Milan Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum

I know I say this every season but Christopher Bailey never disappoints me! The fall 09 collection was very toned down and natural with lots of basic and really timeless pieces.
The romantic and classic looks were toughened up with chunky lace up boots, spiked chain bracelets and the classic trenches were cut to look a tad bit slouchy for a masculine touch. Easily my favorite collection this season =)

♥ shoe heaven ♥
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Milan Fashion Week: Missioni

I love the styling of this collection, so messy and yet very well put together. I especially like the bits of shiny jewelry peeking out between the layers. It is refreshing to see such a light color palette in a fall/winter collection. Just what I needed after what seemed like endless all-black collections.


click the pictures to view a bigger version

Truth is Ever so Much Grander Than Fiction

No, I did not make the following up.

In the early years of the 20th century there was in Britain a Commissioner for Lunacy (that is strange enough for me right there) whose name was Sir Thomas Clifford Allbutt. See what you can find out when you read books? I do believe that Mr. Allbutt, given his title, surpasses my previous favorite name, another Brit, footballer Dean Windass.

Jewel Club – My Gift to the Jewelry Insider Family

I think I’m finally coming down off the Oscar jewelry high, and while Angelina’s emeralds, Kate’s Oscar and Mickey’s Loki choker had me basking in the glow of awards season, it’s time to take a visit back to reality. Alas.

But I’ve got some great news for all you jewelry hounds that will help take the edge off our Oscar hangovers.

We have all become recessionistas these days looking for deals at the grocery store, the clothing rack and the gas pump – and buying jewelry is no exception. Friends and Family discount codes that were once a ‘nice thought’ when we saw them in our email IN boxes are now a highly sought after commodity.

So. I managed to get my grubby little hands on the Friends and Family discount code to an employee site of this fine jewelry manufacturer. They call it, Jewel Club, and if the word “wholesale” makes your heart skip a beat, this is the place for you.

All the Jewel Club product is offered at OR BELOW wholesale prices for employees and their friends and family members – from diamonds and gemstones to silver and gold. And if you sign up for their “Deal Alert” email, you get advanced notice of even more discounts and savings.

All you do is visit www.jewelclub.com (which I have listed at the bottom of the blog from now on), enter this special Friends and Family code:

JCLUB482180

And you’ll be off the races. If you run into issues, just comment on this blog, and I can trouble shoot for you. But they make things very easy, with a 30-day money back guarantee and – get this – FREE shipping. The savings are endless.

So. I’ve done a little searching and found two cool items just to give you an idea of the deals you can get. It’s the least I can do for my online jewelry family.












Angelina’s emerald cocktail ring had us drooling with envy. This similar created emerald ring with diamond accents normally retails for $329.00 but will only put Jewel Club members back $82.78. No. I’m not kidding.












OK. So we all want diamond studs, but we don’t want to shell out $500 or more for a decent pair, right? I found these ¼ carat beauties in white gold that once retailed for $629. Jewel Club Friends and Family members get them for $162.89. It’s a total steal. Seriously.

And the list goes on and on - from black diamond styles to trendy purple gemstones to gold bangles and more. Think of all the gifts you can get now, too?

I think I’m getting my jewelry high back. Are you?

So don’t forget, your Jewelry Insider code is JCLUB482180, and the site is wwww.jewelclub.com.

And feel free to share it with your friends and family. The more jewelry hounds the merrier!

Happy Shopping!

Visit Exotic Locales in Exciting Times -- See a Movie!

With the economy looking like something the cat dragged in many people can't afford a vacation. But that doesn't mean you can't can't take a trip via the magic of movies. Not only can you see an unfamiliar locale you can also time travel. The family and I enjoyed seeing Paris two months ago but how much more exciting would have been if we'd traveled back in time and seen it during the Reign of Terror or amid the German Occupation or while the while under siege by the Prussian army? Okay bad examples. The point is that through film you can often get a sense of a faraway place in times past. Sometimes that look is not completely accurate but it can still give the viewer a feeling for the time period and tickle the imagination.

As your cinematic travel agent I've got a few suggestions for places and time periods you might like to see. The beauty of these travel packages is that they'll set you back no more than the cost of a movie rental and in each case you'll be enjoying a fine film in the process.

