As the Oscars were being announced Tuesday morning, we waited breathlessly for our favorite category: best costume design. After all, how could Jeff Bridges have pulled off the Rooster Cogburn character without the right clothes, much less Colin Firth have made a convincing King George VI without the royal look? Sure enough, both "True Grit" (Mary Zophres) and "The King's Speech" (Jenny Beavan) were among the nominees. The others were “Alice in Wonderland” (Colleen Atwood), "I Am Love" (Antonella Cannarozzi) and "The Tempest" (Sandy Powell). But there was no Oscar costume design love for "Black Swan," which had received a lot of pre-Oscar attention because some of the costumes were by L.A.-based designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte. [LAT]

Five American designers trumped their French counterparts in a legendary showdown at the Palace of Versailles in 1973, and the Americans are still celebrating. The competition's two surviving U.S. designers, Steven Burrows and Oscar de la Renta, hosted a luncheon Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to toast the models who helped them to victory. "It wasn't the designers; it was the girls in this room," said Donna Karan (who worked the original event as a dresser for Anne Klein) of the eight original models who attended: Billie Blair, Alva Chinn, Pat Cleveland, Norma Jean Darden, Charlene Dash, Bethann Hardison, China Machado and Amina Warsuma. [WWD]

Designers' spring couture shows are underway in Paris [TheCut], and Chanel's biggest fans turned out in force for Karl Lagerfeld's couture show. Current and former brand ambassadors Inès de la Fressange, Diane Kruger, Vanessa Paradis, Anna Mouglalis, Baptiste Giabiconi and Gaspard Ulliel joined celebrity guests including Jerry Hall, Pedro Almodovar, Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung, Karen Elson and Janelle Monae. [WWD]

Meanwhile, John Galliano was in fine feather with his mesmerizing Christian Dior show, where the word "clothes" may have been too mundane to apply to what walked down the runway. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Vivienne Westwood is getting ready to open on Melrose in Los Angeles. [Mondette]

And New York-based hairstylist Sally Hershberger is planning a Feb. 1 opening for her new salon in the SLS Hotel's Ciel Spa in West Hollywood. She's also expanding her existing salon here. [Mondette]

Seattle-based Butter London is issuing a nail polish in honor of Kate Middleton. The name of the gray-blue shade? "No More Waity, Katie," a reference to the princess-to-be's cheeky pre-engagement nickname in British tabloids. [StyleList]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Colin Firth as King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as his wife in "The King's Speech." Credit: Laurie Sparham / The Weinstein Company

-- "Gossip Girl" star and fashion 'It' girl Blake Lively's ties with Chanel deepen: She's been named the official face of the brand's new Mademoiselle handbag collection, designed by creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Ads featuring Lively will hit magazines' April issues. [Telegraph]

-- Valerie Bertinelli wore a blue silk chiffon dress by David Meister and Jimmy Choo shoes at her surprise (to the public, at least) New Year's Day wedding to longtime love Tom Vitale. Ex-husband Eddie Van Halen was among the 100 or so guests at the wedding at Bertinelli and Vitale's cliffside home in Malibu. [People]

-- Clarence House has released more details about the not-at-all-secret pending nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton -- how she'll get to and from the ceremony, who will officiate, that Queen Elizabeth II will host the reception and Prince Charles the after-party. But still no word on that all-important detail: the dress! [WWD]

-- Queen Latifah, one of Cover Girl's cover girls, will tout the CVS drugstore chain's new beauty loyalty program on television Wednesday evening, during the People's Choice Awards. [WWD] (subscription required) 

-- Did you know that bright red lipsticks might contain beetle juice? I think my beauty loyalty just took a hit. Fortunately, starting Wednesday, the FDA will require labeling to explain when beetle extracts are used. [StyleSectionLA]

-- Was it just yesterday that celebs such as Emma Watson were cropping their locks? A counter-trend, "Rapunzel" hair extending below the waist, is now being spotted on women such as Beyonce and Solange Knowles. Thanks to the magic of hair extensions any length goes! [BellaSugar]   

-- LVMH Chief Executive Mark Webber, who is also chairman and chief executive for Donna Karan International, has been named man of the year by the American Apparel and Footwear Assn. [WWD] (subscription required)  

