Best Dressed: Met Gala 2011

Last night was the Met Gala…otherwise known as the Met Ball, Costume Institute Gala, and the “Oscars of Fashion.” As I like to say, normal red carpet events are meant to please the mainstream, and the Met Gala is meant to please the fashion world. There were a lot of fabulous dresses out there, which of course can easily be ruined by poor styling choices. No one is perfect, but when you have a team of hair stylists, wardrobe stylists and makeup artists on hand, you are expected to get pretty damn close.

With that said, here are my best dressed picks for the 2011 Met Gala…

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Miranda Kerr in custom Marchesa

Her job is to be an angel, and she looked like quite the fashionable one in this custom Marchesa dress. Those appear to be Nicholas Kirkwood shoes which is always a funkier pairing choice. I appreciate when celebs choose an unexpected accessory, and pairing this stunning dress with something other than a sparkly pump is exactly what I’m talking about.

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Margherita Missoni in Missoni

I can always count on Margherita Missoni for some unexpected accessory pairings. Belting this dress definitely dresses it down, but I don’t hate it. Wearing a spiked necklace with those statement bracelets is a bold move, and it’s the perfect juxtaposition to the pastel lightness of the dress.

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Liv Tyler in Givenchy Haute Couture

The 2011 Met Gala wouldn’t be the 2011 Met Gala without at least one dress from the Givenchy Spring 2011 Couture collection. That collection screams WEAR ME TO THE MET so I’m glad Liv Tyler decided to go this direction. The bright yellow clutch is a perfect pairing for this lavish gown.

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Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney

I’m normally not one for simplicity but this was too perfect to pass up. I know she does this minimalistic nude dress look often, but you can’t help but stare. When a dress fits like a glove, it makes all the difference…and this fit is just amazing.

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Emma Stone in Lanvin

To be honest, I don’t really like this dress. So why did I pick this look for my best dressed picks? Because the drama it brings combined with the bold lips and statement earrings is just amazing. I had to look at this a few times to make sure I loved it, and although this will be a controversial one…I LOVE this look.

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Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

This is another look that brings the drama. A large slit is an easy way to pump up the drama, plus the hair and makeup really compliment the outfit. She is also working the HELL out of this look…which is always important when posing on the red carpet. The dress is gorgeous on it’s own but was meant to be worn by Miss Kruger.

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Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung

Another controversial look, most would see this and give a big WTF, but this was my absolute favorite dress from the Prabal Gurung Fall 2011 collection so I had to include it here.  I actually was hoping someone wore it to the Oscars, so when I saw it at the Met Gala I was beyond thrilled. Although the headpiece is a little much, this is the ONLY event you can get away with wearing a head-to-toe feathered look. My only comment, I wish she would have “worked it” like Diane, because the standard smile-and-pose does not work with a look like this.

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Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen

This entire event was dedicated to the late Alexander McQueen, so I knew there would be quite a few McQueen dresses on the red carpet…although there were none like this. If you’ve read my red carpet commentary posts before, I rarely ever fall in love with a red dress (it’s my least favorite color…especially paired with the RED carpet). However, I literally gasped when I saw this photo. If anyone but Gisele wore this, my reaction would be completely different. But she BROUGHT IT in this dress and I am loving every bit of it.

Who were your best dressed picks? Let me know in the comments section below!

Photos: Tom & Lorenzo, Radar Online, The Cut

Chicago Event: Cerato’s 1 Year Annivesary Party

Chicago boutique, Cerato, is celebrating their one year anniversary Friday, May 6th from 6-9pm. Cocktails, appetizers, desserts, and wine will be served compliments of Riazul Premium Tequila, Sensational Bites, The Noble Grape, and Mystic Celt.

Guests will receive 20% off all merchandise AND with every purchase be entered in a raffle to win a $100 Cerato gift card! Even better? Those who come dressed in a Chicago designer will be also be entered in the raffle for a $100 Cerato gift card.

Cerato Boutique prides themselves on supporting Chicago fashion by carrying local designers. So come support the Chicago fashion scene by attending their one year anniversary celebration.

However, if you can’t make it Friday night, Cerato Boutique will offer 15% off all merchandise Saturday, May 7th -Sunday, May 8th.

INFO:

Cerato Boutique
3451 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60657
773.248.8604
info@ceratoboutique.com

Photo Credit

Chi City Closet: My First Chanel Bag

Yes, I have finally purchased my very first Chanel bag…I haven’t been this excited since my first PS1! Something I’ve always dreamed about, I am thrilled to have my first Chanel bag be such a unique find. A soft quilted material in a stunning royal purple color, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

Where did I find something this fabulous? I bought it on consignment from eDrop-Off. Browsing the website daily, I come across so many amazing pieces, including an always incredible selection of Chanel. I have never encountered such an amazing Chanel bag before, so I knew I had to have this one.

Celebrate Mother’s Day With Gilt Groupe

Looking to pick up the perfect Mother’s Day gift? And maybe a gift or two for yourself in the mean time? Well then you’ve come to the right place.

Here are my top picks for this week’s sales on Gilt.

Marc by Marc Jacobs (4/27) –  Hip, layer-ready separates in bright, unexpected color combos and a retro-meets-metro aesthetic. Style Tip: pair the ladylike blazers with shorts, for a thoroughly modern take on mix-and-match suiting.

Swarovski Jewelry (4/27)- Few things say “glam” like the glitz of a bauble encrusted with Swarovski crystals. With an array of eclectic styles, from colorful pendant chains and rings to bib necklaces and dramatic chandelier earrings, you’ll be sure to find something you love.

Mother’s Day (4/28)- In celebration of Mother’s Day,  Gilt is hosting a Mother’s day sale event featuring gift selections to choose from for every mom.  Purchase the perfect gift to express your appreciation and love. There’s a big variety of prices and styles so you can find the perfect gift  for YOUR mom!

Kendra Scott Jewelry (4/29) – Bring something different to the table with a kaleidoscope of bright jewelry from Kendra Scott. This Texas native’s craftsy range of statement pieces are the perfect standout accessories to keep you looking on the bright side.

Remember, you must be a member to enjoy the benefits of shopping these fab sales, so JOIN NOW and enjoy the perks!

Rebecca Minkoff’s Mugly Bag Contest

We’ve heard of ugly, and even fugly…but what about mugly? According to the team at Rebecca Minkoff, a Mugly Bag is “an unpleasant or repulsive item used to carry or store mom things like checkbooks, coupons, tissues and Carole King CDs.” If you or someone you know suffers from owning a mugly bag, and you would like to benefit from it, please continue reading…

If your mother has a Mugly Bag, snap a photo of her wearing it and submit it to Minkette.com for a chance to win her a new bag. For being such a concerned son or daughter, they’ll send you a new bag as well!

Plus, from now until May 2nd, receive a free “Mamalicious” or “Pretty Mama” pouch with any purchase of $295 or more! Just enter code “LOVEUMOM” at checkout to redeem.

For more information, visit The Mugly Bag Contest webpage.