The 2012 Met Ball

The Costume Institute Gala, also known as the Met Ball, was held Monday night, and just so happens to be one of my favorite nights of the year. Of course, I've never been invited (Um..my invite must have gotten lost in the mail.) but that doesn't mean this gal can't stare at image after image as they are uploaded by the frantic paparazzi. The Met Ball is an annual event held in New York City to celebrate the opening of a fresh, new fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute. Movie lovers have the Oscars, music fans get the Grammys, and the fashion frenzy have the Met Ball. I've scoured the internet for my picks of the best and worst from the famed night. Sit back and relax, it's going to be a fashionable ride.

Best Dressed

Cameron Diaz in a custom-made Stella McCartney gown

I can't stress enough how much I want this gown in my wardrobe. I would hang it on my wall and touch it for good luck before I left my room. As far as her hair is concerned, I would like to say she has a faux hawk because her short hair limits up-dos, but that would be me denying the fact that every single person in Hollywood has hair extensions. (You're not fooling us, people!) Regardless, the gown is beautiful. 

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen

I know I use the word "adore" a lot, but let's be honest - I adore this! The Met Ball is an event based on fashion, so I think it's the perfect night to be a little risky. Hence, the feather base of her mermaid gown. Spot on.

Diane Kruger in Prada

Uh oh, am I about to start wearing dresses with feathers? I'm noticing a trend here. I love, love, love the color of this gown. Plus, the breezy cut, long necklace, and simple hair make this look actually seem doable.

January Jones in Atelier Versace

Coming from a girl who can't use a sewing machine (Seriously, I can't. Don't judge me.) I have gobs of respect for someone who can pull together a gown with this much tailoring. Corset dresses are typically a little too "fierce" for me, but the sunny color and pretty peplum waist make me want this in my closet yesterday.

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren Collection

You know how everyone has that one star who they would die to look like? Camilla Belle is that person for me. Ironic, considering we are literally complete opposites. But really, she is stunning, so I'm happy Ralph Lauren could pull together a look that equals her beauty. I'm dying over the open mesh back.

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan

This gown is cut to perfection. It's whimsical without seeming baggy, but tight enough to give Ashley shape. Plus, I'm not a big fan of strapless dresses (they make my small shoulders look even tinier) so the little dip of fabric around her arm is a nice touch.

Hilary Swank in Michael Kors

Is it just me, or is Hilary Swank still boxing years after Million Dollar Baby? Seriously, does she have a bed in the gym or something? She's got amazing shoulders and arms, so why not show them off? I love this color on her, and the cut of the gown is incredibly flattering. Yet another reason for me to love Michael Kors.

Tom Brady in WhoCaresHesABoy and Gisele Bundchen in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Dear Adriana Lima fans, eat your heart out. I'm a diehard Gisele fan, and really, who is going to argue after seeing this picture? Her dress is equal parts classy and sexy in true Victoria's Secret Angel fashion. Plus, didn't she have a baby? Thank you, Gisele, for giving me unrealistic expectations about losing weight post-pregnancy.

Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy

I wish I could explain how jealous I am of her hair. Not kidding, I think afros are absolutely stunning. Solange looks like such a natural beauty in this look, and I'm really loving the sunny shade of her Rachel Roy gown. Bonus points for stacked bracelets.

Lea Michele in Diane von Furstenberg

It's amazing how classy a plunge neckline dress can look on a girl who doesn't resemble Pamela Anderson (ew). I really wish I had an excuse to wear a dress this gorgeous, but in the meantime, Lea looks stunning!

Anna Wintour in custom-made Prada

Ohh, Anna Wintour. Have you heard of The Devil Wears Prada? (If not, stop what you're doing right now and go read it. If you don't have the time to read the novel, watch the movie, even though it isn't near as good). Long story short, it's about an assistant to the (evil) editor of a popular fashion magazine. Fun fact, the story is based on Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. I could go on for years on how powerful Miss Wintour is in the fashion industry, but just as a preview - she is literally the reason for the heroin addict weight that many runway models are expected to maintain. When she was criticized for only hiring skinny employees, Anna replied, "It's important to me that the people that are working here, particularly in the fashion department, will present themselves in a way that makes sense to the outside world that they work at Vogue" (source). That being said, Miss Wintour is the hostess of the Met Ball, so I wouldn't dare leave her off of my list, even if she is wearing a dress with a sequin lobster.

