0 Pageant Minute: Best (and Not So Best) Evening Gowns of 2011--The Beauty Pageant Edition!!!

Beauty Pageant Gowns--A 2011 Look Back at some of my Favorite, The Hoochies, and The Oh-Dear What Were You Thinking?

This past year has been a "mixed" year in terms of evening gowns in the beauty pageant world. There have been some really good ones that displayed modernity, directionality, and a nod to the red carpet and what actual stars like Angelina Jolie or Charlize Theron would wear for an event such as the Academy Awards or Cannes Film Festival. However, for some reason, there still have been plenty of tacky-licious Hoochie Mammas, with plunging tops that reveal too much of the "sisters" and slits so high that well, one would be quite confused whether or not these ladies were running for Miss Universe or attending the Exxxotica Expo LA Adult Entertainment Show and Convention! Since I love discussing beauty pageants and especially the evening gowns here, I thought it would be fun to give you guys my List of the Top--and the Not-So Top Gowns, from some of the most important international beauty pageants, like Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Venezuela, Miss USA, etc., of 2011. So without further ado...

The Best:

Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, from Angola: Simply perfect! One of my favorites of 2011. Leila wore a gold-colored strapless lace sequined gown with feathered detail. Now, I know that all of those details sound like a lot, and in the wrong hands it might have come out a MESS. But it did not. The gown was elegant and perfect for her skin color. She accessorized it with those gold stacked-heel pumps and kept it very modern with little-to-almost no jewelry. All these style ingredients helped her clinch the Miss Universe crown.

Miss Mexico 2011, Karin Ontiveros, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Karin did not make the Semi-Final Round during the Miss Universe Pageant this past year but she did, in my opinion, wear one of the Top Gowns of the Year. This off-the-shoulder lilac metalized satin draped gown was modern and had a nod to the Grecian-Goddess trend. It didn't overwhelm her or take away from her beauty and looked "Red Carpet Hollywood Star" appropriate.

Miss Venezuela 2011-2012 Irene Esser: This gown, by Venezuelan Beauty Pageant Designer KING Gionni Straccia, was fit for a QUEEN. A Venezuelan Queen. The gown looked like something one would see from an Armani Prive Haute Couture Collection--the silk lame, the hand-sewn Swarovski crystals and the perfect fit. I also loved it in that she won with a gown that had (GASP!) NO SLIT! A Beauty pageant Winner wearing a gown with NO SLIT?! Who would have thunk it? I would have.

Miss New York USA 2011, Amber Marie Collins, Miss USA 2011 Pageant: Another one of my Top Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns of 2011 was this gown worn by Miss New York USA at the Miss USA 2011 Pageant. She didn't make it into the Semi-Final Round but with this gown alone, she should have! The gown was designed by the same designer who created Miss Venezuela's--Gionni Straccia. I love it's simplicity, lack of too-high HOOCHIE slit, and delicate and beautiful shoulder, underbust and torso sequin trim. This is "Pageant Gown Lite" and the direction most pageant gowns should be going.

Miss Merida 2011 Yasmeira Gutierrez: Shimmering and simply stunning! This was one of my other favorite gowns from this past year's Miss Venezuela Pageant and well, one of my Top of the Year. It was a strapless silver-and-gold sequined silk organza gown from, yes, Venezuelan designer Gionni Straccia (he's on a roll here in my End-of-The-Year List). This is how I know a gown is good: I can see it on any top actress at the Oscars and see it end up in the "Best Dressed List" the day after.

Miss Hungary 2011, Linda Szunai, Miss World 2011 Pageant: I absolutely loved this simple baby blue and turquoise strapless gathered bust empire-style gown, worn by Miss Hungary 2011 at the Miss World 2011 "Top Model" Presentation. This gown shows how you can do Elegant without any be-dazzler machine. It has CLASS written all over it. It's safe, yes, but still impacting.

Miss Ghana 2011, Erica Nego at the Miss Universe 2011: Erica wore this during the Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition and I touted it then as one of my favorite gowns of the Prelims. She didn't make the Semi-Finalist cut but to me, she still made an elegant impact with this strapless fuchsia and royal blue split-front empire style gathered bust gown. Gorgeous.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011 Pageant: Alyssa, who was Miss California USA, wore this emerald green gown--from Pageant-and-Prom Fave Sherri Hill--for the Miss USA 2011 Live Telecast. And she won! As everyone knows, red-heads should wear this color like, ALL THE TIME! It suited her well and the gown, was yes, five minutes away from looking a bit "Pageant Betty Perfect" but somehow it still had enough Runway Couture in its fit and structure to deem it one of my favorites of 2011.

