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Semi formal at the ASTRA Awards

Semi formal at the ASTRA Awards

Semi Formal at the ASTRAs, and Why the Room Always Tells the Real Story

The ASTRAs are a special kind of night because they still feel like a gathering, not a machine. The energy is more personal. You see people talking to each other, congratulating each other, and actually enjoying the moment. Even on a hectic night, that spirit still showed up, and that is what I keep coming back for. To read the whole article click here -------> Semi Formal at the ASTRAs, and Why the Room Always Tells the Real Story

awards, travel, film

The Gala Girl

Jan 101 min read

Anchor 1

I would love to go to the Oscars! But not for $55,000. #awardshow

I would love to go to the Oscars! But not for $55,000. #awardshow

Black tie used to be almost uniform.

Men wore tuxedos.
Women wore evening gowns.

Today there’s more flexibility.

But flexibility isn’t the same as casual.

The event still determines what black tie means. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

Black tie used to be almost uniform.

Men wore tuxedos.
Women wore evening gowns.

Today there’s more flexibility.

But flexibility isn’t the same as casual.

The event still determines what black tie means. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

The dress code may say “black tie.”

But an awards ceremony, a charity gala, and an industry dinner won’t look the same.

The kind of event shapes what works.
#blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

The dress code may say “black tie.”

But an awards ceremony, a charity gala, and an industry dinner won’t look the same.

The kind of event shapes what works.
#blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

Black tie doesn’t mean “wear something fancy.”

It means dress for the kind of evening you’re attending.

A charity gala, an industry dinner, and an awards ceremony can all say “black tie,” but they don’t look the same.

The event itself tells you what works and I always respect that. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

Black tie doesn’t mean “wear something fancy.”

It means dress for the kind of evening you’re attending.

A charity gala, an industry dinner, and an awards ceremony can all say “black tie,” but they don’t look the same.

The event itself tells you what works and I always respect that. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner

Black tie isn’t really about rules.

It’s about understanding the evening you’re invited to to attend

When everyone aligns, the evening just works better. #gala #blacktie #rtrpartner

Black tie isn’t really about rules.

It’s about understanding the evening you’re invited to to attend

When everyone aligns, the evening just works better. #gala #blacktie #rtrpartner

Many people think the table is where conversation happens. And sometimes that’s true. But it’s the reception where I’ve met the most interesting people. #gala #rtrpartner #reception #conversation

Many people think the table is where conversation happens. And sometimes that’s true. But it’s the reception where I’ve met the most interesting people. #gala #rtrpartner #reception #conversation

The silent auction items can be very revealing. California gala’s are filled with spa items in Arizona, it’s sports. And in Chicago, it’s staycations.#gala #rtrpartner #silentauctions

The silent auction items can be very revealing. California gala’s are filled with spa items in Arizona, it’s sports. And in Chicago, it’s staycations.#gala #rtrpartner #silentauctions

When I am at a gala table with people who know how to point a conversation, I never even look at my watch. And the night is over long before I’m ready. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

When I am at a gala table with people who know how to point a conversation, I never even look at my watch. And the night is over long before I’m ready. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

Some people have anxiety when suddenly thrown into a space where there are many people and multiple conversations going on at once. It helps to think about that before you arrive. I enjoy the evening a lot more if I’m ready for conversation at the moment I walk in the ballroom #gala #rtrpartner #ballroom.

Some people have anxiety when suddenly thrown into a space where there are many people and multiple conversations going on at once. It helps to think about that before you arrive. I enjoy the evening a lot more if I’m ready for conversation at the moment I walk in the ballroom #gala #rtrpartner #ballroom.

Early conversations shape the rest of the evening
If you meet two or three interesting people right away, those conversations often continue through dinner, the program, and even the after-party. #gala #rtrpartner #awardshow #conversation

Early conversations shape the rest of the evening
If you meet two or three interesting people right away, those conversations often continue through dinner, the program, and even the after-party. #gala #rtrpartner #awardshow #conversation

A gala reception may seem like a simple prelude to the evening. Guests gather, pick up a drink, and find familiar faces.

But this is also where new introductions happen and where people start to discover who else cares about the same cause.

I’ve learned the reception is where the most interesting conversations happen. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

A gala reception may seem like a simple prelude to the evening. Guests gather, pick up a drink, and find familiar faces.

But this is also where new introductions happen and where people start to discover who else cares about the same cause.

