As the flowers begin to bloom this time of year, so do most social calendars. It's time to refresh our closets for special occasions like birthdays, wedding festivities, and fundraisers. Lucky for you, Forte The Brand specializes in elevated occasionwear that is not only affordable, but totally effortless. Our styles speak for themselves, requiring no hassle to style them. So grab your favorite FTB look for your next upcoming event, and feel confident that you won't blend in with the crowd.
Don't forget, enjoy complimentary shipping & easy returns/exchanges on FTB purchases!
The Lily: Romantic & Chic
Where To Wear: Cocktail events, bridal/baby showers, girls' night out
The Vienna: Posh & Sophisticated
Where To Wear: Wedding guest, cocktail parties, upscale dinner
The Carolina: Trendy & Feminine
Where To Wear: Date night, upscale dinners, corporate functions
The Guilford: Classy & Timeless
Where To Wear: Cocktail events, wedding celebrations, birthday soirees
Shop more effortless occasionwear
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As we look forward to warmer and brighter days, we're rounding up the 5 best transitional pieces to seamlessly take you from winter to spring.
We've got you covered with the best looks for any occasion, with our versatile statement occasion wear - guaranteed to make you feel confident and stand out from the crowd. Why blend in when you can wear Forte The Brand?
And, don't forget, in addition to complimentary shipping, you can take $25 off your first purchase of $200+ when you subscribe.
1. The Maggie
Meticulously crafted in a soft, lightweight (and stunning!) suede fabric, The Maggie is our go-to transitional look. Not only is the color perfect for the approach of spring, but this head-turning mini can easily be worn with pumps on a mild day or paired with tights and booties for those last few days of winter.
SHOP THE MAGGIE
2. The Belle
This eye-catching little black dress is the perfect option year round. In the cooler temps, we love pairing it with arm length gloves (included with purchase), tights and platform pumps - you can even throw on your favorite floor length jacket or sweater to make it your own. But, this dress is versatile - wear it with your favorite open-toe pumps for a night on the town or an upcoming bachelorette party. However you style it, you're sure to be best dressed in The Belle.
SHOP THE BELLE
3. The Carolina
Our best seller, The Carolina, is the ultimate transitional piece. We saw it beautifully styled this winter for holiday parties and trips to NYC, and now we're seeing it seamlessly transition into spring looks. This staple romper is made of the perfect tweed fabric, tapered from a classic padded shoulder sleeve into a shorter hemline. We're breaking out The Carolina for our spring girls' night out, dinners on spring vacation, and even as our Sunday best on Easter!
SHOP THE CAROLINA
4. The Jo
We took the classic blazer dress and elevated it into something special - The Jo. This staple can be worn year round, and we love seeing our clientele dressed in our original design for events of all kinds (GNO, date night, birthday parties, soirees). The lightweight tulle complements the wired deep-V neckline and adds an element of sexiness to this long-sleeved mini. No matter the season, you'll exude elegance and confidence in The Jo
SHOP THE JO
5. The Rose
What better way to ring in spring than with The Rose? The subtle suede fabric and long sleeves balance the shorter hemline and classy bodice cutout. And, true to its name, the hand-sewn metallic Rosette leads way to a stunning front train that will have everyone complimenting your look. We love to opt for The Rose for galas, celebrations, and any occasion that calls for an absolutely stunning dress.
SHOP THE ROSE
Want more looks that will set you apart from the crowd? Check out all of our affordable luxury styles and follow us on Instagram for more outfit inspo.
All things are possible with coffee and a good outfit. We’ve shared our fashion advice, so now it’s time for us to spill our favorite at-home coffee recipes that embrace the art of living an elevated lifestyle and are bold enough to fuel your forte.
The summer weather is here, and that means your social calendar is beginning to bloom. With weddings, baby showers, outdoor happy hours, and date nights hitting every weekend, we’ve rounded up our favorite looks for each occasion.
Wedding Guest:
You’ve received the invitation, skimmed the wedding website, and now the biggest decision: what to wear.
The first step to finding the perfect wedding guest attire is to know the dress code. We posted previously about dressing appropriately for the occasion, and we’re breaking it down further for when it comes to weddings. Here are some of our favorite looks for wedding guests this year:
Daytime WeddingWeddings scheduled before 4pm are more casual than an evening affair, so opt for something light and fun. Of course, the weather is always a key factor in any outfit choice, so be sure to dress appropriately for the temps.
Beach/Coastal WeddingWhat’s better than oceanfront vows? We love a sandy ceremony and the dress options for destination weddings are some of our faves. Don’t forget about the inevitable breeze – opt for something you don’t need to worry will give you a Marilyn moment ☺ .
