Stardust Memories : Who Got It Right?

And were back! The red carpet doesn't stop for one second and in the past few weeks curvy stars have been front and center displaying their fashionable finest - but not every look is a hit. While its up to us to keep track of who is wearing what - its up to you to tell us just what you think about these looks. First up we have Jennifer Hudson at the MTV Movie awards in a crisp white number but what is up with the visible bra? Not just the straps but almost the entire bra is on display. Are you feeling the overt cleavage? Or do you think less is more?

Now I personally love Beth Ditto's continuing parade of McQueen that she's been wearing lately. This is no exception - I think the print is phenomenal and it goes so well with her wild hair and accessories. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but for me this is an ace in the hole.

Nikki Blonsky's all black and lace ensemble is a little too safe for my tastes but you can't deny that she looks great. The red belt is a nice touch, I wouldn't have minded seeing more of that bright color on her.

Rounding out the bunch we've got my least favorite of the group. I think this faux-Pucci print on Jill Scott does nothing for her. There is something about those geometric prints that makes me think Tron...



Now I've made my picks but how do you feel about this month's dose of star style? Love/hate them all? Like them OK? Anyone who can explain that pastel Tron sack Jill Scott is wearing in a logical manner gets bonus points.

Beautifully Human: Jill Scott in Essence

R&B Soul singer Jill Scott is on the cover of this month's Essence talking about her music, personal struggles and the pressure to lose weight within the music industry.

Once I started looking for a record deal, I had a trainer. And the trainer told me that I would never sell a record if I didn’t lose weight.

Personally, I sincerely hope she told that trainer off but the very fact that anyone would even say that gives insight into how body conscious the entertainment world is. As intense as the beauty standards for fashion are its easy to sometimes forget that fashion isn't the only industry wherein this pressure exists. The music world enforces its own rules and standards for its female performers. Lately it seems as though the most important thing a singer can do is look "good". With the seemingly endless stream of disposable popstars and drum machine heavy songs more reliant on audio editing programs ProTools than singing talent looks play an increasingly important part in the marketing of music. Reading through the Jill Scott piece I couldn't help but think of this editorial from a few months ago on the importance of sexiness as a marketing tool.

She was an "amazing talent," a young singer with a wonderful voice who wrote beautiful songs. But she was no beauty, plus flat-chested and overweight to boot.

Remembering the aspiring star, music executive Jody Gerson still feels terrible about thinking: "She's never going to get signed, even though she's fabulous."

Its a shame to think just how low actual talent ranks in the scheme of things. How do you feel about stars being asked or told to lose weight in order to secure record deals? I think we can all agree that it is a reprehensible practice but how prevalent do you think it is / can a star succeed if they don't fit the typical cookie cutter?

Back to fashion, I think Jill looks amazing in her red velvet Igigi dress! Absolutely gorgeous - she seems positively regal especially posing on that chaise.