I’ve learned the reception is where the most interesting conversations happen. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

I always expect to hear interesting stories when I go to a gala. But they usually come from people that I least expect to tell them. Someone, shy, unassuming, slowly drawn into conversation, and then I suddenly find out an amazing foreign travel story, or some sweet family vignette. I truly love surprising conversation at a gala. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

I always expect to hear interesting stories when I go to a gala. But they usually come from people that I least expect to tell them. Someone, shy, unassuming, slowly drawn into conversation, and then I suddenly find out an amazing foreign travel story, or some sweet family vignette. I truly love surprising conversation at a gala. #blacktie #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

People sometimes think the best gala tables are the ones with the most prominent guests.

But that’s rarely what makes a table memorable.

What makes a table work is when someone takes responsibility for the conversation. They ask thoughtful questions. They notice when someone hasn’t spoken yet. They help the group find common ground.

The best tables always have someone who makes sure everyone feels part of the conversation.#gala #rtrpartner #conversation

People sometimes think the best gala tables are the ones with the most prominent guests.

But that’s rarely what makes a table memorable.

What makes a table work is when someone takes responsibility for the conversation. They ask thoughtful questions. They notice when someone hasn’t spoken yet. They help the group find common ground.

The best tables always have someone who makes sure everyone feels part of the conversation.#gala #rtrpartner #conversation

This dress code is probably misinterpreted more than any other! Why would anyone think that jeans are OK to wear, when the dress code is creative black tie? They are not! Experiment with color, silhouette, and styling, and leave the jeans in the closet. #gala #creativeblacktie

This dress code is probably misinterpreted more than any other! Why would anyone think that jeans are OK to wear, when the dress code is creative black tie? They are not! Experiment with color, silhouette, and styling, and leave the jeans in the closet. #gala #creativeblacktie

It cost me $12-$30 to rent a gown for a gala. I would much rather do that than pay hundreds of dollars to buy a gown. Apparently, many other women feel the same way, because I see them in some of the same gowns I have rented. We’re sharing a resource! I love that! #gala #rtrpartner #sharing

It cost me $12-$30 to rent a gown for a gala. I would much rather do that than pay hundreds of dollars to buy a gown. Apparently, many other women feel the same way, because I see them in some of the same gowns I have rented. We’re sharing a resource! I love that! #gala #rtrpartner #sharing

I made the mistake of taking a work call during a gala once.

Never again. It ruined the evening.

If you’re going to attend an evening like this, you need to actually be present for it. Leave the phone in your clutch. #Gala #rtrpartner #interruption

I made the mistake of taking a work call during a gala once.

Never again. It ruined the evening.

If you’re going to attend an evening like this, you need to actually be present for it. Leave the phone in your clutch. #Gala #rtrpartner #interruption

Most of the fundraising for a gala happens long before the event itself.
Sponsors commit early, tables are purchased in advance, and major donors have already stepped forward.

The evening is where the community gathers to celebrate the cause and the people supporting it. #charitygala #gala

Most of the fundraising for a gala happens long before the event itself.
Sponsors commit early, tables are purchased in advance, and major donors have already stepped forward.

The evening is where the community gathers to celebrate the cause and the people supporting it. #charitygala #gala

My biggest gala fear: falling asleep during the speeches.

A long evening, dim lighting, and a full dinner can make anyone drowsy.

The best galas understand this.
They keep the program tight and the speakers engaging.

That’s when the audience stays with you. #gala #stayawake

My biggest gala fear: falling asleep during the speeches.

A long evening, dim lighting, and a full dinner can make anyone drowsy.

The best galas understand this.
They keep the program tight and the speakers engaging.

That’s when the audience stays with you. #gala #stayawake

Sequins look beautiful under ballroom lighting.

But there’s one detail people don’t always think about.

If the sequins are scratchy, you’ll feel it all evening.

Before you wear a sequin dress to a gala, make sure it’s comfortable enough to sit, stand, and move in for several hours.

Elegance is much easier when you aren’t itching. #rtrpartner #gala #awardshow #sequins

Sequins look beautiful under ballroom lighting.

But there’s one detail people don’t always think about.

If the sequins are scratchy, you’ll feel it all evening.

Before you wear a sequin dress to a gala, make sure it’s comfortable enough to sit, stand, and move in for several hours.

Elegance is much easier when you aren’t itching. #rtrpartner #gala #awardshow #sequins

Formal events usually come with dress codes.

A formal dress suggests one level of formality.
Converse sneakers suggest another.

Sometimes that contrast is intentional.

But the dress code itself didn’t change.#blacktie #gala #dresscode

Formal events usually come with dress codes.

A formal dress suggests one level of formality.
Converse sneakers suggest another.

Sometimes that contrast is intentional.

