Glam Slam: Hollywood Masquerade Ball

Black and white is a big trend for spring and it also happened to be the theme for the annual fundraising gala for my daughter’s school this past weekend.

The inspiration? Truman Capote’s famous “Masked Black and White Ball” of 1966, which was dubbed “The Party of the Century.” Guests like Andy Warhol, Candice Bergen, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow hit New York’s Plaza Hotel looking glamorous in black and white, accessorized with chic masks.

There were also plenty of fabulous masks at our event, held in the historic lobby and ballroom of the famed Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Zara once again came to my rescue with a one-shouldered black gown that I bought last summer with no idea of when or where I would wear it. A stylish steal at $89 bucks! I was more concerned about if it would still fit over my belly and luckily it did.

I added a Vera Wang jewel-encrusted belt and picked up a black Venetian mask from Pier 1 imports last October when I was shopping for Halloween decorations with my daughter. Speaking of my daughter, she loves to “help” me get ready, which meant she wanted to play in my makeup and try on my Jimmy Choo heels, which are dangerously high for a 4-year-old!

Past school galas I’ve attended have included Havana and Roaring ‘20s themes, so this one was a bit easier to pull off. The guys had it easiest, as usual! My husband bought a tux and he was set! As for the décor, the tables featured tall white vases filled with black feather plumes. Very Hollywood glam!

It’s can be hard to feel very glamorous when you’re pregnant, but I had a good time and it was fun to people watch and check out what everyone else was wearing. Of course, the most important part is that the school made money and we got to have a fun night out in the process.

— Ryan Patterson

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