Jezebel: the good, the bad, & the ugly

Marvelous Mad Men Mingle At Cinematheque Awards

Sadie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

Welcome to yet another news-to-the-rest-of-us awards show — the 23rd annual American Cinematheque awards, honoring Samuel L. Jackson, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Everyone looked great: Jon Hamm, was dapper, Sharon Stone was glam, Kerry Washington was lovely, and even the Bads were kinda perversely good. So: the glamour, the glitz, the Hamm! After the jump.

The Good:
Kerry Washington is, per usual, reliably awesome.
You gotta hand it to the woman, when she's good, she's good.
Sonja Sohn: cute, classic, confident.
It is with great pleasure that I put seemingly full-time red carpeter and perennial "Bad" Kat Kramer to the "Goods!" Yay!
Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt: not just beautiful and down-to-earth, but well-dressed, too!
Samuel L. Jackson was the honoree. This is his wife, LaTanya Richardson, and daughter Zoe.
The Bad:
On the one hand, Paloma Jimenez looks fabulous. On the other, she forgot her pants.
Anna Maria Horsford's magenta extravaganza is somehow super endearing.

[Images via Getty]

Everyone Looked Awful At The British Independent Film Awards

Sadie — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

The British Independent Film Awards 2008, held at London's Old Billingsgate Market last night, were shocking. Some of the world's most beautiful and stylish British and European women — Keira Knightley, Eva Green, Sienna Miller, Anna Friel — all seemed in competition to wear the weirdest, frumpiest, least flattering ensemble in the room. Caftans, missing pants, clunky shoes — you name it, they wore it. We could barely scrounge a "good" out of the whole bunch! The horror, the horror — after the jump!
The Good:
Jamie Winstone shows off the magical modesty-giving properties of black tights.
The Bad:
Eva Green is one of the most beautiful women in the world. Why is she wearing this frumpy frock?! And with Oxfords?!
I love me a caftan shape...but not so much when worn with orthopedic sandals like Eva Birthistle's!
Keira's gothic Lolita 50's prom dress worn over a tee shirt is three-car-pileup mesmerizing!
Confused by Anna Friel's Bob Ross gown, wind-burn makeup.
A. Sienna Miller forgot her pants. B. Her shirt is ugly.

[Images via Getty]

Fashionistas Gone Wild At British Fashion Awards!

Sadie — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

For sheer ridiculousness, radness, style and bold failure, there is nothing like a real fashion event. (Exhibit A: L'Wren Scott; Steven Jones, left.) Luckily for us, that means the British Fashion Awards 2008 at London's Lawrence Hall, where Claudia Schiffer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sadie Frost and a pride of clotheshorses strutted some awesomely ludicrous glad rags. Hats, capes, baubles, bangles and beads, after the jump.

The Good:
I don't think I can express the fierce pangs of envy this picture of Roisin Murphy arouses in my breast.

How retro-glam and spy-ish is Claudia Schiffer's noir number?

Is Tara Palmer Tomkinson looking a touch Studio 54? Hell's yeah.

In the wrong hands — or at another event — what a disaster Jade Parfitt's confection could be! And yet, it's stunning!

This looks cool...on Jourdan Dunn. Damn you, genetics!

Is Sadie Frost's frivolous party frock darling and fun, or is her inclusion a blatant piece of name-based nepotism? The world may never know.

If there were a 'Best In Show' category for humans, Erin O'Connor would be a shoo-in, receive a particularly choice bone.

The Bad:
Why does Anouck Lepere's ensemble look so anemic? Fifty years ago, it would have had to eat lots of liver. Now, a supplement will probably do it.

There are a lot of schools of thought on 80's revival, one inarguable one that it's got the lifespan of the Undead. Camilla Dallerup is apparently okay with this.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is fabulous. This Gothic Lolita special? Not so much. And let's nip this white tights thing right now.

I'd be totally into Louise Foe's ethereal dinner napkin, were it not for the scroll-down.

[Images via Getty]

Australia In America: New Yorkers Play Dress Up For Down Under Epic

Sadie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

So Australia, Baz Luhrmann's antipodean epic starring Nicole Kidman and the Sexiest Man Alive, has hit the shores of the Northern Hemisphere... specifically at New York's Ziegfeld Theatre. Nicole looked glam. Padma Lakshmi looked infallible. Blake Lively looked adorable. Helena Christensen looked scary. And then there were a couple who just looked...well, I leave it to you. The Good, The Bad, The 'Judge For Yourself'...after the jump.

The Good:
In a dark world, there's always Padma.

Blake Lively does young, confident starlet so well. The color of the belt is weird, yes, but it works, no?

I daresay not everyone will agree, but I think this is a fun take on the 80s sequin thing — and a nice change of pace from all the ethereal robes Nicole's been favoring.

It's true, I kind of love maternity chic — especially when women belt tunics right below their tums, like Naomi Watts.

I don't really think Katie Lee Joel has found her style yet, despite working hard to become a red carpet fixture. I'm not saying this is it, but I do think the chunky knit works for a chilly night! Or is she not owning it?

By popular demand!

The Bad:
Do really gorgeous women just enjoy wearing the worst outfits they can find — because they can? I can't think of another explanation for Helena Christensen's bondage schoolgirl getup.

I love Alicia Witt, and I love this color; I wish the fit were a bit more precise.

