Armchair Commentary

Golden Globes 2011 Fashion Follies

2011 68^th Annual Golden Globes: Glam or Glum

Welcome to the red-carpet writeup for this year’s Golden Globes awards ceremony, brought to you by the Hollywood Foreign Press and by, well, me. Unlike some of the off-color onstage quips I heard this evening, I’ve decided to keep my commentary rated G—rated G for Glam or G for Glum.  Do you aGree? Or not? Please tell.

 

 

 

 Glam

On this most glittering of nights, there was no shortage of glamour here. A smattering of the glam:

Natalie Portman:  The pint (and a half!)-sized Portman blossomed in a form-flattering pale-pink empire-waist gown, complete with red-sequined appliqué rose, from Dutch dream team Viktor and Rolf. The diminutive star scores extra points for matching Stella McCartney heels. Maternity never looked so marvelous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Williams: Her daisy-dotted dress is simply adorable. A Valentino victory, the rosette straps, op-art floral print, and fluttery chiffon sides--paired with Michelle’s winsome pixie ‘do--make for free-spirited fun.  Even if it is beige.

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia Wilde: Mmm, chocolate. Rich, dark, and satisfying, this spangled tulle confection sparkles in deep chocolatey hues.  More like something from Willy Wonka’s production line than a hand-stitched Marchesa creation, the full skirt flirtfully floated, bobbed, and winked its way through the ceremony.  

 

 

 

 

January Jones: Only one word comes to mind, if it’s even a word: Fringe-tastic!  This custom-made Versace fits her like a glove, from the structured V-shaped bodice to the clingy fringed gown, all flawlessly executed in fire-engine red.  January’s smooth blonde Veronica Lake hairstyle adds cool elegance but does nothing to put out the fire.

 

 

 

 

Helen Mirren: The dame puts the gold in Golden Globes this year in a stunning Badgley-Mischka gown. The shirred, Fortuny-like bodice capped with sheer gold- and silver-encrusted sleeves drops down to  a shimmery skirt. With matching satin Ferragamo clutch and Cartier diamonds, this golden-aged actress radiates 24k confidence and charm.

 

 

 

 

Glum

Now for the glum. Billed as Hollywood’s “prom night,” this Golden Globes event rather surprised me by the number of boring all-black ensembles. Those of you fortunate to know me in person are well aware that I am no stranger to the darksome shade myself. I just thought the Globes was an excuse to be more festive. In addition to the goth girls—Annette, Halle, Julianna, Jane (who should be more Glee-ful), I cite the following as glum:

Helena Bonham-Carter: The abstract print and random black tulle attachment on this Vivienne Westwood can’t possibly compete with the predictable trying-too-hard-to-be-kooky mismatched shoes. So why bother?  Maybe Helena and fellow Brit Tilda Swinton should have compared notes on being wacky beforehand.

 

 

 

 

 

Eva Longoria: The simple American Apparel T-shirt-style bodice doesn’t quite mesh with the sweeping skirt of this Zac Posen creation. The squiggle diamonds at her waist aren’t helping matters any either. Her onstage stumble confirms that this is indeed a fashion misstep.

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Adams: A Fight of a different type--this one between the actress and the laser-cut lace butterfly that landed on her deep teal Marchesa gown. My bet is that Amy lost. Watching her throughout the evening, I could see that the butterfly--or whatever this adornment is--impeded her basic functions, like eating and drinking.

 

 

 

 

Julianne Moore: While I realize bubble-gum pink is hardly indicative of glum, Julianne’s saggy, misshapen single silk sleeve is rather sad. It depresses me just looking at it. I don’t even care that it comes from Lanvin. It's just … sad.

 

 

 

 

 

Glam and Glum

Golden Globes boys can be both glam and glum as well:

Robert Downey Jr. Glam! In a rebellious twist on the typical black-tie dress code, a dapper RDJ rocks a shiny charcoal-gray Prada suit with a roguish red tie. A precursor to the roguish and randy tales he told on stage, I suppose, but you didn’t hear that from me.

