The CMT Awards Best Dressed List

DAHLINGS -

To put it in a way country music fans will understand, the pickin's were mighty slim at the CMT Awards earlier this week. Not quite as much of a snooze fest as the MTV Movie Awards, but there were a few pretties on display.

But before I begin, a question: why is David Spade allowed to live, much less attend the CMT Awards? What does he have to do with country music? Is owning an Ipod really enough?

And he looks so delighted to be there, too.

All right, on to the Best Dressed.

You all know my taste, which inclines toward the classics. However, my favorite outfit of the night belonged to Elizabeth Cook:

This had color, individuality, and for this fashion writer, the sense that a woman with style picked her own clothes. Others may think it bizarre, but I applaud Ms. Cook. More than anything, this ensemble is fun.

Next, we have Faith Hill, in a breezy chiffon creation by J. Mendel that both flatters her figure and projects a secure self-image:

I am not a fan of showing this much sternum, but Ms. Hill actually has something to show, unlike many of the other evening's participants.

Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott worked a little black strapless dress that fit perfectly.


Taylor Swift looked pretty if rather uninspired in this John Galliano dress. Much fuss has been made of the fact that she straightened her hair that evening. This just in: Taylor Swift's hair announces that it has solution for the Gulf oil disaster!


Jada Pinkett-Smith was the essence of confidence in this blue crushed velvet dress, a mashup of two different Emilio Pucci designs:

My only criticism is that velvet seems to be an awfully warm fabric choice, particularly under the lights.

In the "Close, But No Cigar" category I am sorry to put singer Trisha Yearwood. While I admire her for her womanly shape, why dress it in a black, ill-fitting, unflattering dress that looks like it was made of black garbage bags? There's a goddess's figure under there, Ms. Yearwood!


Sarah Buxton's Empire-waisted dress was nice; sorry, no more interesting word comes to mind, but I rather liked it:

Although she is extremely gaunt, a disturbing trend that is taking speed throughout all of the entertainment industry (yes, I'm talking to you, Jennifer Hudson. Thank you ever so much for letting down thousands of larger women. I cannot wait until you gain it all back and the tabloids go insane).

For the menfolk, my first choice is Trace Adkins, shown her with his lovely wife and daughter. (It is also so refreshing to see real women at these events, even if they are invariably wives.) To me, he looks authentically "country." Since I do not actually listen to country music, to me Mr. Adkins looks like he gave his outfit some, but not too much, thought.


I loved musician Danny Gokey's take on the tuxedo (his resemblance to Robert Downey Jr. doesn't hurt, either.)


That is it for my Best-Dressed list, dahlings. To be honest, I did not think I would be able to make this many choices. Even if some of them were a bit of a stretch.

Worst-Dressed List up soon, and there are, as the common folk used to say, some doozies.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

No MTV Best-Dressed or Worst-Dressed Awards

DAHLINGS -

Yes, one combed through the multitudes of photographs of various celebrities, hoping for either a sublime dress or a ridiculous outfit. But, the only word for the dresses, jumpsuits and other garb at the MTV Awards is...

Boring. Oh, all right, two other words: dull, uninspired.

I think you can see what I mean by this line-up of the MTV Awards Best Dressed, as presented by http://www.redcarpetawards.com/


Photo courtesy of redcarpetawards

Countless thin young women dressed in variations of the same silhouette, be it slightly puffier on the bottom, or strapless, or with a belt...really, dahlings, who cares? Even Sandra Bullock didn't bother very much. Naturally, this being a so-called "subversive" award show, one was hoping for glitz, glamor, lunacy! Instead, we got a parade of narcolepsy-inducing fashion.

The only stand-out, in my mind, was Christina Aguilera. She seems to be having an emotional and stylistic meltdown after since the ascent of Lady Gaga. (Where was Gaga, by the way? We could have used her!!) If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I suppose Xtina adores Gaga. Too bad it is such a poor imitation. Even in Versace.



Oh, well, at least it was something different. Let's hope the next awards show eschews so much quiet good taste.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

The 2010 Academy Awards Best Dressed

DAHLINGS -

As I trawl the Internet to bring you tid-bits for my blog-thing, I am truly amazed by the variety of opinions I find on the gowns worn by the actresses at the Academy Awards. Awash in strapless columns and ruffles, the readers do not know where to turn!

Fortunately, you no longer have to be confused, because I am here to guide you.

ZOE KRAVITZ

The actress daughter of Lenny Kravitz looks radiant in a white and red gown that is simplicity itself. Even if her father's music is derivative, Zoe clearly has her own sense of style.

KATHRYN BIGELOW

Even before I knew she was the Oscar-winning director of the Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker (nyah-nyah, James Cameron!) I thought she was one of the best dressed women on the red carpet. This titanium silk YSL dress makes the most of her beautiful figure.

