Golden Globes 2013: Where’s all the colour?

Posted in Awards, Celebrity, Fashion, Red Carpet by nlcorner

The Golden Globes are the joker of the pack, they’re an excuse to take a risk on the red carpet and inject some fun into the otherwise serious awards season.

New awards’ hosts Tina Fey and Amy Phoeler received a very warm welcome amongst the celebrities in attendance, with those who watched the ceremony saying that the comedy duo were funny and risque but not so much that they offended the guests like Ricky Gervais has done in previous years.

So why did many celebrities fail to excite me? I mean there was colour in the form of orange and some red, but most went down the crystal embellished route in nude, blush pinks and white. It was almost as if I were witnessing a bridal couture catwalk rather than the Golden Globes red carpet.

It may be why as soon as I saw Lucy Liu’s blue floral printed Carolina Herrera dress that I was so taken with it. Apart from being quite unexpected from the Elementary star, she accessorised with a fabulous fishtail plait and stonking big jewels that made it stand out from all those princess gowns. 9/10

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera at the Golden Globes Awards 2013

I was absolutely gobsmacked when I saw Michelle Dockery in her Alexandre Vauthier gown. What a difference, her custom-made Louis Vuitton dress she wore to the 2012 Emmys was horrific and landed her on every worst dressed list, but I’m sure she will be on every best dressed list with this stunning white sheath gown and gold guipere bodice. Her wavy bob topped off a risky but fantastic look. 9/10

Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier at the Golden Globes Awards 2013.

Kerry Washington has just had an amazing run on the press tour for Django Unchained, with an amazing horse printed Giles dress that is well worth checking out. She followed in Emily Blunt’s footsteps who wore an ankle-length Miu Miu dress at the Critics’ Choice Awards, in another stunning ankle-length rhinestone embellished half sheer mini dress. I can forgive the nude colour because of the length, it’s interesting and unique on a red carpet full of tulle, lace and mermaid cuts. And she tempts me into cutting a fringe… 8.5/10

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu at the Golden Globes Awards 2013.

Emily Blunt has a banging body, you can see she works hard to keep that sleek and toned so what better way than to show it off in a cut-out Michael Kors gown. It’s on the right side of sexy and risky, but not trashy (yes I’m talking to you Halle Berry) and the high bun keeps it classy, I can imagine too much glossy hair would have added too much to the overall look, the gems and box clutch is just right. Can’t wait to see what she is going to wear for The Oscars. 9.5/10

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors at the Golden Globes Awards 2013.

There were a couple of other stand outs on the Golden Globe red carpet, one surprisingly from Lea Michele. After her gorgeous bright pink Elie Saab dress she wore to the People’s Choice Awards she went to the red carpet king again for a slightly bridal looking thigh split white crystal embellished gown. She toned down the pouting, and even though there was still leg to be displayed she worked it without looking like a tart, absolutely deserves an 8/10.

Lea Michele in Elie Saab at the Golden Globes Awards 2013.

Nicole Richie is one of my favourite red carpet celebs, ever since she became a designer she’s gone through a fantastic transformation almost similar to that of Victoria Beckham. She wore a full length sleeve blue embroidered Naeem Khan gown, he’s slowly becoming great competition for the king Elie Saab and I love it. Her House of Harlow fringe clutch and Hollywood wavy hair makes this look a definite 8.5/10.

Nicole Richie in Naeem Khan at the Golden Globes Awards 2013.

Head over to my Pinterest page to see other stand out looks from the Golden Globes red carpet, with a stunning turn from Jaime King, a quick change for Jessica Alba, proof that Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom are still going strong, and Miss Golden Globes Franchesca Eastwood fulfilling her duties.

Here’s the full list of winners:

MOTION PICTURES

Motion Picture, Drama: Argo

Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: Les Misérables

Actor in Motion Picture, Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln

Actress in Motion Picture, Drama: Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty

Actor in Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables

Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

Supporting Actress in Motion Picture: Anne Hathaway,Les Misérables

Director, Motion Picture: Ben Affleck, Argo

Screenplay, Motion Picture: Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained

Foreign Language Film: Amour (Austria)

