Monday, January 18, 2010

Red Carpet Ruminations

I don't think I've ever ventured into a post-awards show fashion recap. There are several other blogstresses with a much keener eye for couture, and who also do a stellar job of illuminating the Do's and Don'ts of of the red carpet - and I usually agree with their analysis. However, I've purposely not read any other opinions, so as not to dilute my own.


For the record, I did not watch the Golden Globes last night. I think it's probably the most user-friendly of the award shows, but we are currently six hours ahead of Pacific Standard time, and I was nightie night when the broadcast began. Just a disclaimer that this analysis is based solely on still photos, not anything I viewed live.

Regardless, I always enjoy seeing what the 'Who's Who' of Hollywood wore, and thought I'd throw my two-cents worth in. So let's just have a go at it, shall we?

The Good

Kate Hudson hasn't gotten the best press lately, what with her break-up with A-Rod and all, but I thought she knocked it out in this dress. It's unfortunate she had to carry to train, since the rainy weather would've likely spoiled it, but I think the unique structure is amazing, perfectly tailored, and suits her to a "T." Good revenge, Kate!
I love that Maggie Gylenhaal is willing to take fashion risks - I admire her for it, since I rarely have the huevos to do the same. The salmony-pink complements her coloring, and her svelte frame works with the fishtail hem. I dig it.
I can't believe I have Mariah Carey on a "Good" list! She is usually so over-the-top with her fashion choices, but I this Hervé Léger bandage dress holds her in in all the right places. As for the cleavage - you got it, flaunt it!
**Evening Update** I've since seen many more pics of MC, and let's face it, the cleavage is a tad bit too ka-BAM for decent company. I think I rescind my prior comments - sorry, Mariah.**
For some reason, I'm always drawn to fleshy, chiffony numbers. I think it's likely that not too many people can carry the color off, but Emily Blunt did it well here, IMHO. Like how she kept her bling to a minimum, too - girl knew when to say when. Kudos.
It's too bad the glitterati had to carry umbrellas (or have them carried), because in some cases, it really ruined the look, but somehow, Tina Fey's pretty, petticoated frock looks like it was made to be accessoried with that parapluie - like the 'do, too! A modern-day, Doris Day, if you will - for her, it works.
Chloe Sevigny is another fashion risk-taker. Let's face it, she's not the loveliest girl on the block, but she's interesting, and knows how to take something avant garde and make it look effortless. Some people may be confused by this dress - I think she knew exactly what she was doing, and carried it perfectly.
OK, so Julia might be a bit dressed down for the occasion, but she wears been-there-done-that so well, I'll give her a pass. She's boho chic - the real deal.
The Not-So-Goods:

Cameron - usually she makes clever and interesting choices, but despite loving the Valentino red of this dress, it just looks wrinkled to me. Maybe she was one of those who fell victim to the Umbrella Disaster....
Marion Cotillard - A beautiful woman does not always make a weird dress. The color is amazing for her - the cut just has too much going on.
Heidi Klum - OK, we all know she's birthed four kids, and I give her major props for looking wonderful 90% of the time, but mama needs to support those boobies a bit. Still, she looks better on a not-so-spot-on moment than I did on my wedding day - dammit!
Fergie - I don't know what it is about this woman that just makes me want to hand her a bar of Zest and scrub her. No matter what, she always looks dirty to me. The dress doesn't do much to inspire, either.
Rita. Yes, she's not exactly an "It" girl, and is more interested in benefiting others, but come on - she has more money than God, you'd think she could wear something that doesn't look like curtains. I'm just sayin'...
The Jury's Still Out:

Drew Barrymore - On first glance, I thought, "wow - she looks great," but then I wondered why in the world the atelier (Versace) put that lump of crystallized fabric right at her hip! It looks like some sort of bejeweled tumor. Hmmm....one small thing, though, I guess in an otherwise lovely dress - and she looks amazing!
I know I'll get some hisses for this one, but something about Penelope Cruz just bugs. Yes, she is usually perfection in a dress, but sometimes I need a celebrity to not be perfect - does that make sense? Also, I think she dates men to further her career - Tommy Cruise before he went loco, Javier Bardem right as he was winning lots of acclaim for No Country for Old Men. I don't know... The dress here is another beautiful, safe choice. Yawn. Nice tan, though - she can thank the Brazilian sun for that!
Amy Adams - Lord knows there's not exactly a plethora of appealing frocks for us impregnato's, but this one just seemed unnecessarily dowdy to me. She IS an adorable preggo, though, dontcha' think?
Sandy Bullock - she's so gorgeous, so approachable (I've heard), and she loves one of my fave cities: Austin, so it kills me to not rave about her choice. It's not bad, it's just not great. Gorgeous color, and her make-up and hair are perfect, it just needs something...
So, there ya have it, the MLHP Golden Globes Fashion Review. Maybe I'll do another for The Oscars, if you gals don't blast me too much!

