STYLE | CULTURE | RED CARPET AT THE EMMY'S

Top row L to R: Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein, Laura Dern in Naeem Khan, Jon Hamm from Mad Men brought his partner Jennifer Westfield who looked elegant in this red dress and Carla Gugino in Georges Chakra.
Second row L to R: Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace, Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang, Michelle Dockery in halter dress from Prada, Sofia Vergara in red hot Vera Wang gown.
Third Row L to R:  Linda Cardellini in ruffled Donna Karan Atelier, Alyson Hannigan in Marchesa, Melissa Rauch in purple dress and Mindy Kaling in Georges Chakra.
Fourth Row L to R: Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren, Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez, Guiliana Rancic in Mikael D., and Zooey Deschanel in powder blue J. Mendel dress.
Fifth row L to R:  Anna Chlumpsky from Veep wore emerald green from Badgley Mischka, Sarah Hyland in CH Carolina Herrera, Mayim Bialik in Oscar Tolentino and Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham.

As usual people looked to the red carpet for the actors to bring out all the stops when it comes to style.  Many trends seen on the runways for both spring 2014 and the current fall season were showcased on the red carpet.  There were the favorites and of course the not so good choices.  All I will say is everyone has been talking about Claire Danes being the best dressed but I disagree.  To be honest, I thought her dress was absolutely lovely but her figure isn't curvy enough to fill out the upper bust area.  To me it looked too much like the top was not fitting her well.  

I honestly didn't have one standout favorite from the event this year.  What was yours?   

Julie Bowen in Zac Posen.

Claire Danes in Armani Prive

House of Cards' star Kate Mara in J. Mendel.

Kerry Washington in Marchesa.

Red Carpet Fashion at Emmy Awards

It was a sea of aqua, canary yellow, crimson red and sparkles at the Emmy Awards last night.  Fashion lovers look forward to the red carpet style of all the celebrities as they make their way into the ceremony.  

Who did you think had the best dress at the event?  My personal favorites included Heidi Klum's seafoam, fluid dress with the super sexy slit and Padma Lakshmi's orange strapless gown.  

Lucy Lui dazzled in this Atelier Versace number. 

                               

Padma Lakshmi was radiant in this strapless dress by Monique Lhuillier. 

Ginnifer Goodwiin in an embroidered dress by Monique Lhuillier. 

                            

                      

Julie Bowan (Getty Images), Julianne Moore in Christian Dior (Wire Image), Kaley Cuoco wore a gown by Angel Sanchez,  Claire Danes in Lanvin (Getty Images),

Sofia Vergara wore a mermain inspired dress by Zuhair Murad. (Getty Images)

Heidi Klum floated on the red carpet in this sexy high slit dress by Alex Vaulthier.
(Getty Images)

Kerry Washington sparkled in Vivienne Westwood. (Wire Image)

                           

Kat Dennings in a sweetheart neckline dress by J.Mendel, Jena Malone also in J.Mendel, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus
in Vera Wang.  All were looking great in autumn colors of blood-red, cranberry and cherry.

Katie Holmes the Designer

Photo: gossipboulevard.com

Unless you haven't turned on a television in the last few days, you already know that Katie Holmes has been top of the headlines with her pending divorce with Tom Cruise.  But that's not the only thing that's been happening in her life.  She remains focused on her career.

She is hard at work preparing to show her clothing line Holmes & Yang at New York Fashion Week for the first time.  The label was launched in 2009 and she co-designs it with Jeanne Yang, her stylist and friend.

Holmes & Yang is currently available at Barney's, Harvey Nichols in London and Hong Kong and at Montaigne Market Paris.  Their spring 2013 collection is highly anticipated.  The clothing line features style you would often see Holmes herself wearing; simple, chic, and classic, with pieces that can easily be transitioned from day to night.   

Katie Holmes with her business partner
Jeanne Yang.  (Photo: Getty Images)

Holmes recently told Elle magazine that she was entering "a new phase" and "coming into her own." 1  Every American designer aspires to show at New York Fashion Week.   This will certainly set the stage to move her business into a new direction which will put her brand on the fashion forefront. 


  If you've never seen any of her fashions take a look at the video below with items from the current spring/summer 2012 collection.
What do you think?  Does she have what it takes to stand the test of time?  We've seen so many celebrities jump into the fashion game.  Her partnership with Jeanne Yang may be just what she needs to stay on top.

