The fashionistas know what this signals. The annual Met Gala.

Each year, Celebs show up and show out in outfits for that years theme.

The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in Manhattan. The Met Gala is popularly regarded as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event and social gathering and is known as “fashion’s biggest night”;

This years theme was “Garden of Time” (inspired by a J.G. Ballard short story written in 1962). The event, which is tied to the Met’s Costume Exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” pays “tribute to the natural world,”

Here are my top 15 favorite looks from the Met Gala 2024.

1. Naomi Campbell in Burberry.

Campbell is the epitome of a spring shower. Setting the stage for a bouquet of lovely blossoms.

2. Lana Del Rey in Alexander McQueen.

This!!! This look is the most on theme to me. Absolutely stunning.

3. Amanda Seyfried in Chanel.

She looks like a patch of wildflowers, glistening under a silver moon.

4. Ariana Grande in Loewe and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry.

Ariana channels a graceful swan in this gown.

5. Uma Thurman in Tory Burch and Fred Leighton Jewelry.

A vision in violet.

6. Teyana Taylor in The Blonds.

She fits right in with a deep, dark red rose garden.

7. Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne.

The beautiful Gigi looks elegant as usual as well as keeping on theme.

The removable skirt makes for a more comfortable evening while sticking with the theme.

8. Sarah Jessica Parker in Richard Quinn, Briony Raymond Jewelry, and Philip Treacy.

SJP never disappoints. Her look is reminiscent of dew drops on delicate petals.

9. Dan Levy in Loewe.

Business on top, party on the bottom. This tailored ombré look was perfectly on theme.

10. Rebecca Hall in Danielle Frankel.

She invokes a sweet, pastel flower bed.

11. Anna Wintour in Loewe.

Classic and clean lines are par for the course for Wintour. The jacket perfected her look.

12. Zendaya in Maison Margiela Couture.

She’s giving peacock vibes in these jewel tones.

13. Tyla and Her Balmain Sand Dress Had to Be Carried Up the Met Gala 2024 Steps. The singer wore a Balmain gown created by the label’s artistic director Olivier Rousteing, sculpted based on a cast of her body and then created out of three different colors of sand and micro-crystal studs to add sparkle to every minute movement.

14. Gabrielle Union-Wade in Michael Kors.

Union looked like a mermaid on land in this beautiful creation.

15. Cardi B shut down the Met Gala in this show stopping Giambattista Valli gown.

Her dress was the biggest to ever appear on the steps of the Met Gala and made it impossible for anyone to go up them while she was posing.

What was your favorite look from this year?

Welcome to Fashion Row.

Last weekend Face The Magazine presented Fashion Row at Dillards Southpark.

It featured four of the designers from their upcoming show.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of Luko Marion.

I wrote a whole blogpost about him earlier this year. https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2024/01/05/coming-and-going-dark-excellence/

Another longtime favorite is Snarkeez.

Designer Anastasia constantly amazes me with her creative designs

Beck Bags and The Cosmo Gypsy are new on my radar and are local to the Charlotte area as well.

Perfect prelude to the runway show coming up!

Luko Marion

Face The Magazine

I’ve known David Frankel for several years.

When we first met he was awaiting the patent for his invention, The Perky Collar.

This piece holds men’s collars at attention all day because nobody wants a droopy collar!

He started as a vendor at fashion shows and I’ve supported him ever since.

He received his patent and soon moved up to a kiosk at Southpark Mall. He recently relocated to a full store at Carolina Place Mall.

In addition to his own invention, he sells everything a man could want or need to be well dressed.

He has a huge selection of hats.

Bow ties in every color.

Including unique designs made from feathers and some that light up.

You’re greeted by one of his best sellers, the wooden bow tie.

There’s cufflinks!

He has a unique collection of lapel pins and jewelry.

Colorful belts with a selection of buckles.

And let’s not forget the watches!

If you’re looking for the perfect item to complete your outfit or a gift for the dapper guy in your life, stop by Perky, LLC- The Clothing Innovation Co., at Carolina Place Mall.

Perky, LLC- The Clothing Innovation Co.,

One of my favorite events Charlotte holds each year is Charlotte Shout.

This year, my favorite part of the Shout Festival was Fashion Row at the Shout Lounge.

Some of my favorite designers were a part of it.

And I even met some new Favs!

As if the fashions weren’t exceptional enough, they also personalized their mannequins!

