Golden Globes Fashion

I felt compelled to write a short review of last night's Golden Globes fashion scene. It had its usual hits and misses, and there's no way I can cover them all. I'll show you the hits that made me whistle, and I'll show you a few of the misses that made me wonder how a stylist could have been involved.

Amal Clooney (above) has impeccable taste - and a finely tuned sense of what's appropriate when your husband is receiving the highest honor of the night. She looked beautiful in her Dior Haute Couture, but by choosing black, she left the spotlight to him. The gloves? I could take or leave them, but I do admire her intelligent choice. On a night when you have to shake hands with many people, why not protect your health with gloves?

Emma Stone looked great in Lanvin and was one of the few women who opted for trousers. The contrast between the jeweled top and black pants by Lanvin was stunning.

Could Naomi Watts have looked any better? Her Gucci gown was beautiful (who says blondes can't wear yellow?), but that diamond snake necklace was the perfect complement.

Dakota Johnson in Chanel Haute Couture was drop-dead gorgeous. The gown spoke for itself. No snazzy jewelry was required.

Allison Williams radiated beauty in her Armani Privé gown. Red was hot last night, and she wore it best, I think.

I loved Lupita Nyong'o's Giambattista Vallie gown! I would wear that in a heartbeat. She was glorious.

Selma Hayek, wearing Alexander McQueen, was elegant. It's too bad they paired with with a rather drunken partner to present an award. She was very gracious.

Julianne Moore dazzled in her Givenchy Couture. The gradations in color and texture of her gown were stunning.

Plunging necklines were all the rage. Some were beautiful - mostly on smaller women. I loved Sienna Miller's look by Miu Miu. On the other hand, Jennifer Lopez looked like she was wearing a custom-cut shower curtain. The boning sticking into her breast was not attractive, and she must have been wearing a truckload of Hollywood Fashion Tape.

Her Golden Globes have been overexposed. Time to change up your look, JLo.

Kiera Knightly looked hideous in Chanel! The Victorian look was out of place.

It's hard to dress up Lena Dunham. I don't recall seeing her look good at any awards show. Zac Posen tried, but turned her into a blimp in the process.

Another miss was Claire Danes in Valentino. Fussy and busy, her gown detracted from her beautiful face.

There were many other celebrities whose looks were stunning, many who were just so-so, and too many misses. I can't show them all; it would take all day. So, feel free to add your own reviews in the comments. Who do you think looked great, and who should have changed before they left home?

Photos courtesy of WWD

Sunday This and That

I thought I would be starting to show you swatches from spring collections today. I don't know when the weather forecasters lost their minds. We don't have sun; we have thick grey clouds. Actually, it looks like it's going to snow any second. I'm fairly frustrated because I have new Armani, Chantecaille, Clarins, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford, and other treasures to show you.

Speaking of makeup, I passed by the Dior counter. I am sure I would have loved the spring lip colors - I always do - but how many more lipsticks do I need? I had just purchased six from other lines.

Yesterday, I was treated to an extra-long RéVive facial at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. Kathy Shoreman, a trained aesthetician, did my facial in an upstairs, cozy, and quiet room. I went in with dry skin that looked lifeless. I left with hydrated, plump skin that looked alive - and I felt relaxed and pampered. It was wonderful. I use many RéVive products, but still purchased one I haven't used before: Intensité Moisture Serum Extreme. I need it with the winter we are having, plus there was a promotion available and I got a $50 discount. I will write a full review soon. RéVive has a new serum, made especially for night, and I brought home samples. I can't wait to try it tonight. This super-cold, dry air is killing my dry skin.

This week, Michael Reinhardt had a scheduled Le Métier de Beauté special event, and I had to miss it. I was in a two-day conference call for work that required that I adopt West Coast time. He had two sessions, and I wasn't able to make either one. Then it snowed - a lot. Federal government offices, schools, and many businesses were closed. Not me! I was home talking on the phone with Sacramento, where the weather was lovely. Anyhow, now Michael has to reschedule his event. Even though I am sorry for his bad fortune, I'm happy for me. Now I may get to attend the rescheduled event.