But the dress code itself didn’t change.#blacktie #gala #dresscode

Warm conversation at a gala reception tells me something. People are connecting and reconnecting. The room is alive. People come back for this. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

Warm conversation at a gala reception tells me something. People are connecting and reconnecting. The room is alive. People come back for this. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

Business attire doesn’t mean office clothes. It means professional, polished, and ready to meet other donors. Think: a tailored dress, a suit, or elegant separates. #gala #businessattire #sheathdress

Business attire doesn’t mean office clothes. It means professional, polished, and ready to meet other donors. Think: a tailored dress, a suit, or elegant separates. #gala #businessattire #sheathdress

The Ebell of Los Angeles was originally a girls school. Now this lovely space is used for events. The Costume Designer Awards were held in the adjacent auditorium, the gala in this ballroom. #gala #awardshow #ballroom

The Ebell of Los Angeles was originally a girls school. Now this lovely space is used for events. The Costume Designer Awards were held in the adjacent auditorium, the gala in this ballroom. #gala #awardshow #ballroom

Don’t be disappointed if your table isn’t close to the stage. Just engage in conversation. That’s way more important to a memorable evening. #rtrpartner #gala #conversation

Don’t be disappointed if your table isn’t close to the stage. Just engage in conversation. That’s way more important to a memorable evening. #rtrpartner #gala #conversation

I have seen so many different galaxies auction items! This one caught my eye! What’s your fave? #gala #silentauction #dominoes

I have seen so many different galaxies auction items! This one caught my eye! What’s your fave? #gala #silentauction #dominoes

If the hostess knows you, she may count on you to lead a table. Or she may seat you between people for a reason. Seating charts are more art than math. #gala #blacktie #seatingchart

If the hostess knows you, she may count on you to lead a table. Or she may seat you between people for a reason. Seating charts are more art than math. #gala #blacktie #seatingchart

I got drenched one night walking back to my car. I decided then to switch to valet parking and I have never looked back. It’s just worth it. #rtrpartner #gala #valetparking

I got drenched one night walking back to my car. I decided then to switch to valet parking and I have never looked back. It’s just worth it. #rtrpartner #gala #valetparking

Award shows and galas tend to stack up and no way do I need to amass a closet full of gowns that I seldom wear. #RenttheRunway makes it easy and inexpensive to have a unique look for each event.

Award shows and galas tend to stack up and no way do I need to amass a closet full of gowns that I seldom wear. #RenttheRunway makes it easy and inexpensive to have a unique look for each event.

Connecting with supporters is so important. A lot was lost during the pandemic. Charities need to grow and nurture their communities and face time at the gala is the main way many of them engage. #gala #rtrpartner #blacktie #charitygala

Connecting with supporters is so important. A lot was lost during the pandemic. Charities need to grow and nurture their communities and face time at the gala is the main way many of them engage. #gala #rtrpartner #blacktie #charitygala

How did “Sweet Caroline” become the go-to at so many galas? #NeilDiamond must love it. #gala #rtrpartner

How did “Sweet Caroline” become the go-to at so many galas? #NeilDiamond must love it. #gala #rtrpartner

It is always okay to take it up a level, just don’t over embellish. But dressy casual isn’t casual. #gala #rtrpartner #dressycasual

It is always okay to take it up a level, just don’t over embellish. But dressy casual isn’t casual. #gala #rtrpartner #dressycasual

Gratitude Generation did the auction right! A variety of price points encourages participation.

Gratitude Generation did the auction right! A variety of price points encourages participation.

While there are many good places for an award show on either coast, I Love Drury Ln., Oak Brook. The theater seats about 1000 people, the catering staff is great, and it’s always wonderful to go to an awards show there. #rtrpartner #awardshow #gala

While there are many good places for an award show on either coast, I Love Drury Ln., Oak Brook. The theater seats about 1000 people, the catering staff is great, and it’s always wonderful to go to an awards show there. #rtrpartner #awardshow #gala

I love feeling like $1 million without spending even a tiny fraction of that. Rent the Runway lets me wear a different gown to every event, happy to share how that works. I have a regular subscription so when it was time, I just ordered this one up.T follow me for more, and if you want to know how it works just comment HOW and I will message you with details and a discount code. #rtrpartner #gala #awardshow

I love feeling like $1 million without spending even a tiny fraction of that. Rent the Runway lets me wear a different gown to every event, happy to share how that works. I have a regular subscription so when it was time, I just ordered this one up.T follow me for more, and if you want to know how it works just comment HOW and I will message you with details and a discount code. #rtrpartner #gala #awardshow

The Costume Design Awards were held at the Ebell of Los Angeles and the reception and afterparty took place in their beautiful ballroom. I’m taking you everywhere. I go, follow me for more. #gala #awardshow #rtrpartner #ballroom.

