MET GALA 2015: BEST-DRESSED LIST

With some serious hype surrounding this year’s event, the fashion world was fixated—perhaps more than ever—on this evening’s red carpet for the 2015 Met Gala. Per usual, the entrances were grand and the ensembles extravagant—case in point, Sarah Jessica Parker in H&M and Phillip Treacy and Rihanna in Guo Pei, to name just a few. Here, I will share my top picks for this year's best dressed.

Joan Smalls in Roberto Cavalli

From the color to the cutouts, Joan Smalls killed it in this Roberto Cavalli dress from Peter Dundas.

Jessica Hart in Valentino

Of all of the women to do bold red and beautiful beading, Jessica Hart nailed it.

Rihanna in Guo Pei

Rihanna's dramatic look is what the Met Ball is all about—making an entrance.

Kerri Russell in Altuzarra

This feathered Altuzarra confection (complete with a thigh-high slit) is the definition of black-tie elegance.

Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney

Trust Cara to take an original approach to the next level. Her tattoos by artist Bang Bang are unexpected and cool.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Versace

Is there anyone more gorgeous than Rosie?! Stunning as ever, this is the '70s way to do chinoiserie.

WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK

Do any of the following statements describe you? 1.) You think hitting snooze is a professional sport. 2.) You can apply mascara without a mirror. 3.) Dry shampoo is an integral part of your beauty routine. If two out of the three could have been written with you in mind, chances are you could use a shortcut when it comes to putting together your work outfits each morning. Enter the fail-safe, office-appropriate outfit formula guaranteed to get your mornings running a little smoother. You’re on your own when it comes to rush-hour traffic though. I'm good, but I'm not that good.

A printed, high-neck blouse and an A-line skirt look polished and spring appropriate. Finish with a sleek shoulder bag and ankle-strap pumps.

Draped Printed Silk-Chiffon Blouse, Proenza Schouler $890

Navy Calf Hair and Grey Pump, L.A.M.B. $255

Rubie Black and Gold Mini Crossbody Bag, Mackage $350

Suede A-Line Popper Front Skirt, Topshop $140

Floral Print Blouse, Equipment $323

Parker Crossbody Bag in Navy, J. Crew $98

A-Line Suede Skirt, A.P.C $690

Veronica Napa Ankle Strap Pump, Malone Souliers $795

Navy Lapel birds Print Loose Blouse, ROMWE $28

Embossed Flap Bag, Ivanka Trump $225

Suede Skirt, Mango $70

Ankle Strap Pump in Black Leather, Valentino $895

THE ART OF JOB INTERVIEW DRESSING

Making a good first impression in an interview is critical to landing the job of your dreams. Since pulling together a stylish and professional ensemble can be overwhelming, I’ve created the essential guide to interview dressing. Here’s how to choose an outfit that ensures you bring your A-game.

Style Rules For A Job Interview

If one of your strengths is attention to detail, prove it with impeccable fashion and makeup.

Wear A Polished Blouse

Appearing put-together is important, so be sure to wear a shirt that doesn't pull at the front or expose cleavage. A pussy-bow blouse is feminine and polished—paired with excellent posture, it's the ultimate power shirt.

Be Selective With Makeup

You can certainly wear a peachy blush or a pop of color on the lips or a sleek cat eye, but don't have all three guns firing at the same time. Choose one element to make a statement and then make sure the rest of your beauty look is chic and simple.

Choose A Classic Pump

A classic pump is a surefire bet when it comes to looking professional. (Read: Even if your current favorite shoe is is a sky-high platform, that does not mean this is the time to wear it.) Make sure your choice is office appropriate and that it's a heel height you feel confident walking in—the last thing you want to do is trip your way into a potential new boss' office.

Have A Flawless Manicure

The thing about bright red nails is that even the slightest chip is noticeable. Since your hands are exposed at an interview (and if you're like me, you gesture when you talk), a neutral shade or hue that matches your nail bed looks flawless and fresh, even if there are minor nicks.

