To Karen, Love from Valentino

by Karen Blanchard
27 November 2012

Valentino Spring 2012 ready to wear

Click to read what this is aaaallll about.  Plus I need to ask you something…


Valentino Spring 2012
Valentino Spring 2012 Ready to wear

Valentino Spring 2012 ready to wear
Valentino Spring 2012 ready to wear
Valentino rock stud shoes

I think the fairy godmother sprinkled some magic dust onto me recently. Why?  I was invited via Polyvore to cover the annual UNICEF Snowflake ball taking place tonight in Manhattan.  A black tie red carpet event that raises money for UNICEF and celebrates the lighting of their giant crystal snowflake that hangs each year above 5th avenue & 57th street.

The cinderella part is that Valentino has generously loaned me two Spring 2012 RTW gowns from which to choose from to wear (yes, I still can’t believe it. You should’ve seen my face when their messenger rang my door bell holding the Valentino garment bag).

My question to you:  I need your help deciding which one to wear tonight!!

I love the romantic vintage feel of the first, the strong Valentino red of the second and the incredible detailing of them both.  Basically I cannot decide.  BOTH have side pockets which I love on gowns which makes it that much harder.

So which one?!

ps. Follow me on twitter &  instagram today and tonight to follow my prep, attending the ball & to see which one I picked!

Category: Uncategorised

133 comments

  1. LookinFab says:

    Wow, That is incredible!!
    I think the first dress is much more “you” and is really unique and different but the red color of the second one suits you more and makes you pop + it has pockets!!! So hard to decide but I think you’d look better in the red one.

  2. C.A.R. says:

    I really like the first dress! 🙂

    munchmecat.blogspot.com

  3. fabmood says:

    Sorry, cant’t help. I’m too busy drooling on the screen of my laptop. 🙂
    Really now, these are both so stunning, that it doesn’t really matter what dress you pick: you look fabulous in both. But I can say one thing: enjoy them while you still have them, wear them as much as you can.
    http://fabmoods.blogspot.ro/

  4. Jess says:

    Oh my goodness, you lucky thing! Such breathtaking gowns. You work the hell out of them too! But as beautiful as the red dress is, the first one is so ethereal and striking against your skin. Have a fabulous time tonight, I look forward to seeing what choice you make!

  5. Anonymous says:

    1 Vote for the first one!

  6. Anonymous says:

    Of course the red one – without ANY hestitation.

  7. beej says:

    Choose the red one! It’s GORG AND much more appropriate for fall/winter weather. The floral one is great too, but not for a black tie event! The red dress will look amazing with a high, sleek, large bun. Also maybe a mini shoulder bag or a clutch… oh, I’m just thinking how I would style it… I LOVE THE RED ONE SO MUCH!

  9. Elske says:

    They are both gorgeous, but I think I would go for the red one

  10. Sarah says:

    The first dress, as you can wear it with the red shoes. The second one is very beautiful too, but red with red might be a bit overwelming.
    And girl, i hope you enjoy every bit of your fairytale.

  11. Anonymous says:

    I think u should Wear the red one!

  12. Anonymous says:

    The first one, love it!

  13. Anonymous says:

    RED!!!!! its a christmasy colour and it took my breath away

  14. Olive says:

    The nude one, with all the flowers is my absolute favourite!!! You look amazing in it (well, you do in both)…

  16. Lara says:

    Second one, I just love red dresses!

  17. william says:

    Such an easy choice, the nude gown with floral applique. So stunning.

  18. cca says:

    the red one. i didnt love the red shoes with the first one. both are gorgeous

  19. Arte says:

    I’m voting for the first one is STUNNING!!!
    Have a great time at the event 🙂

  20. Mlle W says:

    What a perfect event just for you and wow about Valentino lending your these beauties! I like no 1 better on you. I cannot really pinpoint out why but the way you pose in it is more connected and romantic, and the flowers attached with the brownish cream colouring really brings out your whimsical side…

  22. Mzoghbi says:

    The second one no doubt. Nothing beats Valentino red 🙂

  23. Felicity says:

    I love the red one, but the first one, definitely the first one! Oh my god it’s SO beautiful, you’re so lucky (can you ‘forget’ to give them back…?! lol)! x
    that-bird.blogspot.co.uk

  24. Mimi says:

    The romantic vintage for sure! Looks beautiful on you.
    Greetings from Uganda 🙂

  25. Anonymous says:

    I think I prefer the red, but how would you feel about a sash or a belt or something to break it up a little bit? 🙂

  26. FJ says:

    I have to say, the first one is more beautiful and you can wear it with the Valentino heels without looking too red. You’re a lucky girl!