Miss India Earth 2011, Hasleen Kaur, Miss Earth 2011 Pageant: In summing up my Top Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2011, I thought I should add a couple "Ball Gown/Princess" styles, since this almost became a trend of this past year. I really loved this pale blue-and-ivory gown worn by Miss India Earth during the Miss Earth 2011 Evening Gown Presentation. It was very Dior Haute Couture in its silhouette and Hasleen carried it well. I'm sure in the eyes of many pageant observers, it might not have been a favorite. But to me, it stood out as a vision of (semi) Haute Couture Fab-u-locity.

Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela, Miss World 2011 Pageant: Finally, I had to add the Gianni Straccia gown Venezuelan beauty Ivian Sarcos wore when she won the Miss World 2011 title. To be frank, I wasn't a total fan. But...there was something about it that well, I still liked (the top section I think), and yes, the way the almost 6-foot-tall beauty carried it off. When she walked on stage there was no denying she was "in it to win it" and she made all the judges focus on her! If a Hollywood starlet wore this at the Oscars, she would get SLAMMED the next day and be on the Worst Dressed List. But for Miss World and their vision of the "Disney Princess Beauty", it was just right.

The Oooh Girl What Were You Thinking?

And now, I present to you my "Oh Dear" List. These gowns should be banned forever from beauty pageants, red carpet events,..heck even tacky Quinceañera's. A Note to any women wanting to enter a major beauty pageant and thinking about what evening gown style to wear: please don't EVER wear these.

Miss Falcon 2011 Haydee Castillo, Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant: designed by Luis Perdomo, this ivory satin gown was a mess. The too-high gathered halter-bust sections, the attached petal skirt, then a silver crystal trim waist tie? No, huney. Poor thang, she HAD to know she wasn't even going to be in the Semi-Semi-Semi Finals in this; she must have done something to make Osmel Sousa (Miss Venezuela Pageant Director) mad at her and therefore, she got this gown.

Miss Turkey Earth 2011, Merve Saribas, Miss Earth 2011 Pageant: There is something SO TACKY about this concoction above that makes me want to go have many, many Martinis with her! Seriously. It's BAD! Poor Merve--who is just stunning--she was somehow coaxed into wearing this during the Miss Earth 2011 Evening Gown Presentation. Doesn't she have any fashionista gay friends in her homeland who should have advised her against this? It's so bad that the woman (on the left side, front row) in the photo is actually LAUGHING at what a mess this dress is!

Miss Colombia 2011, Maria Catalina Robayo Vargas, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Oh Miss Colombia. You did it this time. You and this gown (if you would call it that) will enter you into the Drag Queen Hall of Fame. Ru Paul should be wearing this. Not Miss Colombia! It's a Halloween Orange strapless fan-pleated gown and...

A gold and bronze stretch sequined jumpsuit. At the same time! It's sooo tacky and bad, it's Drag Queen Good! I need to see this on the female partner of a Figure Skating Ice Dancing Couple from Russia. Like TOMORROW!

Miss Dominican Republic 2011, Dalia Fernandez, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Dalia thought she was entering the "Stripper of the Year" contest as opposed to the Miss Universe Pageant in this gown. That slit is SO high that well, I feel like she's about to see her gynecologist. Slits that high--up to the you-know-what--should be banned. Period. But then, if that wasn't enough, throw in the polyester satin fabrication and that too-plunging neckline. No Mija. No.

Miss Mongolia 2011, Buyankhishig Unurbayar, Miss World 2011 Pageant: Speaking of plunging necklines. This is what I said about this dress back in my Miss World 2011 evening gown post: I can't even focus on the rest of the dress when THOSE things are so propped up and on full display; it's like "Here they are! Y'all want them?" How do you say that in Mongolian? Oh, here's a positive: I LOVE that sequined Disco headband!! So Olivia Newton-John "Let's Get Physical"! Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

Finally here are my Top Three Worst:

Miss Austria 2011, Julia Hofer, Miss World 2011: Julia Julia Julia...what bad curtain from your grandma back in Vienna did you use to make this gown? She's such a cute girl, why this awful 1984-looking dress? It was bad in 1984...and it's bad in 2011.

Miss Belize 2011, Kadejah Tunn, Miss World 2011 Pageant: She is a Cha-Cha Queen, a Mambo Dancer and a come-hither stripper, all in one tacky dress. The low-rent fabrication, the side cut-outs, those tiered Carmen Miranda ruffles, then the open-toe gold pumps. Oh huney, I'm sure you're a sweet, sweet woman, but you have just made my "Oh Dear! Pageant Gown List" of 2011.

Miss Belgium 2011, Justine De Jonckheere, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: The very pretty Justine takes the prize as the WORST of Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2011 in this baby blue and ivory concoction. This is like Scheherazade got attacked by a tacky fabric store in Alabama! The slit, the one blouson sleeve, the connecting midriff trim, those tacky shoes, a CUFF (?), oh and that 1992 French Twist Up-Do? What. Were. You. Thinking? For all that, you get the "Nick V. 'Oh Dear!' Evening Gown" Crown for 2011.