I didn't comment on the Golden Globes fashion and looks because I was still in my blog timeout, but I have to say that I was generally unimpressed. People raved over Amy Adams split-down-to-there oddball color-blocked gown. I thought it was hideous - even thought it was supposed to be reminiscent of her look on American Hustle. Another hideous look? Lena Dunham. Lena, bright yellow is not your color, and those tattoos are ugly. You seem to be a girl with your head on straight, so why let stylists lead you down a dismal path?

Two pregnant women looked glorious. Olivia Wilde (shown directly above) and Kerry Washington look even more glamorous than some of the best of the best. Their gowns were drop-dead gorgeous. Wilde wore her pregnancy like a badge of honor, while Washington made one concealing concession with a cut-away jacket that was absolutely perfect.

I was also smitten with Taylor Shilling's green gown and Robin Wright - until Wright had a wardrobe malfunction and exposed too much side boob. I could count five or six other women who looked every bit the screen star. Unfortunately, most of the women in attendance, including the adorable Jennifer Lawrence, modeled gowns that were off the mark. Did D&G have a bad day when they dressed Julia Roberts? Even Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé disappointed me (too busy). Maybe they were saving their best gowns for the Academy Awards. What did you think? Any favorites? Any big disappointments?

This will be a crazy week. I'll be waiting for sunshine, and even though I'll be at work, once it appears at a favorable time, I'll be out in front of a 12-story office building taking swatch photos in very cold weather. I predict goose bumps.

Update: It did snow - for all of two minutes.

Photos courtesy of appearancedayspa, the Washington Post, and the New York Times

Best (and Worst) Fashion and Beauty at the 2013 Golden Globes

It's so much fun reading and watching opinions on the "looks" at the Golden Globe Awards. You'll never find universal reactions. Here are mine, many awarded with BTiB medals to recognize the best looks. Feel free to chime in with your reactions in the comments section.

I'm feeling pretty good about my predictions for the fashion - as opposed to those from the "expert" from Marie Claire.  I wrote, "We will see breathtaking color; clean, simple lines that flatter a woman's curves; embellishment, a bit of red, white, and gorgeous shades of gold. There will be black and white, but they won't be paired." I think I came much closer than she did. The two notable prints the expert predicted were both, in my opinion, fails. More on that below.

Stacy Keibler wore an Armani Privé Fall 2013 black velvet column gown featuring silver piping in horizontal stripes, accentuating the column silhouette, and ending in a cascading train. With our without George Clooney's arm, she would have caught my eye. She seems so "real" too. While chatting with Ryan Seacrest, Stacy shared that the dress was “fresh off a plane from Paris.” That remark, plus her sleek, straight, schoolgirl hair, and fresh makeup (including Armani's Lip Maestro and Luminous Silk Foundation, I'm told), allowed her to earn one of my BTiB medals.

Jodie Foster - I've never seen her more beautiful. The first thing that caught my eye on the red carpet was her Giorgio Armani gown. I'd kill for that dress. I'd invent an occasion to wear it. The diamond bracelet wasn't shabby either. Like Keibler, her hair was straight - an easy bob that moved with her and blew in the outdoor breeze. It was hard to get a good glimpse of her smoky eyes, but her eye shadow looked stunning on television. She earned a BTiB medal.

Forget her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, when she confused some and surprised others. Everyone has and deserves their own forms of expression. No matter what words she used, she conveyed to her own satisfaction what she wanted to say. Bravo, Jodie! I admired her lifetime of work before; now I bow to her good soul. The show ended with Amy Poehler's quip, "We're going home with Jodie Foster."

Anne Hathaway was a picture of Chanel sophistication in her columnar white gown. It needed little additional adornment. Again, simple hair, simple jewelry, and a magnificent, BTIB medal look. She wore the statement look of the season, a red, matte lip.

