Blake Lively Style and Her Flawless “Final Reveal”
Over the last decade or so, Blake Lively style has become synonymous with the Met Gala. However, Blake’s stunning Lady Liberty transformation is likely to become the “red carpet moment” viewed for years to come. Why? Because Ms. Lively is an expert project manager! She meticulously plans every detail to ensure that the “final reveal” is flawless and unforgettable. Interestingly enough, getting ready for the 2022 Met Gala has a lot in common with planning to decorate a stylish home. So let’s look at the similarities in the creative process for inspiration for your next home decor project.
The Gilded Age & Met Gala 2022
This year’s Met Gala theme is Gilded Glamour and White Tie, based on the Costume Institute’s exhibition In America: An Anthology of Fashion. In a nod to the Gilded Age, the evening’s dress code echoes the era when wealthy industrialists enjoyed extravagant lifestyles. Here, celebrities and fashion designers add a contemporary twist to the opulence of the period. And so, it is no surprise that the event, sometimes referred to as “fashion’s biggest night out,” was attended in full force.
Lady Lively Patinaes – Captivating the Crowd
With so much talent concentrated at one event, it takes enormous creativity to stand out. However, Blake manages to captivate the crowd by conjuring up an exquisite gown so unique and meaningful that it actually performs FOR her. Blake Lively style, that’s for sure.
Watch a Replay of Blake Lively Style Transformation
Here’s a link to view Blake Lively’s Lady Liberty Gown Transforms at Met Gala 2022 (Exclusive) | E! video. Her transformation begins at 1:24 minutes into the video. Fans cheer and scream with excitement as Blake “patinaes,” just like the Statue of Liberty. In fact, Ms. Lively’s “dress reveal” is pretty much like a home makeover reveal, which is why I am writing this post!
Blake Lively possesses a visually stimulating sense of style we associate with the Met Gala and the big screen. So, if you would like to transform your own home successfully, you can learn from her incredible project planning strategies.
A Lifestyle Reset with Project Planning
In the section below, Blake meets with Vogue shortly after her Met Gala 2022 appearance. This is an insightful interview that I highly recommend because she outlines her approach to design and collaboration. And for those of you planning a home decorating project, consider making a list (just like Ms. Lively) of things that make you feel great. A sweet memory, an intoxicating scent, or a favorite vacation spot can inspire a lifestyle reset. In essence, project planning can be the shortcut to your future self.
Blake Dives Into Her Looks – From Gossip Girl to the Met Gala 2022
Ms. Lively has quickly gained fame for her street style in addition to her stunning red carpet appearances. In fact, a recent Vogue interview dives into her looks from the Gossip Girl to the Met Gala 2022. Also, in this revealing video, she shares creative insight into her most memorable styles.
New York State of Mind – Blake Lively Style
The excerpt below highlights the inspiration behind her red carpet transformation. And, as you read the following section, note each of the elements (project goals) she identifies. As an example, New York architecture is the overarching influence with the Statue of Liberty built during the Gilded Age in 1886.
"What an honor to get to host and to wear this dress. Versace turned it out. But rather than looking at fashion from the Gilded Age, I wanted to look at architecture. New York has been such a critical part of who I am. It's the place I choose to live. It's the love of my life, other than my family. So, I thought, well, I would love to arrive in a copper dress and have that dress patina as I ascend the carpet and turns verdigris, which is oxidized copper. The Statue of Liberty obviously showed up as a shiny copper like a penny and now it's the green that we have. So instead of me performing, I wanted sort of the dress to perform. I think Versace thought I was crazy when I called him and pitched this. This column of the dress, the lines in it are an homage to the Empire State Building. The draping on the side is sort of a tip of the hat to the Statue of Liberty. And this is the constellation ceiling of Grand Central Station. Grand Central felt like sort of a neat, full circle moment because the first shot of Gossip Girl, I'm on a train and I pull into the station, and it's a shot of Grand Central Terminal. (Blake Lively Dives Into Her Life in Looks - From Gossip Girl to the Met Gala - Vogue. Season 1 | Episode 30)"
Virgos Excel at Project Planning
The excerpt above shows how Lively weaves a tapestry (literally!) from integral parts of her life. While remaining true to the gala assignment, she reimagines memories and places that are vital to her personal story. And because she wears an outfit that she loves and is passionate about, she becomes more confident. (Design tip: Fill your home with what you love and is meaningful to you!) It made me curious about her Zodiac sign, and sure enough, she’s a Virgo. Virgos love to plan, so we put together a list of great traits for project planning.
