Gala: A social occasion with special entertainments or performances, "a black-tie gala that begins with a cocktail reception" synonyms: fete, fair, festival, carnival, pageant, jubilee, jamboree, party, garden party, after-party, celebration. Now that we have the Google definition out of the way, what the heck do you wear to one of these things? And, are all Gala's neccesarily black-tie? We not only have the perfect solution, but also a look that will transition you from work to venue in one fabulous piece even if you have to take a train, plane, or automobile.
If you have been following Dusk & Rubies on Facebook then you probably know we write for Guest Of A Guest! They had sent me to cover the Fashion 2.0 Awards last Thursday and we had a blast! To see the article visit: HERE. What I didn't write about was what I wore, who I mingled with and what it was like for me a little blogger from New York.
Despite these record breaking snow storms, New York fashion week street style has not left us feeling disappointed or deprived. I still saw some well curated outfits walking the streets around Lincoln Center and throughout the city even in the below freezing temperatures. But, to say that figuring out what I was going to wear last Sunday was easy, would be false. I don't do well in the cold, and because I had two shows to attend, one right after the other, one downtown the other uptown I had to adjust and plan accordingly.
Whoever created the phrase, the clothes make the man, must have been reflecting
on an interview prospect. You may not know this, but your interview attire is the most
significant outfit in your closet. That being said, we should always have a go-to interview outfit, even
if you are not currently looking for a job. Why? Because chances are you will have a
meeting with the big boss upstairs, will ask for a raise, will have an evaluation of sorts and guess
what you should
pull out from the depths of your closet? Your interview outfit!
Yes, it is
true that your resume and demeanor are absolute factors in earning a position, a raise, or making a good impression but did you
know according to Forbes, "a study done by Frank Bernieri, Ph. D, an associate
professor of psychology at Oregon State University [concluded that] within 10 seconds of
meeting your interviewer...that person has decided whether or not you're right for
the job" (Dress For Interview Success). Did you catch that? Your fate could be decided in a mere 10 seconds! That is equivalent to a glance up
and down...one time.
Maybe you
find Dr. Bernieri's study inconclusive, but do you really want to chance it? I know I
don't. Here are our 7 staples for creating the perfect interview outfit:
So take the next step towards the career of your dreams! Stay Lovely, D.R Editor and Curator of Dusk & Rubies
...But other times, especially with my family, I tend to be a goof!
"Dagger Danger" Earrings By Dusk & Rubies
Look instantly pulled together with fur turban, knit scarf, and cinched coat!
Sunday
When traveling on vacation with the family, we want to look stylish, feel comfortable, and pack light. Above are two weekend outfits perfect for hanging with family, or meeting the family. It is all about dressing appropriate for a range of venues and situations. We want to dress with the 3 Rs in mind when it comes to hanging with your folks, the boyfriend's folks, or anyone's parental units for that matter. The 3 R's stand for respectable, relaxed, and ready. You want your outfit to be something that can easily transition from something as physical as a scavenger hunt in Grand Central Station to dinner at Carmines. No one likes traveling with the girl who is high maintenance- no one. So make sure your the go with the flow girl with these easy breezy weekender outfits!
Stay Lovely, D.R Editor and Curator of Dusk & Rubies
My favorite thing to do on Thanksgiving is to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And although I love Sesame Street and can't deny Elmo's adorableness, I watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade for the fashion. I can remember from the age of ten critiquing and admiring all the winter coats, hats, scarfs, and all the possible combinations with my sister!
Here are a few of our favorites below!
We love Kellie Pickler's gown length fur trim coat. (Similar: here, here )
Disney Channel Star shows she is all grown up in an awesome leather ensemble.
Nick Hill is dressed in a dark brown leather bomber over a Henley with a light brown scarf. We think this look is perfect for men ages 15-35.
Not that I had any idea who Fifth Harmony was prior to the parade, but these girls know how to give good coat!
Winner of best dressed at the parade was this member of fifth harmony. I loved her maroon colored pants, this wool and leather jacket, and her hat which adorned curled tresses! Well done!
I love Cher Lloyd's courageous use of textures, and patterns giving her look a grunge rocker vibe.
Two of my models, and cousins wearing funky and cool looks that you can emulate easily!
Which look was your favorite? Tell us why in the comments below!
Do you remember that moment in The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda, Meryl Streep's character, starts creating a look by pulling pieces off the rack? She puts the pieces together all willy-nilly, and yet the look she creates is flawless. Well that moment happened in my reality, except Miranda was replaced by fashion designer Cynthia Rowley.
Last Thursday I attended a private shopping event hosted by the playful and vivacious Cynthia Rowley. The private event was held at Cynthia's grand and whimsical 4-story Madison Avenue townhouse which houses the Cynthia Rowley Flagship Store, and CuRious Candy! Halfway through the night Cynthia began playing, and I say play because she really is like a child at play around clothes. She began pulling jackets, and dresses, and necklaces together to create a new look. I recreated what she pieced together below. While the exact necklace she used is no where to be found- I hunted the Internet for it, any statement piece will do!
Cynthia Rowley all smiles as Farah cuts her decadent cake!
The night continued with awesome accessories. Here are a few of my favorites below:
Get your flask bangle: here They come in both silver and gold, and hold up to 3 oz.
Inside Scoop: Apparently Gwyneth Paltrow loves the flask bangle! I love how its design isn't compromised by its function.
Trend Spotting: I saw a lot of gold jewelry for this season, and a lot of charm bracelets. Her charm bracelets were extremely playful, with one charm being her signature rabbit. (The theme of CuRious Candy pays tribute to the darker side of Alice In Wonderland.)
Probably my favorite accessory of the night were these camel colored, leather studded shoes- which are not available online. They are only in stores!
Not only were all the guests afforded an amazing discount, champagne while we shopped, and free giveaways, but we were also allowed to try the candy upstairs! You can't imagine all the edible goodies she curates!
Everything from the glitter to the rhinestones is edible!
Edible silverware, dishes, and tea cups!
Cynthia does have a flare for the whimsical and absurd, but that is why we love her!
2nd floor: CuRious Candy
Love the playful side of Cynthia Rowley? Watch the following videos for more inspired fun!