MO'NIQUE

What makes this Tadashi Shoji look particularly special is that the actress (who won for Best Supporting) is saluting Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American ever to win an Oscar, by wearing blue and a flower in her hair. As Ms. McDaniels did all those years ago.

SUSAN DOWNEY

Not only does Susan have the finest arm candy of the evening in husband Robert Downey Jr., her dress fits perfectly, and displays individuality and flair in the best way possible. (The worst possible ways will be in my next entry.)

GABBY SIDIBE

She coined the immortal line, "If fashion is porn, then I am the money shot!" (If that has to be explained to you, go ask your parents.) This beautiful blue gown is by Marchesa. My only disappointment is that she again lost the Best Actress Award to Sandra Bullock, who has been winning so many awards she might as well phone in her awards speech.

MERYL STREEP

Stunning once again in a gown by my darling Chris March! The man can do ANYTHING! She looks poised, age-appropriate, and very sexy. Her hair and jewelry complement her dress perfectly.

MARISKA HARGITAY

She made Worst Dressed on my last list, but let's face it, how many of today's actresses know how to work a strapless gown to the hilt? This dark blue number makes the most of her many assets.

QUEEN LATIFAH

What can one say? (If you think I'm going to say "All Hail The Queen" I'll slap you silly.) She knows herself, she knows the red carpet, she has it down to a beautiful science. All women should be so effortlessly comfortable with themselves.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS

She is actually attending Elton John's fabled Oscar After-Party, but she looks so fabulous I had to include her on my list. Even if the photograph is from a terrible angle. I'll wager the photographer stood on a chair. They used to do that to Marilyn, too.

So there are my picks. Feel free to comment, to agree or disagree, or to mention someone I've left out. For the record, Maggie Gyllenhall and Sigourney Weaver both looked lovely, but not quite up to this particular standard. Of course, Alec Baldwin looked...well, hot is the only word I can think of. Oh, dear, I need to go off and fan myself. That is not a euphemism.

And remember, I am always right.

Ciao,
Elisa and Bucky The Wonderdog

*All images courtesy of Getty and Wireimage

The 2010 SAG Awards: Best Dressed, Part Two

DAHLINGS -


As I said, there were so many choices I had to break this into two entries. This is rarely the case with award shows, but many celebrities seemed to have learned from their mistakes. And others knew what worked for them.


Case in point: Jane Lynch. This is another full-sweep gown, this time strapless and in a deep, rich blue.





And speaking of learning from your mistakes, this time Mariah Carey chose to keep her bosom covered. Well, almost covered. Some fashion critics think her dress emphasizes her weight, but she is voluptuous and looks gorgeous that way. To those critics I say: eat a sandwich!




I simply detested that ruffly pink thing Diane Kruger wore to the Golden Globes, but this figure-hugging mustard gown by Jason Wu is the essence of old-style Hollywood.





One of my favorites, Christina Hendricks, went for Carolina Herrera, in a bold red. My only cavil is the updo, which makes her head look just a tad small for her bold figure.





And another favorite, Neicy Nash, wore a conservative yet seductive black and white dress. This time the top fit perfectly, as did the rest of her gown. And the neckline allowed her to showcase her necklace. The yellow clutch doesn't go with the outfit, but who really cares?





Despite being widely criticized for her black and white Golden Globes dress, Tina Fey did not go back to safe black. Instead, she opted for a Salvatore Ferragamo deep purple draped dress which suits her slim yet curvy shape.





I'm a bit on the fence about Julia Louis-Dreyfus's dress, but on the whole I like the cut, if not the fabric.





Drew Barrymore always knows what to wear on the red carpet (no wonder, she's been walking it since she was a fetus). She does not disappoint in this blue tiered Monique Lhuilier. The tier is ringed by elaborate embroidery. However, I do wish Drew had worn some lipstick.




As much as I wanted to love it, Gabourey Sidibe 's dress did not flatter her as much as her Golden Globes gown. The ruching and color are lovely, but the cut of the sleeves sit strangely over the bosom, making this beautiful girl look slightly ungainly.



Now before you think I've gone soft on you, my faithful readers, later I shall post my Worst Dressed!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

The 2010 SAG Awards: The Best Dressed

DAHLINGS -

There was an embarrassment of riches (also an embarrassment of embarrassments) at this past Saturday's Screen Actors Guild Awards. Hugh Laurie again did not win, damn it all.
However, let us move on to the dresses!

If I had to pick a single favorite among the gowns, it would be Jane Krakowski's white satin marvel. It drapes around her superbly, and is perfect for the red carpet.



The runner up is Sofia Vergara, in a two-tone dress that stood out from all of the monochrome all around her.




I did not care for Christina Applegate's pale blue chiffon from the front, but the back won me over completely.



Helen Mirren has certainly looked more spectacular, but here she looks both extremely sexy and comfortable. Would that we would all age so well!