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Bale. Glum! Is he Fight-ing with his wife for Actor with the Best Jesus Hair Award?  His all-black attire (suit, shirt, and tie) and lank, shoulder-length hair make him a clear winner in that arena (in addition to his other award).

 

 

 

 

 

Last, after a couple glasses of pinot grigio and a handful of white-cheddar popcorn—my version of movie food—I have a few random G-notes:

G is for:

Granny. I spotted at least three spangled chiffon capelets worn over otherwise attractive and flattering frocks.  Sandra Bullock, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Lopez looked more grandmother-of-the-bride than award presenter. And Sandra—I’d rethink the blunt bangs.

 

 

 

 

 

Grandiosity. Temple lives up to the Grand in her name tonight. The inspirational author’s sequin-emblazoned shirt raises her signature Western-wear to a whole new level. I love Temple's take on black tie, even if it's white tie (or kerchief, in this case).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Geometry. Like Jane Fonda herself, I find the pointed geometric shoulders on her gown a little frightening and a little ‘80s. But then that’s Jane.

 

 

 

 

Gummy.  Does everyone in Hollywood have to chew gum?  Even at an awards ceremony?  Really?  As the cameras panned the crowd, I was a little galled at all the chomping and jawing. My mother would have told everyone to quit chopskitching (look it up). 

And they would have.

Respond at will. --Daniel

 

2010 Emmys(R) Eight: Eye-Catching or Eye-Sore?

Ah, television. How we love thee. Well, most of us. While I have but a very few select TV favorites, to be honest, who doesn't enjoy the fashion step or mis-step down the red carpet?  As always, I point my fashion-focused lens toward those ladies treading the treacherous waters of the small screen. Eight seemed to be about the right number.  Agree or disagree?  Elegant or egregious? You decide.

As always, these entries are in no particular order other than my arbitrary whim.

Emmy Winners

Jane Lynch

Coach Sue Sylvester, in the 19-times-nominated Glee, sheds her usual adidas track suit in favor of this plum-colored taffeta mermaid-cut gown from Ali Rahimi. She wins an award for most dramatic dress departure if for nothing else. The athletic-minded actress scores extra points for accessorizing with a darling diamond shoulder pin from her designer sister-in-law at Doyle & Doyle. All in all, a Glee-ful ensemble indeed.

 

Claire Danes

Representing the heroic Temple Grandin in this pink spangled Armani Prive strapless dress, Claire Danes sparkles as a fashion heroine in her own right. Easy and elegant, this gown epitomizes carefree SoCal style, with Claire's golden tresses worn loose and free as the perfect accessory. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jewel

Pretty in pink sums up this gem's frothy confection from Zuhair Muhad. The high-waisted bow belt, spangled tiers, and all-matching accessories (frock, purse, earrings) remind us that this is the Jewel everyone remembers as sweet, innocent, yet sophisticated. 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanda Sykes

Another Zuhair Muhad gown shimmers in gold on this golden star. A one-shoulder piece tastefully drapes over the curvy actress while alternating bugle beads with matching sheer panels. The lustrous gown stands in startling contrast to the star's hometruth that in America's current economy, she chose to buy her own frock rather than rely on a stylist or on designer donations. Wanda's a winner for sure.

 

 

 

 

Lea Michele

Glee birthday girl Lea Michele gamely sampled a red-carpet taste of the PB&J cake-in-a-jar prepared especially for her, despite the Oscar de la Renta pedigree of her midnight-blue ruffled gown. The deep navy is a subtle contrast to the young star's glowing skin, loose hair, and glamourous smile. Not to mention the gothy black-painted nails and borrowed diamonds. If only all birthdays gleamed so bright!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christina Hendricks

I'm "Mad" about Christina's Zac Posen option for tonight's red carpet. The cool lavender sets off her auburn locks and porcelain skin to perfection, and the ostrich feathers add froth and fun to this figure-hugging confection. It's enough to drive any man mad.

 

 

 

 

 

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian--yes, I know--Kim Kardashian. Maybe only because the white Grecian-style floor-length Marchesa manages to cover her coliseum-sized you-know-what, I chose this classical gown with its pleats, criss-cross bodice, down-the-back mini-train, and heavy-duty Egyptian-inspired collar. Pulling off this flattering look for the fashion-failure reality-TV star is truly the work of a goddess.