What did you guys think? What were your favorite--and not-so-favorite Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns of 2011? Did I miss any? Let me know! I'd LOVE to know your thoughts!!! And...
Happy 2012!!! I'm looking forward to more Good and BAD Pageant Gowns in 2012!

0 Identical 12-month period every year

Scientists have created a new calendar in which each new 12-month period is identical to the one which came before and remains that way from one year to the next in perpetuity.

Using computer programs and mathematical formulas, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University have discovered a way to make time stand still, at least when it comes to the yearly calendar.

Under the Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar, for instance, if Christmas fell on a Sunday in 2012, it would also fall on a Sunday in 2013, 2014 and beyond.

In addition, under the new calendar, the rhyme "30 days hath September, April, June and November", would no longer apply, because September would have 31 days, as would March, June and December. All the rest would have 30.

"Our plan offers a stable calendar that is absolutely identical from year to year and which allows the permanent, rational planning of annual activities, from school to work holidays," Richard Conn Henry from the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, said.

"Think about how much time and effort are expended each year in redesigning the calendar of every single organization in the world and it becomes obvious that our calendar would make life much simpler and would have noteworthy benefits," he said.

Among the practical advantages would be the convenience afforded by birthdays and holidays falling on the same day of the week every year. But the economic benefits are even more profound, according to Steve H. Hanke, an applied economist in the Whiting School of Engineering, including monetary policy.

"Our calendar would simplify financial calculations and eliminate what we call the 'rip off' factor;," Hanke said.

"Determining how much interest accrues on mortgages, bonds, forward rate agreements, swaps and others, day counts are required. Our current calendar is full of anomalies that have led to the establishment of a wide range of conventions that attempt to simplify interest calculations.

Our proposed permanent calendar has a predictable 91-day quarterly pattern of two months of 30 days and a third month of 31 days, which does away with the need for artificial day count conventions," he said.

According to Hanke and Henry, their calendar is an improvement on the dozens of rival reform calendars proffered by individuals and institutions over the last century.

"Attempts at reform have failed in the past because all of the major ones have involved breaking the seven-day cycle of the week, which is not acceptable to many people because it violates the Fourth Commandment about keeping the Sabbath Day," Henry said.

"Our version never breaks that cycle," he added.

Henry posits that his team's version is far more convenient, sensible and easier to use than the current Gregorian calendar, which has been in place for four centuries - ever since 1582, when Pope Gregory altered a calendar that was instituted in 46 BC by Julius Caesar.

0 The hottest new faces of 2012

The coming year will see a lot of new faces in Bollywood, with a slew of star kids and South imports among them. Ileana D'cruz: The South star Ileana D'cruz is making the much-hyped Bollywood debut opposite heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in Anurag Basu's Barfee. The film is expected to release in July 2012. Varun Dhawan: Coming from the Dhawan family, Varun has worked with Karan Johar in many films including assisting him in My Name is Khan. Not surprisingly, he will make his grand entry into Bollywood with Karan's next directorial. Tanuj Virmani: Rati Agnihotri's son Tanuj Virmani is making a Bollywood debut opposite model-turned-actress Neha Hinge in a romantic comedy called Luv U Soniyo. While Tanuj plays a Catholic boy in the film, Neha plays a Punjabi girl. The film directed by debutant director Joe Rajan is slated for January 18, 2012 release. Arjun Kapoor: Boney Kapoor's son Arjun is making his debut in Ishaqzaade opposite debutant Parineeti Chopra. The film is written and directed by Habib Faisal of Do Dooni Chaar fame. Arjun started assisting his father at the age of 20. Ahana Deol: Ahana was inundated with offers from reputed directors like Aparna Sen and Vikramaditya Motwane, but for some reason, the films never materialised. She has finally zeroed in on Shoojit Sarcar's road film, a romantic comedy, which is slated for 2012 release. Alia Bhatt: Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan's daughter, and Pooja Bhatt's half-sister will making her dream debut in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year opposite David Dhawan's son Varun Dhawan. Interestingly even before a single release, both Varun and Alia have become fodder for gossip as they are apparently seeing each other. Amy Jackson: Having acted in a South film, Amy Jackson is making her debut opposite Prateik in Ek Deewana Tha. The two actors are rumoured to be dating. The film is releasing on February 17, 2012. Siddhant Kapoor: Shakti Kapoor's son Siddhanth is debuting in Sanjay Gupta's Shootout At Wadala. He was supposed to make his debut in the remake of Satte Pe Satta, directed by Soham Shah but the film is on the backburner. Tiger Shroff: Buzz is he will be launched by Aamir Khan. Subhash Ghai was supposed to earlier launch him. On a new note Ramesh Sippy, the director of the iconic film Sholay, is turning actor with Ek Deewana Tha. He is doing a cameo in the film. Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 "A Separation" builds Iranian Oscar hopes

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood has often criticized Tehran for stifling movie-making, but the acclaimed film "A Separation" is breathing life into Iran's hopes for a rare Oscar success.

