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 Unmatched Beauty of Paris Fashion Week

I couldn’t narrow it down to a happy little number. There was too much beauty. So pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and put your feet up, dear readers, ’cause we’ve got some fabulous to see.

Paris Goes Punk

 

Balmain Spring 2011

 

Studded accessories have been a super-hot trend for months, and Balmain (thankfully) refuses to tire of it. This jacket is beyond perfection. It gives incredible edge and style to whatever you wear it with. And if you’re Lady Gaga, just wear it with a thong and you’re all set!

 

Balmain Spring 2011

 

This is easily the best pair of destroyed jeans I’ve ever seen. How did I not know until now that cigarette burns look AWESOME on clothes? And that ultra-faded tank is the essence of cool.

 

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011

 

Joan Jett wigs were all over the Jean Paul Gaultier runway, giving a rocker edge to every single look. Unique twists on classic pieces also ruled this collection – like this bubble-hemmed corseted shirtdress and its somehow effortless, I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude.

Hello, Color!

 

Giambattista Valli Spring 2011

 

That is some impeccable draping. And the color-blocking is terrifically executed. Any woman could rock a dress like this. And that shade of orange is perfect.

 

Nina Ricci Spring 2011

 

Gorgeous look. Totally feminine and sweet, but incredibly fashion-forward. The design on the shirt is beautiful; complex, but not overdesigned. The skirt is heaven, and the colors scream spring. Matching the purse, but not the shoes, to the outfit was a genius styling decision. And best of all, all these pieces can be rocked separately OR together.

 

Lanvin Spring 2011

 

Who said you can’t wear red with pink? Lanvin proves that the combo of these colors can be utterly show-stopping. Dramatic and fabulous as they come – but I expect nothing less from Lanvin.

Hot Trends: Military & Lace

 

Valentino Spring 2011

 

There’s something so delicate and romantic about a dress like this. I love the skinny belt and the possibly studded, but perhaps just bejeweled shoes. The combination of such different textures is really intriguing. The dress is simple at first glance, but when you really examine it, it seems so meticulously designed and executed.

 

Valentino Spring 2011

 

Gorgeous. Another fantastic Valentino piece that gives off a false sense of simplicity when it’s really a phenomenally put together garment. The lace just seems so luxurious. And even though she’s fully covered up, there’s so much sex appeal in all that lace beauty.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

Proving that true fashion lives on even after we’re gone, this season’s Alexander McQueen collection was absolutely amazing. Nothing strayed too far from McQueen’s unique vision, but every piece still felt new and exciting. I love this regal/military inspired jacket with the totally adorable and wearable skirt. It’s a great combination of silhouettes, and the little peek-a-boo at the shoulders is so charming.

Jaw-Dropping Gowns

 

Lanvin Spring 2011

 

Another mega-hit gown from Lanvin. Perfect spring muted pastel colors – the tan and camel colors were particularly hot this season, but few designers paired it with “real” colors in such a beautiful way. But that sort of smoky jade colored skirt is unbelievable, from the flow to the fabric to the color. The necklace and shoes are amazing; once again, Lanvin reminds us of why the Paris shows are unmatched in fabulosity.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

The interwoven braids are astounding, and they perfectly match this Eve on the Garden of Eden’s Red Carpet vibe. The gold leaves and branches climbing up the bodice are astounding, the silhouette is classic McQueen. There’s something so ethereal about this. It took my breath away. And you can kinda see her nipples, but it’s subtle – at least compared to every other designer this season (let me tell you, nipples are BACK). Definitely my favorite look from New York Fashion Week.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

But boy, did this dress bring the DRAMA. As Nate (this Diva’s boyfriend) said to me this week, Alexander McQueen was one of the only designers who could make non-fashionistas (read: straight men) believe that fashion can truly be art. I’m happy to see that the artistic genius of McQueen’s work lives on.

You know you love the runway! Paris is grand, but check out my recaps of London, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks. And check back later for the EPIC Red Carpet Predictions post!

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