Styling just like Simon, Randy and Kara preach on American Idol is about choices made. Taking risks on the red carpet can either pay off handsomely or become the butt of internet chatter and fodder for E’s Fashion Police. Red Carpet designer and commentator Randolph Duke’s said it best while covering ABC’s post coverage-On the Red Carpet. “The Oscars allow every person watching to be a critic”, not just editors get to critique what happens in fashion on film’s biggest night. Ready for my opinion?

Photo from Mlive.com (AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Charlize Theron wearing Christian Dior.

Charlize hails from the world of modeling before getting her big break in 1996′s Two Days in the Valley. Remember the white catsuit? I should I was one of Charlize’s bookers back then. It was abundantly clear or how about Cinnabon clear Charlize was bound for Oscar. Wearing a reinterpreted gown from the runway in Lavender and icy pink. Charlize looked as if she slipped on her dress quickly, tied up her hair and popped on a pouty coral lip. Ex-supermodel’s do effortless so super well.

Without the pressure of being nominated, why not use the red carpet as a runway? Had to kinda sorta be strategic considering Charlize is the celebrity spokesperson for Dior’s J’adore fragrance. Wearing Harry Winston earrings, the Dior seems stranger than it r is. Just  like art you either J’adore or……..

Pretty certain Cinnabon is happy for the comparison on Charlize’s chest too.

Style Tip-
Change one portion of your style and embark on a major style shake up. Don’t “not” take a risk because there are nay sayers. Raise your own fashion bar for follower’s to follow.

Photo from Instyle.com (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)

Carey Mulligan in Prada

Carey could have been a contender. Wearing a Prada black box pleat with Swarovski encrusted crystals. Great choice for Carey’s petite frame. Though Carey’s accessories choice, completely wrong.

Carey should have passed on Fred Leighton‘s stunning chandeliers in favor of highlighting her creamy skin and dramatic Mia Farrow inspired cut.

The fit of this dress was very flattering on Carey’s petite figure and the shorter hemline in front would have been a styling moment all on it’s own. The heavy
crisscross black straps on Carey’s heels ruined the drama of her unexpected hemline.

A beautiful barely there metallic strappy stiletto paired with a diamond post or tiny teardrops would have highlighted Carey’s Mia cut and her pale ivory skin. Could have been a best dressed contender. Sigh!

Style Tip-
Are you accused of fading into the background? Don’t let this post scare you. Evening wear demands more effort. Get your hair and makeup done for your most important events.

Photo from Nola.com (AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Maggie Gyllenhal in Dries Van Noeten

How Maggie dresses is connected to who she is as an actor. Maggie’s chic/cool strapless sheath included a barely detectable off balanced detail at the top of her bodice. Wearing a dress by designer Dries Van Noeten and Vintage Fred Leighton earrings/ bracelet. The print on Maggie’s gown points to the beautiful prints forecasting for Spring/Summer. Choosing a risky pattern is what set Maggie’s look apart. Patterns are rarely worn on camera. For me Maggie’s look was “done and done.”

My biggest note on Maggie’s appearance is how underweight she is. I tweeted playfully that Maggie could use a sandwich others tweeted back “and a bowl of pasta” “and a 7 layer chocolate cake…the whole cake”

Style Tip-
Simple strapless sheaths always a chic choice. Don’t be afraid to try an unexpected pattern. This pattern worked as it has a strong solid background, not to busy for the eye.

Double Style Tip-
Don’t put Hollywood’s too thin appearance into your mind set, most of the actresses on the red carpet really need to allow their bodies to rest at their natural weight.  Want to know how you look on camera? Shoot yourself and see what other’s see. esp. if you have the Imac photo booth.

Little Taylor Swift managed to upset them all at the Grammys. Asking the question. Was Kanye really all that c-a-razy with his unannounced outburst at the MTV VMA”s?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually turn the channel when “You Belong To Me” comes on from Taylor Swift but Album of the year? Oh well, Gaga will get em next year. Right Darren?

This little underage country pop crooner has got something besides 4 new grammys and a duet with Stevie Nicks. Taylor happens to have a waifish model like swagger with skin so pure. Dressing Taylor is almost idiot proof. This little girl looks good in everything. At the Grammy’s Taylor’s stylist killed it, to the point that Taylor doesn’t need a-nother nod to go to her head. Country child star turned celebrity rehab Mindy McCreedy is proof of too much too soon not always too good. Ready to dissect.