Released in the United States on Friday after a year of award wins, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi's morally complex look at two contemporary Tehran families could earn Iran's first foreign language Oscar nomination since 1998.

"A Separation" began 2011 as the first Iranian movie ever to win the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in February. It went on to win best foreign language film awards from the U.S. National Board of Review and New York Film Critics Circle, and a Golden Globe nomination.

Farhadi told Reuters that recognition in the West had been gratifying and that he hoped the Oscar buzz will inspire filmmakers in other parts of the world.

"Under difficult conditions you can make films," he said. "If filmmakers from my country can make it to the Oscars, this can be an important message for other filmmakers."

If "A Separation" makes it to the foreign language Oscar short-list of five on January 26, it will be the first Iranian film to be nominated since "Children of Heaven" in 1998.

The film scored a rare 100 percent positive score on U.S. aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes this week, putting it among the best movies -- in any language -- of 2011.

Just three months ago, Hollywood organizations representing writers, directors, actors and the group that awards the Oscars, issued a sharply-worded statement lending their support to jailed Iranian filmmakers.

Those included the house arrest of director Jafar Panahi and the imprisonment of actress Marzieh Vafamehr.

Farhadi has managed to mostly avoid clashing with Iran's conservative censors with his specialty of character-driven dramas -- the type of movies that put family politics over state politics.

"On the one hand, when you've been born and raised there, you know inside yourself, without having to consciously think, you can go after this subject, can't go after the other," Farhadi told Reuters.

ESCAPING CENSORSHIP GAZE

He said filmmakers in Iran address prohibited subjects the way they always have -- in the form of subtext.

Despite his protests to the contrary, some critics say that is exactly what Farhadi does with "A Separation," a domestic drama about a couple, Nader (Peyman Maadi) and Simin (Leila Hatami), going through a divorce.

Living with his father, an Alzheimer's patient, Nader hires Razieh (Sareh Bayat) to look after the old man. In an altercation, Nader accuses Razieh of neglect and physically expels her from his home. She later suffers a miscarriage and, before a court, holds Nader responsible.

Many critics see the movie as a comment on class differences. Some see it as a critique of Iran's byzantine justice system. And others see it as a clash between modernity and tradition.

Farhadi prides himself on presenting audiences with questions instead of answers. In doing so, he said, "A Separation" offers few targets for censors to aim at.

"I don't think that this form of character development actually has an effect on the gaze of the censorship," Farhadi said.

But by gaining recognition on an international level, circumstances could easily change. Last year, while accepting an award for his previous film "About Elly," Farhadi expressed empathy for fellow filmmaker Panahi. That led to a two-week halt in production on "A Separation."

The reproach failed to chasten Farhadi. A few months later in Berlin he openly wished exiled actress, Golshifteh Farahani ("About Elly") could return to her homeland.

"I feel it's my duty to speak out," he said. "We're all part of a community."

Farhadi could be more vociferous on behalf of his colleagues but that would require self-exile. It's an option he has little interest in pursuing.

"For Iranian filmmakers, the conditions that exist notwithstanding, it's better to make their films in Iran," he said. "Because we know that culture, it's best to, as long as possible, work there."

While Farhadi believes the limitations he has grown used to can inspire greater creativity, eventually they have the opposite effect.

Nevertheless, he criticizes fellow Iranians who emphasize state censorship in order to promote their movies abroad, saying they are as morally culpable as the government officials who censor them. (Reuters)

0 2011 Year-End Round-Up: Engagements And Weddings

Tinseltown romance has always been a fun phenomenon to observe, and over the past year we’ve seen a plethora of celebrities fall in love, get engaged, and tie the knot.

Britney Spears made headlines this month by accepting a marriage proposal from her longtime boyfriend Jason Trawick. The “Toxic” songstress will walk down the aisle a third time in the months to come.

Additionally, “Get Smart” hottie Anne Hathaway said “yes” to Adam Shulman’s big question and has been sporting a beautiful left-hand sparkler ever since.

“Fool’s Gold” gal Kate Hudson is betrothed to her babydaddy Matt Bellamy, and the two have already made a great start to their family with baby boy Bingham.

And who could forget the wedding of they year, as Prince William finally said “I Do” with his beautiful bride Kate Middleton. The Royal pair were subsequently made the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Actors who took the plunge over the past 12 months include Resse Witherspoon and Jim Toth, Molly Sims and Scott Stuber, Nikki Reed and Paul MacDonald, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig, Brooke Burke and David Charvet, Kelsey Grammer and Kayte Walsh, and America Ferrera and Ryan Williams.

