Style Stayers in 2009

Of course best dressed lists are completely subjective, and one person's Alexa Chung is anothers Carla Bruni, but that hasn't stopped me having a super fun time coming up with my own top ten. I've picked those ladies whose style has consistently impressed me this year. Some celebs have had amazing red-carpet moments coupled with some serious shockers, so I've tended to eschew them (e.g. Eva Mendes, Marisa Tomei and Anne Hathaway) for those ladies who rarely put a put wrong, both day and night. I've included only photos that I haven't posted before.

Michelle Obama's look is innovative and colourful. There is a whole site devoted to chronicling this oft photographed style-meister, and a quick stroll through will confirm this online devotion is warranted. Her evening-wear is always elegant but youthful and the lady has a phenomenal collection of beautifully tailored, vibrant coats. I'd be happy to spend a day hanging out in her White House closet.

Cate Blanchett appeared on a couple of worst dressed lists again this year. Who is responsible for this madness! Cate's bold crocheted dress - which I blogged about here - seems to have blinded them to the perfection of all her other fashion choices this year. Because Cate is living in Sydney now and concentrating on theatre rather than film, she hasn't made as many red-carpet appearances as usual, but when she is snapped at events, or candidly on the street, she always looks impeccably groomed, lady-like and stylish. For my Cate, dressing is an art-form.

French actress Marion Cotillard benefits from a contract with Dior, but I'm still convinced that Marion's effortless glamour is very much her own. I couldn't find one appearance in 2009 where Marion looked anything but perfect and crazy pretty. So French, so chic.

Sarah-Jessica Parker continues to elicit fashion envy whenever she steps out her front door. She's adventurous while still remaining beautiful and her ability to accessorise is second to none. I might not want to wear everything she does, but I love her wearing it. While I'm not particularly excited about the SATC sequel, I am very excited about SJP's hitting the promo trail in 2010. Bring on more gorgeous head-wear, statement shoes and cute little party frocks please!

While I remain a little bemused by the level of fame Dita has achieved for taking off her clothes and marrying a musician of questionable morality and talent, I can't deny that the lady wears the socks off couture and vintage. Harking back to the glamorous film stars of the Golden Years of Hollywood, the lovely Dita is always 'on' and seems to love fashion body and soul. Her wardrobe is one I'd seriously be happy to inherit.

Thandie Newton loves vintage and colour so she is definitely a woman after my own heart. Feminine and fine without being too frilly, I'm always interested to see what this stunning actress is wearing.

Natalia has the advantage of being a supermodel, and one of the most naturally beautiful at that, but she eschews the usual model off duty uniform of band tees and denim for a romantic and feminine wardrobe that includes a whole lot of vintage. Gorgeous.

Everyone knows I love Diane Kruger. Muse to Karl Lagerfield, Diane styles herself, and never fails to impress whether she is wearing a statement making ball-gown, sexy cocktail frock or she is off duty in jeans and blouse. A real fashion original who just happens to have access to the best of the best ... although I'd love to see her in some vintage.

Carey Mulligan's acting chops have been seriously hyped this year, but her sartorial choices have impressed as well. Unlike other young starlets, Carey has realised that baring flesh isn't always best and has picked elegant but edgy ensembles that seriously flatter. Love her cute pixie haircut too.

And finally Ms Nicole Richie. While Nicole's style might not be my own, the way she works her luxe hippie chic consistently impresses. She was pregnant for much of this year and never looked less than glamorous. I give her big snaps for not being afraid to wear loud patterns, for working so much vintage into her wardrobe, and for having lots of fun with cute accessories too. This girl has come a seriously long way this past decade.

Thanks to Red Carpet-Fashion Awards, Just Jared and Mrs-O for some of the pics, and now feel free to shout me down in flames or tell me who your favourites where this year.

Missing in Action

I moved house on the weekend - a truly horrible experience, which after four moves in five years I am well and truly exhausted by - and am now on the other side of the Harbour Bridge, sans broadband and telephone for at least another week. How will I survive? Anyway, that is why I am and will be missing in action for sometime, although the lack of Internet access is keeping me focused on the task at hand i.e. unpacking.

You wouldn't believe all the clothes I discovered that I had completely forgotten I owned. And aren't I truly thrilled that this weekend I will be presented with the most excellent of opportunities to acquire even more, when the second Sydney Vintage Clothing Show kicks off on Friday night in Canterbury. I will definitely be there, and will be posting about it upon my return to the land of blog.

And on a completely unrelated note, has anyone seen the cover of the November issue of US Vogue? Ignoring the excess of photoshop (it seems pretty obvious that these ladies were never on the same beach together, let alone that beach, and no-one who has seen September Issue will be surprised), I just have to comment on how bewitching Marion looks in that voluminous Prada dress. It is just about gorgeous enough to distract me from Nicole Kidman's weird posture.