See Berlin in 1931 via Cabaret (1972). (See photo above.) What a bargain vacation this is! You get high end entertainment from the likes of Liza Minelli and Joel Grey. Lots of sex, the crescendo of Berlin's wild and wholly nightclub scene of the Wiemar era and the ominous rise of the Nazis. Okay, so no trip is perfect. But as ominous as those Nazis lurking in the background are, they're not quite in power yet so just enjoy some of the grandest musical numbers ever to grace the screen.

See Vienna in the late 1940s via The Third Man (1949). Want to buy some penicillin? Meet Harry Lime. Shady character. Other black market goods are available too. There's also an American author of Westerns, one Holly Martins. A lovely, if moody, actress named Anna Schmidt is likewise around. You'll also see war ravaged Vienna in all its magnificent rubble. Take in a nightclub, the theater and a presentation by Martens. Tours of the Viennese sewer system also provided.

See West Texas circa 1987 via No Country For Old Men (2007). BYOW (bring your own water). Stark, dry country with vistas that stretch forever. Some of the towns and cities are not terribly exotic, but oh the people you'll meet. Why there comes Anton now, he of the cheap haircut. Maybe you can toss coins with him. You'll see some simple but quite functional hotel rooms, get an introduction to the proper use of firearms and visit the Mexican border. Horseback riding and pick up truck trips included. Just be careful not to pick up any satchels filled with enormous sums of money. That just tends to set Anton off.

See New York in the 1860's via Gangs of New York (2002). Mind your pocketbooks folks. In fact, maybe you just better bring a bodyguard or a pistol. Dangerous though this city may be it's full of colorful rogues and their affiliates. Best to not involve yourself and enjoy the show. There's Monk McGinn, here comes Boss Tweed and look see Bill The Butcher (Irish beware) and say hello to Hell-Cat Maggie -- from a safe distance. Yes you're about to experience New York's notorious five points district. You'll see the streets, the homes (such as they are) and the business establishments. A tour of the finer districts is also provided. For your further entertainment pugilism sans rules will be offered.

See San Francisco in 1958 via Vertigo (1958). The city by the bay was never lovelier nor more full of color. The hills, the neighborhoods, the Bay, the Golden Gate and its bridge. Missions are part of the tour as is a fine eatery, Ernie's, no longer extant. You'll also get to hop along some rooftops, but if you're afraid of heights I'd skip it. An interesting segment of San Francisco history will be introduced by a bookstore owner. A few drives out of the city will provide pleasant diversion. Your guides will be an ex cop and a knockout blonde. They're a cute couple, just stay out of bell towers with them.

See Paris in the early 1930's via Boudu Saved From Drowning (1932). Paris was no less beautiful 70 years ago and a look at it in black and white doesn't diminish its grandeur a whit. With this tour you'll see the city both through a tramp and an an upper middle class family and even see what unfolds when their worlds meet. Take a dip in the Seine. See the shops, the slums, the fringes of the city. Meet one kooky mendicant.

See Bruges today via In Bruges (2008). My friend Colin doesn't much care for the place but you might find this Belgium city, the Venice of the North, a beautiful locale indeed. You'll marvel at the medieval architecture, the canals, the belfry with carillon. Many sights to see including the exciting escapades of two Irishmen on a most peculiar holiday. Maybe you'll be lucky and they'll be filming a movie while you're there.

See Warsaw during WWII via The Pianist (2002). Not a sight for the faint of heart but a fascinating trip for the history buff. See the terrible human toll of the Holocaust on one European city and the physical devastation caused by war. Rubble everywhere. You'll swear you're really there and you'll be glad you're not when you witness the treatment of the Jews at the hands of Nazi occupiers. There is a gifted pianist at the center of the story (hence the title) and you'll enjoy meeting him and his struggle to survive against all odds. An inspiring journey to be sure.

See Rome in 1960 via La Dolce Vita (1960). You'll be in no hurry to leave. Glamour, romance, excitement, beauty, did I say glamour? You'll also witness the birth of the paparazzi, at least by name (again no trip is perfect). But what delightful folks you'll meet. Marcello, Sylvia, Maddalena to name but a few of the beautiful people. With Federico Fellini as your guide you can't go wrong. You'll enjoy much of Rome and some of its outskirts. Seven days and nights of living life to the hilt in the eternal city!

See Rio in the 1960s through the 1980s via City of God (2002). Watch out for the little rascals! You'll be slumming some on this trip but what a fascinating sociological study it will make! In its own way picturesque, this trip may give you insight into the human condition. Perhaps you'll be inspired to act for those less fortunate. A great trip for the social activist.