The Costume Design Awards were held at the Ebell of Los Angeles and the reception and afterparty took place in their beautiful ballroom. I’m taking you everywhere. I go, follow me for more. #gala #awardshow #rtrpartner #ballroom.

I go to many award shows and galas. I see a lot of really nice ballrooms from coast to coast. But I always love going to a gala at the Chicago Hilton, old world elegance, and outstanding service. Come inside the ballroom with me, I’m taking you everywhere I go this year. Follow for more. #gala #rtrpartner #ballroom

I go to many award shows and galas. I see a lot of really nice ballrooms from coast to coast. But I always love going to a gala at the Chicago Hilton, old world elegance, and outstanding service. Come inside the ballroom with me, I’m taking you everywhere I go this year. Follow for more. #gala #rtrpartner #ballroom

She said, I’d like to go to a gala but I’m not sure which one is the right one. I said, just find a gala and go. Don’t overthink it. She went and loved it! I’m taking you with me to all these beautiful ballrooms. But you should also find a gala and go. Follow me to go Inside the Ballroom. #gala #ballroom

She said, I’d like to go to a gala but I’m not sure which one is the right one. I said, just find a gala and go. Don’t overthink it. She went and loved it! I’m taking you with me to all these beautiful ballrooms. But you should also find a gala and go. Follow me to go Inside the Ballroom. #gala #ballroom

Some gowns are timeless. This is one of them. Now I mostly rent from #renttherunway but I still love to put this one on and go to a #gala It came from #caché

Some gowns are timeless. This is one of them. Now I mostly rent from #renttherunway but I still love to put this one on and go to a #gala It came from #caché

First ball gown I ever bought. I was in NY for work. I wanted to go to the opera. It was the opening night gala. I splurged and bought a gown, and went… My first gala! I loved it so much! And still do… #gala #blacktie #opera. #donizetti

First ball gown I ever bought. I was in NY for work. I wanted to go to the opera. It was the opening night gala. I splurged and bought a gown, and went… My first gala! I loved it so much! And still do… #gala #blacktie #opera. #donizetti

I had no idea what I was doing.
I bought a ticket to an opera gala. I bought a gown and just went.

That small decision changed my life.

I didn’t always see this.
Now I do. I’m sharing it all. My stories are free and linked in the bio. #donizetti #operagala

I had no idea what I was doing.
I bought a ticket to an opera gala. I bought a gown and just went.

That small decision changed my life.

I didn’t always see this.
Now I do. I’m sharing it all. My stories are free and linked in the bio. #donizetti #operagala

Sometimes, a last-minute decision to go to a gala can be the best. I actually bought this gown for my first gala, many years ago. And I still love it today! Even though I get most of my gowns from #renttherunway , I do own a few. #gala

Sometimes, a last-minute decision to go to a gala can be the best. I actually bought this gown for my first gala, many years ago. And I still love it today! Even though I get most of my gowns from #renttherunway , I do own a few. #gala

I attended the Annie Awards in Los Angeles and the Lincoln-Way Foundation gala in Illinois.

Very different events.
Very similar spirit.

People gathering to celebrate the work and communities they care about.

That is exactly what I document in The Gala Register, my curated list of worthwhile awards shows and galas. #gala #awardshow

I attended the Annie Awards in Los Angeles and the Lincoln-Way Foundation gala in Illinois.

Very different events.
Very similar spirit.

People gathering to celebrate the work and communities they care about.

That is exactly what I document in The Gala Register, my curated list of worthwhile awards shows and galas. #gala #awardshow

I can’t afford to buy this gown.

So I rented it.

This is how I go to galas in beautiful gowns without filling my closet or draining my bank account.

The gown goes back the next day.

The evening stays with me.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #formalwear #galagirl

I can’t afford to buy this gown.

So I rented it.

This is how I go to galas in beautiful gowns without filling my closet or draining my bank account.

The gown goes back the next day.

The evening stays with me.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #formalwear #galagirl

My first gala happened almost by accident.

I was in New York for work and discovered the opera was holding a black tie gala at Lincoln Center. I bought a ticket, bought a gown, and went.

The evening included a performance of #donizettiopera Roberto Devereux, followed by dinner. I met fascinating people at the table and never once felt out of my element.

What stayed with me was the realization that these events are not nearly as intimidating as they appear from the outside.

Sometimes the only barrier is deciding to go.

I left before the after party because I had work the next morning. But by then I already knew I had discovered something I wanted to keep doing.

I had no idea what I was missing.

Now I do. And I don’t hesitate to go!

My first gala happened almost by accident.