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Blake Lively, the new face of Chanel's Mademoiselle bags. Credit: Stuart Ramson / Associated Press

The name Carey Mulligan is synonymous with the terms chic, alternative and all-around fashion it-girl. Wherever the petite, pixie-haired actress goes, she is sure to be dressed in stunning designer frocks that are far from ordinary. With the sparkling, cosmic Chanel sequin dress and jeweled cape at the Vogue Fashion Fund Awards and the countless gowns and dresses she’s worn while promoting the film “Never Let Me Go,” Mulligan shows it’s a good thing to break away from the classics. 

Mulligan's style choices exemplify a fearless free spirit, one that has the fashion world taking notice. Not only is she a regular on best-dressed lists for numerous fashion magazines and websites, but she also earned a spot on Vogue's coveted 10 Best Dressed list of 2010.

At the Moet British Independent Film Awards, Mulligan owned the red carpet in a Prabal Gurung poppy-colored dress with a large flower detail on her chest and a cinched waist. She paired the stunning red dress with a sparkly sequined Roger Vivier clutch and black peep-toe heels. The actress officially took home the award for best actress for her role in "Never Let Me Go," but she gets our award for best dressed of the night. The color of her dress and the chest detail speak for themselves, and the sparkly clutch is the perfect, delicate finishing touch.

A tasteful red dress is a way to stand out -- in a good way -- at those upcoming holiday parties. Here are a few rouge-colored frocks for less than $100 that will have you relishing the holiday spirit:
T Tahari red dress from Nordstrom for $99.50, one-shoulder red French Connection dress from Bluefly.com for $89.59, Sparkle and Fade chiffon dress from Urban Outfitters for $69 and the Winter Rose strapless dress from Ann Taylor for $99.99. 

For just a touch of sparkle, pair one of these clutches with a holiday party outfit or evening wear: Lulu Townsend sequined clutch from DSW for $36.95, Kate Landry "peacock" clutch from Dillards for $35 or the Sequin slouchy bag from Express for $39.90. Since the sparkly clutch is the essential party accessory, you'll need to find the perfect one for you, so check out more frugal finds from resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay.

Now that you're set with a new red dress and sparkly clutch, all you'll need is a pair of super simple heels to finish the look. A pair of solid-colored black heels from your own closet should do.

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

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photos, from top: Actress Carey Mulligan attends the Moet British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market in London. Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images. Tahari dress from Nordstrom. French Connection dress from Bluefly.com. Sparkle and Fade dress from Urban Outfitters. Winter Rose dress from Ann Taylor. Lulu Townsend clutch from DSW. Kate Landry clutch from Dillards. Sequin bag from Express. 

Phoebe Philo, creative director of Celine, was named designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards on Tuesday. Alexa Chung (above, left, with Taylor Momsen at a previous event) nabbed the award for British Style, and Alexander McQueen was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. Other winners were Mulberry, for designer brand; Nicholas Kirkwood for accessory designer; Patrick Grant of E. Tautz for menswear designer; Meadham Kirchhoff for emerging talent in ready-to-wear; and Husam El Odeh for emerging talent, accessories.  Nicola Formichetti won the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator. This year, two new awards were added: Naomi Campbell won the Special Recognition Award for her 25-year career, and Burberry walked off with the Digital Innovation Award. [WWD]

Please, Barbie, no, not the Meat Dress! Hard as it is for me -- a lover of Barbie and hater of the Meat Dress -- to imagine, there was the supermodel doll decked out in several Lady Gaga looks from 2010, including the most infamous.  We owe it all to Entertainment Weekly, which set up a photo gallery online with the doll styled as the outre entertainer. (They used dental floss to keep the meat booties from falling off Barbie's tiny feet.) 

