offers unique insights into the evolution of fashion media, the future of style, and the importance of maintaining creative communities in cities beyond New York.
Through their discussion of fashion journalism, trend forecasting, and community building, the episode illuminates how personal passion can evolve into professional expertise while maintaining authenticity and connection to one's roots. Maggie's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the path forward leads back home, and that our earliest attractions to beauty and style can shape our entire life's journey.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Maggie @themaggiegillette
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Join our host senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they interview another remarkable woman defying age-based expectations in the fashion world.
In Episode 5, Teddi and Melissa welcome Dr. Astrid Palca, a German physician who launched her modeling career in her late 40s and has since graced the covers of Harper's Bazaar US, GQ, and Forbes Canada. Born in Berlin and now based in Switzerland, Dr. Palca brings a unique perspective as both a medical professional and a fashion figure, challenging traditional narratives about age and beauty in the modeling industry.
The conversation explores how a corporate video unexpectedly launched her modeling career, leading to a substantial Instagram following and multiple magazine covers - achievements that are remarkably rare for women over 40 in the fashion industry. Dr. Palca shares her refreshing philosophy about modeling as "a celebration of all of the layers of her personality," offering insights into how professional women can embrace multiple identities without compromising their core values. The discussion naturally flows into a broader conversation about how the podcast consistently features extraordinary women over 40, suggesting that perhaps it's not these women who are rare, but rather the platforms that celebrate them.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Astrid @astridpalca
-
Join our host senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they continue their exploration of how media shapes our relationship with fashion and self-presentation.
In Episode 4, Teddi and Melissa dive deeper into the cultural impact of The Jerry Springer Show, examining how the normalization of public vulnerability and "worst day" behavior has influenced modern fashion choices and self-presentation. They explore the concept of "enshittification" - how making the extraordinary mundane has led to a decline in how we present ourselves to the world. The conversation weaves between cultural criticism and personal observation, examining how reality TV's exploitation of vulnerable people has gradually eroded standards of self-respect and public appearance.
The discussion takes a refreshing turn as they celebrate recent Chicago fashion moments, including former guest Scottie Eskelund's profound fashion show "What Is Love" and Teddi's delightful experience at the Kivanci boutique in Evanston with fashion designer Leen Gundogdu. These local highlights serve as a counterpoint to mass media's influence, showcasing how authentic fashion expression can elevate rather than diminish the human experience.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Scotti Eskelund @scottie.bydesign
Follow Kivanci @lelecouture
-
Join our host senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they interview Chicago's best and brightest while asking hard-hitting questions about fashion and culture.
In Episode 3, Teddi and Melissa welcome Monica Corcoran Harel, the founder of "Pretty Ripe" and a multifaceted creator dubbed the "midlife midwife" by Women's Wear Daily. As a journalist, screenwriter, and thought leader, Monica brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about women over 40, challenging societal norms around aging and visibility in both media and fashion. Her work spans from writing for prestigious publications like The New York Times to developing a Netflix feature film about body-swapping between middle-aged women and Gen Z influencers.
The discussion delves deep into the complexities of female friendship and isolation, sparked by Monica's viral essay "My Mom Has No Friends" (now being developed into a sitcom with Mandy Moore). They explore how society arbitrarily marks 40 as a turning point for women's visibility despite it often being a time of peak confidence and capability. The conversation takes particularly interesting turns when examining the language we use around aging, including whether common phrases about gray hair and stress inadvertently stigmatize natural maturation processes.
Through their exploration of fashion, friendship, and cultural expectations, the episode challenges prevailing narratives about women over 40 while celebrating the richness and complexity of this life stage. Monica's insights about casual dressing trends, personal style evolution, and her upcoming retreat provide a framework for discussing how women can embrace their age while maintaining their sense of style and adventure. Her stance on proudly loving being an older woman offers a refreshing counterpoint to society's youth-obsessed culture
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddiilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Monica @prettyripe
-
Join our host, senior style icon and former mental health professional Theodora Krochman, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they interview the best and brightest to ask hard-hitting questions about fashion and culture.