  27. Anonymous says:

    Both are absolutely stunning, but you should pick the white for sure.

  28. Samantha Manzella says:

    THE RED! I just can’t help but love how commanding and powerful it is! They’re both absolutely stunning, but the red lace is just unbeatable. Color me jealous! So happy for you, Karen. 🙂

    <3 Samantha
    http://samlovesmakeup.wordpress.com

  29. AG says:

    RED!

    Because, it goes perfectly with your skin tone. And it’s bolder! 🙂

  30. Athens says:

    The first one, both are fierce!

  31. Lamipo Somoye says:

    The Red Dress, definitely that!

  32. dianapim says:

    Go with red!! Its a stonger look.

  35. GB says:

    oh, Karen, wow, both these dresses are stunning – i mean STUNNING!!! and I love the first one on you, so perfect with the red studded sandals peeping out! Enjoy and have fun!

  36. Aisha Jimoh says:

    the red one is more striking on you!! both are sooo gorgeous!!!!! wear them both?? hehe

  37. The White List says:

    Oh my gosh! You look so amazing! Like you have no freaking clue how amazing you look. Loving the hair, the dress, the shoes – everything. I think I may have to go all pinterest crazy on this post! 🙂

    Without a doubt – go for the red!

  38. Anonymous says:

    You look amazing with both, but the red one is simply perfect!

  39. Anonymous says:

    ROUGE,ROUGE,ROUGE!!!like us Lucians would say!!

  40. Goody says:

    The red!

    They both are beautiful but that red is TDF!

  41. Anonymous says:

    the first dress is my favorite. I love the sleeves and how it flows on you. Love the red as well, but I thought about looking back at the photos with your kids and I think the first is you. Have fun!

  42. Style Hostess says:

    oh my gosh…both are utterly beautiful. I guess I would pick the second one simply because it’s a black tie event. but the first one is just as ethereal….still, I guess you get more of a colour and detail punch from the second gown 🙂

    X
    Cat.

  43. Anonymous says:

    love them both, wow these dresses are delicious and they suit you sooo well!

    I would go with the vintage white for you though but the red is more modern looking and structured… both are perfect.

    The red one looks a little heavier, is the fabric heavy?

  44. Anonymous says:

    they both look really great on you, red one is know in especially in Europe. But the first one look much better on you, because red dress hide your personality, you know what I mean 🙂
    Karen your blog is really different and girl you have such a great personality.

    xx
    Lucille

  45. Kristen says:

    they’re both great, but number one is breathtaking.

  46. Catherine says:

    I think the first dress is more flattering on you.

  47. Home of Fashion says:

    Wow they are both so amazing. I think I would probably say the first just because the beautiful embellishment looks more unusual.

  48. Anonymous says:

    OMGIDIE!
    defo wear the red one. The first one looks like something you would wear anyway; to get the mail, walk the dog, etc. The red one looks beautiful with your skin tone and soooo glamorous!

    xx

  49. leesicam says:

    The red makes more of a statement!

  50. Viv says:

    RED

  51. Anonymous says:

    The first one! All the details, it’s sooo romantic, but at the same time edgy! -KEG

  52. Lina says:

    red!

  53. Sinead says:

    It’s Valentino. Wear the RED, girl! And congratulations.

  56. Eat.Style.Play says:

    After looking at the pictures I honestly Love the red one. at first i thought white, but the Red looks gorgeous in the pictures!! GO WITH THE RED

  57. @lkmck says:

    I love the first one, but I think the Red is the one to wear to the event. You’ll look gorgeous as always, nonetheless. Enjoy the party!

