Let’s just put it out there.  I’m a huge awards show nerd. Most of the time I could care less who goes home with a statue (although I was happy that my Jon Stewart–yes, my Jon Stewart–went home with a couple). For me, it’s all about the dresses!

And I have to say, last night I was a little underwhelmed. There were some pretties and there were some uglies, but for the most part the gowns were meh. Let’s start with the fab looks…

Hits

Lea Michele in Marchesa (front, back)

OK, how hot is the back of that gown? Love it! I’m also a big fan of the shoulders and the little sweep train going on in the back.

I would be over the moon if the neckline were slightly lower (mostly because it makes me feel a little claustrophobic). But you can’t really argue with the hotness of this dress.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang and Kate Winslet in Elie Saab

Sticking with the evening’s red hot trend, how gorgeous do these two curvy ladies look? The dresses work wonders on their bodies. They both look amazing! I especially love the neckline on Kate Winslet’s dress.

Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein and Cobie Smulders in Alberta Ferretti

These two totally wowed me in blue. I love Katie Holmes’ natural, minimal look (she wore no jewels and her hair and makeup were very low key) as well as Cobie Smulders’ vintage glam with a twist (her twist being that stunning, unexpected color).

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza and Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen

While I was loving the pops of color, I also have to give it up for the girls who wowed in black. I loved Kaley Cuoco’s sheer shoulder and her bright red accessories.

I’m not usually into the harness-like trend but Anna Paquin’s gold strappy detail paired with her drapy neckline totally work for me… Plus, I really wanted to work Soooookie into this post.

Misses

Gwyneth Paltrow in Pucci and Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson

I know not everyone will agree with me on this one, but I hated both of these looks–and I usually love their style.

First off, I don’t like Gwyneth’s bare midriff. I’ll be the first to admit she’s got a hot body from all of that pilates. But it’s just not working. The bottom of the dress is gorgeous, but once you hit the waist, it’s a total mullet dress: business down below, party up top–and not in a good way!

As for Christina Hendricks, I love a girl who loves and flaunts her curves. And I love a girl who loves glitter. But it was a huge “her cup runneth over” moment. Way too much heaving bosom for my taste. I have no problem with her showcasing those puppies, but last night was overkill.

Jayma Mays in Zuhair Murad and Julianna Margulies in Armani Prive

I disliked these two looks for two different reasons. For Jayma Mays, it’s not so much that I hate the dress, because there are things that I like about it (the vintage nod, the tiers, some of the lace). I just don’t think the color and her skin tone are a good match. Don’t you think it washes her out?

As for Julianna Margulies, my brother’s girlfriend said it best: she looks like she’s wearing a lampshade. That’s the perfect description for her very rigid bodice. It just looked weird and uncomfortable. I wasn’t a fan.

What do you think? What do you agree with me on and what do you think I got all wrong?

Finally!

Zara, the beloved Spanish clothing and accessories retailer, launched its online shop in the US yesterday.

I have to tell you, I love their clothes! They’re perfect for building up your wardrobe. With so many classic shapes, neutral prints,  and solid staples, Zara pieces are perfect for mixing and matching.

When I was younger, I used to love watching Houseboat with my mom. It was one of those movies that we watched so many times I had the whole thing memorized.

I adored Sophia Loren as Cinzia, an Italian socialite who longs for freedom from her overbearing father and ends up running off to be the maid for a lawyer and his three children.

Whether painting the houseboat with the kids or walking into a fancy party in a curve-hugging gold dress, Sophia Loren never looks anything less than stunning in this movie.

I really think that my obsession with Houseboat did a lot to shape the styles that I’m drawn to as an adult. I love classic shapes and clean lines like Sophia Loren wears throughout the movie.

These photos aren’t the best examples of what I mean, but you get the picture. The woman knows how to dress her body! I’m crazy about the classic silhouettes and the simple designs. You really can’t go wrong with them.

I found a few modern pieces that fit so well into this classic mold:

Shabby Apple

J Crew

Tadashi Shoji

AGB

I just think classic silhouettes like a-line skirts and curve-hugging wiggle dresses are the perfect go-to looks when you want to feel extra fabulous. The simplicity of these dresses only seems to add to their charm. Love them and love Sophia!

Confession: I have loved Anne Hathaway since her awkward, frizzy haired, brace faced days as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (maybe because I could relate?).

Since then, she’s grown into a woman who somehow manages to be both a glamorous fashionista and the goofy girl-next-door– not such an easy task when you think about it.

She always manages to look fresh and fabulous on the red carpet, donning the most beautiful gowns and flashing her trademark grin (which, let’s face it, is what makes her seem so down to earth). And she always looks so laid back and cool when she’s off the carpet.

I just love this girl’s style!

Her appearance on Conan this week, however, completely sealed the deal.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKvQvWTZFWg&w=560&h=345]

You just have to love a girl that goofy, don’t you? It’s kind of infectious.

OK, so originally I was going to throw one of these into my last Lust List, but my excitement over these can’t be constrained to a wordless feature.

I am an unapologetic word nerd. I also happen to be a wee bit obsessed with fashion. When these two forces combine, I’m left slack jawed and drooling.

Behold the Kate Spade book clutch:I’m in love! From the quotes on the back to the detailed spines, these clutches are amaaaazing! At $325 they will never find their way under my arm, but a girl can drool, no?

Check out some of the other designs:

I can’t pick a favorite! Every time I try, I’m drawn back to one of the others. They’re just too adorable! Check out the rest of them here and tell me if there’s a book you think she should do.