Look, we all know Donna Karan can design amazing clothes... why doesn't she wear them?

You Tell Me:
Jessica Gomez 's stole: wintry chic or ill-judged bear costume?

Wendi "Mrs. Rupert Murdoch" Deng: cute and fun, or flat and contrived?

[Images via Getty]

Fashions At The American Music Awards Were Seriously Baffling

Sadie — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Welcome to the 2008 American Music Awards, held at the L.A.'s Nokia Theatre last night. Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Christina Aguilera, Pink... you name it, they were there. Looking... confusing. At least half of these fashions are open to interpretation, falling in some weird raggedy netherworld between Bad and Good. After the jump, of course.

The Good:
Alicia Keys looks classically elegant.

Christina Aguilera channels Jean Harlowe to good effect!

This may be controversial, but I think Miley looks cute and only a little mature!

Really digging on Rihanna's deconstructed Swan Lake!

Demi Lovato gets major points for being age appropriate!

I'm kind of developing an unwilling girl crush on Taylor Swift's style.

Not the best Jordin Sparks has ever looked, maybe, but the lady can wear yellow!

Is Rachel Zoe's dress way too big for her? Yes, but...okay, it's way too big.

The Bad:
NOT my favorite look on The Queen.

Say what you will about Brigitte Nielsen's ensemble, she works it!

I think Pink does bombshell well; I just wish this wasn't made from police tape.

Again, there is something almost very awesome about Candis Cayne's outfit. But the fit of the bodice eclipses this.

I think Nina Garcia would have a little something to say about the sloppy-looking finish on Ali Landry's frock!

The Bad:
Phoebe Price is restrained as ever...

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[Images via Getty]

Four Christmases Premiere Is A SoCal Winter Wonderland

Sadie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

No, literally! The red carpet, at Grauman's Chinese Theature in Hollywood, was full of all these trees and all this fake snow! But in terms of the clothes, it was pretty decent: Star Reese Witherspoon did her Grace Kelly thing, Sissy Spacek was legend-elegant, Minnie Driver was hippie-chic cute. Of course there were some false notes, and one outfit so bizarre I leave the final decision up to you: Good or Bad? Cast your votes, after the jump.

The Good:
According to Vogue, Reese has this whole new look, indicated by her Nina Ricci collaboration. She looks chic, but I gotta say: I like her looking a little softer.

Mary Steenburgen plays it safe — but why not?

Karate-esque? Perhaps. But Sissy Spacek's shoes keep this comfy ensemble RC-apropos.

I'm not saying I'd want to sit down in this, but Minnie Driver looks cool.

The Bad:
Frankly, I think Katy Mixon's pink slip (!) would work better if the neckline were more open.

To quote Nina Garcia, "tight, short and shiny..." and I think Karina Smirnoff can fill in the end.
The _____
So, what do you think about Kristin Chenoweth's look? Fun and daring, or a gift you want to return?

[Images via Getty]

Nancys, Nannies & New Yorkers Honor NYC Span With Style

Sadie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

So what, you might ask, could bring together Nancy Pelosi, Christiane Amanpour, Sarah Jessica Parker, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and, um, Fran Drescher together on a cold, New York night? Glad you asked. See, there's this bridge in NYC called the Triborough. But now they're naming it the "Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Bridge" (I know, rolls off the tongue) and they had a Dedication Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers last night. For the most part, the crowd looked suitably dignified, demonstrating, um, the apotheosis of bridge-naming chic. But of course there were exceptions! The Good, The Bad, The Dignified — after the jump!

The Good:
One thing I like about Sarah Jessica Parker is that she seems to like suiting her costumes to the occasion — and how perfect an outfit is this for an event filled with dignitaries? I can't lie: I want it.

I love the coat, too!

Actress Gloria Reuben does classic LBD to good effect.

This oh-so-subtle bag seems to have been the party favor; it wasn't a planned part of Glenn Close's dignified ensemble

The Dignified:
Not my absolute favorite of Speaker Pelosi's suits...but I always like variations on a uniform, and this does say "festive business!"

Christiane Amanpour channels — well, globe-trotting correspondent.

The Bad:
Just me maybe, but I know when I'm at an event with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, I kind of like to keep my bra covered. Fran Drescher marches to the beat of her own drum!

In Lorraine Bracco's defense, it fell into the 20's last night, and it was hard to resist the overbundling impulse. (And, you know, the sequin impulse.)

[Images via Getty]

Women Own It At GQ's "Men Of The Year" Party

Sadie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Sure it was GQ's Men of the Year party, and yes, Jon Hamm was there, but let's face it, the Chateau Marmont Hotel belonged to the ladies last night. From MIA's awesomeness to Rosario Dawson's chic to January Jones' elegance to Amber Valletta's shocking train-wreck, it was one exciting evening! The Good, the Bad, and yes, the Ugly... after the jump.

The Good:
I'd never loved this dress before — makes me think "Harlequin" — but Jaime King has made me a believer.

MIA was obviously going to make maternity look awesome.

January Jones looks as retro-elegant as Betty Draper ever did.

I love it when Rosario Dawson goes low-key.

Yes, Rashida Jones's silhouette is on trend, but it totally works!

The Bad:
If I find out Lynn Collins actually crocheted this, I take it all back.