Perfectionist Virgo Tendencies
As a rule, Virgos are known for their perfectionism. So it’s no wonder that Blake Lively, one of Hollywood’s most stylish women, was born under the sign of Virgo. Her well-considered personal style choice perfectly reflects Virgo’s reputation.
Virgo and Home Decor
Being a Virgo means taking things down to a micro-level. When a Virgo is involved in a home decorating project, they think about every single detail of their room. And they are organized! Virgos love working collaboratively with their vendors and project teams. In other words, a collaborative mindset leads to far more success than autocratic methods. Because Virgos are excellent communicators, they thrive in this environment and highlight their leadership skills (another important trait).
Stunning Home Decor Project Ideas – Blake Lively Style Tips Blake Lively Style Tips
Blake Lively knows how to make any event she attends look seamless and spectacular, thanks to her skills as a consummate project manager. She follows a repeatable process that includes five planning ideas to make sure all goes smoothly. Here’s how to plan and execute your stunning home decor project.
Planning. Planning and a Little More Planning
A decorating plan is essential to your project’s success!
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What’s in Blake’s Bag?
Organizing before you begin working on a project is essential. Here’s why. With a decorating planner, you can keep track of your budget, communicate with vendors, and set a schedule. I can almost guarantee you’ll be surprised by the amount of details you need to remember! However, plan it now so it doesn’t overwhelm you later. Besides, with proper planning, you are investing your resources wisely. If you plan like Blake Lively, you’ll get a room that fits your style perfectly. I forgot to mention, this is the perfect time to begin using your favorite tote or large handbag. May it inspire your selections over the next few months!
Make a List of Your Project Requirements
Make a list of your project requirements so you’ll be thrilled with the result!
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Safeguard Your Project List
To plan your project successfully, make a list of requirements. Include your ideas about how the room or space will function for you. For instance, you are considering converting a spare bedroom into an office or remodeling a room with outdated furnishings too large for the space. Alternatively, you may soon be bringing a new family member into your home and require extra safety features. Read our related article, Home Decorating | The Ultimate Guide to Get the Results You Want.
One of Blake’s project requirements includes the Gala’s Gilded Glamour theme. Your project’s overarching requirement to create a beautiful aesthetic and flow is to consider your home’s exterior.
Design Inspiration
Step outside of your comfort zone to find creative inspiration for your home decor.
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Design Inspiration: Blake Lively Style
A primary source of inspiration for Blake is the Empire State Building, especially the lines and curves. Ms. Lively also takes inspiration from the vaulted ceiling mural in Grand Central Terminal.
It’s a tribute to her Gossip Girl character, Serena Van der Woodsen, from episode one of the first season. However, one of the most notable inspirations; the Statue of Liberty transformation from copper to verdigris over the years is the catalyst for creating two dresses in one!
The best way to find creative inspiration in home decor is to step outside your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities to design a different lifestyle for yourself. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you read our post with 5 decorating ideas.
Design Inspiration: Coastal Grandmother Style
As an example of how to find your favorite design inspiration, we’ll compare Gilded Glamour and Coastal Grandmother Style. Instead of looking to NYC for decor ideas, we explore nature for inspiration. This aesthetic asks us to bring the outdoors in to fill our senses (biophilic design) and connect with what makes us happy. Ultimately, its style brings Nancy Meyers movie sets to life.
