Red Carpet Review: The Best Looks From The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Including Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

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Last night’s Billboard Music Awards were a big draw for viewers, attracting big names from the worlds of rap, rock, pop, & country. However, it’s the BLUE carpet that has fashion critics & bloggers buzzing today. Designer Zuhair Murad was definitely in-demand, dressing the likes of Jennifer Lopez in a deep-v gold gown, Emmy Rossum in a black velvet & sheer polka-dotted dramatic look, & Taylor Swift who showed off her gams in a blue sparkling mini dress. Also, celebrities worth noting were Hayden Panettiere who looked regal in a black Halston Heritage gown, Chloe Moretz in a printed Fendi frock, & Selena Gomez in a stunning white & neon-accented plunging gown by Atelier Versace. Additionally, some nay-sayers are also giving Nicki Minaj some heat over her red bustier gown, which channeled Rihanna‘s Azzedine Alaia dress from this year’s Grammy’s, but I think that this is almost the best that the rapper has ever looked & she should keep taking tips from Rihanna.

If I was an officer of the Fashion Police, I would certainly fine whoever it was that let the lovely star of the upcoming ABC series Mistresses, Alyssa Milano, out in that awkward palazzo pant ensemble by Emilio Pucci, as well as Jenny McCarthy‘s stylist for the 90s-homage tank & maxi skirt look. Sure, she’s in her 40s, has a great body, & her makeup looks gorgeous, but there are definitely better options out there for the VH1 talk show host.

Who wore your favorite look? Which artist gave the best performance at the show? Did you like the blue carpet looks? For more from Red Carpet Review, check out previous posts including my recent gallery for Top 10 Celeb Sightings including Jennifer Aniston & Victoria Beckham, this year’s Met Costume Institute Gale featuring Emma Watson & Amanda Seyfried, & a complete look at Oblivion actress Olga Kurylenko’s press tour & premieres. Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Kate Upton’s American Vogue Cover Channels A Modern-Day Marilyn Monroe!

To be completely honest, I wasn’t crazy about supermodel Kate Upton at first like the rest of the world has been; however, after seeing the beyond-amazing spread in the June 2013 issue of Vogue- the model’s first major American fashion magazine cover- I was won over! She channels a modern-day Marilyn Monroe with classic all-American style, bombshell curves, & old-fashioned ambition to break away from the typical supermodel mold. The shoot was photographed by the ever-legendary Mario Testino, which includes looks & pieces from Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Rochas, Ray-Ban, Donna Karan New York, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Max Mara, Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Hermès, & Matthew Williamson.

While Kate looks more voluptuous than most models walking the catwalk, she’s a healthy size 4 & responds to nay-sayers about her shape with the following: “The things that they’re rejecting are things that I can’t change. I can’t change  my bra size. They’re natural! I can work out and I can stay healthy and  motivated, but I can’t change some things.” The Sports Illustrated beauty is breath-taking in sleek separates looks, flirty swimwear shots, & evening couture.

In a behind-the-scenes look at the model strutting her stuff in Uruguay, Kate shares her tips for having the ultimately stylish summer, including how having the right sunglasses & some comfy sandals can make or break your vacation! The resemblance to Marilyn Monroe in uncanny, but it’s really gorgeous to see the celebrated hairstyles of vintage Hollywood starlets like Monroe teased in contrast to contemporary fashion.

What do you think of Kate’s Vogue shoot? Do you think she’s worth all the fashionable fuss? Which is your favorite look from the cover story? For more stylish posts, check out Christina Hendricks for Lucky‘s June issue, Rooney Mara’s latest ad campaign with Calvin Klein, Diane Kruger’s short film for Jaeger Le-Coultre, the latest red carpet looks from Jennifer Aniston & Kerry Washington, & 3.1 Phillip Lim’s designer collaboration with Target!

Ad Madness: Rooney Mara Is The Face Of Calvin Klein’s New Fragrance, Downtown!

