MET Gala 2015 – China: Through the Looking Glass

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute gala was held last night. The theme of the 2015 fashion extravaganza was “China: Through the Looking Glass” and the stars were dressed to impress. There was no shortage of ladies bringing outstanding style and their own interpretation of the chinoiserie theme to the annual spectacle. But in my opinion it was couples fashion that ruled the red carpet as they channeled, complemented or highlighted each others style.

Red dominated as the premier fashion choice for many couples. The colour was a less literal take on the chinese motif. Symbolizing good fortune and joy, the elegant and sexy choice was an obvious hit. The men complemented their partners with sleek black in a gorgeous play of yin and yang.

Amal and George Clooney

Amal and George Clooney

Livia and Colin Firth

Livia and Colin Firth

Hannah Davis and Derek Jeter

Hannah Davis and Derek Jeter

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Sarah Jessica Parker went husbandless partnering instead with Andy Cohen. Perfect arm candy with his matching poppy boutonniere. But not much could really upstage that original Philip Treacy head piece and only a fashion icon like SJP could pull it off.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Andy Cohen

Sarah Jessica Parker and Andy Cohen

There is nothing more complementary than partners (or sisters) that don’t upstage each other. Dressed in black, these couples are perfect bookends to this fashion story.

Renee Puente and Matthew Morrison

Renee Puente and Matthew Morrison

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen

Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen

Opposites attract and look simply stunning in black and white. Here style is all in the details (cutouts, embroidery, sparkles) and the men provide the perfect backdrop to their partners outstanding choices.

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

Cassie and Diddy

Cassie and Diddy

Two of the stars that shone the brightest on this night were Beyonce and Kim (no last names required for these two mavens of fashion headlines). In the gala’s most daring and baring dresses, both women were clearly the centre of attention. I’m not sure who the winner of this fashion fight was, but I know both Kanye and Jay-Z were happy to give up the spotlight to these gorgeous ladies.

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West

I’d love to hear about who you thought were the galas winners or losers!

 

Seeing Home Decor Through Pink Coloured Glasses

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House and Home magazinesHome decor is a bit of an obsession. On weekends you can find me haunting big box home decor stores and small one-of-a-kind boutiques in search of treasures. Or in an indulgent moment, with a glass of wine in hand, pouring through a design magazine that arrived in the mail (sorry Mother Earth but I’m still partial to paper).

I have owned homes and rented and over the years I’ve managed to learn a thing or two about decor. It can be one of the most simple yet difficult things to do; Be both frustrating and rewarding. It can make you miserable or happy.

So whether you’re on a budget or not, here is my #1 tip: ADD PINK! I know this sounds scary to many who cringe at the thought of this sugary feminine colour, and would rather dip their paint brush into something black, or even worse, beige… but hear me out.

Pink carnations with coffee table books  Pink lilies on table top decorThere is a fine line between childish and chic when it comes to pink. Covering every surface in this bright hue could easily transform any room into a seven year old’s princess paradise, but just a touch of rose is the perfect accent to any design palette. Think of it like a swipe of lipstick. Or that pop of blush on your cheeks after a great workout. It makes you look and feel more vibrant. It’s nature’s perfect accent!

Pink horse statues on fireplaceFlip open any design magazine or style book and you will find gorgeous pink flowers dotting the pages. The colour provides a warmth and vibrancy to spaces without taking away from the design aesthetic. From blush to fuchsia, you can pair pink with a large array of colours to achieve whatever theme you’re after.

Add it to white or black for modern, crisp design, or pair it with natural colours and materials for a boho look. Scattered in the midst of other strong hues of blue, yellow, or green it can bring life to an eclectic space. Or you can go ultra sexy and glamorous by adding it to light neutrals alongside some sparkle and soft, luxurious textures.

A pink nosegay on the side tableSo go ahead and throw on your rose coloured glasses, life really is better in PINK!

I’d love to hear how you add my favourite colour to your space.

Becoming a Little French

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Books about Paris, France focused on fashion, food and styrle - Amost French, Parisian Chic, Paris Letters, French WomenSo I realize that I am a Polish girl living in Canada…but in my head, there are days, when I feel utterly and completely French!!! I know…shocking, right?! But I feel that I’m not alone in this grand delusion. Hundreds if not thousands of women around the world are keen to find the french girl within. We are riveted by tales of great french passions, secrets of effortless beauty, and simple orgasmic cuisine (a fresh baguette, good cheese and a bottle of wine have been known to illicit some interesting sounds out of this girl!). And we all want to experience it for ourselves.

Do you know what I blame for my personal addiction to this fantasy world? My love of reading! And I plan on taking any of you willing readers down the rabbit hole with me. Here are my top four books to feed your inner French Fille.

1. Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris by Sarah Turnbull

I got this book a number of years ago, just after my first visit to Paris. I was smitten with the most romantic city in the world and wanted desperately to live there. Of course, that wasn’t going to become reality anytime soon. So I settled for some vicarious living through Sarah’s account of navigating life in the City of Lights (the good, the bad, and the ugly). For all the amusing horror, this is a seductive book that only intensified my dreams of returning to Paris over and over!

2. Parisian Chic a Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

The fascination with the French sense of style is not mine alone. Many books have been written on how to achieve that almost impossibly uncontrived sense of je ne sais quois that is key to a real Frenchwoman’s look. The difference with this book is that it’s author is a true icon in the fashion world, and yet she writes this book like your best girlfriend, breaking down the secrets of french allure into easy to understand and adapt rules. And if you ever find yourself in Paris, Ines shares the best places to outfit your inner french goddess.

3. French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano

Knowing my penchant for becoming french, my sister gave me this book for one of my birthdays. I was thrilled to slip further into my francophile addiction, immersing myself into the french way of life. Mireille, best known for her debut book. French Women Don’t Get Fat, delves into the french lifestyle including cooking, shopping, entertaining and even exercising. The best part are the author’s own anecdotes of living in Paris and New York. It was a hit with me right from the start, and I go back to it time and again.

4. Paris Letters by Janice Macleod

Finally, this last book is my newest addition to a must read for any wannabe French girl. It was lent to me by a friend, and I have fallen completely under the spell of Janice’s writing…and painting. For anyone who’s ever thought of throwing it all away and running off to Paris, this is the book for you! The author also has a small Etsy Shop where she sells her beautifully penned and illustrated letters via a subscription. A beautiful and thoughtful gift idea for any travel lover on your list!

I hope you get a chance to check out these great reads. I would love to hear your recommendations for some fantastic escapist reading.

Weekend Edition

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Black squirrel among fall leavesThe last few days have brought some unprecedented sunshine and warmth to this end of October. Autumn is here and I’m not letting a change in season stop me. Like this little guy, I’m planning on getting out and enjoying the new colours. If you don’t have a chance to get away, here are some suggestions for your weekend enjoyment.

  • Christine Kim shares her perspective on fall…in Paris! I wouldn’t mind wandering the alleyways of Jardin des Tuileries and kicking my feet up in to soak in the sunshine.
  • I share something in common with the gorgeous Mimi Thorisson, a keen interest in mushroom picking (you can check out my post here). But you don’t need a haul of wild mushrooms to try her mouthwatering recipe.
  • Sarah Jessica Parker‘s unique sense of style is no secret to fashion lovers all over the world but here are 73 things you never knew about her (including a sneak peak into her home)!