Penelope Cruz is one of the best dressed women in Hollywood.  In formal wear, she often channels a young Audrey Hepburn and she usually has effortless casual style. So I’m disappointed by this bright reddish orange suit she wore to the London premiere of her new movie, “Broken Embraces.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The suit too closely matches the red carpet and in general the look is just off.  Why the rolled up pants?  Why didn’t she at least wear a black shirt to break up the color scheme?
Perhaps there is a reasonable explanation for Ms. Cruz’s fashion faux pas. According to the Brit tabloid, …read more

More often than not, celebrity women of color arrive at award shows dressed to impress (see my post on “5 Most Stylish Women of Color“).  Sometimes, however, they falter by wearing gowns that would be perfect for a senior prom or bridesmaid, but underwhelm on the red carpet.  
Here are a few such missteps I caught during award season:
 
 
Monica should take a few fashion tips from her older sister Penelope. This metallic and lace mermaid gown might look passable on an 18-year-old at her prom, but it’s too tacky for the Academy Awards.
 
Rosario probably thinks I’m picking on her (like she …read more

We look to our Hollywood she-roes and public figures for wardrobe inspiration, however, certain popular women of color command our attention more than others with their undeniable flair for fashion.
That’s why Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Eva Mendes, Penelope Cruz, and Halle Berry are Hot Mama Daily’s picks for the “5 Most Stylish Women of Color.“
Rihanna may be going through a rough patch in her personal life, but being hailed Hot Mama Daily’s “Most Stylish” should help to lift her spirits. The pop singer’s style is young, hip, and cutting edge.
Michelle Obama is hands-down the best dressed First Lady since Jackie O. Her …read more

Penelope Cruz, pictured with Best Actress favorite Kate Winslet, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her funny and passionate portrayal in Woody Allen’s “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”  And she did it in style.  Cruz’s dress is a 60-year-old vintage couture gown.

Nominated for her touching portrayal of a conflicted and a protective mother in “Doubt,” Viola Davis wore an Oscar-ready gold gown.

“Slumdog Millionaire” co-star Freida Pinto looked like an Indian princess in her one-sleeved, beaded blue gown by John Galliano.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” nominee Taraji P. Henson looked like Cinderella in her cream Roberto Cavalli gown and …read more

Whether she’s dressed like a tomboy or glamour girl, actress Penelope Cruz is simply stunning.  Need proof?  Just look at these Top Model-worthy photos from an ad campaign for the Spanish-based clothing boutique Mango. Penelope is modeling fashions from the line she and her sister Monica designed for Mango, which opened its first New York City outpost last year.  The clothes are super stylish and the prices are reasonable.

Although she dabbles in fashion, Penelope is of course best known for acting.  I recently saw Woody Allen’s funny, passionate, and neurotic “Vicky Christina Barcelona,” and Penelope more than deserves her Best …read more