The stars were out in full force last night, May 7 at the 2012 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit held in New York.  Although the gala was intended to spotlight the Institute's latest fashion exhibit, Schiaparelli and Prada, no doubt, the real show was on the red carpet and provided a feast for the paparazzi and fashion fans alike.  While there were many disappointments which left me wondering, "why?", that inner voice kept telling me, if you have nothing good to say, then don't say anything at all.  That being said, the glass was definitely half full and I am pleased to showcase my top 10 picks.  Enjoy!

Vampire Diaries star, Nina Dobrev served up a jaw-dropping moment and stole the spotlight in a stunning Donna Karan gown at last night's gala.  The actress looked like a mermaid emerging from the Black Sea in one of her most dramatic and striking looks yet.  The backless gown is a detailed work of silk chiffon and burnt out metal sequins and antique gold lined beads with an asymmetrically draped one-shoulder bodice.  Donna Karan has dressed Nina in the past and with each occasion, Nina becomes more stunning than the last.  Only one word sums up this one:  WOW! 

Fit for a princess!  No doubt, Dolce & Gabanna were on cloud nine (and probably still are) as Scarlett Johansson glided down the red carpet in a heavenly blush tulle skirted gown with a crystal, pearl and gold embellished off-the-shoulder bodice.  The Avengers actress cleverly kept her accessories to a minimum, completing her look with just a simple one-strand diamond bracelet and regal antique cushion cut diamond drop earrings, at 4 carats each, and Christian Louboutin heels.  True Hollywood royalty!

Pretty in pink was Paula Patton as she turned heads in this gorgeous silk creation by Vera Wang that features a strapless asymmetrical pleated bodice and drop waist transitioning into a straight skirt with slightly flared hem with train.  The colour is perfect for Paula's tanned glow.  The Mission Impossible actress wore her hair pulled back to show off her beautiful Lorraine Schwartz pink sapphire chandelier earrings and a smile that could light up the City.  Simply stunning!

Definitely one of the best-dressed women on the red carpet, last night proved no different for Jessica Alba.  The actress was statuesque in a stunning one-shoulder gold lamé Michael Kors creation.  While many a designer has unsuccessfully attempted to execute the perfect lamé gown, Michael Kors comes out a winner in this heavenly pleated number.  The dress is a perfect fit on Jessica and her hair a perfect match.  Wilfredo Rosado gold jewels and a matching clutch completed the Midas touch for Jessica!

Also shining on the red carpet last night was Modern Family star, Sofia Vergara, in a silver embroidered gown by Marchesa.  The gown features two of my favourite elements of couture:  the crumb-catcher neckline and peplum waist detail.  Sofia has really shown a versatile fashion sense in the last year or so and isn't afraid to change up her style.  Sofia refined her look last night with Casadei pumps and some Harry Winston bling bling.  I'd also be smiling from ear to ear if I were donning that bracelet too.  Just sayin'.  

If designer Zac Posen has been waiting for his fashion crowning moment, then he need not wait any longer as Leslie Bibb may very well have made his dream come true at last night's event.  Like a scene out of an old movie, the model/actress was the vision of Old Hollywood as she made an unforgettable entrance onto the red carpet in this stunning dramatic blue-on-blue printed ball gown by the designer.  Just simple blue sapphire Lorraine Schwartz earrings and ring with matching clutch completed her look.  I'd love to see more gowns like this because quite frankly, I do give a damn.  I just had to say that! 

Turning up the heat at last night's event was Camilla Belle who rocked the red carpet in a simple but elegant ivory and silver tulle beaded Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 gown.  Camilla perfectly depicts how to wear the plunging V-neck:  elegant and classic.  Her overall styling is perfect from the modern champagne platform heels to the vintage art deco jewels all by Ralph Lauren.  Another great Old Hollywood look with a modern twist.  Love it!

