Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.

Every year I admire the amazing fashion that comes down the carpet during the annual Met Gala, while simultaneously wishing I could be at the event to witness it first hand and be a part of it. This year was no different! Where some people might think the fashions at the Met Gala are outlandish and strange, I appreciate every single piece of clothing that is brought to that carpet. The weirder, the better! I mean, what other event can celebs just take such big risks with their red carpet looks?

This year's gala theme was Manus x Machina: Fashion In an Age of Technology. It sought to bring to light technology as it relates to fashion. I always hope to see celebrities follow the theme of the gala with their outfit choices...some did and others didn't. Some took the technology thing way too literally and dressed like they were beautiful, sexy robots. But overall, I loved almost all the looks this year! 

My style senses are tingling! Let's get started on my favorite looks. Let me know what you all think along the way...

Couples 

Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger

Zoë Saldana in Dolce & Gabbana

Kim Kardashian in Balmain

I wish I could have fit Zoë Saldana's entire train in this photo because it was immaculate! I love Zayn Malik's robot arm, it was such an interesting juxtaposition with his suit. And of course, Gigi Hadid can do absolutely no wrong in the fashion world. I actually really liked Kim's sexy robot look, especially her ear cuffs. I didn't, however care for Kanye's look and his piercing blue eyes. When asked why he wore colored contacts, his answer was simply, "Vibes". I don't get it, and I kind of don't want to. 

Jenner Girls 

Kylie Jenner in Balmain 

Kendall Jenner in Atelier Versace

Both Kendall and Kylie's looks were gorgeous. I love that Kendall's dress has strategic beading on the parts of her body that need to be covered and open netting everywhere else. Kylie's dress, to be honest, wasn't that innovative or new, but I have to give it up to her for her hair and makeup. That short hair looks amazing on her! 

Hair & Makeup 

Beyoncé in Givenchy

So speaking of hair and makeup, I think these obviously complete an entire look. Hair and makeup can literally make or break your look, no matter how beautiful and expensive your dress is. My honorable hair and makeup shout out goes to Beyoncé! I usually obsess over her looks from previous Met Galas, but I wasn't taken aback with her dress this year. BUT...her hair and makeup...oh my god! So beautiful, so fierce, she keeps slaying! 

90's Vibes 

Katy Perry in Prada

I really quickly want to mention how cute Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry were sporting Tamagotchis on their outfits as an homage to technology. Wrong decade, but still awesome. 

White and Silver 

Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa

Rita Ora in Vera Wang 

Kate Hudson in Versace 

White and silver was a big theme this year. I guess those colors are reminiscent of technology. But either way, some white and silver looks slayed and others didn't. These looks are killer...like I'm dying for them. Can I somehow borrow these dresses? Literally any of them. 

What is so fantastic about Karolina's Marchesa dress was that it was designed by designers and a cognitive computer! Marchesa worked with IBM's computer, Watson to design and create this dress. A true Manus x Machina collaboration! 

Hot Honorable Mention 

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton 

I've admit before that I have a small girl crush on Alicia Vikander and she's not making it any easier to get over her! This look is amazing and weirdly I see how it reads "technology". What I love most I are those boots! They're so modern and fashion forward. 

Best Dressed 

Claire Danes in Zac Posen 

No dress tonight followed the gala's theme more than Claire Danes in Zac Posen! Fashion plus technology equals Claire as Cinderella coming to life in front of our very eyes. She glowed, she shined, she killed. Manus x Machina all encapsulated in one fabulous dress. I love you, Zac Posen, call me! 

What are all your thoughts? Please share them with me in the comments! 

Dolce Vita for Target.

Dolce Vita has always been a leader in trendy shoe wear and I've always loved their designs, but sometimes, their costs can be a little pricey. There's nothing worse than seeing a shoe you love and finding out it costs more than what you can afford! That's why I am so excited that Dolce Vita has collaborated with Target to bring a line of shoes and even more excited to see that this less expensive shoe line has pieces that are extremely similar to DV original designs! There are a lot of same details and patterns in the DV for Target line so you can snag a super cool style for prices you'd never see from DV.

I copped these beauties for a cool $25! I love the style of these sandals and the modern zig zag print.

