Let us catch up. This past year, I have gone to countless Red Carpet Events. Although I was not attending "A-List" Celebrity Events, I still wanted to look the part without breaking the bank.
The best thing you can possibly do is create a vision. Figure out what type of look you want to go for. From hair, skin tone, make up, shoes, accessories...etc.
This year I saw WAY too many girls, Pretty Girls, just really miss the mark. I don't think I can look at one more bandage dress. You know, the "Amica Clubware" dresses. Ok I get these dresses are great for Vegas- but hunny...keep it off the red carpet and get some class. Also, stay away from "homecoming" dresses. This means no knock-off Sherri Hill! There are so many great brands that you can find onsale. Quality material will always look better than a cheap dress. ALWAYS go for discount designers, over full-price knock offs. You will spend the same amount and look 100x better. Unless you are wearing a great knock off brand like Bebe (who is starting to get it right)...do not go for this look. Cheap body fitting material will show every flaw. Flatter yourselves woman..tighter doesnt always mean sexier. Style is sexy. Find YOUR style and go with it. Figure out your body type. Google flattering styles for YOU. Study everything from hem lengths to colors to shapes. I tried on DOZENs of dresses, and I planned out each dress to a T. I had a vision and mission for every look. Also- the more events I did, the more I nailed "The Kaela Look". I wanted to go for "Couture Country", "Classy" , "Sassy", and a little "Sexy".
Lets Start Last Year. I went to OC music Awards. I wanted something simple and sexy. I spoke with several girlfriends, and borrowed a dress from my friend Dominique. Dominique is one of my "go to" girls with fashion. I am completely over the top and gaudy. She tends to keep me off "what not to wear". Since my dress was "Party Girl", I wanted a BIG curly-messy hair-do that would bring a country feel to my look. Also, it was extremely important that my skin looked great. So I went to my favorite Organic Spray Tan Salon (Bronzed Bunny), and used Prtty Peaushun to complete my look. It was a safe choice, because I was still developing MY style. However I was extremely happy with my look.
Summer 2013- again I was still developing MY style. Again I chose safe looks that were simple and classy. I wore a Gray Satin Bebe Dress with Sparkle Nude Baker Shoes. Second Dress I purchased on sale from Nordstrom. I also paired this with Black/Nude crystal shoes from Bebe. I chose to keep my hair simple and down so that the LBT wouldn't look to dressed up. However, I think the hair was an awful choice. It looked boring and dull. Most definitely my least favorite look.
November- I performed at the Red Carpet Event. I absolutely loved this outfit..and it was vintage. My top was actually a piece I used to play dress up with. My grandmother bought it at a garage sale for me when I was 10. However it was exactly what I wanted. The skirt was a purchase from Neiman Marcus Last Call for $50. The black booties were from Nordstrom Rack- BCBG generation for $30. 
LA Music Awards was another fun night. I loved the concept of my dress- however the quality of my dress was less than par. It was $30, and I ordered from a boutique in my hometown. I had to make several alteration to make it "work. However I paired it with an amazing pair of Kenny loves Penny Neon Shoes, Chloe & Isabel Jewelry, and some rockin big hair. (My hair was my fav!)December's event was the my big debut as the "Kaela Look". I finally met up with a stylist off of Melrose, and rented a Merlin Castell dress from
La Maison De Fashion. I tried on dozens of
dresses. As soon as I put the Merlin dress on I was in love. It was everything I could possibly want. Big, statement, classy...perfection. I wore nude eyes, long false lashes, and bright red lips. I felt amazing all night and I have never received so many compliments.My final Red Carpet outfit was a complete disaster. Well I should say the journey to finding it! I have been working with Dominque, Stylist Kendra Pinca, and Angelina (La Maison De Fashion) for months. Since every dress leading up to this was black, I wanted LOTS of color. I studied the "in" colors and decided to go for something purple. However when it was fitting day nothing fit quite right.
Here are my "No" dresses. I went to a stylist off of Melrose, La Maison De Fashion.
As you can see- NONE of these dresses were flattering to my body. I was SO close to getting the white Vintage Dolce and Gabbana , however there was just too much going on for my little frame.
The winner?! A gorgeous Velvet Goddess Tart dress from Neiman Marcus. It wasnt the statement I was looking to make, however you can't go wrong with quality. This is a body hugging dress that DOES work. I added a crystal piece of trim that I purchased in DT LA wholesale center, and pinned it in my hair. Also, I had the perfect peep toe pumps. Always go with peep toe. The little peep is so much classier than a closed toed pump. A pump has a casual feel. The peep toe give it an elegant touch.I managed to pull off each of my outfits for under $100! The additional cost factors were Spray Tans (I never use beds), and minimal make up purchases. I do all my hair and make up myself. If you do not know how to do hair/make up, make sure you research DIY tutorials or keep it minimal. A lot of common mistakes with make up are girls thinking "darker" is always better. NOT THE CASE. Use colors that compliment your themed outfit. Black eyeliner is not foundation for your eyes. Unless you have dark accents in your outfit, stay away from dark make up. Always use plenty of coverage, blush, highlighter, bronze, and lashes. If you are under spotlight, these are a MUST. Contour your face, gloss your lips, and curl your lashes.
I could go on for days. I guess that's why I should update my blog more often :)
Well that is my Wrap up for Red Carpet events! Please let me know if you have any questions :)
Much Love xoxo
Kaela
