It was stunning and slightly overwhelming to see the gorgeous creations flooding the red carpet among the camera flashes ~ if you didn’t maintain a laser focus you easily missed the fabulous frenzy of frocks sweeping by in a sea of sensational style.

This year the Spring 2012 Gala celebrates the exhibition Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, exploring the striking similarities between two Italian designers from different eras ~ the iconic Elsa Schiaparelli (a.k.a. “Schiap) and Miuccia Prada.

Most of you are familiar with Prada’s classic, clean lines, basic colors and luxe fabrics ~ but Schiap’s influence is just as strong. For starters, having a shade of (shocking) pink ~ Schiaparelli Pink ~ named after you is a pretty big deal if you ask me, pretties! Schiap’s designs were also heavily influenced by artists in the surrealist and dada movements, namely Salvador Dali ~ but you can read more about that here.

Wonder how many muses were wearing NARS “Schiap” tonight?

The bossy photogs provided an entertaining soundtrack while guests tread the tricky & trying tapestry of stairs up to fashion heaven. Note to self: wear cocktail-length frock or have arm candy handy for a lift up the steps when Anna invites me next year.

The paparazzi repeatedly, shamelessly shouted names of celebs (Eva! Eva! Eva! Eva-Eva-Eva!) and hurled insults at anyone who blocked their shots. A few faves: “Get out of the background with that portable camera!”;  “Except for that idiot behind you, the picture’s perfect”; and “Kristen look at the camera; she’s looking at nothing” ~ from one photog who was not happy with Kristen Wiig.

 Kristen Wiig, looking at nothing.

What I love most, besides the fashion, is that The Costume Institute Gala is not an awards show like the Oscars or Golden Globes ~ but a kick-off soiree that allows its guests to celebrate the Met and its colorful, creative, collaborative exhibitions each year. Here’s a glimpse of the glimmer and sparkle of the evening…

Anna Wintour breaks from her typical Chanel ~ rocking a stunning white Prada gown based on a famous dress Schiap designed for the Duchess of Windsor.

Ashley Green was gorgeous in a Donna Karan grecian white gown.

Lovely Leslie Mann in petal pink organza ruffle gown by Nina Ricci.

SJP arrived on the arm of Valentino in one of his creations ~ a floral satin full-length frock. She acknowledged that “There is nothing more terrifying, frankly, than these particular steps.”

The Mrs. Drapers ~ January Jones in yellow Versace and Jessica Paré in shimmering bronze L’Wren Scott.

Katharine McPhee was smashing in tangerine.

Karolina Kurkova shimmered in slinky gold Rachel Zoe gown & turban.

Why is Betty White so angry?

Damn, girl… Rosario Dawson wows in Calvin Klein Collection black leather halter gown.

Diane Kruger in purple plumed Prada.

Coco Rocha in a yellow vintage (and red-wine stained!) Givenchy jumpsuit that belonged to Liz Taylor.

Model Anja Rubick shoots from the hip in Anthony Vaccarello ~ do you accept the challenge, Angie?

Liv Tyler ~ gorg in Givenchy.

Chloe Sevigny pays homage to Schiap’s mirror print in a Miu Miu mirrored mini. Based on the crazy hair, I guess she didn’t check her reflection in her dress when she left the house.

Sofia Vergara stuns in an oyster and gold organza gown by Marchesa.

Marc “Oh, it’s just a lace dress” Jacobs.

Julianne Hough in Schiap Pink Carolina Herrera.

Gisele with hubby Dennis the Menace.

Kate Bosworth ~ j’adore her custom bordeaux and navy ostrich feather mini by Prada. Makes me wanna shake my tailfeather.

Liya Kebede, Tory Burch, Rashida Jones, and Brooklyn Decker in Tory Burch.

Renée Zellweger ~ Pucci prrrfection.

Dashing duo ~ Chelsea Handler holding on to boyfriend Andre Balaz.

 Gwynnie rocking a Prada mullet-hemmed frock with bedazzled pockets.

Brooke Shields ~  and all…that…jazz…! Bob Fosse would be proud.

Eva Mendes simmers in silk tangerine Prada.

Jessica Alba glows in gold metallic Michael Kors. No doubt styled by the j’amazing Brad Goreski.

Camilla Belle in  Ralph Lauren Collection ivory tulle beaded gown.

JT in Tom Ford & Jessica “Soon to be Mrs. J.T” Biel in Prada. Photo taken just before Justin announced “We’re gonna go find champagne” and whisked his fiancée away. I’ll clink to that!

After the fashion frenzy, I’m très tired. Time for some beauty zzzz’s…. sweet dreams!

The beautiful, incomparable Audrey Hepburn would have been 82 83 years old today. Her generous and philanthropic spirit was an inspiration, and made her even lovelier in life than she was in her films. Not only did she have style in spades but she was a true lady: she carried herself with poise and grace, and treated others with kindness and respect. In my book that makes her one in infinity.