See, I get what Olivia Wilde was going for — a casual, bohemian mix 'n match look. But this nightie and sequined shrug is looking more Norma Desmond.

Maybe when you're really naturally lovely, like Emmanuelle Chriqui, it's fun to get away with really ugly clothes just cause you can?

Sarah Shahi's red romper deal would depress me, too.

The Ugly:
YSL is currently rolling in his grave at Amber Valletta's interpretation of "le smoking!"

[Images via Getty]

Epically Bad Fashions At Australia Premiere

Sadie — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

We've been reading a lot about the awesome costumes in Baz Luhrmann's new epic Australia, but for whatever reason, the sartorial splendor at the film's premiere fell short: Nicole Kidman, High Jackman and the rest of the attendees at Sydney's George Street Greater Union Cinemas looked bizarre — from strange gowns to odd jewels to inexplicable inspirations. The Good, The Bad, The Australian...after the jump!

The Good:
Antonia Kidman's flapper dress, little girl are both adorable.

Jodi Gordon's sparkly black is easy, sweet.

Brandon Walters looks totally sharp!

Yeah, the bandage dress's hourglass is running out, but as Jennifer Hawkins shows, it's still pretty fail-safe.

The Bad:
I admire Ruby Rose's boldness...kind of.

Nicole Kidman's dress is more meh than bad...I just don't think it does much for her.

There are about three completely absurd things about Deborah-Lee Furness's outfit. Hugh still thinks she looks gorgeous!

Kerri-Anne Kennerly channels pageant Glinda.

I'm all about mixing high and low, but a sundress with the crown jewels, like Sarah Murdoch? Not so sure.

Maria Venuti is not afraid to make a statement. What kind of statement, I'm not sure.

[Images via Getty]

Fashion Hits The Heights At The Environmental Media Awards

Sadie — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Maybe I just have a bad case of the TGIFs, but I was inclined to look upon the 18th Annual Environmental Media Awards, held at L.A.'s Ebell Theatre, in a very benevolent light. Yes, obviously it's an unimpeachable cause, but in addition, I thought Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello, Nicole Richie, Amy Smart and all their environmentally-conscious friends were looking super-smart. Certainly, there were a few blinding missteps, but the evening belonged to the crisp retro ensembles and romantic numbers that a lot of dames favored. The Good, The Bad, The Friday... after the jump.

The Good:

How sharp does Rosario Dawson look in her little Joan Holloway shift?

Digging Amy Smart's almost 70s lines. The pull is purely from the fact that she's walking, I swear!

You just can't beat a pencil and crisp blouse like Megalyn Echikunwoke's for smartness.

Clearly the horrible shoe war is not one I'm going to win, so I'm just going to try to overlook them, as in Nicole Richie's case.

I'm not the biggest ombre fan as a rule, but it does impart some romance to Bahar Soomekh's gown.

It'll be so sad when the whole early-60s pulled-together thing ends! Glad to see Maria Bello making the most of it.

The Bad:

Sharon Lawrence's is one of those cases where the bag broke it; with something smaller or earthier the whole thing would have looked far more deliberate and 70s-retro!

When we have as little dress to work with as does Adrienne Janic, that scrap of dress kind of needs to be ironed.

The glare off of Shondrella Avery's separates has blinded me momentarily!

[Images via Getty]

The Quantum Of Solace Premiere Was A License To Dress Poorly

Sadie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Isn't it weird how into Bond we've all gotten since Craig stepped into his hand-made shoes? At last night's Tribeca Film Institute's 2008 Fall Benefit Screening of the latest, Quantum of Solace, at AMC Lincoln Square, Daniel Craig channeled 007, Molly Sims channeled Glinda, and Julia Stiles channeled a potato sack. Indeed, in this star-studded assemblage — think Debra Messing, Becki Newton, Kelly Bensimon and more — for every Bond Girl-worthy frock was a total sartorial head-scratcher. The Good, the Bad... the quantum of solace (?) — after the jump!

The Good:

A tad Vegas, yes, but Kalpana Pandit looks so glam!

I hate invoking Holly Golightly, but if Becki Newton's shoes fit...

Satsuki Mitchell was on Daniel Craig's arm all evening. Just sayin'.

The Bad:
Julia Stiles proves that sometimes frumpy chic just ends up looking frumpy.

As Kelly Bensimon shows, winter shorts are risky at the best of times, and shiny hose don't make things easier.

Something about Debra Messing's ensemble looks awkward.

When it comes to Liya Kebede (as Maury would say)...yeah, I have no idea.

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[Images via Getty]

Do's And Don'ts At The Glamour "Women Of The Year" Awards

Sadie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST

It's that time of year again! That's right, 2008's Glamour Women of the Year Awards, which succeeded in bringing together Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Jane Goodall and Sarah Michelle Gellar, Fergie, Natalie Portman and Tyra Banks under one roof at New York's Carnegie Hall. With such a wide-ranging assortment of womenfolk, the clothes were kind of all over the map — or, since this is a Glamour event — were pretty evenly spread between Don't and Do! The Do's, the Don'ts, the Women themselves — after the jump.

DO look way happier than usual, like Condi Rice!

DO rock a figure-flattering silhouette like America Ferrera!

DON'T wear the bodice of a Falcon's Crest star, circa 1982, like Fergie!