Sources:  Elle Magazine July, 2012, 
1. Yahoo! News

Best Dressed at BET Awards 2012

The BET Awards happened this past weekend.  Usually I'm not a fan of some of the styles that walk down the Red Carpet at this awards show.  Sometimes the clothing is ill-fitting and not flattering or just downright too gaudy.  But, in the spirit of the entertainment industry the clothing usually personifies the characters of the entertainers.  Which can be a good or sometimes bad thing; depending on your perspective.

I had three personal favorites at this year's awards show.

My favorite was the simple white dress worn by Kim Kardashian.  I thought it was classic and a look that would be fitting on any woman.  It was an interesting blend of a simple silhouette with the contrast deep scoop back and side zip detail.  It was stunning on her.  I also loved what model Selita Ebanks wore.  Personally I thought the piece underneath the sheer black skirt could have been slightly longer but, that's just me.  I loved the detail in the design.  I thought it looked fantastic on her.

Finally, on a cultural note, I loved the African inspired dress Monica wore in her heart-felt performance tribute to Whitney Houston.  There were so many hits and misses at this year's event.  Other notable hits I loved were Beyonce's yellow-gold gown and Meagan Good's white gown.

Monica performs in Whitney Houston Tribute.  (Photo: IB Times)

Beyonce looks amazing in this gold gown.  Photo: Getty Images

Meagan Good in a BCBG gown.  Photo: Radar Online

After-Party Style

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad (photo: John Shearer - Wireimage)

The Oscar red carpet isn't the only place to show off your personal style.  The after-parties are equally the perfect opportunity to showcase your designer looks.  Jennifer Lopez did just that.  After a sheer dress that had many people talking she wore another Zuhair Murad number that was almost as revealing to the annual Vanity Fair afterparty.  


Tennis superstars, Venus and Serena Williams were also spotted at the afterparty both wearing dresses by Christiane King.  While Latin beauty Sofia Vergara looked stunning in a white gown by Roberto Cavalli.  

Serena Williams, Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow and VenusWilliams
(Photo: Kevin Mazur - Wireimage)

Venus and Serena in Christian King
(Photo: John Shearer - wireimage)

Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli
(Photo: Christopher Polk - wireimage)

Rosario Dawson opts to wear the season's color-blocking trend.
(John Shearer - wireimage)

Rashida Jones, Parks and Recreation star, and daughter of Quincy Jones
(Photo: John Shearer - Wireimage)

Oscar Style

Octavia Spencer took home the Best Supporting Actress
award.  She looked radiant in this gown by Tadashi Shoji

The 84th Annual Academy Awards took place last night and as usual the red carpet brought some of the best and the worst in style.  Oscar night has quickly become the most important show for designers.  The fashion world always has its eye on what the celebrities will be wearing.  Last night's showing proved that couture still rules, white isn't just for brides and women are still knockouts as a lady in red.

My favorite was Gwyneth Paltrow's dress by Tom Ford.  This is something I could see myself wearing. It was a minimalist elegant gown with a cape draped over the shoulders.  Another favorite was Cameron Diaz' strapless Gucci Premiere gown.  Angelina Jolie wore a black velvet Atelier Versace gown that had her showing off her leg.  

Octavia Spencer, who won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in The Help, wore an embroidered gown by Tadashi Shoji.

Below are a few favorite picks from last night's red carpet.  What did you think? Who was your favorite?

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford
(Getty Images)

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab
(Getty Images)

Shailene Woodley in Valentino
(Getty Images)

Louise Roe in Black Halo
(Getty Images)

Best Actress Nominee Michelle Williams
wearing Red Tulle gown by Louis Vuitton
(Getty Images)

   

Rooney Mara dressed in a custom made Givenchy Couture gown.
(Getty Images)

Cameron Diaz in Gucci Premiere
(Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie shows some leg in Atelier Versace.
(Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez wore Zuhair Murad.

Best Actress Nominee, Viola Davis was beautiful in this Vera Wang dress.

Celebrity Fashion Lines

Celebrities have access to the best when it comes to fashion and accessories. Designers are always quick to give the latest items to the famous so all the world can see on the red carpet. Some have even made a name for themselves as style icons because they always look so good. Over the last twenty years we have seen several actors, musicians and model vying to be the next big thing in fashion by launching their own labels. Everyone from Sean 'P.Diddy' Combs to Justin Timberlake have taken a foray into the design arena. One of the latest is Kanye West, who calls himself the 'Louis Vuitton Don' and is known for his unique fashion sense. His women's label was slammed by critics but he hasn't let that hurt him.  West plans to show another collection in Paris this spring.

