Emmys 2011: Booby Trapped

There were a lot of…restrictions on the Emmy Red Carpet this year.

Straps, single and double scoops, one-shouldered slings and yards of tape held things together.

If there are so many stylists in Hollywood, why are they dressing everyone the same – regardless of age, personality and style?

It’s all getting very silly from my perspective, so I’ve given you my thoughts on what I would have liked to see these ladies in.

A beautiful woman in the wrong dress. I would have loved to see her in something edgy - Haider Ackermann comes to mind.

I loved the length of the dress - but Kaley should have gone full-out '50s strapless and ditched the shoulder sling, opting for vintage bling instead.

Prom-ise me this won't happen again. I would have dressed her in Gaultier.

You prom-ised... Black and white printed Giles from FW11 would have been a stunner on her.

This dress could have worked in a different fabric and without the cummerbund. See Kate, Christine for examples. Oscar's feathered black and white pouf would have been lovely, too.

She is just adorable, but I say again, why are we dressing teenagers like 45-year olds? I would have loved to see her in a pretty Erdem or Jonathan Saunders frock with some Charlotte Olympia shoes.

I would have dressed Sofia Vergara in Stephane Rolland Couture. Full stop.

Edie Falco could have rocked in YSL. I see a cigarette pant, a tuxedo jacket, a sparkly lariat and some smoky eyes.

Sigh. Chanel's '20s Daisy from Resort 2010 would have been so much better, here.

See what I mean…

And the gorgeous woman who always brings her golden globes, regardless of awards show... Can we try a different tactic, next red carpet? Maybe Tom Ford's white suit from SS11?

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Photo Credits: 1, 3, 8. Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images; All other photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Emmys 2011: Neutralized

Some went for it in red.

More opted for unbasic black.

Others got the blues.

These ladies remained neutral.

Kristen Wiig took the plunge in Zac Posen.

Barrymore is less - Drew in Givenchy Couture.

This collection has gotten a lot of air play by the air-kissing set. It looks gorgeous on her.

Drew’s dress, along with Lena Headey’s, were my two favourites of the night.

My rule for ruling the red carpet? If you are lucky enough to go -  go for it.

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Photo Credits: 1. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; 2-3. JustJared.

Emmys 2011: I’ve Got Blues For You

I’ve got news for you. There was another colour that dominated the Red Carpet at the Emmys last night – in my eyes, anyway. Varying hues of blue stood out amongst the nude, red and black numbers, too many of that trio to count.

Canadian chick, Cobie Smulders went Italian chic in bright turquoise Alberta Ferretti.

Ode to a Grecian Girl.

The softer, shorter waves were sultry and worked so well with the dress.

Amy Poehler must have stopped off on Electric Avenue to pick up her Peter Som gown.

It was all about the fit last night. Fit X 2.

And while I just loved Minka Kelly’s Christian Dior gown, it could have been fit better to her slender frame.

Tiers of joy.

When Minka moved, the dress front and sleeves twisted and gaped. With a thousand stylists and a zillion watchers, this should not be permitted to happen.

The best part of the dress was the deep V in the back, which you can see slightly, here.

The blues uplifted my spirits.

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Photo Credits: 4. Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic; All other photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Emmys 2011: Unbasic Black

Red seemed to be the colour to be in, on the Emmys Red Carpet this year. However, many starlets opted to paint it black – with a little extra oomph, of course.

A little sparkle, a little woo-hoo, I-see-through, and the black becomes un-boring.

Evan Rachel Wood, for one, cleaned up nicely for her nom last night, in glistening Elie Saab.

Evan Rachel Wood does glamour goddess vs. her usual gothic-mess Miss.

Maria Menounos gave her a run for her unspent money - in a similar dress by Ungaro.