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Paquin

Perhaps Anna's heavily beaded matador-style top takes her to a new level of blood sport beyond her usual vampire-attracting ways. (Hello, bullfighting). Or maybe it's only because I just got back from a week in Chicago sipping sangria and suffering mild sunstroke. Regardless, I tout her toreador togs, courtesy of the late, great Alexander McQueen. Crowning a simple black column dress in satin, this look causes the simmering sangre in me to say si.

 

 

 

Emmy Losers

January Jones

Might as well start with the first of the month. January's Versace Atelier made unfortunate references to her predecessor's cone-shaped bustier that somehow fell short of the Madge mark. The exaggerated train resembled more of a scaly dragon than the elegant peacock touted during the ceremony. Finally, the '80s cobalt color, blah-black shoes, and overplayed bed-head hair did nothing to help. A resolution for Emmys 2011?

 

 

 

Tina Fey

The usually stylish actress tried to "rock" this Oscar de la Renta for her award-winning role on "30 Rock." Depite the satin beaded overlay with classical lines and flattering fit, the bizarre hieroglyphic beading left me a bit confused. Translation, please?

 

 

 

 

 

Sofia Vergara

Yellin' yellow? Screamin' saffon?  Pallid pink?  I had a hard time deciding which color to decide on based on various news reports on Sofia's insipid Carolina Herrera gown. This was an odd choice for the designer--the ambiguous color and binary-code beading left the frock a bit futuristic but flat. 

 

Heidi Klum

Beaded rosettes on a black ruched Marchesa minidress only serve to render Heidi Klum's once-stunning supermodel figure hopelessly stumpy and thick. This and the spray-on tan, mismatched necklace, and mannish hairstyle add up to not a terribly attractive combination--no matter how much she's encouraged to make it work. Sorry, Tim.

 

Stephanie Pratt

Poor Miss Stephanie Pratt. Not only have I not heard of her, but she shows up for the Emmys in a pale satin lilac-colored pillowcase. And a scraplet of black lace off one shoulder to complement the heavy mascara. But that's about it. A Pratt-fall for the young starlet for sure.

 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

As if her infamous a tempo dance and screechy voice on Seinfeld weren't enough. This high-waisted Narisco Rodriguez with its silk crepe panels leaves the comedienne looking short, truncated, and still inept. The tightly beaded bodice makes her oft-acclaimed assets look small and compressed. Can't someone set Elaine and her dance free?

 

Toni Collette

Did Toni trudge her way from Australia through La Brea Tar Pits to get to this year's Emmys? Her gray gown looks like it was dragged through layers of mud before making its pathetic way to the Nokia Theatre. The fitted frock did highlight the actress's svelte figure, however. Hopefully a little mud on the Muriel's Wedding star won't weigh down the rest of her career.

 

Kate Gosselin

I'm not including Kate Gosselin in No. 8 because she is poorly dressed. In a figure-skimming black Carmen Marc Valvo halter dress with beaded bodice, she looked fine. Better than fine considering how many--and I do mean many--children she's had.  I, like others, am wondering why Kate's even at the Emmys in the first place. Hmm, in No. 8 because she spawned eight kids?  Maybe. Hardly seems Emmy-worthy, though, but stranger things have happened. You tell me.

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

Betty White

Yes, perhaps I am late to the altar of accolades dedicated to this august star. At 88, Betty White is the oldest Emmy nominee, with 16 noms under her (loose-fitting) belt and double strand of pearls. In an age-appropriate two-piece rainbow-sherbet-colored chiffon number, Betty radiates and charms like no other at this year's ceremony. May she see many more. 

Comment at will. --Daniel Sheldon

Memorable Movie & TV Wedding Gowns: Say 'I Do' or 'I Don't'

June is Wedding Month. Whether you're Bridezilla, the mother of the bride, the beleaguered groom, a bridesmaid--sigh, again--or just a hopeless romantic, everyone indulges in the occasional matrimonial mania. In light of that I've made my top 10 list of the most memorable wedding gowns captured on film. For better or for worse, as they say, and in no particular order.