24 comments:

Chicago Chic said...

Kate looks amazing! xx

MamaLieder said...

I adore your recap. Could not agree more!

Unknown said...

Wonderful re-cap. I really loved Zoe Saldana's dress by LV and you know, for someone who usually goes a bit in the "hippie" direction with her fashion choices, Kate Hudson was a breath of fresh air. She looked crisp, elegant, and so clean (unlike the Fergie-Ferg that makes me feel a little unwashed just looking at her. I'm sorry, but it's true).

I hope you're feeling well these days!

sara said...

I agree with everything! I loved the structure of Kate Hudson's dress. Julia Roberts looked great, if not underdressed (but I guess she can get away with it!). I adored the color of Sandra Bullock's dress but did not like the skirt AT ALL. As for Drew Barrymore, I think they should have known when to say enough is enough. I loved the color and fit, and I even liked the Christmas tinsle-like fluff on her shoulder, but the hip was overkill and not flattering AT ALL.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

i love emily blunt and somehow chloe sevigny too... and I kind of like Penelope.
great recap! thanks for sharing!
ps: Julia roberts looks good but I'm a bit disappointed...

Jill GG said...

I loved Kate Hudson and the only good thing about her carrying her train was that we got to see her amazing sky high heels. Love that girl, she is just hot!

I like Julia Roberts look because it says she has nothing to prove and Meryl Streep went along the same lines as well and completely nailed it. So chic and so age-appropriate. (Her speech though... not so great).

Good picks!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Great post! I did the same as you - not reading any other reviews before doing my post. I was underwhelmed by a lot of what I saw last night.

Chic Coles said...

I agree on all of those...except I did like Penelope Cruz and I was obsessed with Reese Witherspoons dress!

Averill said...

I kind of like Sandy's dress (but Lord knows I love purple to a fault) and I liked Amy Adams number (again, mostly because of the color), but I'm definitely saying "No" to Drew's (way too flesh-toned for my taste).

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Nice recap! Kate, Jen and Reese were my choices for the evening!

Paula Grace Designs said...

Well, I have the good, the bad, and the well, well... we just don't know what happened there. Always fun looking at the red carpet frenzy though!
Paula Grace ~

Melanie said...

I agree that Kate looked amazing (I didn't watch either) and you are so right about Chloe. LOL I love Big Love and she plays the part perfectly. Okay, I feel the same way about Fergie. Oh my! She always looks dirty. I don't know how she snagged that yummy Josh! Isn't it fun to watch a little bit of fantansy that takes us away from our lives for a few minutes? Thanks for the recap.

JMW said...

Drew's dress would have been great without the accessory on her hip - perfect color choice. Emily Blunt was lovely, too, and my gal, Tina Fey was adorable. Mariah Carrey - cover them up, please.

MFAMB said...

ha ha..i see we differ more than we agree. that's cool though.

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Great recap! I totally have to agree with.

Some didn't like Chloe's dress, but I think it was so her! I could have done without the ruffles in the back, but I liked it.

Beth Connolly said...

Great recap.

Homes Suite Homes said...

Fab Fab Fab post- i personally think Sandra Looks wonderful...not too over done nor too "hollywood"- the colour looks wonderful on her! great blog :)

paula said...

love seeing the fashion rundown in blogland. hearing everyone's opinions is so fun.

Tricia said...

OK, I'm with you on all of these Alison and am glad you changed your mind about Mariah. She is so scary to me and always looks like a sausage with bits and pieces hanging out. I really loved the nude colored dresses this year and thought I loved Drew's, but the detail was a bit much.
Great post.

Sarah Ring said...

I have to say that I thought Emily Blunt look the best on the carpet. I was not too thrilled with anyone else. May be Penelope, but I think I was just in love with he hair and make up and overall beauty.

LindsB said...

I really liked Jennifer Aniston, but I know people hated hers. Either way she has great legs!

Minnie said...

HA,HA. OK, you got me for a few giggles, ok, actually chortles here and there. Agree with all except one, since I'm a huge fan of Chloe Sevigny. I do think she's a beautiful woman, not in a classic sense but classic to me is boring. Nice to look at but boring. And if there's anything Chloe isn't, it's boring, so yes, she's lovely to me. Great recap especially since I didn't watch but always love the commentary so keep it coming for the Oscars. Sometimes best to get a fresh take from the non-fashionistas.

Lindsey E. said...

I couldn't agree more...Kate Hudson was stunning! And yes, I think Fergie needs an SOS pad taken to her.

Kara said...

I love Drew and think the dress was fab. Love Sandra too but a little too much purple.