Rooney Mara has certainly cemented her status in fashion, especially after co-chairing this year’s Met Costume Institute Gala with Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci. Now the Oscar-nominated actress is the latest face for Calvin Klein‘s new fragrance, Downtown. The cool, edgy scent is geared towards a 25-35 woman, which can be seen in the upcoming, yet-to-be-seen David Fincher-directed TV spots. The print ads were photographed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, featuring a fresh-faced leather jacket-wearing Rooney, leaning against a brick wall.

“I am very excited to be included in the group of amazing women that have been featured in the iconic advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein fragrances. It’s an honor to be part of a brand with such a legacy of breakthrough advertising. The Downtown fragrance holds true to the chic, confident and simple feeling of the Calvin brand,” says the actress about the perfume which will be featured in 3,000 department stores nationwide.

For more celebrity ads, check out previous posts including Diane Kruger’s short film for Jaeger Le-Coultre, Beyoncé’s new ad campaign for H&M, Marion Cotillard for Lady Dior by Dior, Kate Winslet for Lancome, & the latest from Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks Is Lucky’s June Cover Girl!

Christina Hendricks has been one of the most watched out for celebrities on the red carpet, especially with her success on the drama, Mad Men. Plus, it wasn’t that long ago that I featured the curvy actress in another Cover Craze post for her feature in Canada’s Flare magazine, however the fiery redhead is now the face for Lucky magazine’s June 2013 issue.

She talks to the magazine about her favorite red carpet moments, famous for wearing designer duds by L’Wren Scott, Christian Siriano, Zac Posen, & Dolce & Gabbana. Also, her Mad Men fame & iconic role as Joan have created a signature style for the actress who embraces pencil skirts, high heels, & anything bra-friendly. She’s also a bargain shopper as a fan of Nine West & J.Crew, as well as international boutique for vintage-inspired pieces.

Watch the video above to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magazine’s shoot & hear Christina first-hand charm the pants off of us! Christina can be seen next in the Ryan Gosling-directed film How To Catch A Monster, & the Neil Labute ensemble dramedy Seconds of Pleasure. For more magazine posts, check out Scarlett Johansson for Marie Claire, Hayden Panettiere’s beachy shoot for Glamour, & last month’s Lucky cover with Drew Barrymore! Also, be sure to check out InStyle‘s inside look at the costumes worn by Mad Men‘s leading ladies! Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On A Striped Maxi Skirt!

Most of my spring go-to looks consist of black & white outfits, but as I’m trying to find a balance between lightweight & frilly separates, while warding off the chill from cooler nights, I’ve been thinking a lot about maxi skirts. They’ve been all over storefront windows lately & I’m loving the idea of a modern skirt that can be dressed up for a date or made casual chic with gladiator flats.

Even though I’m usually a fan of black & white in polka dots, houndstooth, or zebra print, I’m getting on board the stripe trend for spring, especially since there are so many different versions of this skirt to pick from. This includes the plus size a.n.a. striped maxi skirt ($19.99) from JC Penney & Dress Barn‘s Roz & Ali two-toned striped maxi skirt ($30.00), which will pair nicely with solid tops in red, pink, or mint. You can find the third option @Forever 21, which is the striped jersey maxi skirt ($15.80), available in sizes XS – L.

My fourth selection is the BCBG striped knit maxi skirt ($48.30) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus, which has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag. Lastly, the TWO by Vince Camuto nautical stripe maxi skirt ($79.00) from Zappos offers a summer-ready look for boat shoes & a crochet tank.

Which striped skirt do you like the best? How much would you spend on a maxi skirt this season? For more posts from Splurge or Save? check out black peplum tanks inspired by Naya Rivera & Amy Adams, leather moto jackets from True Religion & Jil Sander, Kim Kardashian’s silver Jimmy Choo pumps, & pink skinny jeans by Michael Kors & Ann Taylor! Happy Styling!