The 2010 Best Dressed List

Honorable Mention: Carey Mulligan, Florence Welch, & Ashley Olsen

Who: Carey Mulligan

What: Vionnet Pre-Fall 2010

Where & When: BAFTA Awards in London, February

Why: England’s favorite pixie proved her status as a style maven this year. Elegant and original, this gown was a serious step forward for this A-lister in the making.

Who: Florence Welch

What: Givenchy Fall 2010 couture

Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September

Why: The front-woman of Florence + the Machine showed she’s more than just a rock goddess – she’s a couture queen. You can’t help but admire the drama of this gold gown and accessories paired with Flo’s shockingly red hair and lips.

Who: Ashley Olsen

What: Erdem Fall 2009

Where & When: In Style/Warner Brothers Golden Globe Awards after-party in Los Angeles, January

Why: The bubble hem, the elbow-length sleeves, the cascading flowers, and that stunning blue color made Ashley a knock-out at the biggest of the Golden Globes after-parties.

Who: Ashley Olsen

What: Alexander McQueen Fall 2006

Where: Art of Elysium charity ball in Los Angeles, January

Why: Just weeks before McQueen’s untimely death, Ashley Olsen reminded us of why we love the luxurious and dramatic looks of the famed designer.

The Label Loyalists: Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, and Marion Cotillard

Who: Alexa Chung

What: Chanel Spring 2010

Where & When: Elle Style Awards in London, February

Why: Alexa showed off her hipster-chic style with her devotion to all things Chanel.

Who: Alexa Chung

What: Chanel Resort 2011

Where & When: Chanel boutique re-opening in Soho, September

Why: Alexa wisely minimized the accessories with this funky multi-print dress by her favorite designer.

Who: Diane Kruger

What: Jason Wu

Where & When: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Closing Ceremony, May

Why: For the Cannes closing ceremony, classic beauty is a must-have. Diane showed that a little bling and a lot of color can go a long way on the red carpet.

Who: Diane Kruger

What: Jason Wu

Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January

Why: This beautifully draped, one-shouldered mustard yellow gown shows off Diane’s effortless old Hollywood glamour.

Who: Marion Cotillard

What: Christian Dior Resort 2011

Where & When: Paris premiere of Inception, July

Why: You can’t beat a French woman at French fashion, especially in Paris! The black lace, stunning neckline, and voluminous silhouette are proof that sometimes, the French just do it best.

Who: Marion Cotillard

What: Christian Dior Spring 2010

Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January

Why: Showing a little leg and a lot of style, Marion again represents her home country in an asymmetrical metallic and lace gown by Dior.

The Trend Setters: Kristen Stewart and Keira Knightley

Who: Kristen Stewart

What: Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2010

Where & When: Late Show with David Letterman in New York, June

Why: In a victory for grumpy pale girls everywhere, Kristen shows off her porcelain skin and never-ending legs in this one-sleeved modern LBD.

Who: Keira Knightley

What: Chanel Fall 2010 couture

Where & When: Opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, October

Why: Keira’s Chanel dress is revealing – note the sheerness of the neckline, waist, back and sleeves – but still incredibly classy. Proof that a dress strategically cut in all the right places can do wonders, especially on an already beautiful woman.

Best Variety: Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson

Who: Cate Blanchett

What: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010

Where & When: Opening night of Cannes Film Festival, May

Why: It’s rumored that Cate hand-selected this dramatic gown from the late designer, and she couldn’t have chosen a more unique look. It’s a rare woman who can pull off a black wedding gown with a giant eagle on it, but of course Cate makes it look chic.

Who: Cate Blanchett

What: Armani Prive Spring 2010 Couture

Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June

Why: Some mocked this so-called Tin Man look, but Cate again proved that she dares to strut outside the box in her sexy silver suit.

Who: Cate Blanchett

What: vintage Christian Lacroix

Where & When: Gala in Beijing, September

Why: The dress speaks for itself. This work of art is one of the most extraordinary gowns I’ve ever seen.

Who: Emma Watson

What: Christopher Kane Fall 2010

Where & When: LONDON showROOMS closing party in New York, March

Why: Pre-pixie cut, Emma shows off her trendy style with this lace and floral dress by the Scottish designer.

Who: Emma Watson

What: Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2010

Where & When: National Movie Awards in London, May

Why: A dress is only as chic as the shoes you pair it with, and those Louboutins are chic as all hell. This sexy dress is just as stylish – notice the peek-a-boo keyhole and the super-short skirt!

Who: Emma Watson

What: custom Burberry

Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May

Why: At the biggest red carpet fashion event of the year, all eyes were on Emma, in the gown Burberry designer Christopher Bailey made just for her. The chunky black accessories helped keep this look less bridal and more youthful.

Who: Emma Watson

What: custom Calvin Klein

Where & When: New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, November

Why: Shedding Hermione’s longer locks, Emma shows off her fabulous pixie cut and her minimalist style in yet another dress custom-made for her.

The Risk-Taker: Lady Gaga

Who: Lady Gaga

What: custom Armani Prive couture

Where & When: Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, January

Why: There was no bigger fashion risk-taker this year than the artist formerly known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known to us all as Lady Gaga.

Who: Lady Gaga

What: Alexander McQueen

Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September

Why: One word: SHOES.

Who: Lady Gaga

What: Franc Fernandez

Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September

Why: Was there a more talked-about fashion statement this year – or possibly even this decade – than Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? More importantly, this outfit led to my favorite Gaga quote of all time: “I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse.”

Super Starlets: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Rachel Bilson

Who: Blake Lively

What: Marchesa Resort 2011

Where & When: Fashion’s Night Out in New York, September

Why: If you’ve got perfect tits and legs for days, all you need is a funky cocktail dress and a ponytail and you’re ready for the biggest event of New York Fashion Week.

Who: Blake Lively

What: Elie Saab Fall 2010

Where & When: Tiffany & Co. event in New York, September

Why: Blake has her finger on the pulse of 2010’s hottest trends: lace, elbow-length sleeves, and flapper-style fringe.

Who: Blake Lively

What: Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

Where & When: Toronto Film Festival, September

Why: This is my idea of a perfect cocktail dress. I love the flower embellishments around her hips, and the ruby-red color of the dress really pops with that red cocktail ring and matching red lipstick.

Who: Leighton Meester

What: Marc Jacobs Resort 2011

Where & When: V Magazine’s New York Issue Party, September

Why: The pink blush on her cheeks matches the pink in the dress – what a genius move by Leighton’s stylist! Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star looks more beautiful than ever in this fabulous springtime number. (Although, is it a trick of the light, or can you see her nipples?)

Who: Rachel Bilson

What: Christian Dior Spring 2010

Where & When: Spike TV Video Game Awards in Los Angeles, December

Why: Nobody does effortless, youthful style quite like Rachel Bilson. Her stylist’s decision to do an ivory underlay was genius – even better than the runway version. And the little bows on those heels? Perfection.

Who: Rachel Bilson

What: Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2010

Where & When: Roberto Cavalli’s 40th Anniversary Party during Paris Fashion Week, September

Why: A sexy, flowing leopard-print gown is a lot of look, but the red purse as the sole accessory is phenomenal. I love Rachel’s street style and casual wear, but with this look she proved that she’s a formal red carpet force to be reckoned with.

The A-Listers: Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Lea Michele

Who: First Lady Michelle Obama

What: Peter Sorensen

Where & When: State Dinner at the White House, May

Why: Who says the FLOTUS can’t be sexy? Hot Mama Obama shows off the famous First Guns in this glamorous gown.

Who: First Lady Michelle Obama

What: Michael Kors

Where & When: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards in DC, September

Why: All politics aside, no one can deny that the Obamas are one stylish couple. The First Lady is absolutely glowing in her red halter gown.

Who: First Lady Michelle Obama

What: Naeem Khan

Where & When: Kennedy Center Honors in DC, December

Why: She’s the Jackie O of the 21st century.

Who: Anne Hathaway

What: Antonio Berardi

Where & When: Hollywood premiere of Love & Other Drugs, November

Why: You can always depend on Anne for a classic, beautiful red carpet look. Flawless hair and makeup and the world’s best smile take this chic little dress to a whole new level.

Who: Anne Hathaway

What: Valentino Pre-Fall 2010

Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May

Why: This photo is the definition of Hollywood glitz and glamour.

Who: Anne Hathaway

What: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Where & When: Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway, December

Why: The unique print and silhouette of this one-shouldered gown are stunning. From head to toe, this look is clean, classic, and incredibly beautiful.

Who: Natalie Portman

What: Rodarte

Where & When: Venice Film Festival screening of Black Swan, September

Why: Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy created the ballet costumes in Black Swan, so this red carpet shout-out to the label was particularly lovely. As if the film wasn’t garnering enough buzz on its own, Natalie got the world talking about her once again in this jaw-dropping red gown.

Who: Natalie Portman

What: Lanvin

Where & When: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Governor’s Awards in Hollywood, November

Why: Natalie’s stylist has been working overtime lately as Natalie promotes Black Swan on every red carpet in the universe. But clearly she’s not losing her touch, because this purple asymmetrical draped gown is simply fabulous. And we all know that best-dressed list without Lanvin is no best-dressed list at all.

Who: Lea Michele

What: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2005

Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January

Why: The Glee star started the year off with a bang. This gown announced Lea’s status as New Diva on the Block and proved that this pint-sized star is chock full of fabulous.


Who: Lea Michele

What: Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010

Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January

Why: This gown single-handedly created Lea Michele’s image as a sex symbol. The long, wavy locks, the dramatic makeup, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist, that intriguing green color – every element of this look is perfection.

Who: Lea Michele

What: custom Zac Posen

Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June

Why: Donning another daring, brilliant color, this Broadway vet absolutely stunned on the Tonys red carpet. Lea’s dress flatters her teensy little figure so beautifully.

