Flawless Fashion: Reese Witherspoon

Photo Credit:  Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Updated With Dress Designers:
Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier with Irene Neuwirth earrings.
Kate Hudson in Jenny Packham (My favorite designer of late.) with an Edie Parker clutch.
Leslie Mann in Naemm Khan


Can you say flawless?  Reese Witherspoon is in her second trimester and she looks glowing and beautiful as she arrives at the White House Correspondents Dinner as a guest of Newsweek/Daily Beast.  As I mentioned before in this post, Reese is dressed by Leslie Fremar who ranked number two this year on The Hollywood Reporter's Top Stylist List.  I don't have information yet on who the designer of the dress and jewels are, but stay tuned for a breaking update as soon as I have the inside scoop.  By the way, the top to this dress reminds me of another famous Nicole Kidman dress the year she won the Oscar for The Hours. The year was 2003 and the designer was Jean-Paul Gaultier.  Take a look at the similarities.  Nicole always leads the fashion way for the younger generation.

Here are my two runner-up choices:

Kate Hudson, who is styled by Rachel Zoe,  in a stunning sequined purple gown.  Uh, she had a baby 9 months ago.  Impressive.

Finally, one of my favorite actresses to interview, Leslie Mann.  She's just a gal you would like to kick back and have cocktails with because she's darn funny.  Her dress choice is a bit unexpected for the White House Correspondents Dinner, but I think it's the perfect spring gown-fresh, floral, and colorful.  

  

Who do you think looked best at this weekend's White House Correspondents Dinner?  Chime in here, on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus.

My Top 3 Posts of 2011

I am a total nerd, but I've known this since elementary school.  I love analyzing numbers and seeing what is working and what isn't.  I love looking into the psychology of what makes people stop and pay attention.  That is why I love analytics for my blog.  It is fun to see what makes you come here and read my posts, whether you are a regular reader or you came through a Google search.  So, here are my Top 3 posts of 2011.  They aren't necessarily my favorites, but they are your favorites.  For my regular readers, one of the Top 3's popularity may surprise you, it sure surprised me.

Simone Harouche, one of my favorite stylists on the list. 

1.  The Stylist Edition:  This article was the number one most trafficked post this year.  I compiled the list of top stylists for the celebrities from a Hollywood Reporter article.  I loved it because it gave us insight into who is consistently setting trends as a stylist for their clients (Rachel Zoe and Anne Hathaway with that amazing tuxedo at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.) and it also made me note who needs to change stylists. (e.g. Amy Adams) This is also a fun one to read because Brad Goreski made an appearance on the list at number 22 while his former mentor, Rachel Zoe, was listed at number 1.  Will that change with this awards season and the premiere of his reality show?  Only time will tell.

2.  Saturn Awards, EZ Curler, and Interviews, Oh My!:  This one was a bit of shock to me as it was just a quick "here's what I've been up to" post, but I sure covered my bases on popular internet searches:  Anna Torv from Fringe, anything related to The Bachelor, and an infomercial sensation called the EZ Curler.  Really, there is something for everyone in this post.  Enjoy the photos and video because I'm sure Google sent you here for this one.

3.  The Oscar Looks of Elizabeth Taylor:  We lost the divine Elizabeth Taylor this year, but there are stunning photographs of her that will live on and endure the test of time.  Following her death, I compiled a series of photos from some of the Academy Awards ceremonies she attended.  I will let the photos speak for themselves.

So, there you have it, the Top 3 Posts of 2011.  Did your favorites make it into the Top 3?  If not, tell me what was your favorite article from Red Carpet Closet this year?

Scenes from a NY Weekend

Although it was a holiday weekend, I had to work.  So, my weekend was filled with a little work, a little play, a little shopping, and a whole lot of eating.  Here are some fun scenes from my Easter weekend in the Big Apple.

We kicked off the weekend with our annual trip to Burgers & Cupcakes.  Yep, you know what's on the menu.

For all of you flea market enthusiasts, The Garage Antique Flea Market (112 West 25th St, 10001) is a must on your next NYC visit.  It is filled with vast treasures with a strong focus on vintage clothing, jewelry, and housewares.  

