The Met Gala was last night, which kicks off  the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s yearly Costume Institute exhibit. This year’s theme was “Punk: Chaos to Couture“, which I was pumped about since I love to incorporate a bit of edge into any outfit, and the majority of songs on my iTunes are by NOFX, so I always enjoy a good punk moment! Below are some images from the exclusive punk shop via Moda Operandi including some major designers and probably the most influential designer in punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood, who used to dress the Sex Pistols!! 

AND MY BEST DRESSED ARE…

As I was trying to choose my favorite looks from the night, I realized there were some similarities amongst them. So instead of narrowing it down to only a few, here are all of the looks I loved, and some common themes of the night that these ladies rocked! And you better believe there are no average red carpet looks in my best dressed. With this theme, you better go punk or go home! 

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon dress, Christian Louboutin plaid thigh-high boots, and Philip Treacy mohawh headdress. SJP always nails it!

Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier corseted, black lace pantsuit with added black leather halter and tulle overskirt. Love the layered combo she has going on. 

Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello, red leather dress with grommet detail. She went full out punk with this leather mini, which I appreciated unlike some who looked like they where on any other red carpet.

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Thom Browne, floral printed gown with spiked shoulders. Loved the unexpected, oversized spikes on this feminine gown. 

Sienna Miller in Burberry, sleek white gown and studded leather jacket

Cara Delevingn in Burberry plunging, studded gown. 

Side part, sleek gown, and arm full of studs? Punk stole my look! Even though these 2 did not push any limits for this occasion, they both rocked it. Love a sleek, sexy, yet edgy look any day!  

Nicole Richie in Topshop, embellished white gown

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture

Dark lips and slicked back hair gave these bright white gowns the perfect vampy touch. 

These 4 shoe styles have been gracing the runways, shoe racks, and fashionista’s feet everywhere this past season! It seems like this year has had more predominant shoe trends than I can remember in the past. Maybe it is because I tend to buy things that I will like and will wear for a while, whether or not they are the latest trend. These trends come in every shoe style  imaginable. I chose a flat, sandal, heel, & wedge to show 4 different styles, for these 4 Spring shoe trends below. I know that I will always be fond of these styles, since I have a pair of silver heels that were my grandmothers (sadly too small, but displayed in my office) and a vintage clear pvc pair I bought from the thrift store before the trend became so mainstream. So ladies, I beg of you, save your shoes!! Even when the season is over, and the newest trend is all you want to wear, box up those special pairs to pass down when that style makes it back around generations later. 

METALLIC: Sandal/Flat/Wedge/Heel  // MESH: Sandal/Flat/Wedge/Heel // PRINT: Sandal/Flat/Wedge/Heel // PVC: Sandal/Flat/Wedge/Heel

I remember when I heard the news that a Free People store was opening in New Orleans. I was ecstatic! I love their clothing, but also just their brand overall and everything that they represent. Walking into a Free People store just puts a smile on your face. From the whimsical visual instilations, to the bright, flowy clothes and fun accessories that adorn the space, every visit is like a little magical getaway! I am honored to be participating in the one year celebration of the New Orleans store opening THIS FRIDAY! Join us for some cocktails & cupcakes while you style an outfit to be entered in our contest for a chance to be featured on my blog + a Free People gift certificate!! Enjoy 15% off your purchase of $100+ as well as other giveaways. 

Free People has outfits for every occasion, especially with Easter right around the corner, and Festival Season closely following. Here are my picks for the perfect Easter & Festival outfits. 

Hope to see y’all there!! 

A few days before Amanda’s show I had a chance to get a sneak peek of her collection when I went to her house to pull something to wear for the show. Covered in bits of sequined scraps cut from the seam allowance of one of her garments, Amanda showed us some of what she was working on. From the hand cut leather, to the individual gold flowers, and the amount of sequins and tulle, I knew her collection would be amazing, but as always, it blew me away!! The Amanda deLeon show included everything that I love, and want to wear all the time – sequins, leather, draped backs, tulle, and fringe!… not to forget impeccable craftsmanship, and unique details. 

Photo booth pics by Booth232

Mat’s collection was a perfect mixture of both feminine and masculine styles on each sex. The males embraced the feminine styles such as tights worn with short shorts, an ankle length purple kaftan, and a kilt, while the ladies rocked some masculine silhouettes including military style tops, ascot ties and vests paired with sexy skirts. The simple color palette of camel and khaki with pops of purple plaid and vintage looking prints mixed in, complimented the entire collection perfectly.  

I of course had to wear some Mat Arthur to his show myself! I received so many compliments on that top. Whether they knew right away that it was Mat’s or not, everyone loved it, as did I!

