The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection: Synergy with the Real Housewives

The name of the game these days is Synergy.  And so, for this week's installment, Bravo has let the Real Housewives from both New Jersey and Orange County play with the folks on the Fashion Show.

1. The Challenge. Specifically, the designers are required to design a ballgown fit for a charity gala. Calvin is immediately freaked out, and in a serious case of pot calling the kettle, declares: "I don't work with clients because they're kind of bitchy." Truer words were never spoken Cal, at least with respect to some of the Housewives.

Red Carpet: Country Strong Premiere

So, looks like a normal white dress, right? Kinda Calvin Klein-ish. Also, kind of reminds us of the white backless column gown Kate Hudson wore at the SAG awards last year. Although this version does not fit Ms. Paltrow anywhere near as beautifully as the dress Kate wore. On the other hand, there's nothing either too exciting or offensive about this dress. Unless boring can be considered offensive.

What Mrs. Fashionista Wears on Vacation

So, dear hearts, it's bone-chillingly cold outside and so, for our winter vacation this year, Mr. Fashionista and I have decided to jet off to the beautiful and exclusive Caribbean island of Nevis. We, of course, require a completely new and fab wardrobe for our trip, and have basically decided to pack the following items...

Happy Birthday to You!: Taylor Swift

Today is Swifty's 21st B-Day! So exciting. Taylor can finally legally slam back shots with her boyfriend Jakie. No matter what she does though, we hope she's looking chic like she does in the pic below. Gorgeous dress Taylor, even if it reads just a tad bit old. Enjoy your day and tomorrow, the bloody mary's on us.

Tied Up With Emily Blunt

Tie me up. Tie me down. Tie me with way too many ribbons. Emily Blunt, whose style we normally adore, had a bit of a misstep in our opinion as the ribbons and bows on the dress compete with the ribbons and bows on the shoes. We actually think the dress and shoes, separately, could be cute. Together, though, Em looks just a little too precious (and matchy-matchy) for us. Overall, not terrible or anything, but not great either.

Kate Bosworth in Jil Sander

Kate Bosworth recently attended the 2010 Hollywood Style Awards in the Jil Sander t-shirt ball gown, which we looooooooooved at Milan Fashion Week. Not everyone loved this like we did. And, as we sit here today, we're actually a little torn. We still very much like the idea of this very simple dress, turned elegant ball gown. And this may be sacrilegious, but there is something very J Crew about this dress (which is not necessarily a bad thing). We also think Kate looks young, fresh and fashion forward and better than the model as she actually fills the dress out.


But we kinda wish Kate had styled her look just a bit differently from the runway show and jazzed it up just a bit, with a sparkly statement necklace or some giant diamond studs. Of course, maybe that would defeat the purpose of the whole dress as an exercise in simplicity? What do you think readers? Perfect as is, Terrible all around, or Add some sparkle?

Happy Birthday to You!: Jennifer Connelly

Happy Birthday Jennifer Connelly! Today, Ms. Connelly is 40 years old. And in honor of Jen's birthday, let's go ahead and check out her most recent red carpet outing:

Dress: 3.5/4. Love the pattern and the sparkle of the dress.
Jacket: 3.5/4. Totally fierce, but not sure about how it goes with the dress.
Shoes: 4/4. So fab. These shoes could work in a variety of situations. Love them.

In or Out? Since it's her b-day and every item she's wearing is Balenciaga and she looks totally gorge for a 40 yr old, we're giving Jennifer an IN (BTW, hubby Paul Bettany is looking pretty dapper himself). Happy Birthday!

Oprah and Gayle Do Australia

You know we've never really associated tropical printed muumuus with Sydney, Australia, but then who are we to tell Oprah and Gayle they're not dressed appropriately? However, we really must comment on how unflattering such a look can be on larger ladies. Oprah, babe, everyone knows you should try to create a shape, not emphasize your lack of a waist by raiding Mrs. Roper's closet.