2013 Screen Actor Guild Awards: Revenge of the Glam (Sort of...)

Every year, the Screen Actor Guild Awards serve as a terrible tease. Placed right between the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, the SAGs is the neglected middle child of awards season. Most years, the fashion is always less-than-perfect, but groupies had something to rejoice about as their favorite superstars rocked this red carpet. At the same time, others fell victim to my "take no prisoner" criticism. So let's get this show on the road, shall we?

The Worst

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior: Simply stated, I'm not impressed. Though her hair and makeup look phenomenal, this ensemble is painfully basic (especially when you end up winning a SAG award). The jewelry is so simple, it's essentially irrelevant and that two-part dress is anything but flattering. Also, why would you wear such a complicated ensemble when you know there's a big chance you will have to stand up to accept an award. Riddle me that, Girl on Fire.

Morena Baccarin in Basil Soda: I'm requesting a moment of silence to reflect on that tragic, unnamed incident that shredded Baccarin's dress. Wait...that never happened? Awkward. Without a doubt, Baccarin is obsessed with the designer; however, it's important to know when an addiction has gone too far. This dress? Too far. Deconstructed dresses can look cool, but the Homeland star looks like she just came back from showgirl gig in Vegas.

Ariel Winter in Alex Perry: Is it just me or does Ariel Winter look like she borrowed the dress from Helen Miren? This up-and-coming red carpet fixture usually wows onlookers with youthful and sophisticated outfits; however, this Alex Perry creation makes her look old. And not in a good way. I think she's absolutely adorable but wish that she wore something with a bit more pizazz. On the bright side, her hair and makeup is lovely!

January Jones in Prabal Gurung:  While I adore both January Jones and Prabal, this look is absolutely tragic. Between the high ruffled neck and the defiant hair, her outfit is reminiscent of a colonial man. Though I appreciate how she always dresses outside of the box, nobody should sport crazy hair with a crazy dress-- you will just look crazy. Period. 

Kaley Cuoco in Romana Keveza:  When I first saw this ensemble , I thought Kaley finally did something right. "Reminiscent of Emma Stone's 2012 SAG ensemble," I concluded. And then I saw the bottom, which is absolutely tragic. But are we surprised? The Big Bang star consistently tops my worst dressed list. That hemline makes her look abnormally short and don't even get me started on those bangs. Please save her! 

Rose Bryne in Valentino: To be rather blunt, there is nothing good about this look. What happened? Rose Bryne is always one of my red carpet favorites and while I always admire her fearless ensembles, this Valentino look marks her sartorial "rock bottom." Forget about that tragic print for a second and just focus on that horrid shape. "Everyone loves wearing side ruffles," said no one ever. Unfortunately, those harsh waves and that poppy lip only make matters worse.

Helen Hunt in Romona Keveza: Over-accessorizing isn't always a good thing.

Lea Michele in Valentino: Once upon a time, Lea Michele ruled the red carpet. She wore casual Catherine Malandrino and glitzy Marchesa. Those were the days. As Glee's decline began, the diva's relevance (on the red carpet and otherwise) decreased as well.  Though she tried to wow us in Valentino, I'm anything but moved. First of all, why would she sport Schiaparelli pink when she already had a rockstar moment in that pink Oscar de la Renta number years ago? Do me a favor and pick a different hue. I suggest eggplant. And no accessories?! This outfit is too basic to go au natural, not to mention the feminiene silhouette prevents any sort of "minimalist look." But the biggest problem with this look? The hair. Don't be fooled-- this is not ombre. It looks as if Michele colored her tips, which is something boys in my third grade class did. For shame, Lea Michele, for shame! 

Marion Cotillard in Dior: Though her courage to wear a full silhouette is admirable, this Dior number disappoints in execution. For me, this ensemble's flaws rest in the simplicity of the accessories-- minimalism is simply not plausible when you are sporting a full skirt. While the simple black pumps would be chic with a sleek sheath, they serve as an anticlimactic finale here. Plus, Cotillard's nonchalant bob looks too casual for this gown. The French actress consistently aces every ensemble, so let's hope this is a one-time mistake.

The Best

Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood: Simply stated, Kidman's sartorial choices improve with age. The Paperboy star keeps it youthful in this column dress. Not only is the shimmery applique every fashion snob's fantasy, that high slit gives Angelina Jolie's infamous ensemble some competition. To balance such a potent gown, Kidman ditched the glitzy accessories and opted for a simple pair of strappy sandals.  The super slick hair is progressive and fresh, albeit the middle part is a little harsh. Just divine! 