Nothing looks better on cool eyes but a cool sparkly shiny navy blue gown. Kaurfman Franco who designed this dress gets my vote on innovation. I haven’t seen the 50′s navy glitter mixed with this type of shoulder line but done in an oh so “Esther Williams” swimsuit back way ever.

Super modern, super edgy and showed off Taylor’s shoulder blades, an area of the body that never gets enough attention. The fit on this dress is flawless around the bust paired with deep armholes and the execution on how the straps fasten on Taylor’s back is a designer using his muse as his architect. Honestly this dress almost deserved a bigger star wearing it to really do it justice. Drew Barrymore where was your stylist on this one? It’s that A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Taylor’s stylist mixed beautiful and each one different oversized bangles on Taylor’s tiny right arm by Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz. Earrings which were not over bearing but added texture to Taylor’s locks slightly upswept naturally and effortlessly.

I wish I could take something apart this but this Grammy night as Taylor sings belonged all to her. Good on you TS.

Style Tip-
Fit is by far the most important accessory when you are getting dressed. Whether you’re going to work or going out for an important event, make sure your clothing fits well. No bagging, sagging bulging where you don’t want it. Work with a seamstress/tailor on every item that you own. Don’t be worried about how little or how much you spent. Spending a few extra bucks to fit your body like the rocks stars do is worth the investment. You will be amazed at what you learn about your own body when you are your own fit model.

-Barbra Horowitz

“Have you ever looked fear in the face and said I just don’t care”. Pink performed “Glitter in the air” last night at the Gramm’s where this line above comes from.

I should know, as this quote sits right on my Facebook page reminding me each and every day to remain fearless. How I wish I could sing for “one night only” like Pink. Do I wish I could sing wet on a trapeze? What are you crazy?

Dare devil norm for Mrs. Hart- Pink flying high- Pink flying wet- but pink flying high on style? Not Pink’s usual strong suit. Pink outdid even Pink last night. Ready to dissect?

I write a ton about wearing variations of the same shade when getting dressed. Pink’s dress is an example of my wedding cake theory. See how each layer of grey from Pink’s almost silver blonde hair down to her icy corset and charcoal train. Wearing all these shades cascading from light to dark gave the illusion of curves to Pink’s otherwise tomboy figure. The rhinestone belt on this Tony Ward Couture gown cuts all those grey shades with just the right amount of embellishments.

The use of Pink’s corset with embellished trim but not the same as the belt breaks up what could have been an otherwise boring dress. The right amount of accessories pulled it all together. A very feminine touch, almost school girl barrette in Pink’s hair paired with a swarovski clutch tied and a few glittery bracelets truly was breathtaking and a nice surprise on Pink. Ever the lady Pink was last night and most deserved of my “Most Improved” honor. Doesn’t anyone want to say somethin when celebs take your notes and improve? Sheesh!

Style tip-
When getting dressed in your own wardrobe don’t just wear just one color. Wear all shades of the same color together.  You will be amazed at how  simple it is to mix colors together even if just by accident.

-Barbra Horowitz

Me thinks there is some sort of style conspiracy in play regarding last Sunday’s Golden Globes fashion coverage. Host Ricky Gervais joked in his monologue “which studio might have bought their star’s statue, which Sandra Bullock humbly continued in her own acceptance speech?”

Is everything in life a popularity contest? I reeled over my own loss for “best dressed” 25 years ago. Justice was served 20 years later at my high school reunion when May Beneviedez graciously told me that I should have won all those years ago instead of her. Duh!

I began to wonder could fashion coverage be the same sitch? Your favorite magazine or entertainment shows award favorable coverage in exchange for top tier celebs interviews on the red carpet. Bad press means no one to interview which means no show.

I understand the politics of entertainment but am still frustrated by the lack of coverage towards BBW (Mo’nique) and senior style stars (Helen Mirren-Sophia Loren). All 3 appeared amazingly ageless and radiant.

This raises the question: If you’re not the demo of what you see celebrated in the magazines. How can you relate? Should I succumb to botox because I’m 43 and Courtney Cox has shot herself up? Should my virtual assistant, Laura, a size 16 and stunning starve herself for a size her body could never be? Shame on y’all, if you are the expert in fashion what about creating a category “for most improved on the red carpet?”