DON'T channel Judy Jetson, like Natalie Portman.

DO accessorize, like Jane Goodall.

DON'T let your toddler decorate your gown, like Debra Messing.

DO embrace chocolate, like Hillary Clinton!

DON'T forget large hunks of your bodice, like Kerri Walsh.

DO have fun with color, like Tinsley Mortimer!

DO go clean and menswear-inspired, like Kate Bosworth.

DON'T look freakishly like Morticia Adams, like Tyra.

DO wear the prettiest gown ever, like Taylor Swift.

DON'T mess up a cute frock with lame goth nails like Sarah Michelle Gellar.

DO channel 60's inaugural ball like Selita Ebanks!

DON'T do fairy princess just because you're a grownup and you can, like Nicole Kidman!

[Images via Getty]

There Were High Notes And Low Notes At The World Music Awards

Sadie — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Funny, when I hear the words "world music" I don't exactly think of Alicia Keys, Solange Knowles, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor! But there they all were at Monte Carlo's Sporting Club last night for the World Music Awards. And, in fairness, they were surrounded by pop singers from several lands, in getups that ran the gamut from adorable to delightfully awful! The elegance, the baffling, the Swan Lake, the Ugly — after the jump.

The Good:
Estelle is clearly becoming one of my red carpet faves.

How do I love Sophie Ellis-Bextor? Let me count the ways...okay, I could only come up with, like, two, but this dress is darling.

Alicia Keys does elegant so well!

Ooh, loving Michelle Williams' green. (We'll give that jeweled neckline a pass.)

The Bad:
There's something mesmerizing about Solange Knowles' Swan Lake costume, but I don't think that elevates it to "Good."

Philip Kirkorov channels Liberace chic! Which isn't really a bad thing.

Kate Ryan's accessories kind of take her pretty dress swiftly towards "crummy."

Maybe if Valeria Marini had played this straight, it could have had a sort of deco glamor. As it is, she decided on the "Vegas" direction.

Let's move swiftly past Anastacia's girlish frock, shall we?

If Lola Ponce was going for early-90's nymph, I guess she achieved it.

The Ugly:
At least Philip Kirkorov is thrilled with Shafki's chocolate nightmare!

[Images via Getty]

Shockingly Bad Fashions At MTV Europe Awards

Sadie — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

An exciting end to an exciting week! Last night's MTV Europe Music Awards at London's Liverpool Echo Arena brought out a riveting array of sequins, owl faces, leather and schoolboy outfits on everyone from Katy Perry to Estelle to Pink to, yes, Perez Hilton (and guess who made "Ugly?") Laugh, cry, gasp — after this TGIF jump.

The Good:
Estelle's sleek sheath is one of the few unadulterated "Goods" of the evening!

Pink's metallic ballgown is actually kind of beautiful.

Duffy's mini is somewhere between ugly and cute; I think she pulls it off.

The Bad:

Katy Perry is said to resemble Zooey Deschanel. Apparently she tries to alleviate this confusion by dressing as ludicrously as possible 90% of the time.

If cute little leather dress sounds like an oxymoron, it's probably because it is, Daisy Lowe.

This guest (not ID'd) gives a lesson in how to make basics look goofy.

The striped jacket makes Solange Knowles' space-age mini Ascot-appropriate!

Alex Curran channels Jockey-meets-starting-flag.

Nathalie Emmanuel summons the ghosts of 1990.

The Ugly:

Perez Hilton or Friedrich Von Trapp?

[Images via Getty]

Females Are Fun, Fearless, & Poorly Dressed At Cosmo Awards

Sadie — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST

Just having a "Women of the Year Awards" wouldn't be enough for British Cosmopolitan. No, instead the magazine held the Ultimate Women of the Year Awards, which one can only assume was more fun, fearless and female than normal awards shows. And, apparently, the event called for worse clothes, because Kim Catrall, Melanie Brown, Dannii Minogue and the host of British celebs who packed London's Banqueting House were most definitely not looking their best. The fun, the fearless, the female — after the jump!

The Good:

It somehow makes perfect sense that Kim Catrall would be at this event! I like this more relaxed look on her. I maybe would have ironed it, but that's me.

I don't know, gang — I think Melanie Brown's looking kinda old Hollywood! (She won 'Ultimate Hottie.')

All things being relative, and despite my hatred of purple, nothing to object to in Connie Fisher's look. In fact, I applaud the accessories!

The Bad:
Fearne Cotton seems to have lost her pants -er, trousers.

I'm not saying Alesha Dixon can't work the Showgirls look...but why?

If Dannii Minogue had made different footwear choices I'd feel a lot better about her frock!

I don't think I can blame my dislike of Rebecca Adlington's number completely on my aversion to purple...

Myleene Klass's reminds me of something I got at Forever21 once to wear to a costume party but then was too bashful to wear out of my apartment.

Doesn't Josie Russell look totally Bat Mitzvah-ready? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Images via Getty]

Special Election Edition: It Was All Good At Chicago's Grant Park

Sadie — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST

Maybe there were a few premieres in Paris. Maybe there was some kind of fest involving Candace Bushnell in Australia. But I think you know, and I know, where last night's real action was. So let's go to Chicago's Grant Park and relive the joy, the tears, the triumph of November 4th, 2008 — after the jump!

The Good:

[Images via Getty ]

Fashionistas Celebrate The Right To Dress Well At ACE Awards

Sadie — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Happy election! And happy 5-9 to my mom! You'll all be glad to know that, amidst the furor of Decision 08, the Accessories Council mustered the wherewithal to honor fashion influences at the 12th Annual ACE Awards last night. And, more to the point, to look great: Chloe Sevigny, Stella McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Selita Ebanks and various other tastemakers and the models who love them brought their A-Game to Cipriani. Perhaps in a nod to the democratic process, Grecian looks were the name of the game - so much draping has not been seen since the heyday of Rami. The goddesses of style — and dischord — after the jump!

The Good:
How gorgeous does Noémie Lenoir look in this yellow number?

Loving Jennifer Creel's simple asymmetrical.

Who doesn't love dapper Simon Doonan?

Stella McCartney and Chrissie Hynde have the cool uniform down.

When Chloe just does quirky instead of wacky, she's really sure-footed.

Who needs to walk? Elizabeth Saltzman looks like a Grecian sculpture come to life.

Kind of absurd, but there's something undeniably appealing about Mary Alice Stevenson's symphony in thinking pink. Doesn't it remind you of one of the "Beautiful Girls" outfits from Singin' In The Rain?

The Bad:
Coco Rocha's looks like an attempt at something gone terribly awry.

Dana Delaney's busy frock isn't doing much for her.

Helena Christensen looks ready to pop out of a cake at the Coconut Grove!

[Images via Getty]

At "Black Girls Rock!" The Clothes Rocked Too

Sadie — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Morning, friends! Let's ease into the week with a visit to the 3rd Annual Black Girls Rock! Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Iman, Estelle, Veronica Webb, Erykah Badu, Melvin Van Peebles and more brought the glamour, the drama and the fug. Rock! with us — after the jump!

The Good:
Iman may well be the only woman in the world who could pull this off. Luckily, she's who we're looking at.

Beverly Bond's black gown is classic and stunning.

Just looking at Susan L. Taylor 's tangerine cheers me up.

Melvin Van Peebles looks dapper, awesome.

The Bad:
What does Tweetie's dress need...? Yes! A leather corset!

Veronica Webb demonstrates a classic scroll-down fug.

Estelle, for her part, gives life to the "fug by accessories."

The Ugly:
Sylvia Rhone's pants? boots? are making the Monday transition extremely painful.

[Images via Getty]

Celebs In Costume At "Masquerades" Are Totally Recognizable

Sadie — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Why do celebrities not understand that masquerades involve masks? It's not rocket surgery, people. I kind of cheated here, combining not one but two celebrity masquerades for the maximum number of B-List costumes — Kim Kardashian and PAMA's party at the Stone Rose in LA, and Lydia Hearst Shaw's shindig at NYC's 10AK. I must say, there's a shocking lack of creativity on display from Kim, Lydia, Lara Spencer, Cheryl Burke and friends — frankly, I was disgusted. Slutty reporters, slutty fairies, slutty girl scouts, slutty insects, slutty superheroes — you name it, you got it, after the jump!

The Good:
Sure, it's totally pre-fab and DVF kinda already took the steam out of Wonder Woman, but Kim Kardashian actually makes a really good 1964 Girl Group Singer-cum-super-heroine! (That last part was probably unintentional.)

I'm guessing Lydia Hearst Shaw is supposed to be Poison Ivy, but I choose to believe she's "Absinthe," which would be awesome.

Obviously Lara Spencer's bumblebee is lame, but Kris Jenner's manic — what? S&M officer Weimar cabaret performer? — is so bizarre that I'm adding an automatic 200 points.(L.A.)

Sexy girl scout is perhaps not the most original idea, but Ashlane Gorse gets points for wearing some of her own clothes, which qualifies as major creativity, unfortunately. (L.A.)

The Bad:
Lydia's slutty newspaperwoman would be lame even had it not just come out that she didn't even write her Page Six column!

Richie Rich is here because he always kind of looks like this and we hold him to a different standard of fab.

Again, big ups to the homemade costume, but Derek Hough's Bon Jovi still looks like every frat boy's last-minute effort. (L.A.)

If this is Lance Bass' actual robe, then, lazy. If not, lame costume. Or am I being mean? (L.A.)

Prefab + Cute = Total BS. Fail, Kym Johnson . (L.A.)

I've always felt like, if you're gonna do a costume, commit! Cheryl Burke's WAC (or whatever) in cocktail attire offends me as someone who's gone as a WAVE before in full uniform. (L.A.)

[Images via Getty]

The Fashions Were Pageant-Tastic At The National Television Awards

Sadie — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Last night marked Britain's National Television Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall, but you'd be forgiven for thinking you were watching the gowns portion of a beauty pageant, what with so many boobs, legs, sparkles and metallics on display. In fact, I was hard-pressed to decide just who amongst the TV starlets present would have won this particular round, so evenly matched were the contestants. Cast your metaphorical vote, after the jump!

The Good:
According to today's Times we're having a 1978 moment. Is that why I'm so drawn to Claire Cooper's column?

I didn't know I could like tangerine so much; Tess Daly has made me a believer!

Am I getting a little sick of this bandage dress? Sure. But Rachel Stevens rocks it.

Yes, Emma Rigby's confection is totally ridiculous. But it's so fun!