On the musical side of things, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian got hitched, as did Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell, Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebaud, and Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton.

Kate Moss married Jamie Hince, and Kim Kardashian wed Kris Humphries, though their union only lasted 72 days.

0 2011 Year-End Wrap-Up: Remembering Those Who Passed Away

It’s been one of the most exciting and enchanting years in the entertainment industry, but 2011 hasn’t been without it’s fair share of losses.

And as the year comes to a close, we remember those who made their mark on Tinseltown before being laid to rest in recent months.

Undoubtedly one of the most influential men of all time was Steve Jobs, whose contributions to technology and inventiveness will continue to affect the human race for decades, if not centuries to come. Mr. Jobs was the co-founder of Apple and the mastermind behind groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, iPod, iTunes and both laptop and desktop computers. Steve passed away on October 5, 2011.

The pop music world was dealt a tragic blow when Amy Winehouse was discovered dead on July 23, 2011 at her home in Camden, London, England. Winehouse had a well-known history of drug and alcohol addiction that she battled with varying success over the years, while still putting out beautifully creative music. Her father Mitch Winehouse founded the Amy Winehouse Foundation in her memory, and Amy’s first posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures hit stores earlier this month.

And on March 23, 2011 longtime movie star, fashion designer, and activist Elizabeth Taylor passed away at age 79. Ms. Taylor was prolific in her film career, got married 8 times to seven husbands, had four children, and was active in AIDS-related causes in her latter years. Elizabeth continues to be one of the most highly-regarded actresses and humanitarians even after her death.

Over the past 12 months we’ve also said goodbye to “Grease” actor Jeff Conaway, race car driver Dan Wheldon, former First Lady and humanitarian Betty Ford, boxing champ Joe Frazier, musician Clarence Clemons, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” personality Uncle Frank, “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn, actor Andy Whitfield, musician Heavy D, rocker Jani Lane, rapper Nate Dogg, actor James Arness, and radio and television personality Andy Rooney. They will all be dearly missed.

0 2011 Baby Joy: A Recap Of Hollywood's Newest Arrivals

Having already received the best gift one could ever hope for, a long list of Hollywood stars welcomed their very own bundles of joy throughout the course of 2011.

As for the new Tinseltown parents being blessed with their first babies, Natalie Portman and fiance Benjamin Millepied said hello to Aleph Portman-Millepied back in June while Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom became mother and father to a darling boy named Flynn in January.

Getting a double dose of preciousness were Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, as the couple were doted with twins whom they named Monroe and Moroccan.

Other new parents included Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem (Leo), Pink and Carey Hart (Willow), January Jones (Xander), Owen Wilson and Jade Duell (Robert Ford), Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner (Arabella Rose), Jane Krakowski and Robert Godley (Bennett), Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz (Egypt), Alicia Silverstone and Christopher Jarecki (Bear Blu), Doutzen Kroes and DJ Sunnery James (Phyllon Joy) and Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (Giulia).

As for the veteran Tinseltown parents adding to their broods, David and Victoria Beckham got their wish of a first daughter in Harper Seven while Jessica Alba and Cash Warren welcomed their second girl, Haven Garner.

Kate Hudson and Matthew Bellamy were joined by baby Bingham while Tori Spelling, Tina Fey, Kevin Federline, Melanie Brown, Rod Stewart and Hugh Grant all became parents, once more.

Not to be forgotten, stars including Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hilary Duff and Beyonce Knowles all have buns in the oven - making 2012 lined up to be just as an exciting year as the past twelve months.

0 Justin Bieber & Emma Watson: Hottest Hair Of 2011

They’re two of the most prolific celebrities on the globe, so it’s no wonder Justin Bieber and Emma Watson were so influential on the hairstyle trends.

According to a report, the “Never Say Never” singer and the “Harry Potter” hottie were the most-searched celebrity hairstyles on Google.

Furthermore, Bieber quickly drew comparisons to NFL hunk Tom Brady and Tinseltown veteran Ben Affleck throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Emma’s super-cute pixie cut began making waves immediately, with many fans and celebrities adopting the coif soon thereafter.

0 2011 Hollywood Hookups: A Year Of Romance

Giving plenty of reason to celebrate during this year's holiday season, a long list of Hollywood stars are among those celebrating Christmas with a new special someone for the very first time.

Topping the list of 2011's Tinseltown hookups are Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, who weathered false baby allegations while closing out the year as young Hollywood's most-adored duo.

Other big names falling in love during the course of the past twelve months include George Clooney and Stacy Keibler, who ventured to Cabo to celebrate the holidays, as well as "Green Lantern" co-stars Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, "Dark Tide" lovers Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez, and "Wanderlust" castmates Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux.

