What I Actually Wore, Looks, Moments, Memories and MET GALA
By: Caroline Vazzana
Welcome back my Making it in Manhattanites! I’m so excited to be back and out and about in New York. Where to begin? Well, I had a whirlwind European adventure, did you follow along on stories? I returned to New York on May 5th, the day before Met Gala Monday and boy was I exhausted, but I also felt like a kid before the first day of school. The Met Gala is my Olympics, Super Bowl, and Christmas all rolled into one. It’s a time to show up, show out, and to go all out. I mean if not for the Met then when???? Am I right? So often we wait for a special occasion or moment to wear a fabulous, or extra piece. And normally I’d say- well, everyday is a special occasion, why wait? Met Monday IS the occasion of all occasions. This year we sadly weren’t invited to the actual Met Gala, one can dream, but we were invited to a super special Met Gala day with TikTok.
The day began around 9am with a private press preview at The Met. Every year on the day of the Gala they do a press preview of the exhibit, and this was our first time being invite- yay!!! I was super excited and truly honored to be included in such an important and chic group of people. Yes, Anna Wintour was there and yes, she looked fabulous.
So what did I wear????
For an über important moment as such, I needed an über special piece. When I was away in Italy I actually ended up buying a super fabulous, and comfortable long pink skirt from a boutique in our hotel in Taormina. I wanted the skirt to really be the wow moment, the focal point of my look, as it does wrap around and have a big bow tied in the back. So I styled it with a crisp white button down from Uniqlo, Gucci kitten heels and a bedazzled clutch from Roger Vivier. I will say the clutch was also a wow look at me piece, but I felt like since the skirt didn’t have any embellishments it worked. Pics below, let me know what you think!
For the Met Gala Monday festivities, TikTok put me in a hotel in midtown which was incredible so I could easily get ready and head to the different events. As you know I love a staycation. So after the preview I headed to the hotel and started getting ready for the Met Gala watch party! For the past two years TikTok has thrown an iconic Met Gala watch party and I was so excited to be attending again. And even though I wasn’t going to the actual gala I still, of course, wanted to dresss on theme. One thing about me is I live for a good theme. Give me a theme and I will dress for it. So I got home after two weeks away in Europe and had the Met the next day, what to wear???? Thankfully my friends from Arcade, one of my absolute favorite vintage stores, had sent me a few vintage dresses to borrow for the occasion and they were waiting for me at my house when I got home. I ended up choosing this stunning vintage YSL dress and styled it with my all blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisis pumps, vintage Chanel jewelry, several watches (garden of time!!), and a vintage bag which I filled with real flowers! The real main attraction though was my hair! I got my hair done in a sleek low bun but had my hairstylist add all real flowers for a garden goddess vibe! I truly felt so glam and loved how everything came together.
And the day after Met Gala Monday? Oh besties, the galas did not stop!! I had a special gala the very next day for the Accessories Council at the Pierre Hotel. Thankfully I had another stunning gown from Arcade that I didn’t wear on Monday, but knew would be perfect for this fete. It was a vintage Balmain gown with a huge bow on the top. The bow slightly hit me in the face the entire night but that is the sacrifice we make for a fabulous outfit, am I right???? I also got to wear less makeup because my entire face was pretty much covered- so a win win for me! Below I styled it with Miu Miu pumps, the same vintage Chanel earrings and a magazine purse I got when I was an intern about 12 years ago. I got so many compliments on this bag though so I might need to hunt down another one online.
Okay now this all might seem super glamorous but when I’m on the go go go like this, my mental health honestly does suffer a bit. I’ve been on edge a bit the last few weeks and not sleeping well at all. So though I love going to these events, coming off of two weeks in Europe and diving into two galas- I think even Carrie Bradshaw would be exhausted. So I’m currently writing this from my couch in baggy jeans and a tie dyed tee. Balance, right? We need the slow days to balance out the busy bee, fabulous days. The days at home doing nothing to revive our social bufferly and help her spread her wings once again. It’s ok to be a caterpillar every now and then, I mean they need the beauty sleep to become a butterfly so, so do I. And I think we all do. Anyone who never says they are exhausted or need a break are just lying to you! No one can run on empty, you know? I’m thankful for both these slow moments, the beautiful memories, and feel endlessly blessed that I do what I love each and everyday and share it with all of you!
I hope you’ve been enjoying these little newsletters and blog posts as much as I have. I’ve missed writing and have been loving sharing this little piece of myself with you. Until next time!
xx
C