Only Bring The Essentials

Since your handbag will likely rest on the floor or on a table during an interview, you don't want it spilling open and exposing all your personal belongings. Carry a structured tote that closes, and bring only the essentials so it's not overflowing.

Be Mindful Of Your Skirt Length

Even if your interview is with a company that has a casual dress code, do not—I repeat, do not—wear a super short skirt. Opt for a midi skirt, tailored trousers or of-the-moment culottes.

Come Prepared

My last-but-not-least tip isn't as much about style as it is about coming prepared: Remember to always bring a notepad and pen. Even if you don't actually write anything down, being ready to jot a few notes shows you're serious about the job.

VINTAGE TREASURE: TWEED JACKET

Balenciaga, $1800

No longer reserved for ladies who lunch, the tweed jacket looks best when paired with a slouchy tee and leather leggings or beat-up denim. The cut and color-combinations of the vintage versions are unique and gorgeous but if you’re not in the market for a retro find, try one of these newer styles instead.

Weekend by Maxmara, $432

H&M $40

Thakoon Addition $ 450

Isabel Marant Etoile $ 470

From $ 100

HOW PULL OFF TROPICAL PALM PRINTS

Aloha shirts are de rigueur while on vacation in Hawaii, however, if you want a tropical vibe back in the city, styling is key to making faded vintage prints look more cool than curtain-like. We spotted this iconic ’70s wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg in Rachel’s archive and have been dreaming of palm prints ever since. Here’s how to get a laid-back off-duty look—without boarding a flight. Mahalo.

Tropical Vibes

Fun fact: Diane von Furstenberg launched her iconic wrap dress in 1974—this vintage find is a definite keeper.

Get The Look

You don't have to go to an island to rock a palm print—this motif is made for the weekend. Pair the festive pattern with natural raffia espadrilles and a bucket bag for an effortlessly glam result.

Palm Tree Print Dress, MSGM $397

Straw Tassel Bucket, Straw Studions $98

Buckled Wedges, Stuart Weitzman $401

THE ONE FLORAL PATTERN YOU NEED THIS SPRING

As much as I adore spring’s bold stripes and nautical prints, the shopping season isn’t complete without at least one floral motif making its way into my closet. My pick from the plethora of options on offer right now: folk-inspired florals fit for summer’s many music festivals. Whether printed on a sweet midi dress or embroidered on a pair of collector’s-worthy boots, this homespun trend is a fresh take on flower power.

SATIN MINI

Pair this under-$100 find with flat sandals and a flowy blouse for an on-trend (but not over-the-top) look.

Topshop Floral Skirt, $80

BEADED TOP

The sweet tank gives broken-in jeans and menswear-inspired pants a feminine flair. Complete the look with a bright lip stain and tousled waves.

Needle & Thread Chiffon Top, $160

PRINTED MIDI

This ankle-grazing frock was made to be worn with this season's lace-up sandals and a gorgeously messy braid.

MSGM Midi Dress, $968

BUCKLE BOOTIES

For the girls whose personal style leans Penny Lane in the first place, these embroidered boots are a cool way to bring the pattern into your look.

Laurence Dacade Ankle Boots, $1220

A-LINE SKIRT

Even a crazy price tag won't stop us from dreaming about owning this incredibly cool take on the folk floral trend.

Valentino Suede Skirt, $12,500

monday must-have

THE MOST VERSATILE MINISKIRT…EVER

Perhaps it’s because I’ve just heavily edited my closest in the name of spring cleaning, or perhaps I just love a good staple, but this super-versatile black miniskirt seems like a wardrobe workhorse I can get behind.

This A-line skirt looks sharp with everything from a white button-up to a printed knit thanks to the patent-belt detailing. Rock everywhere from the office to your next date, the styling possibilities are endless.

To buy: Pixie Market Stacey Belted Skirt, $55

STYLE IT WITH

TOPSHOP, $125

MACKAGE, $350

WHISTLES, $140

FRONT ROW, $118