Animated Feature Film: Brave

Original Score, Motion Picture: Mychael Danna, Life of Pi

Original Song, Motion Picture: ”Skyfall,” Skyfall, Adele & Paul Epworth

TV Series, Drama: Homeland

TV Series, Comedy: Girls

TV Movie or Miniseries: Game Change

Actor in a TV Series, Drama: Damian Lewis, Homeland

Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland

Actor in a TV Series, Comedy: Don Cheadle, House of Lies

Actress in a TV Series, Comedy: Lena Dunham, Girls

Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys

Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Julianne Moore, Game Change

Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Ed Harris, Game Change

Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

Cecil B. DeMille Award: Jodie Foster

1Mar2012

The Oscars 2012: Best dressed

Posted in Awards, Celebrity, Diane and Josh, Fashion, Film, Red Carpet by nlcorner

It drew the awards season to a glamorous close, with the predicted winners being awarded their trophies. Meryl Streep won Best Actress, Jean DuJardin Best Actor, Christopher Plummer made Oscar history as the oldest winner for Best Supporting Actor, Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress and The Artist won Best Film and Best Director went to Michel Hazanavicius. A pretty obvious bunch considering the mountain of awards each winner has racked up in all the other ceremonies.

The red carpet is the favourite part of the ceremony, will an actress take a risk or will they play it safe. It was a safe and pretty year this year, with many actresses choosing to change into a second dress for the after parties. That’s cheating if you ask me. But that also meant that the rumour that Victoria Beckham was dressing a major celeb was true after Cameron Diaz rocked up to the Vanity Fair after party in a full length orange gown and signature exposed zip, I really liked it and it suited Cameron’s California looks down to the ground.

Cameron Diaz in Victoria Beckham

My favourite Oscar red carpet was Gwyneth Paltrow, her Tom Ford full length fitted white dress was worn with a full length cape that I thought was so refreshingly original. I’ll forgive her for the fact it was detachable because it was that beautiful.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

As one of my style crushes I have mixed feelings about Michelle Williams’ choice of a coral peplum Louis Vuitton. The colour was a welcome change, but the peplum doesn’t have that bounce that it needs, I would have really loved it if she wore something Marilyn inspired but I suppose after channeling the icon for so many years in preparation for the role I guess she wanted to giver a wide berth.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Emma Stone has had so many red carpet moments but I was let down by the Giambattista Valli Couture dress she chose, out of all his collection this was the most similar to the Gucci 2011 dresses that everybody seemed so fond of wearing last year. Her after party Chanel dress was so much more original.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

Everybody loved Penelope Cruz rocking the vintage Hollywood look I personally found it boring and the colour very washed out. Stacy Keibler worked the red carpet well as George’s plus one in Marchesa even if she did look like the Oscar statue itself, and everyone is wondering when George is going to dump her and move onto his next ‘Award Season Girlfriend’ Stacy did well but time for a change!

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa

After Rose Byrne’s amazing turn at the Golden Globes in that Elie Saab jumpsuit she went for more sequins this time in Vivienne Westwood, it was sparkly and nice but nothing really amazed me about it apart from how skinny she looks.

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Honourable mention has to go out to Angelina Jolie and that right leg, there was so much buzz about it that someone created a Twitter in it’s honour. The black velvet custom Atelier Versace dress was nothing to shout about, I wouldn’t have even paid her any attention had it not for the pose.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace and that right leg

The joint best look at the after parties is split between Elizabeth Banks and Heidi Klum. Elizabeth in a unique polka dot and feathered look by Chadwick Bell at the Vanity Fair after party, and Heidi Klum rocking that body in Atelier Versace at Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party.

Elizabeth Banks in Chadwick Bell

Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace Spring 2012

Not forgetting my favourite lady Diane Kruger looking stunning in Calvin Klein. Red really is her colour.

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein

30Jan2012

Screen Actors’ Guild Awards 2012

Posted in Awards, Celebrity, Film, Style, Television by nlcorner

The Screen Actors’ Guild awards happened last night over the pond, and there were plenty of outfits to trawl through today. For me it was a case of the SAGs vs. the Golden Globes, because there were some gorgeous risky dresses at the Globes and some not so risky but still beautiful dresses on display last night.

I’m going to jump straight in and tell you that Rose Byrne in Elie Saab Couture and her perfect bob was my best dressed of the night. Her dazzling jumpsuit was just stunning, and it just goes to prove that the god of red carpet couture NEVER gets it wrong. My second favourite was Emma Stone, one for not choosing a full-length gown and two for the amazing Alexander McQueen horse clutch she was carrying to go with her dress by the designer. Michelle Williams looked gorgeous in red Valentino and so did Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci.

