The buzz around red carpet interviews at awards shows is almost always drowned out by the same question: "Who are you wearing?" Last week's 68th Golden Globe Awards was no different...shocking. I don't mean to sound bored with it all and I'm the first to admit that I enjoy watching the red carpet arrivals more than the actual award shows, but every year I'm always left with the same burning question: "Yea, yea, Marchesa this, Armani that...but what about the jewelry?" When you're a fashion-obsessed little girl who finally wiggles her way into her mother's closet, you don't reach for the gowns -- you put your tiny feet straight into her heels, wrap her pearls around your neck and go for the diamonds.

Sure last week's leading ladies were dressed in designer bigwigs like Lanvin, Versace, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, and fashion websites, including our own, went on and on about the 10 best dressed ladies of the evening, but an Oscar-worthy gown is always short of amazing without the right accessories. Would Catherine Zeta-Jones really sparkle in her Golden Globes Monique Lhuillier emerald green gown without her earrings? To be honest, that woman would sparkle in something as mundane as a burlap sack, but the earrings did help! Her diamond chandelier earrings draw your eyes to her gorgeous face and were the perfect accent to her strapless dress. Natalie Portman also looked stunning in her Viktor & Rolf gown but she gave her maternity glow a boost with her Tiffany layered diamond necklace. The piece definitely made a statement but still gives the look of a soft, dainty piece of jewelry.

A pair of diamond earrings and necklace are a given when accessorizing an evening gown but when you're waving to adoring fans why not give your wrists a little extra sparkle? 'The Closer' star Kyra Sedgwick rocked a bright orange Emilio Pucci dress at the Globes and adorned her right wrist with a number of chunky, shiny gold bangles.

It might be easier to clasp a dozen gold bangles on your wrist or fix a diamond necklace around your neck with a movie star bank account, but there's no reason why you can't go glam on a budget.

A layered necklace is the perfect way to make a statement with your jewelry but keep things looking refined. If you have a flare for the dramatic try this Lydell NYC Tiered Chain Beaded Necklace from Bloomingdales for $48, or the mixed metal Peggy Necklace from Chico's for $58. For something a little softer, the Fallling stars necklace from Banana Republic is $47.99.

The chandelier earring went on hiatus for a while but I think it's safe to say they are back -- at least on the red carpet. If you're looking for the perfect pair to wear to a charity gala check out these frugal finds: Chandelier drop earrings from Arden B for $24, Durol earrings in White Nubuk from Aldo for $13.98, Apt. 9 Jet-Tone Simulated Crystal Beaded Chandelier earrings on sale for $10 at Kohl's or the Nadri Crystal Teardrop Chandelier earrings from Nordstrom for $88.

When it comes to bangles, go for the gold and the more the merrier. Budget shoppers can look for bangles sold as a set, giving you a layered look without having to buy 10 bracelets. Mix in some chunkier pieces with stone, pearl or glass accents for fun. Nordstrom has a great set of bangles by Cara for $58. Layer the bangles with a set of four Kaya bangles from Chico's for $38 or the Astronomer's bracelet from Banana Republic for $39.50.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

Top photos: Natalie Portman, left and Catherine Zeta Jones. Credits: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images and Mike Nelson / European Pressphoto Agency

Middle photo: Kyra Sedgwick's bangles. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Necklace photo from left: Lydell necklace. Credit: Bloomingdales. Peggy necklace. Credit: Chico's. Falling Stars necklace. Credit: Banana Republic. 

Earrings photo from left:Chandelier Drop earrings. Credit: Arden B. Durol earrings. Credit: Aldo. Apt. 9 earrings. Credit: Kohl's. Nadri Crystal earrings. Credit: Nordstrom.

Bangles photo from left: Cara bangles. Credit Nordstrom. Kaya bangles. Credit: Chico's. Astronomer's bracelet. Credit: Banana Republic.

I just stumbled upon a cool-looking contest with Aldo shoes and accessories.  Personalize a pair of shoes or a bag with studs, spikes, color or anything you want, and submit the picture to www.aldoshoes.com/diy.  Judges will choose 10 finalists, and the winner will get to design a shoe or bag for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

The last day to submit is Oct. 30, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 16. It's last minute, but I thought it worth mentioning.  Besides, you may already have some DIY accessories you’re proud of and wanted to share with the world.

[Updated at 10:58 a.m.: An earlier version of this post listed today as the submission deadline and Oct. 20 as the day finalists would be announced. Aldo has changed those original dates.]

Aldo has been doing some interesting things lately, stepping up the design and also appearing in the most unlikely places.  Every fashion plate from Diane Kruger to Beyonce has been wearing its shoes, and Kate Walsh carried a silver Aldo clutch to the Emmys. I’ve got my eye on Aldo.

Competition details here.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

At 4 p.m. today, the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center, formerly known as the Fox Hills Mall, officially re-opens after a 19-month extensive $180-million renovation with special promos and giveaways.

The Culver City Shopping Center, a short drive from Marina del Rey and Playa Vista, offers a slate of new tenants (Aldo, XXI Forever, Coach, Hollister and Target) and more to debut over the next two months (H&M, Express and Brooklyn Projects).

Westfield Culver City Shopping Center opening weekend promotions include a black quilted tote giveaway with $200 in combined same-day receipt totals from center stores shown to the Center Court concierge. Also at the Center Court, you can enter a drawing held next Monday (Oct.12)  for an iPod Nano 8G and four 30-minute music lessons, both courtesy of Best Buy. 

On Saturday (Oct. 10), Five Four, an L.A.-based menswear collection, launches its first retail store at the Culver City Shopping Center with a weekend promotion: Spend $50 or more and receive a complimentary V-neck; spend $100 or more for a woven shirt; spend $150 or more and get both. The store will have extended hours until 8:30 p.m. with a DJ spinning.

The Westfield Culver City Shopping Center plans to hold an Art Walk at 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 to unveil three commissioned public art pieces including one by L.A.-based artist Jeff Kopp.

That way you can breathe in some high culture while stocking up on affordable fashions, Cinnabons and iPhones.

6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

-- Max Padilla

Photo: Five Four woven shirt, $92. Credit: courtesy of Five Four

Amid a sea of diamonds, designer dresses and crystal-encrusted minaudieres, a lone clutch from Aldo floated down the red carpet in the hands of actress Kate Walsh.

The "Private Practice" star wore pricey pieces from J. Mendel and Christian Louboutin, yet chose to accessorize it all with a $30 snakeskin-printed faux leather bag from the mall store Aldo. It was both confusing and refreshing to hear Walsh rattle off who she was wearing, then see her lift the clutch and say, “Aldo, $30”.

Though her bag is thousands of dollars less than the Judith Leiber pieces that many actresses carry during Hollywood events, Walsh still managed to shine as one of the best dressed stars at the Emmys in her soft-gray strapless gown and no-fuss hairstyle.

Not since Sharon Stone wore a Gap T-shirt to the Oscars has a mass-market (and affordable) brand made its way onto the red carpet at a major awards show.

Should more celebs start mixing affordable pieces into their awards-night ensembles or should they stick to the fantasy and keep it strictly high-end?

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo, top: Kate Walsh attends the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards/Associated Press

Photo, right: Aldo "Kantah" clutch / Aldo