Shoes with a shrug

Remember the dress worn by Jennifer Lopez at the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art last week?

Jennifer Lopez attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

I have found the shoe version of it:

Wild Rose Yvone-12 Ruffle Mary Jane Pump at UrbanOG.com

Oh! How I wish they still had my size...

...and that the doctor had not just forbidden me the wearing of high heels for the rest of my everyday life (something about a tendinitis that hasn't healed in over 5 years on my left ankle and multiple sprains - 4 or 5 in the last 15 years, I've lost count - on my right).

2011 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet

Yesterday was the official opening of the The spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (May 4, 2011, to July 31, 2011). On Monday night, the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala was held for designers, models and stars alike. Thankfully for people like me and you, many stars choose to interpret the "Costume Institute Gala" as a theme for their attire of the evening. Shall we take a peek at their clothes?

(Note: The following pictures were borrowed from Socialite Life for costume study purposes.)

First, I would like to note that many a gentleman showed up in interesting fashion, enough to make it to this post.

Andre Leon Talley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I have rarely seen Andre Leon Talley in something subtle, and that is not about to change as he wears a court coat made just for him on this red carpet.

Designer Karl Lagerfeld and actress Blake Lively attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Karl Lagerfeld is never boring in his choice of clothes and that night was no exception. On his arm, the beautiful Blake Lively wears a modern interpretation of a Pallas. Whatever those fashion critiques have said, I love it.

Designer Christian Louboutin and Ashley Olsen attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Red has long been Christian Louboutin's signature colour, so it should come as no surprise that his velvet jacket matches the carpet. As for Ashley Olsen, black and white (creme) will always be a classic. I do love the wide puffy sleeves; they remind me of a chemise under stays.

Designer Marc Jacobs & Robert Duffy attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

You have to admire men who are sure enough of their masculinity to wear a kilt in public. Bravo!

European Vogue editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and artist Daphne Guinness attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Keeping to the tartan theme, this gentleman choose to skip the kilt, but still wear its colours. Very daring. He is accompanied by a distant relative of Big Bird's. (Sometimes, too much really is just that. But I still admire her originality.)

Actress Freida Pinto attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Not only were some of the boys interestingly dresses, some of the girls were inspired by men's fashion. Here, a Freida Pinto chooses to add a simple black tie to contrast her white satin dress.

Singer Janelle Monae attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

While Janelle Monae goes Dandy, Top hat and all.

Model Iman attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Iman looks straight out of Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). 70's Baby, yeah!

Actress Brooklyn Decker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Don't say it, don't say it... Red Carpet Barbie. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Wait, didn't I see this outfit on one of the "babes" in Star Trek: The Original Series?

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Sarah Jessica Parker's dress is beautiful, no questions there. But is it just me, of did someone get inspiration from The Mummy (1999) for the beading design? (Look up Anck Su Namun's body make up).

Actress Leighton Meester attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

A little black dress should always be perfect for such an occasion, but why does this one look like it is made from horizontal blinds? I Guess this is the modern version of Carol Burnett's "I saw it in a window and I just couldn't resist".

Actress Mary-Kate Olsen attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I love Mary-Kate's 70's Boho dress, and the colour combination of dress and accessories. But maybe this was a bit too dressed down for a red carpet.

Nicole Richie attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

I just loved the sleeves on this one. Simple, elegant, with a little Sci Fi je-ne-sais-quoi.

Actress Dakota Fanning attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

All this dress needs is a pair of wings and you have the perfect Meadow Fairy costume!

Athlete Serena Williams attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone watched the Royal Wedding too many times last week-end! (One word: Hats)

Actress Demi Moore attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone else watched the Royal Wedding too many times. (One word: Feather Duster hair fascinators.)

Singer Fergie attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Really people, enough with the Royal Wedding already! (Kidding, I love that dress).

Actress Christina Ricci attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I read someone calling this dress "The Spider Queen". It is either that, or a penciled doodle dress. In either case, as original as it is, I find it to be very unflattering for Christina Ricci. It make her skin tone look grey.

Unless this is NOT Christina Ricci, and this is in fact Wednesday Addams, all grown up. That would explain it.

Madonna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Madonna has always looked amazing in 1930's and 40's fashion. Remember Evita (1996)?

