My Met Gala Memories

I’ve attended two past Met Galas and there is only one way to describe the experience: it is one crazy night that is a ton of fun, a lot of stress, a total adrenaline rush, and a Where’s Waldo of bold faces.

The stress, for me, comes from deciding what to wear. My usual black pants and Ted Muehling pearl earrings definitely don’t make the cut. Picking a look always starts with friends, stylists, and a few clothing pulls from stores.

At my first Met Gala I had a broken toe, so I paired a Prada Skirt and cropped blazer with a crisp white pair of Jack Purcells. I will never forget saying hi to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and watching her check out my head-to-toe look. I quickly announced to her that I had broken my toe and as she walked away she replied, “I didn’t think it was a fashion statement.” (You gotta give the woman credit for always speaking her mind.)

For my last Met Ball, I found a beautiful blue tuxedo with long tight pants. Being 5’0”, sneakers wouldn’t do this time around, and my shoes became the highlight. I slipped on a pair of red velvet, five-inch platforms. They were so stunning and eye catching — even if they weren’t as comfy as my usual sneakers. I added a Marissa Mantoni blowout and some glowing makeup (done by me) and I was ready to go.

When you think about the guest list and who’s invited, everyone from Kim and Kanye to Jay- Z and Beyoncé to J-Lo and Donatella, it is completely overwhelming! I’ll never forget the line of limos outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and having to brave the red carpet by myself. Kerry Washington got out of her car first and caught my eye. She was so nice, gave me a hug and said she was terrified too. A few Hadids, a Rihanna and a Tom Ford later, I ascended the stairs after posing for a few snaps (and I mean a few, it was star studded). I decided then and there to get a drink and have fun. I stopped in the bathroom while Amal Clooney and Madonna were fixing their makeup and a few others were adjusting their Spanxs. I then took the elevator down and I noticed it was just me and Common. After a quick intro, he pitched his mom to be featured on Yahoo Beauty for Mother’s Day and he casually gave me his phone number and told me to “text him.”

I headed to my table and was seated next to the table with J-Lo, Rihanna, and crew. Rihanna hopped on stage as the surprise musical guest and just like that, it was all over. No after party for me. I skipped The Boom Boom Room, I was tired and done. This Cinderella slipped off her red platform heels, jumped in her car and headed home to greet her prince. These days, I am so happy to watch it all unfold from home on TV and on Instagram, but I will never forget the thrill of the experience.