met + gala

The Met Costume Institute Gala is the mecca of fashion, far better than any award show. If only they had red carpet and pre-show specials that focused specifically on who wear's what like the Oscars. I am rarely interested in what the 'hot' celebrity at the moment is wearing. I mean, this is the Met, NYC, the Costume Institute - not Tinsletown's cinema royalty. We are talking art, couture, and savage beauty. That being said, I usually need to wait a few days for all the pictures to surface that I want to see. This is about THE gown, not a popularity contest of when the last movie you made was. Below are my top 3 picks...

[caption id="attachment_836" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Kerry Washington in Escada. "][/caption]

A custom made chiffon triangle cutout embroidered gown. I want to describe this dress as sea foam green so bad but that just doesn't sound "elegant" enough. I love the mix of textures, shapes, patterns, and of course, unexpected color. And that pop of fuchsia lip…ahhh, in love!

[caption id="attachment_837" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Bar Refaeli in Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2011. "][/caption]

This strapless beaded gown is truly a work of art. No other word comes to mind, than stunner. There is a heavy, ornate, richness to this metallic art deco number that couldn't be more perfect for a Costume Institute Gala.

[caption id="attachment_838" align="aligncenter" width="470" caption="Leelee Sobieski in Vionnet Pre-Fall 2011. "][/caption]

Simplicity done at its best. This creamsicle dreamsicle transports me directly to a warm breezed Grecian night. Her bronzed makeup, effortless upswept hair, and gold leaf accents finish this sophisticated yet carefree look.

orchid + downtown

Spring has sprung people!!! And I couldn't be more excited - even though I live in an area where it is always a lovely temperature, there is just a different vibe in the air knowing that Summer is just around the corner. Last week Vixations and I stopped in a downtown LA florist, Orchid 2 Orchid. They have a fantastic collection of all sorts of orchids - any color, breed, arrangement, and price (starting at $10 - now that is faboosh!) I was specifically looking for a thank you gift but while walking around surrounded by orchids (and snapping away pics on my iPhone to preserve the vivid colors and velvety texture of the petals) I thought, flowers shouldn't be just for special occasions, they should be enjoyed everyday. So, that my friends is going to be my mid-year resolution…bringing a little more colorful life into my apartment each week. Happy May, my lovelies!