November is here and we can smell the holiday season in the air. I’m not only talking about the turkey and sweet potato pies either. I’m speaking of the parties!! Last weekend, I got a chance to get all dolled up to attend the Memphis Masquerade hosted by Chef Phillip Ashley Rix to kick off the holiday party season. The event was held at the new (and very lovely) Guesthouse at Graceland and benefited The LeBonheur Heart Institute. Black Tie style + a great cause is definitely a recipe for an amazing night. We were greeted outside by fire breathers and The Memphis Symphony Orchestra string quartet, a red carpet with photo ops (you know I was loving that paparazzi moment), and a VIP lounge with champagne and Stella Artois flowing endlessly! I was in heaven!! If you haven’t experienced the Memphis Masquerade, you’ve definitely been missing out. Phillip Ashley knows how to throw a party!!! Everyone was dressed to the nines, and the masks were STUNNING. The guys even brought their A-game with the masks, too. There was an aerial artist serving chocolates, walking entertainment, and DJ Swagg kept us on the dance floor ALL. NIGHT. LONG! Everyone truly had a Moulin Rouge themed good time!
For special occasions, I usually use Rent The Runway for my dresses and accessories. It’s an awesome way to get designer style for a fraction of the cost AND without adding clutter in the closet. Four fabulous, sexy without being over the top, moulin rouge worthy dresses were delivered to me, but they were either too short or I couldn’t zip them up (insert stress face emoji). I don’t usually have that problem when I rent, so I had to think quickly. I ended up going with the ever classic black and white. And what’s more chic than black and white with pops of red. Dress crisis averted. I thought the peek-a-boo midsection was just sexy enough to go with the theme, but I felt like I was going to run into my dress’ sister (insert another stress face emoji). Y’all know my head was on a swivel the entire night, but thankfully I was able to enjoy the party without worries of #twinning. Whew!
Photography by Kim Thomas
Dress: Betsy & Adam (via Macy’s) (LOVE the print on this one)| Earrings: Guess (via Macy’s) (similar) (Like these too)| Clutch: Kate Landry (via Dillard’s) | Mask: NOLA
According to Q, you can never go wrong with basic black and white for any black tie occasion. Use pops of color and fun accessories to add a little spice/personality and you’ll undoubtedly be #blacktiefly.
Cheers to any occasion to get dressed up and the fun, holiday parties to come!
More snaps from the party by Michael Butler, Jr of One901.com:
Can you say fun times???