Who: Lea Michele

What: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011

Where & When: Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, August

Why: If ever there was a look that said, “Worship me, bitches! I have ARRIVED!” – it’s this one.

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

The Month in Celebrity Fashion: Part I

Dear readers, it has been far too long. I thank you for your patience while this Diva was cramming for finals. But if you thought my absence meant that you’d miss out on all the fabulous in the world, fear not! I present to you a cornucopia of the last few weeks in celebrity fashion – in multiple parts, to prolong your delectable blogging experience. Take it away, fabulous!

Angelina: Mother of the Vampire Bride

Angelina Jolie in Versace at the New York premiere of The Tourist

A beautiful and sexy gown, but I do wish Ange would branch out a little more on the red carpet. She almost never wears colors of any kind, and it’s equally impossible to find her in prints, funky silhouettes, or basically anything unique. Ms. Jolie needs to step out of her comfort zone and wear something outside her usual aesthetic of slutty mother-of-the-bride at a vampire wedding.

Angelina Jolie in Versace at the European premiere of The Tourist

Another perfect example of Angie’s fashion faux pas: this Elvira/Morticia Adams thing went out of style in the 90s. The sleeves that go straight into gloves are just absurd, and the trannylicious hair and makeup is almost hilariously bad.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace at the Madrid premiere of The Tourist

An improvement, certainly, but it’s clear that she won’t leave her witch-goddess look behind. From the waist up, she’s every glitzy, unoriginal Hollywood starlet; from the waist down, she’s a lush velvet snuggie. Angie, darling, you are no longer the brother-kissing, blood-vial-wearing, Billy Bob Thorton-fucking creeperdoodle of your youth. Since those days, you’ve added half a dozen kids, the hottest baby-daddy in the world, and all kinds of philanthropic shenanigans to your life. It’s long past time for a new stylist.

Black Swan Starlets Get Fabulous

Natalie Portman in Christian Dior at the New York premiere of Black Swan

Simple and borderline boring, but exactly what you should wear to the premiere of your ballerina thriller. Loving the Lolita purse. The effect of the droopy sleeves is a little sad, and I wish she had more eye makeup on to counterbalance all that lipstick.

Natalie Portman in Christian Dior at the FINCA 25th anniversary party in New York

Smile, Natalie! Your hot and your movie is getting all kinds of delectable buzz. Plus, the dress is cute and this hair and makeup flatters

Natalie Portman in Lanvin for H&M at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York

I’m fully obsessed with the new Lanvin collection for H&M. I stopped shopping at H&M a few years back when I realized everything I purchased there fell apart within a few wears (with the exception of the dress I bought for my sixteenth birthday, which I still own and plan on wearing when I lose the weight that law school made me gain). But one of the finest French designers in the world, making hot little $200 party dresses? Delectable. The bubbly shoulder is a little awkward on Ms. Portman – but for how cheap this dress was, how can I really complain? The hair and makeup are flawless, the purse is great, but Natalie, don’t think I didn’t notice that you’re wearing the same shoes you wore in the previous photo! Time for a new pair of Loubs, missy!

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab at the Black Swan premiere

I was all set to say that starlets need to stop wearing the same Elie Saab gowns over and over again, because this is just a winter white version of Lea Michele’s SAG Awards dress from last January, but apparently that dress wasn’t even Elie Saab. It was Catherine Malandrino. So go figure.

Regardless, although Mila went for the standard “Look at me, bitches!” gown, she is looking mighty fierce. The black nail polish, the amazing shoes, the bangles, the earrings, and the impeccable makeup are all making this basic dress look mighty stylish.

Mila Kunis at an Armani event in Los Angeles

But I much prefer the blazer, skinny pants, and fierce heels of this look. She may be in LA, but this is New York chic all the way. Love the hair.

We Get It, Michelle. You’re a Hipster.

Michelle Williams in Azzaro at the Blue Valentine premiere

You have to have a certain kind of face to pull off a platinum blonde pixie cut. I think Michelle Williams has that face, but I think the outfits she pairs with her haircut are just too hipster and not flattering enough. She’s surprisingly broad-shouldered for such a small woman, and this dress is emphasizing that rather than hiding it. The stupid bow and tiered skirt make this look more French maid than red carpet. It’s polished and put together nicely, but a pigeonhole is still a pigeonhole, even if you limit yourself to alterna-girl hipster-chic party dresses. Step outside the box, Michelle.

Michelle Williams at a New York screening of Blue Valentine

All I can hear is Cher Horowitz’s dad in Clueless saying, “What are you wearing? That looks like underwear” when she appears in her tiny little Calvin Klein minidress. This is like that, only it makes her look man-shouldered and awkward instead of young and beautiful.

The Rising Classiness of Katy Perry

Katy Perry in a Georges Chakra Couture dress and Brian Atwood pumps at the Grammy Nominations concert in Los Angeles

I have always hated Katy Perry – does the world REALLY need another no-talent hack who sells records based solely on the fact that she’s a big-titted girl who sings about kissing other girls – but even this Diva must admit that her fashion sense has absolutely exploded lately. The girl who used to insist on bright blue Betty Page wigs and figure skating costumes on the red carpet has blossomed into a woman who realizes that she can be sexy even without whipped cream shooting out of her nipples. This dress isn’t my style at all, but at least it’s mature but still youthful, elegant, and sexy. But Katy, as long as you’re making such wonderful wardrobe changes, please heed my advice: Dress a size bigger and you’ll look a size smaller. A dress doesn’t need to squash your boobs and tummy into oblivion.

Katy Perry in a Zuhair Murad dress and Brian Atwood pumps

Like the dress before it, this is still flashy and sexy enough for a pop star, but not at all costumey. (But, I spot another repeat shoe offender! Katy, I know you love those leg-lengthening nude pumps, but not for two different red carpets in the same week, please!) Note the hair and makeup – classy, with a bit of 1960s fun to it. We’ve come a long way, kittens. And, though skintight, this dress might not have looked as good in a size bigger, so kudos!

Katy Perry in Elie Saab couture at the premiere of The Tempest

Flawless. Borderline bridal, but I think it’s silvery-gray enough to be just a stunning couture gown. Great accessories, and Katy again proves that she absolutely glows when her hair is wavy and relaxed and her makeup is heavy on the eyeliner and light on everything else. She’s never looked so beautiful.

Katy Perry in Issa at the David Lynch Foundation’s benefit in New york

A step down from the last look, but not by too much. Sure, the dress is tacky, but she is still Katy Perry. You can’t expect her to give up her love of all things kitschy overnight. And let’s be honest – we know what Katy looks like when she goes truly tacky, and this ain’t it. The hair has too much product in it and the makeup is too heavy-handed, and the whole dress should be lifted up an inch or two, because those tatties aren’t going to hold themselves up. But it’s not terrible, all things considered.

Get A Haircut, Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan in Prabal Gurung at the British Independent Film Awards

Literally perfect from the neck down, but that hair has become a disaster. The worst part of a short haircut is growing it out, and so we must suffer through Carey’s awkward phases while she attempts to rid herself of the Rosemary’s Baby look. But I love the dress and the purse beyond belief. So she gets a pass.

Carey Mulligan in Erdem at the Dubai Film Festival

This, on the other hand, is a head-to-toe nightmare. Apparently part of the hair growth process involves a stop at a beauty pageant in 1980s Kentucky, because that ‘do is seriously cheesy. The print on that dress looks like psychedelic vomit, and what’s going on with the length? Completely unflattering. Oh, and SMILE, BITCH! Your hair may suck and your style isn’t always top notch, but you’re thin as a rail and rich as a king. Cheer the fuck up.

Jessica Alba Steals Dakota Fanning’s Shoes

Jessica Alba in Miu Miu at the label’s boutique opening in London

I loathe every fiber of Jessica Alba’s being, but this dress is pretty fucking cute. The hair is stupid and the purse doesn’t match, but this little Miu Miu number is pretty cute, if a little cock-eyed around the bust.

Oh, good lord, I want to slap this girl in the fact, and not only for this boring dress and that stupid face. Jessica, I know you stole Dakota Fanning’s fierce Louboutins. Worse than that, you paired them with a white dress. Just stop existing now, please.

Blondes Have More Fun

Carrie Underwood in Jenny Packham at the CMT Artists of the Year awards

I mean, it’s a country music awards ceremony. And not even a particularly popular one. Do you really expect something better than this? What a nightmare. Fire your stylist.

Carrie Underwood in Georges Chakra at the American Country Awards

Better, but still a little tacky and unoriginal, but that’s country music for you. (Cheap shot, I know.) I’ve seen this dress a hundred times, but at least it’s not mortifying and her hair and makeup look nice.

Reese Witherspoon in a Dolce & Gabbana dress and Jimmy Choo heels

Adorable.

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen at the LA premiere of How Do You Know

Oof. I probably wouldn’t be so picky if it weren’t Reese Witherspoon, but I spot a lot of problems. Those giant-toed shoes look absurd. The design on that dress is immature and not very flattering. Her chin looks even larger than usual. Her makeup was clearly not done by a professional. And girl, touch up those roots! Are you really showing up at your own movie premiere with black roots and blonde highlights?

Gossip Girls

Leighton Meester at an Herbal Essences promotional event in Madrid

Awesome. Simple and flawless hair, makeup, and dress allow this look to be all about those KILLER shoes. And do I spot pockets in this dress? Even more epic.

Leighton Meester at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York

I want to hate this, but I can’t. I think she looks totally cute, and with better hair and makeup, she would have been an absolute knockout. Menswear for women has absolutely rocked the last few seasons of fashion, so why can’t a woman wear a fierce suit and tie on the red carpet?

