One Belongs to New York Instantly

Weekend (Wear) Update-Met Gala 2012!

Hello All!

Monday was the grandest of all galas, the most spectacular of all parties, and for some reason I wasn’t invited? Hmm rude.

It was the MET COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA! And literally…I mean LITERALLY…just blocks away from our Upper East Side stomping grounds, at the Metropolitan Art Museum. Since it is a fashion gala, everyone invited is always on their A—Game (well…usually everyone). I decided to list of my 5 personal favorite looks of the night. Let’s see if you guys agree!

1.       Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren: The moment I saw this dress in this year’s annual “Hollywood” issue of Vanity Fair, I fell in love. It is just so beyond classic, but so sexy…Not to mention Camilla actually looks perfect in it. The dark burgundy lip adds to the classic look, but also brings an edge along with it. Joe Jonas (who was also at the gala)….eat your heart out.

2.       Jessica Biel in Prada: Jessica has one of my favorite red carpet styles (probably second to Gwyneth Paltrow…who I was sadly underwhelmed with last night). She never looks generic, always taking risks that pay off. No one does print like Prada, and I love the 60’s feel they have been going with lately. I also adore a tea length dress. The best part of the ensemble, though, is that rock on her ring finger. Well done JT (who is shown here in Tom Ford.)

3.       Rachel Zoe in Rachel Zoe: Rachel Zoe is severely stuck in a different era, and I cannot get enough of it! The white fringe with that amazing choker? I. die. It is bananas. Both the necklace and dress are so out there, but still so perfectly simple. (She is shown here with Karolina Kurkova, who is also wearing one of her designs!)

4.       Christina Ricci in Thakoon: Shut. The. Front. Door. Now this is a risk that paid off. The two piece Thakoon number is something you can only wear to the Met Gala. I love the colors (light, peachy pinks are my favorite…and as you can tell from my choices above I love my neutrals {black, white, ivory, etc.}). I am just in awe of this outfit. Here she is shown with Thakoon himself.

5.       Lea Michele in DVF: Lea is wearing my absolute favorite silhouette (also partly demonstrated in dresses #1 and #2). I think the plunging neckline/halter silhouette is just beyond flattering on almost all body types (as is an a-symmetrical, one shoulder silhouette). I love the navy shine and Diane von Fustenberg has such an amazing aesthetic, how can any of her design’s look bad? After a lack-luster red carpet season, I would say Lea Michele is back in a big way!

There you have it. The five looks that I couldn’t get enough of on Monday.

Also, Remember, if you are in the area, stop by the new Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit at the Met. It is the reason for the season after all.

That is it for me…remember the world is your runway {or is you went to the gala…I guess the Met steps are your runway}

XOXO,

Alison 

Met Gala Runner Ups

So this is Wynne’s selection of Runner Ups from WWU, people who look good but were not chosen by Alison, the real WWU fashion selector. To see all the looks and decide which ones were your favorites, go here!

Ed Westwick, in Prada. GG for lyfe.

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli

Rhianna in Tom Ford

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

Caroline Trentini in Olivier Theyskens

Gerard Butler in Alexander McQueen

And one we’re undecided on…(Alison pro Wynne con)

SJP in Valentino (with Valentino!)

White Pizza for Poor New Yorkers

We haven’t included a Recipe for Poor People in awhile, so I decided to share this little number I whipped up this weekend for a friend that was in town. I had a feeling these ingredients would jive together, and boy did they ever! This pre-made pizza crust is my favorite, not only for how easy it is, but because it can’t seem to decide whether it’s a crispy crust or a flaky biscuit. Delish! It also made great leftovers. 

Serve it with an arugula salad, (covered with the extra mushrooms and balsamic?) Or all by itself. Feel free to add chili flakes, thyme or any other veggies you think sound great. This is very adaptable!

Ingredients:

Pillsbury pizza dough (the kind in a biscuit tin)

1 small red onion

sliced portobella mushrooms

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

2 cups of ricotta cheese

non-stick cooking spray (optional)

1. Slice red onion into fourths and then small slices. If mushrooms aren’t already sliced, cut cap in half short-ways and then slice into half inch sections. 

2. Put three tablespoons and two tablespoons (approximate) of the oil and vinegar into the bottom of a medium-high skillet/sauce pan and add vegetables, stirring regularly

3. While the vegetables cook, rub a little olive oil (or non-stick cooking spray) on the bottom of a baking sheet to prevent the pizza dough from sticking. Spread out along the entire sheet and bake for five minutes according to package directions

4. Turn heat on skillet up, and be sure to keep stirring. The onions and mushrooms should be cooking WAY down, the onions should sweat and then start to carmalize in the balsamic. Feel free to add more oil and vinegar if the veggies are getting dry. It helps to put the skillet lid over the pan and shake it around too…

5. Pull out pizza dough (which shouldn’t be cooked yet) and drizzle with at least 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, and spread over dough with the back of a big spoon. Next add the ricotta all over the dough as well, spread it as evenly as possible with the back of a big spoon

6. Be sure the vegetable are cooked through, and take them off the heat, spreading evenly over the pizza dough and cheese. If they aren’t, the pizza dough will be fine sitting for a few minutes while the veggies finish up.

7. Put pizza back into oven at the package temp for 10-12 minutes according to package directions or until you have desired crust crispiness.

8. Serve immediately. Make someone else do the dishes.

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