Personal Style Outfit-Privy NYE Masquerade Ball

 Hours before NYE, I was freaking out a little. I still hadn't found a mask for the Privy masquerade ball I was co-hosting. The freak out was further exacerbated by a text from a friend expressing concern that I was mask-less and asked if I was consumed with worry. Thank you. So I rushed over to Joann's, bought yards of sheer fabric, went home, and began cutting and sewing. Five minutes later, I had a lace mask. Sorry to disappoint if you thought this was going to be a lengthy DIY tutorial. I'm not crafty. I'm impatient. If I need to make something, I will always take the shortest route. For my film noir inspired lace mask, I simply cut out the outer edges of lace fabric and sewed them together. 
Held at Le Ka in DTLA, the Privy party drew over 500 guests and was a smashing success. What a memorable night! Aside from the expected new year's eve shenanigans and revelry, the true highlight was the after party at IHOP. Our sloppy trek to the restaurant (five blocks away) was like climbing Mount Everest. We had to pick up and carry friends who fell and just couldn't get up as many of them groaned and shouted for us to leave and go on without them. No man down. Every two minutes, we'd ask a passing stranger if the pancake mecca was close by. Each of them assured us it was just a block away which I now realize is an impossibility and a lie. When we finally got there, we took over a huge table in the middle and as we feasted on doughy carbs at three o'clock in the morning, I started speaking Mandarin. It flowed effortlessly from my mouth for the next two hours. This has never happened before! I was so impressed with myself that at one point, I seriously contemplated moving to New York to become a UN translator.  But then, I'd need to be in a perpetual NYE state of mind to be in NYC and I just can't consume that much alcohol on a daily basis.
For the masquerade ball, I decided to wear a long gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal. The contrast between the black velvet and the gold pleated foil brings an edge of couture glamour while the gold plate halter clasp draws Cleopatra charm. It felt refreshing to not wear a short body-con dress to a party. 








 dress: c/o Laundry by Shelli Segal 
coat: c/o YMI Jeans (similar here)
bracelet: Hermes
python flower ring: Kara Ross
belt and earrings: H&M
{live fabulously}