Dear Readers, I waited till the very last minute to announce the winner of my "fun and funky ideas" contest because I wanted everyone to have ample time to submit their entries. Well, evidently the time crunch of the holidays took its toll. There were considerably fewer entries than I anticipated. There were two.
Fortunately, the two contestants that did submit entries had exceptionally creative ideas so they tied for first place. I am so happy to say we have two winners!
Congratulations to Anna Voeks and Brian Pipal! Both of your ideas are stellar and both are shown in detail on the right. And speaking of winners, Hollywood is about to begin it's self congratulatory awards season! That means red carpet dresses and stylists will be in great demand. Many fashion bloggers, including editors at Harper's Bazaar, have already made suggestions, so I need to throw in my two cents. Here we go . . .
Emma Stone
Emily Blunt
The top photo is Harper's Bazaar editor's choice for Emma Stone. She's nominated for a Golden Globe for best supporting actress in The Birdman, an impressive critical success but not so much with audiences. Too bad.
Emma is a sassy classy redhead (I have seen her interviewed a number of times) and only 26 years old. The red dress, not the green, is the right choice for her. No doubt about it. With it's full skirt, pockets and youthful bow at the waist, it would look remarkable on her. And that intense red color is going to be spectacular with her red hair.
So let's switch these two, shall we? The red dress for Emma Stone and the slinky fitted number for Emily Blunt. If you will notice, this streamlined sheath dress is a cool green color and it compliments Emily's green eyes beautifully. She plays the cunning baker's wife in the movie Into the Woods, a role for which she too has been nominated. Upon the recommendation of contest winner nephew Brian Pipal, I saw the movie and I thought Emily was outstanding. I may even see it again.
Meryl Streep 
Julianne Moore 
When Meryl Streep saw the dress Harper's selected for her, I'm going to guess she rolled her eyes and laughed out loud (and not in a good way). I bet her eyes lit up, however, when she saw the black dress they chose for Julianne Moore. This would be great on Meryl. She would love the relaxed comfortable cut, the cinched waist and the pockets! It's shapely, modern and modest. And she could wear boots which she enjoys wearing upon occasion. This whole look is perfect for a more mature curvy woman. And chances are Julianne Moore would be glad to wear the dress with the plunging neckline if it were altered just a touch. Decrease the plunge, and sew down the slit a couple of inches, it would remain edgy and sheer and I think she would like that. Julianne is up for Best Actress in the film Still Alice which is in limited release at the moment. I will wait and see what Rotten Tomatoes ( best movie web site out there) says before I go to the theater to see it.
Ok, Meryl and Julianne; you know what to do.
Switch!
Harper's Bazaar has left the building.
Cheers! PS. The Golden Globes will be televised Sunday night January 11th. I'm getting my notebook and pencil, my Skinny Pop popcorn and my chardonnay ready. I will also report on final choices by posting on Facebook. All you fashionistas out there, please stay tuned and then please join the conversation on FB. It's no fun without you.    | 