Leighton Meester in Christian Dior at an LA screening of Country Strong

This reminds me a little too much of the Marc Jacobs dress she wore back in September, except with shoes that don;t match, an ugly bracelet, and way too much lipstick. It’s probably a cute dress, but the styling is too much of a mess.

Blake Lively in a Prabal Gurung dress and Christian Louboutin booties at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York

Is it just me, or does Blake look totally wasted? I mean, if I were going to the fucking Footwear News Achievement Awards, I’d get pretty drunk myself, but there’s something about that shit-eating grin that just screams “There’s an empty bottle of tequila in my limo!” Love this dress from the waist down, hate it from the waist up. Those crinkled shoulders are not really a style that looks good on anybody, and those shoes are just distracting.

Blake Lively in Chanel at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York

How many lace sheer-bottomed dresses can one woman wear? And isn’t this just Emma Watson’s dress from the Deathly Hallows world premiere, but upside-down? And why are her breasts glowing? I just have so many questions.

Blake Lively in Versace at Lorraine Schwartz’s jewelry collection launch in New York

I sort of love this fringey flapper look. I think if Blake’s tits weren’t itching to escape from the dress, it might look better. She also should have worn it in a color that doesn’t wash her out so badly. Plus, those thick-strapped sandals, the chunky bracelets, and the black nail and toenail polish overpower this light, breezy gown.

The Fabulous Life of Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway in Dolce & Gabbana at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York

Beautiful, if a little boring. But Annie’s got old Hollywood beauty and a timeless style, and that can never really go wrong.

Anne Hathaway at a New York screening of Love and Other Drugs

Oh. I guess I spoke too soon. This skirt is absolutely ridiculous, the makeup is downright clownish, and the straps to those shoes look like bondage.

Anne Hathaway arriving at the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon studio in New York

There’s the Princess Mia we know and love. Beyond being the most beautiful woman in Hollywood, Anne Hathaway truly has the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.

Anne Hathaway in an Oscar de la Renta dress and Jimmy Choo shoes at the Sydney premiere of Love and Other Drugs

Not my favorite. Who chose silver shoes with a gold dress? I also think this dress looks way too cheap to be Oscar de la Renta. But how could anybody say no to that smile?

Anne Hathaway in Brian Atwood shoes at a press conference in Sydney

Same shoes she wore in the first picture, but that’s more forgivable, because I think these events were about a month apart. This is sort of junior prom-esque, but it’s fun and the sleeves are pretty and I bet it doesn’t look so weirdly sparkly in person.

Anne Hathaway in Oscar de la Renta at a banquet in Oslo, Norway

Definitely one of my favorite Annie looks of all time. This is how a fucking movie star dresses. This is Anne Hathaway saying, “Damn right I’m co-hosting the Oscars! And you can expect six hundred costume changes, all of which will knock your fucking socks off!” Totally original but still a classic Hollywood look.

Drag Queen or Pop Diva? Christina Goes Burlesque

Christina Aguilera in Zuhair Murad at the London premiere of Burlesque

For several years now, at least since she had her baby, Christina Aguilera has only appeared in public looking like a drag queen imposter of herself. Certainly the Burlesque premiere is the appropriate time to tranny it up, but Christina is still young. There is absolutely no reason for her hair and makeup to look like that. What is it that her stylists are trying so hard to cover up? She’s still totally bangin’, you just can’t tell because of all the crap she’s always wearing. What a shame.

Christina Aguilera at the Berlin premiere of Burlesque

The dress is kind of great, like a modern version of something Cher would wear, which is pretty appropriate, given the event. But the hair! The makeup! Good lord, is that a pink braid wrapped around her head? And how much lipstick do you think she goes through in a week?

Repeat Offender: Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes in Prada at the Marrakech Film Festival

Another famous-for-being-hot no-talent that I love to hate, here’s Eva Mendes doing her best saloon whore impression. The slight differences in color between her skin, her shoes, her dress, and her purse are so distracting. But it’s not the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen her wear…

Eva Mendes in Christian Dior at the Marrakech Film Festival

… because this is. Seriously? We’re seriously going to start wearing this color? A floor-length  satin banana yellow gown with white embellishments? Oh, and brush your fucking hair, Eva. You’re wearing Dior. Show some respect.

WTF Moment of the Month: Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior at the Marrakech Film Festival

I actually screamed out loud when I realized the woman in this photo was Marion Cotillard, who I usually consider one of the more beautiful and stylish women in Hollywood. (I mean, she’s French! How could she not out-fabulous us all?) But apparently I was extraordinarily mistaken. There’s just so much wrong here. First, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT PERM? I mean, I just cannot even fathom how someone thought this would be a good idea. This is such a clear example of celebrities who surround themselves with yes-men, who fawn over them and tell them how oh-so-fashion-forward they look when they really just look like hot tranny messes. At least, I hope that’s the explanation, otherwise someone ACTUALLY BELIEVED MARION LOOKED GOOD LIKE THIS.

And the makeup is almost as bad. Totally overdone. Though it’s practically demure compared to this gown, which is possibly the stupidest thing on earth. If someone described a feathered halter dress with a giant peekaboo cleavage hole and a giant blue leopard print all over it, you’d prescribe them an anti-psychotic medication immediately. But here Marion is, in the worst Dior creation I’ve ever seen, and looking mighty pregnant in it at that.

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior at the Marrakech Film Festival

Oh, thank the lord. Someone threw a decent dress on her, scraped off that clown makeup, and straightened that godforsaken perm. It’s still kind of lumpy and misshapen, and I’m not convinced she’s not with child, but it’s a complete 180 from the dress before, so I can’t complain.

Gleeks Gone Glam

Gwyneth Paltrow in Monique Lhuillier receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Recent Glee guest star (who, it is rumored, will be returning to the show) rocks a little bridal cocktail dress as her star on the Walk of Fame is unveiled. I think she looks about as boring as boring can get, which is unsurprising, considering it’s Gwyneth.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci at an LA screening of Country Strong

Wait. Is that – where exactly does that slit go?

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci at an LA screening of Country Strong

Oh. Oh my word.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci at an LA screening of Country Strong

Oh, good LORD! What a way to tell the universe you don’t believe in panties, Gwynnie! This is actually downright vulgar. What a desperate cry for attention.

Jayma Mays in Burberry Prorsom at the Hollywood Style Awards

Ick. I usually love our Miss Pillsbury and her adorable outfits, but I’m not liking this. Too many colors and textures – the effect is unpleasant. The dress is unflattering – this woman is itsy bitsy, but you’d never know it from this photo. The styling is just completely off, and her mousy features can’t really handle that much lipstick.

Jayma Mays at the Late Show with David Letterman

This, on the other hand, is bright, chic, and beautiful. There’s still too many different colors going on with the accessories – we don’t need everything to match, but we don’t need everything to clash, either – but I think it was daring to choose those shoes, and I worship this iced periwinkle color on her.

Lea Michele in Giorgio Armani at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards

It’s a little figure skater-esque, and this bitch needs to wear something other than black nail polish just once, but I still think she looks quite beautiful. I think the side bangs flatter her face much better than the straight-across bangs, and I think the curves of this dress are quite beautiful. Perfect makeup, too. But she could have styled it up more with better shoes or more jewelry.

Lea Michele in The Row at the Hollywood Style Awards

Oy. This is a straight up disaster. She actually looks like she’s wrapped in a white towel, having just got out of the shower. Like I said, these big bangs don’t do much for her face. Us Jewish-looking ladies know that a side-part is much more flattering to our features. And us tiny girls know better than to wear stiff, almost-but-not-quite full-length gowns that make us look short and squat.
Check back later today for The Month in Celebrity Fashion: Part II!

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

American Music Awards 2010 Red Carpet

By popular demand, here is everything you need to know about the mostly fugly, but sometimes fabulous American Music Awards red carpet! Let’s judge some rich and thin bitches – it’s like therapy, but free.

Heidi Klum

I love lace as much as the next girl, but I don’t think I can handle another sheer lace dress on the red carpet. Certainly not this one, which is just strange and ugly. The sash in the middle is unflattering and doesn’t go with the rest of the garment. The sleeves look old-fashioned and matronly. I don’t think this fits her all that well, and even if it did, I just see no appeal to this dress. Sorry, Frau Klum. Auf wiedersehen.

Jessica Alba in Cushnie et Ochs

I try to mention Jessica Alba as little as possible on this blog, because I think she is possibly the most boring person on the planet. She’s never done or worn anything interesting; worse yet, she’s hailed as an A-list celebrity and fashion icon in spite of the fact that she’s not good at anything. But I felt guilty ignoring her when I’m talking about basically every single other celeb on the red carpet at the AMAs. Anyway, the jewelry is too chunky, the dress is boring, and the hair is downright lazy. And I know it’s only the AMAs, but you still need to blow dry your hair before leaving the house. Just a thought.

Katy Perry in Badgley Mischka

When did Katy Perry get so classy? I mean, sure, it looks like she may have some balled-up tissues glued to her cocktail dress, but this is uncommonly normal, especially for a woman who has candy shooting out of her boobs in half her music videos. She looks stunning here – it’s easy to forget how beautiful she is when she’s running around in blue Betty Page wigs and loud dresses that are a few sizes smaller than she should be wearing. But here, she’s positively glowing. Looks like marriage really can make you grow up, even if you marry someone who used to be addicted to heroin and sex.

Pink in vintage Janey Lopaty

I don’t know what year Pink thinks it is, but in 2010, women can be pregnant and still look good on the red carpet! Just because you’re with child doesn’t mean you have to dress like a blind nun. What the hell is going on with the fit of this sad little dress? The bust is a complete disaster. And the grey-blue hair is just annoying.

