Look like a Celebrity, for less!

The Oscars were just over a week ago, and already designers have come out with cheaper versions of the gowns celebrities wore on the Red Carpet. Typically these gowns are called "Celebrity Inspired". . .but I have to say, there is nothing inspired about these. . .they look IDENTICAL to the real deal.

Most of the gowns worn by celebrities on the Red Carpet retail somewhere between $10,000 to upwards of $150,000 (Penelope Cruz's vintage Balmain)!!!! Edress Me has these celebrity look-a-like gowns that will cost you only $200 to $400! I am blown away by Edress Me's version of Eva Longoria Parker's red Reem Acra for the Golden Globes. They also have a more body friendly version of Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa gown she wore for the Golden Globes as well!

The Oscars FASHION REVIEW

The Oscars is one of the most anticipated events in Hollywood. This is the award show of all award shows; the most glamorous event of the year. This year was no exception as stars dazzled on the red carpet. Gowns and bling were bigger than ever!

On major trend on the red carpet was big, bold and colored bling. This is in tune with my previous post about statement jewelry. Bold accessories are a great way to update an outfit, or add interest to a look. Obviously the jewelry seen at the Oscars isn't in anyone's budget, but costume jewelry is an acceptable alternative.

Best dressed in my opinion was Penelope Cruz in Vintage Balmain. I LOVE vintage gowns, and I thought this gown was flawless on her! Runner up would be Angelina Jolie, who looked perfect (as always) in a simple, yet chic, black gown by Elie Saab. Her oversize emerald earrings were the perfect compliment for the gown. I also think Marissa Tomei deserves an honorable mention.

On the worst dressed list is Beyonce wearing House of Dereon. From the print, to the style I thought this dress was just all wrong. I was also not impressed by Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus. Both gowns were too much for girls of their age -- although I give them credit for dressing elegantly instead of too sexy on the red carpet!

And now for the GOWN. . . .

Michelle Obama chose a white gown designed by Taiwan born, Manhattan based designer Jason Wu. I thought the color looked great on her. . .and I love that she chose something one shoulder. Past that, I hate to have to say that I am disappointed in Michelle's Inaugural Ball Gown choice. 

I think that there are other one shoulder gowns that might have been more flattering. . .and the flower looking details aren't my favorite either. Don't get me wrong. . .I think Michelle is beautiful. . .but I just think SO many other styles could have been better. 

I do have to give Michelle A LOT of credit for continuously choosing lesser known designers. . .I respect her for not going the easy route with big name, high fashion labels.

Bottom line . . . I'm disappointed in the choice, however, as long as Michelle feels beautiful, thats what matters the most. 

And what did my readers think that Michelle should have worn??? 

The Monique Lhuillier gown was the favorite among my readers. . .I have to agree that it would have been a better choice!

And the Inauguration Day Dress is. . . .

According to Perez Hilton, Michelle Obama's (MO) Inauguration Day Dress was made by Cuban American designer Isabel Toledo. Toledo received her degree from New York Fashion Institute of Technology and worked as the creative director at Anne Klein for a while. Toledo has been designing under her own name for 20 years, and is married to fashion illustrator Ruben Tuledo. Tuledo's designs are available at Barney's New York.

Throughout Obama's campaign, he expressed the importance of improving relations with Cuba, which could have had some influence on MO's Inauguration Dress choice. 

So back to the dress. . . .I am not very impressed with the selection. I like it in theory. . .yellow is a popular color for Spring 2009, and flattering on MO. And I really love the fabric of the dress. . .but the way it fits Michelle is all wrong.

The neckline of this confuses me as well. What is the jewelry thing doing up there? And is she wearing some sort of cardigan or scarf attached? I'm not so sure what is going on there. The coat seems a little big, and baggy. . .and the lining looks cheap to me. The worst part for me is the SHOES!!

Overall I have to say that this look is a total miss for MO. It makes her look matronly and larger than she is. What do YOU think of this look?

Best and Worst of the Golden Globes!