Meanwhile, Kristin Cavallari and her football star beau Jay Cutler made it through a called-off engagement to reunite - with the pair once again in the planning stages of what's sure to be a fabulous walk down the aisle.

The remaining list of new items joining together in 2011 includes Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, Ashlee Simpson and Vincent Piazza, Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet, Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz, Nick Jonas and Delta Goodrem, Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish, Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman and Kate Winslet and Ned Rocknroll.

0 Figure Skating Fashion Minute: 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships

The Russian Nationals bring Costume Changes...and a Plushenko Mullet-Be-Gone! (almost!)...

A Blooming Flower Long Program Win: Adelina Sotnikova won her third national title at the 2012 Russian Figure Skating Championships. Photo © Anna Kondakova

The 2012 Russian Figure Skating National Championships (in Russian: Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию на коньках 2012) occurred starting on Christmas Day (Dec 25th) and ended today. I know, it seems odd to have a MAJAH Figure Skating Competition at this time, but in case you may not know, Christmas for Russia--and other Eastern Orthodox Religion-based nations--is celebrated on January 7th. So basically, this is not a "Holiday" time--well, not just yet!

Irregardless, this very important competition took place and naturally since it involves Figure Skating and Figure Skating Costumes, I must report back to my blog readers. In terms of Costumes--which is, of course, what I discuss here--there was some news. Shall we begin with the Ladies:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Adelina Sotnikova: Above is Adelina Sotnikova, the Ladies' Gold Medal Winner, as she performs to Ravel's "Bolero" at the 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships. I've talked about her Free Skate Costume before during Cup of China. But the big news was that she changed her Short Program Costume AGAIN...to this lipstick red dress with matching leggings/tights over the skating boots ensemble featuring silver encrusted crystals. I thought this was a rather interesting design and about five minutes away from an Elie Saab-inspired look. Yet, I was dumbfounded by the noticeable "accentuation" of the *cough cough" breast area. I liked the crystal detail, not sure if they should be done in that manner...especially for a FIFTEEN year old girl! But it was definitely a dramatic look. While it was definitely an unusual approach to a costume it actually worked for me, especially with this piece of music. I was also happy that she is such a fashionista that she continually changed her costume throughout the season until she got it right. If you want proof, check this out:

Cirque Du Soleil Futuristic Blue: Here she is at the Cup of China 2011-2012, same "Bolero" Short Program. This was very Judy Jetson Meets a Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil show. And well, really had nothing to do with what Nijinska--the original "'Bolero" choreographer--designed the music to be about: a female dancer inside a Spanish tavern, becomes more and more animated in terms of her dancing, as the applause of the tavern's crowd cheer her dancing on.

Vampire Diary Goes Bolero: The above photo--and costume--is from the 2011-2012 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia. Again, same "Bolero" Short Program. Just different costume... a rather "Vampire-tastic" (color-wise) costume. At least, she's embracing a little bit of the Spanish Red in her costume. I give her maybe 5 out of 10 points--costume-wise. Thank goodness in her latest "Bloero" costume incarnation, she has become a little more "España" and less Vampira.

Let's discuss the Men:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Evgeni Is BACK: The last time Plushenko professionally skated in a competition was at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. So, you KNOW he was the "Star Attraction" at this 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships. I have a feeling that someone must have payed him a PRETTY PENNY (or many MILLIONS of DOLLARS!) to come out and compete, but that's neither here nor there. Let's get to his costume: Above we see Evgeni Plushenko performing to "El Tango de Roxanne" from the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack. He wears a very bedazzled "Razzle-Dazzle" costume featuring a skin-tight silver-gray sequined top, with an attached "vest" in black, red and silver-gray and black tuxedo pants with a crystal-encrusted outseam band. He's very Bob Fosse "Chorus Line" meets a Buenos Aires Tango Bar. I must say. I rather like it!! Most of all, he is OWNING it!

Another thing he is owning is is his "new-and-improved" hairstyle. Plushenko is known for his Mullet (seen above in a past photo). So much so, there's a Facebook page strictly devoted to it. But at this recent 2012 Russian Nationals, he was sporting a more modern version, a more "2010 Shag". Hey, at least he's leaving that 1988 mullet and coming closer--hairstyle-wise--to the 21st Century.

Pairs:

Two of the top teams were absent due to injury. Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov did not compete due to his groin injury and Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov did not skate due to his leg injury. Note to self: never do Competitive Figure Skating and stick to designing gowns and commenting on the Red Carpet. Anyhow, with that in mind, here is the lovely Russian Pairs couple who captured their first national title:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov: For their Free Skate (above) they skated to "Doctor Zhivago". I liked her blue and white costume even though I admit, it looked slightly amateur-design wise; it just did not have the stylistic refinement of other Top Pairs skating costumes. I've always said that once you attend an actual World Class Skating Competition, you can instantly tell the Top Tier skaters by the expensive look of their costumes. Bazarova and Larionov definitely don't have that here. And don't get me started on Yuri and his "I'm a Host at a Disneyland Restaurant" white shirt and pants ensemble. Seriously Yuri, next time, try a little bit harder.

