It was four years ago that we met style-challenged Betty.  What was an initial attempt to get into the publishing industry turned into a warm, humourous and heart-felt comedy that became a household name.  I always loved this show.  The exaggerated storylines were always fun and it explored the fashion industry in a way that no other show did.

The best part of the show for me was none other than the fashion.  With the genius mind of Patricia Field behind the costuming, who could expect anything less than perfection? Field created amazing, fashion-forward looks which fit every character like a glove.  For Betty, though the task was to create looks to emulate a fashion wreck, it was still a pleasure to watch!

Week after week, Betty would trot to Mode in an insane mix of bright colours, explosion of prints and granny-looking garments.  Here’s the thing…most of what Betty sported was from a designer label; from Anna Sui to Marc Jacobs to Prada.  Somehow, it just worked for Betty’s eccentric, unique sense of style.

Throughout the show, as Betty got a bit slimmer, hair got shinier, eyebrows thinner and as she discovered more body-hugging silhouettes, Betty slowly understood what fashion was…the meaning behind it, what drives it, how it is inspired and how it can connect with people.  The underlying element of fashion (from the out-of-this-world storylines and crazy drama to the cluelessness and constant mockery of Betty) paved the way for Betty to become a star.  A character that clearly seemed disastrous on day one slowly seeped into our hearts, so much that we started rooting for her.  Betty represented the brave few, risk-takers that are gutsy and bold yet honest and compassionate.  Betty was in fact, what we like to call, beautiful.

Image Source: Abc.com, Starpulse.com, Ugly-Is-In.com

One of the biggest trends seen last night was ruffles.  We saw some edgy, roughly cut ruffles…

Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton; Jennifer Morrison in Luis Antonia

As well as some soft, cascading ruffles.

Anna Kendrick in Marchesa; Chloe Sevigny in Valentino; Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

The bling was on on the red carpet.  Celebrities showed their glamour with beading, jewels, sequins and stones.

Toni Collette in Elie Saab; Olivia Wilde in Gucci; Heather Graham in Elie Saab; Jennifer Garner in Versace

Some created a flattering shape with a jewel-clinched waist.

Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham; Fergie in Elie Saab; Julie Bowen in Georges Hobeika

Coinciding with a major trend we are seeing in fashion, designers dressed stars in sharp shoulders.

Mariah Carey in Herve Leger by Max Azria; Anna Paquin in Stella McCartney; Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

Lace-details peeked their way into dresses.

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior; Carey Mulligan in Nina Ricci; Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Stars in hues of purple looked royal on the red carpet.

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta; Rose Byrne in Lanvin; Jane Krakowski in J. Mendel; Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

All the blush tones were far from boring.

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci; Emily Blunt in Dolce & Gabbana; Elisabetta Canalis in Roberto Cavalli

Maybe it was the rain, but some daring ones chose to keep it short.

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo; Julia Roberts in YSL; Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera; Ginnifer Goodwin in Vionnet

The one-shoulder never fails to deliver an elegant look.

Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace; Amy Poehler in Jay Godfrey; Jennifer Aniston in Valentino; Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza

One of my favourite trends was the sculptural look that some stars rocked.  Some showed rigidity with their architectural dresses….

Christina Aguilera in Versace; Kate Hudson in Marchesa Bridal

While others took a softer turn with their dresses looking almost like origami.

Sofia Vergara in Carolina Herrera; Maggie Gyllenhaal in RM Roland Mouret

Finally, there are always the few mega risk takers that truly stood out in the crowd.

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

Jayma Mays in Badgley Mischka Couture

And of course, one of my favourite dresses of the night…

Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture

Image Source: JustJared.com, NeonLimelight.com, Style.com, UsMagazone.com

One of my top reasons for still keeping up with all the drama on the Upper East Side is Serena van der Woodsen’s style.  Having put off Brown for one year, Serena is spending her time “finding” herself and trying out a new career in public relations.  Her wardrobe this season says exactly that.

Case in point:

Tight fitting clothes and longer hemlines with a dash of accessories

Serena’s unique look, which is probably the reason why we all fell in love with her in the first place, still consumes her character but it’s just gone up a notch.  Gone are the days when she paraded down the streets of New York in cute vintage dresses and over the top uniforms.  Now we see her in more sophisticated Upper East Side attire, ready to take the corporate world head on.

Here are some of my favourite Serena looks of the season.

If you’re interested in rocking any of the Gossip Girl characters’ looks, check out Gossip Girl Fashion.

