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Enjoying the Gala Evening

What I wear.

How I pepare.

Why I keep coming back.

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Charity gala formality varies widely depending on many factors

How Formal Is a Charity Gala, Really?

Some charity galas adhere closely to traditional black tie expectations, while others adopt a more modern or relaxed interpretation. The key is recognizing the cues that shape how formal the evening is intended to be.

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The Gala Girl

Dec 26, 20252 min read

Going to a "Starter" Gala

You don't have to be wealthy to go to a black-tie gala, you just have to find the right event, and celebrate life!

gala

The Gala Girl

Feb 12, 20214 min read

So I was excited to meet Kathleen Turner...

I have always admired Kathleen Turner for her acting and her activism. She has had some great movie roles and got away with murder in Body Heat. Her work with Planned Parenthood helped elevate that organization to the world stage. So when I heard that she was appearing at the Chicago International Film Festival Summer Gala, I thought it might be an opportunity for me to actually meet one of my favorite celebrities. At the Chicago International Film Festival Spring Gala Many p

awards, travel, film

The Gala Girl

Dec 30, 20206 min read

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If you go to as many galas as I do, you know, this is going to happen every now and then. I think this is maybe the second time for me. There’s nothing to do but be good natured about it, right? Of course, we had to ham it up a little bit for the camera.

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala" link in bio.

#samegown #gala #blacktie

This is one part I truly love.

The thought that went into the ballroom.
The care.
The choices you don’t notice unless you’re looking.

When I see the effort, it never fails to move me.
It changes the whole night for me. I’m always grateful for this.

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala" link in bio.

#ballroom #gala #blacktie

Every month I go to a #professionalwomensclubofchicago luncheon here at the #unionleagueclubofchicago and it’s often in this room. But OMG what a transformation for evening! And no, I’m not getting anything for saying so, just love being here!

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala", link in bio.

#gala #blacktie #ballroom

This happens more than anyone wants to admit!
We all survive it. And I work so hard to remember names! I bet you do too…
Anyway, the night keeps going. And gets better.

I actually wrote about getting through the door, sort of the pause before the night begins, link in bio, hope you find it useful #gala #forgetful

I thought I was underdressed.
Or overdressed.
Or shouldn’t have come at all. And it was obvious I was an outsider. But then I was treated as someone special, purely because I was new. Now I do my best to pay that forward!

I wrote about the pause before the night begins, about getting through the door, link in bio, hope you find it helpful #gala #payitforward

I sometimes think I’ll feel on edge when I arrive. Not always, but when everyone looks unfamiliar. But I swallow hard and walk in. And somebody says “hello.”
That’s the moment I trust the night. Has that ever happened to you?

I wrote about it, the pause before the night begins, link in bio #gala #meetingpeople

I go to the #jeffawards every year. I just buy a ticket. I love the theater scene in Chicago and the Jeff’s are Chicago’s version of the Tony’s. And the #drurylanetheatre is a great venue!

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala", link in bio.

I really wanted to go, or I would’ve never gotten myself in the door. At first, I just felt so out of place. I recognized people from Chicago magazine. And I was nobody. Not rich. Not famous. I just bought a ticket because I supported the cause. But everyone I met was kind to me, and did not treat me as anything other than an equal. It lifted me. It gave me a level of confidence I still have. I wrote about how I wasn't sure I belonged at an event, link in bio. #gala #blacktie #confidence #chicagomagazine

Sometimes when I walk into a gala, I am still carrying the weight of the world with me. And then I look around and don’t see anyone I know. Does that ever happen to you? Sometimes it just takes a couple of minutes, and maybe an adult beverage, for that tension to evaporate.

I wrote about how I wasn't sure I belonged at an event, link in bio, hope you find it useful. #gala #exhale #adultbeverage

Not for the spectacle.
Not for the photos.

For the feeling of being in a beautiful place
with people I love,
all of us genuinely glad we showed up.

When we leave together, coats back on, night air cool,
there’s that quiet satisfaction.

Nothing had to be managed.
Nothing had to be endured.

We were simply there.
Together.
Enjoying the evening.

That’s the part I remember. Stay with me.

I wrote about how it feels different when I arrive with friends, link in bio.

#gala #blacktie #gno #girlsnightout

Time stretches when I’m with friends.

There’s no rush to move on.
No pressure to make something happen.

