Center Stage Gala

The Center Stage Gala’s mandated “creative cocktail” attire might have provided a challenge for some. For Maggie Ford, 28, it was a no-brainer.

The Price Modern account executive said she loves to play with her style – looking for unique, fun pieces – as does her husband, Michael Ford.

“The two of us together are each other’s worse nightmare when it comes to shopping because we love it so much. We’re either a dream team or an expensive date,” she said, with a laugh.

“When we went to Lisbon, I told my husband, let’s travel with empty suitcases because there’s amazing shopping there. We came back with a combined total of 12 pairs of shoes,” she related.

However, Ford said she also believes in getting plenty of mileage from the things she buys, which are often on sale.

For the gala, all she had to do was rejigger the outfit she had worn for the couple’s wedding rehearsal dinner in February 2018.

“It was on the beach in South Florida. We wanted it to be super casual and fun. It was literally in the sand. I wore [this pink top] with white cutoff jeans and these same pink glittery shoes,” said the Woodberry resident.

And then there was the accessory no creative fashionista can be without – the right attitude.

“I think your style is a reflection of your personality. I’m definitely bubbly. I’m always happy… A smile and confidence will get you through,” she said.

HER ENSEMBLE: Pink mesh top with embroidered appliques and feather trim from Elie Tahari store in West Palm Beach, Fla. Emerald flowy wide-leg pants from a vintage store in Lisbon, Portugal. Miu Miu pink glittery platform sandals from Nordstrom Rack. Pink Rockstud pink handbag with red heart from Valentino store (on sale).