In Episode 2 of our second season, Teddi and Melissa welcome the legendary Diane Gilman, known globally as the "Queen of Jeans" and a revolutionary force in fashion for women over 50. From her early days crafting embellished denim for rock icons like Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison to becoming a billion-dollar force in tele-retail, Diane shares her remarkable journey of breaking fashion rules and creating space for mature women in an industry that often overlooks them.
The discussion deepens as they explore why the fashion industry continues to ignore women over 50 despite their significant purchasing power and how her DG2 line, launched at age 59, became a global phenomenon by addressing this overlooked demographic. Through their exploration of fashion, sustainability, and personal transformation, the episode challenges industry norms while offering practical advice for women seeking style and comfort.
Diane's story serves as a powerful reminder that innovation and success aren't bound by age and that true style should embrace both sustainability and inclusivity. Her insights on everything from fabric choices to society's shift toward casual wear provide a fascinating lens to examine our changing relationship with fashion and self-expression.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Diane Gilman @thedianegilman
-
Join our host, senior style icon Theodora Krochman, former mental health professional, and entrepreneur and documentarian Melissa Pierce as they kick off Season 2 with a provocative exploration of how 90s television shaped our relationship with fashion and self-expression.
In this season opener, Teddi and Melissa dive into the cultural impact of daytime talk shows, particularly examining how The Jerry Springer Show's parade of confrontational and exploitive practices may have unconsciously influenced an entire generation's understanding of acceptable behavior, presentation, and proclivities. Through their signature blend of cultural analysis and psychological insight, they unpack how the show's deliberate shockploitation reinforced stereotypes while creating a new visual shorthand for "trashy" versus "classy" in the American consciousness.
Their discussion reveals how what we once dismissed as mere entertainment has left an indelible mark on our collective fashion psyche, influencing how we judge ourselves and others through the lens of personal style and our choice of "feel-good" entertainment. Through this analysis, they raise important questions about class, authenticity, and the power of media to shape our self-expression and fashion choices—even decades later.
-
Join Teddi Krochman and Melissa Pierce as they continue their delightfully unfiltered exploration of what our clothes say about us (and what we think they're saying about others).
In Episode 17, they welcome the deliciously eclectic Delphine Pontvieux, who's managed to be an actor, scuba diver, jewelry designer, and writer - all while keeping her French accent intact. Born in France but now embracing Chicago's creative spirit, Delphine brings a refreshing perspective on what happens when personal style refuses to be boxed into cultural expectations.
The conversation dances from Delphine's adventures in Hollywood to her creation of bold, unapologetic jewelry pieces at NYET Jewelry. Things get especially interesting when Delphine confesses that while her American friends see her as the walking embodiment of French chic, her style would make her Parisian friends raise their perfectly groomed eyebrows in confusion. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes the most authentic style is the one that makes the least sense on paper - and that's exactly what makes it fabulous.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Delphine @delphine.pontvieux
-
Join host Teddi Krochman, senior style icon and former mental health professional, and Melissa Pierce, entrepreneur and documentarian, as they continue their exploration of fashion psychology and cultural dynamics.
In Episode 16, fast friends Teddi and Melissa share an intimate conversation about family holiday traditions and clothing expectations, from formal Christmas dinners to casual gatherings. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they venture into predictions for 2025, celebrating Teddi's recent 71st birthday, and engaging in a frank discussion about end-of-life preferences - including Teddi's memorable declaration that she'd rather be shot out of a cannon than have a traditional funeral, and Melissa's costume party where you dress as yourself from the future.
Through their signature blend of professional insight and personal experience, they examine how holiday dress codes reflect deeper family dynamics and cultural expectations, while their musings about the future reveal how age and experience shape our relationship with fashion and self-expression.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
-
In Episode 15 of their fashion psychology podcast, hosts Theodora Krochman and Melissa Pierce welcome avant-garde artist and designer Jordan Chavez of InBetweenBranches, whose journey from rural Ohio to Chicago's vibrant fashion scene offers a compelling lens into the psychology of creative transformation. They explore how the artist's transition from hand-sewing to machine work parallels deeper themes of overcoming creative fears and embracing growth. The conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of folk art, queer identity, and classic Americana, examining how these elements combine to create fashion that makes the familiar strange. Jordan shares insights about his evolution from his 2022 debut collection "Folk Art Fantasy" to his recent "Rural Renaissance" showcase at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, revealing how childhood imagination in rural spaces continues to influence his avant-garde designs.
