MTV Video Music Awards: worst of the red carpet

There was plenty to love on the red carpet at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards ... but there were a couple who definitely hit a sour note.

Rihanna: If this look were a Project Runway challenge entry, it would evoke a thumb-on-the-chin-finger-on-the-jaw "I just don't get it" from Tim Gunn. The top is just "eh," while the skirt looks like a pile of painted newsprint. Sorry, Ri, we still love you, but it might be time for a little sit-down with your stylist ... if you can, in fact, sit down in this thing.


Katy Perry: "I kissed a girl and I liked it ... so much that I came to the VMAs dressed as an Esther Williams wanna-be." We can understand the overnight sensation's desire to make a splash at her first VMAs, but we wish she hadn't taken it so literally. Not that she doesn't have the bod for it—she definitely does—but there's definitely a "taste factor" at play here. (There we go with the Project Runway buzzphrases again.) Consider your splash made, girlfriend ... and next time, show us some actual style.

MTV Video Music Awards: best of the red carpet

Wow, was it really just a year ago when Britney's abysmal VMA performance had us all in "shock and aww" over how far the pop icon had fallen? Well, last night's awards proved without a doubt that, to paraphrase a recent hit, "Britney's back, bitch." Kudos to La Spears not only for taking home three statues (Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year for "Piece of Me"), but for looking fabulous while she did it. And Britney wasn't alone in her stylish appeal; we'd like to highight our favorite "fashion do's" of the evening.


Ashlee Simpson: If Angelina and Gwen plan on having any more kids, they're going to have to step their maternity style up a notch, because mama-to-be Ashlee S. was looking absolutely divine on last night's red carpet. Her draped jersey gown was mommy-appropriate without looking the least bit sloppy, and her auburn locks and dramatic eye makup were the perfect finishing touch.



Christina Aguilera: After rocking the 40s-pinup-girl look for a couple of years, it's clear that Ms. Aguilera is ready to get in touch with her edgy side again. We love the way the shape and accents of the dress highlight her figure, and she wrapped up the look beautifully with out-to-there eyelashes, pale pink gloss and platinum blond bangs. We can't wait to see what kind of album this reinvention portends!


Miley Cyrus: After seeing her wrapped up in floor-length gowns and slathered with makeup on previous red carpets, it's so refreshing to see this teen queen actually looking like a teen. Her sequined vintage-inspired dress is youthful and fun, and the subtle hair and makeup definitely leave her looking more "Disney Channel" than "Lifetime Channel." Plus, she's clearly having a great time.

So whose looks didn't make the mark? Stay tuned ...

(Hat tip: FabSugar)

Happy Birthday to...

... Madonna!

Yes, the Material Mom turns the big 5-0 today, and what an amazing half-century it's been for one of the biggest pop icons ever.

Let's not forget that when we first met the feisty Bay City, MI, native, it was 1982. To put that into perspective:

• Cell phones were the size of Cadillacs
• The Soviet Union was at the height of its power
• Michael Jackson's Thriller was just being released
  
• We were taking our fashion cues from Flashdance, Dallas and Dynasty

We could go on and on, but you get the point. Trends have come and gone, but Madonna has managed to hold our fascination for over 25 years, with no end in sight.

Cheers to you, girlfriend!

Happy Fourth of July 2008!

Wishing you a holiday weekend that's relaxing, invigorating, sexy, indulgent, or however you choose to celebrate being an American woman.

And with that, we'll turn it over to Lenny Kravitz. Enjoy!

Lenny Kravitz - American Woman
Uploaded by pembroke

(Source: dailymotion.com)

People's Choice kicks off award season ... sort of

The 2008 awards season kicked off with last night's People's Choice Awards, but due to the ongoing writers' strike, NBC was forced to pare down the ceremony to a series of pre-recorded acceptance speeches, with the always-fabulous Queen Latifah playing host on the wraparound.

So, no red carpet report, ladies. For the sake of eager fashionistas everywhere, let's hope things in Hollywood return to normal soon!

That said, there were some pleasant surprises among this year's winners, including Reese Witherspoon for Favorite Female Movie Star and Drew Barrymore for Favorite Leading Lady. In the music category, Gwen Stefani walked away (on tape) with the award for Favorite Female Singer, Daughtry's "Home" came out as Favorite Rock Song, and the Police received the nod for Best Reunion Tour.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners!

A very "Idol" AMAs

At last weekend's 2007 American Music Awards, it was all American Idol, all the time, with alums from the show taking home no fewer than six statues.

Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood—who also looked stunning in a white minidress and understated makeup—scooped up trophies for Favorite Female Country Artist, Favorite Country Album (for Some Hearts), and the T-Mobile Text-in Award for Favorite Artist.

In addition, Season 5 alum Chris Daughtry's band, Daughtry, made good on its three nominations for Favorite Pop/Rock Album (for Daughtry), Favorite Breakthrough Artist, and Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist.

Meanwhile, Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks' self-titled album hit store shelves to rave reviews on Tuesday, and runner-up beatboxer Blake Lewis' debut, Audio Day Dream, drops on December 4. Perhaps we'll be seeing these two on the podium at next year's AMAs?

Happy birthday to ... the iPod!

This week marks the sixth anniversary of the miniscule marvel that forever changed the way we experience music: the iPod.

On October 23, 2001, Apple shocked the techno world by announcing a different kind of digital audio player, one that used a hard disk for storage and was designed for convenience, power, and ease of use. The first model (codenamed Dulcimer) offered a whopping 5 GB of storage (enough for about 1,000 songs) and was only compatible with Macintosh computers.

In April 2007, Apple announced that the 100 millionth iPod had been sold, and the hot little number now accounts for over 25 percent of the company's earnings.

Why not celebrate your musical mate's birthday by buying it a sassy new outfit—like this sleek faux-croc metallic sleeve from iStyles?

Just the thing for everyone's favorite six-year-old.

(Hat tip: iLounge)

Kylie's back ... and better than ever

What better occasion than Breast Cancer Awareness Month to get a first peek of super-sexy survivor Kylie Minogue's first post-cancer album, X?

The album won't be out until November 26, but the video for the first single, "2 Hearts," is up at Yahoo! Music, and to say Kylie's back is an understatement. Rocking a tousled platinum-blond 'do and cherry-red lips, not to mention a kickin' pair of Louboutin stilettos, the diva from down-undah struts, slinks, and sashays along to what's sure to be one of the season's hottest tunes.

Welcome back, Kylie. You go, girl!