My Top 3 Posts of 2011

I am a total nerd, but I've known this since elementary school.  I love analyzing numbers and seeing what is working and what isn't.  I love looking into the psychology of what makes people stop and pay attention.  That is why I love analytics for my blog.  It is fun to see what makes you come here and read my posts, whether you are a regular reader or you came through a Google search.  So, here are my Top 3 posts of 2011.  They aren't necessarily my favorites, but they are your favorites.  For my regular readers, one of the Top 3's popularity may surprise you, it sure surprised me.

Simone Harouche, one of my favorite stylists on the list. 

1.  The Stylist Edition:  This article was the number one most trafficked post this year.  I compiled the list of top stylists for the celebrities from a Hollywood Reporter article.  I loved it because it gave us insight into who is consistently setting trends as a stylist for their clients (Rachel Zoe and Anne Hathaway with that amazing tuxedo at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.) and it also made me note who needs to change stylists. (e.g. Amy Adams) This is also a fun one to read because Brad Goreski made an appearance on the list at number 22 while his former mentor, Rachel Zoe, was listed at number 1.  Will that change with this awards season and the premiere of his reality show?  Only time will tell.

2.  Saturn Awards, EZ Curler, and Interviews, Oh My!:  This one was a bit of shock to me as it was just a quick "here's what I've been up to" post, but I sure covered my bases on popular internet searches:  Anna Torv from Fringe, anything related to The Bachelor, and an infomercial sensation called the EZ Curler.  Really, there is something for everyone in this post.  Enjoy the photos and video because I'm sure Google sent you here for this one.

3.  The Oscar Looks of Elizabeth Taylor:  We lost the divine Elizabeth Taylor this year, but there are stunning photographs of her that will live on and endure the test of time.  Following her death, I compiled a series of photos from some of the Academy Awards ceremonies she attended.  I will let the photos speak for themselves.

So, there you have it, the Top 3 Posts of 2011.  Did your favorites make it into the Top 3?  If not, tell me what was your favorite article from Red Carpet Closet this year?

Clearing Out the Clutter, Rediscovering My 15 Minutes of Fame.

Since I am home for much of the summer versus hitting the road like I do the rest of the year, I am cleaning out the clutter.  I am posting clothes on Ebay and Smashion, I had a yard sale over the weekend, and I purging the junk drawer, closet, box....wherever I can clean, I will!  While cleaning out one of my end tables, I can across some great entertainment memorabilia.  Much of it was from the 2007 Academy Awards, the program, ticket, and a few of the entertainment magazines from the event when I was on the red carpet versus covering the red carpet.  I also came across a July 25, 2007 People magazine and I couldn't remember why I held on to it, but here's what was happening just four years ago:

1.  Eva Longoria and Tony Parker got married in France on 7.7.07.  I guess that wasn't their lucky number.

2.  The MailBag featured letters from readers who were thrilled that Billy Ray Cyrus was "Raising a Teen Star (The Right Way!)".  Sure, dating men in their 20's, taking half-nude photos on your iPhone, and grinding against a pole at the MTV Music Awards is definitely a great way to raise your Disney kid.

3.  Lindsay Lohan was partying.  Oh wait, that hasn't changed.

4.  Charlie Sheen got engaged to Brooke Mueller.  I wish I could tell the girl, "Run for your life!"  Oh well, we all know how that one turned out.

5.  The main article focused on rich teens like Hilary Duff, Daniel Radcliffe, and the High School Musical kids who are now officially.....rich adults.

Finally, I came across an article and I knew why I had kept the magazine.  Take a look at this photo.  Look carefully.  Maybe you see someone familiar?

 Leave it to me to have my 15 minutes in People magazine with a drug possession/arrest article.

The Oscar Looks of Elizabeth Taylor

Photo Credit:  Everett via People.com

The news of Elizabeth Taylor's passing hit Twitter fast yesterday morning.  Life Magazine had their gorgeous retrospective in photos up within minutes and it was a great day to honor such a full, vibrant life.  Miss Taylor was one of those irreplaceable legends whose grace, foibles, and philanthropy were all a part of her imperfect, charismatic persona.  To the woman who thrilled me in National Velvet, amazed me in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and made me green with envy at 11 years of age because she was friends with Michael Jackson, here is my tribute to her.  Elizabeth Taylor at the Academy Awards.....

Miss Taylor rockin' the tiara with husband number 3, Mike Todd, after his Best Picture win in 1957 for Around the World in 80 Days.

At the 1961 Oscars with husband number 4, Eddie Fisher, on her winning night for Butterfield 8 in a dress by Dior.  In a true testament to her strength and fortititude, Elizabeth had a tracheotomy only weeks before after a bout of pneumonia.  Tracheotomy scar and all, Miss Taylor showed up at the Oscars like all dramatic divas should.  She promptly fainted in the bathroom after her win.  Awesome.

Her acceptance speech is here.

I know smoking is gross, but this was back in the day when it looked glamorous and sexy......

Win number two in 1967 for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and dripping in her gorgeous stones.  Yes, they are real and yes, they are hers....but she didn't attend the ceremony because she knew her beloved Richard was not going to win that night.  She won.  He didn't.

Oh my!  How can you not love this dress! And those boobs!  (Yes, I said it, but they look fabulous!) And that baked in the sun look!  This divine dress is by Edith Head, eight-time Academy Award winner for Costume Design, and probably one of the biggest Hollywood fashion legends. Don't forget to check out Miss Taylor's "small" diamond dripping down to her decolletage. 1970 Oscars with 2-time husband, Richard Burton.

At the 1974 Academy Awards, the inner flower child comes out with her continuous deep tan and spectacular chandelier earrings.  

A refined and elegant Miss Taylor presenting at the 1992 Academy Awards and proudly sporting her red ribbon.  Oh, to have violet eyes!

 In 1993, Miss Taylor captures an honorary Oscar for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  Her work for HIV/AIDS charities was done in a time when the topic was controversial and the community was dying a unprecendented pace.  Miss Taylor took up the cause and raised millions for research that has prevented an AIDS diagnosis from becoming a death sentence in 2011.

In an unusual move, she borrowed the daisy necklace from Van Cleef and Arpels.  Later, she bought it because she believed it brought her good luck.  I'm not sure we ever saw her wear it again......

Enjoy the video of her gracious acceptance speech and be amazed at the height of her hair, thanks to José Eber.

What is your favorite Elizabeth Taylor look?

Photos from the archives of AMPAS.

It's All About the Sound Bite

As we turn the corner to a new year, LA turns the corner to the frenzy of Awards Season.  From the Academy Awards to the Golden Globes, SAG, DGA, PGA, DGA, and every acronym in between, there will be a red carpet every night of the week until the spring.  Now whether you are an actor or someone behind the scenes, it is always a good idea to brush up on your red carpet interview skills.  I came across a great article by Jocelyn Broder on Journalistics about "The Importance of Sound Bites".  I have harped on this topic over and over on panels and in several articles I have done this year here at Red Carpet Closet:  Publicity and Web Series, Red Carpet Interviews....Some DOs and DON'Ts, and Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet, The Sequel.  Check out the Journalistics article and discover how to create and deliver a sound bite.  It also gives some great examples from film and political speeches.  Do your career a favor in 2011, make yourself a sought after interview on the red carpet.

Also, I would love your feedback on any of these articles.  Do you have questions? What topics do you want to learn more about on the red carpet?  I will make sure to bring them to you in 2011 during Awards Season!