Oh the places you can go! More cinematic travel suggestions to come in the future.

Diamonds and Divas at the Vanity Fair After Party

The Oscar hangover continues, jewelry hounds, with a glittering jewelry wrap-up of the after party circuit. The stars attended a bevy of bashes post-Oscar, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation party, Fox Searchlight's celebration and, of course, the always A-list Vanity Fair soiree.

Many of Hollywood’s biggest stars skipped the ceremony altogether, making their first appearance on the Vanity Fair red carpet, including Madonna who was wearing over $1 million in Neil Lane diamond jewels, including layers of black and white diamond beads (500 carats in all), a 50 carat diamond and onyx bracelet, 20 carat pear-shaped diamond earrings and a large cocktail ring.


















Other diamond divas included the always-stunning Kate Beckinsale in huge diamond loop earrings, red carpet staple, Sheryl Crowe, in diamond chandeliers, and the ageless Joan Collins in vintage diamond drops and a diamond cuff as icy as an Alexis Carrington glare. Meow.


















Gold glittered on JT main squeeze, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, and Debra Messing; and Uma Thurman, Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood and Gwen Stefani kept it classic with simple diamond statements.


















While Angelina and Brad didn’t show to rub elbows with Jen and John (big surprise), Sean Penn and ex, Madonna, shared the same space as did Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe, who reportedly shunned each other as they walked by arm in arm with their current loves, Jake Gyllenhaal and Abbie Cornish.

Meow indeed!

a splash of color

Love that picture taken during London Fashion week. I am quite obsessed with all dark outfits with something really colorful to break it. That pink skirt is a perfect example. It really makes me want to buy a pink skirt...hm.

from the wonderful Garance Doré

Speaking of London Fashion Week...I guess I kinda skipped it >.< I've been in bed with a pretty bad cold all all week and didn't feel like using the computer. I'm better now and I'm back at work. I guess I will just skip London for now and jump right into Milan Fashion week which is starting today! I can't wait for Missioni tomorrow, yay! Have a nice day lovelies.

81st Annual Academy Awards TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap Video

What does my love for Tilda Swinton, a "Napkin Gown" and a Thief have in common? Well, click on the above video and find out...

In case you missed the finale of our last Awards Season Fashion Wrap--here it is!!!!
This is the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap which we filmed on Monday, just a day after the Academy Awards. We all had a crazy fun time--like always--speaking fashion, jewelry and hair--and dishing as if we were all at home having chips and guacamole, and lots of Margaritas (even though of course, we weren't).
I think this was one of our best and I just cannot wait until the next Awards Season begins.
See you on the Red Carpet!

NY Fashion Week-Fall 2009 Runway Videos-Part 1

Fashion Schmashion...
Lady In Zac Posen Red: Cowl-draped shouldered plunging neck ruffled gown, Fall 2009

So, it has become a tradition of sorts here at www.nickverreos.com to, of course, talk about fashion and especially what's the "freshest" and "newest" in fashion, and particularly, on the runways. Because I was crazy-busy doing all my segments for Oscar.com and all things surrounding the Academy Awards, New York Fashion Week sort of came and went. In fact, I was going to go to NY and attend the Finale of the newest (and yet un-aired) Season 6 of Project Runway at Bryant Park, but could not, because it conflicted with my duties for Oscar.com (oh well!). I have added some great runway shows from some of the top designers who showed at last week's New York Fashion Week, as well as accompanying photos naturally.

Zac Posen:
Zac Posen Fall '09: Cowl draped shoulder bias gown

Oh, Zac, he loves DRAMA (and so do I huney!). And he gave them drama for his Fall 2009 Collection. There were loose themes of Victoriana, Joan Crawford and 1930's Hollywood in his collection, mostly confined to dresses and gowns--from bias-cut slithery silks to full ruffled mermaid shapes. Joan Crawford Shoulders: Zac Posen Fall '09 exaggerated raglan and bishop sleeved cocktail dress

There was a lot of interest and focus on the shoulders (a theme for Fall '09) therefore the Joan "No More Wire hangers Christina!" Crawford reference. Style.com wasn't necessarily won over and deemed it a bit "too much". Zac Posen, too much? Really?
Click Below for Parts 1 and 2 of Zac Posen Fall 2009 Runway Show




Oscar De La Renta:Dominican Diva: Model-of-the-moment Arlenis gives you plunging neckline

Elegant, high-society clothes for the moneyed set. This has always been Oscar De La Renta's anthem. For Fall 2009 , he did not change a thing---and thank God for his clients. Speaking of clients, if the use of more than one or two models of color (Gracias Oscar!) is any indication, I have a feeling somebody is trying to woo First Lady Michelle Obama, either overtly or covertly. Oscar De La Renta has always been known to be the favorite designer of the upper-echelons of the Ladies-who-lunch REPUBLICAN set. Violet Goddess: A violet-colored silk column one-shoulder gown, Oscar de la Renta Fall '09 (also worn by Jessica Biel to the Oscar After Parties Sunday night!)

