Met Gala 2014 Fashion and Fun

The Met Gala (also called the Met Ball and the Costume Institute Gala) is one of the most prestigious events of the New York and fashion social year. It's a massive fundraiser ($9 million last year) for the Metropolitan Musem of Art's Costume Institute and it's annual exhibit. The 2014 exhibit opens on May 8. The Gala is attended by society elite, fashion elite and celebs galore. For a fashion girl like me, it's pure joy. It's over the top, couture fashion, at its best (and craziest). Last night I was glued to the #metgala Instagram feed.

I love seeing all of the amazing fashion (gowns, accessories and styling). This is a photo heavy post but it's worth it. All of the following photos were pulled from Instagram (with the hastag #MetGala).

 

In additon to the instant gratification of real time photos, I love the cadid shots that come from Instagram. Taken by the celebs themselves, they show true excitement and fun. They are personal, funny and not "styled".

I have to admit, it was hard to put down my phone last night. For a fashion junkie, it was a feast for the eyes.

Met Gala 2013 - The Good and Bad

The Met Gala is the annual anything goes gala.  It's a who's who of celebs that gives them a chance to wear avant-garde ensembles. This year the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  Frankly I was surprised there weren't more outlandish outfits.  Here are just a few of the highlights, good and bad.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

Giselle Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello

Jamie King in Top Shop

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

Madonna in Givenchy

Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel

Sienna Miller in Burberry

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon (dress) and Philip Tracey (hat)

Ashley Greene in Marchesa

Florence Welch in Givenchy

photo credits: Getty Images

Fashion Risk Taking - Met Gala 2011

Though usually impractical for daily life and always off the charts in the budget department, I love a beautiful gown.  At most awards shows the gown choices are beautiful but many times safe. Starlets are terrified they'll end up on the worst dressed list.  The annual Met Gala gives the middle finger to the worst dressed list. It's why I love this event. Designers and attendees pull out all of the stops, go for the avant garde and over the top. Here are some of the most memorable ensembles from Monday night's Gala.

I am obsessed with this dress by J. Mendel. The detail and deconstructed look made me swoon. I would have toughened it up even more with some rocker type accessories.

Taylor Swift in J.Mendel

Love the train and the sparkle.

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan

Beautiful lace. Leave it to Rhianna to make a lace dress look tough and rocker cool.

Rhianna in Stella McCartney

This is a love it or hate it dress. It's suits Christina Ricci and it fits her flawlessly. I love the fishtail.

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

I want to wear this dress for my wedding! The sheer silver over white and the pleats and gathers are classic Vera.

Jennifer Hudson in Vera Wang

Sweet and very age appropriate.

Dakota Fanning in Valentino

Bright colors were standouts among the neutrals at this year's Gala. The pleating of Eva Mendes' royal blue Stella McCartney dress is beautiful.  Gisele looks stunning in Alexander McQueen. The detailing of January Jones' YSL and Jennifer Lopez's Gucci gowns are show stoppers. However, I never like the choice of a short dress for this event and I would like the Gucci dress much better without the unkempt flower/ruffle like shrug. While we are on the subject of unkempt, would someone teach Tom Brady how to style his hair or hire him a better hair stylist?  I love long hair on men but it needs to look "done" not like he just got out of the shower and used too much gel to slick it back, but I digress.

L to R:  Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney, Gisele Bunchen in Alexander McQueen,
January Jones in YSL, Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

The award for the night's best mix of high and low goes to Ginnifer Goodwin in her Topshop dress!  The combination of bright colors along with her eye catching necklace is great. I also love her short hair. It really tempts me to go out and cut mine that short again.

Who are your favorites from this year's Met Gala?