Rihanna in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Rihanna in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Like her colleague Ms. Perry, Rihanna looked surprisingly classy and glamorous. I honestly think this is the best she’s ever looked.  Her hair, while still a bit insane, has gotten infinitely less stupid. And though this dress is over-the-top, I think it’s exactly the right dress for her. She’s completely covered up and totally revealed at the same time. I love the color and the fit, but she gets a few points off for jumping on the sheer lace dress bandwagon.

Rihanna in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Damn. This is seriously a gorgeous dress. Beautiful color and amazing draping. The popped leg is a bit much – Rihanna, we’ll still believe you have thighs even if you stop flashing them for a moment – but once again, a usually nutter-butter pop star looks shockingly classy and fabulous.

Christina Milian

Apparently, Christina Milian is still alive. But she’s clearly been abducted by slutty Hollywood aliens – and even the aliens can’t help but throw some lace on this dress.

Jenny McCarthy in Stella McCartney

Ugly, outdated, and boring.

Kelly Osbourne in Christian Dior

People need to stop photographing Kelly Osbourne from this angle. The girl has a weirdly large head to begin with, and this angle really isn’t doing her any favors. But at least she’s rocking her little black dress. I like the trannylicious eye makeup and the pop of turquoise in her jewelry. She’s really turned herself from the chunky kid of a bat-eating rocker into a beautiful and stylish fashionista.

Fergie in Falguni and Shane Peacock

If a suit of armor and a 1920s flapper had a love child who ended up working as a drag queen in a burlesque club, this is what she would wear.

Fergie

Better, but still tacky as hell and a size too small. And you can give that haute couture pose all you want, Ferg, but that won’t distract from the fact that you have no taste and no talent.

Mandy Moore in Matthew Williamson

Um, Mandy? What the hell happened to you? Obviously there was an ill-informed hair dye choice and a switch to a really boring stylist, but did you also get some bad work done? Because this bitch is completely unrecognizable. Cheekbone implants? A new chin? Botox? An eyelift? I don’t know what you did, but I hope you can undo it, and fast.

Darren Criss

Finally, someone with both a sense of style and a sense of humor! This Glee cutie is looking mighty adorable in his suit, made a little more casual and funky with a fabulous plaid shirt and white tie.

Jada Pinkett Smith in Emilio Pucci

Good lord, when will she stop? I used to love me some Jada, but her sense of style has been on a downward spiral for quite some time. I hate the mullet skirt, the gladiator accessories, and most of all, these God-awful colors.

Willow Smith

One day, Willow, we can look back on this together and laugh. This is like the worst of Lady Gaga meets the worst of Michael Jackson, plus the ugliest shoes in the history of mankind. You may be the spawn of famous, beautiful, and talented people, and you may be friggen’ adorable, but this is unforgiveable, even for a child.

Taylor Swift in Collette Dinnigan

T-Swift is looking mighty fierce, if basically unrecognizable, with her new bangs. I think it’s about time that she went for a more mature and dramatic haircut, but she looks so different that this might actually end up hurting her. The dress is unoffensive but also unsurprising – Taylor basically lives in red gowns and sparkly cocktail dresses. But I’m glad her style is maturing – I think she’s never looked better.

Miley Cyrus in Marchesa

Miley Cyrus in Marchesa

The number one reason that I hate trains: if you don’t know what to do with it, it just looks like the entire roll of toilet paper got caught on your shoe in the ladies’ room. Take it away, and you’ve got a basic, boring, teeny little starlet dress. And tacky stripper-meets-ice-dancer shoes. But at least I can’t see her hoo-ha. That’s an improvement.

Whitney Port in Rafael Cennamo

Is it just me, or is this just a draped and belted copy of Miley’s dress?

Avril Lavigne

How many more years is Avril going to hold onto that awful hairdo? At least stars with similarly tacky hair styles (like Pink, Rihanna, Katy Perry, etc.) change their hairdos constantly to keep us talking, even if it’s about how they look crazier than ever. Does anybody still do this stick-straight, no-bangs hairdo, or did that go out of style at least five years ago? Not to mention the black-under-platinum coloring, which certainly hasn’t been trendy since George W. Bush’s first term, and the pink streaks, which I think died with the end of the 20th century. If you’re going to be a no-talent faux punk princess, at least give us something new to say about your style.

Sheryl Crow in Etro

This looks like it was made through a collaboration of Project Runway season 8 winner Gretchen and season 4 finalist Uli. It’s a lot of print, but that’s not the biggest problem. I think the fit and the colors are just too drab and sad for the red carpet. If it were shorter and tighter, I might support the ugly prints, but this is just a bit too lame.

Nicki Minaj in Manish Arora

I’m making the same face, because I’ve been looking at this photo for days and I just noticed that the bright green color next to her arms is not part of the dress, but part of her HAIR. I have nothing to say except that now I understand why Rihanna and Katy look so normal – there are tackier, crazier, and somehow even less talented bitches ready to wear whatever ridiculous shit will get them even a modicum of attention. And I guess it worked, because here I am, blogging about this Lady Gaga wannabe like she actually deserves any of my attention.

Kesha

Let that sink in, and then prepare yourself for the close-up:

Kesha

I don’t think there’s anything left to say except that Kesha is clearly in desperate need of an intervention.

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

The Week in Celebrity Fashion

Cheerio, dear readers! Let’s check in with our favorite fashionable celebrities and see who wore who at the premieres of Harry Potter, Burlesque, and more!

Emma Watson in custom Calvin Klein at the New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I

Emma Watson

I didn’t love this look at first, but it grows on me the more I look at it. It’s as simple as simple gets, but that’s not a bad thing on a woman this beautiful. It’s sexy but demure, boyish but feminine. A total home run, worthy of the New York premiere of Harry Potter.

Emma Watson in custom Burberry Bespoke in London

This trench coat was custom made for Ms. Watson by Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer as a gift for the Potter premiere. It’s good to be Emma Watson in general, but better when your swag includes Ray Bans, a leather-sleeved Burberry trench and a giant studded purse.

Emma Watson in a Burberry trench in New York

More Burberry, of course. I’m simply loving the studded arms – studs have been trendy for awhile now, but  I’ve never seen them used quite like this. The dress underneath is preppy-sexy done right.

Emma Watson in a Burberry trench in New York

The perfect showcase of a day-to-evening coat. Pairing it with those fabulous stockings and badass boots changed her whole persona from prep perfection to biker chic.

Emma Watson arriving at the Late Show with David Letterman in New York

Let’s just say it – this bitch knows how to wear a coat! Absolutely stunning. The coat equivalent of a soul mate.

Emma Watson in Dion Lee in New York

Simply fabulous.

Daniel Radcliffe at the New York premiere of Harry Potter

Not loving the shirt, which reads a little more farmer boy than wizard hero, but the jacket fits him nicely.

Rupert Grint at the New York premiere of Harry Potter

Absolutely, unequivocally the best Ron Weasley has ever looked. And look at those shoes – what a fashionista! Who knew?

Glee’s Darren Criss at the New York premiere of Harry Potter

The love child of all my favorite pop culture phenomenons, this Glee star/Harry Potter parody sensation showed up like a total fanboy in his Gryffindor tie and super-excited grin. What a cutie!

Sarah Jessica Parker in Nicholas Kirkwood shoes at the New York premiere of Harry Potter

Sarah Jessica seems to have paired Bellatrix Lestrange’s costume with Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes. The result? A hot ghetto mess.

Kate Middleton in Issa, announcing her engagement to Prince William

Kate’s dress, and others by designer Issa, sold out in stores around the UK just days after Ms. Middleton announced her engagement to the one and only Prince William. Though I’ve always been more of a Team Harry girl (what can I say? I love me some ginger), I can’t deny that Kate Middleton might be the luckeist woman on earth. Not because she’s marrying Will, but because…

Kate Middleton in Princess Diana’s Garrard engagement ring

… she gets to wear Princess Di’s engagement ring. Yes, this gorgeous sapphire surrounded by diamonds was worn by Will’s mother, the iconic Princess Diana. Absolutely breathtaking.

Katy Perry in a Zac Posen dress and a Valeska necklace at the New York launch of her new fragrance, Purr

Great color and fits surprisingly well, considering Katy’s penchant for wearing all of her clothes a size too small. Not quite sure what’s happening with the hemline, but the fierce necklace and refreshingly normal hair and makeup are working for her. Overall? Quite delish.

Mandy Moore at the Los Angeles premiere of Tangled

Who let you out of the house like this, Mandy? Tell them this look stopped being cute twenty years ago, and get yourself a new stylist.

Christina Ricci in Peter Som at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York

Ricci always has that look on her face that says, “Let’s just talk about how intriguing I am.” But she can give all the douche-face she wants if she keeps wearing such friggen adorable dresses. Although the black tights-red lipstick-severe bangs thing is getting a little trite.

Carey Mulligan in Chanel Haute Couture at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York

Many called it matronly, and I think I’d agree if it were worn by anyone other than Ms. Carey Mulligan. But this little pixie can pull off things that normal women wouldn’t dream of. I think this dress is fantastic, and I think it feels like a modern garment inspired by fashion of yore. The necklace piece is stunning, and her hair has never looked better.

Rachel Bilson in a Chanel dress and Camilla Skovgaard sandals at an event in Los Angeles for the Museum of Contemporary Art

Rachel, I love you, but no matter how fabulous your dress and shoes are, I will not overlook your two-tone hair. Get your shit together and call your colorist.

Hilary Swank in Marchesa at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles

There’s a such thing as too much of a good thing, Hilary. We all love us some Marchesa, but there’s a time and place for an endless supply of ruffles, and this just ain’t it.

Leighton Meester in a Prabal Gurung dress and Roger Vivier shoes in New York

Totally fabulous. A unique, artistic dress that’s still youthful and flattering, and a killer pair of shoes. But that’s not all Leighton’s got for us this week…

Leighton Meester in a Marchesa jumpsuit and Harry Winston jewels

Leighton Meester

Dear readers, I wish I could tell you that your eyes are playing tricks on you. But sadly, this is reality. Leighton Meester wore a sheer low-cut lace harem-pant jumpsuit with no visible underwear. In public. On purpose. I’ll go ahead and call this a fashionpocalypse.