Looking every bit the supermodel that she is, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley strikes a pose in a stunning copper and black striped dress by Burberry with hand-embroidered beaded neckline.  The supermodel sealed her look with drop-style Irene Neuwirth earrings, J/Hadley ring and a Harlow 1960 clutch.  You may recall that Kate Hudson also wore this look last week to the 2012 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.  I love this style.  What do you think?  

Every red carpet event needs a goddess in attendance and Twilight actress Ashley Greene was the very essence of one at last night's event.  Ashley was breathtaking in a white Grecian Donna Karan Atelier gown that was designed specifically for her!  The gown is a masterpiece of a sequin encrusted silk chiffon bustier with asymmetrical pleating cascading into a beautifully draped skirt with train.  To complete her look, Ashley donned simple silver earrings and matching metallic clutch, leaving her hair and make-up au naturel.  Ashley really rocked that inner vixen-goddess vibe!  Between Nina and Ashley, Donna Karan really outdid herself last night!  

And completing the list of my top 10 picks from the 2012 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit is Hilary Swank who was ravishing in red by Michael Kors.  The actress cut a stunning silhouette in a custom scarlett-chiffon gown by the designer which featured a turtleneck with asymmetrical body hugging overlay releasing a cascading side panel skirt.  Mr. Kors made Hilary's look even more enticing with his gold python barrel clutch and gold snake chain ankle-wrap stiletto sandals.  (I can hear those rattlers now.)  To accessorize, Hilary chose gold Fred Leighton jewels and side-swept curls.  Absolutely stunning!

Hope you enjoyed my picks for this year's Met gala.  Did you have a favourite?  It's almost impossible to choose one preferred look as each one is as beautiful and unique as the next.     

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Hilary Swank is pictured here in Paris France along the Avenue Montaigne with the cutest little dog that I would totally dog-nap should the opportunity present itself. I would steal her top too but not while she's wearing it because she could probably kick my ass.

From the looks of it she doesn't have a stitch of make up on but she looks amazing and much younger than her 37 years (not that that is old because it's not). 

According to IMDB she doesn't have any projects in the works. I find that hard to believe. Not sure if she's in Paris for business or pleasure but when you're in the city of love does it matter the reason?

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Photos: Visual/WENN

Last night marked the 20th Anniversary of Glamour Women of the Year Awards which took place  in New York.  Cher won the Lifetime Achievement Award and it’s no wonder.

Cher Is Going Back On Tour

She has an Oscar, a Grammy and an Emmy not to mention a career that spans 45 years.  What a lot of people may not know about her is her tireless humanitarian efforts such as helping to build a school in Kenya for Orphans and working with The Heroes Project to ensure soldiers’ headgear is more blast-resistant .

What’s next for Cher? Directing a film and doing some Broadway! Kelly Osbourne was thrilled to meet her last night and Tweeted:

I am lost for words at how beautiful @cher still is…. Damn she is one hot bitch!!!!

Also on hand at last night’s awards:

• Julia  Roberts
• Kate Hudson
• Fergie
• Hilary Swank
• Janet Jackson
• Arianna Huffington

and more…pictures after the break

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Sam Rockwell and Hilary Swank star in the upcoming Conviction (release date December 1, 2010). Based on a true story, Hilary plays Betty Anne Waters, a working mother who puts herself through law school to defend her brother Kenny (played by Sam Rockwell) who has been wrongly convicted of murder.

Hilary Swank Premieres ‘Conviction’ @ 2010 TIFF

The two got along so well that Sam jokingly refers to Hilary as a diva:

“She’s always in my light, she’s always ‘me me me… Frappuccino’,”

All kidding aside he has an odd way of conveying his love of her:

“No, no.  She’s amazing. I wanna punch her I love her so much.

“She is such a dedicated actress and I just love her work ethic. She really comes in there guns blazing. She’s formidable.”

I’m all for quirky, off-beat comedy and whatnot, but the punching part doesn’t really make me laugh or even crack a smile for that matter. I know he’s joking (jeezuz I hope so) but is it just me? Is it because I’m tired and very hungry that I find no humour in this? Do you find that funny?

