My Top 11 Thoughts on the SAG Awards Red Carpet

It's my annual Top Thoughts about the SAG Awards--this year, you get 11! It was a strange red carpet..what happened to poor Giuliana Rancic during the E! Red Carpet show?...total meltdown. It was a bizarre night, but one that brought lots of snarky comments.  Here we go!

1. Helen Hunt:  Like Jodie Foster, (almost) 50 looks fabulous!  She's also fab in The Sessions, don't miss it! Dress by Romona Keveza.

2.  Julia Stiles:  When did Julia Stiles become a Midwestern housewife?  You are 31, get out there, be young, show off your figure, and get a new hairdo.

3. Bradley Cooper: I'm not a fan of scruff on men, but I like Bradley Cooper better with a little stubble. He looks naked without it.

4. Ariel Winter:  I've had to cover her custody case story a lot over the last six months.  I've interviewed her many times.  She's lovely.  I'm so happy to hear she's thriving and doing really well under her older sister's watchful eye.  She deserves a happy childhood.

5. Julianne Moore:  Just because you are at the SAG Awards, doesn't mean you bring the SAG with you.  Who dressed her? (As of 2012, it was Leslie Fremar.) For shame.

6.  Amanda Seyfried:  I love her.  She's snarky in interviews.  I can't wait to sit one-on-one with her in the future...when snark meets snark.  Best Dressed of the night.  Gorgeous Zac Posen dress in the color of the night:  navy blue.

7. Marion Cotillard:  She had the flu.  The next time I have the flu, I want to look like this.  Stunning in Christian Dior.

8.  January Jones:  My awards season posts are NOTHING without a mention of January.  She styles herself, kids.  She's always a wild card, but I think she looks pretty tame compared to this or this.  Dressed in Prabal Gurung. Thoughts?

9.  Nicole Kidman:  I yelled at you throughout the 2011 awards show season.  I am so proud.  You look beautiful and only mildly over-Botoxed.  Dressed in Vivienne Westwood.

10.  Kiernan Shipka:  I feel like a proud momma.  I interviewed her when she was 10 years old.  Here she is at 13...all grown up.  Sweet girl with tons of talent.  Oh yeah, barely a teen and in Oscar de la Renta!

11.  Kaley Cuoco:  My mop broke.  I know where it wound up.  On her head.  What the???

Okay, give me your thoughts, I want to know what you have to say!

Below is my Spreecast with James Molnar discussing the SAG Awards results and what it means to the Oscars,

Top 5 (Snarky) Superlatives On The 2012 Emmys Red Carpet

Here's a quick recap of tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet before I head off to the HBO after party.  I will have more inside scoop and photos in the next few days.  Here we go!

1.  The award for "Things may look good in real life, but don't look great in photographs" goes to:  Heidi Klum.  Her hair is pretty, the sea foam color is divine, but the cut of that dress is not.  I think one slit would have looked elegant, but two high-cut slits on the leg look cheap with a low-cut décolletage.  I would have liked a little less matchy-matchy with the shoes and the earrings, but I'm glad Heidi took a risk with a color other than her usual red.  Dress by Alex Vauthier.  

2. The award for "please lay off the Botox by 50%" goes to Nicole Kidman.  Enough said. 

3.  The "It's fine you don't use a stylist, but please do a mirror check before you leave" goes to January Jones.   I am always hard on January, but if you are going to take big risks....make sure they work.  The hair and the makeup ruined an otherwise stunning dress by Zac Posen.

4. The "It looks good on the runway and in real life" award goes to Leslie Mann.  The color was nicely balanced with a pop of turquoise in the jewelry.  Leslie is petite, so it's great to see a dress translates well on the tall and the short.  Stunning gown by Naemm Khan and the second gown Leslie has worn by Naemm recently.

5. The "I'm sorry your marriage is over, but you look incredible" award goes to Amy Poehler.  She's never looked better and Stella McCartney helped her do it.  Again, I don't wish divorce on anyone, so please don't yell at me.

Runner-Up:

"Thank you for eating this year" Award goes to Julie Bowen.  Phew.  I almost sent you a year's supply of In-N-Out Burger after this photo.  Yes, she's still thin, but she at least she's lean versus skeletal.

What are your thoughts on tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet?  Hit me up.....you know where to find me.  