Speaking of aging gracefully, Meryl Streep won my heart in this dazzling Balenciaga.



It is truly a pity that I could not find a full-length full frontal picture of Monique, whose gown was soft and feminine, showcasing her bounteous beauty.



The most improved award must go to Sophia Loren in Armani Prive'. Other than her outdated glasses, she looks ultra-sophisticated (the girl behind her is her daughter). The trim is completely contemporary, a modern spin on her iconic status.



There are so many more than I am going to break this into two posts!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

People's Choice Awards: The Best Dressed

DAHLINGS -

Before I start my list, I must say how thrilled I am that at last night's The People's Choice Awards:
1) House MD won as Best Dramatic Television Show
2) Hugh Laurie won as People's Choice Dramatic Actor!



However, I cannot put the star on my Best Dressed list because of that tie. Showing that James Wilson has not yet cornered the market on ugly ties. It was also delightful to see him with his real hair, without a hairpiece or whatever it is they put on his head and less beard.

The program itself was hellish to sit through. Approximately three minutes of programming, then eight minutes of commercials, then several minutes of a "special advance preview" of either an awful movie or an awful television show. If one cannot make a project look good in two minutes, one is in trouble. That's all I can say. The nadir was a CVS commercial used as actual programming. I have blocked the details from my mind. Onto the important part: the dresses.

The list for this event is a bit more difficult than my usual. So many of the stars, no matter what their wattage, wore one-shouldered dresses. Most of them were draped, Grecian style, but there was no shortage of other variations.

I must begin my list with the Host of The People's Choice Awards, the divine Queen Latifah. Her black one-shouldered entrance gown, with its evocation of 1950s movie star glamor, was perfection, as were the chorus boys helping her maneuver down that ill-conceived ramp stage left.



Another dream dress was a white strapless Georges Chakra gown with metallic trim around the waistline:



Next, the only reality show host I enjoy who's not on Project Runway, Clean House's Niecy Nash, showed off her stunning figure in a hot pink Grecian dress ( I told you one-shouldered dresses were all over the place last night). One had to restrain oneself from writing "my homegirl" because one has a smidgen of propriety.)



Lisa Edelstein, also of House, always makes my Best-Dressed List. She simply cannot look other than ravishing, although this David Meister gown is not one of my absolute favorites. But Ms. Edelstein gets points for covering both shoulders.



Speaking of House...I must betray my own values, my deepest feelings, and almost everything I have written about her in this blog...but...

Olivia Wilde made my list. Apologies, dear readers, but AT LAST Ms. Wilde wore a Monique Lhuillier dress that was flattering, rather than one of those awful skin-tight gowns that showed her jagged hipbones. Again, like the Queen, a fluffy dress, evocative of the 1950s:



Taraji P. Henson, voluptuous as always, struts her wares in this lovely (albeit yet another one-shoulder Grecian style) Alberta Ferreti lilac gown:



Despite a near-wardrobe malfunction during her acceptance speech, Mariah Carey showed off her womanly shape in a white halter gown:



Finally, the sublime Mary J. Blige. Yes, she is in a one-shouldered draped Grecian dress, but the shorter length, shoulder embellishment, perfect fit and soft gray color make the look:



Feel free to comment upon my choices, but bear in mind, I am always right.

Worst Dressed coming up!

Ciao, Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

The Tony Awards Best Dressed 2009

DAHLINGS -

Sorry this is late, my dears! I am writing this amidst piles of correspondence and packages that arrived during my absence. Not having an new assistant yet, I have been doing my level best to catch up. (Note to Andre Leon Talley: sorry I forgot to RSVP for your soiree!)

Here are my personal picks for last Sunday's Tony Awards Best Dressed. First, I must acknowlege the magnificent Angela Lansbury, still a model of chic at 83, and ever so gracious:


Next, we have the stylish Chandra Wilson, stunning in green Alberto Makali! Green was quite the color that evening.


Marcia Gay Harden, nominated for God of Carnage, also shone in her green strapless Carmen Marc Valvo gown, filled out as only a real woman can fill a dress:


As did Lauren Graham in bright satin:


Glenn Close was elegant simplicity at its best in her cream-colored strapless column dress:


Speaking of improving with age, nominee Jane Fonda took a fashion risk (the neckline) but succeeded gracefully with this lovely black gown.

After losing the Tony, Fonda twittered that she was off with a chum to enjoy a few vodkas.

I should also mention the high points of the broadcast for your faithful correspondent: the magnificent dance number from Billy Elliot:


Here are the three young lads who play Billy (the boy on the far right danced on the Tony Awards), all looking adorably embarrassed and happy:


The incomparable Liza Minelli, proving she can still bring the house down:


And host Neil Patrick Harris, television star, who was a sheer delight throughout the broadcast. His closing number will probably be played several million times on YouTube:


It was a perfect ending to an excellent broadcast. The Academy Awards could learn a few things!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog