Friday Fashion Face-Off: Anne Hathaway and David Beckham

ANNE HATHAWAY
Robyn: So the Princess Diaries is hosting everything right now it seems. And something as illustrious as the Nobel Peace Prize concert it just the latest. So here Anne is in J.Mendel black shimmer. It is pretty classic and a bit sexy. And she looks really pretty. I’m just not sure that she is really a credible choice so that bothers me a bit. What do you think Marco?
Marco: Well, she has taken on more serious roles since the Princess Diaries, thankfully. To me it makes sense. I have always believed her to be one of the relatable and intelligent starlets in Hollywood and have enjoyed every one of her red-carpet looks. Not only because she is always ravishing but because she exudes class at the same time. Plus she has a bigger smile than anyone in Hollywood. Even Cameron. Thumbs up for this one.

DAVID BECKHAM
Marco: I have an incredibly supportive and loving father so when I saw this picture I knew it had to be my pick of the week. I appreciate a father who gets involved. David took his son to the Sun military awards in London and dressed him all up in Brooks Brothers. I must say the pair look rather dashing. Davids overcoat has a superb fit. Still all that said, what is going on with the middle path there, Becks?

Robyn: Ah, no fair! You know I love all things Beckham and here is a double dose of the cute. I can even overlook the hair since you know it is just going to change again in a couple of weeks. I can't wait for next book club so I can ask Vicky what she thinks of it! Totally and utterly adorable for Becks big and small. Marco, you win this one.
Images thanks to Coco Perez and Just Jared

Friday Fashion Face Off - Dame Helen Mirren and Um, Darren Criss?

DAME HELEN MIRREN
Robyn: I worship this Dame. In her 60s, as sexy as hell and impeccably dressed. A class act as they would say. I particularly like the clean line maxi skirt and gold belt combo which is very, very contemporary, without losing any dignity. The plunge of the lurex top is decorous and yet festive and age-appropriate. Seriously. How could this be better?
Marco: Well you have said it all haven't you? She embodies all that is class and sophistication while looking quite hot indeed. Just imagine the glitz and fun we could have with the real queen. Probably minus the plunging neckline, of course.

DARREN CRISS
Marco: I could have chosen a 'No Doubt'-er or Ryan Gosling again but this boy really stood out for me. For those of you googling his name, he's on Glee. I just love the fit of this suit, the sharp lapel, the simple bow-tie and the fact that he combined it with those shoes! It's precisely what I would have done. Even if you end up saying they look like bowling shoes Robyn I don't care, because it's a lovely look.
Robyn: Oh relax, dear, I love the shoes of course. They are a classic and I adore the way they are worn in and he may have actually been hoofing in them for years. What a treat. The suit and bow tie is good too. It’s just that this strange wee chap looks a bit sweaty. Like a good shower and eyebrow wax wouldn’t go amiss. Just saying. 

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Leighton Meester and Ben Barnes

LEIGHTON MEESTER
Robyn: This is unquestionably the prettiest outfit worn by anyone all week. But I kinda want to look at the outfit separate to the Gossip Girl Queen Bee, in that I cannot scour from my mind that Marchesa lace jumpsuit monstrosity of last week. Seriously. Nor, frankly, can I usually ignore her odd legs and generally off-putting smugness. But props where due. Beautiful dress paired with gorgeous shoes has to count for something. And hair and make-up are rocking.
Marco: Leighton really is a girl who either gets it very wrong or very right. I don't know why she insists on all those "edgy" looks when we all know she is much better off dressing like Blair Waldorf. Do we need to bring up that Thom Browne suit she just wore? But In this case I cannot help but agree with you. It's pretty and understated and those shoes are the perfect colour and design. It's like she has to remind us from time to time that she actually has learned something from Gossip Girl.
PS: Ahem, Marco, just posted on that suit she wore and I loved it. Sorry mate.

BEN BARNES
Marco: I'm all for Harry Potter versus the kiddies who disappear into a cupboard. But I am rather liking the fresh young face of Ben Barnes from Narnia's latest installment. His look is sleek and clean and I know I say that a lot but - compared to smelly Rob - a clean shaven look does wonders. Instead of insulting you with yet another Hollywood tuxedo, I'd rather talk about someone who is young and dapper. Plus he's wearing a three-piece suit and you know how much I love that!
Robyn: Yikes! No offense, but all I can see are those crazy Dr Spock ears! It is scaring me a bit. Like all this kiddie-fantasy-movie malarky is scaring me away from the cinema. So unless this guy really does play Dr Spock in a movie for the grown ups, I have no opinion on him. Although his suit is very nice.