Hot Topic Tuesday: Botox In Hollywood

Nicole Kidman finally admitted to using Botox after years of denial.  She swears she doesn't use it anymore.  This photo is from the 2012 Golden Globes....natural or Botox? She's 45.

Ah, ladies, let's get right down to the nitty gritty on this topic:  EVERYONE is doing Botox in Hollywood.  Everyone.  From TV stars to men to women younger than 30, it's a phenomenon that was quickly accepted in the digital age.  With high definition (HD) the standard in home entertainment centers, no one wants their crow's feet and neck wrinkles to show in glorious HD.  When you hear a celeb say, "I never use Botox", most likely they are lying and it annoys me.  Why?  Well, it sets up a false standard for people who look at Hollywood stars and think they are perfect. It's no different than saying, "I never diet" or "I never workout".  Chances are, the celeb is starving herself all while employing a trainer five days a week.  Some stars insist they used it once and never again, yet when I interview them on the red carpet, I can see the Botox block on their forehead.  It's as smooth as a baby's bottom and yet, the star is over 40.

Honestly, I see nothing wrong with using injectables as long as you are doing it for the right reasons, you understand the risks, and you do it under medical supervision.  I do mind when stars pretend like this trend isn't happening in Hollywood because it's happening all around us.  Why do you think sites like Groupon and Living Social offer discounts on Botox or Juvaderm?  It's because it's a popular dermatology service.  It's why dentists are suddenly offering Botox with a cleaning.  It brings in money and clientele to their offices.  

Marica Cross is 50 years old.  Botox or Natural?

If you think this trend is going to go away, it's not.  Cosmetic injectables are here to stay as society constantly seeks the secret elixir to staying young.  We are living longer and we want to look as good as possible.  Is it narcissistic?  Perhaps, but if it makes someone feel better then there really is no problem with it.  Just do it sparingly so you look refreshed, not frozen.  And Hollywood, stop lying about it, it doesn't have to be such a dirty little secret.

What do you think about Hollywood and Botox?  Is it a bad trend or do you even care?  Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook.  

Top 3 Looks From The 2012 Cannes Film Festival

The 2012 Cannes Film Festival has come and gone, but this red carpet is equally as important to fashion as the Academy Awards and the Met Ball.  Female stars are expected to bring their A-game and it is imperative for stylists to treat this red carpet with a European sophistication and elegance.  This year brought out the best in three women who stood out amongst the rest.  Take a look at my Top 3 Looks from Cannes:

1.  Nicole Kidman:  Nicole has always been one who takes fashion risks that sometimes pay off and other times they are disastrous, but I always like that she's willing to try. I love that she's back on the red carpet and in color.  For a long time, she has been washed out in white, beige, and black, so I am glad she realized it was time to bag the neutrals and wow us with a gorgeous dusty rose gown. I am a fan of the asymmetrical lines to the top of the gown that swoops around to reveal an open back with the crystal detailing. Here are the details on the dress:

Designer: Lanvin/Custom Made by Alber Elbaz
Jewelry:  Cartier

2.  Reese Witherspoon:  Does this woman know how to do pregnancy on the red carpet or what? Reese has hit two major red carpet events with sophisticated elegance and grace.....and a growing baby bump.  Reese has also been hit or miss for me in the past, but I think she's feeling great right now and it's showing in her recent public appearances.  The color and slit up the front are winners for me, but like Nicole, it's the back of the gown that adds a bit of drama to complete the ensemble.  Here are the details on the dress:

Designer:  Custom-made Atelier Versace
Jewelry: Chopard
Shoes:  Versace

3.  Eva Longoria:  Okay, I am never a fan of her red carpet looks.  Eva is very petite and I feel like she dresses in gowns overwhelming on her tiny frame.  Well, not this time.  Eva was dressed by Michael Angel, L'Oreal Paris' official stylist.  Eva was there as the official ambassador for the brand at the film festival. She had several wonderfully divine looks that enhanced her natural beauty and they did not overwhelm her small frame, but this one was my favorite. The train of the dress reminds me of the Versace dress Penelope Cruz wore the year she was nominated for the film, Volver.  Here are the details of her dress:

Designer:  Marchesa

What do you think of my Top 3 choices? Did I hit the mark or did I miss someone?

Don't forget to read the 2012 Hollywood Stylist List. Find out who dresses your favorite stars.

