Midnight Masquerade

Shop the look: Allison Parris Dark Charm Gown, similar here, here, and here, similar tights here, Jewel Badgley Mischka Jasmine Pumps, similar here, here, and here, Zara Box Bag with Sparkly Details (sold out), similar here and here, Sincerely Jules by Scunchi Rhinestone Mini Metal Jaw Clips, similar earrings here, similar bracelet here, Etsy Black Laser Cut Masquerade Mask, MAC Matte Lipstick in Diva, O.P.I. Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Lacquer

Gus and I got back safely from New York City on Friday and went straight to an event the next day. The Salina Symphony Gala is something I look forward to each year, as it is usually the only semi-formal event that I get to go to. Gus and I missed it because of our trip to New Zealand last year, so I was very excited to get to go on Saturday! The theme was Midnight Masquerade, so many people wore intricate masks and the symphony played a couple fitting pieces, including Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera! All in all, it was a successful and fun night, and I wanted to share this outfit with you all!

This gorgeous Allison Parris gown from Rent the Runway was the star of this look! While the bodice was tight with little stretch, the silhouette made it one of the most flattering dresses I have ever worn! The fabric was very light and, while that made this shoot incredibly cold, it caught the wind beautifully any time I moved! Also, you guys, it has pockets! There is some boning in the bodice of the dress, so it stayed up well all night. It also has a very long, exposed zipper in the back, seen above, that adds a little uniqueness to what would be a fairly normal dress. When renting this dress, they only had a size 2 instead of my normal size 4, but I decided to try it. I would say to go with your normal size and rent a second in a size up if you can, as this was pretty tight up top. This dress is $90 to rent for four days. At $740 retail, that is a steal if you wish to wear a designer dress to a formal function but don't want to splurge.

My accessories were my favorite part, as always! I have loved the Jewel Badgley Mischka collection for a very long time and always look for an excuse to wear some of those shoes! I found this particular pair at Nordstrom and thought they fit so well with the dress! I adore their satin fabric, rhinestone ankle straps, and beautiful heels (with silver sparkle detail on the inside). They added class and made the look feel so elegant.

I purchased my bag from Zara a while back and it is now sold out, but I have linked some similar options above, as well as the original in case it gets restocked. I really liked this bag with the look, as it adds some structure and a modern flair. Clear bags are very on trend right now, especially shoppers, and this box bag holds its own. The little rhinestones and silver accents worked well with the outfit.

Both my earrings and by bracelet were gifts from family members, so I did my best to find similar pieces for you all linked above.

Of course, to fit the theme of the night, I had to get a mask! I didn't want to worry about the mask messing up my hair or makeup, especially if I had to take it off at any point, so I found this beautiful mask on Etsy that comes with a stick. There were so many to choose from but I enjoyed how feminine and delicate this mask was. 3-D printed from metal, the mask resembles lace without the risk and price! It was super affordable and everything I needed for the night.

To top it all off, I did my favorite updo for short hair that I hope to get a tutorial made for sometime! After a lot of hairspray and bobby pins to keep it in place, I finished off the hairstyle with two very pretty hair clips from Target! They were just the perfect amount of sparkle to tie the look together without being overly dressy.

I wore a great new lipstick from MAC that I discovered thanks to a fellow blogger and actually painted my nails for once! I used an O.P.I. nail lacquer in the shade Lincoln Park After Dark, which is a black color with a hint of purple.

More Pictures Below!