Being a celebrity is no guarantee that you'll be a successful fashion designer.  You would think being famous is a ticket to instant success because of the name recognition.  But, some experts say it actually makes it more difficult.  The pressure is on to be as successful in design as they might be in music, film or television.

IBTimes TV recently did a story on celebrity fashion lines.  Take a look.

David Beckham Bodywear

David Beckham has partnered up with H&M to unveil a new collection of body-wear for men.  The official launch took place in-store at H&M's Regent Street store in London last week.  Fans lined up for hours to catch a glimpse of Beckham as he made an in-store appearance posing for photos and autographs with fans.

Beckham,  who was the face of Armani for a few seasons, is excited about his new venture into design.  It's a natural fit being a style icon to create with one of the world's most recognizable brands.  Over the last few years H&M has been very successful with it's celebrity and designer collaborations.

Celebrities including Bianca Jagger and Suzy Menkes were on hand to celebrate at the cocktail party in a pop-up gentleman's club afterwards.

The official commercial aired on NBC during Superbowl XLVI.  Take a look at the sexy video below.

        

Golden Globe Style

Charlize Theron in blush colored  Dior Couture gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Brad Pitt in Salvatore Ferragamo and Angelina Jolie in
Atelier Versace dress. (Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty)

The 69th Annual Golden Globes presented some of the most beautiful and hideous on the red carpet.  As usual there many hits and misses.  It's always a night to delight in the selections made by the celebrities and their stylists.

My absolute favorite of the night was Charlize Theron.  She arrived in a pale blush Dior Couture gown that was breath-taking.  The belted bow detail was the perfect feminine touch covering just the right place above the leg baring slit.
 
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt once again turned heads on the red carpet as they always do.  Pitt looked old-school in his retro-inspired three-piece suit by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Jolie's Atelier Versace dress was a stunner in a shiny white with a red accent that she matched her lipstick to.  This is a dress you either love or hate.  That red accent along the neckline could be a little distracting for some but, to me, it works for Ms. Jolie.  Some critics are saying they missed the mark on their usual style but, I think they looked great.

In my opinion, Sarah Michelle Gellar was wearing one of the hideous.  I think the silhouette of the dress could have made it a great gown.  However the tie dye looking fabric used made it looked tacky.  Not a good combination.  According to reports Gellar said her 2-year-old daughter selected her gown.

Selma Hayek in a Gucci gown.
(Photo: Steve Granitz/Wire Image)

One of the worst dresses of the night.
Sarah Michelle Gellar wears a Monique Lhuillier.
(Photo: Steve Granitz/Wire Image)

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen.
(Photo: Paul Buck/EPA)

Kelly Osbourne, who stars on E! network's The Fashion Police, warrants a ticket for her look on the red carpet.  It's a Zac Posen dress. I don't think this was the right look for her at all.  I wonder what Joan Rivers will have to say about her co-star's look at the Golden Globes.

One thing Osbourne got right was the choice of jewel tone blue.  This trend was all over the red carpet.  Shades of blue, teal and deep burgundy looked amazing on many of the ladies at the Golden Globes.

'Modern Family' star, Sofia Vergara looked amazing as usual showing off her curves in a custom made, peacock blue colored Vera Wang gown.  With her natural beauty and knockout curves it's difficult for this Latin beauty to look bad.  She accessorized the look with Harry Winston jewelry.  Each piece was extravagant.  She wore diamond cuffs on her arm and a gorgeous ring on both middle fingers.  With her hair swept to the side she showed off diamond studded chandelier earrings.

(Photo: Celebbuzz)

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang gown.

Best Actress nominee, Viola Davis was one of the best dressed women over 40 at the ceremony.  She stepped out on the red carpet in this gorgeous burgundy gown by Emilio Pucci.  The one-shoulder gown showed off her beauty and elegance.

Viola Davis shows some leg in this burgundy
Emilio Pucci dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Who was your best dressed of the night?

Queen Latifah's Clothing Line

Queen Latifah debuts The Queen Collection for HSN

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Queen Latifah talks about her partnership with HSN to create her new clothing line The Queen Collection, which debuted this month.  The clothing is created to fit all shapes and sizes.  Queen Latifah proves that a woman does not have to be thin to have success in Hollywood.  She exudes the true confidence every woman should have.  In creating her clothing line the goal was to provide something for every woman.  Carrying a wide size range was key to addressing a need she sees as not being met by most designers and manufacturers.  The Queen Collection is available in sizes 2-24.  Latifah says when designing she thought about what she would wear and knew it would be something others would love too.  The accessories are also fun items that can mix with the collection and are affordable yet as stylish as a higher end accessories.