But change is in Washington, and so Oscar may seem to be trying to change his "political" fashion colors, as they say. Whatever the (wonderful) conscious decision of using so many STUNNING Black girls, I love that his first and final model were models of color---talk about CHANGE!!!
Final Exit: Model Jourdan Dunn in a black-and-white strapless ball gown

His Fall 2009 Collection was stunning, filled with expensive silks, duchess satins and wools, and had hints of Kiera Knightley's "The Duchess" (look at that hair!). Of course I absolutely loved the stunning gowns at the end. Yes, we are in an economic recession, but don't tell that to Oscar or his ladies.
Click Below for Parts 1, and 2 of Oscar De La Renta Fall 2009 Runway Show:

Jake and Jabez, Two Stories of Tortured Souls

So yesterday I watched Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980) in the afternoon and then took in William Dieterle's The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) in the evening. Couldn't have selected two movies that were any more different, could I?

You'd think....

By the middle of The Devil & Daniel I was beginning to notice some strong similarities, notwithstanding the brilliance of both films.

In one we have Robert DeNiro as Jake LaMotta, a gifted boxer of the 1940's and 50's. He had fame, riches, a devoted brother, a loving wife and children. But it all vanished. Jake was his own worst enemy. An uncontrollable temper and a tendency to a jealousy as prodigious as his pugilistic talent, were flames burning at his soul as if straight from hell.

Straight to hell, that's where Jabez Stone was headed after a literal bargain with the devil, in this case assuming the name of Scratch. His own farm, good friends a loving wife and children were not enough for Jabez. The hard work too often ended in frustration and debtors bayed at his door. The seven years of riches promised by Scratch were too good to pass up, never mind the eternal cost down the road.

The money proved an evil master and the kindly and generous Jabez soon became consumed by pernicious greed turning old friends into hardened enemies.

LaMotta ended up very much alone. The glory was a memory. The wife and children gone. The brother alienated. He was clearly a victim of his own internal demons.

Stone's wife remained loyal but his friends were now enemies and all his wealth could not bring true happiness.

Similarities with the two films do not end there. They are both utterly gorgeous. Raging Bull, with all its violence, is one of the most visually stunning movies ever made. Actually if you don't already know that I suggest you stop reading this blog right now and go rent yourself a copy. You'll be treating yourself to one of the most critically acclaimed films ever. Go on, I'm not kidding....So those of you who are left doubtless have seen Raging Bull and know what I'm talking about. But there's probably many, many more of you who have never seen The Devil and Daniel.

Folks, they had special effects 60 plus years ago. And for the most part it came in the form of masterful camera work and an occasional slight of hand. CGI? Not necessary. Especially when you've got the luster of black and white.

A few years ago the good people at Criterion dusted off the original print of the movie and worked their magic to restore it to its original form. Shading and lighting are everything (anyone who would consider colorizing this movie should be beaten with a rusty rake). Now if you're among the many who've not seen this film recently, go out and rent it. Pronto. You'll marvel at this vastly underrated film, its wonderful cast, timeless story and breathtaking cinema photography. See for yourself. Anyone left here?

Yes, I got off on a tangent. But as you can see it wasn't so much of a stretch to compare these two seemingly very different films. Both concern an eternal theme that movies can illuminate so well -- the most important war a person can fight, the one within the soul. Jake raged against his opponents and those around him, but let the better angels of his nature get pummelled by inner demons. He did not die in prison or prematurely (the real life LaMotta yet lives) and figuratively fought on. Jabez sold out, as so many have before and since. He was lucky to have the eloquent and devoted orator and statesmen, Daniel Webster represent him "in court" and in victory learned the error of his ways. The ongoing struggles to cleanse or save our souls effect not just ourselves but those around us. It is struggle fought and won or lost in many ways. These two films illuminate that fact.