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Gorgeous lace, love the one arm and train, AND the red hair (truly wish I had the gut to dye my hair red - I've been thinking about it on and off since I was 13), but what really sold me on this look were the earrings:

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

They look so Steampunk!

Jennifer Lopez attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Whatever those mean fashion commentators have said, I love the flower shrug J Lo is sporting.

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

This is my number one dress of the evening. It is The Tudors meet Modern evening wear (Mermaid dress). Just look at the gold on black embroidery!

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Oh, and the back! It is like a sleeveless doublet. Really, I can't get over how amazing that dress looks.

I am starting to think I need an excuse to wear evening/party dresses like that. Any suggestions?

Royal Wedding Fashion

So unless you live in a cave, you will have heard, there was a royal wedding today. Really! Prince William and his Fiancee Catherine "Kate" Middleton said I do in front of 1 billion spectators. I tried not to follow the masses, I really did. But I'm a girl, I love Fairy Tales and I LOVE weddings.

A Royal Wedding Group Portrait

With all the crazy fashion there, you know I was bound to make a comment. Someone's worst dress list is a costumer's inspiration.

So first, let me talk about the Queen of the day.

Katherine Middleton, Mother of the Bride - Queen Elizabeth II, Grandmother of the groom - Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Stepmother of the groom

No, I did not mean THE Queen, although one has to notice the lovely shade of butter yellow she choose, and admire her hat which is quite elegant (contrary to past habits).

To also comment on this picture, I love what the mother of the ride wore, but I hate the Duchess of Cornwall's hat.

But back to the day's Star: Catherine "Kate" Middleton.

Catherine "Kate" Middleton

No one can deny how lovely she looked in this Alexander McQueen creation. It's not really my style, what with the long sleeves and all that lace, but I can understand the need for sobriety and the difficulty in finding a dress that will please everyone.

My first thought as I watched her get out of the car was "This looks like Grace Kelly's wedding dress!"

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, April 1956

Oh, and just a quick note in case my Sweetheart is reading, I love Kate's sapphire engagement ring. Just saying.

Diana / Kate's engagement ring

Everyone of course noticed the sister of the bride and her Maid of honour, Philippa "Pippa" Middleton, looking sexy in Alexander McQueen.

Philippa "Pippa" Middleton

One guest's dress also caught my eye: the one worn by Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco.

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

I have read critiques concerning this outfit because her dress had a train, but I love it all the same. It looks somewhat like a caftan, but it is extremely elegant.

What any British Royal event really is about, fashion wise anyways, it the hats.

The daughters of Earl Spencer

It seams to be a part of the dress code to have some crazy looking, gravity defying 'thing' on your head.

Princess Anne

I had a dress in these colours as a child... in the early 90's! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I am not loving this outfit.

Sophie Winkleman, Actress and wife of Lord Frederick Windsor

This hat I love. It is asymmetrical, yet sober. Can anyone explain to me how it stays in place?

Miriam Clegg, wife of deputy prime minister Nick Clegg

I am not quite sure about the turban hat, but I do love the humongous red flower fascinator!

Princess Mathilde and Prince Philippe of Belgium

TURQUOISE! (You knew we would eventually get there.)

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

Another gravity defying hat.

Chelsea Davy

Prince Harry's girlfriend wore a lovely suit, albeit perhaps too tight, and it is nice to see another type of headwear and the wedding.

Victoria Beckham a.k.a. Posh Spice

I realize my favourite Ex-Spice Girl is pregnant, but did she have to wear a tent? One the one side, I find it too similar to one of my night gowns, but on the other, I think it may be growing on me. Lovely draping effect, longer in the back, definitely perfect to hide the midriff. The colour and hat are truly nice, but again, pardon my ignorance, but I do wonder how this hat holds in place.

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Okay, she looks straight out of a Star Trek episode.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice

We have slowly culminated to the craziest of the hats: Princess Eugenie's, and especially Princess Beatrice's. Some people have said that Princess Beatrice's hat looked like an octopus. One thing is for sure, it has made the news. From what I read, both had very little say in their hats. Designer Philip Treacy just knows them enough to know what they like (which can be a scary though).

Ultimately, the crazier the look, the more I love it! And now I feel like wearing silly hats and fascinators too.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

I wish the newlyweds a happy long and truly happy life together.