Down with excessive photoshop!

Missing out on Frock of the Week by one day ...

Is another one of my imaginary BFF's, French actress Marion Cotillard in this fresh and utterly gorgeous pink Dior dress. She has paired the dress with Dorothy inspired red wedges, which I think take the outfit to a whole other level of awesomeness.

Sigh ... her look is perfection.

Marion is at the Paris premiere of Public Enemies, which is released here in Australia in a couple of weeks, and I can't wait to see it. Not only does it star two fine and easy on the eye actors (Johnny Depp and Christian Bale) and look like a fascinating story, it is sure to feature some inspired 30's clothing too.

Frock of the Week

For a change this week was a no-brainer for me. French actress Marion Cotillard is glamorous perfection in Elie Saab. As Marion is under contract with Dior she is almost always seen in the French label on the red-carpet, so it is a nice change to see her in another designer. Close up this dress looks like little mosaic tiles. Love the cowl neck, love the accessories and her hair is divine.

Marion is at the premiere of Public Enemies which I absolutely can't wait to see for the double hotness that is Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. I've got to mention that they are both rather accomplished actors too as well as being visually arresting.

On another note I saw this photo of English singer Duffy today wearing the cutest Chloe shorts. I kind of want them, so hopefully some Aussie chain store will knock them off in time for summer.

The best of the rest of Cannes

Zhang Ziyi was as pretty as a picture in this dusty pink one-shouldered dress.

This Christian Dior dress looks like lollies i.e. good enough to eat. The embellished bodice is gorgeous. This is Chinese actress 'Vicky' Zhao Wei .

Beautiful Taiwanese actress Qi Shu was all over the red-carpet at Cannes generally looking gorgeous, but this is my favourite of all her outfits. Another dress that works the lolly look, I could eat this one up too. The big bow on the side just adds to the overdose of pretty. It looks like Qi is just about to break in to Hollywood (according to IMDB she is 33, who would have thunk it!) so we should be seeing a whole lot more of her.

Rachel Weisz was voted Best Dressed of the Week over at RedCarpet-Fashion Awards as a result of this chic and sexy Valentino number that has fashion commentators the world over claiming that green is the new black. Rachel's appearance at the Met Ball proved that despite her beauty she can look bad (hard to believe, I know), but she is most definitely back on form in this number. The 2009 Valentino Haute Couture collection is thus far translating really well off the runway.

Michelle Yeoh was another star to opt for green and her Versace dress screams Hollywood glamour (or South of France glamour, as the case may be).

My Marion Cotillard looked as pretty as ever at the AMFAR Ball in Dior (of course). Love the cute clutch too and her bob suits her so well. I deliberately included a photo of her with her boyfriend Giulliame as they make such a cute couple.

Love Kerry Washington in this black and white vintage inspired dress. Along with her hairstyle and clutch, this look is very early 60's evening-wear.

Dita von Teese seems to be on virtually ever red-carpet these days (why was she at Cannes anyone?). Unlike Paris Hilton, who also shows up to the opening of an envelope, Dita actually has style and clearly either a lot of money or big fans amongst the world's top fashion designers. Dita is one of the only people I know who can get away with wearing a completely see-through Jean Paul Gaultier dress on the red-carpet and manage to still look chic. I was also very pleased to see her wearing a Dior Haute Couture dress from the S/S 2009 collection. I LOVE the stiffened rippled skirts from this collection and I'm so happy to see somewhere wearing one in the "real world".

The strapless blue dress with the bows on the pockets is cute too.

And finally my favourite Diane capped off an awesome week by wearing a white Chanel dress to the AMFAR Ball. This dress is distinctly inspired by the classic Chanel suit and up close the sequin bodice on this dress is divine.

Also included is a lovely vintage Chanel that Diane wore to a photo-call.

Will I go see the new Quention Tarantino flick she is in? Probably not. If I could even let myself get past the atrocious grammar contained in the title (according to Christian Lander - see previous post - white people love grammar), I honestly believe Quentin's best work is well and truly behind him. For Diane's sake, I hope I'm wrong.

Best of The Met Costume Institute Ball

I know I'm a bit late in getting my picks in from the red-carpet madness that is the Met Ball, but my betrothed and I did our download limit for the month, and I've been waiting patiently for the next month to tick over.

My overall impression of The Met Ball was a wee bit disappointing. As per The Oscars, I felt like people fell into two camps - the try too hards and the not try hard enoughs. The try too hards are actually quite hilarious though and their antics certainly don't harm them when it comes to getting coverage in the mainstream press (Victoria Beckham and Kate Beckinsale anyone??).

Meanwhile, here are my picks from the evening ...

Style-meisters the world over are gushing over the fact that Ashley Olsen can make a sheet look amazing and I have to concur. This dress is from her own label The Row and I think she looks very chic. The dress actually has a very open back, giving it a sexy 70's edge. I'm a bit over the Olsens wearing over-sized outfits which seem to only accentuate their smallness, but I'm forgiving Ashley this time. Cute boyfriend too!