Overall, it was a night for polite applause – not many gasp-out-loud moments. You know a carpet is staid when the biggest gasp of the night comes from Gwyneth. The drama unfolded, two-fold. First, she was baring her midriff. This concerns me – and a friend who greatly admires Mrs. Martin. This isn’t the first baring of non-essentials this year. Second, the brand isn’t in GP’s GPS – she wore Pucci again (the prior showing of non-essentials also involved Pucci).

Gwyneth Paltrow in peek-a-boo Pucci.

I actually think that the dress would be lovely if the midriff were somewhat altered. Either cover it entirely or take away the chiffon bits that make her svelte figure look frumpy. Without the sheer fabric, it would have taken on a sari-esque quality, which I am sorry that it didn’t. Otherwise, the work on the dress is quite intricate.

Practicing her royal wave.

Speaking of peek-a-boo, Kelly Macdonald took a step off the Boardwalk and onto the carpet in revealing Stella McCartney. Many starlets have chosen the polka-dot variation of this dress for numerous premieres this season (the collection looks like it sold quite well), but she opted for a leafy lace, longer version of it.

Kelly Macdonald's dress won me over. Sadly she didn't win the Emmy this year.

A trace of lace, in the right place.

Red carpet dressing is all about editing – and balance. Anna Paquin’s golden and dark tresses complemented her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown perfectly.

Anna Paquin and Scott Caan (who seems to be everywhere these days), presenting at the awards.

Loved her dewy complexion, too.

Again, it’s all about feeling comfortable in your skin – and if a black dress is your comfort zone, then so be it. Just free it.

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Photo Credits: 1, 3, 5, 7. Courtesy of JustJared; 2, 5-6. Photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; 8. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Emmys 2011: Déjà Vintage

Jennifer Westfeldt wore vintage to last night’s Emmy Awards.

Jon Hamm-some and Jennifer Westfeldt - he, in Tom Ford; she, in 1950s vintage.

Given the length of her hair, the golden waves and the ’50s vintage gown, I couldn’t help having a déjà vu.

Renée Zellweger in Jean Desse, at the 2011 Oscars.

While it isn’t quite the same dress, it’s from the same decade, the same colour and Ms. Westfeldt accessorized it very similarly.

However, she trumps Zellweger with the best arm accessory of all...Mr. Hamm-some.

Zellweger was one of the first to start the vintage trend on the red carpet. This dress certainly is a memorable one.

Both are beautiful dresses – but a stylist somewhere is being scolded right now for not doing their homework.

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Photo Credits (in order): Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage; Vanity Fair photo;  Photo by Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Celebuzz photo.

Emmys 2011: Simply Best Dressed

Another red carpet under our bejewelled belts, my dears. More frou and froth, more nude numbers and lips (!) and alas, many more prom dresses.

But amidst the crumpets, I heard trumpets.

Hark, are those ladies I see approaching?

Indeed.

Ladies that need not wait for their shining moment (or knight in shining Armani).

It takes the most confident of women to stand apart – in the simplest of dresses.

The key? Fit – and fit. It should fit your body like it was stitched on you and it should fit your personality (such a rarity on any red carpet these days).

These were simply my favourite dresses of the evening.

Lena Headey was gothentically gorgeous.

Anyone know who the dress is by? My guess is Rochas, when it was designed by Theyskens. It has a similar cut to the Rochas black bird dress that Kirsten Dunst wore to the Oscars in 2007, no? It also reminds me of the things I loved about Edith Bowman’s dress from the BAFTAs. [Update Sept 22: Lena Headey's gown is by Alessandra Rich FW11 - thanks to one of my readers, Artie for identifying it.]

From gothentic to authentic…Kate always exemplifies that for me. She is always true to herself – and her curves. Hats off to cap sleeves, too – they were all over the carpet this year.

Ms. Winslet, in Elie Saab.

The diamond drops were a lovely length and her pixie cut is growing out nicely. I like the softer waves.

It's all about the fit.

You know how I feel about a nude lip – there was such a glorious opportunity to do a red lip, here. At least there is a hint of colour, unlike the foundation lips on most others, tonight.

