The Emmys fashion review

Red carpet events are something I personally would never dream or wish to be a part of. All the fuss, cameras, swells of crowds, prolonged periods of sitting and the need to look composed for the event is something I am not entirely sure I would be capable of. As much as I love the glamorous part of Hollywood, fame is something I recoil at the thought of. I am a fairly private gal and would go absolutely bonkers if the paparazzi followed me to Starbucks to get my bold two-pump sugar-free nonfat venti light frappucino. (I feel for you, Britney and Mary-Kate!) Paparazzi on the red carpet, however, are much more acceptable and welcome, because let's be honest: who doesn't want to be photographed in a stunning gown and all decked out in jewelry worth more than an average vehicle? The latest major red carpet event, the Emmys, brought out Hollywood's most glam and although many left me in awe, there were a select few who still earned a head shake. Here's my top five faves, and my top five not so faves:

January JonesBEST DRESSED:

1. Lauren Graham:
Although my favourite look of the night may cause some major disagreements as she even landed on some bloggers' worst dressed list, nothing topped Lauren Graham's bold asymmetrical black and white number for me. Featuring an elegantly draped, one shoulder white top and body skimming black, high slit bottom, this classic silhouette was taken into modern territory with a wide black strap on the would be bare shoulder. Paired with red nails, an array of cocktail rings and bracelets and an effortless updo, this was the perfect balance of red carpet elegance, fashion forward style and timeless good taste.

2. Heidi Klum:
How can anyone not love this woman? With her statuesque frame and strikingly good-looking features, Ms. Klum's still got it at 37 and three kids later. Not one to shy away on the red carpet, Klum looked the part of the supermodel in a Marchesa mini. Strapless, sweetheart neckline and black, this little number was anything but the standard LBD as it featured perfectly placed beaded rosettes and a sheer, fitted overlay elsewhere. Flawlessly paired with sequined black pumps and a Lorraine Shwartz diamond necklace, Klum also brought her favourite accessory: her hubby Seal, completing the look of best-dressed couple in Dior.

3. Lea Michele:
This red carpet newcomer brought “glee” to my list as she was the epitome of elegance in a navy Oscar De La Renta gown. Strapless, sweetheart neckline and perfectly fit to her body, the dress also featured tiers of asymmetrical ruffles mid-thigh down. Glammed up with a diamond necklace and bracelet, and kept young and fresh with casual, windblown hair, Lea Michele looked every bit like a red carpet pro.

4. Jewel:
Almost so sweet you could eat it, Jewel's creamy-beige number suited the star and flattered her gorgeous figure. A satin bow made the gown's empire waist and floral lace tiers skimmed from the bust down. Showing some cleavage kept the dress from looking too uptight, and the simple swept-back hairstyle eased the look into beautiful and not bridal territory. Large, teardrop earrings, a bold diamond cocktail ring and a matching satin clutch tied the whole ensemble together that couldn't have looked better if it were wrapped with a, well, satin bow.

5. January Jones:
Another controversial choice as Ms. Jones landed on best and worst dressed looks alike. The actress took a risk and although her gown was not quite so traditional, she looked dazzling and stood out from a sea of black gowns in her electric blue Versace number. The dresses corest-like top and coneshaped cups topped a shimmering blue skirt that hit below the knee in the front and a long train in the back. Although the actress got some backlash for her red carpet choice, I think she deserves some credit for looking as good as she did in something a little more couture and avant-garde.

NOT SO BEST DRESSED:

1. Holly Burrell:
Oh, Holly Burrell, what were you thinking?! Although I try to consider personal taste and current trends when judging others' style, I was left with no explanation for Burrell's choice of dress for the event. The black gown, featuring a swoop of bright pink fabric in a gradual fade to white from the centre of the dress and down to one side, was still not as distracting as the array of large puffs of fabric (flowers?) all around the shoulders and arms of the gown. Not the best colour choice for a redhead; the fuchsia flowers competed for attention, rather than complimenting the actress's face and frame.

2. Mindy Kaling:
Never, ever have I seen a LBD go so poorly. Costume-y and overwhelming, this frock aged the actress and did her frame no favours. A large, puffy skirt and form-fitting top finished with a voluminous ruffled edge were lined with what looked like crinoline and taffeta and gave off a very prom-like vibe from the bottom down. Overall, not her best look.

3. Kate Gosselin:
Another fashion crime in the black dress department, this reality star looked nothing short of “eh” in a forgettable gown that had a sequined cowl halter neck. A toosimple updo and lack of jewelry made the overall look seem a bit juvenile; perhaps one of her eight kiddies helped her get dressed?

4. Sofia Vergara:
Despite hitting some right notes, such as the pale yellow shade and column shape, this Carolina Herrera number all went downhill with the strip of sequins down the centre of the gown and the sheer overlay. Taking the gown from classy to tacky, these embellishments were unnecessary and distracting. Large, triangular earrings and both wrists gleaming with bracelets made this look a little too over the top.

5. Christina Hendricks:
Although I usually love her red carpet choices, Hendricks stumbled on this one and failed to impress fashion critics across the board. The pale purple of the gown flattered the actress's skin tone, but that was as far as flattering went. The deep, plunging neckline vied for attention against the puffy sleeves trimmed in ostrich feathers. The feather trim also adorned the sides of the skirt with extra flowing fabric that led into a train. Pleating at the front and bodice all contributed to a busy dress that unfortunately, despite everything that was going on, did nothing for Hendricks.