Men Dress to Impress.  And Boy Are We!

Men’s fashion on the red carpet doesn’t usually get much attention because let’s face it, a shirt, maybe a tie, pants, shoes and you’re done.  Not much time and effort to coordinate.  But the Grammy’s signature ripped up rocker and big and baggy hip-hop looks were retired on the red carpet this year in favor of a little spit and polish.  This is the “Year of the Gentlemen.”  Perhaps inspired by Ne-Yo and his Polo club chic man-style, dudes were pimpin’ in fedoras, shades and suits.

Disney tween scream stars, the Jonas Brothers, coordinated in Brat Pack black tuxedos with their usual individual flair.  Nick was head-to-toe in Burberry, Kevin’s was a classic suit from Versace and Joe was a little viva las Vegas in a metallic Versace jacket.  Where were the teenage boys like this when we were growing up?

“Miss Independent” singer Ne-Yo was very Thurston Howell III — in a good way! — sporting a patterned jacket with an ascot, gray pants that hit the top of his matching shoes perfectly (”What Not to Wear’s” Clinton Kelly would be so proud) and a fedora.  Swagger on.

Even funny man Jack Black cleaned up for the occasion!  The Tropic Thunder comic ditched his usual “whatever happens to be clean on the floor of my bedroom” style aesthetic for a suit and tie.

Rap mogul Jay-Z looked like he had “my mind on my money, my money on my mind” in a billionaire boy’s club ensemble, complete with pocket square and tie-clip.

Remember when rapper and fashion empresario Sean “Diddy” John (he’ll always be P. Diddy to us) used to wear full-length fur coats just for the hell of it?  Funnily enough, he was one of the most casually-dressed ones there! But his sneakers, which have a purple accent threaded across the heel to coordinate with his jacket, are pretty boss.

Of course, 808s & Heartbreak singer-rapper and newly minted Louis Vuitton designer Kanye West brought the too cool for school vibe to the red carpet, rocking his Michael Jackson Off the Wall-era look  (you know, before he got all creepy) in a sequined jacket, double gloves and kicks.  LV, naturally.  We’re still not feeling that mullet though . . .

Coldplay, who went home with a trio of awards, bucked the debonair dude trend, showing up in a rip of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band cover look.  Because they’re English.  And it’s not like anyone has ever gotten smack for comparing themselves to one of the greatest bands ever (cough*Oasis*cough).

Move the kicks to the back of the closet to make room for a slick and finely crafted pair of  dress shoes, like these from Alexander McQueen in dark blue.  That subtle detail, plus shine combined with luxurious quality, brings new edge to a classic and makes them perfect to pair with suits or jeans. You know what they say, every girl’s crazy about a sharp dressed man.

By ShoeMinx Red Carpet Watcher Paige Muller

A Look Not Even Louboutin Can Save

Mariah Carey is nothing if not consistent. She’s found a signature style and she’s sticking to it! The E=MC2 crooner and Glitter . . . uh star, dresses her inner 12-year old in saccharine sweet ensembles from the Rainbow Brite-meets-Hello Kitty collection and high heels for every occasion.

Don’t hold Mariah’s fashion crimes against these fabulous Christian Louboutin stilettos! Rehabilitate these watersnake platform peep-toe shoes with your own take on the little black dress. Find great prices on Christian Louboutin here.

Mrs. MC even teeters in stilettos to walk her dog! But could her obsession with sexy footwear be a medical condition and not a fashion affliction? Mariah has been famously quoted saying, “I can’t wear flat shoes. My feet repel them.” Her clothes might be stuck in the 80s, but her shoes strike the right high note.

We guess this is what passes for athletic shoes in Mariah’s fantasy world where butterflies and unicorns roam free. At least they’re less strappy than the heels she wore to work up a sweat on a Stairmaster on that memorable episode of MTV’s “Cribs.”

Save these shoes from future Mariah-induced ridiculousness by shopping for red Guiseppe Zanotti platforms and black Alexander McQueen pumps here.

Posted by ShoeMinx Reporter Paige Muller