The Friday Forum - January 11

I was watching the morning shows on television and heard some of the silliest red carpet predictions I've heard in a long time. To hear the guest from Marie Claire tell it, we will be seeing hideous gowns (in my opinion) in black and white (OK, that one has possibilities), bold ruffles, and prints - all based on what the big-time designers showed at their latest shows. The examples flashed on the screen were the polar opposite of Hollywood glamour. I must disagree with the "expert."

So, here is my prediction. We will see breathtaking color; clean, simple lines that flatter a woman's curves; embellishment, a bit of red, and gorgeous shades of gold. There will be black and white, but they won't be paired. Come to think of it, we seldom see celebrities dressed in bed sheets - although it has happened. Remember that shower curtain dress? I spent some time this morning in a search for that dress and finally found it on Michelle Williams.

I'm wondering what that darling nine-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis will wear. At her last red carpet event, she wore Ralph Lauren. That movie - Beasts of the Southern Wild - have you ever heard of it? Am I totally culturally deprived?

I'll be watching the fashion (and makeup) at the Golden Globes on Sunday. I love these shows - not usually the shows themselves, but the red carpet and occasional prize shots, like Angelina Jolie touching up her lip gloss with Chantecaille. I find it difficult to tweet continuously and watch the show, so I'll probably go easy on the tweets and concentrate a little more this time. By the time I've tweeted a comment, the camera has moved on. I will try to write a wrap-up feature the next morning. Let's all try to select our favorite hair and beauty looks, not just gowns. Could be fun. We can join Vogue. Check out Taylor Swift at the top of this feature above with a twisted up-do paired with copper-colored smoky eyes.

Turning to makeup, so far, I think the new collections are beautiful. Most spring colors work for me, so I look forward to their arrival. So far, I've been very happy with what I've seen. Some of the colors may be a little "young" for me - such as turquoise eyes - but I'm enjoying the looks and the fun. I've even got some summer collection photos to show you. While I'm usually conservative, summer is a time when I am willing to wear colorful eye looks and sun-kissed shades.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Ultimate Party Collection - just in time for some of the biggest parties of the year. The deadline for entering is tomorrow, Saturday, January 12, at midnight.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and http://gofugyourself.com