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Sept 16, 2025
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
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Sept 23, 2025
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
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Sept 30, 2025
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
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October 7th, 2025
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
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October 15th, 2025
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
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October 21st, 2025
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
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October 28th, 2025
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
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