Cocktail WeddingWe find that the majority of weddings fit into this category – typically an evening ceremony with a reception to follow at a somewhat formal venue. According to Brides magazine, “Cocktail attire is meant to bridge the gap between day and night…Think somewhere between a sophisticated formal occasion and office or party wear.”* While you should consider factors like themes or recommended attire by the bride and groom, these versatile options will likely suit your cocktail wedding needs (and, in typical Forte fashion, you’ll stand out from the crowd).
Black-Tie WeddingPossibly our favorite, the black-tie wedding allows you to go all out and dress up in something out of the ordinary lineup. Remember, black-tie requires formal attire (typically a floor-length evening gown), so be sure to comply. We like to opt for traditional colors. Keep it classic or add a twist with a print or texture.
Bridal/Baby Shower Guest:Celebrate the bride or mom-to-be with a unique outfit choice. We love that appropriate shower attire lives in between casual and dressy. Change it up with a jumpsuit or separates to have some fun with your look. Remember, white is reserved for the bride only.
Date Night / Girls’ Night OutWhether you’re planning a candlelit dinner with your S.O. or going to the trendy new spot in town with your girlfriends, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite looks for the occasion. Weekend outfits are what we live for, when we step out of our routine and into some fun. Be bold and dress it up, or enhance your laid-back look with a blazer or fun jogger – the options are limitless.
Want to see more looks we love for other occasions? Follow us on Instagram @fortethebrand.
*https://www.brides.com/cocktail-attire-wedding-4844364All outfit images sourced from Revolve.com
Summer is the perfect season for hosting a memorable soirée, and we're here to help you plan every detail to perfection. In this post, we'll guide you through the key steps to creating an unforgettable event. From selecting a theme that sets the tone and streamlines your planning process, to deciding on the ideal guest list that balances relationships and occasion, we've got you covered. We'll also delve into the extra touches that elevate the ambiance, including tablescapes, signature drinks, and creating a welcoming arrival vibe. And of course, we'll share tips on finding the perfect outfit that blends style and comfort for you as the host. Read on for the details.
Selecting A Theme
First things first, what’s the theme? When you select a theme for your party it can make planning easier in several ways:
Cohesive: Having a theme provides a unifying concept that ties all of the party elements together. It sets the tone and creates a cohesive atmosphere. This continuity makes it easier to make decisions throughout the planning process.
Focus: A theme helps narrow down the options and provides a clear direction for planning. Instead of being overwhelmed by countless possibilities, all of your decisions about decorations, food and drink, invitations, activities, etc. will be narrowed down to only options that align with your chosen theme. This streamlines the decision-making process, saving time and reducing stress.
Creativity: A theme sparks creativity and allows you to explore unique and exciting ideas. It provides a framework within which you can brainstorm and come up with innovative concepts or interactive elements that will create a memorable experience for your guests.
Guest Engagement: A well-chosen theme adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for your guests. It encourages them to participate, dress up, and engage with the party's activities and entertainment.
Overall, selecting a theme simplifies the planning process and ensures all of your details are tied together.
Inviting The Guests
Deciding on a guest list for a party involves careful consideration and balancing various factors. Here are some steps to help you determine who to invite:
The Purpose: Consider the purpose and nature of the party. The type of party will influence the guest list, as it determines the atmosphere and activities that will take place. For example, a small dinner party may have a more intimate guest list, while a larger birthday bash might include a wider circle of friends and acquaintances.
Occasion and Relationship: Are you celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or a holiday? Determine who holds significance in that person's life or in your own, and consider inviting individuals who have a meaningful connection to the guest of honor or the purpose of the party.
Capacity and Budget: Take into account the capacity of your space. Ensure that it can comfortably accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite. If you have budget constraints, consider scaling down the guest list accordingly to stay within your means. Maintain a balance between inviting enough people to create a vibrant atmosphere and ensuring the event remains manageable and enjoyable for everyone.
Mutual Connections: Think about people who already know each other and are likely to enjoy each other's company. A mix of familiar faces and new acquaintances can create a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Now that you know who you want to attend the gathering, you need to invite them. Sure you could text everyone to come, but why not set the tone for your soiree with a formal invitation? This gives you the opportunity to display your theme and get guests excited to attend. Whether you decide to print and mail invitations or create an e-vite, invitations make a great first impression for your event.