MARISA TOMEI
Robyn: Marisa Tomei has always been charmingly beautiful. But whilst I never really thought she deserved the Oscar nod for My Cousin Vinnie in her sweeter days, I definitely think it was deserved for her more mature woman role in The Wrestler. And it is this more elegant and self-aware Marisa that we see in this tangerine Westwood creation. On trend. Beautifully fitted. Still loads of personality. Gorgeous.
Marco: She whined a lot in the nineties, but I always thought she was a good actress. The real-woman-next-door kind of gal. Normal, perhaps which in itself is rare in Hollywood. The tangerine is anything but sour, in fact I think this is perfectly age appropriate and sexy all at once. She seems quite comfortable in her mid-forties while looking easily ten years younger. Dina Lohan could take cues from this one.

PRINCE WILLIAM
Marco: I've always favored Harry and his scruffy look over Williams clean cut much-like-his-dad look. Still, the royal engagement really does put old Willy in a modern day fairy-tale. And when you have such a knock-out for a fiancé then who cares about a little receding hairline? Nothing like a little blue-blood in a blue suit to show them. Beautiful tie, beautiful tailoring. This is why less is more.
Robyn: You know I am totally on board with this Royal Wedding situation, right? I mean, we had the FIFA world cup this year, next year it is all wedding and this time we can dress up. But I almost think that one of the reasons why Will must take a wife is so that she can be the ‘star’ and he can quietly do his Royal thing largely unnoticed. He seems like a sweet bloke. Let’s leave it there.

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Kim Kardashian and Ryan Gosling

KIM KARDASHIAN
Robyn: Yikes. I never thought I would feature a Kardashian. But I know this frock got quite a bit of 'Marmite' coverage this week (either you love it or hate it) and I thought that I would pitch in. I think it is pretty and striking and actually quite suited to the KK. I like the neckline very much. Mostly because building in the neckpiece is like a two-for-one sale. Bargain.
Marco: A Kardashian? Robyn I'm shocked. I can't tell, is it a bib? Is she getting her hair cut? I kid, but the neckpiece loses something in this pale blue dress. Wouldn't it be more striking with say, coral? I don't know, I'm a bit bored with it, really. I'm a Marmite man, but this dress gets a no from me... Hungry now.

RYAN GOSLING
Marco: The Gos used to irritate me back when he was a teenage star. It was the hair mostly. No one is naturally that white-blonde after 5, right? Now I'm all for him. He's rugged and sensitive and dresses impeccably. Just look at this double-breasted beaut. On trend, perfect fit and just the right length. He wears it with an ease that makes you question if he hires a stylist.
Robyn: I imagine he does have a stylist for this sort of thing. And didn't the stylist do well? I think it is is just weird enough for the guy who played the lead in Lars and the Real Girl, but also super-sharp. Great find, Marco, old chap.

Friday Fashion Face Off - Gwyneth Paltrow and Josh Duhamel

GWYNETH PALTROW
Robyn: Lady Gwyn is someone that usually just annoys me so much that I want to dig my nails in my arm just to distract myself from her smug piousness. And yet look at how beautiful she looks here. My six-year-old niece would think her a princess to see this. I sort of do too. Draped ombre with a gentle sparkle. So very pretty.
Marco: Robyn she may be very, very pretty in the tye-dyesque frock but for goodness sake she looks like she shops on Avenue Disney. She's like a Barbie. Or at least some sort of costume version of her. And I would prefer the cut of the dress without the side-ab panel. We get that she has a hot yoga body without it. No need to brag.

JOSH DUHAMEL
Marco: He gets my vote not for his new movie role, his good looks or his great taste in modern suiting, but for being the gentleman that he is. Wearing this sleek rounded lapel suit with just a silver tie for modest flair, Josh is allowing his wife to shine on her night at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Good chap.
Robyn: Whatevs. If I was casting the fictional movie 'Robocop - The Return' I would cast him in a heartbeat. I mean sure he looks dishy, but just too tan and plastic-looking for my tastes. And that tie is gunmetal grey, my dear.

Friday Fashion Face Off - Chris Pine and Eva Mendes (Again)

CHRIS PINE
Marco: I know what you're going to say, "Is it brown? Is it corduroy". Mind you, it could just be an intricate pinstripe. But in this case I really think it works. And you know how I love a three-piece. The fit is perfect, the paisley is unexpected but a nice touch. Perhaps that's why I like this look so much, because how many other young actors would step out in this?
Robyn: Dude, that is definitely not corduroy. A woollen pin stripe is what it is and it fits immaculately. Well done to Captain Kirk for that. And he is soooo pretty, innit. But jislaaik I feel uncomfortable just looking at the oke. Layering the jacket over the waistcoat in such a dense fabric just makes me break out in a sympathetic sweat.