Worst Dressed

Kristen Stewart in Wal-Mart

Just kidding. Kristen is wearing Balenciaga, but let's be honest - this is disgusting. As if the failed attempt at a color blocked mini dress isn't bad enough, look at those shoes. Are those tennis shoe laces covering her feet? Kristen, repeat after me, "This. Is. The. Met. Ball." She is giving Twilight a bad name, and that's saying something.

Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row

If Mary-Kate lived in Salem, Massachusetts she would be going through some serious questioning after this red carpet appearance. Seriously, Mary-Kate, you look like a witch. We get it, you're brooding and sexy and moody 24/7, but this is just wrong. 

Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino

After years playing the most fashionable New Yorker to have ever lived, this is what we get? A sequel to Little Women? Not okay, Sarah. Not okay.

Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou

Let me start by saying that minus the umbrella she has over her shoulders, I don't hate the shape of this dress at all. Also, I also understand that mixing patterns is über trendy right now, but I don't recall anything about four of them. While Elizabeth's hair and makeup both look beautiful, this gown is just plain ugly.

Chloe Sevigny in Miu Miu

Security, the disco ball has fallen from the ceiling, rolled from the dance floor, and is trying to pass as a guest on the red carpet. It also seems to be missing half of its clothes. Oh, and steal her shoes and send them to Amanda Hoffman. That is all.

My Favorites

Darren Criss in Calvin Klein

What a dapper boy! As if his tux isn't snazzy enough, I love a man in a bow tie. Plus, his black buttons add a nice touch. Three cheers for Darren!

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe

Remember how much I loved Cameron's gown? Karolina just raised the stakes. Her gown is flawless and I have to admit, I actually like the turban. I get that it's a little weird, and I'm not saying I would wear it to an 8 am class, but it is the Met Ball, after all. When else can a gal wear head-to-toe sequins? (Literally, head-to-toe).

Oh, and did I mention the back is flawless?

Which Met Ball star is your pick for best and worst dressed? Let me know!

Rock Your Run

It only takes one run with a lacking playlist to make you realize the importance of the proper pump-up music. For example, yesterday my iPod was dead but I was determined to hit the pavement, so I lied and told myself I could make it work. HA! Right. At what I will estimate the half mile mark, I realized I didn't stand a chance and headed back home. Talk about annoying. Has this ever happened to you? Well, ladies and gents, get ready to burn some cals, because the playlist I'm about to share with you will have you hopping off the couch before you reach the bottom of the page! Turn up the volume and get ready for a great workout.

Bonus: if you see a * next to the title, it's perfect for intervals. Jog during the verse and sprint the chorus, you'll be shocked at how quickly you drop pounds.

Check It Out* - Nicki Minaj & will.i.am

I swear when I listen to this song while I run my pace gets exponentially faster. Nicki + will.i.am make the best musical pair ever.

Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind

One thing you need to know about me is I have a serious obsession with Third Eye Blind. I'm a firm believer that the 90s produced the best music ever, and this song is no different. I would be lying if I said I didn't know every single word.

All Around The World - ATC

Ah, the 90s. We meet again. Sometimes I catch myself singing the "la la la la la" verse on the elliptical at the gym. Embarrassing? Probably.

The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim

There is no doubt that Fatboy Slim makes amazing music, but I think this is their best. I get pumped just thinking about it!

Lights* - Ellie Goulding (Bassnectar Remix)

Ellie Goulding's voice is magical and Bassnecter knows a thing or two about remixes. I haven't met a person who doesn't like this song. 

Barbra Streisand - Duck Sauce

For the longest time when people would talk about this song to me I thought Barbra was making a comeback. Wrong! Duck Sauce is awesome for this.

Supermodel - Jill Sobule

Remember Clueless? Best. Movie. Ever! This is the song that plays when Cher is giving Tai a makeover. What better song to listen to while you make your body over?

Moves Like Jagger* - Maroon 5

First of all, Adam Levine, call me. Second, this song is amazing. It makes me want to get in a Starsky & Hutch-style dance-off.

This is Your Night - Amber

If you can run to this without sprinting, you are a pace master.

Angel* - Akon

Akon sang this song live at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2010. Do you really need any more workout motivation than that darn babe parade?

Tonight Is The Night* - Outasight

Outasight is an awesome up-and-coming artist. He makes the happiest music, I can't help but want to move when I hear it.

Wannabe - Spice Girls

Ladies, does this song really need a description?

