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Christina Applegate in MaxMara

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Was "Going the Distance" the most stylish red carpet movie premiere in years or what? I've already waxed poetic on Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale; now it's Christina Applegate's turn. This, ladies, is how to dress to impress while pregnant. Plucked straight from MaxMara's fall "Elegante" collection, this beautifully cut raspberry cap sleeve dress hugs all of Christina's baby curves in a very flattering way. Falling right to the knee, the body skimming dress has deceiving cap sleeves and an elongated key hole at the chest that draws the eyes up and down--but away from the bigger mid-section. Christina is the epitome of the modern pregnant woman in this dress. More women could take a lesson from her example and I don't know about you, but I look forward to seeing her wardrobe choices as she nears delivery.

$1,080, available at select Max Mara stores 1.866.MAX.MARA

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Emmy Awards -- The Fashion Recap

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The temperature may have been soaring, but the actresses attending the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Sunday night didn't let the strong sun from ruining their walk down the red carpet. Indeed, many of them wore black and shades of navy with plenty of aplomb. Inevitably, however, there was plenty of comedy on the red carpet--Rita Wilson, what were you thinking in that Prada runway chandelier ensemble?--as stars swanned about in classic goddess gowns, mermaid dresses and predictable princess ball gowns.

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Oscar de la Renta, to no one's surprise, had a double homerun with "30 Rock" star Tina Fey and Lea Michele of "Glee." Both brunette, both petite--the former took a fashion risk in a black silk organza embroidered gown with white satin underlay (and won) while the latter easily added inches to her frame via a navy silk taffeta sweetheart neckline gown with organza flamenco ruffles (both from the Resort 2011 collection). It just goes to show: Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong. Indeed, aside from Emily Blunt's pretty Dior silk chiffon bustier gown with flower embroidery, it was a big night for American designers.

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Beautiful, and slim looking, in custom Donna Karan Collection, Elisabeth Moss dressed both appropriately for her age and her curves. Marchesa scored a nice coup dressing both tabloid faves Heidi Klum, in a barely there black strapless tulle dress with rose embroidered sculpted bands (this woman has given birth?), and Kim Kardashian, who hid her busty curves nicely via a white silk chiffon halter column with draped bodice. Juliana Margulies also stunned in a navy L'Wren Scott dress with metallic pieces that looked poured onto her body and Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets two thumbs up for relying on her go-to designer friend, Narciso Rodriguez. Christina Hendricks was a bit more controversial with her Zac Posen gown choice--a lilac number with feather accents from resort.

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There were plenty of European designers represented on the red carpet, but they were more misses than hits. Claire Danes looked like an Oscar statue in her crystal beaded Giorgio Armani Privé number--but how many times have we seen this look? Anna Paquin went high fashion (and became a matador in the process) with her Alexander McQueen column topped with gold sequined shoulders. And lest we forget January Jones? Personally, I liked her structured electric blue Atelier Versace gown. It was a daring choice--certainly not mainstream--but I think ultimately it belongs more on the steps of the Met Gala.

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Kate Beckinsale in Versace

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For an actress who oft prefers long, billowy gowns, it was surprising, but in a great way, to see her arrive at the premiere of "Going the Distance" in L.A. in a terrific and smart Versace shift. Yes, you read right: Versace. The white leather (LEATHER!) dress with charming black dotted pocket-flat details is from the resort collection (out in November) and I think it gave Kate a very "sexy secretary a la 'Mad Men'" vibe. The dress fit her like a glove and the super high black satin pumps she paired with it gave her legs for miles. You wouldn't think this dress was leather at first; but knowing it is only increases its fashion-forward appeal. Leave it to Donatella to take it up a notch by using an expected fabric. The polka dots also work nicely here--especially when paired with the high, pulled-back ponytail. It's nifty, old school sleek and I give it two thumbs up.
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Drew Barrymore in Malandrino

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Drew Barrymore proves that one doesn't necessarily need to rush to Chanel, Lanvin and Oscar de la Renta for a fabulous red carpet dress. Don't get me wrong: there's nothing wrong with any of the aforementioned designers; I just think it's nice to stir the pot sometimes. And who better than Drew? At this week's premiere of her new film, "Going the Distance," Drew donned a stunning gold brocade strapless gown and hoop earrings with citrine and pyrite stones from Malandrino, Catherine Malandrino's upscale line (her on again/off again beau Justin Long, meanwhile, looked as cute as a button in Dolce & Gabbana). I love how Drew never veers too far from her boho spirit; check out the loose, windswept locks and the just overall approachable attitude she exudes. The dress hugs her nicely and accents her curves while not being skintight. P.S.: in case you were wondering, Drew's belt--which smartly cinched her slim waist--was by Balmain. When in doubt, belt it!

$2,350 and it is Holiday/Resort 11.

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Jennifer Aniston in Lanvin & Ferragamo Clutch

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In a surprising deviation from her usual monochromatic minidress look, Jennifer Aniston opted for a two-piece Lanvin for the red carpet premiere of her new film, "The Switch," Monday night in L.A. While she usually wears either some form of nude or black, Aniston chose to combine her two favorite hues (black is technically not a color, but a shadow). Can I be honest? Not a fan. Is it just me or does she look squeezed into the outfit? I love the skirt but the top isn't doing it for me. I would've paired the asymmetrical ruched skirt with an oversized crisp white man's shirt and pulled her hair back in a tight ponytail. It's a look she's done before--and with much aplomb. The shoes, however, are classic and the clutch--a black croco Ferragamo maxi clutch--is divine.

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Julia Roberts at "Eat Pray Love" Premiere

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As much as I love Julia Roberts' understated style, I was a bit disappointed by her red carpet pick for Tuesday night's "Eat Pray Love" premiere. While I can appreciate her choice to mix it up--Stella McCartney tuxedo jacket

Diane von Furstenberg shorts, Roger Vivier sandals--what faltered ultimately was the choice of going with all black. It was just plain boring with a capital B. The sandals are chic; the rest of the outfit? There's nothing wrong with any component of her ensemble; I just wouldn't have recommended that for a red carpet. This is a look for going out with the girls for dinner or to a cocktail party. Not for your world premiere/reemergence! At least Julia had some common sense to fall back on her favorite Me & Ro jewelry and go with some colorful bracelets and earrings. They added a glimmer of hope to an otherwise sad and inappropriate outfit.

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Juliette Binoche in Celine by Phoebe Philo

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It's about time Celine returned to the red carpet. On Sunday night, during the close of the Cannes International Film Festival, the oh-so-elegant actress Juliette Binoche accepted her Best Actress award clad in a custom-made Celine by Phoebe Philo off-white silk crepe bustier gown, Cartier platinum, diamond/ onyx Panthere necklace, & pink gold metal belt--the British designer's first since reinvigorating the LVMH-owned label. It's a simple gown that projects confidence and subtle austerity in a way that only Phoebe can deliver. The pink gold metal belt is an unexpected touch, no? It really creates a nice silhouette to Phoebe's simple drape of fabric and perfectly illustrates the notion that unexpected materials often look fabulous when daringly put together. What a lovely way to end the Cannes Film Festival! Designers take note: this is what the perfect summer gown should look like.

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Oscars 2010 Fashion

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Sarah Jessica Parker's pale yellow Chanel Haute Couture gown aside, where were fashion's risk takers Sunday night? If Maggie Gyllenhaal in a Dries van Noten silk duchess fifties print dress with overprint hand painted in bright blue brush strokes was as controversial as things got, then, fashion wise, this might be the most disappointing Oscars on record--or at least since Joan Rivers started her scathing critiques.