Not a hair or a seam out of place. See what I mean about fit?

Christine Baranski’s Zac Posen gown had a similar flavour. The cap sleeves here echo Roland Mouret’s Galaxy dress and the column is enhanced with a slight flare. It was both age appropriate, and perfect for her figure. And Ms. Baranski, thank you for wearing red lipstick.

Christine Baranski in Zac Posen.

Roland Mouret's out-of-this-world, Galaxy dress from FW05.

Age appropriate, elegant and very flattering.

I also applauded Laura Linney for rocking a thigh-high Celine dress with sky-high strappy sandals. Bravo for those who take a chance! The group photos don’t do it justice, really, but it moved so well – and she looked like – sigh – herself!  Award-worthy.

I also loved this scene with all the nominees for the Best Actress in a Comedy Series presentation.

Best Actress, Comedy nominees at 2011 Emmy Awards.

I loved Laura Linney in Celine. Kudos to her for risking it with a short dress...

...and rocking a strappy sandal with fab legs.

I’ll have lots more of my observations tomorrow. For now, some beauty sleep.

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Photo Credits: 1, 7-9. Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images; 2-4. Courtesy of JustJared; 5-6. Photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images;

Ah-na Does Geek Chic?

I’ve just fallen over in my stilts.

Ms. Wintour attended the Webby Awards in New York last night.

Even as I type that, I cannot believe she was there in person.

Anna, hanging with the other geeks at the Webbys - seen here with Daniel Radcliffe who introduced her on stage.

Have our worlds – and words – collided, Ms. Wintour? For the unworldly, un-nerdy few who may not know, the Webbys are a night honouring the Internet’s best citizens – showcasing excellence in websites, interactive advertising and online film and video.

Green with envy that I - a veteran web chick - wasn't there to see the web chic in person.

She was in attendance to accept the “People’s Voice” award for Vogue.com.

She may have come to the online party fashionably late, but the Vogue voice is heard by the digital herds, the world over.

Here’s her infamous and petite acceptance speech.

That may have just made my week.

Images: Top two photos by Michael Loccisano; last photo by Jamie McCarthy, both from Getty Images North America.

Cannes 2011: Déjà Vu Danglers

First Bianca dangled the idea…

The greening of the red carpet, by Bianca Balti.

Uma dabbled…

She wore a white Versace gown and green ear drops.

Sonam hung on…

Her makeup is a little citrus-y here, but Sonam had the same idea when it came to pairing her gown and jewels.

…adding a handful of gems, in the end.

Dangling party-ciple.

I first saw the combination of green beads over white at Eina Ahluwalia’s show during Lakme Fashion Week.

Still green with envy. Want.

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Images: 1. WENN; 2,3.  Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 4. Photo by Bauer Griffin. 5. Courtesy of Eina Ahluwalia.

Cannes 2011: Déjà Vu Dresses

Amongst the sea breezes and star-gazing, amongst the taking of toasts and teasing tresses, there were more than a handful of deja views from this distant observer, and perhaps even a singing mermaid or two.

Settle in with your double espresso and tell me if you see what I see.

Aish wore a nude lace Elie Saab at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

But I think Penelope Cruz wore nude lace Elie Saab better at last year's Fest.

Aish opted for Armani Privé on another evening during the Festival.

Naomi Watts had chosen a similar Armani Privé gown for the amfAR gala at last year's Festival.

Take a second look - the idea is the same.

There was much fuss over Rachel McAdams in Marchesa – but to me, it just looked clumsy at every turn.

Not a trained professional, in this case.

Burlesque star Julie Atlas Muz wore something last year that might remind you of this year's Marchesa.

Now I know what you are thinking – the dresses are in different leagues. Agreed, but it is the same idea, only the execution and quality differs, in my opinion.

While she carried the dress everywhere she went, I'm not sure she carried it off.