Fashion "It" girl Blake Lively and Karl Lagerfeld seem to have a mutual admiration going on and Tuesday it was announced that the "Gossip Girl" star will appear in a new Chanel advertising campaign. [FabSugar]

John Galliano, in New York for the reopening of Dior's flagship on 57th Street, loves the diversity of today's fashion, is a little dubious about online shopping and says never, ever take a friend with you on a serious shopping trip. "Because she's only shopping for herself...the last person she's thinking of is you," he tells fashion writer Bridget Foley. [WWD]

Speaking of openings, Donna Karan is opening her Collections store at the upscale Crystals at CityCenter in Las Vegas any minute now. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Vera Wang plans to launch a cosmetics line at Kohl's. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

--Susan Denley

Photo: Alexa Chung, left, with actress Taylor Momsen. Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Mercedes Benz.

 
Been pining for a pair of two toned ballet flats that don the double C’s? Well, you may be one step closer to getting those and other coveted Chanel items, because Decadetwo.1 is holding its annual Chanel extravaganza during which loads of everyone’s favorite French label will be flooding the Melrose Avenue boutique.

On Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Chanel items from the 1990s through present day will be available for up to 70% off retail. Not in the mood to fight aggressive shoppers for the bounty of boucle jackets and quilted bags they’re hoarding? Then you can visit the decadestwo.1 site and shop online from Dec. 11 through Dec. 18.

Good place to get a very lucky friend a holiday gift and of course a little something for yourself. One for you, one for me …

Happy Shopping.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Chanel quilted bag and boucle jacket from the Decadestwo.1. Credit: Decadestwo.1

 
 
A strand of pearls is synonymous with Coco Chanel and the house is paying homage to her legacy and signature accessory with the spring 2011 makeup collection called Les Perles de Chanel. 

As one might guess, the line is very pearlescent, with glimmery, iridescent shades of soft peach, purple, pink, blue and green.

The collection is one of the most feminine the French label has done in a few seasons, with straightforward girly colors and effects that will compliment the soft and floaty silhouettes of spring.

The one exception to the light-colored palette is a nail polish called black pearl, which is a steely yet somewhat still soft, black with shades of green and blue swirling throughout depending on which way you turn it. It looks just like, well, a black pearl. Mission accomplished.

Les Perles de Chanel will be in Chanel boutiques for spring 2011.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Eye shadow and nail polish from Les Perles de Chanel spring 2011 makeup collection/Julien Claessens & Thomas Deschamps for Chanel

 
Though we're in the middle of a deep, wintery color palette of nail polish shades, including gray, dark purple and sparkly reds, it's nice to see what lies ahead for cruise collections. In Chanel's case, it's a pale, dreamy blue color called Riva that debuted at the 2010-2011 cruise collection show in Saint-Tropez.

Peter Philips, global creative director of Chanel Beauty, said he was inspired by the sunny south of France location to create a makeup collection that "flirts with the sun."

"It's effortless, natural beauty for relaxed girls who are enjoying their holidays," said Phillips in a news release.

Even if you don't find yourself sunning in Saint-Tropez this January, the playful blue shade of color is slightly reminiscent of the sea, even if it's just peeking out at you from a pair of peep toes.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Riva is $27 and available now at Chanel boutiques for a limited time.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Le Vernis Nail Color in Riva. Credit: Chanel

Ever since I saw barrettes on the runway for spring 2011, I've been obsessed. The jeweled barrettes from the Chanel runway (top left) and hand-carved wood barrettes from the Rodarte runway (bottom left) won't be available for a few months yet. But that doesn't mean you can't get a jump on the trend.

FranceLuxe.com is a great source for barrettes right now. For the holidays, I particularly like the L. Erickson crystal leaves ($98, above right), which would look pretty with a side part as seen at Rodarte, and the satin bows ($42, bottom right) on a sleek ponytail as seen at Chanel.

-- Booth Moore

Photos: Chanel spring 2011 runway shot. Credit: Booth Moore. Rodarte spring 2011 runway shot. Credit: Jonas Gustavsson for The Times. France Luxe barrettes courtesy of France Luxe.

We are all about weddings here at All the Rage, particularly impending royal ones. We are anticipating a year full of delight leading to the nuptials of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton. Speculation is raging now over who will design the wedding gown, and some oddsmakers in the U.K. have placed bets on Phillipa Lepley, known for her elegant designs and celebrity dressing. [People]  For a retrospective on royal wedding style, take a look at our photo gallery. 