Without a doubt, my best dressed of the night goes to Penelope Cruz. The "Nine" actress kept it safe with a custom Donna Karan Collection gown that was cut in the most tone-flattering Bordeaux hue. Penelope knows what silhouettes work for her and kudos to her for sticking to her guns and for wearing a dress designed by a woman who designs with true sincerity for her gender. On the other end of the spectrum, I admire Jennifer Lopez for having the chutzpah to don a mermaid silhouette Armani Privé gown that not only accentuated her curves, but was constructed with a crescent-shaped bustier that cascaded into a dramatic side train accented by Swarovski rock crystals. It couldn't been a train wreck, but Lopez's risk paid off. My other top picks? Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta (retro glam), Tina Fey in Michael Kors (most improved), Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture (so thin!), Demi Moore in Atelier Versace (very safe), and Carey Mulligan in Prada (although the shoes were a bit too chunky). Take note of Carey's dress: it features tiny forks, knives, bolts, watch gears and scissors covering the corset. In terms of kitsch, she's got this one won hand's down!

While I love every bit of Sandra Bullock, I found her Marchesa gown to be a bit mother-of-the-bride; I would've preferred her in a brighter shock of color. It was her night and I just didn't think that dress screamed "Oscar Winner!" (Kudos, however, to Georgina Chapman for fitting Gabourey Sidibe in a ravishing Marchesa number and proving all heavier-set women don't have to wear Tadashi). The same could be said of Charlize Theron's Dior Haute Couture: the color is divine and Charlize fits it like a glove, but was I the only one who couldn't stop staring at her chest? Perhaps that is the genius that is John Galliano's design, but it didn't do much for me besides make me want to buy a bra. As for high fashion, Zoe Saldana took a calculated risk with her Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The results were controversial to say the least, but I have to say I'm on Team Riccardo Tisci; I found it to be fascinating and equally fitting of a young ingénue as fine-featured as Zoe (that crystallized bodice was a work of art). It's no doubt a lot of dress, but fashion needs more risk takers. What's with all this vanilla on the red carpet--and I don't mean Miley Cyrus' horrid Jenny Packham gown. Also, Anna Kendrick needs a new stylist stat--one that can find her age-appropriate dresses.

Let me close my critique of the Oscars by asking: where were all the heavy-hitters? Angelina Jolie? Jennifer Aniston? Nicole Kidman? Cate Blanchett? Halle Berry? Am I the only one who thought there was a serious shortage of bold-faced names to walk that never-ending red carpet? Actually, nevermind the celebrities; where were the true red carpet gowns? Lanvin? Balenciaga? L'Wren Scott? My dream? To have seen someone try their hand at a custom leather gown designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine. But in this age of mediocrity completely devoid of personal style, I suppose it was too much to ask for.

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Justin Timberlake in Dolce & Gabbana: Snob or Slob?

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Somebody get Justin Timberlake back in his Dior Homme tuxedo STAT! I did a double take--and not for good reason--when I saw him at the SAG Awards. This Dolce & Gabbana outfit is all wrong on him. While I love, loved it on the Spring 2010 runway, I think it's completely age inappropriate on Justin (he's no longer 20!). The blue denim ruffled shirt is great looking, but it's not black-tie appropriate--particularly for a mass audience event like the SAG Awards. The shirt would be right at home with a pair of cords on an off day--or if he was attending a fashion industry event. I actually at first thought he pulled it from his own William Rast line. As a designer, he should have just plain known better. But to play devil's advocate, I think both the tuxedo and bowtie were red carpet appropriate--a fitted white shirt would just have been 1,000 times better. Hey, at least the shirt matched his eyes. Couture Snobs: what do you think?

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Red Carpet Snob: Mariah Carey- Most Improved

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My girl Mariah finally got it right at the SAG awards last weekend (yes I'm a Mariah freak and know almost every song by heart). I'm not super crazy for the one shouldered red dress but at least all body parts are (mostly) covered up. Mariah-- we love you but we don't need to see your 'girls' hanging out at every turn! Let's hope she stays on the path of decency for future appearances.

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