  58. Alicia Lund says:

    You look gorgeous in both but I vote the first one… it’s so romantic! Great to officially meet in person last week at the Nine West x Pamela Love event! Love your blog and style. 😉

  59. Angela says:

    The first dress is just so classy and magical!

  60. Lynda D'Souza says:

    Dang it – they are both incredible! Such a hard choice ! Leaning towards the Red One though…….its more elegant and simple = classy. Enjoy the event!

  61. Patty says:

    The RED one! You look stunning in both but the RED one is glamourous! Have fun!

  63. Jadore-Fashion says:

    Love both dresses on you; but I have to choose the first dress…it is so you. Love the vintage feel and the intricate details.

    Congratulations Karen!

    xoxo
    Stella

  64. Memory box at 27 says:

    omg, i wouldnt want to be you right now haha…i would never be able to decide. they both are stunning!even though i love how the 1st one sits on your body, i think red color suits you best! god luck!

  66. fore front says:

    impossible to decide. i flipped a coin – the first!

  67. LuxeLeopard says:

    I really like the first dress. The red makes a statement but red on the red carpet, not sure. Love the first one!

    Have a fab time this evening whatever dress you choose. x

  68. LuxeLeopard says:

    I really like the first dress. The red makes a statement but red on the red carpet, not sure. Love the first one!

    Have a fab time this evening whatever dress you choose. x

  70. Dani elle says:

    Second one…The dress doesn’t look as fragile, it fits the season, suits your skin tone.Congrats!

  71. Kim Powell says:

    Karen,
    They are definitely both beautiful dresses, but my mouth dropped when I saw you in the top gown. The red is classic, and the detailing is impecable, but if Valentino loan me two dresses for the night, I would go for the one that made a statement, the one with a ‘wow’ factor…I have every other day of my life to rock classic. Haha.

    –kim powell

  72. Anonymous says:

    Definitely the first dress!! it’s SO GORGEOUS!!

  73. eatgolearnlive.com says:

    Definitely the first one (cream/floral)… DEFINITELY!!! Oh. My. Gawsh!!!!!!!

  74. Hazel Cobb says:

    The first dress is my favorite, though it is hard to choose and I’d love to see the red one in person too. I’m not making it easy am I? Looking forward to seeing you there!

  75. knit by nat says:

    RED! Both are amazing, but the RED is breathetaking!!

  77. GirlSpazDog says:

    Red, definitely the red.

  78. Adelle (the Fashionista Lab) says:

    Wow Karen, that’s such cool news. Congratulations! I don’t believe I’ve ever commented before, but your blog is one of my favorites. The red dress is more dramatic, but the white one with the flowers is far more interesting – I vote for that one. But hey – either way you can’t lose! Good luck tonight, and have a great time!

    ~Adelle
    http://fashionistalab.com

  79. Sheri says:

    The white one. That one is so pretty on you!

  80. janandlarry says:

    The first one seems more like you – I would pick that one!

  81. Caroline says:

    Both are gorgeous, but there’s nothing like a classic red dress for a holiday celebration!
    xx

  82. T E X T U R E says:

    I personally love the red dress on you. Just love it but, at the same time…if the carpet is red it would appear as if you rose right out of the carpet in a red dress….visually I think it might be a bit overwhelming. Then again, when has overwhelming in fashion been a bad thing.
    Either way… rock it out lady!

  84. Mak says:

    love the red one on you!

  85. Jakina says:

    I love love love the red and it would without hesitation be my choice however based on these pictures, don’t know if its the posing, the hair, a combination but you look more you in the first one, like you can do more with that one… but idk either!

  86. PinkCheetahVintage says:

    I love the red! Perfect time of year to wear it, too :)) Soooo magical! Enjoy your night!

  88. Lorna Boothe says:

    Go for nude, but dare I say this… not with the red shoes. Have a fab night Karen, whatever you decide x

  89. Anonymous says:

    The first is SOOOOO YOU Karen!!!

  90. Anonymous says:

    The Red One, of course! 🙂

  92. duckalicious says:

    I’d choose the red one for myself, but I think the first one is more you.

  93. Anonymous says:

    How could you wear Valentino and NOT wear Valentino Red!? Beautiful.

