Image: Zuma Press

1. Fergie – There’s something about this dress that I love.  The fit is great on the Duchess and the beaded(?) textured of the gown gives it an edgy vibe.

Image: Zuma Press

2. Carrie Underwood – She reminds me of a golden Barbie doll, in a good way! I really like the colour of her dress and those shoes go really well with the whole outfit.

Image: Zuma Press

3. Selena Gomez – I don’t know very much about this young Disney starlet but she looked very nice last night. A a sequined dress can either be a huge miss or a big hit and this is a hit. I like that it’s short but not too short. The only thing I would change? Her shoes.

Image: Zuma Press

4. Leona Lewis -  What I love about this look? The lack of accessories. She knew (or her stylist knew) that adding a pair of huge earrings or necklace wouldn’t be a good idea with a dress this elaborate. The overall look is simple with an edge.

And honorable mentions go to Alicia Keys, Kristen Bell, Kelly Clarkson, Toni Braxton (where has she been?!) and Keri Hilson.

Who were your favourites from last night? Tell us below!

Post from: The List Maven

This year, there were ten dresses (one of which wasn’t even on the red carpet!) that really stood out in my mind. Here are my top ten picks for the 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival.

Pictured: Vahina Giocante at the “Coco Chanel” Premiere

Pictured: Kerrry Washington at the “Coco Chanel” Premiere

Pictured: Marion Cotillard at the amfAR Party

Pictured: Rachel Weisz at the “Agora” Photocall

Pictured: Kristin Scott Thomas at the “Vengeance” Premiere

Pictured: Paula Patton at the “Precious” Premiere

Pictured: Elizabeth Banks at the “Spring Fever” Premiere

Pictured: Devon Aoki at the “Spring Fever” Premiere

Pictured: Eugenia Silva at the “Up” Premiere

Pictured: Elizabeth Banks at the “Up” Premiere

Images: Bauer Griffin

Post from: The List Maven

That was before tonight. I’m inspired and delighted to say that Hollywood glamour is back, and the staunch traditionalism has softened into a far more intimate and personable affair. In short – this was an emotional, amazing show.

I’m not sure exactly at what point I realized this was something different, but I did notice that I hadn’t hit my typical mid-show slump right when the big awards are starting to be presented. I was still paying attention, still interested in what was happening, and not just listening for the winners with half an ear. With that, I made up my mind that it only seemed fitting to consolidate the biggest reasons why this year’s Academy Awards completely and utterly rocked.

Hugh Jackman is hilarious. The opening number was far more interesting, hilarious, and honestly energetic than it has been in years. It was fun and lighthearted, without feeling as though there was any sense of pretension in the air.

Slinky, sparkly, cream colored dresses. The ladies looked lovely. There were only a few dresses that I turned up my nose at (Heidi, I’m looking at you.) – overall the look was elegant and shiny. The stars sporting the ’standard’ off-white sparkling look included Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston, Tina Fey, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Evan Wood, and Marisa Tomei.

Color still popped. As for the ladies who defied this, Kate Winslet, Marianne Cotillard and Amy McAdams  were absolutely radiant. Even Angelina Jolie brought out a pop of festive green jewelry.

The collective passing of the Oscar torch. The first time five previous winners stepped on stage to present the award for Best Supporting Actress, I gasped. Something different. The standard individual winner from the year before is a tradition. But this is so much more humbling. And the “toasting” between actors was just so refreshing. I hope they keep this for future years.

Best Supporting Actor. This was sad, this was real, and it was very well done. I admire Heath Ledger’s family for their strength. We’ve been predicting this for months now, before Ledger passed away even. It was wonderful to see the award go to such a stunning performance.

Slumdog! This was an absolutely incredible film. I’m so glad to see it be recognized on this scale for the many different ways in which the film excelled and ultimately dominated.

Great company, great competition. Almost all the categories (well, except animation – and there were some choice Jack Black jokes about that) were chock full of talent. The winners were well deserved, but they were in great company.I particularly enjoy it when you can genuinely tell that a group of actors/actresses are proud of the winner, even when it’s not them standing at the podium.

Kate Winslet’s dad whistled. This was brilliant. Combined with the choice words in Sean Penn’s acceptance speech, and the words “Domo arigato Mr Roboto” being uttered on stage,  I’d say this was a ridiculously great year for speeches.