Julie Bowen in Johanna Johnson: A leather-esque dress? Though it sounds like something a dominatrix would wear, I'm sort of obsessed with it. I love the contrast between the harsh fabric and a girly silhouette. If you weren't completely in love with this dress, the bejeweled sleeves (which makes this sound like a disaster from the 1980's) give this dress a tame touch. From pantsuits to leather dresses, Bowen never fails to try something new.

Sarah Hyland in Dolce & Gabbana: It seems as if Sarah Hyland is enduring a style evolution. Over the past few award shows, the Modern Family starlet has shed her princess-esque silhouettes and opted for vixen-approved silhouettes. And for the record, it totally works. While this body-hugging dress epitomizes maturity, the jewel tone hue and funky print keep this look age-appropriate. The red carpet rockstar also keeps this look youthful with a relaxed ponytail and a trendy midarm bangle. Amazing.

Kelly Osbourne in Jenny Packham: Never a sartorial wallflower, the Fashion Police co-host entered the red carpet with guns blazing. And by guns, I mean a rampant collection of spikes. As an avid lover of edgy glamour, I'm smitten with this look. Though Osbourne always rocks extravagant frocks, I must say that she nailed it on Sunday night. The tough bodice and clutch are perfectly balanced by the basic silhouette and plain train. To pump up the drama, Osbourne added a bright red lip. The only thing that's wrong with this look is the hair. I'm all for creativity,but  her hair's ridiculous hue is getting old.

Eddie Redmayne in Hugo Boss: I originally hated this ensemble because I saw a very unflattering image. I know, how could you find a bad picture of the Les Miserables hunk? But after looking at this outfit more, I'm absolutely obsessed. The suit is perfectly fitted, plus I love how Redmayne took such a fashion risk by wearing a brown textured suit. Swoon.

Kerry Washington in Rodarte: She has been shutting it down this awards season. But doesn't everyone know that? In my opinion, this look is amazing because it focuses on contrast. I love how crisp the white looks against her skin. I love how inspired that structured bodice looks with the lace train. And I especially love how the sleek updo contrasts the complicated Rodarte ensemble. With Washington's recent stretch of sartorial homeruns, I cannot wait to see what she'll wear to the Academy Awards.

Kiernan Shipka in Oscar de la Renta: I'm usually not so decisive when it comes to my absolute favorite look of the night, but this one is literally the greatest thing that has ever been aired on TBS. Yes, I went there. Polished and age-appropriate, Shipka is absolutely a vision in blush. Not to mention the jewel details on the dress offer a dash of childhood creativity. For a clean look, Shipka keeps her accessories to a minimum and sports a head of soft waves. I seriously see no flaws-- it's almost painfully perfect.

Photos: Courtesy of The Huffington Post and US Weekly.

xx

2013 Golden Globes

Thankfully, awards season is finally here. Let us open a bottle of bubbly and cheer on our favorite movies, shall we? Additionally, the most fierce style competition has begun: the red carpet. Though Amy and Tina apparently killed their hosting gig, London's time difference is sometimes a burden, the red carpet was less-than-fabulous. But in the sea of subpar and average attires were some stellar ensembles. As always, I'm ready to share my best and worst dressed lists.

The Worst.

Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney: It seems as if the Parks and Recreation star is rocking her newfound single girl status; however, those shoes take this ensemble to the street corner. Plunging neckline and strappy platforms? Leslie Knope would be mortified.

Halle Berry in Atelier Versace: This is just horrendous. Not only is this ensemble showing way too much skin for the Golden Globes, that hideous print is making me ill. Berry doesn't need a flashy gown-- she's a classic beauty.

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein: Though this outfit is adored by style savants everywhere, I must say that I don't like this look at all. Compared to her series of homerun dresses last season, this Calvin Klein number is less-than-fabulous. Is it just me or is that halter neck extremely unflattering? 

Lena Dunham in Zac Posen: Maybe it's her awkward shoulders or that painfully cheesy smile, but Dunham resembles a preteen boy here. I don't understand why she always dresses so...old (besides the Met Ball, obviously). Dunham is supposedly a visionary, so why doesn't she dress like one?

Sienna Miller in Erdem: I know she just had baby and all, but what is going on here? Plain and unflattering? Good grief. 

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera:  Remember when you went to high school dances and there was always that girl who wore an awkwardly long dress? That's Lucy Liu. While this dress is gorgeous, it's definitely not appropriate for this red carpet. Save this for the Met Ball, dear.

Kelly Cuoco in Zahair Murad: Can someone please get this girl a stylist? Time after time, she's on my worst list.  She looks sloppy and as if she's headed to some Bar Mitzvah. Make it stop!

The Best.