  96. Camilla says:

    That red one is AMAZING

    xo Camilla

    Into The Fold

    p.s I started a youtube channel, check it out HERE

  97. Ran says:

    red one

  98. Anonymous says:

    1st of all…….Are u kidding me?!
    *screams w/U upon reading bag*
    #f-cknmajor
    Im gasping for the beige/nude gown. I live for the red and in stunning shade as mr. Valentino does so
    well but, I want a blushy fairy like feel from you going to this event. Enjoy the night and take tons of pics to show us.

    Warmly,
    Emily :-X

  99. The Habit says:

    Oh wow this is such a touch choice as they are both beautiful dresses and you look beyond stunning in them! Since I have to pick one, I’m going with the first one. There’s something about the soft color palette and those beautiful flowers that just resonates! I totally can’t wait to see what you decide. Love how you styled your hair too! 🙂

    xxTheresa

    The Habit

  100. Signe says:

    Both are beautiful, but you look absolutely stunning in the red one!

  101. Fox says:

    The second one seems to overpower you, while the first one makes you look gorgeous. My vote is for the first one.

  103. Pril's Place says:

    No. 1 has the “it factor”

  104. Anonymous says:

    The first one! It’s unique and really represents who you are and what you do best!

  105. Anonymous says:

    RED DRESS is the perfect one for you! it’s bold and interesting and totally YOU! the other one is more Rachel Welch kind of gown (in a positive way).

  107. Anonymous says:

    Definitely the red one!
    Congrats and enjoy the moment!
    Cris

  108. Lina says:

    They are both OMG gorgeous, but the ivory one is so unique, so you! Definitely the first one! And let us know what you picked 🙂

    xox
    linukasm.tumblr.com

  109. Mom (Míriam) says:

    The red one, with golden shoes.

  110. Viv says:

    What an amazing opportunity.. you totally deserve it! Both the dresses are beautiful.. I love the different detailing in each one. You are absolutely gorgeous!

    myblissisthisway.blogspot.com

  112. Lolitta says:

    *faints*

    Ok…coming back around. I love, love loooovvveeee the first one! I hope that’s the one you picked! Please post “post event” pics ASAP!

    *waits impatiently*

  113. Lolitta says:

    *faints*

    Ok…coming back around. I love, love loooovvveeee the first one! I hope that’s the one you picked! Please post “post event” pics ASAP!

    *waits impatiently*

  115. Apple Kaewchai says:

    Go bold, go RED. 🙂 You look gorg on both dresses anyway.

  116. sAmo_Toussaint says:

    the flower one!! it makes more a statement.

  117. sAmo_Toussaint says:

    the flower one!! it makes more a statement.

  118. Agnes...what's on? says:

    The first one 🙂
    Both are incredible!!!

  119. Tshirt printing says:

    What a mysterious look!!!
    Both dresses are really nice but the red dress is so amazing.

  121. Jenny E says:

    Oh sweet jesus. I can’t choose but if I HAD to choose i would go with the first one.

  122. acsd says:

    RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED!

  123. acsd says:

    RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED RED RED RED, a thousand times RED!

  124. Janelle says:

    So hard to choose they are both freaking awesome! But I have to say that I love the white dress more than the red, it is very beautiful and it looks amazing on you!

  125. Anonymous says:

    The red dress is perfect!

  126. Claire says:

    You look gorgeous Karen! Either one is amazing!

  127. Anonymous says:

    As gorgeous as they both are, it has to be the first one (ivory), as it’s just so magical and striking. The second one is amazing, but does not have as much of an impact (and imagine the white under a spotlight)… <3

  128. beks says:

    RED!

  129. Zola Danger says:

    The first one!!! What an amazing surprise! Don’t you wish you could wear both 🙂

  130. Maza Balta says:

    There is something about the 1st dress. Because of the first dress picture I noticed your blog.

  132. Karen says:

    Thanks EVERYONE for the help!!! God it was almost split down the middle apparently.

    After all said and done, I can honestly say that they are both equally great for different reasons. Next time if I do go to a glam event I still want to wear that floral dress. It stole my heart.

  133. Live TV says:

    Nice one 🙂

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