Muz carried it with confidence, at least.

This dress needed a delicate shoe - not a pump. And it needed to be held with poise, not pumped fists.

If you are still doubting my double take, I’ve got the evidence to back it up.

Back-tracking.

More expensive or just as cheap?

Penelope Cruz wore a similar see-through-you look later in the week, also in Marchesa.

Penelope Cruz ascends the famous steps, in an infamous gown, accompanied by Mr. Depp.

The two pirates at the Pirates premiere.

To me, the frou and flaunt was unnecessary. Take another look at how breathtaking she was in last year’s Elie Saab, not to mention on the boat earlier that day with Johnny.

And the circle is complete.

(Note to Ms. McAdams: that is how you hold a dress.)

See more Aishwarya in Cannes 2011: Trained Professional.

See more Johnny in Cannes 2011: Quadruple Depp.

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1, 13, 14.  Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 2, 4, 5. Getty; 3. Photo by Andreas Rentz – Getty Images Europe; 6, 8, 10, 12. JustJared.com; 7. Life magazine; 9. AP; 11. Exposay.com;

Cannes 2011: Nansun Chic

Jury members at Cannes are the hardest hit when it comes to haute couture – they need sooo much sartorial stuff for non-stop photo ops.

Hong Kong über producer and 2011 jury member, Nansun Shi pulled off some very unique looks during Cannes – no easy feat with the international jet-set crowd and a gazillion pretty young starlets at every turn.

Nansun Shi at the opening ceremonies in a Chinese embroidered gown.

It's worthy of a bow, I think.

In daytime red and killer shoes, with director Tsui Hark. Is it just moi, or do those shoes remind you of Romeo Gigli?

Sometimes, with all those starlets and all that effort by others, it pays to just be yourself.

Perfect asymmetry, with fellow jury members Liv Ullmann, Olivier Assayas and Jude Law. Have you noticed that Jude seems to be having the best time in each and every group shot?

With a well-coordinated jury.

The dress is simple, the diamonds complex.

Sea green silk on a sunny day on the Riv.

What goes best with carats? Chanel darling, Chanel.

Experienced pros: Nansun Shi and Robert De Niro give fashion fads the cold shoulder.

Fellow juror, Uma Thurman also had some great looks during the Fest.

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1, 2: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 3, 9. Photo by Michael Buckner – Getty Images Europe; 4,5. Photo by Andreas Rentz – Getty Images Europe; 6, 8, 10. Photo by Bauer Griffin; 7. Photo by Ian Gavan Getty Images Europe;

Cannes 2011: Flat Out Gorgeous

Twelve days, hundreds of red carpets, thousands of photo ops – it’s bound to be tough on a girl’s toes.

No wonder many starlets fancied flats on more than a few occasions during the Cannes Film Festival.

Giuseppe Zanotti, as seen on the tender tootsies of Elizabeth Olsen.

The other Olsen sister was wearing sib label, The Row with her fab flats.

Is it me, or does she have a Maggie Gyllenhaal thing going on?

And there is that hair adornment on the red carpet, again.

Love this soft updo. Must try it next time I am on the Riviera and/or red carpet.

Speaking of Rivieras, this woman knows a thing or two about French style.

Don't you wish we could pull this off?

Inès opted for Roger Vivier flats – she is a consultant for the brand, after all. She was also part of the Draper’s Convention at the Fest.

Uma Thurman is no stranger to flats, and she was caught in them throughout Cannes.

Uma in her Jimmy Choos.

Novel concept for moi: flats and Haute Couture - Chanel, in this case.

It dizzies me to think of the number of ensembles Ms. Thurman had to pack for this trip. As a jury member, she was on ze tapis rouge every evening, at photo calls during the day, out and about in separate outfits and of course, at the pre, post and party parties.

If this isn't Dolce and Gabbana, it ought to be. Uma channels their Italian widow look on the French Riviera.

