Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“The season of waiting will be worth it, don’t lose hope now”

-Anon

Happy Friday!! What a fun week it has been! All I can talk about is the Met Gala. Was it the best? No, but at least there was one. All I care about is that I get to talk about fashion, good or bad. It was enjoyable for me and I loved chatting with all of you through IG message about the looks. And now we have the Emmy’s to talk about this weekend!

Last weekend I went to the Banksy Exhibit: Genius or Vandal? It is not particularly my taste in art, but I do appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship of his work. I didn’t realize how long he has been known– dating back to 2002. Most, if not all, of his work is protest art. Whether it’s about political or social issues, his art makes a statement. I give him credit for using his art to make such statements, and also to have gone this long without putting a face to the name. He has a mystery, an allure that makes his art a little more exciting. But isn’t that with all graffiti artists? We don’t know who has done what, but it’s visible to the masses. One thing I didn’t know, nor realized, is that Banksy’s work is short lived. Others vandalize the images, governments take it down or paint over it. Some will take it down and sell it for profit. Which seems unfair, but that’s what it means to be a street artist. My favorite piece of his is the little girl reaching for the heart balloon. I read that it’s one of the most diverse interpreted pieces. Some believe it’s about letting go. Some believe it’s about losing hope. I have always thought the little girl was sending love to people. That’s what I love about art, we see things that relate to our own lives. Meant to be interpreted internally and emotionally.

What I am watching: The Met Gala! I’ve been diving deep into each celebrities outfits; reading about their inspiration. A lot of designers went with the ode to American icons, instead of American fashion. Billie Eilish channeled Marilyn Monroe’s 1951 Oscar dress in her Oscar de la Renta tulle gown. Gemma Chan in Prabal Gurung paid homage to Anna May Wong. Jennifer Hudson in AZ Factory channeling Aretha Franklin’s dress she wore to a dinner at the White House in 1994. Kendall Jenner Givenchy sheered jeweled gown (one of my favorites from the evening) that was inspired by what Audrey Hepburn wore in My Fair Lady— a Givenchy white crystal dress. For those of you who do not know, Hepburn had a long standing close friendship with Hubert de Givenchy. So it was only fitting that they created looks to represent the American icon.

I really thought we were going to see more denim. Only Lupita Nyong in Versace was dressed in mostly denim. I knew western would be a theme, since Ralph Lauren dressed celebs and this is his specialty. I thought JLO pulled off the western look; it was on theme and she looks great in whatever she wears. However, I didn’t like how much fray the skirt had which made it look messy. Other celebs chose a more modern take on American fashion by using political statements such as Dan Levy in a LGBTQ inspired outfit from Loewe, taken from the artwork of artist David Wojnarovicz. Other’s took a more symbolic approach to the theme like Emily Blunt embodying the Statue of Liberty in her whimsical sheer Miu Miu gown. Which was also one of my favorite looks of the evening. Another favorite look was Lili Reinhart floral gown by Christian Siriano. What I loved about this gown was that it had the official flower for all 50 states. I thought that was such a creative approach. Not only was it beautiful, but holds so much meaning.

I can’t talk about the Met Gala without mentioning Kim Kardashian’s Balenciaga muted look. Right off the bat I disliked it. I still dislike it, but I am growing an appreciation for it. Hear me out. The Met Gala is a fundraiser for the Costume Institution at the Met Museum. The outfits we see on the red carpet are suppose to be like works of art. Art is subjective. I give Kim credit for wearing something completely out of her norm. The Kardashian’s are known for their looks, makeup, wanting to be seen, etc. This hides and stripes away everything that makes Kim, Kim. The inspiration of the look was to say even without the labels, designers, makeup, etc, you still know it’s Kim. It shows how iconic and recognizable Kim is without the gimmick. It’s performative art. Kim also sought out to accomplish exactly this– we are all talking about her and only her. Her look is going to be remembered for years, whether we liked it or not. Bravo for smart PR. I still dislike the look, but I appreciate that Kim stepped out of her comfort zone.

What I bought: For a few weeks now I have been eyeing this black dress from J.Crew. I like how versatile it can be. I can wear it to a meeting or wear it while running errands. I realized I do not have that many fall dresses to just throw on and go. I know this look is a little bit more elevated for your usually casual dress, but it can be whatever I make it. I also bought this floral dress to wear this fall and can be worn next spring and summer.

This weekend I have nothing planned except to scout locations for my shoot on Tuesday. I’ll probably watch the Ohio State game — hoping for a win! I will once again be chatting on my IG stories about the best and worst dress at the Emmy’s Sunday night.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. All the Met Gala looks inspired by Hollywood Icons

2. Eyeing this satin green dress

3. How pretty is this top

4. This wide brim hat is perfect for the fall

5. I can’t get enough of the Markarian spring 22 show

6. The trends that dominated NYFW spring 2022

7. I need to go on this Gilmore Girls inspired road trip

8. Every look from Target’s fall designer collaborations

9. LoveShackFancy throws a garden party

10. What to do this weekend in NYC

Sales happening this weekend