And by way of a lengthy P.S., don't miss some great supporting performances in these two films. Joe Pesci as Jake's brother in Raging Bull and Walter Huston as Scratch. The Devil and Daniel is also an interesting attack on Republican style greed and individualism and a ringing endorsement of socialist style share the burden, share the wealth. Farmers form a Grange to help support one another. When Stone finds wealth he spurns the Grange and exploits its members with what is essentially predatory lending. In his redemption he sees the errors of having been so greedy.

Hey! I just noticed something else! The central character in both films have a first name that begins with a J! How bout that?

Nick Verreos at the Oscars Trevor Project Viewing Party!

Oh What a Sunday...
Substitute Hostin': Nick Verreos Raffles Gift Packages at the Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Of course, as we all know, the Academy Awards were Sunday night---I had filmed all my Oscar.com segments for the Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress and my former Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn, was given the duties to announce the winner Live on the Pre-Awards Red Carpet ABC Special. I know.... I was "bumped off" for Mr. Tim Gunn, can you believe it?? (He does have a Tide Commercial after all...and his own show).
I was invited by The Trevor Project, an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group, to attend their annual Oscar Night Viewing Party at Here Lounge in West Hollywood. I am a big supporter of The Trevor Project and was happy to attend. I also brought a "date", my good friend Colin, who happily obliged.

Nick Verreos and friend, Colin Murphy, at Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Comedian and "Ugly Betty" actor Alec Mapa was supposed to have hosted it, which was an added "plus" for me to attend, since he is a friend and INCREDIBLY funny! I could only IMAGINE his funny one-liners "no-he-didn't" comments during the commercial breaks. Unfortunately, Alec was not there (a family emergency, I hear) but there were some fantastic Drag Diva performances during the breaks that kept the crowd motivated and happy! (see photos) . Looking around in the crowd, it seemed like a LOGO Network Reunion: I spotted actors from the Logo show, "Noah's Arc" as well as one of my favorite actresses, Ann Walker from "Sordid Lives" (I LOVE that show!!!). She looked EXACTLY like the character she plays on the series, Miss LaVonda. Of course, I was secretly dying!

I love me Some Purple! Nick Verreos poses with a lot of jersey print

There were also great "Ticket Give Aways"--such as tooth whitening, spa services and products galore. At one point, I was asked to help out in the ticket raffle announcing--of course I quickly got up from my chair and was excited to see the sold-out crowd's response as they were happy to see me up there QUEENIN' OUT! (and giving away stuff!)

Bollywood Fierceness: Musical Tribute to Slumdog Millionaire

A couple of hours into the Viewing Party, I realized that I had to go home to watch the end, as well as to do my "Homework" for the next day. I was filming my TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and had HOURS and HOURS of red carpet who-wore-what internet viewing.....

Oscar Jewelry Styles for Less

Let's face it. We're all still drooling over Angelina Jolie's jaw-dropping emerald earrings. Am I right?

We're all wondering how much they cost - and most importantly - how on earth can we afford a pair of our own?

While I am still researching the Lorraine Schwartz price for those jewelry hounds who are gluttons for punishment - I have great news for folks who want to get the same Angelina emeralds for a fraction of the price!

The new Jewelry.com has a brand new feature called, Celebrity Style, where they focus on important celebrity looks you can get for a lot, lot less. Angelina's emeralds, Kate's diamonds, Heidi's earrings and more are featured in the freshly posted Oscar feature.

Check it out here!

Academy Awards Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos!

Oscars Fashion Wrap Madness and Dior's "Junon" gown makes a Comeback???

Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos on TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap

Yes kids, it's that time again for the Oscars Fashion Wraps---make sure to watch, starting tonight at 7, 8, 9 and 11 PM on the TV Guide Network--check you local listings and your cable provider (sounds so official!!!). Along with the "TV Guide Network Panel of Experts", stylist Jennifer Rade (she styles Angelina Jolie!), Lawrence Zarian, and colorist-to-the-stars Kim Vo, I joined in on the fun. This was our last Fashion Wrap of the 2008-2009 Awards Season and trust me, we ended with a Fashion Bang!