Flawless Fashion: Reese Witherspoon

Photo Credit:  Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Updated With Dress Designers:
Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier with Irene Neuwirth earrings.
Kate Hudson in Jenny Packham (My favorite designer of late.) with an Edie Parker clutch.
Leslie Mann in Naemm Khan


Can you say flawless?  Reese Witherspoon is in her second trimester and she looks glowing and beautiful as she arrives at the White House Correspondents Dinner as a guest of Newsweek/Daily Beast.  As I mentioned before in this post, Reese is dressed by Leslie Fremar who ranked number two this year on The Hollywood Reporter's Top Stylist List.  I don't have information yet on who the designer of the dress and jewels are, but stay tuned for a breaking update as soon as I have the inside scoop.  By the way, the top to this dress reminds me of another famous Nicole Kidman dress the year she won the Oscar for The Hours. The year was 2003 and the designer was Jean-Paul Gaultier.  Take a look at the similarities.  Nicole always leads the fashion way for the younger generation.

Here are my two runner-up choices:

Kate Hudson, who is styled by Rachel Zoe,  in a stunning sequined purple gown.  Uh, she had a baby 9 months ago.  Impressive.

Finally, one of my favorite actresses to interview, Leslie Mann.  She's just a gal you would like to kick back and have cocktails with because she's darn funny.  Her dress choice is a bit unexpected for the White House Correspondents Dinner, but I think it's the perfect spring gown-fresh, floral, and colorful.  

  

Who do you think looked best at this weekend's White House Correspondents Dinner?  Chime in here, on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus.

2011 Oscars, Day 3

My day began with my press walk-through over at Hollywood and Highland, so I will know where I am going on Sunday.  While I am trying not to be overwhelmed by the process, it's hard not to sucked into thoughts like, "Oh my God, this is one of my top 5 dreams come true!".  I cannot feel anything but grateful to the people who have helped get me to this week.  I will have to do a whole thank you post next week because, it's a long list.

The exciting thing about my Hollywood & Highland visit, the complex that holds the Kodak Theatre, is that the red carpet is officially down.  It's covered in plastic to protect it from the elements including the pending rain, but it's there.  To understand how the red carpet is laid out, it starts at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland and runs down the middle of the street. Yes, Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth will be jaywalking all over the place on Oscar night.  Photos from the red carpet are not allowed until Thursday, so I have a few shots from the pedestrian point of view from today.

After that, I hopped on over to Paramount Studios for the red carpet for Cinema City International Film Festival where I rubbed Tom Sizemore's head.  Yep, he's back, drug-free, and sporting a mohawk.  I was asking everyone all night about their picks for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.  If they voted, Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, and The King's Speech would win.  However, I have been hearing rumblings all over town that many Academy members are voting for Annette Bening.  Annette has made herself very available to the press, it is her fourth nomination, and conveniently, she is a member of the Board of Governors at the Academy.  If you don't think politics plays a hand in voting, think again.  I am predicting an upset in either Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress category.  Let's see if the rumors turn out to be true.

Here's my video of the day:  I take you to the red carpet set-up and I have a minor problem sprouting.  Ah, reality always keeps you grounded.



Make sure to catch up on Tuesday's uh...interesting Beauty Suite and then see the video:





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2011 SAG Awards

This award show season in the fashion department has been a wild ride of "What the heck?" to "Whoa!" to "Okay, now that is pretty."  Nothing has wowed me beyond belief, so I am hoping everyone is squirreling away the best dresses for The 83rd Annual Academy Awards.  Otherwise, I am worried about the state of fashion in Hollywood.  A couple of the categories from The Golden Globes are carrying over to this year's SAG Awards.  Here we go:

1.  Flesh:  Okay, are your stylists watching Fashion Police on E!?  It is very rare that Joan Rivers or Giuliana Rancic ever rave about one of these nude dresses on the red carpet.  In fact, they even called Leighton Meester's dress a "sister wife" dress from The Golden Globes.  Find a color, kids. Go back to your Crayola Pack of 64, pick your favorite crayon, and wear it in a dress.

2.  Mother of the Bride Dresses:  What happened to you, Nicole Kidman?  You used be a fashion icon, everyone wanted to dress you.  Now I want to run from you. Your fashion choices scare me lately.  Just because you moved to Nashville, does not mean you have to add tassels and frou frou to your elegant red carpet wear. Simplicity is king on the red carpet. Leave your Bedazzler at home.