Image Sources: CWtv.com, GossipGirlFashion.net, GossipGirlInsider.com

The year definitely flew by and before we knew it, on Sunday, it was red carpet time again at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.  Stars got up-close and personal with glam cams, the host did a song and dance to start off the show and yes, Heidi Klum showed up with a baby bump again!  This year, it was all about keeping it pretty, classic and simple.  Here are some trends spotted on the red carpet.

Arm Baring Divas

This was one of my favourite trends! It’s a little more daring than the strapless gowns and definitely adds a twist to the one-shoulder style.

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa; Kim Kardashian in Ina Soltani; Jane Krakowski in Versace

Hues of Blues

As I saw more and more stars in this colour, I was surprised I wasn’t bored with the different shades of blue.  From the teals to the midnight blues, each dress in this shade had a very different shape and silhouette which kept it interesting.

Christina Hendricks in L'Wren Scott; Vanessa Williams in Rafael Cennamo

Katrina Bowden in Christian Siriano; Christina Applegate in Basil Soda; Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang

One Shoulder Wonders

I was a bit disappointed to see so many one-shouldered dresses since it’s a bit over and done with.

Debra Messing in Michael Kors; Chloe Sevigny in Isaac Mizrahi; Carrie Preston in Mako Takada

Royally Purple

Purple seemed to be the runner-up for choice of colour.

Dana Delany in Basil Soda; Padma Lakshmi in Badgley Mischka; Elizabeth Perkins in Reem Acra

Greek Goddess

These gowns were extremely flattering on the shape and very intricately draped.  This was one of my favourite trends.

Mindy Kaling in Temperley London; Kate Walsh in J. Mendel

Cat Deeley in Alberta Ferretti; Alicia Witt in Rafael Cennamo;Jennifer Love Hewitt in Max Azria

Classically Black

Black will always be a classic, go-to colour for any occasion.  Some stars were able to make themselves stand out with an edgier black dress, others just resorted to yet another black strapless gown.

Sally Field in Temperley London; Glenn Close in Zac Posen; Tina Fey in Gucci

Alyson Hannigan in Vera Wang; Heidi Klum in Marchesa; Jenna Fischer in Reem Acra

Heavy Metal

There were a lot of metallics on the red carpet this year.  I thought these three did it best – not overdone or blinding in anyway.

Kaley Cuoco in David Meister; Mariska Hargitay in Carolina Herrera; Sandra Oh in Marchesa

Very Berry

In an attempt to stay away from the more common purples and reds, stars wore those colours with a clever twist.

Ginnifer Goodwin in Yves Saint Laurent; Mila Kunis in Monique Lhuillier; Lindsay Price in J. Mendel

Fairytale Fantasy

You can never escape the big, prom-style dresses at award shows but I thought all three actresses here looked incredibly elegant.

Toni Collette in Monique Lhuillier; Rose Byrne in Valentino; Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhuillier

Ra Ra Red

Red was definitely the biggest colour on the carpet this year.  Some pulled it off with unique dresses.  Others just looked like they belonged on a fire engine..

Blake Lively in Versace; Hayden Panettiere in J. Mendel

Angela Kinsey in Nicole Miller; Sigourney Weaver in David Meister

Beautiful Bows

Definitely staying in tune with what’s hot this fall, it was nice to see some architectural bows on some gowns.

Jessica Lowndes in Dolce & Gabbana; Jennifer Morrison in Calvin Klein; Mary Louise Parker in Zac Posen

Pretty in White

Stars who wore white looked fresh and classic.

Perrey Reeves in Naeem Khan; Kara DioGuardi in Badgley Mischka Couture; Leighton Meester in Bottega Veneta

Of course, I’m always able to find my stand outs, even in the busiest of all crowds.  I love the work on Jennifer’s dress and just adore the sculpture-like bodice on January’s dress.  They are definitely winning looks in my book!

Jennifer Carpenter in a black and white Zuhair Murad design

January Jones in mint green Versace couture

Image Source: EW.com, Film.com, StarPulse.com, Style.com, TheInsider.com, TVGuide.com, UsMagazine.com

The spread in Elle magazine is now the spread in Marie Claire (with Nina Garcia’s departure from Elle, are you really that surprised?) And of course, the car that the winner gets is now a trip to Paris.  Hmm, car or Paris, car or Paris…I think it’s pretty safe to say, P-A-R-I-S!!!

I’m not sure how I feel about the show moving to LA (we’ll see how that helps the season progress) and of course, the show not being at Parsons and filmed at the Atlas just means my chances of running into Tim Gunn again are well…slim to none.  I was also pretty surprised by the young age of most of the desingers.  The last thing I wanted was for one of the few shows I consider to be “good reality tv” turn into a fashion nightmare (remember that sad excuse of a show about working in the fashion industry that Tyra’s network produced???) Watching the first four episodes however definitely proved that there is an immense amount of talent on the show this season and most of it came from the younger designers.  I am already a fan of a few of them and secretly hoping for a woman to win the season!