Ice Dance:

Photo © Anna Kondakova

Fire Dancers: Gold Medalists Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev perform to "Walpurgis Night" for their Free Dance at the 2012 Russian National Figure Skating Championships and guess what? They changed their costumes! I like these costumes better than what they wore before (check out that silly little bedazzled "heart" applique below). These costumes are a little more impacting. Yes, everything about the Russian Costumes--in terms of Figure Skating--seem to be about two steps beyond what they should be--but part of that is why I like them so much--as long as it works. And here, it worked.

Above is what they wore--for the same Free Skate Program--at the 2011-2012 Cup of China earlier . This is what I said about there previous costumes.

What do you all think of these Russian Nationals Costumes and well, the changes? Good, Bad or...?? I can't wait for next month's US Nationals in San Jose California???!!! Let me know.

0 Best Dressed of 2011--The Royal Fashion Divas!

Royal Fashion Highness:

Sheikha Mozah of Qatar: Where Does This Turban-ed Diva Belong On my "Best Dressed Royal of 2011" List? Keep Reading...

As you know, I love discussing the royals here on my blog--especially the FASHIONABLE ones. So therefore for the end of this year, here's my List of the Best Dressed Royal Ladies of 2011 as well as an "Honorable Mention Royal Diva" at the end.

Let's begin with...

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge: On Friday April 29th of this past year, Kate Middleton became Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and of course, the wife of Prince William in a fairy tale wedding. The gown was a gorgeous sight to behold; the most anticipated wedding dress since Princess Diana's grandiose David and Elizabeth Emanuel creation. Designed by Sarah Burton for the House of Alexander McQueen, it was magical and Disney Princess-like. And very Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Catherine is a Fashion Muse, Icon and Fashionista. Every garment she puts on is dissected like a Chemistry Class experiment. She rarely gets it wrong.

Catherine wore lots of fabulous ensembles in 2011 and for me, this Alexander McQueen lilac chiffon, crystal-waist cinched and gathered gown really stood out as one of the best. The Duchess wore it in Los Angeles to attend the BAFTA Brits To Watch Gala in the Belasco Theater. There were many many stars that night but they all were shadowed completely by Catherine.

Princess Charlene of Monaco: Another royal who makes my "Best Dressed List of 2011" was of course, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)-born Princess Charlene Grimaldi of Monaco nee Charlene Wittstock. On July 1st, she wed the almost-confirmed bachelor-of-a-lifetime Prince Albert of Monaco. The Princess wore a custom-made Armani Prive Haute Couture off-the-shoulder gown estimated at over $100,000. The column gown really highlighted her statuesque figure and especially those amazing broad "swimmer's shoulders" of hers.

Even though New York Times Fashion Critic Cathy Horyn has called her style "flat pancake" , she has been "stepping it up" as of late. One of my favorite looks on her was this strapless fuchsia gown from the Swiss clothing brand of Akris (one of her favorites) which she wore in August to the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte Carlo. It goes without saying that it helps that A) she's gorgeous and B) she accessorized the gown with a custom-made Van Cleef & Arpels necklace made from 88 round diamonds, 10 pear-shaped diamonds and 359 sapphires meant to look like the ocean. A gift from little ol' Albert. Must be nice to have married one of the richest royals in the WORLD!

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar: Sheikha Mozah is the second of three wives of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, but obviously she's the "Number One" in Fabulousness! I am obsessed with her, her style, her elegance, her turbans...all of it! As a result, she ranks as one of my Top, if not MY TOP Best Dressed Royal of 2011. Seriously, take a look at that I-just-got-off-my-First Class Flight from Qatar to Madrid GOWN she wore, as she makes an official State Visit to Spain and the Spanish Royals. It's a creme Stephane Rolland Haute Couture and the jacket is ATTACHED to the gown at the hips. Poor Queen Sofia of Spain (far right) looks like the Mother-in-Law at an afternoon wedding in Bakersfield California, compared to her!

And above (during the same State Visit to Spain in April of this past year), the Sheikha wore a Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011 completely hand beaded tunic-cape gown with arm slits. This gown probably cost her about $100,000 if not more, which for her, was a "a drop in the (fashion) bucket". Again, she looked radiantly elegant. This woman should give a master class in how to dress. I'd attend it!

