JALEXSTYLE

Thursday, May 8, 2014

MET Gala

Hello Beautiful people! So as you all know the famous MET Gala was in NYC this past Monday evening. I know its a little late but I felt like I had to bog about this amazing event.The night was filled with amazing red carpet moments and some questionable moments. This year’s theme was Charles James: Beyond Fashion which consisted of a strict “white tie” dress code for all men including attendees and press. For those of you who are not familiar Charles James is a great Anglo-American couturier that created the most innovative gowns using a mathematical, scientific, sculptural approach to his designs. Designers today like Zac Posen, Jason Wu and 3.1 Phillip Lim still use his techniques. But enough about the great Charles James (I could go on for hours) let’s get into some of my favorite looks!

Lupita Nyong'o's look was by Prada from head to toe. Usually we're used to seeing Lupita in a stunning bright solid color look. This look was totally unexpected and sort of against the theme. I'll be honest this isn't my favorite look from her. But I commend her effort to step out of her norm.

Rih was dressed in Stella McCartney separates for the formal event. Me personally, I'm not to shocked by any of her looks at this her in career. I feel like she's created her own lane for style and she stays true to that lane. This look is just another one to add to the books!

Of course Bey & Jay were dressed in vintage Givenchy. Givenchy seems to be Bey's go to fashion house for the MET every year. From what I hear they make all of her looks custom. Kudos to Ty (Bey's stylist).

Kanye and Kim actually looked amazing to me. They were the only couple to actually follow the them and excited it perfectly. Kim was wearing Lanvin and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. Although Kanye's pants looked a bit snug i loved it!

Ms.Sol-Angel. Now if you know me you know Solange is one of my biggest inspirations. I've seen so many people thrash her look but i see the angle she was going for. We're all used to her big bush and funky aesthetic but I love the route she took for this event. I'm feeling her short cut and knee length dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim and when you're designers date, well you wear whatever he wants you to wear.

Oh Mrs.Parker. She wore Oscar De Le Renta and did not disappoint and never does. Im not going to go on and on because she Sarah Jessica Parker. Enough said!

Katie Holmes shocked me in a ruffled mustard yellow Marchesa gown. Ms.Holmes was another patron who actually dressed to theme. Im excited to see her at more events and what else she will be wearing. Go Katie!

Frank Ocean looked quite dapper in a black and white suit. He didn't look to pleased but that could just be general "I don't like people" face LOL!

Rita Ora sported a tulle full Donna Karan gown with custom Casadei gold leather gladiator boots. Her look was very interesting but it was her. Not my favorite from her but I love her!

And last but not least Karolina KurkOVA wore a blue panel floral painted Marchesa gown. She is MY BEST DRESSED and slated this look! I don't know if its the aesthetic of the gown or just her piercing looks. But this is how you go to the MET! Karolina goes down as my favorite look of the night!

A Love Voyage

Hello Everyone! I would like to introduce, or should I say re-acquaint you with Mr. AL Rogers JR. Al is a performer from Baltimore and a good friend of mine. When I arrived to his performance last Friday at the Decoded event (s/o to beintheloop.com) I was so impressed with Al’s look. Not because of what he had on but his coordination of the look. After knowing Al for the past couple of years I've learned that he has more of an eclectic and “true” style that I myself admire. What I loved most was how unconventional this look was. It wasn’t the practical “rap attire”. It wasn’t just a pair of white Levis, and a cool ass vest, it was Al. That’s one thing I feel that can separate an artist. Their look. And I don’t mean the superficial image criteria I mean literally expressing your feelings and who you are through clothing. As he started his performance I then realized that this was far from “practical”, it was a Love Voyage. His set was amazing but as I watched him perform I felt that I wasn’t only inspired by his performance but his look. Now to most people the look of an artist isn’t a very big deal but I take the image of an artist more literally than most. I feel that you can learn things about an artist (and people) through what they have on. This performance in particular was extremely cohesive with his look and is one that has stood out in all of his performances I have seen. To say the least Al is an artist who you will get to know and is showing just how vast the music scene in Baltimore is becoming.

Boulevard of Chic

This past SaturdayI had the pleasure of attending the first annual Boulevard of Chic event, a Baltimore fashion truck rally. I got to shop and meet some amazing people. This was my first time attending an event like this and overall I was very impressed. From the organization of the event to the merchandise each truck had to offer.

Honestly when I first heard about this event I thought it was very interesting. A truck rally for boutiques? As I walked the event and met the boutique owners and operators and studied the merchandise I realized that these trucks have a huge presence in future of retail. How convenient would it be if one Saturday night you couldn’t find a thing to wear and couldn’t make it to the mall. One of these boutique trucks could just come to your house and you purchased an outfit right there! In my head I was thinking of all the places these truck could park and just let the women flock to them LOL!

The best part of these trucks is the merchandise. It wasn’t just the regular pieces you see in H&M they were more unique pieces that felt like a better buy. You ever have a feeling those pants you just got everyone else will have them? Well I guarantee you won’t have that problem if you shop from a boutique truck. What I was most impressed with was the merchandising of each truck. It really felt like I was in a mini boutique. Almost all of the trucks had a dressing room in them and all were decorated and had a different creative flair. I went with no intentions of shopping but ended up finding some very different pieces that I cannot wait to wear. The staff of the event was more than helpful and very welcoming. I want to thank Lauren the head coordinator of Boulevard of Chic and of all of her volunteers, the event was such a success and I’m excited for next year! Take a look at the event through my eyes.

*Also there are links below to each boutiques website. Check it out!*