Christina Aguilera in Elie Saab at the Los Angeles premiere of Burlesque

She looks like a pregnant wax figure drag queen version of Christina Aguilera.

Cher at the Los Angeles premiere of Burlesque

She’s Cher. Who are we to judge? We wake up in the morning our mere mortal selves, and she is CHER. And her legs are still fantastic.

Alexa Chung in Valentino at the New York premiere of Love and Other Drugs

Stunning dress. Buy a hairbrush.

Anne Hathaway in a Valentino dress and Jimmy Choo clutch at the New York premiere of Love and Other Drugs

I’ll give it to Anne Hathaway – she could wear the stupidest dress on earth and still shine like a star because of how damn beautiful she is. This dress is a bit of a Christmas disaster, and looks retro to the point of costumey, but look at her eyes! Lips! Hair! She is a goddess.

Brad Goreski at GQ’s Men of the Year

Rachel Zoe’s former assistant Brad walks the red carpet at GQ‘s Men of the Year party. Dare to wear plaid, Brad. We love it.

Drake at GQ’s Men of the Year

Drake always looks delicious, and I never write about him. Let’s just appreciate a former Canadian teen soap opera actor turned rapper for being able to wear the shit out of a suit.

Cory Monteith at GQ’s Men of the Year

He looks like a middle-aged insurance salesman.

Chord Overstreet at GQ’s Men of the Year

Delish! Nice tie, interesting color suit, and the stupidest hairdo since Justin Bieber.

Harry Shum at GQ’s Men of the Year

Love me some Mike Chang, but I think this could fit better.

Kevin McHale at GQ’s Men of the Year

I usually think Artie looks the best out of all the Gleeks at red carpet events, but he really took it too far this time. The hair, the jacket, the shirt, the vest, the pocket square, those shoes – oy. Don’t use one event to show us every piece of clothing you own. It is possible to look both formal and funky without the whole thing falling apart.

Chris Colfer at GQ’s Men of the Year

Delectable. Definitely my personal Man of the Year.

Chris Colfer in OUT Magazine’s Annual Out 100 Issue

And just an extra shot of uber-gay for all the nerds out there – Glee‘s unstoppable Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel) was honored in OUT Magazine’s Annual Out 100 Issue, which is exactly as gay as it sounds. I nearly wept looking at this photo of this angelic little boy grasping his Judy record next to her obituary in the news.

Apparently the AMAs were tonight, so expect some truly trashy fashion on the blog later this week!

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

The Week(s) in Celebrity Fashion: Halloween Edition!

The eve of bitchery is upon us! This Diva is bringing you all the hottest fashion on the red carpet and the big screen, with just a bit of Halloween flavor. I know it’s been well over a week since the last so-called weekly fashion recap, but I’m a busy little future lawyer, so forgive me, dear readers, and enjoy a LOT of fabulous.

Tina Fey in Andy & Debb at the Megamind premiere

Hello, Liz Lemon! The straight hair is a bit severe for Tina’s features, but the dress is pretty fierce and flatters her figure beautifully. Love the dramatic cocktail ring, but I wouldn’t have chosen black tights.

Left:Fleur's wedding gown in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I. Right: Alexander McQueen Fall 2008

What’s the biggest drama bringing together the worlds of couture and magic? As my fellow nerds are well aware, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I premieres this month (omfg so excited). So what’s the controversy? There’s Gossip Girl‘s Clemence Poesy in the role that made her not famous, Fleur Delacour, marrying Bill Weasley (the eldest son of our favorite magical red-headed family) in a dress that looks uncannily similar to an Alexander McQueen gown from Fall 2008. Does Team Potter owe an explanation to Team McQueen? I love the idea of a hot witch in high fashion, but Fleur Delacour-Weasley definitely did not get that gown from Madam Malkin’s Robes shop. (Oh, yeah. I know the name of the robes shop in Diagon Alley.)

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad at the Carousel of Hope Gala

She wore this to a gala? Perhaps if it were ten years ago and she was running around a stage lip-synching “Waiting for Tonight,” this would be an appropriate costume, but you can’t expect me to believe she wore this as a dress. As eveningwear, no less. Johnny Weir called; he wants his queertastic skating outfit back.

Yes, Selena Gomez, I’m talking to you as well:

Selena Gomez performing at a Las Vegas benefit

Who are you, Katy Perry at a Christmas party? But at least she has the Vegas excuse, where anything goes. She looks downright demure next to some of the get-ups you find in those parts.

Mila Kunis in Monique Lhuillier at the 14th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala

Simple and fierce; proof that minimalism can be more fabulous than all the accessories in the world.

Carey Mulligan in Giles at the 14th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala

And then, a reminder of how ugly minimalism can be. I don’t know what’s worse: the hair, the makeup, the choice of accessories, or the sad, droopy draping on that dress. This looks like Gretchen Jones and Michael Costello teamed up for an eveningwear challenge, and that’s about as big an insult as I can think of.

But Carey mostly made up for it with this look…

Carey Mulligan in Preen at the BAFTA Los Angeles 2010 Britannia Awards

But lord, do I hate those shoes. They look like the shoes Drew Barrymore wore to like, ten different events in two weeks, just in a way tackier color. However, the hair has seriously improved. Tom & Lorenzo have blogged about this very problem, in which cute starlets get adorable pixie cuts that look perfect until they start to grow out. And then we all have to endure months of their hair looking like shit. But some extra-hold gel took care of that, and the dress is gorgeous.

Snooki, Queen of the Pickles

No words. Just amazing.

Leighton Meester in Elie Saab at the 14th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala

Leighton should know by now that when it comes to hair and makeup, less is more. I think she’s always more beautiful when she doesn’t let the makeup artist go so heavy-handed. I also want to slap the moron who approved those shoes with that dress, and this is also ice skating costume territory (seriously, starlets, what’s going on with that?). But at a minimum, I love the top half of the dress.

What else does Leighton have to say?

Leighton Meester in Giambattista Valli at FGI's Annual Night of Stars

BOOM. Fabulous. I remember this Spring 2011 dress well; I had it in my original Red Carpet Predictions post, but couldn’t find the starlet to pair it to. Ms. Meester is rocking this adorable little color-blocked cocktail dress, although the fit around the bust is a little odd. The accessories are simple and chic, and the hair and makeup is still dramatic, but more natural and youthful.

Janet Jackson at the New York City premiere of For Colored Girls

I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson. Are you for real?

Eva Mendes in Gucci at the Rome Film Festival

Boring, but beautiful. It could use a better hemline, though.

Tara Reid as Train Wreck Barbie?

This was Tara Reid’s Halloween costume, though I’m not sure how we’re supposed to differentiate it from Tara Reid on a Tuesday.

Padma Lakshmi in New York

On the Finale: Part I of Project Runway Season 8, Heidi criticized Gretchen for a dress with this same strange design element in back, arguing that no woman would wear it. I don’t usually come to Gretchen’s defense, but this is proof that someone wears that. Boom. Lawyered.

Kate Mara at the Beverly Hills premiere of 127 Hours

It took me days of staring at this picture to figure out why this girl looked so familiar: she played Heath Ledger’s daughter in Brokeback Mountain. Apparently she’s in 127 Hours, which a movie I can’t wait to see even though I’ll probably vomit during it. Anyway, she officially has the right to exist according to this Diva, because this little dress is too cute. The necklace is fierce, the Louboutins are fab, and she’s a gorgeous woman. Keep it up, newbie.

And across the country, but at the same film premiere:

Jennifer Missoni at the New York premiere of 127 Hours

She’s related to, though not the creator of, the Missoni brand, she’s model-gorgeous, and this dress is funky and adorable.

Rosario Dawson in Stella McCartney at the Los Angeles premiere of Unstoppable

Ooof, Rosario. That hem? Seriously? And that color? And that shoulder? And those shoes? I can’t handle any of it. Please redeem yourself as soon as possible.

Rosario Dawson in Christian Siriano at the BAFTA Los Angeles 2010 Britannia Awards

Well, she reedemed herself. It’s not perfect, but it’s further proof of the beauty of simplicity. Love the accessories.

Christian Siriano as the Feather Duster from Beauty and the Beast at Heidi Klum's 11th annual Halloween party

Yes, that is Christian Siriano. As that slutty French feather dusty from Beauty and the Beast. One of the best Halloween costumes I’ve ever seen.

Christina Ricci in Marchesa at the 26th annual Artios Awards

I blogged about this dress during Fall 2010 Fashion Week, but I’m not sure I love it as much in the real world as I did on the runway. I think the black tights are too much; they bring it down into a young ballerina place. But otherwise, she looks pretty damn beautiful.

Reese Witherspoon in Jason Wu at the Avon Foundation for Women Gala

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. Definitely one of my favorite random red carpet looks of the past few months.

Michelle Monaghan in Versace at the Due Date premiere

Simple and sexy as hell. The nude shoe trend on the red carpet might be played out by now, but I absolutely adore the way the shoes match her skin tone – except for the Louboutin red stiletto, which matches the dress. Dramatic, statement-making, but minimalist. I love it.

And in case you were curious, the Project Runway finale poll results were even more pro-Mondo than I anticipated:

An astonishing 96% of you wanted Mondo for the win. Let’s just forget this season ever happened, dear readers.

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

The Week in Celebrity Fashion

The Busiest Divas in the Business

 

 

 

Salma Hayek at the Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

It looks better sitting than standing, possibly because the top is more beautiful than the bottom, or possibly because Ms. Hayek looks a bit more of a hot mess in the last picture. But definitely a dress worthy of the front row at Paris Fashion Week.