Note: Click images to enlarge.

Something Old...

1. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Although Scarlett O'Hara's wedding gown enjoyed less than a minute on screen, Walter Plunkett's creation deserves a mention if for nothing else than historical authenticity. The dress--featuring over 30 yards of French ivory silk, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and a hand-stitched oak-leaf overlay--was fitted to the actress who played Scarlett's mother. The gown hung too long on the diminutive Vivien Leigh as an example of marriages made in wartime haste. Scarlett's first marriage, unfortunately, didn't last much longer than the scene did. Of course, that didn't stop everyone's favorite Southern belle.

2.  High Society (1956)

  
Scarlett wasn’t the only character on this list to wed more than once. Grace Kelly's  Tracy Lord was marrying for a second time, which called for a more subdued bridal ensemble. Hers was a soft, yellow, diaphanous affair with a sprigged floral design. The shorter length and three-quarter bell sleeves gave it a more casual look, though of course Grace was stunning as always. In a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twist, the film’s designer Helen Rose also created the gown Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly wore to wed real-life royalty Prince Rainier of Monaco later that year. 

3.  Funny Face (1957)

Fashion icon Audrey Hepburn doesn't actually walk the aisle in this Givenchy gown--as Parisienne model Jo Stockton in the movie she merely walks the runway. Hepburn's perfect clothes-hanger figure made her the French designer's muse, and with good reason--this simple, feminine, ballerina-length frock floats on the willowy actress. The cap sleeves, full skirt, and ballet flats keep Givenchy's masterpiece moment flirty and fun.  And it doesn't hurt to have a Gershwin score as backup.

4.  Funny Girl (1968)

We go from a funny face (not really) to a funny girl (really) in this 11-year cinematic leap. Barbra Streisand's portrayal of Fanny Brice follows the comedienne's career from the lower eastside to the Ziegfeld Follies to becoming a beloved star of stage, screen, and radio. Her empire-waist gown is accented by a tape-lace overlay and abundant orange blossoms at both bust and brow. It's a classic look that stands in perfect complement to the Follies-esque backdrop of all-white stairs, urns, and drapery.

Something New...

5. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Lucy's wedding dress is an eternal classic--literally--since she wears it from altar to grave and beyond. This lavish, multilayered confection is one reason the film won the Academy Award® for Best Costumes that year. The gown is pure Transylvanian fantasy, complete with an Elizabethan lace ruff and elaborate headdress that emphasize the vampire-bride’s ethereal looks. Sapphire-blue eyes and blood-red lips are optional.

6. Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout (1994)


 In this movie spinoff of the popular BBC series AbFab, Eddie’s long-tortured daughter thinks she’s finally free of her domineering mother when she gets engaged to a noble young Spaniard. Not to be outdone, Eddie commissions couturier Christian Lacroix (who makes a cameo appearance) to create Saffy’s magnificent duchess silk gown. In a departure for the French designer, the simple V-neck bodice is accented only by a sheer lace-trimmed wrap, a string of pearls, and an Infanta-worthy crown. Too bad both dress and daughter were upstaged by mum’s wedding-day antics.

7. Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Oddly enough the gown in the film’s cover art and publicity posters is not the one Muriel--self-styled Marial--wore in her actual wedding. That dress is far prettier and more detailed, with silver beads dancing a fanciful arabesque down a lace-covered front.  Although the wedding itself was a sham, the truly transforming power of a beautiful gown is evident in Toni Collette’s radiant face.

8. Corpse Bride (2005)

And I’m not talking about Victoria’s high-necked, puff-sleeved prissy lace monstrosity in Tim Burton’s animated dueling-brides classic. Despite a little wear and tear here and there--years of rot will do that to a frock--Emily’s wedding dress stole the show. With its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, this gown proved that Emily wasn’t afraid to show a little skin (and, well, bone) to have a good time.