The Bad:
Miss Amanda Holden in pink...

Miss Dannii Minogue in brocade...

Miss Camilla Dallerup in gold...

Miss Holly Willoughby in silver...

Miss Denise Van Outen in black...

And Miss Nicolette Sheridan in red!

[Images via Getty]

Dainty Dresses, Daring Dreamers And Drama At The Hope Honors

Sadie — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Welcome, friends, to The Hope Honors, hosted by the Avon Foundation at Cipriani 42nd Street. The event honored those who support the fights against breast cancer and domestic violence (those are the dreamers) and drew a random assortment of big names: Patrick and Jillian Dempsey, Jordin Sparks, Lauren Conrad, Cynthia Rowley and Suze Orman, to name a few. This being a serious and charitable function, most people toed the line, sartorially-speaking. But! There were exceptions! And (manufactured, by me) drama! The Good, The Bad, The Scandalous — after the jump!

The Good:
While I refuse to liken Lauren Conrad to Audrey (!) it's hard to argue with a classic LBD.

As one would hope, Suze Orman evokes businesslike confidence.

Aw, Patrick Dempsey and his wife Jillian look so handsome together...

The Bad:
...and then scarlet woman Andrea Jung (in strangely stiff bodice) steals him away! The drama!

I get what Cynthia Rowley's doing here. But the effect is kind of Dorothea Lange!

Jordin Sparks rocks the red coat...too bad her mini/invisible pants bring it down. Well, maybe she can keep the coat on!

[Images via Getty]

Hollywood Film Festival's Awards Gala: The Clothes Were Good, The Stars Were Sorta A-List

Sadie — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

When you think about it, any reasonably respectable actor must have just a mantle full of random awards we've never thought of. Take the 12th Annual Hollywood Film Festival's Awards, and the accompanying gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Seems perfectly respectable, yet I wasn't even aware of it until now, despite its roster of real stars and good clothes! Think Angelina, Natalie, Marisa, Kat Dennings and, yes, Phoebe Price. So you know that means serious Good, real Bad and, you guessed it, Ugly. After the jump.

The Good:
Camilla Belle has a tendency to look awesome.

Jaime King skews slightly Spring, but looks so cute!

Angie does elegance with a gothic edge like nobody else. Clint's fine too!

Mandy Walker's one-shoulder is a classic "do."

I really like how eccentrically elegant both Kristin Scott-Thomas and Natalie Portman look here.

The Bad:
I remember seeing this look on the runway and thinking, wow, the lace is gorgeous but the cut would look totally dowdy in real life. Marisa Tomei takes runway to reality.

I adored Sally Hawkins in Happy Go Lucky but this frock reminds me of something her wacky character would sport.

Taraji Henson's ecru reminds me of unevenly applied frosting - ie, how it looks when I frost a cake.

Kat Dennings is another one I'd really, really love to make a "Good." Her teensy bodice won't let me.

On the upside, Maria Bello could totally sport this to the Vatican, an Orthodox synagogue or a conservative mosque and not raise a ripple!

The Ugly:
Let's face it, for Phoebe Price this is downright demure! But I think she'd be sad if she didn't get her usual spot of honor, so we'll give it to her on a purely relative basis!

[Images via Getty]

It Was A Carnival Of Has-Beens At The Carousel Of Hope

Sadie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

If a genie appeared and granted you three wishes, wouldn't your #2 be to conjure an event at which Joan Collins, Raquel Welch, Bo Derek, Suzanne Somers and Valerie Bertinelli all appeared at once? Well, your wish is granted, and your genie? The 30th anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball to benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. As one would hope, sartorially speaking, this event was a virtual time machine to 1987, so enjoy the sequins and the pesto and buy up some real estate while you're at it! The Good, the Bad, the Ugly — after the jump!

The Good:
Barbara Davis channels Glinda guest starring on Dynasty, and if you asked yourself,what's not awesome about that and answered nothing, you'd be absolutely right.

Everything about Jane Seymour right now evokes "The Lady In Red."

Ah, Joan Collins. A beacon of pure 1980s excess in an economically depressed world!

How slammin' does Nicole Richie look? I think this look is very Rita-Hayworth-as-Mrs.-Ali-Khan.

Garcelle Beauvais brings some much-needed elegance.

Maria Menounos looks lovely.

As you may have heard, Valerie Bertinelli lost a great deal of weight on Jenny Craig. I like her Nancy Reagan look.

I dunno, gang. I just like Raquel Welch!

The Bad:
This would depress me so much less if I hadn't seen Working Girl last night.

I'd actually like Mel B's gown if there were a touch more bodice!

Lisa Rinna's time on Dancing With The Stars seems to have influenced her aesthetic.

I actually think Bo Derek is pretty stunning, but this layered look is simply not working.

Suzanne Somers is a big advocate of vitamin injections. I am not a big advocate of this look.

Why, praytell, is Lara Flynn Boyle barefoot?

The Ugly:
I think Nancy Davis' may be the least flattering gown I've ever seen.

[Images via Getty]

Black Magic At Rome Film Festival!

Sadie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

I asked, the gods answered: After a week of bizarre harem pants jumpsuits and grotesque gladiator sandals, we're finally treated to a hefty dose of Italian glamor courtesy of the Rome Film Festival. Specifically, L'Uomo Che Ama Party at Rome's Officina Farneto. Even the "Bads" are pretty glam here — not least because people rocked not-so-basic black about fifty amazing ways! Oh, those crafty Europeans...after the jump!