Emma Watson dishes about how "Harry Potter" character Hermione Granger shaped the actress' offscreen style. Yes, we all kind of suspected that the new short hair cut must be at least partly a reaction to Hermione's long locks (correct, Watson confirms) but who knew all the  outfits from the likes of Chanel and  Proenza Schouler were because of all of Hermione's Hogwarts uniforms? [WWD]  You can find out how to re-create Watson's premiere look in a Rafael Lopez for Atelier Mayer cocktail mini,  above,  on the cheap by checking out Jenn Harris' Frugal Fashion column on All the Rage.

Hermes International has opened its second-largest unit in the world, on Paris' Left Bank. [WWD] Salma Hayek was a guest, amid speculation that her presence was a back-handed slap at LMVH, with whom Hermes is battling for control of the company and the luxury market. [The Cut]

Beyonce Knowles' ad for her first fragrance, Beyonce Heat, is so, well, hot that it is being censored in England, where authorities have ruled that it may air only after 7:30 p.m., when, presumably, British youngsters are safely tucked away for the night. [WWD]

Despite all her personal problems, what with multiple arrests, rehab and even being the butt of jokes on "Glee," Lindsay Lohan is pressing forward with her fashion business. In her latest offering, clients can join her new 6126 Gold Member Club. For "dues" of $39.95 a month, a member will receive an item from the 6126 fashion line selected by Lohan herself (so the company says ) and valued at more than $75. [FabSugar]

Karl Lagerfeld says he has his eye on Colombian designer Haider Ackermann as a possible successor to helm Chanel. But don't get too riled up. Lagerfeld isn't likely to bow out anytime soon. [Vogue UK]  

Designer Zac Posen bid $3,500 to win a six-week internship with Martha Stewart. Huh??? It was all for charity. [New York Post] 

Photo: Actress Emma Watson. Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

 
Imagine a tent full of celebrities, artists and art patrons dressed in their designer best -- Eli Broad, Frank Gehry, Jeff Koons, Gwen Stefani and more -- submitting to a cacophony of farm auctioneers calling, cattle ranchers whipping and drummers drumming. This crazy scene was illuminated by a light sculpture by Barbara Bestor that seemed to mimic the Southern California highways, and set to the folk music stylings of Beck, Devendra Banhart and Caetano Velosa. And it was amazing!

Saturday's gala fundraiser, "The Artist's Museum Happening," at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles was an art piece itself, a "happening" conceived by artist Doug Aitken. The evening was his meditation on the West brought to life in every sense, from poster art on the tent walls by John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha and other local artists, to  yummy farm-to-table food by Venice-based AXE restaurant chef Joanna Moore. At every seat was a book titled "The Idea of the West," a culmination of 1000 interviews during which Aitken asked people to answer the question: "What is your idea of the West?"

There are responses from the famous, such as Rodarte fashion designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy, who said, "People are cowboys here," and the not-so-famous, such as Jenni (no last name given), unemployed, who said, "I get to be crazy." (The photo book-meets-zine is available for purchase for $69.95 at the MOCA museum store.) 

The evening was sponsored by Chanel Fine jewelry, which supplied the Hollywood glamour quotient for this happening amid the cowboys and gospel singers (almost forgot about them).

Naturally, there were lots of lovelies dressed by the house, demonstrating the range of Chanel style. We saw everything from Chloe Sevigny playing the gamine in an adorable white jumpsuit to Kate Bosworth playing the screen siren in a black gown with cap sleeves, and a pair of diamond feather-shaped earrings from the Plumes de Chanel collection.

I sat across from Ginnifer Goodwin, who looked terrific in a black lace dress with an embroidered pearl collar, and a "Secret Camelia" watch with a diamond-encrusted camelia flower that flipped open to reveal the time. "I don't want to give it back," she said, like Cinderella trying to forestall midnight.  

Also at the Chanel table: Priscilla Presley, Liz Goldwyn, Kirsten Dunst and Rachel Bilson. Not in the Chanel camp, Dasha Zhukova looked gorgeous in a white Rodarte dress, as did Rose McGowan in a teal Issa gown. Check out a gallery of red carpet looks here.

