The Girl's Guide
Issue 95: Everyone's a Critic
Welcome back to The Girl’s Guide! If you missed the last issue, find it here.
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The Worst On-Screen Wedding Dresses of All Time
Everyone’s a critic — including me. In my latest article for Evie Magazine, I review the ugliest wedding dresses to ever appear on the silver screen. You can read the full article here. I decided that for this issue of The Girl’s Guide, I’d keep the good times rolling and add three bonus dresses. This time, I’m taking aim at the awful designs of the Father-of-the-Bride Cinematic Universe.
Father of the Bride (1950)
If you thought the original Father of the Bride film was the ‘90s version with Steve Martin, think again! Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy starred in the original, which featured costumes by designer Helen Rose. While I love the full-skirt-tiny-waist silhouette that was popular in the 1950s, this dress is entirely too much. Every square inch is either smothered in lace, beads, or both. I much prefer the illusion-neckline gown that Rose made Taylor for her first wedding, which was featured in Vogue.
Father of the Bride (1991)
This funny film has stayed relevant, but Annie Banks’ dress has not. All of the lace and tulle swallow up Annie’s petite frame and make her look like a creampuff floating down the aisle. Less is more, people!
Father of the Bride (2022)
I’ll admit that I have not yet seen this latest remake. It looks heartwarming. But if studio execs think that Gen Z brides are dressing like this, they need to stop watching TikToks and go to an actual wedding. Somehow, bride Sofia’s dress looks corporate and cottagecore at the same time — what is going on here?!
You can read about the rest of my picks for worst wedding dresses of all time here.
Interview with Danielle Butcher Franz
In today’s newsletter, I’m excited to introduce you to Danielle Butcher Franz! She is definitely one to watch. Connect with Dani on Twitter and Instagram.
Where do you live and what do you love about it?
My husband, Caleb, and I recently bought our first home in Lexington, KY. It's in an absolutely gorgeous part of the country, and as a Midwestern girly at heart, I cherish living in a city with small town charm.
What does your life look like right now?
Currently, my life is quite eventful. I recently took on the role of CEO at the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), which is the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country. I've been with ACC since our founding in 2017; while the work itself isn't new to me, it's been incredibly exciting and humbling to be tasked with leading the team. Alongside my own professional pursuits, my husband recently submitted the manuscript for his debut book to his publisher. Between purchasing our home, career growth, and our one-year wedding anniversary approaching in November, it's been a big year for us!
What's your advice to a young woman who wants to excel in her career?
Early in my career, a mentor gently reminded me that "every overnight success is ten years in the making." Social media and the D.C. networking scene can be exhausting in the sense that you're only seeing other people's highlight reels — especially for young women, it's easy to judge our own achievements by comparing them to others. I often see young people fixate on achieving a single "big break," only to end up feeling unfulfilled or disillusioned by the outcomes. Instead, I'd encourage young women to focus on the opportunities right in front of them, no matter their size. The truth is that a single moment is unlikely to define your career path, but consistently seizing the opportunities before you will.
How would you describe your style? What are your fall/winter closet staples?
As for my personal style, I'd describe it as "elevated basics." I tend to gravitate towards timeless clothing items, which I complement with gold jewelry and understated belts, rather than chasing after trendy fashion that comes and goes quickly. When you look into my closet, you'll find an array of denim and neutral colors, predominantly black, though a few navy items have snuck in as well. Having grown up in Northern Minnesota, I have a natural affinity for fall and winter fashions. I look forward to styling boots and scarves each year.
What's your favorite fall activity in the DMV?
I admit this one comes from a sentimental place — in 2015, I visited DC for the first time and met my future husband and he took it upon himself to show me the city. We walked the monuments and picked up a banter while getting to know each other. It was classic, sweet, and even now, it remains my favorite thing to do with spare time in Washington.
Know a lady I should interview next? Get in touch by replying to this email.
The Haps
Shorts in the Senate
The world’s greatest deliberative body just got a lot more casual. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sparked outrage recently when he said the Senate’s Sergeant at Arms will no longer enforce a dress code for senators. While Schumer said he will still wear a suit while Senator-ing, the announcement means that Sen. John Fetterman will have a lot more freedom to wear his signature shorts and sweatshirts. Friend of the ‘stack Patricia Patnode has a great column in The Conservateur on this topic: It’s the Senate, Put on a Suit.
Here are some more links to what I’ve been reading this week:
Wedding Dress Blues: Carolyn Bolton offers policy fixes to boost the marriage rate in a sobering essay.
The Jobs Most (And Least) Likely To Get You A Spot In The Bachelor Franchise: College student — choose your major wisely. Your future spot on The Bachelor hangs in the balance.
Ask Evie
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