Princess Letizia of Asturias: The Crown Princess of Spain, Letizia, is one of the most-watched female young royals. The European press are constantly following her every appearance the way we follow Angelina Jolie or Kim Kardashian (sorry Letizia). If the press isn't talking about her supposed anorexia and saying "mira que flaca esta!" (look how thin she is!), they're discussing her fashion. She has classic yet modern taste in terms of her clothes and usually favors Spanish fashion designers (she kinda has to). Never too edgy, but just the right amount of style to keep us fashion watchers happy. She is the Catherine Duchess of Windsor...for Spain. Above is an example of her Classy, Lady-Like looks, which she incidentally wore to the William & Kate Royal Wedding: head-to-toe blush color, matching hat, veil, gloves, shoes, pumps and delicately embroidered dress.

Fashion "hermanas": Princess Letizia of Asturias with Queen Rania of Jordan. Above is another of my favorite Princess Letizia looks from 2011--a light plum side pleated dress with three-quarter sleeves which she wore to a State Visit to Amman Jordan with the King and Queen of Jordan. Queen Rania, also makes my list here as one of the Best Dressed Royal Women for 2011. Because 2011 was well, how shall we say, not a good year for that area of the world--and especially for the ruling class and they're showing of conspicuous consumption--Rania has tended to scale down her FABULOUS Fashion Appearances. But she did give you FASHION with a Capital "F"--on that Spanish Royal State Visit. She was very "Business Attire" but with a definite nod to being a fashionista with that front attached "scarf"/shawl collar.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Duchess of Västergötland: Victoria joins my list here because she has really "blossomed", fashion-wise. Not really known for her fashion sense but that has changed in the last few years, especially in the run-up to her wedding and even now through her pregnancy. She used 2011 as a "Banner Year" to show all "royal watchers" that she also, could be as stylish as those "other princesses". Above is one of her best looks from 2011: a red side draped, asymmetrical sleeved gown which she wore to the William & Kate Pre-Royal Wedding Dinner.

Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Duchess of Alba: The Most Titled Woman on Earth, the much-beloved 85-year-old Duquesa de Alba, is a DIVA. She is one of my favorite royals! She's always loved fashion and throughout her entire life, has been a Muse for many Couturiers--from Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga to Emanuel Ungaro. Her style is very eclectic, fun and yes, sometimes verging on a "kooky" Tarot Card Reader from Venice California, but always FABULOUS! This year, she got married for the third time--to "commoner" (and much younger "boy-toy") Alfonso Diez.

She wore a custom-made light pink applique Sevillana-inspired dress from her favorite Spanish fashion designers, Victorio & Lucchino. You gotta give it to her. I hope that by 85 (hopefully I get to live that long), I still have the chutzpah to dress like this! Oh, and did I mention, she broke into a flamenco dance after the wedding and it was all caught on video? LOVE HER!

Charlotte Casiraghi, fourth in line for the throne of Monaco: the second child of Caroline Princess of Hanover and Prince Albert of Monaco's niece. The 25-year-old beauty looks like a Hollywood Star (Hello! Her late grandmother was Grace Kelly!) and looks EXACTLY like her mother did in her younger years. She is also following in her mother's footsteps as a Fashion Mini-Diva (it helps that she can get 5-to-6 figure costing Haute Couture dresses from her "Best Gay Uncle" Karl Lagerfeld any time she wants!) This year, she ascended into "Fashion Heaven" during the nuptials of her uncle, Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock, where she wore this Chanel Haute Couture pink off-the-shoulder dress to the actual wedding above...

And for at the After Wedding Party, she decided to almost upstage the bride, when she appeared in this stunningly elegant Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011-2012 silk cape-gown looking like the ghost of Princess Grace. Her Grandma would be proud!

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan: In 2011, a new royal fashion diva emerged, Jetsun Pema, the Queen of Bhutan. After her October 2011 wedding, the Hollywood Gorgeous Queen has been making several State Visits in Asia, including Japan and India with her husband, and at every stop, the fashion paparazzi has taken note of her style, grace and elegance. She has become a "Fashion Ambassador" for the tiny Himalayan kingdom, always wearing Bhutanese clothing, textiles and prints. She could easily look like a "Miss Universe Pageant Parade of Nations Costume" contestant but somehow, she doesn't; making her traditional garments look effortlessly chic. She is "one to watch" for 2012!

And Finally, My "Nick V. Royal Fashion Diva of the the Year Honorable Mention" Goes To:

Princess Beatrice of York: Princess Beatrice arguably stole the show, when she arrived in what has now become "The Most Famous Hat in The World" at William & Kate's Royal Wedding this year. When I first saw her on my TV screen in this pale pink Valentino Haute Couture coat-dress and THAT Philip Treacy chapeau, I literally yelled "You Go Girl!" I also think many, many, many other Gays around the World did the same thing--in different languages of course! This hat is as controversial as her famous Mother but there is no denying it made an impact and for that, she gets my "Honorable Mention Royal Fashion Diva of 2011". Keep it up Beatrice!