JILL'S MET BALL 2014 RECAP

I always look forward to the Costume Institute Gala (aka the Met Ball) every year, for just that - the costumes. And while most attendees usually ditch the theme and take the boring, strapless route, there's always a few ladies that take the risk the Met Ball is supposed to be about.

This year's theme was White Tie and Decorations in honor of Charles James - the first U.S couturier, who got his start in Chicago (holla') as a hat maker. Known for his structured gowns and lavish fabrics, his legacy set the bar high for this year's dress code.

Best

Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen: What better way to honor a man known for structure than with this kinda structure? And I love the pop of red details.

via Vogue.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta: SJP always brings the drama to the Met Ball and I love her for that. Outside of the designer signature on the back of the dress (what was up with that?) I'm loving this D-R-A-M-A.

via Vogue.

Ashley Olsen in vintage Chanel and Mary-Kate Olsen in vintage Ferre: Gotta love goth glamour, especially on these two.

via Vogue.

Beyonce in Givenchy: It's sweet that she dressed appropriately to mourn all those other albums that tried to debut around Beyonce.

via Vogue.

Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa: Nothing can compare to her 2012 Rachel Zoe number, but Karolina is one attendee who seems to get the memo every year.

via Vogue.

Kara Elson in Zac Posen: I want all of this. That is all.

via Vogue.

Worst

Kate Upton in Dolce & Gabbana: This should read "Kate Upton in a whole lot of crazy."

via Vogue.

Sandra Lee in Dara Lamb: I'd say this looks like 80s prom wear, but I bet even the 80s wouldn't want to claim it.

 

via E!

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Valentino: This pattern looks like it belongs on the floor of a tacky motel.

via Vogue.

Katie Holmes in Marchesa: Either Katie is A) trying to audition for Belle or B) trying to catch crumbs with her dress. I can totally go for this color on her, but everything else is just too much. And I refuse to believe that Karolina and Katie are both wearing the same designer.

via Vogue.

Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli: By the look on her face and her posture, I have a feeling Lena immediately regretted wearing this.

via Vogue.

Other Thoughts

Kim Kardashian in Givenchy: Someone needs to tell Kim that there is a middle ground between outlandish 80s sofa and boring strapless. She looks stunning and the dress isn't ugly, but... oh, I'm sorry, I just fell asleep looking at her. Where did I leave off?

via Vogue.

Cara Delevigne in Stella McCartney: Although I'm not too sure how this relates to the theme, I love that Cara rocked pants to a ball. 

via Vogue.

Erykah Badu in a Givenchy hat: Congratulations are in order to the woman who just one-upped Pharrell's hat gimmick.

via Vogue.

Who were your favorites?

x Jill

JILL'S OSCARS GOWN DREAMS

The big day is coming up, and I cannot wait to see what walks down the red carpet this Sunday for the 2014 Academy Awards! And while obviously all of the gowns are already picked, just in case JLaw is looking for a quick change, I've put together a list of dresses I'd love to see on Sunday. 

Just kidding, I'll take any excuse to talk about the Oscars gowns.

But really, JLaw, call me.

Armani Privé - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Chanel - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Marchesa - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Versace - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Oscar de la Renta - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Zac Posen - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Donna Karan - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

What gowns would you like to see make their Academy Awards debut? 

x Jill

65TH ANNUAL EMMYS

Let the pre-gaming to the Oscars begin!

Last night was the 65th Annual Emmy Awards, AKA a night of tweeting, critiquing, and nitpicking at all the dresses that walk the red carpet. There were lots of nudes, a few blues, and some surprise dresses, and I've added my favorites, least favorites, and looks that I wish I could tweak below!

Best

Kate Mara in J. Mendel - Favorite of the night! Kate did it right with long sleeves and a high slit, balancing out the dress perfectly. Her slick straight hair compliments the look and I love the tiny cut outs on the top. The Mara sisters are quickly becoming my favorite fashion duo (next to The Olsens, duh).

Photo via E! Online

Claire Danes in Armani Prive - Loved this feminine look and the delicate details. Paired with the perfect lip color and faux bob, I'm on board. 

Photo via E! Online

Laura Dern in Naeem Kahn - I'm not one for pink dresses, but this detailed frock caught my eye quickly. I love the beading and nude element of the dress, and Laura's messy hair keeps the look from being too girly. 

Photo via E! Online

Kiernan Shipka in Delpozo - Let's all collectively say it... "Awwwwww!" Kiernan always dresses age appropriate while still keeping it fresh and noticeable to us adults. Where can I fill out the adoption papers?

Photo via E! Online

Worst

Carrie Underwood in Ramona Keveza - Someone needs to let her know that life isn't one big prom.

Photo via E! Online

Lena Dunham in Prada - I know last season of Girls wasn't as good as the first, but don't torture yourself over it, Lena. That's gotta be the only excuse for picking a dress you drown in, paired with that heavy eyeshadow.

Photo via E! Online

Heidi Klum in Versace - I'm wishing this dress was around in 2001 when I sprained my neck because it's a (slight) step above that ugly neck brace I had to wear. 

Photo via E! Online

Ana Farris in Monique Lhuillier - I don't have a problem with the dress, I have a problem with her in the dress. I can't get past how wrong that color is for her skin tone to even look at the structure of the dress. With her blonde hair, bangs, and lack of a strong lip color, Ana is way too washed out. From one pale girl to another, stay away from this color.

Photo via E! Online

What Could Have Been

Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham - We shouldn't be able to tell if you've received a bikini wax when you walk down the red carpet, but I won't write this dress off just yet. Add a lining that runs longer than hot pants, and I could get behind this look. 

Julie Bowen in Zac Posen - Would have loved to see this strapless! There's just too much going on here. Put your hand over the shoulder details and voila, you have a stunning dress that your eyes won't question where to look.

Photo via E! Online

Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren - Studies show that staring at Allison's look for too long will cure insomnia. The dress is pretty but the simple hair and lack of jewels send me straight to bed. 

Photo via E! Online

Zosia Mamet in Honor - The only thing saving this dress is the gorgeous print. Outside of that, the bottom of the dress is too heavy and the black top looks more confusing than me trying to pronounce her name. Things would be 65% better if this was a pencil dress sans black chest detail. 

Photo via E! Online

Who were your favorites and least favorites of the night?

x Jill