Michelle Dockery in Alexander Vauthier: Can you get anymore regal than a white dress with a gilded bodice? Exactly.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu: Literally, this is perfection. Though the overall silhouette is quite demure, the sparkles and sheer overlay give this look a dash of sex appeal. The long bob and basic accessories perfectly complete this look. All hail the new fashion queen! 

Megan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana: Remember when this starlet was borderline trashy? What a transition! Not only to I respect her sophisticated switch, I adore this look. This blush hue looks absolutely heavenly on the new mommy. Combined with the soft waves and the feminine jewels--perfection! 

Adele in Burberry: As everyone knows, I'm obsessed with Adele. While I think she always looks perfect, this post-baby ensemble is just lovely! Though I wish her outfit had a little more bling, the black gown and  polished updo scream retro glam.

Lea Michele in Elie Saab: Even though Glee is no longer the hottest show on the tube, the petite actress looks better than ever. But then again, Elie Saab makes everyone look better than ever. Unlike her previous show-stoppers, the diva opted for a sleek white number. I adore the halter neck and subtle slit. The hint of emerald adds the perfect splash of color to this angelic look. Brava! 

Eva Longoria in Pucci: Speaking of subtle slits, this is any but subtle.  I'm quite thankful for the slit-- Longoria would've looked too gothic otherwise. From the high bun to the fresh makeup, she looks absolutely chic. Actually, this dress is the antithesis to Michele's Elie Saab creation. But, oddly enough, I love both equally. 

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen: Leave it to the queen of cool to rock a boho glam ensemble. The extravagant keyhole screams vixen; however,  the rest of the outfit is sophisticated. Plus, black and gold combination is extremely fantastic. If I could change one thing about this look, I would put her hair in a sleek ponytail-- the long locks just block the ornate neckline. 

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors: I swear that Emily Blunt is my favorite on the red carpet. Every time I see her, she's always rocking a new trend or hot silhouette. Thankfully, the Golden Globes were no different. First of all, whoever is gutsy enough to sport yellow on the red carpet has my undying love and respect. Not to mention the berry earrings combined with the yellow is major. I also applaud Blunt for her originality- cutouts for an award show? Love it! 

Anne Hathaway in Chanel:  Though this look is a little on the plain side, you can't deny that Hathaway is a vision in white. Not only is this column dress uber modern, it's quite different from the actress's other red carpet looks. In fact, it's even different from most column dresses-- the slight peplum creates a more feminine look. Between her sartorial track record and this homerun, I cannot wait to see what she wears next!

All photographs taken from the Huffington Post.

Born in the USA: Madison Maxey's Kickstarter Campaign

The ball has dropped and the halls were decked, but the season of giving is not over yet. Starting today, you can open your hearts (as well your Yves Saint Laurent wallets) to help out a very stylish cause. If you are completely in love with Madison Maxey's custom-made blazers, you'd be a fool to not to help out her KickStarter campaign.

This campaign is about more than daring blazers. It shines light on an American dream: producing items in the land of the free. The goal is to manufacture Madison Maxey blazers in the United States. And though having pieces that were made in some foreign land sounds glamorous,  patriotism never goes out of style.

But it doesn't stop there, style savants: answer a trivia question on Maxey's Kickstarter page and you're eligible to win a free blazer. The season of giving goes both ways!
xx

The Worst of 2012

They say that when it seems too good to be true, it probably is. This year prompted some pivotal fashion moments, but it also produced a slew of cringeworthy looks. Whip out the tissues, ladies and gents: here comes the worst of the worst. To ease the pain, I've decided to express my feelings through superlatives.

Most Ironic

Lena Dunham at the Emmy Awards:  I jut think it's really funny how she's so naked on Girls, yet she decides to borrow her grandmother's frock for the Emmys. Wait...that's Prada? Now I'm confused.(Photo)

Worst Pregnancy Outfit

Claire Danes at the Emmy Awards: Usually an angel on the red carpet, Danes' sunny number was a big disappointment. First of all, the silhouette is not flaunting her pregnancy curves. On the contrary, it looks like she ate an extra helping of pasta (and not in a good way). Not to mention the dress' blousing is as sloppy as Carrie Matheson's mental state. Maybe next year. (Photo)

Cheesiest Pageant Ensemble

Ashley Judd at the Emmy Awards: "This look is so awesome," said no one ever. I would love to meet the geniuses behind this piece of work and give them a nice talking to. (Photo)

Best Halloween Costume

Kirsten Dunst at the Met Gala: It's awkward because nobody told Fraulein Kirsten that this year's Met Ball Gala was not a Halloween party. (Photo)