3.  Get A NEW Stylist:  Amy Adams.  I can confirm that Amy Adams does work with a stylist.  I do not know who it is specifically, but my friend, Ali, and I have decided that her stylist hates her.  Why?  She continually takes one of the most classically beautiful women and cuts up her figure, smooshes her boobs, or dresses her to look chunky. (Amy has a beautiful figure!) She always looks a bit "off" and her stellar career deserves more.  It's just time to spend a few extra dollars on an A-List stylist, Amy.  You've earned it.

4.  Most Improved:  January Jones.  I knew you could do it!  While I don't think this look is flawless, it is a strong start to improving her red carpet look.  Carolina Herrera designed this dress for the Pre-Fall 2011 collection.  January's hair is a bit severe, but her body is divine in this piece.  I think she might have her look polished in time for the Emmys next fall.

5.  The It Is NOT Your Night Award:  Angie Harmon.  You are not a nominee, you did not star in Black Swan or Pink Swan.  Leave the feathers at home.

**UPDATE**:  I love that I have to write an update a 6:35 AM. Thank you, because it thrills me when my posts elicit a response.  I think the Angie Harmon fan club has stopped by, so I am going to print my response to one of them in regards to Angie's dress from last night because I failed to explain myself well in my #5 above.  Here it is:


Annie wrote:  Pfft. Angie is gorgeous.


ME:  She is. No doubt about it. The problem? There is a hierarchy to the red carpet on how you dress if you are a nominee, an entertainment reporter, or just attending. She was doing coverage for TNT, but she was dressed like a nominee. It may not make sense to you, but it's like wearing a wedding dress to someone else's wedding. Great dress, wrong night to wear it.   I'm giving my insider's perspective on this one.

What were you thoughts about the SAG Awards?  Other than the red carpet, were you as bored as I was?  It's the same format as The Golden Globes, but without the fun or spontaneity.  You know the drill, give me the dish below.

PS  Despite the snark scooped out above, I am a proud member of Screen Actors Guild.

2011 Golden Globes

It's the glitz and glam of red carpet season and the Golden Globes never disappoints.  The stylists are working overtime to get their clients a bit of fashion buzz.  Did they succeed?   Here is the knowledge I am imparting from last night's show:

1.  Botox:  If you want to look your best on the red carpet and you think that involves a shot of Botox, do it two weeks before the big night.  Your face needs time to relax and get used to its new position.  You want the press to avoid describing your forehead as frozen, surprised, or shocked.  In fact, they shouldn't be talking about your forehead, JLo.

2.  Pregnancy:  Often times, it is a guaranteed way to win an award.  The press loves belly bumps as do the awards show voters.  Think Catherine Zeta-Jones back in 2003 when Chicago swept the awards season.  She sang, danced, and she even had EMTs on hand to deliver her baby just in case she went into labor while accepting her Academy Award.  This is Natalie's year to win it all for Black Swan, so please find a stylist who doesn't dress your bump like a mound of soil to plant your little flower.

3.  Flesh:  Okay, okay, we get that flesh tones are in vogue, but it's time to leave your skin tone dresses at home.  They don't look great on the red carpet, in photographs, or on camera.  It's time to tell the stylists to drop the fleshy palette and look for a bit of color to liven up the joint.  Who wore flesh dresses?  Nicole Kidman, Michelle Williams, Leighton Meester, Carrie Underwood, Sandra Bullock, Julie Bowen, Scarlett "The Frankenbride" Johansson, and more.  You want to be a movie star?  Act like one.  (You know that Lea Michele is gunning for the movie star title, so watch your backs, kids.)

4. Mother of the Bride Dresses:  Leave the frump at home.  This means you....Angelina, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway (Her dress looked like it would feel itchy with the thousands of sequins.), and Jenny from the Block who gets a mention here for the capelette over her gown.

5.  Stop Dressing Yourself:  January Jones.  Your Versace dress with a side of smooshed boobs and a dash of "What the hell?" should send you straight into the arms of a stylist.  Any stylist.  I don't care whom.

What were your thoughts on last night's show?  I would love to hear who you were happy and horrified with on the red carpet.

All photos are property of Jason Merritt/Getty Images.