I never really liked mixing black with tan/brown colors, but I like the juxtaposition of the black and white print with the tan heel.

There are so many styles from sandals to booties! Here are the DV for Target shoes compared to the original Dolce Vita designs. Click any of the photos to shop the looks now!

Sandals 


        

DV For Target, $22.99
Dolce Vita, $90.00


Netted Design

DV For Target, $24.99
Dolce Vita, $200.00


Nya vs Noa Booties

                    

DV For Target. $34.99
Dolce Vita, $160.00



Fringe Booties

                 

DV For Target, $37.99
Dolce Vita, $200.00

Holidays in the Air.

It's December! I really can't believe how fast the year went by, but I am also so excited for the end of the year holidays. I love decorating and entertaining with festive ornaments, decor, and accoutrements and I want to share some of my favorite swag of this season. These pieces are trendy and really compliment most decor that you probably already have, so they are perfect. The prices on them are super budget friendly as well.

1. Mercury Glass Tree - Target
2. Winter Berry Wreath - Nordstrom
3. Gold Antler Pillar Candle Holders - One Kings Lane
4. Merry Christmas Garland - Paper Source
5. Sequin Noel Decorative Pillow - Target
6. Red Etched Cocktail Shaker - Pier One
7. Kate Spade Fa-La-La Globe Ornament - Nordstrom
8. Reindeer Wood Napkin Rings - Paper Source
9. Naughty/Nice Dishtowels - Nordstrom 
10. Nordic Snowflake Dishware - Crate and Barrel

I'm wishing all of you happy holidays and hope that you will be reveling in the holiday cheer and entertaining with fun decor and ornaments! 

Republique.

I love everything about France, especially the cuisine. So when I heard about Republique and its French inspired bakery and architecture I knew I had to see it for myself. I came here for lunch with my brother and was immediately mesmerized by the rows and rows of pastries next to the cashier.

After ordering our lunch (and a bunch of pastries), we sat at our table, which was lit by the sun beams coming in from the skylight windows from above. It was a bit of a cold day, but the natural lighting made it feel like we were sitting outside.

The design and decor of the restaurant also was reminiscent of Paris and some of its Gothic architecture.

I'm a sucker for glass door refrigerators. I love seeing the products available at restaurants!

When our food was brought to us, I couldn't wait to start eating. I know it was lunch time, but Croque Madame's are one of my favorite French treats and I couldn't resist. Meanwhile, my brother ordered a burger that had dry aged beef. The drinks vary each day based on seasonal items available. We ordered a delicious grapefruit lemonade. The Croque Madame, by the way, was spot on!!

I was loving this wine tower where the bottles were used serve us water.

I have this thing with floors and their beauty. I was loving this green, white, and black tile!

We took our yummy pastries home to enjoy. My favorites were the glazed and chocolate donut like bombolinis. Pictured are also a chocolate bundt cake, banana Nutella croissant, and a coffee cake.

Clean Lines.

I'm always on the lookout for the newest nail trends, because let's face it...they don't change that often! I'm not that big of a risk taker on nail shapes because I'm obsessed with my own squoval shape, but new designs are always on my radar.

This season, I'm obsessed with clean lines on nails. Letting your natural nail shine through alongside a cute spring color makes your nail design look really modern and cool. I love the geometric and architectural lines in this look by Buff and Tweeze...

And I'm head over heels for these tiny shapes traced onto nails by Olive and June...

This was my attempt at creating this look. I used masking tape and French tip tape to create the clean lines and painted over them. I removed them when the nail polish was completely dry...

Whether its at a salon or a DIY at home, this look is sure to keep you ahead of the trends and is a perfect spring look!

New Logo!

Thanks to my amazing boyfriend, I finally have a cute little logo to go with my blog. And that means an official little image that my followers can associate my posts with! This logo perfectly captures the essentials of my blog: sunglasses representing fashion, which reflects a skyline of Los Angeles representing LA lifestyle and a popping bottle of champagne, representing my inner epicure and fabulous foods and drinks. I'm so excited to share it with all of you!...

A special, special thank you again to Seto Asatourian, my graphic designer and a whole lot more.