As the discussion unfolds, they explore the psychological implications of blending rural and urban aesthetics, and how fashion serves as a narrative vehicle for personal transformation. The episode examines how Jordan's work challenges traditional fashion boundaries while maintaining a connection to his roots, creating pieces that are simultaneously soft and bold, classic and boundary-pushing.
Through his story of moving from fields to city streets, the conversation illuminates how location and environment shape not only our creative expression but our fundamental relationship with clothing and identity.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Jordan at: @inbetweenbranches
-
In Episode 14 of their fashion psychology podcast, hosts Theodora Krochman and Melissa Pierce dive deep into the intricate connections between language, clothing, and human emotion. They explore the fascinating etymological links between friendship and freedom, revealing how linguistic roots can illuminate broader psychological concepts. The episode takes a provocative look at fashion as a form of resistance, examining how clothing choices can challenge totalitarian systems and serve as a powerful medium of personal and political expression.
The conversation delves into the complex psychological landscape of casual dressing and its unexpected relationship with emotional overeating, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on how our wardrobe choices reflect and potentially influence our mental and physical states. Krochman and Pierce bring their unique backgrounds in mental health and documentary filmmaking to bear, dissecting the layers of meaning behind seemingly simple fashion trends and personal style choices.
True to the podcast's mission, they go beyond surface-level fashion commentary, asking the fundamental question: not what are you wearing, but why are you wearing it?
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Teddi's dress is from: @buddhatrends
-
In this powerful episode, host Theodora Krochman and co-host Melissa Pierce sit down with Michele Nadeem-Baker and Susan Kanoff, the dynamic duo behind Kicking Cancer in Heels podcast. These remarkable women have created a vital community supporting women living with cancer, demonstrating how fashion and personal style can serve as emotional armor during life's toughest battles.
Michele, a former broadcast journalist and Global Chief Communications Officer, and Susan, the founder of Uncommon Threads and the popular Midlife Fashionista blog, share their journey of creating not only Kicking Cancer in Heels but also CLL Women Strong, a national support group for women with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Together, they explore how fashion intersects with healing, empowerment, and community building.
Join us for an intimate conversation about how clothing choices reflect not just personal style, but also resilience, strength, and the power of community in the face of serious illness.
Links:
Uncommon Threads
Kicking Cancer in Heels
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Kicking Cancer in Heels: @kickingcancerinheels
-
This week on our podcast, we're diving deep into the transformative world of fashion representation with Britney Wittes, a trailblazing short model who's challenging industry standards and creating space for diverse body types. From her early start in commercial modeling to founding Why Not Petites, Britney's story is a powerful narrative about resilience, inclusivity, and redefining beauty standards.
Our conversation explores the complex intersection of fashion, economics, and mental health through the lens of model representation. We'll unpack how Gen Z is reimagining industry norms, pushing for sustainability, and demanding more authentic representation. Britney shares her personal journey of pivoting when traditional modeling pathways closed, ultimately creating her own platform that nurtures and empowers shorter models who have been historically overlooked.
Listeners will get an intimate look into the inner workings of the modeling industry, the challenges of breaking traditional height barriers, and how one person's vision can spark meaningful change. From her work with major brands like American Girl and McDonalds to her mission of creating a supportive community for petite models, Britney's story is both inspiring and eye-opening.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Briteny on Instagram: @whynotpetites
-
Join your favorite style-obsessed besties this week:
Teddi (The Instagram Queen & Fresh FGI Rising Star)Melissa (Tech Entrepreneur & Documentary Maven)This episode is PACKED with Chicago Fashion Week tales!