I was in New York for work and discovered the opera was holding a black tie gala at Lincoln Center. I bought a ticket, bought a gown, and went.

The evening included a performance of #donizettiopera Roberto Devereux, followed by dinner. I met fascinating people at the table and never once felt out of my element.

What stayed with me was the realization that these events are not nearly as intimidating as they appear from the outside.

Sometimes the only barrier is deciding to go.

I left before the after party because I had work the next morning. But by then I already knew I had discovered something I wanted to keep doing.

I had no idea what I was missing.

Now I do. And I don’t hesitate to go!

This happened recently….

I walked in feeling very happy with my gown choice. A few minutes later I met another woman wearing the exact same dress. 😮

We looked at each other, laughed, and I said, “Well, we obviously both have good taste.”

She agreed.

Before the night was over she handed me her card and said we should check in before the next gala.

Good idea!!! #gala #rtrpartner

This happened recently….

I walked in feeling very happy with my gown choice. A few minutes later I met another woman wearing the exact same dress. 😮

We looked at each other, laughed, and I said, “Well, we obviously both have good taste.”

She agreed.

Before the night was over she handed me her card and said we should check in before the next gala.

Good idea!!! #gala #rtrpartner

I used to try on gowns I loved and walk away from them.

They were beautiful. But they were expensive. Too expensive.

Now I wear the gowns I love. I just don’t buy them. And I get to meet really cool people like Mona May.

Renting solved it. I don’t store them. I don’t dry clean them. I don’t calculate whether it was worth the price.

I wear it. I enjoy the night. I send it back.

I didn’t have to give up style to stay sane about money.

Now I’m a Rent the Runway partner. My rental habit began long ago. So I know a thing or two about how it should work. Happy to help. #gala #rtrpartner #renttherunway

I used to try on gowns I loved and walk away from them.

They were beautiful. But they were expensive. Too expensive.

Now I wear the gowns I love. I just don’t buy them. And I get to meet really cool people like Mona May.

Renting solved it. I don’t store them. I don’t dry clean them. I don’t calculate whether it was worth the price.

I wear it. I enjoy the night. I send it back.

I didn’t have to give up style to stay sane about money.

Now I’m a Rent the Runway partner. My rental habit began long ago. So I know a thing or two about how it should work. Happy to help. #gala #rtrpartner #renttherunway

I’m not trying to look expensive. I’m trying to look right for the moment.

And I would rather put my money toward the cause than toward a gown that I will wear once.

I’m now a Rent the Runway partner. I was renting long before that relationship began. Let me know if you need help figuring it out.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl #blacktie

I’m not trying to look expensive. I’m trying to look right for the moment.

And I would rather put my money toward the cause than toward a gown that I will wear once.

I’m now a Rent the Runway partner. I was renting long before that relationship began. Let me know if you need help figuring it out.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl #blacktie

I used to envy women who appeared in something new at every event. I assumed that meant a level of spending I couldn’t afford.

It turns out the math was different.

Renting lets me enjoy getting dressed without layering regret on top of it. I support the cause. I enjoy the evening. I send the gown back.

I would rather invest in the ticket than the closet.

Now I am a Rent the Runway partner. My experience with renting began long ago. Happy to help if you have questions.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl

I used to envy women who appeared in something new at every event. I assumed that meant a level of spending I couldn’t afford.

It turns out the math was different.

Renting lets me enjoy getting dressed without layering regret on top of it. I support the cause. I enjoy the evening. I send the gown back.

I would rather invest in the ticket than the closet.

Now I am a Rent the Runway partner. My experience with renting began long ago. Happy to help if you have questions.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl

When I walk into a ballroom in something I’ve never worn before, there is a quiet lift in my step. I’m not calculating cost per wear. I’m not thinking about closet space. I’m present. Because I rent gowns.

The gown did its job. Then it goes back to Rent the Runway.

Renting has been part of my gala life for years. Now I am a Rent the Runway partner. If you need help with renting I’m happy to guide you.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl #formalwear #gala

When I walk into a ballroom in something I’ve never worn before, there is a quiet lift in my step. I’m not calculating cost per wear. I’m not thinking about closet space. I’m present. Because I rent gowns.

The gown did its job. Then it goes back to Rent the Runway.

Renting has been part of my gala life for years. Now I am a Rent the Runway partner. If you need help with renting I’m happy to guide you.

#rtrpartner #renttherunway #galagirl #formalwear #gala

Charities have lots of tools to raise money. I love jail and bail! So much laughter and we brought in some great sponsors! #jailandbail #gala #rtrpartner

Charities have lots of tools to raise money. I love jail and bail! So much laughter and we brought in some great sponsors! #jailandbail #gala #rtrpartner

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