As a professional stylist and fashion writer the only way I can really help you is by pointing out what could have worked and or who showed shining improvements.

Celebrities set the trends but they’re also real people who make mistakes (when they hire the wrong stylist) I couldn’t help myself:)

I hereby nominate a new category ‘most improved” and the winner is……

Christina Aguilera

Christina on improvement alone aspired to her own “best dressed” EVER! Spring’s flesh, peach, apricot trend, Christina took that category too. Ready to dissect?

Cnristina once labeling herself ‘dirty” sure cleaned up nicely.

Gone-
Christina’s over dyed blonde Christian Louboutin betty boop get ups.

Here-
elegant and extremely well groomed from head to toe. I was so proud of Christina as if I had dressed her my self. That’s good styling when you feel it through the TV.

Color-
I wrote about more “white weddings” last year at the Golden Globes From Nicole Kidman to Emily Blunt and Fergie, this year the bridesmaid ruled the soggy red carpet.

I have never been a super Donatella Versace but this spring trend coming up, Donatella’s bridesmaid met mad max in a good way. A beautiful mix of soft, silver, corsetry and draping. Yummy.

You will never go wrong in your own style moments when you mix warm and cool together on your body. Peach chiffon with decadent layered silver bustier made Cristina’s pale complexion and cool eyes-that same combo of cool and warm pop and create all the shininess felt through my tv.

Bodyshape-
I have never seen a more flattering style on Christina Aguilera. Donatella’s bustier with peach alternating to silver on the bust allowed Christina’s augmented breasts to actually look pendulous and real. The silver corseting draped beeautifully across Christina’s torso with horizontal draping from the peach chiffon down to the ground. The almost after thought trim pieces with more corseting were so “wrong it’s right” This is my most favorite Versace dress and would fit women of all sizes creating and deflecting curves exactly where a women would want and not want to be appreciated.

Style-
Donatella created an edgy trendy dress that could be worn as the bride at an alternative wedding or a very special birthday you may be celebrating. Christina modeled it beautifully and if it wasn’t for her updated beautiful little bob hairstyle, this dress could have been too uber sexpot. Christina had just enough sweetness mixed with edge to create her finest red carpet so far.

Style tip-
Sometimes the most obvious beauty in the room isn’t. Don’t underestimate yourself. Take note from Christina Aguilera’s most improved status. Knocking ‘em dead on the red carpet is not knocking them over the head. Use your sexpotness in key moments.

You’ll be amazed the people you will attract into that web of yours.

I’m in massive admiration of Cameron for her sense of fearlessness towards the red carpet. For this very reason I think it’s important to use Cameron in illustrating how styling is a complete concept and not just about “the”dress.

I’m shot up with two latte’s. We’s about to go deep. You ready to rumble?

Color-
Red on the red carpet is one of Cameron’s signature colors, from shoes to lips to this Alexander McQueen red satin charmeuse, Cameron knows how to carry off red as an ironic accent.. just not on this night.

Hair-
Hair up was a strong trend shown Sunday evening.
It’s best not to trend every moment of your outfit. Cameron’s boudoir ready dress could’ve opted for 40′s icon Veronica Lake hair paired with fabulous chandelier art deco earrings from one of the big boys: Neil Lane or Fred Leighton.

Makeup-
Cameron’s red lipstick was not the same crimson shade of her dress. Wearing color on your body is entirely different than dried down lipstick mixed with your skin’s pigment. My suggestion instead… A gorgeous nude palette with strong apricot blush lips topped off with natural high gloss. It’s much more important to match Cameron’s cool eyes to her dress than visa versa.

Shoes-
Had Cameron opted for either one or both of these options above then her black open peep toe’s would have worked. With the high shine of Cameron’s dress, wearing gold, pewter or silver stiletto platforms instead would’ve connected the shine of Cameron’s dress with the shine of the shoe.

Bodyshape-
Dresses on the runway don’t always translate onto the red carpet. This was not the right fit for Cameron but could have been correct instead for January Jones or Chloe Sevigny. I could’ve seen Cameron wearing either starlet’s dresses with much better results.

