Style News

Penelope Cruz was one of the undisputed standouts of the Oscar red carpet in her elaborte Atelier Versace gown. But the Spanish beauty changed out of the shredded chiffon floor-sweeper into a pearl and crystal encrusted Chanel Couture dress for the Vanity Fair party after the show that we’re just not as sure about. Penelope rarely mis-steps, but the Chanel dress doesn’t seem as flattering to us. Tell us: Which look do you like better for Penelope? Her Oscar gown or her after-party dress?

Click here to vote on Penelope, Kirsten and more in our Oscar Looks: Love It or Hate It gallery. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the Academy Awards, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Gilbert Flores celebrity photo; GRAHAM WHITBY/ALLSTAR/GLOBE PHOTOS

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Nominated for Best Actress for her role in Volver, Penelope Cruz is the Romantic of this year’s award season.

Signature Look: Strapless and sleeveless gowns (the better to show-off her toned arms) with nipped-in waists. Cruz’s dresses are often embellished with romantic details such as ruffles, lace and bodice-enhancing ruching. Her go-to beauty look? Lush hair and dramatic eye makeup, finished off with a nude mouth.

Favorite Designers: Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Valentino, with shoes by Luciano Padovan. Cruz also favors simple diamond jewelry by Chopard and Cartier.

What She Will Wear: Though her stylists have looked at sketches from serveral designers, insiders say she is likely to wear Dior.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Tammie Arroyo / AFF; Dave Hogan/Getty; Daniel Deme / WENN

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We are well in the midst of awards season with the Golden Globes and People’s Choice behind us and the SAGs coming up this Sunday — but does anything compare with the excitement of the Oscars? We are all abuzz over the surprise nominations — Ryan Gosling for Best Actor, Abigail Breslin for Best Supporting Actress — and we already dreaming about what the nominated ladies might wear on the red carpet. Penelope Cruz, nominated for Best Actress for Volver, never fails to up the glamour quotient, as does Best Actress nominee Kate Winslet with her elegant simplicity. And this year’s wild card is Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Notes on a Scandal, who just keeps taking exciting fashion risks. Tell us: Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the Oscars?

Click here for the full list of Oscars nominees, and for all the award show gossip, check in with our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Richard Lewis/WireImage

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Wondering what the big trends for the New Year are? PEOPLE Magazine Senior Editor Galina Espinoza appeared on the Today Show this morning to give you the lowdown on the Top 10 trends featured in the February 2007 issue of StyleWatch. If you didn’t catch Galina this morning, tune in tonight to Extra at 7pm to hear all about the trends from PEOPLE Magazine Style Editor Clarissa Cruz. Here’s our hit list of things you will need in your wardrobe for 2007.

1. Bright Accessories Greens, fuchsias and even neons are the hottest shades for shoes, belts and bags. In patent, they’re the ultimate look-at-me accents like these Belle by Sigerson Morrison peep-toe wedges, $290, 212-941-5404

2. Day Clutches will be the new alternative to the oversize satchel. Try the Gustto “Patent Puchette” white leather clutch, $395, Henri Bendel, 212-247-1100

3. Lucite Try chunky beads with basic black for a futuristic but sophisticated look. Check out these clear winners at alexisbittar.com.

Click through to the next page to read the rest of the Top Ten Trends list

Photo:INF; Jeff Harris

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They say that the Golden Globes is the party of the year, and with the glittering array of stars on the red carpet, how could it not be? From Penelope’s gorgeous black Chanel couture to Sienna’s gold-flecked Marchesa to Angelina’s draped charcoal gown, we are dazzled by all the beautiful gowns we’re seeing. And of course, we’re dying to see who just got it wrong. Tell us: What do you think of the Golden Globes red carpet? Whose dress do you love — or hate?

Click here to see all the Best & Worst Fashion of the night, and for more of the latest news and gossip on the Globes, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Mario Anzuoni /Reuters/Landov

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