The 2008 Emmy's - The Best Dressed (And the Worst)

Last night I was perched on my couch anxiously awaiting the arrival of some of TVs hottest stars to the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards. As always I was eager to ohhh and ahhh (and sometimes even ewww) at the gowns, diamonds and stilettos of the evening. But before I move onto who got it just right, and who didn't, I want to point out some of the fashion trends of the star studded event.

As I watched star after star pull up to the red carpet I began to notice some common themes emerge in regards to the designer gowns. Black is back, and with a vengeance! Black was the shade of choice last night, with celebrities such as Sandra Oh, Kate Walsh and Christian Chenoweth looking utterly glamorous in the Gothic color. Nicolette Sheridan, Brook Shields and Mariska Hargitay helped to break up the sea of black with bursts of vibrant hues in purple, fuchsia and canary yellow. The question of length was answered by the abundance of sweeping floor-length gowns, while designers played with ruching, tiering and layering to add volume and shape to their creations.

Best Dressed:

Sandra Oh should take home the award for the best dressed. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her embellished lace Oscar de la Renta gown and Bulgari jewels. She exuded her typical sophisticated elegance, emphasizing her graceful style with a vintage Chanel purse and pearl-accented Chanel heels.

Law & Order's Mariska Hargitay stood out among the rest in her Grecian-style Carolina Herrera gown in vivid yellow and Fred Leighton jewelry, paired with Jimmy Choo heels

Despite the L.A. heat Olivia Wilde from House looked the picture of elegance in her icy-gray Reem Acra gown. She accessorized perfectly with Jimmy Choo heels, a Stuart Weitzman clutch and Kwiat jewels.

Worst Dressed:

Desperate Housewives' Eva Longaria-Parker has always been a fashion risk-taker, and her daring Marchesa dress was no exception. However, instead of looking effortlessly chic as she usually does, her big bow flapper dress and sleeked back bob looked garish on her petite frame.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine) looked like she had it all right with her figure-hugging silk Narciso Rodriguez gown in salmon. That is until you noticed the odd triangle cutout just below her bust.

America Ferrera's ruched vintage gown did nothing for for her petite frame and bubbly personality. The calf-length dark frock made her appear short and squat. However, America did get it right with her Fred Leighton antique diamonds and Rene Caovilla lace pumps.

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Audrey Hepburn: Style Icon

Over a decade after her death, Audrey Hepburn is still classified as one of Hollywood's most influential style icons. Audrey experienced unbridled success throughout her film career, which extended into her humanitarian efforts. Her success stemmed from her charismatic persona and unique look. Audrey's sharp features, cropped auburn hair and slim figure defined her as an exquisite beauty, setting her apart from her Hollywood counterparts, who were desired because of their tousled blond hair and voluptuous figures. Audrey is remembered for her understated elegance, her ability to look effortlessly chic and of course, her skill for flawlessly accessorizing the little black dress. Sabrina, Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffany's are among Audrey's most fashionable films.

In the 1954 film, Sabrina, Audrey plays a timid chauffeur's daughter who returns home to Long Island after two years in Paris. Upon her arrival, both Larrabee brothers (Humphrey Bogart and William Holden) fall for the sophisticated and stylish women she has become. It was during this film that Audrey developed a lifelong personal and professional relationship with French designer, Hubert de Givenchy. Givenchy first outfitted the timeless style icon in A-line gowns and a high neckline black cocktail dress in Sabrina and continued to dress Audrey throughout her remaining film career and personal life. Givenchy's creations were elegant and sophisticated in Audrey's simplistic and timeless way, a theme that continued throughout his designs.

Funny Face (1957) portrays Jo (Audrey) as a shy bookstore clerk turned top model after she is discovered by a famous fashion photographer (Fred Astaire). Audrey's style throughout this film ranges from effortless, casual and chic to overstated extravagance. I think everyone remembers the 2006 Gap commercial featuring a clip of Audrey from the film Funny Face. The clip portrays an absurdly dancing Audrey against AC/DC's "Back in Black" advertising Gap skinny black pants. It doesn't seem to matter that Audrey's pants were designed for her by Givenchy, except that her timeless style transcends decades.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is often referred to as the fashion film. Filmed in 1961, Audrey plays Holly Golightly, an eccentric New York socialite who becomes infatuated with a struggling writer (George Peepard) living in her building. Breakfast at Tiffany's is best remembered as the film that solidified Audrey's role as an iconic fashion influence. Throughout the film she appears in numerous little black dresses, oversized sunglasses, giant pearls and chic gloves, instilling within many the desire to emulate her simplistic and classic approach to fashion.

Audrey Hepburn will forever remain one of the world's most influential and imitated style icons due to her exquisite beauty and her simplistic and classic approach to style.

Fall Trends Report

The month of September marks the beginning of a new season, a season of change and new beginnings. For some it means the beginning of another, much anticipated and simultaneously dreaded, school year. For others, the cool crisp air and changing leaves bring relief from the scorching days of summer while hinting at the long and harsh winter looming ahead. And finally, for all of those style-obsessed fashionistas, like myself, the most important change which accompanies September is the invitation to dig out our perfectly preserved sweaters and boots and spend hours upon hours scouring our favourite stores to acquire the dramatic new trends that mark a new season.

This season's trends offer up a little something for every fashionista!

Men's Fabric: Men's fabric plays a significant role in fall's trends. Plaids, tartans and tweeds were seen all over the runway from Dolce & Gabbana to Alexander McQueen. To liven up an outfit add a burst of excitement with colored tights or a bright bag in this season's rich jewel tones!

Architectural: Bold structuring takes centre stage this season, featuring sharp edges and sleek geometric shapes. These designs can easily be overwhelming, be sure you are choosing a shape that is proportionate to your frame.

Minimalism: Are you a believer of the "less is more" motto? The bright and voluminous must-haves of summer make an abrupt change to stark colors and spare designs. Minimalism is a key component for all fall wardrobes.

Fall Hues: The predominant color scheme this season closely resembles the vivid autumnal colors of nature. Rich ambers, golden yellows and deep rusts, with punches of bold hues, like berry and emerald are the colors you will see again and again this fall!

Lady-like: Pencil skirts and tailored suits are reminiscent of the 1950's perfectly polished attire and were seen on the runways of Diane von Furstenberg and Christian Dior. Ruffled, frilly and bow blouses are also a popular choice this season, keeping in time with this lady-like appeal.

Long & Lean: The voluminous shapes and short hemlines of summer have given way to long and lean. Try this look in a monochromatic color scheme and pair with fall's towering heels to really emphasize your length.

Outerwear: A tailored jacket featuring a strong masculine feel was seen on many runways this season. A great tailored coat is a classic piece and an essential for everyone!

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