The Extra Touches
When it comes to hosting, you should ensure the ambiance is set for a memorable event. Here are a few extra touches to consider:
Tablescape: A beautiful table can be a focal point. Always select a table or tablecloth that is on theme and decorate with some sort of center piece. You’ll want to consider the event’s formality. Casual party? Keep the center piece simple and skip the charger plates. A more formal gathering? Decorate with charger plates, a printed menu, candles and beautiful flower arrangements (but keep them low so guests can still interact across the table!).
Drinks: Everyone loves a signature drink. Select a drink that is that fits your occassion (this triple berry vodka fizz would be perfect for the 4th of July). Plus this is a time saver for you - make a large batch ahead of time and put in a decorative pitcher for guests to serve themselves - saving you from making endless amounts of cocktails all night. We always recommend adding in some variety, by offering other options for guests to grab such as wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages. Elevate your hydration station with a large pitcher of fruit-infused water for guests to enjoy.
Dessert: This is essential to every party! Have some fun and have the dessert custom designed to your theme. It serves as a tasty treat and decoration.
Arrival Vibe: It’s time for your guests arrival. Make sure your table is set, appetizers on display, and drinks ready. Have everything set before guests arrive so you can greet and engage with your guests appropriately with no distractions. This allows your guests to feel welcomed, take in the view of your decorations, and indulge in appetizers and a signature cocktail. Don’t forget to create a playlist that matches your vibe and have the music going all night.
What Are You Wearing?
You have an amazing party planned and your guest list is complete, it’s time to think about what you’re going to wear. As the host you’ll want to wear something stylish yet comfortable, since you’ll be busy catering to your guests.
A breathable dress is a foolproof option. Consider an elevated slip dress or floral midi. A jumpsuit also makes for great party attire.
From a memorable soirée to the perfect outfit, at Forte The Brand we always love to make a statement. Follow @fortethebrand on Instagram for more fashion and lifestyle inspiration and ideas.
Slip dress: https://www.revolve.com/lacademie-alicia-dress-in-ivory/dp/LCDE-WD511/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=68&itrownum=65&itcurrpage=1&itview=05
Floral midi: https://www.revolve.com/astr-the-label-emine-dress-in-pink-blue-floral/dp/ASTR-WD427/?d=Womens&sr=true&type=rp
Jumpsuit: https://www.revolve.com/amanda-uprichard-x-revolve-amiah-jumpsuit-in-pacific/dp/AMAN-WC78/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=55&itrownum=14&itcurrpage=1&itview=05
Life gets busy. Especially when you’re going beyond daily responsibilities to pursue your dream life. You’ve created your vision board and are laser-focused on getting to your future. But don’t forget one crucial step in the process - recognizing the opportunities to find happiness in the little things. It’s time for you to intentionally slow down, romanticize your life, and use the beauty that is already around you to build the foundation for the life you’re seeking. What does it mean to romanticize your life? It’s all about finding the magic in your routine and making your life feel like a fairy tale. It’s about turning everyday experiences into something special that brings you joy. It’s about living intentionally and creating a life you love. Here are some of our favorite ways to romanticize life:
Surround yourself with beauty. Keeping fresh flowers in your house for a little bit of added joy. Lighting candles even when you’re not hosting guests. Decorating your coffee table with a few investment decor items. Make your home into a place you love, a place that inspires you.
Make your bed every day. Doing this first thing in the morning sets the tone for the day. It gives you a sense of accomplishment (though it may have been easy), motivating you to take on whatever is next in the day. Plus, it makes your room feel less cluttered and creates a calming space for you.
Create different playlists for your moods. We need an easy morning playlist for making breakfast, sing-along songs for cleaning, and upbeat music for getting ready for a girls’ night out. Music has always been effective at manipulating our moods, take advantage of it to elevate your daily routine.
Transform your bathroom into an oasis. Remove the clutter of mismatched plastic bottles in your shower and buy yourself some decorative, reusable bottles to pour your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in. Add some aromatherapy to incorporate calming scents. Swap out your old towels for new, fresh, plush towels for a luxurious feel.
Make every cup of coffee the best you’ve had. Buy yourself a mug you love, invest in a delicious creamer, or even make your own nut milk. Create a spot in the house that serves as your peaceful coffee nook. Pause and enjoy your coffee time before diving back into life’s chaos.
Give yourself the grace of time to get ready. Remember the days of taking hours to get ready before a fun night out? Some might say that was the best part. Let’s go back to that. Allow yourself enough time to get dressed, pour a glass of wine, and listen to some music to get in the right mood for your occasion.
Sleep in actual pajamas. We’re all guilty of going to bed in athletic shorts and a t-shirt. Let’s level up the bedtime routine. There’s just something about sliding into bed in a soft silk set or linen pajamas. It feels superior, plus you’ll wake up feeling more elegant.