I've read comments that she doesn't have the body for the gown. Malarkey!  The gown would have looked all wrong with curves. She wore it to perfection.

I told you I'd be watching for makeup and hair, and designer and Fashion Star mentor Nichole Richie's hair caught my eyes early and big-time. So did her gown. I loved everything about her look except for the ultra-blue eye shadow (the reason I'm not awarding a medal). Richie wore one of my favorite dresses of the night - by Naeem Khan. Her old Hollywood-inspired waves were gorgeous. Suave Professionals Stylist Jenny Cho created the look. I'll share how it was created in a few days. Some may disagree, but I think the blue eye shadow didn't work. I think she would have glowed in a white-silver blend - or a toned-down look that would let her hair and beaded gown shine.

Year after year, Claire Danes dazzles on the red carpet. This year, her appearance was more impressive than ever; she gave birth three weeks ago. She killed it in a red Versace dress with a plunging neckline. Her hair? Simple with a loose wave.

To hide the need for a root touch-up (which has hardly been her highest priority), she used an old, but effective trick of randomly alternating her part. It worked. She looked lovely and deserves a BTiB medal for so many reasons.

Naomi Watts' casual side-swept, retro up-do was sensational. Everything about her look clicked. She was wearing a Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2013 oxblood gown with a keyhole detail, open back and dramatic train. In typical Posen style, the gown was fitted to perfection, hugging Naomi in all the right places. She styled the look with Casadei heels, a gold Ferragamo clutch, and ruby earrings that were magnificent. Her makeup accented her blue eyes, her Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation made her skin stunning, and her rose pink lipstick was perfect. She gets a BTiB medal.

I must mention at least one man who caught me eye? Bradley Cooper! That slightly scruffy face, brilliant blue eyes, and carefully coiffed carefree hair paired perfectly with his Tom Ford tux. Oh yeah, he gets a BTiB medal. I just want to touch his hair. I felt the same way as the hilarious woman who heads the Foreign Press Association, who said to him from the stage, "Call me, baby."

There were so many stars who were at their best. Helen Mirren has never looked prettier. Her Bagley Mischka gown was a killer, but her hair style took at least 10 years off her appearance. Her (and others') long sleeves were perfect for the chilly night.

She needs to stick with this look, and I'm going to try it. She gets one of the few glam hair style of the night BTiB awards. Nicole Kidman gets another. While I didn't really care for her Alexander McQueen gown, I loved her flippy hair style and simple makeup that accentuated her unquestionable beauty.

There were so many other women who were at the top of their game - Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta, Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen,Olivia Munn in Giorgio Armani, Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta, and more. It's ashamed I don't have all day to write. I'd love to show you more beautiful looks.

I had mixed feelings about Jessica Chastain's look. Her hair and makeup were stunning. The gown? Not so.

The Calvin Klein gown was a beautiful color, but the loose, almost dowdy fit of the plunging V was less than flattering. I loved her ruby red lips with her center-parted red hair, and her eye makeup flattered her without wearing her. The color of the gown was perfect for her. The fit was its failure.

There were some looks I disliked - some intensely. Unfortunately, the talented Lena Dunham's was one of them. Why? It wasn't her pretty Zac Posen gown. It was her tattoos. They were exposed and distracting on her arm and back. They looked trashy. As I tweeted last night, she showed young ladies the perfect reason to skip the tattoos.

Unlike the majority, I really disliked the triple-tiered boob look of Jennifer Lawrence, provided by Dior Haute Couture. It was low on her body, structured, and way too retro for the night.

I did like her Chopard earrings, and her casual up-do was very flattering. She also showed great taste by wearing Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation. I couldn't get past that dress.

Who told Lea Michelle she had to contrast with her Elie Saab dress? She looked silly, when she should have (and could have) been a bombshell. Supposedly, that's a tan from a trip to Hawaii. Hasn't anyone ever told her about sunscreen and wrinkles?

