This Week in celebrity Fashion: Hard & Soft

What is it about winter that toughens us up?  There’s layers and hats and boots and trying to protect yourself against the elements (paparazzi, a bad review) so we’re seeing some pretty hardcore looks on the red carpet as well as ladies fighting the season by tapping into their delicate sides.

When I saw this dress, the first thing I thought of was how hot it was and I don’t mean in a sexy way.  Can you imagine full on leather, with tights and boots, under strong lights?  I know that Salma’s used to warm climates but I’m impressed that she’s willing to become one for a great look.  Instead of going tough, the details like the bow and shoulders keep things softer but I would have loved some color from the clutch or heels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If only Jessica Biel would learn how to work nudes like Kate.  This gown is so light and airy but still substantial.  The gold hardware adds a bit of edge but still keeps things pretty. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is actually a great combo of tough chic.  There’s a weird shape going on but it still has sheer fabrics and satin trimming.  You wouldn’t be completely surprised if Kate turns the front into a cape and becomes a superhero.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How simple is this dress?  Seriously, we’re talking white with lace applique all along the front.  But it just proves that it’s not about complicated ideas that test the boundaries.  Sometimes, it’s just as simple and perfect as a white dress with black lace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is more of a look I’d expect from Salma than from Elizabeth but that doesn’t mean I don’t like it.  The dress is a great shape and I’m loving the metallic detailing.  It’s got a rough/pretty thing going on, from the flat-ironed hair to the booties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But then this happens, I’m not sure what’s going on.  How’d we go from 3 a.m. at a French club to lunching with the mother in law?  This look is such a 180, from the fussy hair to the retro coat.  While I like celebs to reach outside of their comfort zone, I don’t like it when they’re not true to themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hooray, Rachel’s back on the press trail.  Is The Vow another Notebook?  I don’t think Channing is another Ryan but that’s a whole other story.  Let’s concentrate on the fashion.  I am in love with this look, head to toe.  The coat has closures that give it a little edge, the pretty dress has a surprising leather Peter Pan collar and the shoes are a great touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More to love!  This dress is so girly but without going too precious.  I love the bow belt and how the top balances the longer length.

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues

If you asked a random sampling of folks, I think a fair amount would say that blue is their favorite color.  Do we see it enough on the red carpet?  Probably not.  Should we see it abused like we do here?  Probably not.

Are you feeling Cam’s new platinum ‘do?  It’s very “I’m moving now from my breakup” hair, isn’t it?  I actually like the cut and the shade does bring out her eyes but it’s a little harsh.  It makes me want to deep condition my hair in solidarity with her follicles.  My greater concern is this dress – in theory, a great color and who doesn’t love lace?  But I’m not loving the athletic cut of the shoulders and super tight fit.  Cam has one of the best bodies out there but this isn’t the right way to show it off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If this was 1943, this look would probably be considered pretty perfect but since we’re in a different century, I’m going to have question the reasoning behind it.  The dress is just sad and I have no idea why there are black straps attacking her neck.  Amidst all this, the blue shoes seem to be the smallest crime but they’re actually the third strike.  Next stop, fashion prison?

This Week in Jolie-Pitt Adventures: Racy Lacy

Every weekend, it’s a different awards show and whether you care about the winners or losers, there’s really only one thing that truly matters – the fashion. 

Angie looks like “On th Town Barbie,” family sold separately.  It’s a simple but chic gown that as always, looks great on her.  My only complaint is that in the world of celebrity dressing, there had to be a better solution than a white bra for a black lace back.  There’s no reason for Ang to be a Glamour Don’t.

Golden Globes ’12: The Less Best Dressed

Look, not everyone can have a wow moment on the red carpet.  That doesn’t mean it’s awful, it just means that other ladies got it a little more right.

Something about Mila’s look reminded me of Gwyneth’s Oscars goth getup.  After such tremendous red carpet success last year, I was disappointed by Mila’s droopy, drowsy dress.

Yellow is usually a color that does well on the red carpet and Paula should be able to pull it off but something’s missing.  Maybe Paula needed a necklace to accent or a belted ribbon but instead of being a ray of sunshine, this ensemble is a bit overcast.

 

 

What you can’t see here so clearly but was very clear on stage is that the skirt is completely sheer and Jessica’s wearing white boy shorts underneath.  Seriously?  I am all for showing off your hard work at the gym but time and place, honey.

I’m not faulting Kate’s look because it’s her signature silhouette and it’s fantastic on her.  I just find the lack of color dull.  The detailing on that gown is gorgeous and a soft but definable color would have really made it pop.

I love me some lavender and from Jess’s glow, she’s loving it too.  But something about this reads “second time bride” instead of movie star glam.  It’s very pretty but very tame too.

Golden Globes ’12: Glam Green

We’ve seen a lot of green over the past week but this has to be my favorite take on a tough color.  The shape of this dress makes the most of Laura’s leanness.  It’s sleek and slightly deco, with details that add just enough pizzazz at the neck and waist so that’s it’s not too monotone.

Golden Globes ’12: Golden Studs

Somehow Nicole’s dress looks CGI, like it’s not even real fabric and studs.  I actually love her whole look, head to toe.  It’s subtle but dramatic and works with her coloring.  The combination of the ladylike draping with the metallic studs really pulls together the concept of hard and soft.

Golden Globes ’12: Flouncy Flouncy

Helen looks amazing, at least from the waist up.  I usually don’t like navy for red carpets but she’s doing it justice.  While I get the idea of the flouncy skirt, it gets a little excessive, especially once the train comes into play.

Golden Globes ’12: Bold Black

Sometimes, a black dress is all you need.  I love the drama of Debra’s look.  It’s got a great shape and she’s working it really well.  I also want to snatch that green ring right off her finger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another perfection execution of black.  I like how the flounces are at the waist and at the knees but super tight in between.  And I want to snatch her earrings off, to match the ring I’m stealing from Debra.

Golden Globes ’12: Heigh-Ho Silver

Lea Michele is not one for subtle.  It’s the kind of dress Jennifer Lopez would wear and that’s not a compliment.  The top is  figure skater-y and a little too exposed for the GG’s (or perhaps that’s her interpretation of ‘globes’) but the skirt looks lovely.

Golden Globes ’12: Half & Half

Sometimes, you just can’t decide between a gown and a short dress. Charlize didn’t have to.  I can’t deny the drama of the look but I’m not in love with it.  Maybe it’s the nude color or the multiple elements (bow, diamonds, headband, train) but I’m a little overwhelmed by it.