I LOVE award season! In fact -- I'm planning to have an Oscars party with my best girls - a night of champagne, girl talk, and voting for best and worst dressed! Pay attention to what you see on the red carpet though. . .as this typically sets the tone for trends of the season!

At the Golden Globes there were several trends that stood out:

1. White

2. Ruffles

3. One-shoulder

4. Statement Necklaces

Look for these trends to show up on evening and cocktail gowns alike! Like something you see? Check out Edress Me for celebrity inspired gowns! Faviana and ABS by Allen Schwartz are two designers known for mass producing celebrity inspired gowns. 

Check out the red carpet gowns in the slide show below and be sure to vote for BEST and WORST dressed!

Eva Mendez and Eva Longoria Parker tie for best dressed in my book! Both women were perfectly styled from hair, to gown choice, to jewelry. I also thought that Olivia Wilde's lavender Reem Acra gown was a fabulous choice for her! Beyonce, Debra Messing and Sandra Bullock also deserve an honorable mention!

On the worst dressed side, I have to say I am disappointed with Renee Zellweger's choice. Renee typically chooses beautiful gowns, landing her on the best dressed list. This time however, she is definitely a miss. . .although I give her credit for taking a fashion risk- the mark of a true fashionista! Cameron Diaz, Freida Pinto, Jenna Fisher also left a lot to be desired. But, my worst dressed award goes to Drew Barrymore - who looked a little like she arrived on the red carpet after a night of partying in her gown. 

Who gets your vote?

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Which Gown Should Michelle Wear to the Inaugural Ball?

Inauguration day is just around the corner, set to take place on January 20, 2009. All eyes are on Michelle Obama in anticipation as to what she will wear to the Inaugural Ball. Historically first ladies inauguration wardrobes have made statements about themselves, as well as the times in which we are living. The Boston Herald has an extremely interesting article detailing the history of the First Ladie's Inaugural Gowns.

Designers from across the globe have sent in sketches of designs exclusively for Michelle Obama, but she is yet to announce which design she will be wearing. We may just have to wait until Inauguration night to find out. In the meantime, we can all speculate about which gown she may choose.

In general, I believe that the gown should definitely be made by an American Designer. Also, given the times, I think that it should not be too flashy, or overly ornate; which fits in perfectly with Michelle's simple, young and fresh style.

Below is a slide show of some of the top designers sketches for the First Lady Elect. Which do you think that she will wear? Vote for your favorite below!

View all the designer images at WWD

I think that the Diane Von Furstenburg is fabulous, perfect for Michelle Obama's style and features, and very chic without being flashy. That one gets my vote. . .and she is also an American Designer, which is important to me! I could also see Michelle in the Michael Kors or Elie Tahari's gown. I guess we may just have to wait until the 20th to see which, if any of them, she chooses!

Posh Perfection

Victoria Beckham has become a fashion icon for the world, a walking advertisement of fashion perfection. Although some may criticize her shockingly thin frame, in my opinion Victoria Beckham (VB) is the epitome of style. In a world where jeans are quickly becoming accepted everywhere from the office to a cocktail party, VB runs around town in pencil skirts, 5 inch stiletto's and a matching Hermes Bag. 

On a recent trip to Milan with hubby David Beckham, VB managed to change into 3 equally glamorous outfits in a matter of 15 hours. These weren't just any outfits, but the latest looks from her dVb collection, ranging in price from $1000 to $3000. 

Outfit number 2 is a stunning strapless dress paired with simple accessories. I love the detailing around the hips of this dress! Although, it is certainly only meant for someone with Posh's perfect proportions! 

I am all about faux fur this season, and VB, an avid PETA supporter, sports a chic black faux fur bolero to complete her look.

Taking every detail into account when dressing her small frame, VB chooses beautifully tailored, form fitting, classic pieces and pairs them with stunning accessories. Most importantly VB takes risks in her clothes, not always choosing the best outfit, but that is what defines a true fashionista. 

Copy Posh's look by choosing silhouettes that flatter your frame and that are timeless pieces. Build upon it with chunky bangles and chic black leather gloves (which I love love love for winter!) Finish the look with a structured bag and sky high heels.