There are endless ways to romanticize your life, and it will look different for everyone based on what brings you joy. The main takeaway here is, as you’re busy conquering your day and going after your goals, don’t forget to appreciate the moment you’re in. Creating spaces and habits that reflect your dream life will not only help you to achieve it, but will allow you to enjoy the journey.
When you’re happy, it shows. Everyone around you will wonder how they can start to glow like you. Not only will you appear different, but you’ll also feel different. Being happy energizes you, making you more inclined to say yes to things that challenge you. So, romanticize your life and welcome happiness. Perhaps you’ll find your forte along the way.
Follow @fortethebrand on Instagram for more inspiration to live the life you dream about.
It’s officially springtime on the East Coast, and there’s one thing on our minds: travel. Researching destinations, planning the flights, building the itinerary – there’s nothing that increases your dopamine quite like it.
Daydreaming about vacation is easy - enjoying the perfect weather, indulging in food and cocktails, wearing your favorite outfits, and experiencing relaxation at its finest. But let’s be real, it can be hard to jet set with the responsibilities of everyday life: taking time off work, finding a babysitter or pet sitter while you’re away, justifying the splurge. It may take some extra planning but here’s why you need to prioritize travel NOW:
1. Relax and Renew
We all feel the exhaustion and stress of “adulting” throughout the week. Meeting deadlines, closing deals, trying to maintain your health and social life. It’s important to take time to pause so your body isn’t constantly running on low fuel, and travel is a proven way to rejuvenate. In fact, women who vacation at least twice a year show a significantly lower risk of suffering a heart attack than those who only travel every six years*. And, since mental health is equally as important, it’s worth noting that 97% of people say that having a trip planned makes them happier**. So, work through the hurdles of requesting your PTO, and prioritize YOU.
2. Expand Your Perspective
Here at Forte, we’re all about finding your passion and living your dreams. Sometimes, the only way to do that is to take yourself out of your daily routine, and gain perspective. Whether you’re traveling abroad, or across the US, cultures change dramatically with every border your cross. So, go seek out those cultures and learn. Ask yourself:
How do people live differently than I do?
What resources do they have that differ from what I have?
What do their daily routines look like?
What about their lifestyle would I want to adopt?
People-watching is a fascinating way to learn about others, and travel gives us that opportunity to soak in other lifestyles. You’d be amazed how quickly you notice similarities and differences just by being in a different time zone.
3. Get Inspired
As part of exploring different cultures, there’s a good chance you’ll be inspired to make changes to your own life. Maybe you’ll find a new dish that you love or a piece of art you never knew about. Or perhaps you’ll be affected in a bigger way. Exploring outside of your normal environment could potentially help you realize your passion or finally have a breakthrough on that business idea you’ve been toying around with. When we step out of our comfort zones, we allow ourselves to experience new things, and grow within ourselves – and self-growth is really what fuels us to achieve all that we want to.
While travel can seem daunting to some, we view it as money and time well spent. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered some of our favorite travel resources to help you plan your next trip:
For the Solo Traveler: Check out The Blonde Abroad. Kiki left her corporate job in 2011 to do some soul-searching, and that has turned into a business that empowers women to travel the world solo. She not only has fantastic destination recommendations, but she even offers resources like safety tips, must-see attractions, and even packing lists.
For the Traveler Who Needs Some Inspo: One of our favorite resources for all things travel is Condé Nast Traveler. Find amazing destination ideas, cultural news across the world, and travel guides to inspire your itinerary.
For the Up-For-Anything Traveler: A must-try tool is the easyJet Inspire Me page, where you’ll find travel options based on any one criterion (city of origin, budget, travel time, type of trip).
Whether you’re ready to sit on a beach with a good book, explore a new city, or experience a safari, feed your soul with new connections. Take time for yourself and enjoy the experiences that life has to offer. We only get one lifetime, what will you see in yours?
*https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/PlanningTravel_MichelleGielan.pdf
**https://www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/5-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-traveling-abroad-n759631
You're winding down from a busy weekend, filled with a mix of fun and responsibilities, and it hits you: the Sunday Scaries. The dread of Monday sneaks in, and you find yourself wondering if there will ever be a Monday you look forward to. We've been there. Living to 'just get through' the week. Dreading the mundane, the routine, the ordinary. So, how do you break the cycle? Can you really live a more fulfilling life? The answer is yes. We're breaking down how to find your forte and live your passion (spoiler alert: we did it ☺).