I’ll put Lea Michele on my best dressed list because she did look fantastic in a grey Atelier Versace dress, but for crying out loud Lea just a peep of your leg and a slight pout will do, none of this “sexy” open mouth or chorus girl posing.

Amber Heard looked smoking hot in a black Zac Posen gown with sexy cutouts. I’m normally against black on the red carpet because there are so many colours out there than safe black but Heard knows how to pose without going all Lea Michele on us. Other stars that chose black were Angelina Jolie in an awfully cheap looking Jenny Packham gown, Stacy Keibler (star by default) in a lace off the shoulder Marchesa gown which I found boring, and Jayma Mays who wore a beaded Reem Acra dress that would have worked on someone with much more star power than the Glee actress.

Also why did Emily Blunt’s Oscar de la Renta green gown look so cheap? For a red head green is the go to colour but this was just not right. SOFIA VERGARA IF YOU DO NOT STOP WEARING STRAPLESS MERMAID GOWNS I WILL BE FORCED TO SCREAM AT YOU. I don’t care if she has an amazing figure try something different. Tilda Swinton, what happened to your Haider Ackermann relationship, as much as I like this Lanvin gown you should not blend into the background! Oh and Kristen Wiig and that choker. Just no.

I think the Globes had more risk takers, better colours, patterns and overall looks, but the SAGs still brought the glam factor, check out the slideshow of all my favourite and a few not so favourite looks below…

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17Jan2012

Golden Globes 2012: A success!

Posted in Awards, Fashion, Film, Style, Television by nlcorner

I refer you to my post on the Golden Globes 2011, where I was extremely disappointed in the dresses, very few celebs displayed any show stoppers and it was a struggle to form a best-dressed list.

However this year was very different… the stylists stepped up their game by a long shot. I think last year has been vaporized into oblivion by this years array of stunning gowns.

My one to watch last year was Michelle Williams, and again this year I’ve really enjoyed seeing her red carpet choices leading up to the Globes. She’d been sticking to a palette of monochrome and so I was hoping for some colour and I was not disappointed, Michelle demonstrated that understated glamour she is so good at (ignoring the Valentino from last year) with a purple velvet Jason Wu column dress and picked up the award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. 9/10

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu at Golden Globes 2012

Evan Rachel Wood was my favourite of the night, she is never afraid of wearing a show-stopper and this Gucci Premiere gown was simply beautiful. She reminds me of a mermaid, with feathers. 9.5/10

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere at the Golden Globes 2012

Dianna Agron wasn’t featured prominently on any best/worst dressed lists, I suppose her star power is still at a B- for a television actress, but her red laser cut Giles dress is a star to me. Very reminiscent of the Marchesa dress that Rachel McAdams wore at Cannes but edgier. I think it would have worked even better if it didn’t have the slight train and was cut with a flare at the ankle. 8/10

Dianna Agron in Giles at the Golden Globes 2012

I loved Claire Danes‘ neon pink Calvin Klein from last years Golden Globes, this year she picked a monochrome J. Mendel dress. I loved it but I think that’s because of the back, I’m a lover of bare backs and this was a hit purely for that reason and the red lips. Still she went on to pick up the Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama for the epic show that is Homeland, congratulations. 7.5/10

Claire Danes in J. Mendel at the Golden Globes 2012

Kudos to Paula Patton for daring to wear THE brightest dress ever made. Her sunshine yellow Monique Lhullier dress showed Sarah Michelle Gellar how to do the designer the correct way. Honestly, SMG turned up in a godawful inky blue and white dress with a huge bustle around the waist which just totally overwhelmed her and then she made the excuse that her daughter Charlotte picked it out… Yeah put the blame on the innocent child poor thing. SMG gets a ridiculously low -2/10 whilst Paula shines with 7/10.

Paula Patton and Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhullier at the Golden Globes 2012

Salma Hayek looked gorgeous in Gucci, I don’t think I’d be able to guess how old she is when she busts out a dress like this. Sleek and sexy, gorgeous but no mutton. An easy 8/10.

Salma Hayek in Gucci at the Golden Globes 2012

As a rule to myself I never EVER include Tilda Swinton on any lists, because she is a force of her own making. An individualist at heart she just refuses to conform. This time however her Golden Globes outfit was by no means extreme nor was it simple and boring, but a light blue Haider Ackermann creation which she carried off without breaking a sweat. I really liked the styling, the matching cuffs and quiffy ice blonde hair (it’s like she’s always the White Queen) , an icy 7/10.

Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann at the Golden Globes 2012

The best of the rest include:

A stunning Kate Beckinsale who really doesn’t seem to age in Roberto Cavalli a graceful 8/10.
Katherine McPhee in a shock horror mid-length gown by Donna Karan. A refreshing change but the colour was a bit drab 6.5/10.
Nicole Richie is a favourite of mine, I liked her Julien Macdonald dress but I didn’t love it, the bling was fantastic though 7/10.
Madeleine “Victoria” Stowe, the Revenge actress didn’t scoop any awards but looked electric in a cornflower blue Vera Wang custom creation 7.5/10.
Although I don’t favour this dress on Lea Michele because she just sexed it up way too much, the pose, the smoky eye it just doesn’t sit right. I love the green cocktail ring and the dress itself but really not her, one day she will do something simple and understated and will still look amazing, a stingy 6/10.
Diane Lane really shows everyone else how to do it, the actress looked elegant in a gold embellished Reem Acra gown 8.5/10.
Emma Stone’s Lanvin gown kind of underwhelmed me, I love her and the make up was gorgeous but I was expecting something showstopping, maybe she’s saving it for when she’s nominated, 6.5/10.
Mila Kunis rocked up in a black Dior dress, she looked nice but clearly was there in a supporting capacity and not to steal the scene, a lacklustre 6.5/10.
I was really on the fence with Jessica Biel’s choice of Elie Saab Couture. He makes THE best red carpet dresses and she chose this? It’s kind of old lady up top with this beautiful skirt. Sort it out Jess you’re not going to wear this at your wedding I hope, 5.5/10.
I would like to say to Nicole Kidman to get rid of the long hair and tight dresses, and wear something that makes you look your age and not a tacky wannabe. 3/10 just because it’s Versace.

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli at the Golden Globes 2012

Katherine McPhee in Donna Karan at the Golden Globes 2012

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald at the Golden Globes 2012

Madeleine Stowe in Vera Wang at the Golden Globes 2012

Lea Michele in Marchesa at the Golden Globes 2012

Diane Lane in Reem Acra at the Golden Globes 2012

Emma Stone in Lanvin at the Golden Globes 2012

Mila Kunis in Christian Dior at the Golden Globes 2012

Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Couture at the Golden Globes 2012

Nicole Kidman in Versace at the Golden Globes 2012

18Jun2011

My holiday essentials

Posted in Fashion, Lists, Musings, Topshop by nlcorner

The summer will soon be upon us, I hope, and I have a holiday in 6 days so I thought it reasonable to post a couple of my summer must-haves that can be worn in a plethora of ways and are perfect for festival season if you aren’t going away. These are all what I have bought recently, but my wardrobe mainly consists of summer clothing so when this time of year comes round I have a lot to choose from, so stick in a couple of maxi dresses, a crochet dress that I bought last year, white shorts and tan wedges and we are good to go!

A pair of denim shorts a a summer staple, dress them up dress them down, these high-waisted ones from Topshop (£32) work well with the cropped style tops without showing off too much flesh. Pink cut-out top £25, will show off my new tattoo perfectly, the white crop top is £10, and the sandals (£28) are something that can take me into the night without heels.

These espadrille sandals are a great alternative to wedges, chunky enough to be comfortable and the pop of colour will brighten up any outfit (ASOS £50), this cutesy dress is not what I would normally pick out but the sleevless style with floral print is a perfect way to step into the summer trend of shirt dresses (Ark £24.99).

And not forgetting the absolute beauty essential, a selection from my Barry M collection. From left, Peach Melba, Blueberry Ice Cream, Berry Ice Cream, Lemon Ice Cream, Coral and Pink Flamingo.

7Mar2011

Stella McCartney A/W 2011

Posted in Fashion, Models, Style by nlcorner

As I was looking through Stella McCartney’s new ready-to-wear collection, debuted at Paris Fashion Week earlier today, I was thinking I’d probably only find a couple of looks that I would like. I was very wrong. I can’t help but like the whole collection, yes there were some extreme aspects in the form of oversized shoulders and gold lame puffa cocoon shaped coats and ivory white sheer jumpsuits. But there were the sexier elements that Stella is known for, the sheer insets on the dresses, THAT tuxedo jacket, and the sport luxe feel of the tailored jumpsuits.