What type of dress code fills you with dread? And what\u2019s your workaround for that?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cCasual.\u201d It\u2019s so vague! My workaround is elevating the essentials. If denim is involved, it must be A luncheon is on the calendar. How might you approach putting together a look for that?<\/strong><\/p>\n Luncheon dressing is one of life\u2019s great pleasures. I\u2019d lean into a feminine silhouette\u2014maybe a dress with fullness\u2014and a kitten heel or platform that\u2019s sturdy enough to get from lunch to the next event. I adore a statement earring or necklace at lunch; it\u2019s a built-in conversation starter.<\/p>\n What are your thoughts on costume parties? All in with the DIY, or politely decline?<\/strong><\/p>\n I kind of think of life as a costume party\u2014the chicer the better! No silly themes; I love to dress up. Life is short: ski in the woolly chaps or quilted skirt\u2026wear the feathers! A costume party is simply an excuse to experiment without restraint, but always do it with taste and don\u2019t err on tacky.<\/p>\n The 5 p.m. slump has hit, but a dinner party is on the cards. What will energize you when shifting from day to night?<\/strong><\/p>\n Putting on a full skirt is transformative for me. That, and a margarita.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve no time to think about what to wear for an after-work gathering but you want to feel chic: what outfit formula always works for you in a bind?<\/strong><\/p>\n You know the old saying \u201cbefore you leave, take one thing off\u201d\u2014I say add one thing on! I think there\u2019s a real power in adding one great accessory, whether it\u2019s a belt layered over a blazer, or a statement necklace over a sweater. It just changes the tone and even your mindset.<\/p>\n What\u2019s your read on cocktail attire, in general?<\/strong><\/p>\n For probably my entire working career my go-to motto when entertaining has been \u201cnothing says chic like matching your drink to your dress and your dress to your table.\u201d Whether you\u2019re hosting or attending, I think that mindset applies. Cocktail is about the art and celebration of coming together\u2014which I think is always worth dressing up for.<\/p>\n What about black tie? Do you like to take risks, or play it pretty safe?<\/strong><\/p>\n Truthfully, I don\u2019t think my name and \u201csafe\u201d have ever come up together. I am constantly thinking of new ways to reinvent the meaning of black tie\u2014both in design and in practice. I truly don\u2019t believe black tie means wearing long anymore; I see it being synonymous with dressing your best and dressing elegantly\u2014which is a challenge I am always up for!<\/p>\n What after-dark pieces get the most wear in your wardrobe, year after year?<\/strong><\/p>\n My giant eye mask which practically covers my entire face!<\/p>\n Do you have a favorite party-ready piece or accessory?<\/strong><\/p>\n I carry a Tonya Hawkes fringed bag that we designed together for our stores. It\u2019s the most fun bag to carry at night and is a guaranteed conversation stater.<\/p>\n What\u2019s always in your evening bag?<\/strong><\/p>\n A sewing kit\u2014you never know when you\u2019ll need it, or need to be the hero for someone else who does! Either way, it\u2019s the designer in me.<\/p>\n
impeccably cut and paired with something that makes a statement. Casual should still feel considered.<\/p>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/assets.vogue.com\/photos\/69bd9ec8d8ca2dceb072392f\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Place%2520Setting%2C%2520Photo%2520Credit_%2520Kaitlin%2520Saragusa%2520Photography.jpg\"\/)
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