Let go of the preconceived "normal." One of the biggest barriers to living your dream life is the notion of needing to fit neatly in a box that society has created for you. You feel pressured to be in a relationship, start a family, or work 9-5 because that's the "norm." But, who is it benefitting if that's not what makes you happy? It's hard to re-wire our thinking from what we've grown up around, what we see every day in our communities. If you can let go of the idea that just because everyone else is doing it, you should too, you'll be on your way to living a life you've designed and actually enjoy.
Figure out what you're passionate about. This one seems overused, as if every influencer, motivational speaker, and celebrity has told us this a thousand times. And while it's necessary, we have to acknowledge that sometimes it's hard. Sure, some people have a very clear passion and know it from a young age. But, for many of us, it's not until we realize what we're not passionate about, that we start to wonder what will make us happy. There's no straight path to achieve this, but there are steps you can take to find your forte:
Start with what you're good at. Skill doesn't always equal passion, but it helps to understand your strengths and opportunities. Since we're focusing on finding a more fulfilling life, identify which of your skills you actually enjoy and which you'd rather never use again. This helps create a clear path to seek opportunities that better align with your interests.
Find your cause. It's worthwhile to consider the impact you want to have on the world around you. Find what's meaningful to you. Look to see if there are ways to incorporate this bigger purpose into your transformation.
Write your daydreams down on paper. When you find yourself thinking about what your dream life looks like, and what your goals and desires are, write it down on paper. A study by Dr. Gail Matthews shows that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who do not write them down(1). Visualizing and understanding your desires is an important step. Ask yourself why it's important to accomplish your goal and how you'll feel when you start living your dream. Once you have purpose, it fuels persistence. Identify the next three steps you need to take to get closer to achieving your goal. Keep your dreams top of mind and know every step you take towards them, you're closer than you were yesterday.
Take a long hard look at the people around you. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn has famously said that "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Reflect on that for a minute… who are your five? More importantly, what are they like? Do they have positive attitudes, or are they pessimists? Do they have dreams and aspirations, or are they content with the status quo? Do they have strong principles, beliefs, and direction in life, or are they keeping up with the Joneses? Are they afraid of what others think? Do they have jealous tendencies? These types of qualities are contagious whether you realize it or not. If you have big dreams, you need to surround yourself with people who will not only support you from the sidelines, but who will hold you accountable, motivate you, and pick you up when you inevitably fall along the way. Surrounding yourself with negative qualities will have negative impacts – so pick your 5 wisely.
Get ready to work. Transforming your life – whether it's your career, your health habits, or your routine, is going to take effort. It doesn't happen overnight and it can be daunting, but keep the payoff in mind. If you're ready for a change, then you need to be willing to feel that change along the way. That may mean working 14 hours a day to build your own business or ending a relationship that no longer serves you. You will get out of your comfort zone, so get comfortable with change. Be open to the wave of emotions that you'll go through - excitement, doubt, determination. Feel them and keep your end goal in mind to keep you going. Let go of the idea that transformation is easy, and be ready to give this your all. Anything less will not suffice. #hardtruth
Stop manifesting and just start. Many people on social media today talk about manifesting their dreams into reality. While we love a good vision board to orient ourselves around our goals, simply sitting around thinking about them isn't going to achieve anything. Once you've identified your passion and you're set on what you want to accomplish, you need to act. One of the hardest parts is figuring out the first step – how do you know what to do if it's something you've never done before? Lucky for you, we live in a world where information is just about endless. The estimated global data consumption in 2021 was 74 zettabytes(2) – and for anyone unfamiliar with that measurement, just know that's a lot of data. So, while most of that information won't be pertinent to what you're seeking, there has to be something you can leverage somewhere in those zettabytes. Research people who came before you with similar goals, take an online course on Udemy.com to build your skillset, listen to audiobooks, watch YouTube tutorials – you have to seek out opportunities to learn for you to grow. The most important thing is that you put one foot in front of the other and just start.
Forte The Brand was created by two friends who were tired of the mundane and decided to do something about it. We created a clear vision of the life we wanted and the path to get there, and we've pivoted along the way. This brand is years in the making – it involved a lot of starting and stopping, pausing to learn and understand, adjusting our methods, and then picking back up again in full force. We are true believers that everyone should live a life they love, and that it's actually possible. So, stop living for the weekend, or for the next vacation, and start living for yourself. After all, if not now, then when?
1https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/13/self-made-millionaire-how-to-increase-your-odds-of-success-by-42-percent-marie-forleo.html: Self-made millionaire: The simple strategy that helped increase my odds of success by 42%
2 https://financesonline.com/how-much-data-is-created-every-day/