Least Flattering

Anna Faris at the Academy Awards: We rarely see this funny lady on the red carpet. After this ensemble, I think we've been spared this whole time. Though completely sequined gowns sound lovely in theory, they're a nightmare in real life. Not to mention unflattering. Perhaps this look would've worked if Faris wasn't sporting a creepy bob. (Photo)

Most Confused

Hayden Panettiere at the Emmy Awards: Who knew that Marchesa could look so wrong? It's just way too much to handle. And painful.  (Photo)

Best Dressed... at a Middle School Dance

Kristen Wiig at the Emmy Awards: Well, this whole ensemble is awkward. The haltered top, the hunched shoulders...I need a paper bag to breathe into! The funny lady isn't a style guru, but it seems like her stylists went AWOL after she left Saturday Night Live. 'Tis a shame. (Photo)

Most Scandalous

Fergie at the Grammy Awards: There's a fine line between thought-provoking and trashy. Fergie crossed that line. And then some. Though Jean Paul Gaultier paired black underwear with this dress for the runway, it's an uncomfortable combination in real life. But the pain doesn't stop there: Fergie thinks it's a great idea to overdose on chunky jewelry. Please, make it stop! (Photo)

Worst Copycat 

Emma Stone at the Academy Awards: Remember how I said that Stone can pull off several different looks? Well this is not one of them. First of all, this is just too much red to handle. Secondly, Stone is clearly trying too hard. Instead of reliving Nicole Kidman's red carpet fame, this A-Lister should just be herself! (Photo)

Worst Use of Sparkly Jeans Since Limited Too

Brad Goreski at the American Music Awards:  Consider my respect for him as a fashion stylist gone. While I appreciate Goreski's love for going outside the sartorial boss, this is just horrific. (Photo)

The Worst Ever

Cyndi Lauper at the American Music Awards: It's been a few months, and I still have no idea how to properly react to this ensemble. While I understand  that Lauper has "rockstar" status, I don't think that gives her an excuse to forgo a nice pair of pants. Especially when she's that old. And what's with plaid sash-- is it even a sash? All I know is that this outfit makes me sad. (Photo)

Caused the Most Angst

Kim Kardashian at Cannes Film Festival: This ensemble made me so angry, I dedicated a whole blog post to this sartorial tragedy.  Don't make me rehash the ugly details.(Photo)

The Most Tropical (in the Worst Way)

Shailene Woodley at the SAG Awards: I'm still wondering why this happened. Anyone want to take a guess? Nope? Let's chalk it up to "taking a role too seriously." (Photo)

Perhaps all these victims can learn a thing from their mistakes. Here's to hoping! 

xx

The Best of 2012

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Sartorially speaking, of course.

Though these next few days tend to mirror an action-packed movie (starring Liam Neeson, of course) as we embark on a rampant search for our New Year's Eve essentials (ie: party hats, streamers, alcohol, an attractive boy to kiss and loads of sequins), let's just pause for a moment and reflect on this year's fashion. Like every year, 2012 had its rockstar moments and downfalls. Shall we start this review off on a positive note? Behold, 12 of my favorite looks from 2012.

Allison Williams at the Emmy Awards (Oscar de la Renta): Shockingly, we have yet to see a lot of Williams on the red carpet; however, we love what she's wearing when she does grace our presence. And by ours, I mean the gang of photographers that attend each event. As the Girls star proves, you don't need loads of shine to wow fashion's elite. Instead, all you need is a pop of color and a phenomenal silhouette. Additionally, this gown fits the actress like a glove. Though the messy updo is far from exciting, it balances the dress' pizazz.  Thankfully, the drop earrings add some spice to the otherwise boring hair. Brava!  (Photo)

Emma Stone at SAG Awards (Alexander McQueen): Most of the time, I (not so) secretly wish I was Emma Stone. Honestly, her life is pretty awesome: she is hilarious, has an adorable British boyfriend, stars in major motion pictures and has the ability to sport a plethora of different looks. Here, it seems as if Stone stepped right off of Mad Men's set. Her vibrant hair and lipstick is perfectly contrasted by the black ensemble. The actress did not try to rocking the proverbial boat with an extremely edgy beauty trick or accessory. Instead, this outfit is extremely focused. In a world with so many options, you have to respect that.  But before I conclude, can we please stop and talk about her bag? Major! (Photo)

Zendaya at the American Music Awards (Alice + Olivia): Though this ensemble would be rather primitive on an A-Lister, I applaud this red carpet newcomer. Unfortunately, most young starlets revert to skimpy ensembles or the very overplayed bandage dress. Ladies and gent, we have an original on our hands! This outfit is event-appropriate, age-appropriate and classy. While the silhouette says, "Here's your breakfast, Don Drapper," the punchy pout and the sparkly bodice are forward-thinking and demand attention. I cannot wait to see more red carpet homeruns from her!   (Photo)