Hilary is very hopeful for this film:

“I think this is gonna shine a pretty bright light on some things that need to be fixed,”

“This type of story is why I’m an actor. You know, I love people stories and everyone has a story, and this is one of those that you carry forever in your heart,”

The character Betty Anne spent 18 years trying to exonerate her brother. The punching thing aside, this does sound like an incredible movie, doesn’t it? Would you go see it?

Photo:  Dominic Chan/WENN

New York is buzzing with Fashion Week going on and lots of celebrities are making there way to the Big Apple to check out the shows.  I’m sure they must get freebies or major discounts too! Don’t they get swag bags as well? Such is the life.

The picture of Kelly Osbourne is from the other day that I meant to post.  Better late than never right? How could I resist? Kelly looks stunning in this dress. She’s killing me.

The lovely Beth Ostrosky Stern and Carol Alt were photographed outside the Lincoln Centre on Tuesday. Carol finished her shift at the airlines a little early.

Hilary Swank checks out the Pamela Roland collection.

Denise Richards and Carmen Electra are pictured backstage at the Betsey Johnson show.

Emma Roberts and Perrey Reeves are backstage at the Monique Lhuillier show.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

Photos:  Patricia Schlein/Stefan Jeremiah/Ivan Nikolov/ WENN

You know when Juliette Lewis is the best dressed at the party all hell is about to break loose. That’s not a put-down to her but let’s face it:  she dresses rather unconventionally.

Hilary Swank has a great body and can usually get away with just about anything but I’m not liking this dress too much and I can’t quite figure out why. I think I’m used to her in more sleek and sophisticated looks and this dress just doesn’t suit her in my opinion. Do you like it on her?

They are at the 35th Annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to premiere their movie Conviction which is based  on the true story of Betty Ann Waters (played by Hilary):

A working mother puts herself through law school in an effort to represent her brother, who has been wrongfully convicted of murder and has exhausted his chances to appeal his conviction through public defenders.

That sounds like an incredible movie! Would you go see it?

Her brother is played by Sam Rockwell.

Pictures after the break

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Joyful Heart Founder and President, Mariska Hargitay was on hand at the 2010 Joyful Heart Foundation Gala in New York last night along with her smoking hot costar Christopher Meloni who looks different but I can’t put me finger on what the difference is.  Did he lose weight? Something’s different.  Tamara Tunie also showed her support to her friend and costar.

The foundation’s mission:

The Joyful Heart Foundation works to foster a community that turns toward the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Such a community, empowered with knowledge, courage and compassion, can support survivors of this violence and engage in an open dialogue about how to collaboratively end the cycle of violence and abuse.

Also attending:

• Cyndi Lauper
• Debra Messing
• Eric Lewis
• Hilary Swank
• Jill Hennessy
• Marcia Gay Harden
• Maria Bello
• Matthew Morrison
• Rosie Perez

Pictures after the break

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Victoria Beckham looks like she just stepped out of the pages of Vanity Fair as she poses at their Annual Oscar party.  I was surprised to see some celebrities change gowns, but people do it at weddings and wedding receptions so why not?  I just can’t imagine having to worry about two dresses on Oscar night.  I can barely figure out what to wear to go grocery shopping.

Lots of celebrities attended:

• Jon Hamm
• Maria Bello
• Simon Baker
• Patricia Clarkson
• Natalie Portman
• Kate Beckinsale
• Taylor  Lautner
• Amy Adams
• Hilary Swank
• Jane Fonda
• Anna Paquin
• Stephen Moyer
• Abbie Cornish
• Amanda Seyfried
• Cameron Diaz
• Bar Rafaeli
• Elizabeth Banks
• Jessica Simpson
• Julianne Moore
• Selma Blair
• Kate Bosworth
• Mariska Hargitay
• Katy Perry
• Russell Brand
• Jennifer Lopez
• Evan Lysacek
• Vanessa Hudgens

And lots more after the break

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