When you go to visit the flea market, be sure to visit Lulu of Lulu's Vintage Lovelies.  Her eye for style is impeccable and if you want quality designer vintage clothing, she is the woman to meet.  We hunted through vintage Valentino to fox stoles to stunning chandelier earrings.  It's the type of inventory that would make Rachel Zoe's head spin.  I managed to grab a gorgeous white trench coat and a fitted gray military jacket.  (Photos to come...) 

Some of Lulu's treasures that are calling out to me.  I promise, I will be back!  Make sure to stop by and say "hi" to Lulu.  Be sure to tell her that KB sent you.

I do believe the myth is true that NY water makes bagels, pizza, and cupcakes taste better than anywhere in the world.  This slice was heaven.  The right amount of cheese blended together with tangy sauce and a crispy crust. 

A view of our Toyota Live stage from the 4th floor.  It's fun to watch the audience from up above catch our show.  I think it is the best view in the house.  Next time, I have to send someone up there to take a photo when I am on stage.

Thanks to our crew, they posted some of our best shots from our Peter Luger Steakhouse night on the Toyota Live monitors.

I do like my steak!

What's your favorite thing to do in New York?  Let me know in the comments since I have another week left in the big city.

The Stylist Edition

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Update:  To read the 2012 Stylist edition, click here.  

During Awards Season, I was commenting about the importance of a stylist and how they were critical in organizing an overall look for the celebrity based on their shape, personality, coloring, etc.  While some stylists are uber-high profile like Rachel Zoe, other stylists remain in the background doing all of the legwork for the big march down the red carpet.  It can be challenging to find out who is dressing the stars.  Well, my questions were answered by this week's shiny new Hollywood Reporter magazine that came in the mail.  Remember when I was questioning Amy Adams stylist?  Well, I am going to share some of the highlights from The Hollywood Reporter's Top 25 Stylists and I think some of the stylist/celeb pairings are going to surprise you.  (Because there are 25 stylists to go through, I will comment on certain ones and the others I will just list who they dress.)

Photo Courtesy of Amanda Lyons

1. Rachel Zoe:  Duh, of course. She put together 8 divine outfits for Anne Hathaway at The 83rd Annual Academy Awards.  That tux was the piece de resistance, in my opinion.  Also dresses: Jennifer Garner, Eva Mendes, Liv Tyler, Demi Moore (Although recent rumors have her defecting to former Zoe assistant, Brad Goreski.)

2. Kate Young:  Natalie Portman's stylist all season long.  I am not sure I agree with this because of the misguided Golden Globes dress, but the Rodarte dress at the Oscars was a winner.  Also dresses:  Alicia Keyes.

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

3. Petra Flannery:  Petra would have been number 2 in my book because made Mila Kunis into a red carpet movie star this year.  Mila did not have a single fashion misstep all season. Her other client, Hailee Steinfeld, was dressed age appropriately and simply looked fresh and lovely at the Oscars in Marchesa. Also dresses:  Zoe Saldana.

4. Jen Rade:  Another controversial one in my book because she has big hits like Angelina Jolie, but big misses like The Office's Jenna Fischer.  I love Jenna, but she never looks styled at any red carpet.  In fact, I was surprised to hear she used a stylist, that's how ill-fitting her dresses look.  I think this stylist/celeb pairing needs rethinking because Jenna deserves to shine like the beauty that she is.  Also dresses:  Pink, Cher.

5. Anna Bingemann:  Dresses Claire Danes, Naomi Watts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tina Fey.

6. Cristina Ehrlich:  Okay, we finally have the answer!!  This is who dresses Amy Adams. This is another pairing that isn't working. Amy is stunning and I always feel like her dresses miss the mark or they are styled with the wrong jewelry like at the Oscars this year.  Also dresses:  Penelope Cruz, Julianne Hough, Kyra Sedgwick, Ashley Green, Julianna Margulies.

7. Deborah Waknin:  Dresses Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock.  (That's some A-list star wattage!)

8. Elizabeth Stewart:  This one may be controversial for some of you, but Cate Blanchett looked amazing in person.  The fault of the stylist on the Givenchy Couture dress is that it did not photograph well. That is also a part of their job to make sure it translates well live and on camera.  Also dresses:  Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried, Kristin Davis, Viola Davis.

9. Leslie Fremar: Dresses Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron.

10. Jeanne Yang:  Dresses Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, Christian Bale, and Melissa Leo (That Marc Bower dress at the Oscars was terrible and she will forever be the 2011 Oscar winner in that dress!)