Survivor - Destiny's Child

Talk about girl power. Destiny's Child is unstoppable, and that's exactly how I feel when I listen to this track. Need extra motivation? Just listen to this and think about your lame ex. That should get the job done.

Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

This is the happiest song on the list. I love running to Suddenly I See on bright, sunny days. Life is good!

Sexy Back* - Justin Timberlake

When I run to this song all I think about is how babealicious I need to get just incase I ever meet Justin Timberlake. 

If those songs don't pump you up, I don't know what will. Go hit the pavement ladies, summer is just around the corner!

AJ

Arm Candy

I couldn't help but share a few fun new bracelets I've recently acquired! Saying I'm "excited" about summer trends would be the understatement of the century.

From left: blue + gold bangles from Forever 21, neon green + gold chain bracelet from Etsy, gold spike + yellow bangle from Forever 21, black onyx bracelet from David Yurman, pink rope bracelet from Etsy, watch from Michael Kors.

Do you have any fun photos of your "arm candy"? Share them with me and you might be featured on A Bit of Flair.

Sasha Rhett

Ladies and gentlemen, it's confession time. I'm just going to come right out and say it: I have a severe jewelry addiction. It all started with the recent bracelet stacking craze, and has since evolved into late nights browsing Pinterest and Etsy for the prettiest finds. Unhealthy? Maybe. But so are Funyuns, and I don't see that addiction stopping anytime soon, either. A few weeks ago I came across Sasha Rhett's website, and the rest is history. (So is my savings account. Actually, that's just nonexistent). Sasha Rhett makes adorable watches with, get ready for it, interchangeable straps that are actually cute! Who knew?! While they may initially be a bit pricey, they're much more cost-effective than the standard Michael Kors watches that everyone wears, because once you purchase the face, you can change your look for less!

Gold Round Watch with Double Wrap Strap in Yellow and Blue Ikat 

I can't really even explain how much I need this to be on my wrist right now. Ikat is so trendy right now, and this yellow and blue color scheme is perfect for spring + summer. Imagine it with a tan! 

There are four different face options: rectangle or round (pictured above) in either silver or gold. Do you realize how endless the possibilities are? I get excited just thinking about it. The straps come in either single or double wrap in so many colors and patterns they'll make your head spin, and all are only $65-75! With that, I leave you, your credit card, and Sasha Rhett. Go get 'em, tiger.

AJ

Budget Friendly Neon Finds

Let me start this post by saying how sorry I am for being so MIA recently. On the plus side, finals will be through on Monday which means summer, sun, and some fun new posts to feast your eyes on! (Is it just me, or did that sort of rhyme?)

In honor of my bestie, Kaitlin's, neon themed birthday celebration tonight, I thought I would do a fun post on my favorite neon finds. If you haven't noticed, bright colors are all the rage this season, and for good reason -- they're so darn fun. If you're wary of fluorescent shades, try adding them to your wardrobe in small pieces first. For example, buy a simple bangle in a neon hue for a fun pop of color, rather than a highlighter yellow dress (of which I own, by the way!). Whether you fill your wardrobe with fun, neon pieces, or decide to add a top or two, make sure you don't miss out on this super fun trend.

Bargain shopping babes, bonus points for everything on this list being under $25!

Neon Sherbet Bracelets by AlmostDone, $10 each

I absolutely adore these bracelets. They are such a cute way to add some funk to your arm party! Haven't heard of the arm party trend yet? A quick Google Images search should clear up any confusion for you. Basically, stack fun bracelets in your favorite shades to your heart's content.

Button Front Hi-Lo Top in Neon Green, $24.99

This top is too cute! It would be perfect with white skinny jeans and wedges on a lunch date.

Life in Progress Skinny Jeans from Forever 21, $22.80

I love the color and cropped cut of these jeans. Such a fun, bright addition for your wardrobe!

Millennium Stretch Pencil Skirt from Charlotte Russe, $16.99

This skirt is a great way to add color to your work attire. Just make sure you pair it with neutral shades everywhere else to keep it office appropriate.

Cooperative Neon Open Weave Scarf from Urban Outfitters, $24.00

Just because the summer months are upon us doesn't mean your scarves have to retire in your closet! No worries, the loose weave of this bright pink number won't make you overheated. 

Call it Spring Sandal from JC Penney, $20.00

Color blocking is ultra stylish right now, and for good reason. These sandals are absolutely adorable! Plus, they're jelly, which means added comfort.

Happy shopping!

AJ