Episode Highlights:
Teddi snags the FGI/Chicago Rising Star Award (Yes, Melissa's heard about it a thousand times... and counting!)Behind the scenes of Teddi's debut on Daytime Chicago, strutting for the incredible Dana AsadyOur deep dive into the eternal question: Why do we keep buying black everything?The mysterious allure of oversized glasses on women (We have THOUGHTS!)Meet Your Hosts:
Teddi (@teddilovesfashion): Style icon extraordinaire with 80K+ followers and collabs with 50+ brandsMelissa (@the.melissa.fierce): The branding brains behind some of the most successful Chicago fashion start-ups and creator of "Life in Perpetual Beta." Currently producing a doc about computing pioneer Grace Hopper!Designer Love Notes (because Teddi's brain went a bit fuzzy during recording):
@seresfootwear@carol_kennelly@margojewelry_Catch us on the 'gram: @teddilovesfashion @getdressedfordinner @the.melissa.fierce
Disclaimer: This episode may contain excessive excitement about fashion awards and an unreasonable amount of black clothing appreciation
-
Jess Crane is a multidisciplinary artist and business consultant whose expertise spans the realms of fashion, music, and creative entrepreneurship. As the founder of Jess Crane Design, she’s been a driving force in product development and concept design for both major corporations and up-and-coming brands. In addition, Jess has impacted the fashion industry with her work on the board of AIBI Chicago and currently chairs the Nominations Committee for FGI Chicago. Her passion for preserving and celebrating local fashion history shines through in her ongoing research project on Chicago’s rich fashion legacy.Jess has a BFA in fashion Design from the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago and an MS in Recreation sports and Tourism from the University of Illinois Urbana Champagne.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Jess on Instagram: @jesscranedesign
-
Bella Abel is an accomplished Polish-American photographer and former FORD Model, who has been a significant presence in the fashion and beauty industry for over a decade. As the founder of Belamatrix, a Visual Productions Company, Bella specializes in fashion, portraiture, and personal branding.
For the past five years, she has dedicated her craft to empowering models, everyday women, business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them assert their identity and visibility through the transformative power of photography. Bella Abel has also worked with brands such as L'Oréal and Ulta Beauty.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Bella on Instragram: @bellamatrix
-
Get to know Teddi Krochman, “Senior Style Icon," and Melissa Pierce, "a curious Jill of all trades", as we talk about what's new in our fashion life including A LOT about the 90s, Jackie Kennedy's melon head, a fair bit of laughing, and some deep insight into the psychology of getting dressed.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddiilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
-
Nikki Chachere is a top Chicago-based model whose career took some interesting twists and turns to get where it is today. Nikki enlisted in the Air Force in 2004 and served for 10 years as a “cop.”
Including an early station in Iraq (thank you for your service). At the beginning of Nikki’s military career, she was spotted by a model recruiter at a local mall. She was selected from over 150 other contenders to go to Dallas to start a modeling career.
However, since she was in the military, her modeling career had to wait until she retired from the Air Force in 2014. She then went on to receive a B.A. in legal studies from Penn State University and a B.S. in criminal justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Today, Nikki is a highly successful model, having graced the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as numerous runways and photoshoots. Her journey from the military to the fashion world is a testament to her talent and determination. In addition to her modeling career, she has also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a new cognac brand called Epochal.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Nikki on Instagram: @mizznik and Epochal cognac @epochalcognac
-
Scottie Eskelund has a master’s degree in psychology. They are currently a Licensed Professional Counselor working with polyamory, queer, and trans folks as they navigate life transitions, neurodivergence, and anxiety/depression.
Scottie began their fashion career in 2022 when they were walking through a thrift store and stumbled upon a slew of crochet blankets. They were immediately inspired by their intricate designs. Scottie transformed those blankets into wearable art, and since then, their fashion brand, Scottie by Design, has prioritized using unconventional materials and textiles to inspire their designs.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddiilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Scottie on Instagram: @scottie.bydesign
-
This week hosts Theodora Krochman and Melissa Pierce welcome Johanna Grange to their podcast. Johanna, a University of Iowa graduate with a double major in journalism and English and a minor in performing arts, is the co-owner of Oak Street Social, a digital and social marketing agency. She's also a social media influencer with over 70,000 Instagram followers. In this episode, we discuss whether style is innate or learned, Johanna's favorite fashion eras, and how she describes her personal style. The conversation delves into whether Johanna dresses to blend in or stand out and whether society has lost its desire for glamour. We also delve into how fashion has changed over the decades and whether or not shapewear effected Teddi's mother's sex life. Never a dull moment, we tell you.
Follow Teddi, Melissa, and the show on Instagram: @teddilovesfashion, @the.melissa.fierce, @getdressedfordinner
Follow Johanna on Instagram: @jogrange
- Visa fler