9. Sex and the City (2008)

  
With SATCII just out in theatres, it’s hard not to look back at its predecessor and admire Carrie’s Vivienne Westwood original. Dame Westwood’s triumph consisted of a low-cut gold-backed ivory silk-satin corset top rising above floor-sweeping asymmetrical layers of Radzimir taffeta. Quirky turquoise feathers were the finishing touch. How could Big say "I don't" to that?

10. Bride Wars (2008)   

Although Emma may have lost her shot at a wedding at the Plaza (not to mention a fiancé), her dress was a winner with me. Vera Wang’s ivory one-shoulder gown with asymmetrically draped neckline was fitted to the knees before flaring dramatically, mermaid style. A stunning look that flattered Anne Hathaway’s tall, slender frame, the dress required little ornamentation, so accessories were wisely kept to a minimum. Question is: Did she wear it when she married Liv's brother? We'll never know.

Something for You

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1999)

Could a single film offer more diverse wedding-dress options? I am hard-pressed to find another. If you could make it past Charles’s floppy hair and sleepy eyes and Carrie’s scene-stealing black hat, there were at least four to choose from, not counting the outtakes and Carrie’s try-on frock frenzy.

You decide.

Angus and Laura

__ Is she lovely?

__ You’re blind; she looks like a big meringue.

Bernard and Lydia

__ Is she a lawful wedded wife?

__ Or is she an “awful” wedded wife.

Hamish and Carrie

__ Is it to die for? (Sorry Gareth)

__ Or does it just make you want to die.

Charles and Duckface

__ Is it just ducky?

__ Or is it just yucky.

Agree or disagree with any of the Top 10 above? Comment away. --Daniel

Trailer Park: 'Sex and the City 2'

Here's the full-length trailer for Sex and the City 2, featuring cameos by Liza Minnelli, Penelope Cruz, Miley Cyrus, and--gasp!--the return of John Corbett as Aidan. I haven't the foggiest idea what the hell they're doing on vacation in Abu Dhabi, as this seems like a retread of their Mexico vacation from the first movie. Was kinda hoping to see the '80s flashbacks from the set photos we'd been seeing, but you can't have your Magnolia cupcake and eat it too. Movie opens May 28. --Ellen

Daniel's Dozen: Oscar's 12 Best, Worst-Dressed Stars

Welcome to the Oscars® Fashion Forum at Amazon.com. I’ve chosen my 12 picks for best and worst gowns of the 82nd Academy Awards® red carpet presentation. Like the year that preceded it, this year’s gowns stayed away from the wild and mostly maintained the mild, making it a challenge to come up with a hit or a definitive miss. What do you think?

HITS (click on photos to see larger)

Sandra Bullock shimmered and stunned in a champagne column dress from Marchesa. An exquisitely embroidered sheer overlay cascaded down her clingy silken skirt. Her lustrous brown hair, worn loose, was the perfect complement.

 

Cameron Diaz deserved the gold for her dress alone. Appropriately attired in—we’re talking about the designer, not the statuette—a spangled bronzed Oscar de la Renta gown, the actress radiated confidence and charm.

Mo’Nique ruled in a royal-blue gown with satiny folds that flattered and formed in all the right places. She gets extra points for the historical nod (hello, Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel) and the perky gardenias in her hair. I’m an old-fashioned boy at heart.

Always-elegant Kate Winslet went with Yves St. Laurent for this most magical of nights. Her beaded bodice shone like armor, a nice contrast to the drapey duchess silk skirt. A diamond drop necklace and vintage Veronica Lake hair style complete the look.

Queen Latifah reigned supreme, this year in a figure-flattering dress of pale lilac silk. The ornate silver beading across the single-shoulder strap and the diagonal stripe accenting her waist added contrast and interest. Long live the Queen!

I’ve saluted a queen, why not honor a dame? Helen Mirren looked stately in her lavender spangled gown. From Badgley Mischka, its age-defying beauty was matched only by her Chopard gems and dandy arm candy Christopher Plummer.

MISSES (click on photo to see larger):

Nominee Vera Farmiga may have been confused—was it an awards ceremony or a flamenco performance? Her magenta Marchesa monstrosity puts the fan in fandango, with multiple tiers of fan-like ruffles dancing their way down the dress.