 

Salma Hayek at the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

… and then, there’s this. Is she kidding with those pants? How am I supposed to take them seriously? I don’t care how hot you are, you’re not going to be able to pull off giant baggy red-and-black color-blocked pants.

 

Keira Knightley at the Chanel Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

Someone got a fierce new haircut! Definitely loving the bob, and she’s decked out perfectly for the Chanel show, complete with the signature purse and stunning shoes.

 

Kiera Knightley in Rodarte at the London Film Festival

 

Not as impressive as the Chanel getup, and I’m not sure how these two pieces go together, but I like seeing the new bob done wavy. The blouse is nice enough, but the skirt is a little tacky. Again, though, I approve of the shoes.

 

Keira Knightley in Chanel at the London premiere of Never Let Go

 

 

Keira Knightley in Chanel at the London premiere of Never Let Go

 

I remember drooling over this dress months ago, but I never knew what the back of it looked like until I saw this photo. As if I weren’t already obsessed with this dress, the back is simply spectacular. But can Keira actually smile? Her lips are pursed like she just swallowed a lemon in every single picture. Honey, you’re thin as a rail, your haircut is fierce, you’re rich, and you’re wearing Chanel. Smile.

 

Carey Mulligan in Proenza Schouler at the London Film Festival

 

Cute dress, but that hair is the reason pixie cuts are generally a mistake. Because in the interim period between the pixie and when it’s fully grown out, your hair nearly always looks stupid.

 

Carey Mulligan in Vionnet at the London premiere of Never Let Go

 

Oof. Even worse hair, and a far worse dress. And this bitch won’t smile either? What is wrong with these ladies?

 

Courtney Love at the Chanel Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

 

Courtney Love at the Chanel Spring 2011 show

 

Wow. I never thought I’d say this, but Courtney Love actually looks… classy. Seriously. The dress is mature but still gorgeous, the coat is ridiculously gorgeous, she’s wearing pearls, and the bitch even styled her hair and makeup like a normal person! What is happening to the world when Courtney friggin’ Love looks this good?

 

Courtney Love at the Givenchy after-party in Paris

 

Oh, there we go. That’s much better. This is the Courtney we know and Love (pun intended) – Courtney, the hottest mess on the red carpet.

 

Alexa Chung at the Miu Miu Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

Cute, but perhaps a little too conservative. I know Mormon chic is a thing, but this looks far too covered up. But the shoes are killer.

 

Alexa Chung at the Chanel Spring 2011 show

 

It looks way cuter on Alexa than it did on Blake Lively in July – further proof that skin-tight dresses don’t necessarily look better than dresses that actually fit. Ms. Chung is absolutely nailing this adorable little dress.

 

Sienna Miller in Twenty8Twelve at the Dinard British Film Festival in France

 

I usually try to forget Sienna Miller is a person, but I must admit she looks mighty fierce here. Good hair, good makeup, a killer skirt, and a sweet blazer. It’s all simple but totally chic, and it reminds me that Ms. Miller can dress like a classy-sassy broad.

 

Sienna Miller in Matthew Williamson at a book launch in London

 

And then I see this dress, which screams “I was that drunk topless biddie fucking someone else’s husband on a boat!”

 

Nicole Richie promoting her fashion lines in Calgary, Canada

 

Oh, good lord. This is what you’re wearing to promote yourself as a fashion designer? The world’s largest pants, a weird scarf attached to a shirt, an ill-fitting vest, and the ugliest hat you could find? I mean, I know you’re in Canada, so the rules are different there, but this is an internationally recognized hot disaster.

 

Nicole Richie at a book signing in Los Angeles

 

Adorable. I wish she dressed like this more often instead of always wearing over-sized, over-flowing hippie dresses. She looks so adorable in things that are a little more structured and have more texture to them. I’d wear this fab little sweaterdress every day.

Fashion Dos and Don’ts

 

Clemence Poesy at the Chanel Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

Oh hey, Fleur Delacour! You’re looking mighty fierce. The darker hair is working for you and the outfit, like all good French fashion, is minimalist but incredibly fabulous. I hope you’re also planning on donning Chanel at your upcoming wedding to Bill Weasley. Even the Death Eaters would have to stop killing bitches long enough to say “Dayummm, girl! You lookin’ fiiiine!”

 

Lin Chi-ling at the Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

I don’t know who this woman is, but I do know that I already blogged about how awful this dress is when Katie Holmes wore it last week. And it doesn’t look any better on this biddie than it did on Joey Potter.

 

Dita Von Teese en route to the Elie Saab Spring 2011 show in Paris

 

Well, this is perfect. I’d expect nothing less than classy glamour from Dita, but she is really nailing this dress. Love the black-on-black detailing, the sleeves,  the neckline, the shoes, the sunglasses – it’s all coming together beautifully.

 

 

I honestly did not believe that this was Marion Cotillard when I saw this picture. To me, she’s one of those women who epitomizes simple elegance, and this look is anything but. The hair and makeup are trashy and tacky as can be, the dress is horrible, and WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH HER BREASTS? Why hasn’t Hollywood learned that two beach balls stapled to your chest don’t actually look good? What a disappointment.

 

Michelle Williams at the London premiere of Blue Valentine

 

See, the problem with white-blonde hair is that sometimes, it just looks white. And when you pair that with a matronly dress and makeup that ages you, you can end up looking approximately 85 years old. But the shoes are awesome – are they half leopard print, half zebra print? Because that is absolutely killer.

 

Abigail Breslin at a screening of Conviction in New York City

 

Dakota Fanning, you’re not the only fabulous child prodigy on the block! Little Miss Sunshine is looking pretty fierce with her gorgeous auburn hair, brown-and-black striped dress, and fab accessories. I’m looking forward to seeing more like this from Ms. Breslin.

 

Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage at the Empire State Pride Agenda Fall Dinner

 

SJP is a new exec at Halston, so don’t expect her to be wearing anything else on the red carpet this year. But this is still pretty darn chic. It’s Carrie Bradshaw-level fabulosity, and those stockings are to die for. Love the hair, and she looks younger than she has in recent years. Keep it up, Sarah Jessica!

You be the Diva! Who’s in and who’s out?

© Democracy Diva, 2010.

Red Carpet Predictions: Spring 2011

Get ready, dear readers, because it’s time to play stylist to the stars! I’m taking the most glitzy-glamorous, red carpet-worthy gowns from ALL the Spring 2011 runway collections – NEW YORK to LONDON to MILAN to PARIS – and I’ll be deciding which of your favorite celebs will be wearing them out on the town. Let’s have some fun!

ANGELINA JOLIE will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

ANNA KENDRICK will wear…

Commuun Spring 2011

ANNE HATHAWAY will wear…

Elie Saab Spring 2011

BLAKE LIVELY will wear…

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

CAREY MULLIGAN will wear…

Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2011

CHLOE SEVIGNY will wear…

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS will wear…

Christian Siriano Spring 2011

DAKOTA FANNING will wear…

Julien MacDonald Spring 2011

DIANE KRUGER will wear…

Wes Gordon Spring 2011

ELIZABETH BANKS will wear…

Elie Saab Spring 2011

EMMA WATSON will wear…

Versace Spring 2011

FREIDA PINTO will wear…

Gucci Spring 2011

HEIDI KLUM will wear…

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011

JANUARY JONES will wear…

Valetin Yudashkin Spring 2011

JENNIFER ANISTON will wear…

A. F. Vandevorst Spring 2011

JESSICA BIEL will wear…

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

KATY PERRY will wear…

Manish Arora Spring 2011

KIM KARDASHIAN will wear…

Gianfranco Ferré Spring 2011

KRISTEN STEWART will wear…

Matthew Williamson Spring 2011

KRISTIN CHENOWETH will wear…

Collette Dinnigan Spring 2011

LADY GAGA will wear…

Manish Arora Spring 2011

and GAGA will wear…

Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011

and of course, GAGA will wear…

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011

Vikto & Rolf Spring 2011

LEA MICHELE will wear…

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

LEIGHTON MEESTER will wear…

Chapurin Spring 2011

MADONNA will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

MARION COTILLARD will wear…

Carlos Miele Spring 2011

MICHELLE WILLIAMS will wear…

Alexis Mabille Spring 2011

MILEY CYRUS will wear…

Vivienne Westwood Spring 2011

RACHEL BILSON will wear…

Cacharel Spring 2011

RIHANNA will wear…

Gareth Pugh Spring 2011

SARAH JESSICA PARKER will wear…

Jason Wu Spring 2011

SCARLETT JOHANSSON will wear…

Chloé Spring 2011

SELENA GOMEZ will wear…

Victoria Beckham Spring 2011

TAYLOR MOMSEN will wear…

Chanel Spring 2011

TAYLOR SWIFT will wear…

Tibi Spring 2011

ZOE SALDANA will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

And with that, your Spring 2011 posts are complete!

The Week in Celebrity Fashion

Gossip Girls On and Off the Set

Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf in Tibi

Readers, if you ever feel the need to lavish me with gifts, I’d like one of everything you see above. I wear a size six shoe. That is all.

Serena Van Der Woodsen in Zuhair Murad

Leave it to the Gossip Girl team to put Serena in a long-sleeved full length gown that STILL reveals every inch of flesh possible. But I still think it’s a gorgeous dress. And I love that it’s so much more naked than it seems at first glance. Like, surprise! You didn’t think you’d see my hoo-hah, but here it is!

Blake Lively in an Elie Saab dress and Christian Louboutin shoes

I love how similar this dress feels to the one before it, even though they’re actually quite different. The sleeves are gorgeous, and that lace slip is just too hot for words. Not as revealing, but just as sexy, because Blake has a killer set of stems. (Her tits go without saying.) Great shoes, and I’ll even forgive the dark toe nail polish because they match her nails and the general dark princess vibe of the overall look. But the sloppy braid looks lazy.