Look Familiar? Zuhair Murad's Spring 2009 Couture Gown and Christian Dior's "Junon" gown from Fall 1949

Speaking of a Fashion Bang: As I was watching the Pre-Oscar shows last night to see what all the actresses were wearing for the Academy Awards (since of course I have to do my "homework"), an "I-Have-Seen-That-Before" image instantly came to mind. As Miley Cyrus made her Red carpet appearance in a beaded gown by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad, I could not help but think "Oh My GAWWWD---that dress looks JUST like a very famous Christian Dior 'Junon' gown from his Fall 1949 Collection!!!!" In fact, I sprinted off my couch and instantly retrieved one of my many Haute Couture Books, "Haute Couture: The Metropolitan Museum of Art" and went right to the page that showcased this gorgeous and iconic Dior gown. See photos above for the Zuhair Murad gown as it was shown in Paris at his Spring 2009 Couture Collection, the original Dior "Junon" gown and Miley wearing the Murad gown at the Oscars Red Carpet. Looks kind of similar, what do you think?
Watch tonight on the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna as I get to say a little bit of something about that...as well as a lot more...
Happy Awards Season!

Jewelry Shines at the 2009 Academy Awards

Aside from the much-anticipated Angelina Jolie / Jennifer Aniston showdown, jewelry fashion was the talk of the town leading up to last night’s Oscar telecast. Diamonds? Gemstones? Gold? Would the stars bring out the bling, or would the economy force the A-list to keep the diamonds on the down-low?

Well, thank the jewelry gods above that the stars ignored the gloom and doom-ers and positively lit up the red carpet with jewels – from giant statement looks to tasteful, show-stopping diamond glamour.

The Statement Makers included a fiery Amy Adams in red Carolina Herrera and a lobster bib-sized Fred Leighton gemstone statement necklace from the 1950s, a sparkling Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli and a vintage diamond flower necklace - also from Fred Leighton, and Heidi Klum who rocked a Roland Mouret red dress with $900,000 worth of Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewels. And, of course, my winner of the night, Angelina Jolie, in Lorraine Schwartz emeralds, who reminded me how much fun it is to gasp aloud at the televsion.


















Light colors with tasteful diamond looks also made a frequent appearance last night. Oscar-winner and Woody Allen muse, Penelope Cruz, looked stunning in vintage Balmain and a 69-carat cushion cut diamond necklace, a 21-carat starburst yellow diamond ring, and 11-carat diamond stud earrings - all from Chopard. That’s $3 million in diamonds in case you were wondering. Odios Mio!

And Anne Hathaway surprised us all with her musical-theater skills and her impeccable fashion sense as she glowed in Armani Prive and Cartier. I take back every evil pants-suited remark I made, Anne, after boo-hooing my way through that Shirley MacLain tribute to you.

Also on the light side of fashion was Marisa Tomei in Versace and vintage jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels that included a 1941 diamond and sapphire bracelet, a 1960 diamond ring, and 1973 lapis and diamond earrings.


















Color couture added a much needed rainbow effect as Natalie Portman was the prettiest in pink Rodarte and rocky diamonds studs, Freida Pinto stunned in purple Galiano and gemstone drop earrings, and Alica Keys shimmered in a lilac Armani Prive frock with jaw-dropping diamond-leaf earrings.



















And what is a red carpet without our Metallic Mavens? Viola Davis won the category in my book with a shimmering Reem Acra gold gown and a series of icey diamond bangles. Tina Fey, whose schtick with Steve Martin made me fall in love with her all over again, wore the most stunning silvery Zac Posen number I’ve ever seen on her. And Jennifer Aniston finally gave up the black (and the pants suit) for a bejeweled Valentino number with minimal bling.


















And much like Hugh Jackman’s bizarre interpretive Reader dance and the weird attempt to make a Wall-e/Jai-Ho mash up (Peter Gabriel was SO right to opt out of that one), there were some missteps worthy of mention.

Melissa Leo’s mismatched jewels did nothing to help her unfortunate gown choice, Beyonce totally misfired with this gaudy gold and black number from her mother’s line, and the ‘age appropriate’ police needed to arrest both Miley Cyrus and Sophia Loren. Not a good choice there, ladies.




















And I’m going to get flack for this, but I thought both Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep could have chosen better this year. And Sarah Jessica Parker was just a bit too Glinda the Good Witch for me. There. I said it.




















But all in all, the Oscars gave this jewelry hound a glittering night to remember full of worthy winners, fashion marvels and jewels, jewels, jewels. Weigh in with your own musings, jewelry lovers!

And stay tuned for my Oscar After Party jewelry remix with Halle "can your husband be any more gorgeous?" Berry, Madonna, Mickey Rourke's Loki choker and more…