Images: Newscom

Post from: The List Maven

7:14 PM: The List Maven

7:53 PM: The List Maven

• 8:04 PM: The List Maven Josh Brolin just gets better with age. Amy Adams – a “beacon of fashion” according to Tim Gunn – so darn cute.
• 8:07 PM: The List Maven So far, my favorite gowns are worn by Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams. No surprises here.
• 8:10 PM: The List Maven Valentino is the good luck designer of The Oscars – 7 of his creations have gone up to the podium to win an award. He is a at the awards show as a “spectator” tonight.
• 8:21 PM: The List Maven Meryl Streep and her daughter Louisa, both wearing rather simple (complementary?) neutral dresses.
• 8:22 PM: The List Maven Penelope Cruz looks lovely, but I don’t like the bangs. Her dress is very pretty…though not super remarkable.
• 8:24 PM: The List Maven Really trying to appreciate Marisa Tomei’s Versace dress…it’s still not really working for me.
• 8:27 PM: The List Maven Best Actor Nominee Mickey Rourke – he lost his dog just a few days ago, very sad. Image: Newscom
• 8:27 PM: The List Maven
• 8:28 PM: The List Maven Brad and Angelina had absolutely no time for Tim Gunn.
• 8:30 PM: The List Maven They’re wrapping things up and I’m rather concerned that Heidi Klum is sticking in my mind as the most obvious red carpet “don’t”
• 8:30 PM: The List Maven And…it begins!
• 8:32 PM: The List Maven It hasn’t even been 5 minutes and already we have a recession joke.
• 8:34 PM: The List Maven “Craigslist dancers” – okay that was kind of funny.
• 8:36 PM: The List Maven who knew Anne Hathaway could sing like that? This is very different for the Oscars.
• 8:39 PM: The List Maven “I’ll rent The Reader…I am Wolverineeee…!” I hope this is a good sign that Hugh Jackman will be the breath of fresh air the Oscars needs to not get stale 2/3 of the way through the show.
• 8:42 PM: The List Maven Heidi Klum, everyone! (I don’t approve of this dress one bit.) Image: Newscom
• 8:42 PM: The List Maven
• 8:43 PM: The List Maven This is a very different approach for presenting an award. I’m impressed.
• 8:45 PM: The List Maven Way more personal. Touching, and intimate. I’m already tearing up a little bit – this is going to be a cry-fest of a night.
• 8:47 PM: The List Maven Penelope Cruz – best supporting actress – I didn’t see that coming!
• 8:50 PM: The List Maven The beautiful (winner!) Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet on the red carpet. Image: Newscom
• 8:50 PM: The List Maven
• 8:53 PM: The List Maven Hmm…not loving the screenwriting joke going on here – but Tina Fey looks *stunning*. Who wrote the “girls, it’s all about low updos and shiny silvery cream dresses this year!” memo?
• 8:55 PM: The List Maven Okay, the script gimmick gets better when reviewing the nominees. Happy Go-Lucky = cute movie
• 8:57 PM: The List Maven Milk wins for Best Original Screenplay! Fantastic – that was an amazing film. This won’t be the only award for them tonight.
• 9:01 PM: The List Maven Best Adapted Screenplay goes to….
• 9:01 PM: The List Maven Slumdog Millionaire!
• 9:03 PM: The List Maven Jennifer Aniston – more sparkly off-white elegance.
• 9:07 PM: The List Maven You’re kidding – Wall-E wins Best Animated Feature Film? Gee, never saw that coming…*sarcasm*…
• 9:11 PM: The List Maven Did the short animation film winner just say Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto?? Amazing.
• 9:11 PM: The List Maven When all else fails, quote Queen – always a safe bet.
• 9:12 PM: The List Maven My style icon, Anne Hathaway. Image: Newscom
• 9:12 PM: The List Maven
• 9:16 PM: The List Maven Still loving SJP’s dress. Way more elegant than Miley’s Cinder-mess.
• 9:17 PM: The List Maven Art Decoration Oscar goes to The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonc
• 9:19 PM: The List Maven That was a cute dual acceptance speech.
• 9:20 PM: The List Maven oooh that red dress in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was divine.
• 9:21 PM: The List Maven Yeah, those period pieces have a way of snagging awards for constume design. My husband is outraged that The Dark Knight was not nominated.
• 9:24 PM: The List Maven Now he’s pouting because The Dark Knight didn’t win for makeup…it’s hard to deny that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button deserves this win though – amazing work.
• 9:25 PM: The List Maven What is with that bow on Amanda Sifry’s dress?? Come on…
• 9:25 PM: The List Maven Is this guy always in character as a vampire?
• 9:25 PM: The List Maven Apparently so.
• 9:28 PM: The List Maven Didn’t Last Chance Harvey come out recently? Like too recently to be in this reel?
• 9:31 PM: The List Maven Alright – that’s it for me here this evening! I’ll be wrapping up the best and the worst dressed tomorrow on The List Maven. Good night everyone, and enjoy the rest of the show!

Post from: The List Maven

Well, it’s not as if this is a big coincidence; ladies who are constantly in the limelight learn pretty quickly how destructive a bad photo can be. It doesn’t take much to ruin the overall look – which is why we’ve got five tips to keep in mind the next time your friends pull out their camera:

Stand Up Straight
By simply putting your shoulders back and making an effort to have the posture your mother always wanted, you will appear taller and slimmer. The other option is the not-so popular hunchback look – which doesn’t flatter anyone.

And Exhale…
You’re probably nervous, worried your hair looks lopsided or that there might be lipstick on your teeth. But trust yourself and own your look. Take a deep breath and work on timing your exhale and settling into a relaxed smile right when before the shutter clicks.

Bend a Knee
Same principle as your breathing; by bending your knee, and not standing so “square” you will look more relaxed, comfortable and less rigid in your photos.

Cross Your Toes
See how Heidi has positioned her right foot in front of her left foot? This tilts her hips slightly and makes the area where her dress hits her feet look slim and elegant.

Hand on Your Hip
The infamous hand on the hip – it’s a classic move. Partially reinforcing the posture, and partially to accentuate your gorgeous toned arms (or minimize the fact that you haven’t been to the gym in months). This should be a staple in your pose library – works like a charm every time.

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: The List Maven

In this clip, Paris starts to share with me what her “Red Carpet Essentials” are. There are three of them in total, but I cut the clip short because this time you have to actually GUESS what they might be in order to win!

After the clip plays, scroll down to the comments section and let me know what you think are Paris Hilton’s top three red carpet essentials. On Saturday, December 6, I’ll post the full interview so you can see exactly what they are (as well as the rest of the interview), and I’ll announce which two people who got at least one of the three correct get the bottles of the perfume.

Remember, on Saturday’s post, there will be ONE FINAL CHANCE to win a bottle of Fairy Dust perfume and a special bonus from Paris herself, an autographed promo pic.

Please Note: We can only ship the bottles within the US for sure, so if you live outside the US please understand that you will not be eligible for the giveaway.

Post from: The List Maven