Jennifer Lopez’s ice-pink butterfly confection from Armani Prive perhaps should have remained prive-private. The pink ornamentation at her waist looked like it was ready for takeoff. Maybe Jenni from the block should have driven around the block before deciding on this frock.

How many shades of purple can a girl cram into one Oscar gown? Zoe Saldana seemed determined to find out, evidently. An asymmetrical sash served as the great divide between a delicately beaded top and the roaring ruffles beneath.

Even though I adore both Sarah Jessica Parker and Chanel (not necessarily in that order), I’m torn. SJP’s sickly yellow Chanel Couture was a shapeless sack for the lithe star in this rare fashion misstep. The bizarre bun seemed top-heavy and mismatched. Will the next Sex and the City redeem her? Let’s hope so!

While I loved Carey Mulligan’s vintage ‘50s silhouette, chic short haircut, and Fred Leighton chandelier earrings, I found Prada’s random collection of forks, spoons, and scissors a bit cutlery-contrived. When asked about it on the red carpet, she replied, “I don’t know.” I don’t either.

I’m thrilled that my totally ‘80s dream girlfriend Molly Ringwald still looks fantastic. I’m less than excited about the deep-purple silk gown she wore for the John Hughes tribute, however. Were the matching bronze squiggle cuff and waist ornament a tribute to the same decade? Molly, Molly. It’s time to update.

Did I say it was Daniel’s Dozen? Well, let’s make that a Baker’s Dozen. I would be remiss if I didn’t include Neil Patrick Harris in our couture commentary. His snappy sequined striped tuxedo jacket in the opening number’s old-school Hollywood chorus line was nothing short of spectacular, and his youthful vigor set the tone for the evening. Well done, NPH, well done!

Agree or disagree? Please comment. --Daniel

Ask Barbie a Question

Here at Amazon we’ve interviewed many celebrities, but few have reached the iconic status of actress, fashion muse, and all around career woman, Barbie. Despite being a household name, there are shockingly few interviews of Ms. B in the popular media, so naturally we jumped at the chance last year to hear her thoughts on her holiday film, Barbie in A Christmas Carol.

Recently, Barbie's people contacted our people to discuss a second interview around her forthcoming adventure, Barbie and The Three Musketeers. In the new movie, Barbie and her three besties, Teresa, Nikki, and Summer,  will embrace girl power--taking a trip to Paris, tackling fight training, making a splash at a fabulous masquerade ball, and finally, saving a prince! 

But something about this interview will be different--this time, we're giving you a chance to ask the questions. Post your queries below, or email them to us at questions@amazon.com by June 30, and we'll select our favorites to ask Barbie herself. Looking for ideas? Check out these fun facts about Barbie below. --Leah

Fun Facts About Barbie:

 

Current residence: Malibu, California

Place of birth: Willows, Wisconsin

Career: Barbie currently lists 108 professions on her resume

Wardrobe: Barbie's outfits have been designed by more than 70 major names in fashion, cut from more than 105 million yards of fabric, and she has worn over 1 billion pairs of shoes

Recent accomplishment: Honored at a fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in recognition of her 50^th birthday. (We know—she doesn’t look at day over 25.)

Mer & Der's Wedding Web Page

In a clever stunt, the Grey's Anatomy team has registered a faux wedding web site through theknot.com for engaged docs Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) -- created by fellow doc Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), who is serving as wedding planner for the upcoming nuptials. Within the first day, the web site has drawn over 1,400 RSVPs.

Izzie pretty much rules the page, writing the couple's "how we met," the proposal details, and even a registry where guests can make donations to the Alzheimer's Association, American Academy of Neurology, and American Skin Association. There are also a lot of fun facts about Mer and Der (he does laundry! she dyed her hair pink for her prom!) as well as well-wishes from the other Seattle Grace staffers (From Alex: "What the hell? He says that you getting married means you’re kicking me and Iz out of the house? Is that true? Cause if so, not cool. Not Fricking Cool." Followed by Izzie: "Alex, they can’t kick us out. I have cancer.”)