The Good:
Hard to argue with a perfect velvet gown like Kseniya Rappoport 's.

Doesn't seeing Monica Bellucci and Vincent Kassel just make you want to be an insanely gorgeous Italian movie star with a French actor-director husband who splits her time between Rome and Paris? Yeah, same here.

Didn't we see this fern number of Rihanna? Miriam Catania adds a dash of sophistication.

Maria Sole Tognazzi gives us the high-necked iteration. Don't know what's up with the sorority pledge rose...

And a drape from Claudia Zanella!

The Bad(ish)
Carmen Consoli demonstrates the tragic truth about "runway to reality."

It's not really Elena Bouryka's fault that she's reminding me of a popular bar mitzvah look circa '93.

Hey, did you guys watch Stylista? That contestant Katie would totes have tried to wear this to work! Tiziana Rocca at least limits it to the red carpet.

Elena Russo's jacket renders this silhouette really bulky.

Images via Getty

It Was (Almost) All Bad At Kitson's 90210 Party

Sadie — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Do you think I like it? Don't you think I'd prefer to look at beautiful, awesome clothes instead of pair after pair of deformed gladiator sandals and vague political statements? Well, it's not to be: for our sins, I give you Kitson's 90210 Collection Party at Kitson Studio in Los Angeles, California. And if this is representative of said collection — oh boy. It took all my arts to find one "okay" in this melee of 90210 cast members and those who love them! The (sole) Okay, the Bad, the Ugly — after the jump!

The Okay:
Cherilyn Wilson's dress may or may not get a pass in part because I recently picked up something very similar (in a solid, though!) at H&M.

The Bad:
When will the long national nightmare of grotesque shoes be over? Does it have something to do with the recession? Tell me, Chelsea Staub!

CC Fontana's flapper costume is modernized with this season's grotesque footwear!

Lissa Lauria takes the attitude, "why only one fug accessory when you can have many?"

At best, black and yellow can skew bumblebee. At worst, Jessica Stroup wears shoes like these.

Wait, what? What code? The 90210 code? Bros before hos? WTF are you talking about, Krystal Franklyn?

The Ugly:
Perez Hilton really knows how to bring attention to a cause: with shrink-wrapped date Lady Gaga and a Good Humor man costume.

[Images via Getty]

The Horror, The Horror! Shockingly Bad Clothes At Chanel's Central Park Opening

Sadie — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

You would think that a party to celebrate the opening of a large box in New York City's Central Park would inspire people to look their best. And yet, the opening night party for the Mobile Art: Chanel Contemporary Art Container by Zaha Hadid, a long-awaited installation, inspired some of the most god-awful duds I've ever seen. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Bosworth, Katie Lee Joel, Kim Raver, and, of course, the Kaiser himself, presided over one of the longest "Bad" lists I've ever put together — and it could have been even longer! The jumpsuits, the sneakers, the horror, the horror — after the jump.

The Good:
Eve looks casually awesome.

Full disclosure: I've never seen Lipstick Jungle. But I like Kim Raver's LBD.

I'd forgotten about the Misshapes, the DJs-It People of a few years ago! Leigh Lezark looks elegant and lovely.

The Bad:
To quote Anne Slowey (yes, on the Stylista preview), "She kind of looks like she got dressed...on crack."

I know she's the Kaiser's date and all, but I'm really not feeling Kate Bosworth's space-age muffin tin liner.

David Levinthal. Moving on!

Agyness Deyn channels young Madonna in a wind tunnel.

Don't roll your eyes at me, missy! You, Cory Kennedy, are the one in ludicrous shoes!

and speaking of poor footwear choices... Gia Coppola.

I don't understand Genevieve Jones' ensemble. And we fear what we don't understand.

Unlike Allison Sarofim, I missed the memo about harem-pants jumpsuits/early Halloween.

Kate Schelter didn't!

And just when you think we've reached the pants nadir, Victoria Traina!

Katie Lee Joel's dress was apparently made by Molly Ringwald's character in Pretty in Pink.

The Ugly:
Where to start with Daphne Guinness? Let's pretend it didn't happen instead.

[Images via Getty]

Zack And Miri Make A Porno Premieres; People Dress Poorly

Sadie — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Look, obviously the new Seth Rogen vehicle Zack and Miri Make a Porno is going to do well. Which is maybe why the entire cast — Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, and their usual cohorts — totally phoned it in at the premiere at Hollywood's Chinese Theatre. There was all manner of sartorial asshattery, from harem pants to Slutoween getups to frumpy shoes. The few Good, the many Bad — after the jump!

The Good:
Sure, Kristen Ritter's skewing a little Bettie Page, but there are worse things!

Sarah Chalke tends to arouse strong passions, but this little frock is cute, no?

Traci Lords' red dress is pretty glam; why is she so sour?

The Bad:
I dunno, gang. Elizabeth Banks' number is looking awfully mother of the bride to these eyes...

Ali Larter: Oy vey.

Is it just me, or does Katie Morgan's outfit look like a Slutoween Marilyn costume?

Y'know, Jeff Anderson, you can support your candidate without looking like the douchey kid at a bar mitzvah.