11. Leith Clark:  Dresses Michelle Williams, Keira Knightley.

12. Estee Stanley:  Dresses Jessica Biel, Lea Michele.  This is a good stylist for young Hollywood as she has done a great job with putting Lea on the fashion map.

Nicole Kidman at the 2011 Grammys.

13. L'Wren Scott:  She's a designer and a stylist, but whoa--she was all over the map with her client, Nicole Kidman, this season.  Nicole has always been a fashion icon, but I don't think her fashion choices this year hit the mark except for the dress she wore to the Grammys.

14. Jessica Paster:  She used to be THE stylist to go to before the Top 10 crop of stylists came forward and made their fashion mark.  Dresses:  Annette Bening, Emily Blunt.

15. Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn:  Dresses Jennifer Lopez, Rachel McAdams, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Rihanna.  They've done a great job with J Lo's "comeback" on American Idol and giving her short dresses to showcase those Venus razor sponsored legs.  She looks fabulous.

16. Maryam Malakpour:  Dresses Heidi Klum, Courtney Cox, The Rolling Stones. (Yep, even old rock stars have a stylist.)

17.  Tanya Gill:  I was surprised to see Tanya this far down the list.  She dressed a very polished Hillary Swank this year.  Hillary's looks at the Oscars and the SAG Awards really hit the mark.  They weren't fashion game changers, but they offered up a softer side of the perennially buff Swank.  Also dresses:  Jane Fonda, Kate Winslet.

18. Tiina Laakonen:  Dresses Carey Mulligan.  I think we will all be hearing more from this stylist in the next few years with a high profile client like Carey.  She's definitely one to watch.

19. George Kotsiopoulos: You know him from E!'s Fashion Police.  He dresses Freida Pinto, Kristen Stewart, Kerry Washington, Katy Perry, and Kathryn Bigelow.  I expect him to be more of a TV personality versus a stylist with his new found TV fame.

20. Nicole Chavez:  Yikes, she dressed Scarlett Johansson this year.  That outfit was on trend with the lace, but it fit snugly in all of the wrong places.  I was about two feet away from Scarlett on the red carpet at the Oscars and this beautiful actress with an incredible body did not look her best.  Also dresses:  Rachel Bilson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Katherine Heigel.

21. Annabel Tollman:  Dresses Jessica Simpson, Cynthia Nixon, and formerly, Scarlett Johansson. (Go back to her, Scarlett!)

22. Brad Goreski:  One of my personal faves from Bravo's The Rachel Zoe Project, but he's now on his own dressing Jessica Alba.  Truth be told,  I want the real skinny:  Did Demi Moore defect to Brad?

23. June Ambrose:  Dresses Diddy, Jay Z, Kelly Ripa, and Mariah Carey.  (Eh.  Do any of these celebs make an impressive fashion mark?)

24. Samantha McMillen:  Dresses Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Nicole Richie at the 2010 Oscars.

25. Simone Harouche:  I cannot believe she is only number 25.  She is one of my favorites for creating Nicole Richie's current look after Nicole parted ways with Rachel Zoe.  On the flip side, she is also dressed Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus, so maybe that is why she is stuck in the number 25 position.

Well, there you have it, a fashion stylist bible all thanks to The Hollywood Reporter and a few added comments from me.  I also tried to link as many of the stylists' websites for you to peruse, it is surprising how many stylists hide behind their agency's websites versus becoming a brand like Rachel Zoe. (But that is another topic for another day!) The Style Issue is dated March 18, 2011 if you want to pick up a copy of this week's edition with Rachel Zoe on the cover.  I am keeping this one handy because we are going to need it with the next award season beginning in only 5 months.  Yep, Emmys season is just around the corner.  Be sure to comment below because I would love to hear your thoughts on some of these stylists and see if you agree with me or not.

To view my 2012 Top 25 Stylists article, click here.

Reminding Me Why I Love The Princess Diaries...