Divas Abroad

Dita Von Teese and John Galliano at his Spring 2011 show in Paris

There’s just no other word for it: Dita Von Teese is the definition of FIERCE. That suit is vintage perfection, and the pairing of those gloves and shoes was a brilliant move. And check out the shoes on Galliano! Totally badass.

Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss in Hervé Léger by Max Azria

I can’t sum up how Jon Hamm looks better than TLo, who really said it all:

JON: I’m hung! Have you noticed?

I know my parents read my blog and all (hi, mommy and daddy!) but… I still think we need to talk about Jon Hamm’s dick in that suit. Or at least acknowledge the fact that it is taking over this photograph.

Katy Perry at a T-Mobile event in Budapest, Hungary

It’s the age-old rule: Dress a size bigger and you’ll look a size smaller. Katy Perry breaks this rule on a daily basis. I also hate the hair, the makeup, the jewelry, and the dress itself.

Selena Gomez at a jewelry launch in London

Remember Barbie’s little sister Skipper? The tween version of Barbie? I’m pretty sure this is what she’d wear if she lived in Hollywood and started doing cocaine. Oddly enough, I don’t really mean that as an insult. I think Selena looks kind of awesome here. I know I should hate those pants, but they’re pretty badass. But since she’s Selena Gomez, she looks like a little doll version of badass girl. Which is sort of precious.

Rachel Bilson at Bulgari’s party during Milan Fashion Week

It’s all about the sassy pose, the devil-may-care attitude, and those killer shoes. And I can’t even handle that “I dare you to fall in love with me” look in her eyes. Ugh, my girl crush on her is SERIOUS.

Rachel Bilson at the Christian Dior Spring 2011 show in Paris

Rachel Bilson at the Christian Dior Spring 2011 show in Paris

The dress? Delicious in color, fit and style. The blazer? Stunning, and it was a great move to pair the two garments together. The shoes? I want them so badly, I may fly over to Paris and pry those off Rachel’s feet myself.

And can we just talk about how great her posture is in both photos? Rachel, your mama taught you well.

Models in Cavalli

Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli at the Milan Fashion Week amfAR gala

I hate the hair – Heidi is perfect-looking, but her face does not go well with that 1920s finger curl. But that gown is gorgeous, and like nearly everything Heidi wears, it’s shiny and it makes her boobs look perky as can be.

Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli at Paris Fashion Week

The hair is better, but you know I’m not a fan of those droopy silhouettes. And I know Cavalli designed both, so it makes sense that they look similar, but I don’t know why a supermodel would wear two such similar dresses to fashion events in consecutive weeks.

Tyra Banks in Roberto Cavalli at French Vogue’s masquerade ball in Paris

Different model turned fashion TV show host, same designer. The gown is way too long, but it’s nice enough. And I bet you’re thinking, how has she gone three sentences without commenting on THAT THING ON TYRA’S FACE? Seriously, I get that it’s a masquerade ball, but she looks ridiculous. And not in the look-how-avant-garde-I-am, Lady Gaga sort of way.

Tyra Banks in Robert Cavalli during Paris Fashion Week

And here, still in Cavalli, she looks ridiculous in a totally different, leopard print jumpsuit sort of way.

Ladies in the States

 

Kristin Davis in a Prada dress and Manolo Blahnik shoes in Los Angeles

Sad and drab. Charlotte deserves better!

Beyonce in Andrew Gn at a charity ball in New York City

Jesus. She looks like Mariah Carey in 1991. And that is certainly not a compliment. The dress looks identical to the 80s prom dress I bought for twenty bucks at a vintage store. I love my dress, but I’m not wearing it to a charity ball! The barely-there makeup is not a look that suits Beyonce, the hair looks sort of fake, and the dress emphasizes B’s tummy in a really unflattering way.

Katie Holmes in Louis Vuitton at a luncheon in Beverly Hills

This would look way better on Suri than it does on Katie.

Whitney Port at the launch of the Ebay Fashion Lookbook in Los Angeles

  • Evening makeup at a daytime event? Why?
  • My Bubbie (that’s ‘grandmother’ for those of you unfamiliar with Yiddish) could rock that sweater way harder, and she’s 87.
  • That awful blue colored denim, most popular circa 1997? On jeans that are peg-legged, knobbly-kneed, and wide through the hips? Once again, WHY?
  • Is that blue glitter toenail polish? I AM JUDGING YOU.

Kate Beckinsale at a screening of Nowhere Boy in Hollywood

Kate always looks stunning with a touch of bland, doesn’t she? Beautiful woman, great style, but she’s just so forgettable. I do think she’s a bit old for black nail and (ugh) toenail polish, and the dress also feels like she’s trying too hard to be younger, but she’s still got the flawless skin to pull it off. For now.

Lady Gaga performing with Yoko Ono in Los Angeles

If Lady Gaga, Cher, and Britney Spears in “Toxic” had a super-diva lovechild, this is what it would wear. This is phenomenal. Also, I wonder if Gaga has a personal trainer just for her ass. Or perhaps it has its own armed security guard. Because that thing is a work of art.

Need more fashion? Of course you do! Check out my coverage of New York Fashion Week, plus the best of Milan and London! For more updates, follow me on twitter @democracydiva.

 

Paris Fall 2010 Couture Fashion Week

It’s couture time, bitches. Let’s go collection by collection, since only a handful of couture designers showed at Paris Fashion Week, and even less are worth discussing.

Underwhelming: Jean Paul Gaultier

Dita Von Teese in Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

This was by far my favorite look in Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection, although it’s certainly not perfect. But to me, it was one of the only pieces in his collection that felt daring and original. The first six looks were boring, and the rest of the collection tries to be dark and futuristic, but doesn’t really achieve much in the way of high fashion. Dita Von Teese making a guest appearance in the show was a nice touch, and only a burlesque star (or a diehard Rocky Horror fan) would have a reason to wear this skeleton-corset, but beyond that, the show was largely a disappointment.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

This look at least felt like couture to me. A complex and fresh design, with no accessory overlooked. Let’s not forget that wearability is not the primary concern of couture designers – that’s why these aren’t Ready-To-Wear. They’re meant for the runway, more like art than clothing. And in that respect, I think this is a stunning dress. It has a subtle nod to flappers of the 1920s, but it feels modern and original. And the fishnets are a perfect touch.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

Couture is about vision. It’s about intricacy and impeccable design and clothes that look like they took months to make, because they did. I think that was wear Gaultier failed – he focused on the gimmicks and the showmanship instead of the actual design elements. It’s all great to have burlesque stars and violins and sky-high, gravity-defying hairstyles, but so many of the actual designs were just haphazard draping. And of course there is a fine art to draping, but nothing in the way Gaultier used draping felt new or beautiful or unique. Instead it felt messy, repetitive, and kind of boring.

Hit or Miss: Valentino

 

Many of the individual looks in Valentino’s collection were exquisite, like the bow-adorned cocktail dress and matching full-length gloves pictured above. A modern twist on the petticoats of yore, I fell in love with this dress and a few others in the collection.

Valentino Fall 2010 Couture

Another beautiful dress, but with a nearly identical concept: Put a lot of bows and a simple twist on a normal dress. What struck me as bothersome about the collection over all is how similar so many of the looks were. Of course cohesion is important in a collection, but Valentino showed the same outfit in two different colors; two nearly identical outfits, just with different hemlines; and the same outfit in two different fabrics (but the same colors). That was too much for me to take – the effect of a simple but fabulous black dress is not enhanced by seeing the white version of it ten seconds later. It just felt like a waste of fabric, at least in a couture show. It’s about customization and each piece being different from the next, not a gown in several colors that’s marketable or ready-to-wear.

Valentino Fall 2010 Couture

It’s similar to the first Valentino dress, but not so similar that it feels derivative, like so many of the looks did. Instead, it’s a couture bridal gown fit for a queen. The bows on the shoes and the hands of the gloves are exquisite, and bring an element of softness to the architectural tiers of the gown. I’m glad bows are in, and I love these three dresses more than words, but Valentino’s collection suffered from a lack of variety and diversity.

Chanel and the Art of Influence

 

 

My favorite look of the Chanel collection. Perfect handiwork. An almost obsessive attention to detail. And those Wonder Woman-inspired wrist cuffs are exquisite. It looks as expensive as I’m sure it is, but I love the rough hemline, bringing a bit of grittiness into an angelic dress.

Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

But the last few collections of Chanel and other designers such as Marc Jacobs have been plagued by what I like to call The Mormon Skirt Dilemma. I have no idea why the runway is full of skirts that stop at this awkward place, but I think they’re unflattering, unnatural, and throw off the proportions of the entire outfit. The Mormon Skirt Dilemma, plus the use of heavy tweet, gave most of the models the appearance of little girls wearing Twilight-inspired versions of their grandmothers’ clothes. In fact, much of the collection felt heavy and dark, with the occasional burst of lightness like the first Chanel outfit shown above. Not that heavy and dark is necessarily bad, but Chanel went for the same effect in the Fall 2010 RTW collection, so it does get a bit wearing after awhile.

Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

I love the way the beadwork over the lace feels like armor. It was certainly a collection for a haute couture Joan of Arc woman. But that lace skirt is just breathtaking, and the boots with it are completely badass. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have legs for days to pull off a look like that. But I would have loved to see more looks that stepped outside the tweed-suits-and-wool-coats box of Chanel.