So “clink!” to the Birthday Girl and her memorable silver screen personas – Holly, Sabrina, Princess Ann, Jo, Joanna, Eliza, Regina, Gaby – and all the other fabulous characters brought to life by the unforgettable Audrey.

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe tomorrow is another day.” ~Audrey Hepburn

“I’ve got to do something about the way I look. I mean a girl just can’t go to Sing Sing with a green face.” ~ Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“Oh, but Paris isn’t for changing planes, it’s for changing your outlook! For throwing open the windows and letting in… letting in la vie en rose.” ~Sabrina Fairchild, Sabrina

“I hate this nightgown. I hate all my nightgowns, and I hate all my underwear too…I’m not two hundred years old. Why can’t I sleep in pajamas?” ~Princess Ann, Roman Holiday

“Take the picture, take the picture!” ~Jo Stockton, Funny Face

“I’m three dimensional, as a matter of fact.” ~Joanna Wallace, Two for the Road

“The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.” ~Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady

“Marriage license, did you say marriage license? Oh I love you Adam, Alex, Peter, Brian, whatever your name is.” ~Regina Lampert, Charade

“Actually, depravity can be terribly boring if you don’t smoke or drink.” ~Gaby Simpson, Paris When It Sizzles

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

When my sister told me that C-SPAN would be covering the red carpet arrivals in  addition to the dinner, I was pretty excited ~ the WHCD is about as close as DC gets to its own Golden Globes and Oscars.

I adore E! and Giuliana, but C-SPAN’s candid coverage of the DC and Hollywood glitterati pouring into the Hilton ~ then filtering up and down the escalators, often unaware of the cameras and the awkward moments being captured ~ was a fun change and made for perfect people watching.

Jimmy Kimmel was just the right mix of funny and irreverent, and the President had some great lines, too. The First Lady was having a ball in a pretty floral brocade Naeem Khan strapless gown.

Here’s  a quick recap of some style highlights, lovelies.

Kate Hudson ~ purple and piled-high ~ love the Jenny Packham sequin gown and ballerina bun.

Kerry Washington ~ glowed in creamsicle colored Calvin Klein and Roger Vivier clutch.

Tory Burch wore baby blue Carolina Herrera.

Sofia Vergara in a party-ready David Mason frock.

Reese Witherspoon channeled Grace Kelly with a classic chignon and Monique Lhuillier gown.

Arianna Huffington in neon yellow Nanette Lepore.

Always adorbs Leslie Mann in floral Naeem Khan.

Ginnifer Goodwin ~ looking very angry to have her photo taken, in white tiered gown from the H&M Red Carpet Conscious Collection.

Rashida Jones in the “Cora” peplum gown from the Tory Burch Fall 2012 collection.

Charlize Theron in black lace Emilio Pucci and Judith Leiber clutch.

Eva Longoria in Marchesa frock and Brian Atwood pumps.

Zooey Deschanel smiles in a gold beaded oyster Oscar de la Renta gown, despite the crick in her neck.

“Ladies, please, one at a time…” 

Who cares who George Clooney was wearing… le sigh.

photo credits: 1-NYMag, 2-PopSugar

I’m still pinching myself that I met @MrBradGoreski ~ favorite style stud and stylist, and an A+ on the A-List or Any List.

Thanks to the classy & colorful Brooks Brothers team in Georgetown who hosted a terrific event and book signing for Born To Be Brad at their fabulous M Street location. The book is amazing like its author and a fantastic literary mix of life & style à la Brad. It’s half memoir, half style-guide, and chock-full of heart & humor. A lust-have for anyone who loves fashion.

 J’adorbs!

First in line

Bowtie cookies – quel cuteness

Appropriately clad in a hot pink cover, the book chronicles Brad’s colorful life thus far. It includes the beginning of his love affair with fashion at age 12 when he picked up his first Vogue, later working at Vogue and W, and his stint on Bravo’s The Rachel Zoe Project, where he worked his style magic for a spell before movin’ on up with his career.

The super stylist with Jessica, Mandy and Minka.

Dashing Duo ~ Andy & Brad at Fashion Week.

Fast-forward to the present ~ Brad is having a banner year. Highlights include wrapping his first season of It’s a Brad Brad World on Bravo (best season finale ever ~ kudos to Gary!) and being scooped up by Kate Spade as their brand ambassador. I’m smitten with their flipping fabulous collaboration and crazy-creative campaigns.  He deserves every happiness and success that has come his way, and it couldn’t happen to a more authentic, talented guy.

Stylin’

Gary & Brad on It’s A Brad Brad World

Brad & Kate Spade ~ a match made in fashion heaven!

While I was sporting my pink & green and playing with my beloved Barbies as a little girl, there was a young boy named Brad in Port Perry, Ontario, with technicolor dreams who also loved the art of dress up.  Little did I know that he would grow up to create a stylish & sunny world bursting with color, and become an inspiration for living a bright & sparkly life!