We stay at the table longer than planned.
We interrupt each other gently.
We lean in without realizing it.

The program fades into the background.
Conversation comes forward.

Nothing needs to be fixed.
The night unfolds at its own pace.

This is when I notice it most:
I don’t want it to end. I’m here for the joy. Stay with me.

I wrote about how it feels different when I arrive with friends, link in bio. #gala #blacktie #girlsnightout #gno

It changes the night immediately.

We arrive together.
We hand over our coats.
We pause long enough to take it in.

I’m dressed for the evening, but more than that, I’m already settled.
The night has a center, and I’m part of it.

I still meet new people.
I still move around.
But I’m not searching for my footing.

Being with friends doesn’t shrink the evening.
It opens it. You can read the story, link in bio. See you at the next gala! #gala #blacktie #gno

I love to hear stories from people I just met at a gala. Oh I’m happy to be there for a cause, or for a great event. But I don’t need a reason to go. Just being with people is enough.

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala", link in bio.

#gala #blacktie

At first I thought I had to stay until the event was over. Sometimes that didn’t feel right. I started listening to myself and found that I was able to give myself permission to leave when it felt right. That changed everything!

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala", link in bio.

#gala #blacktie

I love galas but sometimes I’m tired or distracted and wonder if I should go. But it seems there is always something wonderful that happens while I’m there. I’m always glad I went! Go with me!

I find so much excitement and pleasure in formal events that I wrote about "The Joy of Gala", link in bio.

#gala #blacktie

I don’t need a reason.
I don’t need a special invitation story.
I don’t need to already belong.

I just go.

Most of what looks exclusive is simply an evening people chose to attend.
That’s what I did.

And I’ll do it again. Tell me about the time you just went. Or follow me and we will share the next one. #gala #blacktie

I didn’t know anyone when I walked in.

That felt true for about five minutes.

Most people were doing the same thing I was:
looking around, waiting for the evening to begin, hoping someone would say hello first.

Nothing clever happened.
No networking strategy.
Just small talk that turned into real conversation.

It turns out I didn’t have to arrive knowing people.
I just had to arrive.
#gala #blacktie

My new article on my blog (link in bio) is “Just Find a Nearby Gala and Go” and I love to do exactly that! High school and church galas are very accessible and affordable. And fun! I have met so many nice people, supporting education or missions. So yes! Just find a nearby gala and go! #gala #blacktie #style

Sometimes I stay to the end, even go to the after-party. But if I am tired I leave early. Or I leave when I feel fulfilled. There is no hard and fast rule. Just leave when it feels right. #dresscode #gala #blacktie #astrafilmawards

I share what I’m doing here.

And I write longer stories about these nights. Because they are nights you can savor. The stories are on Substack at the link above. #gala #blacktie #dresscode #style

I never get tired of this moment.
Walking in. Taking it all in.
Letting the night unfold instead of managing it.

This is why I go. #gala #blacktie #style

This is me, exactly where I want to be.

On Instagram, I share what I’m doing and where I’m going.

On Substack, I write the longer stories — the ones worth savoring.

Love to have you here with me.

Last night’s Equality Illinois Gala was one of those evenings.

A full ballroom. A shared purpose.

I was grateful to be in the room, listening.

I never rush this part.

Walking into a gala feels like stepping into a promise.

Saturday night was the Equality Illinois Gala at the Chicago Hilton.

I was grateful to be there — and ready to enjoy it!#gala #blacktie #equalityillinois

Some galas are fairly small. This one is not. Lovely conversations before dinner. It is wonderful to be here at the #hiltonchicago with #equalityillinois

I love these nights.

The gala.
The ballroom.
The conversations that linger.
The feeling of being fully present for something special.

Be there with me.

And if you want more of the story for us to savor, you’ll find it linked in my bio. #gala #blacktie #style

Galas aren’t something to get through.

They’re meant to be savored.

The ballroom.
The conversations.
The warmth of the evening as it unfolds.

You don’t have to be rich.
You don’t have to be famous.

You just have to let yourself enjoy the moment.

Everything I write about these evenings is linked in my bio. #gala #blacktie #ballroom #style

I don’t rush this part.
I let myself arrive.

These nights offer something special, and I like meeting them fully. Being fully present. It is a blessing when we have these evenings.

