stella mccartney – Always Fashionably Kate

Met Gala Fashion Round-Up

This year’s Met Gala was jam-packed (and I mean that! Did you see the size of some of those gowns?!) with glitz, glam, a little skin and a whole lot of tulle! The theme was “White Tie and Diamonds” and the event honored designer, Charles James with an exhibit “Beyond Fashion.” Charles James is known for ballroom gowns and has come to be recognized as the first designer to dabble in couture fashion.

Many of the women who attended this year’s Met Gala took Charles James’ inspiration quite literally and looked like they stepped right out of the 1950s with their ensembles. Others well, they took on their own approach to the theme. Here are some of the trending styles that appeared on the red-carpet with my absolute favorites at the end. ENJOY!

Over-The-Top Embellishment: Beyonce in Givenchy, Kristen Stewart in Chanel Lupita Nyong’o in Prada and Leighton Meester in Emilio Pucci.

Cream of the Crop Top : Emma Stone in Thakoon, Anne Hathaway in Calvin Klein, Rihanna in Stella McCartney and Gabrielle Union in Prada

Good Ole Black & White : Charlize Theron in Dior, Jessica Pare in Michael Kors, Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung, Zoe Saldana in Michael Kors and Anna Kendrick in J. Mendel

Pretty in Pastels : Rachel McAdams in Ralph Lauren, Elizabeth Olsen in Miu Miu, Rashida Jones in Tory Burch, Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney and Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta

Shine On Metallic : Lea Michele in Altuzarra, Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta, Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss, Chrissy Teigen in Ralph Lauren, Lily Aldridge in Michael Kors and Karlie Kloss in Oscar de la Renta

Fabulous Floral : Hayden Panettiere in Dennis Basso, Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli and Florence Welsh in Valentino

Pardon My Pants : Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga and Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney

My Picks:

3rd Place: Suki Waterhouse in Butberry

2nd Place: Blake Lively in Gucci

andddd 1ST PLACE : THE QUEEN OF THE MET GALA: SARAH JESSICA PARKER in Oscar de la Renta

My New Babies!

Just wanted to share my new addition to my shades collection. These leopard, cat-eye Stella McCartney sunglasses are just as fab on as they are in their case. I literally want to wear them everywhere – including indoors as I enjoy the rest of my relaxing weekend.

Coral for Spring

I can’t think of a punchier, perkier or more perfect color for spring than coral. It’s the just-right mix of pastel and bright, depending on the hue you choose. It compliments every skin color. It also goes with every color of the rainbow – so color and outfit combos are truly endless! Coral is also a perfect color to wear into the hot summer months. But for now, we will just use it as a summer buffer to wear during the spring months. The above look is from J. Crew and it inspired me to scour sites for everything coral to add to my closet.

Left to right – Top row – H&M Slingbacks, Tom Ford Lip Color in True Coral, Essie Nail Polish in Tart Deco, BaubleBar Coral Bezel Bead Cuff, Zara Strappy Dress, Steve Madden wedges, Zara Button Neck Shirt. Bottom row – Stella McCartney Tailored Trousers, Zara Ankle Strap Sandal, River Island Coral jersey belted maxi skirt, Kate Spade new york Charlotte Street Small Sloan

The Essentials : Now & Forever

While styles may come and go and we all look back on certain trends that we probably never want to revisit again, there ARE, however certain things that must really always be in your closet. At all times. For every and any occasion or outfit. These are the old-faithfuls that have treated us well over years of fashion. Here they are, along with some of my favorites in each category.

Black Ankle Boots – paired with jeans, skirts, dresses – you name it! The perfect go-to shoe to dress up or down.

Acne, Rag & Bone, Maison Martin Margiela

Statement Necklace – Need to glam-up an outfit? Look no further than the statement necklace! It pulls together any outfit and can turn a plain tee and jeans outfit into a great night-out look.

Tom Binns, Emporio Armani, Marni

Clutch – The perfect “bag” for a night out or an errand to run when you just need your card, phone, and maybe some fab red lipstick.

Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent

Flats – These can be switched out with the first “must-have” and can be worn with almost everything. Flats are great everyday shoes that you can just slip on and be off! Plus, the colors and prints that you can choose to work them into an outfit are limitless – just look at the ones below!

Valentino, Stella Mccartney, Tory Burch

always FASHIONABLY kate

Holographic Extras

When I was younger, the only “holographic” that mattered to kids was if their Pokemon cards were holographic or not. Now, holographic accessories have taken over the fashion world. Spotted on the feet or slung over the shoulder of the best dressers, hologram-covered extras were all the rage at New York Fashion Week. Designers apparently can’t choose just one color, so they choose hologram and get all the colors of the rainbow! This trippy trend has totally caught my attention (though not so sure I would wear it) and it’s about to catch on even more once all the new collections arrive at stores in the upcoming seasons. Check out these extras below!

STELLA MCCARTNEY
Holographic faux leather pumps

PROENZA SCHOULER
The PS11 Mini Classic holographic leather shoulder bag

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
Chainmail scarf

always FASHIONABLY kate

Get Cozy!

Although we can’t stop the blustery, cold weather from coming, we can bundle up and keep warm this winter with chunky knits. Soft and cozy is totally in this season – just look at Pinterest during the time of year, if I see that big, white chunky knit blanket one more time I’m going to have to buy it! Anyway, chunky knits are not just for wearing in the coldest of snowstorms, they are diverse enough that you can dress them up yet still feel that same warm comfort as you do when you’re sitting in front of the fireplace with some hot chocolate. Choose one piece of your wardrobe and replace it with a knit – because wearing a full outfit of knit will just make you look like crocheting is your one and only hobby.

knits by katieb52088 featuring lipsy

Wal G striped sweater, $48 / Vanessa Bruno Athé chunky knit cardigan / Rachel Comey sleeveless sweater / French Connection / Acne knit top / Isabel Marant long sleeve knit shirt / rag & bone crewneck sweater / Alice hannah, $19 / River Island pink shawl, $32 / Mango beanie hat / Lipsy , $32 / Stella McCartney wool hat

always FASHIONABLY kate

Let Your Feet Shine!

While statements are usually made by our clothing, why not let our feet do the talking for a chance! Shoes are usually the last pieces of our ensemble to be slipped on but now they are taking charge of the rest of what we adorn ourselves with thanks to shiny shoes! The high shine trend which I’ve spoken about before, has traveled it’s way down to our feet and I absolutely love it! The metallic gold shine will brighten up any dreary day and remind us of summer sun! The shiny glamour can be subtle with just a gold capped toe or heel OR it can be a completely gold shiny wedge or bootie. Either way, this trend will cast eyes downward very quickly and leave everyone drooling over our gorgeous footwear! Here are some of my favorites from Net-A-Porter!

Left to right : YSL Mae suede and metal pumps / Christian Louboutin Rock & Gold 120 metallic leather ankle boots / Stella McCartney Metal-heel velvet pumps

always FASHIONABLY kate

Buying Guide : Fall ’12 Trends

With the cooler weather really setting in and the first official day of fall this weekend, it’s really about time we hit the stores (or websites, however you may shop) and find the latest and greatest trends for Fall 2012. I would like to provide all you fashionistas with the latest, chicest choices for your closet this season. Below are clothing and accessories broken down into their selective trends so that you can pick the ones that appeal most to your style. Enjoy!

Equestrian Militant – No, not for a day on the back of a horse but a sophisticated and clean look for the super simple, basics-are-my-life fashionista.

Military Equestrain by katieb52088 featuring a brown skirt

Rich Glamour – If you plan on walking into the offices of Vogue anytime soon, I suggest following this trend which includes a super rich-color palette with bold accessories that pop. This look is for someone who is NOT trying to blend in.

Rich Glamour by katieb52088 featuring zac posen

Embellished Brocade – Over the top? That doesn’t even begin to explain this look. Think eccentric Lady Gaga meets elegant Beyonce. The brocade pattern is nothing new but it’s making a big statement this season by adding embellishment and shine to every piece of clothing and every accessory item it graces.