Costumes on the Red Carpet: 82nd Academy Awards®

As you all know, Sunday night was my favourite award show of the year, the Oscars®. (If you didn't know, where the heck have you been living?) Oscar Night® is to me what the Super Bowl is to most men: I sit down in front of the tele with snacks to watch all of the pre-pre-pre show shows.

The awards are nice, some of the speeches are interesting, the hosts are funny, but really, what we want to see is the dresses! I've picked out a few to present here. Of course, you all know by now that if I show something here, it's because it caught my eye, and really, that is their purpose: ugly or not, the stars want you to remember them.

Here are the categories for this year's Costumeholic Oscar Red Carpet Dresses:

Blush

There is a trend going on in the fashion world for Nude tones and Blush pinks. Personally I look washed out in such colours (maybe if I left my basement once in a while instead of writing this blog - kidding!), but sun kissed skinned stars seem to wear them beautifully.

Anna Kendrickon on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

As beautiful as any Olympian Goddess!

Demi Moore on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

It's the return of the Mommy! Okay, I'm just being silly, but really, that was my first thought when I saw that bandaged looking bodice. Love the skirt though!

Pleats Please!

No, these are not Issey Miyake dresses, but they are covered in pleats and ruching. The dresses from the previous category could also have been included here.

Kristen Stewart on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

I thought it ironic that the star of Twilight would wear black: embracing our inner vampire, are we?

Mariah Carey on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Who else is seeing a blue clad Jessica Rabbit here? Raise your hand, anyone?

Penelope Cruz on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Have you ever noticed that every year at the Oscars, Penelope Cruz is always one of the best dressed? How does she do it? Never a faux pas!

Sigourney Weaver on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Sigourney Weaver is the ultimate Goddess in this one shoulder dress. She should not only join Anna Kendrickon on Mount Olympus, she should sit on the throne!

Silver and Gold

If Oscar gets to be clad only in gold, why couldn't the stars wear metallic tones too?

Cameron Diaz on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Have I ever mention I love Oscar de la Renta gowns? They are always of plain good taste, and this one is no exception.

Helen Mirren on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This star truly must have fell from Heaven dressed like this!

Sandra Bullock on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Dressed in this gold gown, Sandra Bullock was bound to win her Oscar!

Why not?

Remember what I said about ugly or not? Some stars choose to go with stranger styles to get our attention.

Nicole Richie on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Why, oh why would Nicole Richie who is blessed by such a beautiful body, still tiny even after two pregnancies (let's hope it is not due to anorexia) would cover herself up in a caftan? Even a sequined caftan! She sort of looks like a slithering snake covered in brilliant scales. Or like she's living it up in the 70's.

Rachel McAdams on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This dress is not actually ugly, far from it. I'm not a fan of prints for evening or formal wear, but I also know floral is very much in fashion right now (so I should just go with it). The reason I put it here is that I was instantly reminded of this Wishlist dress when I saw it (making it a costume in my twisted mind):

Moon Coloured Dress, Peau d'Âne, Les Plus Beaux Contes de Perrault, Lito-Paris Editions, Illustrations by Monique Gorde

Do you see it too or is it just me?

Structural

Another Fashion trend seen on this Red Carpet was architectural gowns. From small details to all over structures, there were examples to please everyone.

Charlize Theron on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Here is one way to bring attention to your bust: cover your boobs with huge flowers!

Kate Winslet on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

This dress may look simple at first, but look closely at the detail on the bodice, around hip level: a modern day Barbarella!

Zoe Saldana on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Oh frills! She's carrying a coral reef on her dress hem! Not my cup of tea, but I admire the work required to achieve such an effect.

Jennifer Lopez on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

I had never imagined putting a bustled train to the side front of a dress, but why not? Clearly, the result is beautiful!

Vera Farmiga on the Red Carpet of the 82nd Academy Awards®

Now that makes a statement! All over pleated frills! I wonder if it is comfortable to sit in?

One of these years, I'd like to organize an Oscar Night® party where everyone has to shows up in evening wear. It would be a great excuse to wear my prom dresses again (or to make something new - muahaha). Anyone I know interested? Of course, that's only while I await my turn to be nominated for Best Costume Design! (One can dream...)