When The 83rd Annual Academy Award hosts were announced, I was initially lukewarm to the idea of having Anne Hathaway and James Franco lead the evening's events.  Yes, the Academy wants ratings, they want younger viewers, but most importantly, they need to shake the formulaic formula up.  A good way to do that is to change up the expected idea of a host.  We expect comedians, but it is a night that the entertainment industry takes very seriously.  What we saw Ricky Gervais do at The Golden Globes this year would never be done at the Oscars.  So, often times, comedians can't be funny in the way we expect/want them to be.  So, enter James Franco and Anne Hathaway and the new promos for the upcoming show.  The first piece is my favorite, but watch Anne's outfits in the promos, they scream Rachel Zoe all the way.  I am "bananas" waiting to see Anne's entrance on the red carpet on February 27th as I'm sure a pregnant Rachel Zoe will hold off on childbirth just to see her client's big moment.   Either way, the promos are well-produced which I think is a good sign for this year's Academy Awards. (And I reminder that The Princess Diaries is a classic to watch on TBS over and over again. Long Live, Princess Mia of Genovia!)

What do you think of this year's hosts?





Photo Used with Permission from AMPAS.
Photo Credit:  Bob D'Amico / ABC

November: Monthly Wrap-Up

This has become one of my favorite segments of my blog each month.  I love to see what you have been reading and what Google searches bring people to Red Carpet Closet.  It adds a lot of comedy and hilarity to my day.  So, let's catch up on the Top 5 Most Absurd Searches for November 2010:


1.  "Are there camps like Stagedoor Manor cheaper?":  In one simple word:  Nope.  I attended Stagedoor Manor two decades ago and it is an experience that can only be replicated at Stagedoor Manor.  It was expensive then and it is expensive now.  Check into financial aid or scholarships because you are one lucky kid if you get to attend even one Stagedoor camp session.  Don't believe me? Here's what I have to say about the musical theatre camp twenty years later.


2.  "How tall is Olga Kay?":  Okay, I get it.  You like Olga Kay.  I do too. She's petite.  Maybe 5'4"?  Olga, help me out here.  Your fans want to know A LOT about you.  Here's another Olga piece I wrote.  **Update**:  Olga is 5'1".  Phew, so glad I could bring you that breaking news.  Thanks, Olga!


3.  "Term for free goodies given to celeb winners":  Um, that would be free goodies or gift baskets or gifting suites.  I guess you want to see my Emmy gifting suite coverage for Mingle Media TV?  It's here, here, here, and here.  


4.  "What would Rachel Zoe use instead of a strapless bra for support?":  Wow,WWJD has been replaced by WWRZD?  Jesus needs a reality TV show because obviously RZ is hot.  Here are some great tips for your undergarments on the red carpet, ladies.  


5.  "Old Stiletto Dick Van Patten":  I cannot even begin to fathom what you were looking for here.  Dick Van Patten is the dad from Eight is Enough.  I doubt he wears stilettos, especially old ones, but thanks for the laugh.  Here are some of my favorite stilettos for your shoe viewing pleasure.  


Well, that's it for this month.  I cannot wait to do my favorite searches for 2010.  I am sure there are a few winners in there.  Keep up the Google searching because it keeps up the laughter on my end.  

How to be Red Carpet Ready: The Undergarments Edition

Ladies, we have to discuss something delicate today, your undergarments.  Please watch the 13 second video above to see what I am talking about.  The days of Madonna with her cone bra, Britney with her thong above her jeans, and Carrie Bradshaw with her black bra under her white tank are over.  I want you all to look classy and elegant from the moment you walk out the door; whether you are going to Whole Foods or hitting the red carpet.  Here are a couple of amazing and affordable tools to keep your undergarments in check:

Tape it up!  From L to R:  Fashion Forms, Hollywood Fashion Tape, TOPSTICK.

1.  Tape:  Whether it is the classic men's toupée tape called TOPSTICK (A favorite of Rachel Zoe.), Hollywood Fashion Tape, or Style Solutions by Fashion Forms (Dress Tape), it is time to tape it all up!  Use the double-sided tape on your DVF wrap dress close to the top of the slit so you aren't flashing your undies coming in and out of the car or tape that shirt to your bra, so we don't have to look at the lace on the latest Victoria's Secret fashion.  It's easy to use, easy to remove, and it's affordable at less than $10 for any of the three products mentioned above.  As an avid user of tape every time I am on-camera, I prefer TOPSTICK or Fashion Forms because their adhesive won't let you down.  For those of you who are SAG members, Naimie's sells TOPSTICK for a 30% discount with your membership card.

The absolute MUST-HAVE in your wardrobe:  Fashion Forms NuBra Ultralite.