#blacktie #gala #evening #formalnight

A gala is a special evening. The night is meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes people forget that part. It’s about staying in the moment. #dresscode #gala #blacktie #style

Arrival is a moment, not a test. It’s the beginning of a wonderful experience, an enchanted evening. I wrote about this, link in bio. #gala #dresscode #blacktie #style

I arrive curious. I notice the room. I let the night open. I am excited for the evening!
Everything I write is linked in my bio.#gala #dresscode #blacktie #style

I arrive curious.
I notice the room.
I lean into what the night offers.

Everything I write is linked in my bio.
#gala #dresscode #blacktie

A gala invites you into the moment.

You listen differently.
You notice more.
You feel connected — to the room, the people, yourself.

That feeling is the Joy of Gala. #gala #blacktie #style

I walk in. Tension evaporates. I lean into the moment, and every detail means something. I find joy in every gala. #gala #blacktie #style

The Grammys are coming up. Last year, I was a seat filler, which was an amazing experience. When the manager motioned to me to change seats, I jumped up and almost tripped to Trevor Noah. That would’ve made it a completely different experience! You can read my seat filler story at the link in bio. And for more up-to-the-minute award show “inside the room”, follow me.

It’s not about the length so much as the fabric, the styling, and the intention. Sometimes I have felt way more dressed up in a midi length dress. How about you? And follow me for more on the joy of gala life. #gala #dresscode #style

I have learned to make sure I can walk, stand, dance in the shoes I wear to the gala. If I am planning to wear a new pair of shoes I will wear them around the house for several hours to make sure I can wear them a whole evening. The gala should not be all about your feet hurting! Follow me for more. #gala #dresscode #blacktie #style

I have learned so much from years filled with galas and award shows. So if you have a formal event coming up, my guides are at the link in my bio. #gala #awardshow

The joy lives in presence.
In noticing where you are.
In letting the room, the people, and the purpose meet you.
That feeling stays with me. And I’m sharing it. #dresscode #gala #awardshow #redcarpet

I love these warm California evenings. The event. The step and repeat. The conversation . The way the night gathers people together.
I write about what I notice at awards shows and galas, so your next formal event feels easier and more enjoyable. #gala #awardshow #astrafilmawards

I don’t go to galas to get through them.

I go to feel something.

I like the moment when the room settles.
When the lights soften.
When conversation slows down and attention gathers.

I let myself be open.
I let myself sit longer than usual.
I let the night unfold without rushing it.

That feeling moves me.
It lifts me.
It reminds me that life has moments meant to be marked.

That’s the Joy of Gala. #gala #dresscode #blacktie #joyofgala

What I love about these nights is how they feel.

The care in the room.
The energy of people gathered together.
The sense of being part of something for a few hours.

You feel it.
You lean into it.
And if lifts you. #gala #blacktie

When I walk into a gala, I try to leave my regular life at the door.

Not because it disappears, but because this night is different.

Someone chose the music.
Someone set the tables.
Someone cared enough to gather people in one room, for one evening.

Whether it’s a Hollywood awards show or a local fundraiser, the invitation is the same.

You get to be here.

That’s the joy I keep coming back for. #gala #blacktie #joyofgala

I love watching everything, and I love to write about the experience of being at a gala. It’s all on substack, link in bio. #gala #dresscode #blacktie #style

I’ve spent a lot of time watching the room at galas like this.
They’re much less focused on any one person than we imagine.#dresscode #gala #blacktie #style

I’ve walked into a gala event#gala #dresscode #blacktie #style and instantly felt exposed.
Not a feeling I enjoy.
Has that ever happened to you?

It’s not a personality thing.
It’s a familiarity thing.
I wrote about that. Link in bio. #dresscode #gala #blacktie #style

These nights are learned by watching.
I write down what I notice, looking for useful ideas for my next gala.
Start with the pinned piece.
#dresscode #gala #blacktie

I love galas.
But I know many women don’t feel that way.
I wrote about why. Link in bio.
#gala #blacktie #style

Which side of the velvet rope do you like best?

I love the red carpet, but I learn more on the other side.

Follow for how galas actually work.

#gala #awardshow #astrafilmawards #blacktie

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Enjoying the Gala Evening

How Formal Is a Charity Gala, Really?

Going to a "Starter" Gala

So I was excited to meet Kathleen Turner...

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