Shucks though, I kinda wanted to see what kind of china patterns they would pick out.  --Ellen

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/MeredithGrey&DerekShepherd

Oscar Night - Hits & Misses on the Red Carpet

So the most fun part about watching the Oscars is of course scrutinizing the fashion choices of those much richer and more beautiful than the rest of us.

Daniel Sheldon and I are excited to share our thoughts on the hits and misses of fashion on Hollywood's biggest night.

Hits:

Kate Winslet
We love the way midnight blue bleeds into black and flows silkily over her form like liquid.  The added detail of net lace and black florets adds an interesting detail. 

Viola Davis
A Grecian goddess in gold, Viola shimmers and shines with a plunging neckline anchored by a diamond brooch.  Totally age appropriate and gorgeous.

Mickey Rourke
Despite the Post-Labor-Day-rodeo-star-meets-Justin-Timberlake look, Mickey Rourke manages to work it.
  

Anne Hathaway
Simple and sexy, this fashion maven shimmers in a tower of bias-cut pailette-strewn gown.  And who knew about that voice?

Penelope Cruz
Sure, it's a little bride-y, but the handmade lace and other couture details move this gown out of matrimony into movie royalty.

Sean Penn and Robin Wright-Penn
This couple exemplifies black-on-black chic. The best dressed couple of the night.

Misses:

Angelina Jolie
Looks good as always but the neckline looks like Mickey Mouse ears.  Despite the crazy neckline and relatively boring predictable black dress, the turquoise colored jewelry is a nice offset, but looks like she picked it up at Forever 21.

Brad Pitt
When are you going to lose the facial hair?  Isn't Inglourious Basterds done filming yet?  No excuse.

Miley Cyrus
Look out Titanic, here comes Miley!  An iceberg with a superhero belt.  Bad bad bad.

Jessica Biel
You're thin lady, you don't have to do this to yourself.  Don't tuck a silver satin napkin into your bodice and expect to make it pass for an Oscar-worthy gown.

Natalie Portman
Booring!  Too lilac, too '70's - looks like something somebody would wear as a bridesmaid in a 1976 wedding party.

Beyonce
Curtains from a bad Chinese restaurant on Canal Street.

 

Sarah Jessica Parker
Too much makeup and too much cleavage.

Heidi Klum
A Project Runway challenge gone bad, the skewed bird-in-flight neckline looks like it totally wants to fly away, but her heavy metal bracelets try to anchor the look.

.

Sophia Loren
You're a fashion icon and have a killer figure, but you don't have to dress like Oscar himself for the awards. 

 

Tilda Swinton
You look gorgeous in every movie but you continually shock and disappoint us in real life. The bland beige knotted top isn't the worst part of this outfit, but it comes close since we can barely tell where the top ends and your skin and hair begin.  The shapeless beige-ness paired with the crotch-gathered black satin skirt just isn't working for our goddess of the period films.

This year we are totally underwhelmed.  No one really broke the mold or motivated us to go shopping. Lots of pretty people like always, but where was the glamour?  Where were the jewels? Where was Cate Blanchett looking flawless?  The show was a little more interesting this year but all in all, the fashion was just blah.  

Amazon Exclusive Interview with Confessions of a Shopaholic Author Sophie Kinsella

Confessions of a Shopaholic, 2009's attempt at a fashion filled flick hit theaters this past Friday, February 13th. I was able to see the movie last Tuesday, and although I have never read the books, I enjoyed it. It's no The Devil Wears Prada, but Isla Fischer (best known from Wedding Crashers) is lovable and there is a dance scene in it that is sure to make even a grown man laugh out loud (trust me, I was sitting next to one).

Check out our exclusive interview with Sophie Kinsella, the author of the Confessions of a Shopaholic books. Sophie gives insight into the making of the movie, her feelings about Becky, and more. The trailer follows the interview, so stick around and get a glimpse of the movie or just catch it in theaters now.