2.  Adhesive Bras:  Oh, it sounds really weird, but once I discovered this genius invention, I haven't looked back.  Think of it as cups with adhesive, no straps, but they attach together at the center for additional support.  These bras are amazing with strapless, backless, or red carpet dresses.  They offer the support that pasties lack and they gently stick to your skin without a worry.  They are easy to wash, the adhesive lasts a long time, and I don't fuss with the adhesive bra the way I do with a regular strapless bra.    The best part?  They also work with chicken cutlets if you smaller-chested ladies (Like Moi!) want some additional cleavage.  Also, Fashion Forms has taken the chicken cutlet/adhesive bra one step further and combined it them into one amazing product.  Target carries Fashion Forms beginning at $24.99.

This little piece of plastic is all you need.  From L to R:  Strap Perfect in clear, black, and nude, and Fashion Forms in black.

3.  Strap Perfect: Okay, it's time to seriously put those bra straps away.  You've seen those commercials on TV.  Strap Perfect is affordable and a terrific solution to hiding those straps when you are wearing a tank top or a racer back shirt.  The pack includes clear, nude, and black pieces to accommodate the most common colors in your undergarment wardrobe.  It will pull and tighten those straps so you aren't pushing them up as they slide off of your shoulders and the ad is true, they give you a nice lift.  The ads on TV charge you $18.95 plus $7.95 shipping.  Skip that route and head to Bed, Bath, and Beyond armed with one of their 20% off coupons and get a smaller pack for under $10.

Okay, those are just a few quick and affordable solutions to pulling yourself together for a big night out without pulling a Britney.  I just want you to look your best and I prefer not to know the color of your underwear.  If you don't believe me, check out my interview with lovely CEO and founder of Fashion Forms, Ann Deal, at the Reality Cares gifting suite.  Not only is she a hoot, but she understands the importance of dressing from the inside out:


Finally, we have to announce our winner of the Emmys Weekend Gift Bag Giveaway.  Using Random.org, our winner was selected and it is Lisa Cafiero!  Congratulations!  Please make sure to contact me (Contact Tab is at the top of the page.) so I can make sure you get your gift bag this week.

See you all tomorrow at Red Carpet Closet!

Emmys 2010: Part 1

Oh, what a weekend!  I have a lot of photos to share with you and hopefully a few stories behind some of the interviews.  The interviews from Mingle Media TV will be posted in the next few days, but here's a head start on what happened this weekend at some of the pre-Emmys gifting suites, parties, and events. I was trying to put them all in one post, but it was too overwhelming, so here is the start of my Emmys weekend:

Reality Cares Benefit: Friday night I was at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive for the Love Hope & Healing Cancer Benefit.

With the band, Honor Society, who played that night.  They are cute, sweet, very Disney, and friends with the Jonas Brothers.

Max Adler from Glee.  Even though he plays a non-singing role in the show, Max revealed he was a member of show choir back in high school....sequins and all!

Patrick Gallagher of True Blood and Glee.  Is he looking at my boobs?

Guillermo Diaz from Weeds told me his favorite TV character is Mork from Mork and Mindy.  Here we are doing a little  "Nanu Nanu" on the red carpet.

Lots of web series fans will recognize Lauren Mayhew from Private High Musical.  She  couldn't remember who created her dress.  We had to do a little tag checking during the interview.

Okay, here we go.  Vienna Girardi from The Bachelor.  She was the host of the evening and I have to say, she is sweet and much prettier and softer in person.  I don't know what her career plans are in LA, but I think she got screwed with a little Mike Fleiss editing on the show.  I am glad she is away from Jake because I think he is crazy.  Yep, I said it.  Crazy.

Lots of goofing around on the red carpet with my producer, JD Piche, behind the camera.

The wardrobe rundown:

Dress by:  Born Crucial

Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman, Winter 2007 Collection

Necklace/Earrings/Floral Ring:  Roni B.

Smoky Quartz Ring: Rachel Zoe, QVC

Nails:  "Suzi Says Da!", OPI

Clutch:  Target Clearance Sale! $7.98

I will be back with more photos tomorrow and I have lots of good stories from the GBK Gifting Suite with your favorite celebs from The Office, 30 Rock, Mad Men, and Desperate Housewives.  I will also be doing an Emmys event gift bag giveaway, so come back and join me at Red Carpet Closet tomorrow!                          

                                  

   Photos Courtesy of Mingle Media TV and Kristyn Burtt.  May not be used without linking back to the proper sites.