Rihanna at the Met Gala (Tom Ford): To be quite blunt, I don't like Rihanna. I don't like her on-again-off-again status with Chris Brown. I don't like her music. And, usually, I don't like her outfits. However, I must say that she nailed this look. The good-girl-gone-bad's edgy hair cut is perfect with this contemporary Tom Ford creation. It's sexy enough to be adored by the masses; however, it's fashion-forward enough to be appropriate for the Met Gala. Thank you, Rihanna and  Tom Ford. (Photo)

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Academy Awards (Tom Ford): 'Twas the cape seen around the world. And fashion junkies everywhere raised their glasses in celebration. "Huzzah!" said the fashion junkies. "Relatively editorial ensembles have made it to the Academy Awards!"  The dress' silhouette, and the outfit's lack of jewelry, reek of minimalism. But then there's the cape.  Whether you die for this ensemble or think the cape is too elitist to deal with, you know that this Tom Ford creation (for the record, 2012 was a fabulous year for Mr. Ford) will go down in history. Just like Jennifer Lopez's Versace number, but better. Much, much better.(Photo)

Michelle Williams at the Academy Awards (in Louis Vuitton): Thankfully, the nominated actress did not disappoint. Besides the fact that this dress is too cute for words, I love Williams' look because it stays true to her onscreen persona-- Marilyn Monroe. Everything (from the ruffles, to the peplum to the dainty necklace) is fun and feminine! I also love the way her vibrant coral dress looks with her porcelain skin. Pin-up,anyone?(Photo)

Ariel Winter at the Emmy Awards (Katharine Kidd): Winter has gracefully transformed from that awkward middle child on Modern Family to a red carpet darling. This year, the young starlet truly wowed style snobs.The 14-year old girl manages to choose dresses that are youthful and sophisticated. Out of many style scores, this one is my personal favorite. Though the print and overall silhouette are super funky, Winter looks undeniably classy. Keep up the good work in 2013. (Photo)

Emilia Clarke at the Emmy Awards (in Chanel): I sometimes find my self actually falling in love with fashion. I'm currently in the "everything's perfect" phase with this Chanel number. Yes, this phase has lasted months. Not only is this dress just divine, I love how the Game of Thrones star styled this look. The light shoes and slicked back hair force onlookers to devote all their attention to the wonderful craftsmanship. Not to sound drab, but I think I would like to be buried in this dress. Just give Karl a ring-- he'll know what to do. (Photo)

Adele at the Grammy Awards (in Giorgio Armani): Let it be known that Adele is perfect in every way. She has the voice of an angel, wits of a jester and style of a red carpet veteran. If you disagree with that last part of my brief love letter to the British songstress, you clearly have yet to see what she wore to this year's Grammy Awards. Notorious for her black dresses, Adele gives her uniform a stylish kick with three-quarter sleeves and a dash of sparkle. The uber glam dress is perfectly paired with retro locks and a red lip. I just adore her and everything she does. (Photo)

Candice Swanepoel at Met Gala (in Rag & Bone): It's no surprise that I'm desperately trying to become a muse for the whole Rag & Bone design team. Though Swanepoel's Met Gala status makes me extremely jealous, I must say that this ensemble is superb.  The lack of show-stopping jewels and makeup allow the focus to be on the dress' beautiful details. Let's not forget that the slicked back hair directs your attention to that contemporary halter neck. Plus, I'm obsessed with this color combination-- a blue and black dress is dramatic, but not tacky. David and Marcus, next year is my year to accompany you two to the Met Gala.(Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence at The Hunger Games premiere (in Prabal Gurung): As most people know, I'm obsessed with The Hunger Games. Imagine my pure joy when Jennifer Lawrence rolled up to The Hunger Games premiere in one of my favorite looks from Prabal Gurung's fall collection. This pure joy has not faded. I was fortunate enough to see this stunning dress in real life this past summer. This dress was so phenomenal in person, I wanted to steal it. Alas, I didn't.  (Photo)

Lena Dunham at the Met Gala (Wes Gordon): Without a doubt, Lena Dunham was 2012's "It  Girl." Though she's had a few fashion mishaps (stay tuned), I'm still obsessed with this outfit. Though Hannah (Dunham's character on Girls) cheers when she finds a pair of shoes that almost match her ensemble, these pink heels are the perfect quirky touch for an already quirky girl. Let's also take a moment to gush over that gorgeous silhouette. Okay, that's done.(Photo)



Stay tuned for the worst of 2012...

xx