P.S ~ Brad, now that I’ve regained my ability to talk, tweet, and type ~ my offer to be Your Girl Friday still stands!

“Be yourself ~ everybody else is already taken.”  ~Oscar Wilde

Book signing photos 4 & 5 courtesy of The Scene Bisnow.

The nautical look has always been a staple of the style set…

JFK & Jackie

 Jackie

Audrey

George Clooney

Natalie Wood

Gary Cooper

Grace Kelly

Navigating the nautical look is easy breezy, darlings ~ so no need to go overboard. Simply add some aquatic accents to your spring and summer wardrobe (stripes, rope details, anchors) and you’re ready to set sail!

Old Navy French Terry Striped Shift

Kate Spade Mini Ship Studs

Juicy Striped Terry Tote

 Juicy Risha Espadrille

 J. Crew Maritime Blazer

Madewell Nautical Knot Cuff

J. Crew Saint James Tee

J. Crew Sailor Shorts

 Sperry Westport Skimmers

Ray-Ban Wayfarers 

Lafayette 148 Linen Sailor Pants & Tee

Betsey Johnson Multi-Anchor Necklace

J. Crew Café Capris

Splendid Stripe Dress

Betsey Johnson Anchor Crossbody

 Old Navy Lace-Up Hoodie

Tory Burch Karissa Espadrilles

Free People Vintage Hand Knit Aran Sweater

Marc Jacobs Flavin Stripe Drop Waist Dress

Girl Props Pink Anchor Pendant

Clearly, nautical never goes out of style…

Best Mates: Medestrian & Sis rocking their fave nautical frocks at the park.

Born April 5, 1916 in La Jolla, California, this studly smart cookie studied English and pre-med at UC Berkeley, rowed university crew, ran on the track team, and became involved in theater. After graduating from Berkeley, he headed to New York to hone his acting chops and the rest is history (lucky for us!).

He wasn’t just a scholar, athlete and actor, but also a romantic ~ he was married to the love of his life, beautiful French journalist Veronique (Passani) Peck, for 37 years.

Gregory starred in countless movies including The Yearling, Spellbound, The Big Country, and Cape Fear, to name a few…

Most memorably for moi, his star shined brightest in To Kill a Mockingbird and Roman Holiday ~ two of my all-time favorites. His powerful performances in these classic films were etched in my heart the moment I first saw them, and I’ve adored him ever since.

His portrayal of Southern lawyer Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird won him an Oscar, and our hearts. His strong personal character perfectly  fit the role of such a principled man.

As dreamy American reporter Joe Bradley in Roman Holiday, he romanced Audrey Hepburn’s Princess Ann character, and the two icons started a life-long friendship.

He also had a great sense of humor, scaring Audrey in the famous Mouth of Truth scene at  via Margutta….

Always the perfect gentleman ~ halfway through  filming, Peck suggested that Audrey be given equal billing ~ a gesture unheard-of in Hollywood.

“Rome! By all means, Rome.“

There is only one Gregory Peck ~ so don’t even waste your time, gents ~ nobody will ever fill his suave shoes.

“I have been described as tall, dark and handsome a million times. If it’s true, I’m just lucky.”  ~Gregory Peck 

I’m simply sur la lune for Ladurée!  Everything about these Parisian purveyors of pretty confections is perfection ~ the marvelous macarons and bon bons, pretty packaging, delightful decor, scrumptious shops, and très chic site ~ which is the flipping cutest thing I have ever seen. (Just be sure to toggle to the English version if you don’t speak fluent Franglais.)

Ladurée is pure delectable delight ~ just strolling into one of its magical shops is a dream…

Ladurée celebrates its 150th birthday this year ~ Bon Anniversaire, mes chéris!

The Hello Kitty collaboration, described as “a delicious journey through the world of childhood joie-de-vivre” is part of a year full of delightful collaborations and celebrations. This prrrrfect pairing is for a limited time only, so get your paws on these confections tout de suite, kittens!

For future reference ~ Mr. Tall, Dark & Dreamy ~ you had me at macarons. Meow.

I’m so in love with this show I can’t stand it! Less than an hour and counting ~ www.secretsareback.com

“But that’s life. One minute you’re on top of the world, the next minute some  secretary’s running you over with a lawnmower.” ~Joanie Harris

My Mom and I enjoyed a lovely day under the shade of the cherry blooms with blossoms at their peak ~ and plenty of elbow room to wander, explore and snap some shots of one of the crowning glories of DC.  Enjoy!

A tiptoe through the Tulip Library topped off our perfect day…

The pretty palette was as vivid as the colors of the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring.

Bon printemps!

Patio or lawn, porch or porch swing ~ I hope you kick back, relax, and enjoy fun times with family, friends, and flirt-worthy playmates this season. I thought I’d share one of my favorite poems, “Flower Gathering” by Robert Frost, to ring in the romance of spring.

Le sigh. It’s the little things that mean the most.

“Out with the cold, in with the woo.”  ~E. Marshall