I'm not entirely sure about Anne's hair - a shade too reminiscent of her Brokeback Mountain character perhaps - but I'm digging her cute Marc Jacobs mini-dress. The colour looks great on her.

You could argue that Elizabeth Hurley belongs in the try too hard basket, but regardless of her oft over-dressing, there is no denying this Elie Saab dress is simply spectacular. I would love to see this one up close and personal; such a fairy princess dress.

I'm including my betrothed's girlfriend January because, quite simply, she looks HOT in this Michael Kors gold disco dress, with her sexy bed hair. Short dresses were a very common theme on this years red-carpet, as they've been a common theme on the catwalk the last couple of seasons, and January has managed to go short without looking too cocktail. I love her.

Stella McCartney dressed three of her besties for the ball this year - Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler and Kate Bosworth - and while I'm not a massive fan of Stella's label, how super cute does Stella look in her lace jumpsuit? I love a jumpsuit and this one is really unique with the scalloped neckline and shiny sash. Liv looks great in her flattering blue dress and Kate Hudson is channeling her Mum Goldie in her bedazzling halter-neck. Not such a fan of her dress I must say.

Kate Bosworth was one of the highlights of the night, I think, with her classic Hollywood glam black dress with beautiful sheer lace detailing. Great hair and make-up too - the perfect package.

One of the fashion packs golden girls, Lou Doillon is wearing a fabulous - and rather fabulously revealing - Nina Ricci dress. I only wish she had worn some jewellery too, but I guess she isn't really a frou frou kind of girl.

Rhianna was on a lot of people's worst dressed lists but I don't honestly think she'll be bothered. She has her own unique style, as befits a young pop-star, and I think her puff sleeved D&G tuxedo is very brave and pretty sexy. Are the humongous puff sleeves blinding me to the outfits true awfulness? Quite possibly. But she is staying on my best dressed list regardless.

My Diane can do no wrong. If I was Karl Lagerfield's muse, I too would have totally jumped at the chance to wear this white lace appliqued Chanel Couture mini-dress. Whenever I see a photo of Diane and Josh I point it out to my dear heart and ask why can't this be us? And he responds that it isn't us because we aren't rich and probably never will be. He is ever the realist. I will have to contend myself with being Diane's celebrity equivalent ... in my dreams.

Could Marion be the best of the night? Highly probable. How could anyone not love Marion's pink strapless fish-tail Dior which hugs her in all the right places. And her hair! And her clutch! And her make-up! And her all round drop-dead gorgeousness. Divine, divine, divine.

And while the mainstream press focused on the more familiar faces of actresses and singers, the theme of this year's ball was actually the Model as Muse so many of the current crop of faces, plus top models of the past, were at the show representing designers and generally being effortlessly chic and gorgeous. Not all mind you. There was a lot of matching of shoe and dress colour this year, which I'm not a huge fan of, and Cindy Crawford took it to the extreme by matching her dress, shoes and bag. And the dress was tacky as it was anyway. But then again Cindy has never been known as a particularly stylish model, unlike my Milla who was wearing a Marni dress which I didn't completely love, but I did admire the interesting neckline. And as per usual, she looks beautiful.

Australian model Catherine McNeil - so, so beautiful and harking back to the glory days of the late 80's and early 90's supermodel - looked ravishing in Mouret. I'm starting to believe that asymmetrical dresses look flattering on everyone, although there would be no danger of anything making Catherine look bad. I kind of want her dress.

Not surprisingly I adore Eva Herzigova's D&G corset dress. FYI this is exactly the length I want my wedding dress to be. That is, long enough to cover the knees and look dressed up, but short enough to show off a nicely turned out ankle and hot pair of heels. And she is certainly rocking a particularly amazing shoe.

Iman = stunning. And can I have David's number please?

I am a big Jessica Stam fan (unlike my mate Liana, another model groupie like me, who doesn't understand what the fuss is about) and I think she looks gorgeous in this Rodarte mini. I'm really digging the colour scheme here and her whole look is spot on.

Claudia Schiffer completely wowed me - and most of the world, I suspect - in this Versace cut-out couture dress. Jessica Biel wore a similar Versace dress but hers didn't have quite the impact of this one, and personally I can't bring myself to include her on my blog.

And finally there is Kate, ambassador for the evening, walking the carpet with Marc Jacobs while wearing Marc Jacobs. My former assistant, the stylish Miss Hannah, thinks she looks like rubbish in this outfit. Myself, a former Kate worshipper who has somewhat lost that loving feeling over the last few years, is quite enamoured of her outfit, and most particularly the turban. Kate is definitely a cut above the average in the style stakes, and pulls this look off with aplomb. Love the knot in the back of the dress.