Ballgown Barefoot is dedicated to creative and colorful interpretations of classic design, often with more than a bit of whimsy. The vintage and modern pieces offered at Ballgown are carefully curated by Gari to help clients surround themselves with beautiful, inspiring and fun moments.
Where it Started
The name Ballgown Barefoot came to Gari many years ago as she reflected on her favorite part of any black tie occasion . . . late in the evening when she and friends would take off their heels and dance barefoot, spinning like princesses in gorgeous ballgowns and yet absolutely comfortable without shoes.
There are moments in life where you feel incredibly special and yet perfectly comfortable . . . and Gari’s goal with Ballgown is to help her clients find more moments like that. She believes everything can and should be beautiful and yet absolutely comfortable.
About Gari
Gari grew up in Washington, D.C. and spent her childhood vacations exploring English country houses, hotels and cathedrals. Those experiences shaped her sense of design, as did her love for entertaining. She worked at both the New York Public Library and The National Building Museum before a 20-year career practicing antitrust law in DC and Dallas.
In 2020, she and her husband bought a small inn and reimagined and renovated it to become a luxury boutique hotel and a true retreat. Now, Gari splits her time between Washington, DC and Urbanna, Virginia where she runs that hotel, The Chesapeake Inn, its Studio, Sauna & Spa and Ballgown Barefoot. She loves spoiling her guests, and offers Equus Coaching Sessions when her schedule permits. When she’s not at work, you can usually find her spending time with her family. She has six wonderful daughters and three amazing grandchildren.
Why Urbanna
Ballgown Barefoot grew out of Gari’s small luxury hotel, The Chesapeake Inn, which she bought, reimagined and renovated in 2020 in the middle of Covid.
Both The Chesapeake Inn and Ballgown Barefoot have allowed Gari to showcase her distinctive laid-back coastal elegant design style and her commitment to personalized hospitality and self-care. Ballgown Barefoot is named to evoke life’s perfect moments where you feel perfectly special and yet also absolutely comfortable – like at the end of a black tie gala where you take your heels off and dance barefoot.