They even held workshops. One of which I happened upon and was exited to meet four of the designers.

From old Hollywood to Out Of This World looks, I loved them all.

Seeing the creativity and materials used in each design was such a moment for me.

The colors were so vibrant.

Fashion is art. And art is Fashion. They go hand in hand. And I’m thankful to live in a city that celebrates that.

Last week I had the honor of attending the Pre Fall ‘24 Trunk Show at St. John Knits at Southpark Mall.

It was hosted by Wardrobe by Whitney and moderated by my OHmazing friend Ohavia Phillips.

Whitney describes their Pre Fall ’24 Collection as Western Meets Graceland.

Old west with a touch of Elvis bling.

Exaggerated collars with piping, fringe and beading are predominate in this collection.

As well as leather and grommets.

Caplets are also huge this coming season.

The details on this dress are captivating!

And we’re mad for this plaid. This dress can be dressed up with a pair of heels or dressed down for a hoedown with a pair of western boots.

Versatile pieces are also hot for the Pre Fall season this year.

These core pieces can be interchanged to get many different looks.

Whether they’re matching sets or simply compliment the other pieces, they are basics that should be invested in.

They can take you from the boardroom to brunch with the girls.

Now let’s talk color!

The mesmerizing magentas complimented by other jewel tones make for some stylish transition pieces.

This flowy piece is perfect as a bathing suit coverup or for a dinner on the beach.

As well as this fun lace dress.

I spoke with Whitney after the presentation.

“The brand has been growing and attracting a more modern IT girl. The room was full of Charlotte IT girls and top tier energy curated by myself collaborating with my client Ohavia Phillips .” She said.

“Western Americana is obviously the mood board of the year. We discussed the many tailored signature elements offered in the new Pre-Fall 24 collection, adding a chic take to the trend and of course how to bring it back to a sustainable wearability using season-less styling tips.” Whitney stated.

You can schedule your own consultation with Wardrobe With Whitney at St. John at Southpark and start building your wardrobe.

This ain’t Texas, but you can carry off the Classy Cowgirl look with St. John.

A couple of weeks ago I brought you the top five bag trends for the upcoming season.

Today we’re talking shoes.

Here is my top five picks I think we will be buying this Spring.

1. Metallic:

Metallics have been hot for some time now. However, we normally don’t associate them with Spring.

Pumps, mules, loafers and more are shining in the sunshine this season.

2. The Mary Jane:

Not since Carrie Bradshaw exclaimed “Oh my God! Do you know what these are? Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!” have we been this excited about this style.

Combined with funky socks or worn alone, these shoes are carrying us into warmer weather.

3. Kitten Heels:

Rebranded as ‘micro heels’ these tiny heels are making a big impression this season.

4. Ballet Flats:

Not your average Swan Lake slippers.

Mesh, embroidered or bedazzled, this shoe is on everyone’s wish list.

5. Western Boots:

Every southern girl has a pair. And now Beyoncé has made this last shoe a trend for the rest of the world.

This ain’t Texas, but we’re sure wearing the boots!!

What’s your favorite shoe trend this season?

When I first saw the Apple TV show Palm Royale being previewed, I couldn’t wait to watch for two reasons: the fashions and Carol Burnette.

Although, as of episode 4, Burnette’s character Norma Dellacorte has only been seen in flashbacks as she currently lies in what can only be described as the most fashionable coma state ever.

While Norma is THE main character, Kristen Wiigs character Maxine has her sights set on that position.

She’s first seen scaling the walls of The Palm Royal private club in a ‘borrowed’ Lilly Pulitzer dress.

When she first goes to Palm Beach, she starts to steal things out of Norma’s closet. Unbeknownst to her, they’re all maybe 10 years dated, and women of that society sniff her out immediately, because she’s not wearing the latest and greatest.

Lily Pulitzer and Pucci dresses, Cat eye sunglasses, Head scarves, Capri pants and white button ups are Maxines staples.

Alix Friedberg describes the style of Kristen Wiig’s socialite character Maxine: “There is always something a little bit off about her — trying too hard. She’s joyful and unaware of how she’s missing the mark.”

All the ladies dislike her, but not as much as Evelyn does.

In the posh society of Palm Beach in 1969, Evelyn sits at the top of the social pyramid.

She was styled to be the obvious queen bee.

Brocade, Pearls and jewel tones are her basic wardrobe.

In her Chiffon Caftans she’s giving Mrs. Roper’s rich auntie vibes.