My favourite part of the show so far has definitely been some of the prestigious names on the judging panel (okay, I’ll excuse Lindsay Lohan and I’m still wondering why Michael Kors has gone AWOL) – Rachel Bilson, Max Azria, Monique Lhuillier and Marc Bouwer, are only a few of the wonderful people who have given their opinions on the designers’ looks.  Eva Longoria is set to be a guest judge this season as well! So far, I’ve agreed with the people the show has let go but only time will tell if that continues to be the case because as we all know that in fashion, “one day you’re in, the next day you’re out”.

Here are the winning looks from the first four episodes…Auf Wiedersehen!

Episode 1 - Challenge: Create a look for a red carpet event that represents your point of view as a designer; Winning Designer: Christopher, Model: Katie Sticksel

Episode 2 – Challenge: Design a pregnancy chic look for Rebecca Romijn; Winning Designer: Shirin, Model: Matar Cohen

Episode 3 – Challenge: Create a fun and fashionable surf wear look (Additional Challenge: Create a second avante garde design that corresponds to the surf wear look); Designer: Ra’mon, Model: Vanessa Fitzgerald

Episode 4 – Challenge: Create an eye-catching look for models to wear at an industry event; Winning Designer: Althea, Model: Tanisha

Image Source: MyLifetime.com

To read more about this interview, click here.

Video Source: YouTube.com

Here are some great ones…

For a more elegant look, try…

For a more dramatic look, I Love Factory is definitely the way to go.  The brand pays homage to the lost art of millinery and has some great pieces in their collections.  They’re also the masterminds behind this look that Little J rocked on this season’s Gossip Girl.

For a more subtle look, try smaller pieces like these…

To gear up for the Spring, try a more bohemian look with some of these…

Image Sources: Shopbop.com, ilovefactorybk.com, urbanoutfitters.com, net-a-porter.com, fredflare.com, forever21.com, nordstrom.com, debenhams.com

Guiliana Rancic in Pamela Roland

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Marisa Tomei in Versace

Queen Latifah in Georges Chakra

Freida Pinto in John Galliano

Floral Inspired Elegance

Most of these gowns incorporated elements of flowers such as petals from the waist down taking elegance to another level.

Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad

Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli

Maria Menounos in Randi Rahm

The Power of Red

You would think that stars in red gowns would blend in with the carpet but these women popped in the variations of sharp red gowns.

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera

Amanda Seyfried in Valentino

Heidi Klum in RM by Roland Mouret

Virginia Madsen in Kevan Hall

Subtle Glamour of Creams and Nudes

These gowns in light shades of cream brought some chic-ness to the red carpet.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott

Penelope Cruz in Vintage Balmain

Jessica Biel in Prada

Return of the Fish Tail

We saw this silhouette dominate at the Golden Globes earlier this year so it’s no surprise that it’s appeared again.  Tight fitted bodices and a free-flowing bottom definitely flatter a woman’s figure!

Beyonce in House of Dereon

Halle Berry in Marchesa

Vanessa Hudgens in Marchesa

Melissa George in Dolce & Gabbana

Fairy-tale Ending

These stars prommed it out like they were Cinderella looking for their Prince…in their own way of course!

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad

Penelope Cruz in Vintage Balmain

Sarah Jessica Parker in Christian Dior Couture

Sculptural Pieces

These gowns seemed like they were made from origami, giving the stars a very modern look.

Heidi Klum in RM by Roland Mouret

Jessica Biel in Prada

Marisa Tomei in Versace

Jewel-Toned Beauty

Paillettes, sequins and crystals let these stars shimmer in their gowns.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

Jennifer Anniston in Valentino

Leslie Mann in Pamella Roland

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

Pretty in Pink

These stars brought some fresh shades to the red carpet and it paid off!

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Lisa Rinna in Gustavo Cadile

Alicia Keys in Armani Prive

Bringing on the Belt

Sitting high at the waist, these stars accented their gowns with belts giving them an edgier look.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Christian Dior Couture

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad

Statement Jewellery

Aside from the gowns, the jewellery on the red carpet this year were very much in tune with the trends on the runway.  Big, chunky, colourful, statement making jewellery is what everyone was trying to pull off.

Image Sources: Instyle.com, Film.com, Oscars.Movies.Yahoo.com