Poor little Lucy Liu was worn by her Carolina Herrera draperies. It's hard to believe that I could find the worst-dressed in a Herrera dress, but that's the way I saw it last night.  Another perpetual winner, Halle Berry, wore a cut-out Versace print and looked like a patchwork quilt. If Lucy Liu was wearing the draperies, Halle Berry was wearing the wallpaper.

I never thought I'd find myself placing Halle Berry on a worst-dressed list. She does not need to mimic the Angelina Jolie leg. Her figure speaks for itself.

I'll wrap up with the stars of the show: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I think they set the bar for future awards shows. I only wish we could have seen more of them. I'd gladly have watched for an additional 15 minutes last night if they had had more air time. Both were glamorous, with Tina in glittering navy and Amy in a burgundy short-sleeved gown. Total class = two BTiB medals.

Photos from all over the place, including the Huffington Post

Nicole Richie's Modernized Sleek Pony at the 2012 Golden Globes

The verdicts are in. Nicole Richie hit the ball out of the park with her Modernized Sleek Pony hair style, created with the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System! If you'd like to recreate it, I've got the scoop on the steps from my friends at Suave Beauty.

Sleek, smooth styles are all the rage. Nicole Richie worked it, thanks to the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System. To copy the look quickly, spray Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo directly at the root, crown, and front of your hair to add volume. Use your dryer to work in excess product and brush it through to refresh your hair before styling.

1. Pull up and section off the hair around the crown, then tease (back comb) to create volume.
   
2. Use a brush to smooth-out the hair on the sides and back. Pull the back section of hair into a ponytail, securing it with an elastic.
3. Take a side section and wrap it around the ponytail, securing the hair with a bobby pin.
   
4. Take the opposite side and also wrap it around the pony, securing with a bobby pin.
   
5. Last, take the teased crown section and lightly smooth and brush it back over the ponytail.
6. Work a dime-sized amount of Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum into the palms of your hands, then delicately smooth the ponytail strands and eliminate flyaways.

Easy, right? Anyone with long hair can have Nicole's dynamite look. Keep up with Suave at Facebook, where you can find the insider tips and exclusive giveaways - along with a short film by Nicole.

Photos courtesy of Just Jared

The Best and Worst Looks from the 2012 Golden Globes Ceremony

There were so many beautiful women (and men) at last night's Golden Globes ceremony. I was following Twitter as I watched the red carpet arrivals and during the ceremony, and I concluded that there was absolutely no consensus on the best and worst fashion and looks. One second someone would Tweet that "so and so" had a glorious look; the next, another would Tweet that it was horrid. So goes the diversity of opinions.

It will be no different here. I'm sure that what I liked will be panned by someone out there. What I didn't like may make the "best" lists. Let's start with my dislikes. Michelle Williams and Madonna are at the top of the list. It can only go up from there.

I thought Michelle Williams' headband was hideous. I can live with her pixie hair style. The dorky headband distracted from her gorgeous cut-velvet blue dress. She certainly didn't need it to keep her hair out of her eyes. Why didn't she wear a Marilyn look?

The pretentious Madonna landed on my worst-looks list the moment I saw her. The squished look made it appear that she had purposefully selected a dress that was two sizes too small. That plus her one glove look and weight-lifting arms made her look ridiculous. She already sounds silly with her British accent.

What looks did I love? Let's start with Charlize Theron. Shown at the top of this feature in her Dior gown, with a headband that coordinated with her gown's waist detail and clutch, along with side-swept hair, she was a vision - like a Greek Goddess. The stars who've been around for awhile showed the new arrivals how it's done!

Jessica Alba glowed. I'd love to know what illuminator she wore. Her pale lavender Gucci gown was stunning on her. She accessorized with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Bulgari jewels, and a Roger Vivier bag.

Tina Fey was on fire in her red-purple Oscar de la Renta tulle, strapless, embroidered gown and clutch, finished with Kwiat jewelry. The look may be the best I've ever seen her wear.

