Diamonds, Divas and Drama at the MTV VMAs

Before I get to the jewelry fashion and the Kanye West outburst during the MTV Video Music Awards last night, I’d like to just take a moment to reflect on what I thought was – by far - the best part of the night.

MTV isn’t always known to be a class act, and the VMAs is certainly not the place to go looking for it, but whoever was in charge of producing the opening Michael Jackson dance tribute ought to get some kind of award.

Who doesn’t remember running to the TV everytime an MJ video would come on – from Thriller to Beat it? And we ran because we wanted to see those synchronized dance numbers, right? And if it wasn’t Michael it was his sister, Janet, who carried the torch.

Well, for those of you who are square in my demographic – here is a link to the thing. The dancers were amazing - and the Janet Jackson finale was a great way to top it off. I teared up all the way through. It’s not the same as seeing it live, I’m sure, but you’ll get the idea. Nicely done, VMAS.

Now, on to the fashion. First of all, if I see another starlet in a metallic mini dress I’m going to hurl. Enough, already! And Pink and Shakira showed up wearing the same friggin’ one! They are cool, sure, but someone think outside the box, will you?

Diamonds simply dripped from Beyonce, who wore $1 million worth of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry; Taylor Swift showed in the same designer’s diamonds and a stunning beaded Kaufman Franco gown, and the third part of this ill-fated trio, Kanye West, just accessorized with his girlfriend in an unfortunate jumpsuit.

So by now, you’ve all heard about how Mr. West took it upon himself to interrupt Taylor Swift’s wispy acceptance speech to lament the fact that Beyonce didn’t win for Best Female Video. I’m thinking Beyonce will be just fine without yet another award in her trophy case (she won the night's top prize for the video anyway).

In other words, let well enough alone, Kanye. MTV is a corporate juggernaut out primarily to promote big stars (including yourself), not to make fine-tuned artistic statements. If getting a Moon Man was the same as winning the Pulitzer, maybe he'd have more of a point. Maybe he didn't get hugged enough as a child?

Thoughts? On any of this diamond-filled drama?

Stay tuned for Fashion Week updates as the week progresses! I love this time of year!

Early Jewelry Fashion Winners at MTV Movie Awards

Just got through some early pics of the MTV Movie Awards red carpet. Noticing lots of blue gems, including a cool sapphrie snake ring on Ashley Tisdale and a smokin' cocktail ring on Malin Ackerman. But love her or hate her, I gotta hand it to Spencer-sib and Hills pseudo star, Stephanie Pratt. Her diamond swirl statement necklace is working for me. Right?

More to come. Including Miley Cyrus in a dress even Angelina Jolie would yawn at, and old schoolers, Cameron Diaz and Sandra Bullock showing the youngsters how it's done!

Britney Spears Sets the Record Straight

From train wreck to triumph, Britney Spears is on her way to making the biggest comeback the pop world has ever seen. The former teen queen spent a successful weekend in Europe where she picked up a coveted Bambi award and performed for the first tine since her disastrous appearance at 2007’s Video Music Awards.

And that’s just he beginning.

It seems like yesterday Spears was known for flashing the paparazzi, shaving her head bald, getting carried out of her home by paramedics and skipping child custody hearings to go on shopping sprees.

But in her documentary, Britney: For the Record, which aired on MTV last night, she opens up about the tough times. How her relationship with Justin left her ‘devastated’, and how she married Kevin Federline for the ‘wrong reasons’.

You can say that again.

In a particularly revealing section, we get to see first-hand how trapped she feels being chased by the paparazzi day and night. It is anything but glamorous.

Fairy godmother, Madonna, made a wonderful cameo, where she admits that if cameras had followed her every move when she was Britney’s age trying to make it in New York, the world would have seen her make a slew of bad choices too. She counsels us that some of Britney’s decisions were misguided; others were just a part of growing up.














And motherhood? You can tell the separation from her sons has taken its toll. But it’s clear she loves them and is trying her best to do what the court is ordering her to do. To keep her sons close to her heart, Britney has been spotted wearing a “Key to My Heart” sterling silver and Swarovski crystal pendant necklace engraved with her sons’ names.

It's not the same as full custody, but it's a nice gesture.

So with the world cheering her on, Britney’s new album, Circus, is sure to be a big a hit. Available this Tuesday (on her 27th birthday), the star will perform on Good Morning America to kick off the media blitz.

Hit us, Britney, one more time.