The books are incredibly popular, so this movie is sure to be a hit in the theaters. They are about Rebecca Bloomwood, shopaholic in denial. She, like the rest of us, loves to shop, and owns a ridiculous amount of designer clothing. The hilarious part to me is, despite the sheer amount of designer goods that she owns, she only has $9,000 in credit card debt. Puh-lease, you could do that damage at J.Crew in a day and some of those frocks she owns are thousands of dollars alone. But I digress. Rebecca gets herself in a pickle when she finds herself in a job that she has no experience in (writing for a savings magazine) and trying to escape from the claws of her credit card debt collector, Derek Smeed. It's a cute story, and Becky (as her friends refer to her) is someone you can root for. Some of the story line is a bit underdeveloped, but if you love looking at clothes and cute British men, this flick is for you.
 

 

Sundance Film Festival (Part 2)

In Sundance Film Festival Wrap-Up (Part 1), I gave you an overview of the Festival as well as the complete list of winners.  Today,  I'll tell you about the films I saw, how you can see films that were shown there, which celebrities I spotted, and what you really need to know if you are planning to attend the Festival next year.

For people who love lists, here are all 16 of the films I saw (in order of viewing) with a very brief description:

1. The Winning Season (Sam Rockwell comedy about a High school girls' basketball team) 
2. The Carter (Documentary about rapper Lil' Wayne)
3. Toe to Toe (Drama set against the backdrop of girls' high school lacrosse)
4. Shorts Program 4 (Included winning short "Short Term 12")
5. Shrink (Kevin Spacey as a burned-out psychiatrist)
6. Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (Directed by John Krasinski of "The Office")
7. Dare (Typical high school kids atypically crossing sexual boundaries)
8. La Mission (Stars Benjamin Bratt in an unusual father/son drama)
9. Push (Winner of Jury and Audience awards for U.S. Dramatic film)
10. Earth Days (Documentary about environmental activism)
11. Don't Let Me Drown (Latino high school kids find love after 9/11)   
12. Bronson (Stylized, gritty drama about England's most notorious prisoner)
13. Passing Strange (Spike Lee-directed documentary of the eponymous Broadway musical)
14. Rough Aunties (Award-winning doc about child abuse advocates in South Africa)
15. Paper Heart(Michael Cera of Juno fame helps a woman find love)
16. September Issue (Documentary about Vogueeditor Anna Wintour)

Continuing with the lists, here are some of the celebrities I spotted:

• Kevin Spacey
• Chris Rock (he sat behind me at the screening of Push)
• Benjamin Bratt
• Virginia Madsen
• Sam Rockwell
• KeKe Palmer (of Akeelah and the Bee and Shrink)
• Bobcat Goldwaithe

And some of the celebs I missed (some left early to attend the Inauguration):

• Robert Redford (of course)
• Mariah Carey
• Mo'Nique
• Zooey Deschanel
• Marisa Tomei
• Uma Thurman
• Ben Foster
• Gael Garcia Bernal
• Don Cheadle
• Sting

Keep in mind that there are over 200 films at Sundance each year.  The Festival offers a variety of passes and ticket-buying options, most of which are divided by "A Package" and "B Package," with "A" representing the first half of the Festival and "B" representing the second half of the Festival.  (There is also a Package that includes the entire 11 days of the Festival.)  Passes go on sale in October and you can choose your films in late December.  (Both passes and tickets are picked up in Park City at the Sundance Ticket Office.)  You can also buy individual tickets the day of the screenings ("Wait List") but, be warned, you may be waiting a long time and may not even get tickets.  A few helpful hints:

• Buy Passes and tickets early.  You don't want to (literally) be standing in the cold for tickets that may not even be available. They go on sale in October.
• Allow PLENTY of time to get from film to film.  There are free shuttles and buses that can get you where you want to go but you still have to plan accordingly.
• Book hotels or condos as early as possible.  And make sure you tell lots of people you are going.  You never know when a friend of a friend will have an extra bed (for free) at their 18 person condo.  Ditto for the parties.
• Bring your glasses to every screening.  You never know when a film will suddenly spring subtitles on you.
• Eat well and snack often.  Sundance is a marathon, people, and you can only eat so much popcorn.
• Don't forget the Chapstick.  (Trust me on that one.)
• Be friendly and polite.  The Festival is a fun time and you never know who you could be sitting next to on a Shuttle.

Start planning now and I'll see you at Sundance next year! -- E. Christian Moore