So far these three ladies have been front and center in the storylines.

Supporting socialite Dinah is usually in pastels or whites for her not so innocent, innocent look.

There’s some skeletons about to come out of her neatly curated closet so we will be seeing more of her scandalous side.

Mary Jones Davidsoul:

The Dowdy chic Chanel wearing widow of the group. We don’t know much about this character yet but I can already tell she’s old money.

And then there’s Raquel.

Think retro mob wife aesthetic. Loud vibrant colors with lots of big bold and according to some, tacky, jewels. One piece that was revealed to be stolen!

I cannot wait to see the character development with these two characters as well.

Wardrobe looks are due in part by partnering with The RealReal on a curation of over 600 apparel and accessories.

Each character’s fashion is different and I’m here for it!

Spring is here and we’re ready for some fresh, new bag ideas!

Here’s my top five picks for the new season.

1. Loud and Proud:

Quiet luxury is on its way out. Many designers are embracing loud and in your face wealth.

Think crystals, sparkles, charms and lots of gold.

Schiaparelli, Balmain and Gucci have some of my favorite bedazzley options.

2. Chains:

Michael Kors and Tom Ford bring back the vibe from the Studio 54 era with their chain straps.

3. Envelope:

Clutch bags are hot this season.

I loved the ‘80s with those powerful women and their clutch bags.

Chloé and St. Laurent have some Julia Sugarbaker worthy options.

As well as The Row with this luxurious, multi functional option with removable shoulder strap.

5. Denim:

Denim bags are the biggest bag trend right now.

The Coach Quilted Tabby is popping up everywhere.

The Marc Jacobs denim Tote Bag is a fun, casual option.

And I’m so in love with the Kurt Geiger Kensington bag. It may be joining my bag family soon!

Trends come and they go. However, as you can see, the good ones make their way back around eventually!

Last week I was invited by Spartanburg Fashion Week to attend the launch party for Kurt Geiger at the Dillard’s at Westgate Mall.

We were greeted by the fabulous Mz. Jazzy for Red Carpet interviews.

Mocktails & sweet treats.

The Kensington Rainbow Bag is probably their most recognizable bag.

There were cool bags and shoes all around!

Kurt Geiger is Europe’s largest luxury shoe retailer. They design all of their shoes in London and manufacture them all over the world.

Today, Kurt Geiger has over 60 stores and over 200 concessions within the world’s most prestigious department stores, including Harrods and Selfridges. And now Dillard’s at Westgate Mall!

Sneakers and casual shoes as well as high heels, men’s shoes and even something for the kiddos!

Now at this point the shoe department was popping!!!

There was a DJ and the sales associates were dancing around! How fun!!

Sparkles and bows are popular for spring.

As well as the Eagle, which adorns all their bags. It represents strength, courage, and endurance.

If color isn’t your thing, no worries. There are neutrals!

And the Evil Eye is there to keep the bad juju away.

Good vibes only here.

The event concluded with a runway show.

Such a fun, elegant and colorful evening!

If you’re looking for the perfect bag and shoe for any occasion, head over to Dillard’s at Westgate Mall in Spartanburg.

When you can’t choose a color, wear them all!

No, I won’t be including florals in this blogpost.

however, I will be listing the top five hottest items you need in your closet this season!

1. Denim:

Not just regular denim.

Metallic, Ombré, dyed, embellished…Spring Denim has personality!

Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Victoria Beckham have some unique options.

2. Preppy:

You won’t see these in the Offical Preppy Handbook. but you can see the inspirations.

Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten and Gucci offer some options that would make Grandma Muffy proud.

Think Gossip Girl aesthetic.

Very girly and colorful.

3. Patterned Tights:

These options from Versace, Victoria Beckham and Marc Jacobs are perfect for any outfit.

4. Graphic Tees:

We’ve been touring the ’90s fashion memory lane for the past three years, and from what we’ve seen on runways in 2023, ’90s fashion will keep trending in 2024. Grunge, minimalism, and hip-hop culture all brought their flavor to the ’90s

From SHEIN to Revolve there are options in every price range.

Bella Hadid mixed hers with denim and sneakers.

5. Oversized bags:

Gone are the tiny bags of yore. And by yore I mean 2023.

We’re back to carrying everything we own around with us.

Sixdo, Tibi, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Loewe have some gorgeous options.

Which trend will you be sporting with your florals this Spring??