Laura Dern wore one of my favorite gowns of the night. Designed by Andrew Gn, it complimented her coloring and figure perfectly.

Nicole Richie has to have taken home the best-hair award. Created with Suave Beauty's new Keratin Infusion products, she was a vision in her retro ponytail. I loved the look! Combined with the Julien Macdonald gown, she channeled old-fashioned glamour.

Other looks I loved? Reese Witherspoon, Felicity Huffman (wasn't that song fabulous?), Elle McPherson, Jody Foster, Lea Michele, Dianna Agron (whose lips matched her dress perfectly, but it seemed to go unnoticed because of Angelina), Jessica Biel (whose Bohemian-luxury hair style was created with Alterna Bamboo products), and Frieda Pinto (navy gown, citron gems - gorgeous).

My heart belonged to the dog Uggie from The Artist (who stole the show) and Octavia Spencer. Spencer proved that overweight women can look elegant and glamorous. I suppose I could use the latest politically correct term, "curvy," but overweight seems more appropriate here. Her look was exquisite, and her heart-warming acceptance speech ensured I'll be seeing The Help.

Who were your favorites? I've missed a lot of men and women whose appearance was stunning - one way or the other. You may notice I didn't mention some of super-celebrities. There's a reason.

Photos courtesy of various Internet sites

Giorgio Armani's Beauties at the 2012 Golden Globes

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards was broadcast last night. Many of Hollywood’s leading ladies featured the latest from the Giorgio Armani Beauty cosmetic and skin-care lines. Here's how two of them appeared on the red carpet.

Top makeup artist, Tina Turnbow, assisted Best Actress in a Television Series nominee (Comedy/Musical) Laura Linney prepare for the red carpet. “I really wanted a very fun and fresh look for Laura,” stated Turnbow. “Her gorgeous jewel-toned indigo gown inspired me to bring out that color in her makeup, with major emphasis on the eyes.” To set the stage for seamless skin, Turnbow applied Luminous Silk Foundation #4 and Fluid Sheer #2 for extra glow. She rimmed Linney's eyes with Smooth Silk Eye Pencil #3 and blended the pencil in with Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow #10 and Maestro Eyeshadow #11 on the eyelid. She finished the look with Eyes to Kill Stretching Mascara on the eyelashes, along with a soft shade of Rouge d’Armani, #102, on the lips.

Her dress and Fragments starburst earrings complemented her look perfectly - or vice versa. It was a lovely look that paired her J. Mendel dress with Christian Louboutin heels and a VBH clutch.

Actress Calista Flockhart worked with Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani National Creative Artist, to prepare for the awards ceremony. Calista’s elegant black gown with a cascading pleat inspired Quinn to create a classic look that was chic and effortless. “I wanted to create an understated sexiness in the makeup that would compliment the sophistication of Calista’s gown,” states Quinn. He prepped the skin with Regenessence High Lift Rich Cream and Eye Balm (both launching in March) to achieve a healthy glow. Quinn then applied Designer Lift Foundation #5 mixed with Fluid Sheer #2 to create skin that was both luminous and flawless. “I really wanted Calista to embody old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist, so I decided to stain the lips with an orange/red hue, while keeping the rest of the makeup fairly simple and radiant.” He blended Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows #8 and #9 on the eyelid, then coated her eyelashes with Eyes to Kill Stretching Mascara. He applied Rouge d’Armani #401 (blotted to create a faded effect) on the lips and finished with a light sweep of Sheer Blush #2 on the apples of her cheeks.

Flockhart's dress? Vintage Chanel!

I'll leave you for now with one of Mr. Armani's Armani Privé gowns, spectacularly modeled by Glenn Close. Her earrings snared me last night! The combination of the dress with the earrings was first class.I thought she looked fabulous.

I have more to say about the hits from the red carpet. I'll be back later.

Photos courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the Huffington Post