Style-
I love the trending shoulders and avant-garde neckline but the strong V yoking down the center was too hard on Cameron’s tiny hips creating almost a pooch that simply doesn’t exist.

Style tip-
When getting dressed for big evenings…run through your hair and makeup with your shoes, dress and jewelry before the big night. Sometimes what you envision as working just doesn’t.

Can you believe I ran several searches on who designed Golden Globe’s winner Mo’nique and came up with Nada? Finally I posted to Facebook and immediately was reminded that wedding designer Reem Acra dressed Mo’nique. In today’s “much more than zero” sized American women, how could Mo’nique an award winner on Sunday evening not be covered on the various fashion and entertainment sites? This over 40 size 2 is not likin the size discrimination.

Make no mistake tabloid TMZ did manage to expose Mo’nique’s hairy almost man like unshaven legs. Can you believe they seek this stuff out? Luckily Mo’s styling team didn’t miss a beat on what you were supposed to see.

Color-
If you’re about to win a Golden Globe, wearing gold certainly would be symbolic, if you’re Mo’nique with her golden warm undertones Golden Globe gold is perfect to wear for her new slimmed down figure. Shame on the press for not propping the girls outside of society’s norm.

Bodyshape-
Reem Acra’s strapless with asymmetrical pleated bodice, empire waist and lots of drapey billowing almost seemed too much in the back, but honestly when Mo’nique turned around after her acceptance speech this same billowing created deflection and movement to what could have made Mo’nique look larger on camera.

Style-
Reem Acra’s strapless dress showcased Mo’nique’s bust and shoulder line elegantly and really pulled together Mo’s flawless hair…makeup and jewels. Monique blew usual style star presenter Nicole Kidman right out of the water. Proving Bigger girls dress great 2. Style tip-Are you considered America’s normal sized woman? Don’t tent your body in by covering yourself up. Take note from Mo’nique’s red carpet look.

Show more skin.. Style has no size.

Overall rating- 4 stars minus the hairy legs.

Mariah Carey will never make it onto anyone’s best-dressed list we all know that. I don’t even think Mimi’s trying. Mariah has crafted a caricature of what it “means to Mariah” to be rich and famous. I wouldn’t want to be Mariah’s stylist but at least she’s authentic.

I find it interesting that the best-dressed lists are such a clique: Cameron..Drew..Jen..Julia..Snore! It’s much too easy to trash taste, Why not give kudos to celebrities who actually rose to their own personal best Sunday night. Best-dressed list or not. Ready to dissect?

Color-
You know Mariah…its sparkle-shine and more sparkle-shine. Mariah always drawn to tighter than tight silhouettes, is wearing a delish black matte Herve Leger by Max Azria. 80′s design icon Herve himself always used matte fabrications mimicking the look of bandages. Black matte against Mariah’s spray tan and diamonds looked very sleek and dare I say movie star style.

Bodyshape-
Cue segue way for Globe joke. Mariah is oh so proud of her globes the one’s she paid for. (budum dum) Is her overdone cleavage garish and inappropriate? (Of course!) Are we talking about Mariah Carey? (then why the surprise?). This silhouette is one of the best shapes I’ve ever seen on Mariah Carey. Period! The shoulder pad trend we’re seeing is spot on. Mariah’s stylist must have begged for the shoulder pad mermaid number over perhaps sleeveless or halter, Mariah’s usual. Mariah being more covered up top balances MC”s need to be poured into clothing, creating beautiful curves all over. The deep V-neck versus a plunge neckline slims Mariah’s tummy pulling your eyes away from her center and back to Mariah as a whole.

Style-
Mariah Carey showed up in a dress that deserves a few hail Marys even if there is too much gratuitous boobies showing. Herve Leger by Max Azria helped Mariah recognize the body consciousness she loves while pulling Mimi into the 21st century. That’s no easy task.

Minus the not so real clip on ponytail. Mariah looked like a movie star, her hair and makeup and jewels were understated and beautiful. Paired with impeccably dressed and stylish hubs Nick Cannon, Mariah gets my vote for best dressed for Mariah.

Overall rating- 4 stars.

Style Tip
When creating your own red carpet moments. Take pictures beforehand from every angle. If you need to adjust…tape or tie yourself down… Do it! Your memories are priceless and you don’t want to create negative attention you weren’t prepared for.