EVA MENDES (AGAIN)
Robyn: To me, Eva looks like a tall, chilled glass of Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir. This Gucci column of beauty is perfection without looking too try-hard. Hair loose and accessories minimal help with creating this perfect balance. Worried about my mental balance though. Two times Eva and two consecutive red long dresses - hey Marco, do you think I may have a type?
Marco: Perhaps a teeny moratorium on Ms. Mendes eh, Robyn? But agreed, she is rather fetching as usual. Especially in red. This women can do no wrong on the red-carpet.

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Jake Gyllenhaal and Halle Berry

HALLE BERRY
Robyn: Now this is the cat-woman style we know and love. YSL red silk asymmetric drapery. You absolutely can not fault it. As I said on my blog last week, she is an alien life form, such is her perfection. Done.
Marco: Is it possible that she looks more beautiful now than when she donned this look the first time? I prefer the darker hair too, it's a mature version of her former self without making it look any less sexy. 'Meow' if there ever was a reason to say it. She really is knocking them back these days with her outfits. Gold dress anyone? Yes okay, i'll go see your movie.

JAKE GYLLENHAAL
Marco: He has the makings of someone to loathe. You know, charm, good looks, talent and the perfect beard. I should be jealous of him but alas am too busy taking cues from you Robyn, by imagining our bro-dates wherein I am doing something outdoorsy. But before that may I just commend Jake on his effortless and relaxed styling. I actually prefer it sans accessory. Modern fit, great shoes and no fuss. Easy enough to follow, eh boys?
Robyn: Sooooo, Jake and Taylor, eh? Why does that make me feel a teeny tiny bit grubby? So in a week where JAYLOR sightings seem to keep coming, you post a picture of Jake and ask me to comment on his style. Blonde, perchance? Oh, you mean the clothes. Well, he looks jolly nice in his suit. Sleek and simple. I like it.

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Minnie Driver and Andrew Garfield

MINNIE DRIVER
Robyn: I must be honest. My affection for the Minster has flip flopped terribly over the years. Until I sort-of forgot about her. But what a great way to jog my pathetically old memory - a turquoise Marchesa Grecian draped gown. Love the neck-piece detailing. And the soft silk. And the weird belty things. It just all works together. Lovely.
Marco: Ooh yes, I remember her. Wasn't she on Will & Grace? This dress is fantastic and that shade of blue is electric against the red carpet. But not convinced of the hair. Is it cropped or are those dangly bits? Pleased that she kept the accessories simple. Good way to remind people you're still around, lady!

ANDREW GARFIELD
Robyn: This is a chap with HAIR. I mean, it goes out there and makes a statement all of its own. It is a wondrous spectacle. But also I like how he has played with tones in the deeper end of the spectrum (greys, black, brown), without trying to be matchy-matchy. I do so like that in a style.
Marco: He looks a little, okay a lot like a Burberry model but that is all the more reason to love this guy. He's British and stylish, a great young actor and he's Spiderman! Those Blue soled shoes would be a great addition to any look even if you don't have broody eyes and hair that swoops.

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Sienna Miller v Daniel Craig But Not in Layer Cake

SIENNA MILLER
Robyn: Who knew HRH Sienna, Queen of the Boho, could do classic chic? A jaunt across the pond to France this week seems to have pulled the best out of her as she looks, fresh, pretty and elegant. A modern take on animal print with her Twenty8Twelve dress, paired with life-long-courts and a Chanel 2.55 handbag seems to work wonders for her. Add the red lippy and you have a winning look. See kids, there is a first time for everything.
Marco: For an actress who is more famous for her on-again off-again relationship with Jude Law than you know, her acting, it is a surprise she has lasted in the limelight this long. I do however enjoy her style thoroughly. Particularly her pixie cut phase. Hopefully we will see more of this lass because she does continue to have 'something' going on, whatever that is.

DANIEL CRAIG:
Robyn: Ah, who doesn't fancy a rugged, can-do kinda man? And when the clothing is classic and understatedly expensive, rugged looks all the more attractive. An excellent sartorial choice. Of course Mr Last-Name-Is-A-First-Name is also demonstrating the age old men's jacket button rule from the top - always, sometimes, never - which is a useful reminder for everyone I think.
Marco: Keeping the theme British this week I am quite fond of 007's wooly attire while filming the Girl with the Dragon tattoo. I love the tonal overcoat, It almost makes me miss winters in London. Yeah no, scratch that. If anyone needs me this weekend I'll be on the beach.