Best Memories Of 2013 + Happy New Year!

(Meeting Liam Hemsworth at the HUGO BOSS NYC Flagship store party definitely tops my list of epic moments from the past year!) 

Happy New Year my dearest readers! I’m so excited to see where my fashion career will take me in 2014. To celebrate the start of the New Year I wanted to reflect on the memories of the past year.

My favorite moments were full of glamorous dresses, extraordinary soirées, meeting fascinating people and new business opportunities.

Aside from the good memories there were also times where I wanted to completely give up on fashion. But, miraculously each time I went through a rough patch something always pushed me to continue whether it was a great press mention for my blog, encouragement from friends and family, or a new business opportunity. Of course, the best source of inspiration was emails from my readers asking fashion questions or letting me know that I inspired them.

This past year I also had a pretty sad breakup. My friends have joked that my life sometimes mirrors Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Perhaps they’re right?!

All of the experiences both good and bad have definitely influenced me in my personal style. I took some pretty daring fashion risks this past year and I don’t regret any of them. It’s very cliche to say but fashion has always been in my blood. The clothes I wear are a reflection of my personality. Sometimes, I can be classic like Audrey Hepburn and other times I love a bolder look like Daphne Guinness.     

I’ve learned that life is about living ‘epically’ and taking risks both personally and professionally. It’s about following your heart and going after your dreams and not listening to anyone who tells you you’re not good enough. I hope to accomplish a lot in 2014 and of course document every moment of my fashion adventures as The Style Socialite. :)

The Fashion Institute of Technology 2013 Gala

Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff

The Fashion Institute of Technology gala brought out the most glamorous and charitable individuals in addition to fashion icons and celebrities.

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the FIT Foundation honored longtime supporter George Kaufman (chairman, Kaufman Organization), Kay Krill (president and chief executive officer, ANN INC.), and Stefano Tonchi (editor-in-chief, W magazine) at this year’s annual gala at Cipriani 42nd Street.

My look for the evening was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor meets a classy Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I wore a red form fitting THEIA dress which I paired with sparkling jewels and matching red lipstick. It was honestly one of my most favorite dresses to wear so far in my fashion career. It was the perfect fit and had the most beautiful draping that accentuated all the right parts of the body. 

FIT Gala Chairs included Pamela Baxter, president and CEO LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics; Joy Herfel Cronin, group president, Menswear and Childrenswear, Ralph Lauren; Julie Greiner, chief merchandise planning officer, Macy’s, Inc.; Yaz Hernandez, trustee, FIT Board of Trustees; Jane Hertzmark Hurdis, global brand president, Estee Lauder; and Liz Peek, trustee, FIT Board Chair.

The Gala Honorary Committee included Reem Acra, Giorgio Armani, Dennis Basso, Edmundo Castillo, Maria Cornejo, Francisco Costa, Peter Dundas, Tom Ford, Monique Lhillier, Gilles Mendel, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Rucci, Angel Sanchez, Jill Stuart, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Vera Wang.

This year the FIT annual gala raised over $1 million dollars to benefit the FIT Educational Development Fund, which provides scholarship, technology, and student services support, among other priorities.