The Costume Institure Gala at the Met - 2012 Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

This year's gala at the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute was a study in the influence of Elsa Schiaparelli and the house of Prada. As the most important red carpet in the fashion world, this is the time to push the envelope, and wear something daring. Many of the ladies who had the privilege to walk the red carpet on May 7 went this route. Unfortunately, not everyone got this right. Read on to see my choices for best and worst dressed!

Number 5
Christina Ricci in Thakoon

Now, I know that this look has also been on many worst dressed lists, but I beg to differ. I would like this more without the train, but in general I find it quite stunning.

Number 4
Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier















I love the beautiful draping of this gown, and the detail at the neckline. The gorgeous coral shade is right on trend for spring. I also appreciate the fact that she did NOT match her shoes (hello prom).

Number 3
Carey Mulligan in Prada


Paying homage to the theme of the evening, this look is just so fashion-forward, but it is not too over-the-top, and it is still extremely flattering. I am glad that she wore no jewellery and kept her shoes simple. Her hair also looks super-cute.

Number 2
January Jones in Versace
















Something about this makes me think of a superhero, and I kind of love it. The lemony yellow shade is so flattering on almost every skin tone, and it looks smashing on Ms. Jones's porcelain complexion.

Number 1
Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren

Stunning! I love this. The twenties reference, which we saw so much of on the spring runways, works so well here without being at all costume-y. I love the beautiful swirly pattern and the sheer panels modernize the shimmering gown perfectly. I love the dark lacquered lip and the simple hair. To die for! P.S. does anyone know what Camilla Belle actually does? Or why she was here?

And now, for the worst...



Number 5
Coco Rocha in vintage Givenchy

Now, I cannot totally hate this outfit because it once belonged to the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. However, Coco Rocha has a history of terrible style choices, and this is yet another one. How come even supermodels can't get it right? There is no shame in hiring a stylist, although I don't know how you could be a model and not manage to pick up an ounce of style along the way. And the pink hair is very high school, as in, "I'm mad at my mummy."

Number 4
Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello
 
Well, if she was aiming to look like a starved Russian hooker, then she hit the nail on the head. This is so trashy, and the hip bone is really terrifying. I think the dead look in her eyes comes from malnourishment.

Number 3
Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

She looks like an eighties power woman. This is terrible. And way too informal for the occasion. The shade of red is awful and it totally clashes with the carpet.
Number 2
Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga

Another eighties nightmare! If Kirsten Dunst is the eighties power woman, then Kristen Stewart is the eighties slut. This dress is so tacky and those are some of the ugliest shoes I have ever seen. Also, she appears to have forgot to get her hair done.
Number 1
Mary Kate Olsen in the Row


While this ensemble is not the worst of the bunch, Mary Kate took the top spot because she just looks so terrifying. Something about her eyes and her hair sends chills down my spine. She looks deranged. I think that after the party she might be heading home to eat puppies.

Musical Inspiration

Music and fashion are inextricably linked, and I think that everyone can agree that generally musicians have pretty fabulous style. Taking style cues from rock stars adds a bit of edge or cool-factor to an outfit. Sadly, when I was younger my musical tastes did not lead to great style. I was a fashion victim of the Spice Girls. I had it all: a lime green pleather jacket, giant foam platforms, and babydoll dresses. It was not my best look. Today, though, I feel that by looking back a little further in musical history my style icons are more likely to inspire a look that I won't be embarrassed of in ten years. Here are a few of my favorite rock star style icons.


Debbie Harry






 The original bottle-blonde rock star, Blondie front woman Debbie Harry was the only woman in an all-male band. As the queen of new-wave punk in the 1970s, Ms. Harry's style was so cool. The tousled blonde hair, skin-tight denim, and tank tops combined with a good dose of attitude equals a style that endures. The rock star attitude really is what makes this all work, though. Remember that!

Tina Turner









Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll. She started out as one half of Ike and Tina, divorced the abusive Ike, and went on to have a solo career that far eclipsed his. There really are no words to descibe how epic Tina truely is. I mean, the hair, the short, sparkly dresses, the LEGS! And this woman can sing! Even well into her 60s, Tina gave Beyonce a run for her money at the Grammys in skin-tight silver pants, belting out Proud Mary. Go Tina!


Bruce Springsteen







I don't want to leave the boys out, so for all the gents out there who read my blog, take a cue from the Boss and try tight jeans and leather, accessorized with a guitar. Bruce Springsteen's all-American look is always in style!