Outfit: Top & Skirt: Matthew Arthur // Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell via Buffalo Exchange // Clutch: Vintage c/o my grandma // Bangle: Hemline

Outfit photos by Ciera Design // Photo Booth pics by Booth 232

There is one word in particular that describes how I feel about Andi’s collection Hazel & Florange – OBSESSED. Maxi’s, crop tops, turbans, tassels, and print galore! The collection was girly in the hippest way possible. I love the laid back vibe she gave it by styling some looks with converse, and others with bright beanies.

I had the pleasure of going back stage after the shows to pull something to wear to the last night of shows and wrap party. Andi, I don’t know how you do it all, but congrats on the 5th season of NOLA Fashion Week and an exceptional first collection of your own! (Damn you My Style Pill for getting in my last pic) 

Stay tuned for what I chose to wear from Hazel & Florange for the wrap party! 

Last night’s NOLA Fashion Week shows were full of black magic! Although that was the name of Blackout’s collection, the first show I attended, Izavel also lacked in color. Don’t get me wrong, that is not a bad thing! Color is not needed when you have such an interesting collection of structural shapes, getting more intricate with every look. 

Snapped some pics with Lana in between the shows. Loved our outfit combo of stripes, polka dots, floral, and black & white with pops of pastel! 

Blackout. by Ashlie Ming was so wearable, I could see so many people in any one of the looks from this collection. The last look stood out from the rest of the all black collection with a flowy, light pink dress with splatter print and a mesh scarf. That was my personal favorite, and would wear that any day! 

And now, for my own fashion show, on the crosswalk catwalk! I call this collection, Stripes, on Stripes, on Stripes. 

I don’t need a blogger boyfriend photographer, I have Lana’s (well fiance now). Thanks Myrt for the pics!

And as I do my outfit credits, I realize it’s almost all from Forevs! Yay fashion on a budget! 

Top: Thrifted // Jeans + Vest + Shoes + Necklace + Clutch: Forever 21 // Tassel Earrings: Old Navy

Happy Valentines Day! To show my love to my followers I am doing a giveaway for this awesome printed clutch courtesy of Brianne Faye. This clutch is hand screen printed on canvas with micro suede lining and inner pocket with a value of $55.

Will you be mine? 

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY USE THE WIDGET BELOW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s Carnival season y’all!! And I don’t know about you, but that means A LOT of walking for me! I am on my feet all day during work, and then I head straight to the parades, parking far and walking (at my usual abnormally fast pace) to my destination. Flat boots are always a must for parades, but I have found that even my flat riding boots can feel a bit constricting and uncomfortable after being in them ALL day into the night. I have decided to try a new option this year, SNEAKERS! I have never really been a fan of wearing sneakers other than to work out, but since they have been such a trend, and more and more styles have evolved, I have grown to like them (well some). You will notice there are none of those wedge sneakers featured. Not a huge fan of those. Don’t get the point. I would usually feel too casual or frumpy feeling in a sneaker rather than a boot, these are not your average tennis shoe though. Adorned with spikes, sequins, zippers, flowers, metallics, leopard print and Mardi Gras colors, I think these are a great option to wear with your skinny jeans, leather pants, leggings, tutu’s… ya know, whatever you choose to don for some parade watching, late night partying, Mardi Gras fun! I personally chose to purchase #6. I just loved the gold and high top combo, and even if I decide that the sneaker trend is not for me, it was worth the try for only $35! 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

I am still waiting for my new kicks to arrive but check out how blogger Sincerely, Jules styled her sneakers. Perfectly casual yet still super stylish and put together. 

P.S. those Nike’s are my FAV of ALL, so sad my size is not available anywhere!! Limited sizes can be found here. 

I can’t wait to get my new kicks out on the parade route! Hope everyone has a fun & fashionable Mardi Gras season!! 

Happy 2013 y’all! I hope everyone had a fun New Years Eve full of laughter with lots of bubbly & confetti, because I sure know I did! Here’s a little recap of the few pics I have from the night. Lana and I started the night off at #Confetti13, a party with some of her Anthro co-workers, complete with a photo backdrop, oversized noisemakers, whimsical decor, and lots of confetti that we decided to adorn our drinks with the rest of the night. Next, it was off to d.b.a. when I discovered that my beaded dress doubled as a wash board while the noise maker I was holding hit against it as I walked. I played us some tunes as we marched through the quarter to get to our next destination where The Soul Rebels would take over as our musical entertainment and lots more bubbly would be consumed. Cheers to a new year that I hope brings happiness, health, love, wealth, and lots of sparkle and shine to all you lovelies! <3