Armani Privé: It’s All About the Fit

 

I think the Armani Privé collection felt more like a nearly complete RTW collection than anything haute couture, but this suit immediately leaped out at me as a favorite. The shimmery white tights and the silk ivory blouse are soft, sweet, and sexy. And we know that anything studded, or anything that looks studded, is super-trendy right now, as evidenced by Dakota Fanning’s fierce shoes. And the fit of this suit is just incredible.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

But what, I ask you, is couture about this? Where is the detail, the handiwork, the originality? This is a badly pressed sheet, poorly wrapped around a starving girl. This has no element of design, let alone couture. And is it just me, or has this model spent a little too much time in the pool? Those ends look green with chlorine.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

And zoom! Back to fabulous. The perfect coat. Simple and elegant, but with fantastic design aspects. That huge button clasp, the asymmetry, the curves of the hem, and of course the draping over her left shoulder take this coat to new heights.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

Fit, fit, fit, Armani! What is going on in the bust of this dress? We’re mere moments away from seeing her right nipple. The dress looks like it’s inches away from her chest and the sides don’t look even. I’m just not sure how something like this actually made it onto the runway. I want to run up to her with a cushion full of pins, yank that dress up three inches, and pin it into place.

Honorable Mention: Elie Saab

 

Elie Saab’s collection was a wonderful combination of the intrigue of couture and the wearability of red-carpet fashion. I have no least favorite looks, but just one negative comment towards the collection as a whole: it did seem a bit disjointed. The individual looks seemed detached from each other; they were similar to the looks before or after, but just a few models later, you couldn’t believe you were at the same show. Cohesion is a difficult thing to achieve, and I think that was Elie Saab’s main weakness in this otherwise strong collection.

Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture

Now that is a print. It looks tie-dyed, paint-splattered, it moves like liquid, and it feels like fire. The skirt is designed in a way that makes it flow fabulously, I love the rouching on the bodice, and the single-sleeve style, which I usually dislike, is beautiful.

Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture

And this is couture. It looks like it took millions of painstaking hours of sewing, beading, and draping to accomplish such a complex and divine gown. This is what I hope Kate Middleton will wear to marry Prince William. A gown fit for a princess.

The Winner: Christian Dior

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

I beg of you – don’t take my word on this one. See for yourself how over-the-top, inspiring, and beautiful Christian Dior’s collection is. It may be a fall collection, but it’s obvious that spring has sprung for Christian Dior. Like this neon dress that struts the line between yellow and green, brightness is in nearly every look. This dress feels fresh and unique, but it’s also something that you could see easily adapted for the red carpet. (Though only Lady Gaga would wear the head piece.)

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

The only thing I dislike about these entire collection is those damn rubber gloves. I’ve seen them on runways before, and whenever they’re in orange or yellow, it just feels like the woman is strutting down the runway to wash some dishes or operate on someone. But I love, love, love the beaded bodice and voluminous skirt – not unique in any structural way, but glamorous and exquisite regardless.

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

You have to love Dior for the way the avant-garde pops into these looks. The way those flowers cascade down the skirt, which would be gorgeous even without them, just strikes me as incredibly romantic. And the colors of those flowers! This is the one time I like the use of the gloves, because that purple color is just another glorious surprise. That iced robin’s-egg-blue color of the sweater is phenomenal, as is the collar. I’m not sure what’s happening with that paper bag belt/sash/bow, but it keeps me guessing, and ultimately leaves me wanting more.

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

Sold.

Check the Democracy Diva later tonight for today’s Diva’s Choice – one piece of overpriced fabulousness every day!

Midsummer Red Carpet Recap

Forgive me, poodles. I just moved to a new place and just got internet today, so this Diva has not had much time for blogging. But it’s Fashion Week in gay Par-ee, so we’ve got some red carpet looks to catch up on before we hit the big time. Let’s dive in.

Repeat Winner: Prodigy Edition

Dakota Fanning in Elie Saab

Head-to-toe perfection, as per usual. I particularly love the natural makeup; too many young starlets, even if they dress well, tend to age themselves ten years with heavy makeup, but this styling lets Dakota’s youth and beauty shine. The dress is obviously to die for, but I think we need a close-up on those shoes:

Dakota Fanning in Christian Louboutin shoes

Those sexy studded shoes just jumped to the top of my MUST HAVE list. (By “must have,” I of course mean “could not dream of affording.”) This outfit is the textbook definition of gritty-meets-pretty – the girl’s hair, skin, and dress are practically glowing with angelic beauty, but she throws on her studded Loubs and suddenly it’s a whole different ball game. (That’s the first and last sports reference you’ll find on this blog, kittens.)

Fugly Beyond Her Years

Annalynne McCord in Nicole Miller

I’d like you all to guess how old this woman is. If I was in a bad mood, I’d probably guess 45; at my most forgiving, I’d say mid-thirties.

SHE’S TWENTY-TWO. This bitch is MY age and already looks like she’s been chasing her pack-a-day habit with a bottle of gin every night for twenty years. Let’s forget the fact that she broke one of the most important Diva Commandments: Thou shalt wear your actual dress size, not the dress size you aim to be. Other bloggers and fashion experts have wisely said, “Wear a size bigger, and you’ll look a size smaller.” Certainly, this unforgivingly tight dress supports that claim. If only it supported McCord’s breasts.

Fun fact: I wikipedia-ed McCord (to find out her age), and my boyfriend Nate looked at her picture and said, “That looks like Carrot Top.” I rest my case.

Best Nobody

Clemence Poesy in vintage Chanel

InStyle informs me that Clemence Poesy, who has probably the worst stage name I’ve ever heard, is one of the new stars of Gossip Girl. I stopped watching that show when the guy from Next to Normal left the girl from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for dead in a car crash. (I know their names, it’s just way more fun to refer to them that way.) Anyway, she needs her roots touched up, and I’m not sure her face is quite beautiful enough to be going for that fresh-faced, natural thing that Dakota Fanning nailed above, but this dress is amazing. It’s not exactly hard to wear a perfect, simple vintage Chanel dress, but she kept things neat and simple with the accessories, and I respect her for that. Even if she has a dumbass name.

[Diva’s Note: It just came to my attention (thanks, Thu) that this girl actually played Fleur in the Harry Potter movies! Something I totally should have known, but what can I do, kittens? But the point is, maybe it’s not a dumbass name – it’s really just that she’s French, and has a French name, and I’m an idiot.]

First Lady Fashion

Michelle Obama in Azzedine Alaïa

Too bad for the Canadian Prime Minister and his wife – they’d look pretty cute, if they weren’t standing next to such a fabulous looking couple. Sorry, Canada, but you lose even in this photo, as it is clear that Americans have infinitely better fashion sense. Our First Lady looks truly amazing here – we all know it’s not easy to wear a white dress outside your wedding day, but Michelle not only nails it, but pairs it with great shoes, a fabulous bracelet, and her most flattering hairstyle to date. Not to mention that her arms, legs, and yes, FLOTUS cleavage look simply spectacular.

Repeat Offender

Jada Pinkett Smith

Well. Everything about this is terrible. Actually, to be fair, that tuxedo jacket would be fierce with a t-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans, but this… this is worse than Jada’s Tony awards mishap. I just don’t really understand what’s happening on top of her head, but I know it’s giving me a migraine.

Risks That Pay Off

Claire Danes in Zac Posen

Kudos to Claire Danes – this is definitely not a dress that the average woman, or even the average Hollywood woman, can pull off. But I think she’s absolutely glowing in this fabulous Zac Posen mixed print. It could have come off as costumey or even clownish, but Claire nails it, proving that a great smile makes every outfit even more fabulous.

Underage Stripper of the Week

Taylor Momsen

The photo on the left, though it should disturb me, unfortunately is not a surprise. It’s downright tame for Momsen, and actually would make a pretty fantastic Rocky Horror costume.

But the shoes, my friends. The shoes. Clear platform shoes. With actually dollar bills in them. AND THE SHOES SAY “TIPS” ON THEM. I mean, the girl is sixteen – shouldn’t that be illegal?

Best and Worst: Most Surprising Makeovers

Kristen Stewart in Herve Leger by Max Azria

I never dreamed I would say this, but K-Stew looks pretty fucking awesome right now. The new hair color is doing wonders for her. Usually when someone dyes their hair an entirely new color, it looks completely unnatural, but this feels so much more natural than her nearly-black hair did. The highlights frame her face beautifully, and I think the short hair is working for her as well. Not to mention the fact that she’s wearing a killer dress and fabulous heels (Brian Atwood shoes, to be exact). For once, her pale skin looks like beautiful porcelain instead of deathly ill. And those legs? Goodbye, knobbly knees; hello, supermodel. (Well, not quite. But in the immortal words of Whitney Fetterhoff, she’s got one hell of a set of getaway sticks.) And although she’s not smiling in this picture, she also doesn’t look like she wants to kill anyone, and has clearly been making an effort to not look so fucking miserable lately. I don’t know if the Eclipse producers picked a hot new stylist for her to drum up even more press about the film, but big hugs to whoever made this look happen. Let’s hope it stays.

Heidi Klum

Again, something I thought I’d never say: Heidi Klum isn’t looking so great, guys. Her new haircut fully sucks. It’s like if a scissor-happy kindergartener went to town on Anna Wintour’s bob. I guess the choppiness of it is a look, but it just looks sloppy, not chic. And it ages her about a decade – as does the skirt, which could be worn during Klum’s gynecologist appointment, as it provides such easy access. Heidi is a gorgeous woman with killer legs, but a slit that high does favors to absolutely no one.

Best Street Fashion: Diva’s Pick

Drew Barrymore

Recently, someone asked me what I’d wear every day if I could wear anything. I told them it was cocktail dresses with sneakers, but clearly I was wrong. Because this, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what I would wear to walk around the city. A vintage sundress, hipster sunglasses, my signature messy bun, and the perfect pair of heels. I’ve never seen such effortless fashion before – I actually can’t stop looking at this picture. I think the lipstick matching the shoes is what really seals the deal for me. Never-ending kudos to Drew for wearing this casually around the West Village. I envy you.

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