Carrie Ann Inaba of 'Dancing With the Stars'
Dancing With the Stars, airing Monday and Tuesday nights on ABC, is one of those shows that is successful in spite of itself. Gooey gowns, gaudy jewelry and cheesy judges seem to actually be pluses in the land of ballroom dancing. People can't get enough of it. Who knew? But visually, this thing is a train wreck.
Although, if there is one saving grace about the hideous outfits contestants are forced to wear week after week, it's that the dancers mercifully keep moving, leaving the rhinestones and taffeta a virtual blur of crass. If they were to just stand still for three minutes and we got a really good look at these homages to La Cage aux Folles, all but the most visually impaired would have cerebral hemorrhages and be left quivering in puddles of their own spittle. With that said, judge Carrie Ann Inaba -- better known as Fook Yu from Austin Powers in Goldmember -- isn't as bad as she could be. True, not a glowing endorsement, but we can't totally endorse her when we can't see below her torso. (She might be naked, she might be wearing Galliano -- we just don't know.)
From the waist up, the Honolulu-born triple threat (dancer, actress and singer) is usually a refined vision in an elegant slip dress or shimmering and subtle evening gown. Everything from off-shoulder ruched taffeta from Tadashi to prints from labels such as ABS by Allen Schwartz are terrific choices for the star. She also dazzles in well-tailored halters that occasionally reveal a hint of cleavage -- always a challenge when you are sitting beside two of television's biggest boobs week in and week out.
In fact, a great deal can be learned from just how Carrie Ann turns subtle clothing choices into powerful statements. When you find that you'll be surrounded by ostentatious costumes, go simple and go elegant. Gowns by Carmen Marc Valvo, Nicole Miller or the more Asian-influenced Marchesa offer an understated elegance that rises above louder choices like the woven chandeliers they throw on Cheryl Burke and Julianne Hough. Seriously, if you thought Heather Mills was handicapped before they dressed her -- yikes. But we digress.
If there is a chance you'll be hitting the dance floor anytime soon, be sure your dress allows you the ability to move freely if a tango or cha-cha should arise. BCBG Max Azria has several perfect choices this season, including his beaded waist silk gown in light raspberry crinkled chiffon. It features a charmeuse empire waist and low back, while front and back shirring gives a liquid drape to the skirt. And Calvin Klein's one-shoulder matte jersey dress in black is sexy and sophisticated yet delicate and lithe -- a perfect compliment for someone like Carrie who doesn't always give compliments.
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