Two great examples are Diane Keaton’s Something’s Gotta Give and Meryl Streep’s It’s Complicated. The Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic combines beachy charm, warm neutrals, textured fabrics, exciting art, and quirky details to make your home feel like home.
Consider Style Elements
Have you ever asked yourself, What’s my style?
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Theme & Style Elements
Any visual design includes shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture elements. Meld your decorating inspirations (Tip #3) with related style elements for a unified look.
Style Elements of the Gilded Age
The style elements of the Gilded Age reflect opulence and extravagance. These include corsets, bustles, long-boned bodices, opera gloves, hourglass shapes and décolleté-cuts. Generally, the period’s style included many layers of clothing as well as bows, buttons, lace, frills, and crystal embellishments. The Gilded Glamour ensemble is incomplete without vibrant colors (thanks to the increased use of synthetic dyes) and tiaras!
Coastal Grandmother Style Elements
In contrast, the Coastal Grandmother Style is a sophisticated yet relaxed design style that fills your home with welcome energy. In an homage to Nancy Meyers movie sets, you’ll find that key style elements enlivens your senses. Think cookbooks, jazz, and Bossa nova playing in the background while cooking and using produce from your garden. Hydrangeas are also a must-have, along with ginger jars and baguettes from a French bakery. Layer in bowls filled with Meyer lemons, beach references, and good books, and you’ve got a Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic!
Materials and Color Palette
You will find that it is easier to choose materials and your preferred color palette with careful planning.
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Gilded Glamour – A Material World
The LA Times shares a great article, How ‘The Gilded Age’ chases the details of 1880s American fashion extravagance. The post sheds light on the challenges costume designers face while creating the show’s wardrobe. The designers estimate that it takes about 600 people working in various crews to search the globe for inventory. That’s because a period-authentic dress typically requires “10 to 20 yards of elaborate fabric.” Interestingly, fluorescent yellow and bright colors were not uncommon, bringing us full-circle to Blake Lively’s 2022 Met Gala gown.
Blake Lively Style Full of Exuberant Colors and Materials
A prominent feature of Blake’s first ensemble is an oversized rose gold bow, one of the dress’ most extravagant details. That is until she patinaes as she ascends the gala steps. In Ms. Lively’s own words, she turns it out with the vibrant hues straight from Gilded Age fashion. Other materials like metallic leather and sequins adorn the gown.
Lorraine Schwartz created Blake’s crown featuring the Statue of Liberty’s seven rays, representing the seven seas and continents. Additionally, there are 25 stones representing the monument’s windows. You might be a bit like me and adore diving into all of the details, in which case, here is one more fabulous article. The Insider post describes Blake’s custom handmade Judith Lieber clutch with the Brooklyn Bridge and her family’s initials inscribed on it. It includes photographs of her Christian Louboutin shoes and her nails, painted bronze and green to match her gown.
Coastal Grandmother Style Colors and Materials are Effortless and Timeless
Contrary to Gilded Glamour, Coastal Grandmother Style is easy, effortless, and timelessly chic, with décor that echoes nature. In stark contrast, it exudes a quiet, sophisticated ambiance with natural textures like linen, seagrass, natural woods, and knits. You’ll find that the colors are light and subtly cheerful. Tans, grays, blues, greens, and other neutrals complement white and off-white to create a classic base color palette. Don’t let the neutral palette lull you into thinking it’s a bland lifestyle. Instead, spend a quiet evening watching Something’s Gotta Give, and you’ll be ordering an arrangement of hydrangeas in the morning and visiting your local farmer’s market this weekend! Even Jennifer Lopez channels the Coastal Grandmother Style with fresh white linens and a cozy 3/4 length sweater.
Bring the Essence of Blake Lively Style Home!
Thank you for spending time with us today. And we hope you enjoy reading all about Blake Lively Style: How to Plan and Execute a Stunning Home Decor Project. Here we dive into the details to show how planning a Met Gala gown and planning a successful home decor project are similar. We can’t wait to see how you incorporate Blake Lively’s five steps for creating a unique style into your next renovation!