If Susie Castillo increased her dress by 40% it might be okay...

[Images via Getty]

There Were High Notes And Low Notes At BET Hip Hop Awards

Sadie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EDT

Just when you think you've hit an awards season dry spell, bam! It's the 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards at The Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center! And the stars were out: 50 Cent, Kerry Washington, Ciara and a cast of thousands brought us high highs and low lows — just what the doctor ordered on a Monday. The Good, The Bad... after the jump.

The Good:
50 Cent goes totally dapper!

Madras: not seen as much on the red carpet as one would hope. Ashley Calloway agrees!

Kerry Washington's dress must weigh fifty pounds. No wonder she looks miserable.

The Gay European on Holiday look is working for Talib Kweli!

Also good: Musiq Soulchild's rockabilly.

Ciara channels Emma Peel.

The Bad:
I could totally get behind Sharon Carpenter's disco-fab number if she weren't apparently wearing it backwards and courting a wardrobe malfunction.

Toccara Jones' corset may be the least flattering thing I've ever clapped eyes on.

At least Lynne Harris Taylor's frumpy leather shift looks comfy!

Tiffany Evans's look is kinda like Kenley's idea of "hip hop." Plus Docs.

If, like Angel Lola Luv, you insist upon sporting a Roman Blind, try to avoid the lure of legwarmers.

[Images via Getty]

Katie Holmes Makes Broadway Debut: People Protest; Others Just Dress Poorly

Sadie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Last night marked Katie Holmes' broadway debut, in the Arthur Miller play All My Sons at New York's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Apparently she wasn't great and the whole thing was kind of marred by a bunch of Scientology protesters. But! At least it was star-studded! Isabella Rossellini, Patricia Clarkson, Lauren Graham and tons more all represented. Sadly, most of them looked dreadful. For some reason strange pants figured prominently. The few Good, the many Bad — after the jump!

The Good:
Patricia Clarkson is like a professional class act.

It's not Mamie Gummer's fault that she looks so much like her mom. And she always looks so cute!

I love how Isabella Rossellini's lipstick says, "don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I want to look slightly like a dowdy bum."

Lauren Graham's looking slightly Minnie Mouse, but this is basically fine and, um, basic.

The Bad:
Aaaa! Aaaa! Again: aaaa!

Jessica Seinfeld's ensemble is confusing without being thought-provoking.

Oy. Katie Finneran's is a lime chiffon nightmare.

Lizbeth Mackay demonstrates how to spoil a LBD.

Can we have a moratorium on bodices like Danielle Ferland's?

[Images via Getty]

Princess Grace Awards Gala: Not Sure What It Was, But The Clothes Were Great!

Sadie — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Any event that has both "Princess Grace" and "Gala" in the title is the kind of rich-people shindig I can get behind, especially when it's at Cipriani and the clothes are seriously good. Apparently the awards support emerging artists. Anyway, obvs HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was there, plus Rose Byrne, Mariska Hargitay, and a host of assorted stars and socialites. And seriously, the duds were like 80% Good, kids — just like Grace would have wanted it, after the jump!

The Good:
I'm kind of a sucker for "Ascot Gavotte" numbers like Bebe Neuwirth's.

Black and white prints can risk dowdiness, but how good does Mariska Hargitay look?!

I adore Rose Byrne. But why does she look so sad? Could it be the gala's not actually that fun?

Mixed feelings about Petra Nemcova's 80s goddess gown, but overall she looks lovely.

Need it be said again: Celeste Holm was in All About Eve!

I wish we had a full frontal of Dee Ocleppo in what looks to be a really pretty frock.

The Bad:
Some would argue that Carolyn Gusoff's bodice could flatter her figure more.

I gotta say I kind of like Princess Yasmine Pahlavi wearing a little girl's idea of a princess costume!

[Images via Getty]

A Totally Fair And Balanced Look At The Fashions Of The W. Premiere

Sadie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

I'm not gonna lie to you: I'm not planning to see W. Watching Oliver Stone's interpretation of events (JFK, Nixon) I didn't live through is quite bad enough, to my way of thinking. But apparently those celebs who showed at the film's premiere at New York's Ziegfeld theatre did not share my qualms. Diane Lane, Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, Rosario Dawson, Julia Stiles and more not only made the scene but looked pretty darn good. The Good, The Bad, after this allegedly completely fair, not at all paranoid, could-practically-be-a-documentary jump!

The Good:
Thandie Newton's beauty even allows us to overlook a fairly damning shoe.

How does Rosario Dawson make a coat and scarf look this sleek? This is kind of my favorite look of the evening.

As we know, I have a weakness for the "artistic great-aunt" look as embodied by Ellen Burstyn.

American Apparel is now calling some 2" jersey tube sheath the "Little Black Dress." Kim Raver's iteration is a more accurate representation.

When you think about it, Diane Lane tends to stick to this shape, which she really does rock.

I will admit to some ambivalence about the bodice of Julia Stiles' dress, but overall the effect is pretty.

The Bad:
I daresay it will have its defenders, but Elizabeth Banks' coral just has a few too many elements for my taste.

Apparently Katharine Hepburn was really self-conscious about her neck and made all the wardrobe mistresses add weird ruffs and collars to all her costumes. She would have liked Kyle Bax's number.

[Images via Getty]