I also spotted L.A. designer Monique Lhuillier, who shared that she is hard at work on her own home furniture and accessories line that is to debut next year.

"L.A. now feels like the most exciting place in world for contemporary art," MOCA director Jeffrey Dietch told the crowd. " He described the evening as a "cultural ambush."

Here, here.

-- Booth Moore

Photo (from top): Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso, Devendra Banhart and Beck perform at the annual gala for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles on Nov. 13, 2010. Credit: Danny Moloshok / Reuters

Photo: Kate Bosworth in Chanel diamond earrings at MOCA's annual gala, "The Artist's Museum Happening." Credit: Paul Buck / EPA

Photo: Chloe Sevigny, left, and Ginnifer Goodwin in Chanel at the MOCA event. Credit: John Shearer / Getty Images for MOCA

American Apparel, the L.A.-based clothing maker, continues to struggle. Sales are down, and the company may have to shut some stores. One strategist said American Apparel is becoming "'a bit of an afterthought to its core hipster base." Ouch. Read Andrea Chang's report in the L.A. Times.

If you live in the Ralph Lauren universe, you might want to know the company is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its online shop with a "4-D" projection onto the new Madison Avenue store Wednesday night. [The Cut]

The late Alexander McQueen will be the focus of an exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Look for it to open next May. [Vogue UK]

If you have enjoyed recent films about legendary designer Coco Chanel, you are not alone. But take note: Karl Lagerfeld does not. [Fashionologie]

There's something about the letters VPL (yes, we're talking Visible Panty Line) that continues to make us smirk. It is also the name of a British clothing store that has opened a branch in New York. Perhaps you are wondering: What does it sell? Our response: Does it matter? [The Moment]

Don't deny it -- you watch the Victoria's Secret fashion show. (It's Nov. 30 on CBS.) This year, Katy Perry, who simply doesn't seem to get enough publicity, will be making her own fashion statement with a couple of outrageous outfits from designer Todd Thomas. And that's probably all you need to know for today. [People]

 -- Alice Short

Photo: Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel in the movie "Coco Before Chanel." Credit: Chantal Thomine-Desmazures /Sony Pictures Classics

Claudia Schiffer has been one of Karl Lagerfeld’s favorites since she started modeling for Chanel at the age of 17. She rocked the catwalk during Chanel's 1990 haute couture show, then starred in the brand's ad campaigns in 1994, 2008 and 2010. Whether it's some form of fashion osmosis from an excessive exposure to the world’s finest clothing or an innate ability to look glamorous in anything, the 40-year-old mother of three is looking better than ever.

At Chanel's spring-summer 2011 runway show during Paris Fashion Week, the German model ditched the runway for a seat in the audience but managed to yet again capture the selective eyes of the fashion world. In a blue-and-white striped nautical boat neck sweater and dark blue skinny jeans, Schiffer was casual but refined enough for a Chanel runway show attendee. Her over-the-knee brown boots added some height and dressed up the ensemble. She looks ready to step off the runway and onto the shiny slick streets of fall or winter.

For this week's frugal alternatives we’re leaving out the denim. Schiffer's look will work with any pair of dark skinny jeans you might already have, so no need to waste your money there. To get her nautical striped look, get cozy in Tommy Hilfiger's navy-and-white striped boat neck sweater from Macy's for $59.50. The Hilfiger version has super cute buttons that run along the left side of the sweater, and the sleeves feature a patriotic tipped red hem.

For some great brown fall boots of your own, snag these suedette brown, over-the-knee boots from Forever 21 for $34.80. They have an inner zipper and slit in the back for extra comfort. Be sure to check out resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay's expert tips for getting your fall boots to fit just right.

The grand total for this week, before taxes, is $94.30. These frugal finds should last a couple seasons with a sweater you can wear all year long and boots that can take your feet from fall through winter and into spring. 

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

Upper photo: Claudia Schiffer poses at the Chanel spring-summer 2011 women's ready-to-wear runway show during Paris Fashion Week. Credit: Benoit Tessier / Reuters

Middle photo: A sweater by Tommy Hilfiger. Credit: Macy's

Lower photo: Brown boots from Forever 21. Credit: Forever 21