Incidentally, those are the same GZs as Elizabeth’s, above.

When Uma did opt for heels – at the Cannes closing ceremony – she stood high above the rest in more ways than one. She knocked a few thousand others down an inch or three, by donning one of the biggest trends this season – electric blue.

Hard to miss the spark of electric blue against a red carpet!

Jury, what say you? Uma, stands out amongst the crowd (her fellow jury members).

Gracefully carried. Oh, and hey Jude, nice shoes.

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Images: 1-3: PacificCoastNews.com; 4. Elizabeth: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 5. Ines: Photo by Ian Gavan – Getty Images Europe; 6,8. Uma: Photo by FlynetPictures.com; 7, 9, 10. Uma: Photo by Bauer Griffin; 11. Uma: Photo by Francois Durand – Getty Images Europe.

Cannes 2011: Draper’s Convention

Why ride a train, when you can drape – or rather, be draped in luxurious fabric?

There were more than a few drapery samples on the red carpet at Cannes this year.

Here are a few that I peered out at, from my window on the world.

Inès de la Fressange in Carven and Roger Vivier flats. Photo by Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images Europe.

Linn Ullmann , seen here with fellow jury members, had a lovely grey sheath dress that draped in all the right places. Photo by Ian Gavan - Getty Images Europe.

The Jury, being judged on their fashion. Photo: Getty.

It doesn't take much, does it? Photo by Ian Gavan - Getty.

Easy, breezy, Bollywood beauty Rani Mukherjee at Cannes. Photo: Getty.

But sorry ladies, the best draper was definitely…

Johnn Hamm-some AKA Don Draper. Photo courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

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Cannes 2011: I’m On A Boat

Penelope Cruz is about to get on a boat.

Check the heels.

I suppose a girl has to represent - if she is Cruz-ing Cannes with a Depp-onair fellow.

My, my, what stilts they are! The perfect point to make a point – and a pose – in.

Why opt for sensible shoes when you can go sans?

And to have a sea of men to help you – that is the mark of a true movie star. Note one gentleman helping her off the boat, while another carries her shoes.

Deppth of field: outshining Johnny.

See more of Mr. Depp’s Cannes style.

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Images: Top two courtesy of PacificCoastNews.com. Last photo by Bauer Griffin.

Cannes 2011: Quadruple Depp

Johnny.

Cannes.

You are most welcome.

By all means, look back. Photo: PacificCoastNews.com.

What? The holes provide ventilation in the heat. And it is hot, 'innit? Photo by Bauer Griffin.

The man has a style all his own. Photo by Andreas Rentz - Getty Images Europe.

Back to the short hair from the old days. Photo: PacifiCoastNews.com.

He was, of course, in Cannes for the premiere of the fourth installment of the Pirates franchise.

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Cannes 2011: Swinton Smitten

Oh, Ms. Swinton – that wardrobe voodoo – you do it so well.

When all the others are in prom dresses and trains, you jump on a state-of-the-art jet plane.

And it’s first class all the way, with ne’er a hair out of place.

Fresh, no fuss and certainly no muss: Tilda Swinton on the red carpet at Cannes. Photo by Andreas Rentz - Getty Images Europe.

Wearing Haider Ackermann, like only she can. Photo: Getty.

She's got the style to back it up. Photo: Getty.

Swooning for Swinton. Photo: Getty.

Earlier that day, Ms. Swinton had shown up for a photo call for the same film – We Need to Talk About Kevin – looking just as chic.

Daytime dressing at its best. Photo by Andreas Rentz - Getty Images Europe.

High praise for the high waist. The softer blouse complements the tailored skirt divinely and asserts it with a simple arrow pin. Mr. Eliot would have approved. Photo by Bauer Griffin.

Still swooning... Photo by Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images Europe.

A close up of her Roger Vivier sandals. Photo by Andreas Rentz - Getty Images Europe.

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More Tilda, please.