Underwhelming Red Carpet: 2008 Emmys

In my opinion, the best part of any award show is the red carpet. And next to that, I anticipate seeing which of my favorite television shows and stars will go home winners.

This year, each Emmy winner was far from disappointing (congrats to my favorite winners, Jeff Probst and 30 Rock), but the fashion had me talking to the television in frustration saying, "You were so close!"


The three standout women I chose were simply the best of an underwhelming bunch. I would describe each of these looks as so close to being drop dead gorgeous but certain details made them miss the mark.

To begin, Eva Longoria Parker wore a Marchesa dress that dazzled the red carpet with flashy details in a subtle color palette. The dress alone made a chic and risky statement, so why do over-the-top shoes, make-up, and hair. She should have opted for a less harsh peep-toe heel, wiped off all of her black eyeliner, and lightened up on the hairspray.

Lauren Conrad has a ways to go before becoming a fashion icon, but the dress she wore on the red carpet last night was on point, simple, and sophisticated. This is definitely in line with what trends are popular this season. She designed this dress in an understated navy blue and added diamond detailing without being overdone. So although Lauren created a pretty and classic look, her inexperience in the fashion world doesn't quite give her enough edge to win best dressed.

Lastly, Mariska Hargitay stood out as one of the most feminine and soft stars of the night in a Carolina Herrera dress, sans the marigold color. In fall 2006, this mustard color set the trend along with bordeaux shades of red and periwinkle blues. Since then, color trends have shifted away from these primary colors, but I will definitely forgive Mariska for wearing this somewhat outdated color. She is my choice for the best dressed of the night.