New York Street Beat: Beyond The LBD

The crime scene: très glamorous Cipriani’s 42nd St. The victims: Jessica Simpson and Deborah Norville. The perp: a Michael Kors gold leopard brocade dress. Tongues wagged recently when the gals showed up in the same gold sheath at the Accessories Council Awards Gala. We were front and center on the red carpet to watch the drama unfold. While the gossip rag paparazzi focused on the negative aspects of the fashion faux-pas, we have an entirely different spin: despite the naysayers, both women looked absolutely fabulous. Jessica rocked the look in a pair of black platform shoes of her own design; her trademark blonde locks framed her warm makeup to complete her sweet but sex kitten vibe. Deborah gave the dress a shot of old school chic in black tights and classic pumps; a pair of dangly earrings and a DIY handbag prevented it from looking dowdy and injected a bit of whimsy. We applaud both for not pulling a Clark Kent in the ladies room. Our fave red carpet must-have? Confidence!