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.

They are in VOGUE

Hi, my name is Deb and I love Birkenstocks ("HI DEB!). Luckily now I don't need a support group to unburden myself. According to VOGUE DAILY (July 29), Birkenstock sandals are back in. For me, they were never out.  Many fashion girls will cringe at this admission because they lump Birkenstocks in with Crocs and Uggs. My two trusty pairs are styles that are no longer available made in silver and purple python. They are my go to weekend shoes. I've walked many miles in them. I've walked beaches, shopping malls, outdoor concerts, tourist sites, even the streets and bars of Key West. The arch support is great for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). I can wear them all day long. Heidi Klum created a line for Birkenstock. It wasn't until Céline showed a fur lined versions in their Spring 2013 show that the fashion world embraced these sandals.

My favorite pair.

I also own these.

The silver pair above is my go to pair. They fit my feet perfectly and go with everything. I don't have a shot of the purple python pair but I will try to remember to post a shot of them on instagram. The crushed velvet clogs are the pair I wear least but I love the rhinestone buckle and velvet. Somehow , in my warped mind, that helps the horrible shape.

Fashion girls and celebrities are wearing Birkentstocks. Eva Chen, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky Magazine, loves Birks.

 

Celebs and fashion girls seem to favor black and in some cases silver or white. The styles they are wearing are Arizona, Gizeh, and Monterey.



Click above for buying information.

They aren't the suede hippie shoes that you remember. They come in fresh colors, metallics, and patent leather. For me they are comfortable flat shoe alternative. I always select pairs with something special. If you're looking for more than just basic black, QVC has some fun styles. If you're looking for bargains (prices range, $80 - $120), Birkenstock Express has the answer.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

Birkenstocks, do you love them or hate them?

NOTE: This post is a nod to all of my Birkenstock loving friends. You know who you are, KP, SP, AL, LL, and many more. :)

Inspiration - Celebrity Music Festival Style

Our first music festival of the spring/summer is in two weeks. We're going to the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and I can't wait. Having been to lots of festivals in my life, I always consider my outfit before I go.  It's partially the fashion girl in me but partially, the practical girl.  I want to look great all day but I also want to be comfortable.  I don't wear shorts except the occasional pair of long cut offs so I usually lean toward a dress.  I learned the hard way that sandals aren't the best choice for a festival. I usually go for boots or some kind of lace up shoe. Lots of celebs attend Coachella, a huge festival in the LA area. They get all of the celeb perks which means they don't have to worry about being huddled with the masses or using a port a potty.  But some of them actually wear outfits that don't scream VIP.

I used some of them as inspiration for my outfit plans.

Click above for buying information

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Vintage Inspired Glasses

Luckily for most of my life I've had good eyesight. It wasn't until I started working on computers daily that I began wearing glasses often.  Then as I got older, I've had to have glasses for reading. Growing up, I always wanted to be cool or what I thought at the time was cool.  I wouldn't have thought that the glasses I'm obesessed with and loving today were cool (back then).  You know the ones, the black wayfarer style synonymous with guys wearing pocket protectors. My dad had a pair back in the 50's and 60's, when he was an engineering major.  I can't help it, I love them. I'm obsessed! I found a great pair of reading glasses at Loehmann's but I need a pair in my own prescription.

Even celebs have gotten on the the bandwagon.




I'm sure I can find any number of frames at a local optician. In the interest of doing good with my purchases, I'm planning to try Warby Parker.  Their glasses are affordable, at only $95 per pair. They will even send five pairs to try on at home for free!  The best part of Warby Parket is that for each pair of glasses purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. Their vintage inspired frames are fantastic! 

Here are a few of my favorites...


Crosby

 

Fillmore

Winston

Once I get my prescription, I'm headed right over to the Warby Parker website to order my glasses to try on at home.  What do you think? Would you wear this style or pass?



Note: I wasn't compensated by Warby Parker. I just love their glasses and their mission.

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?