Billboard, the music industry’s preeminent magazine, presents awards annually based on United States year-end chart performance for sales, number of downloads and total airplay. Awards are given for top album, top artist and top single in a variety of different genres.

One of the most talked-about looks was that of pop singer Miley Cyrus, who looked decidedly grown-up in a white Jean Paul Gaultier tuxedo jacket and black-and-white Christian Louboutin pumps. She completed her look with Jacquie Aiche cocktail rings and a ’70s-inspired bouffant. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks rocked the red carpet in a three-quarter length sleeved cream Diane Von Furstenberg mini dress and black-and-silver heels, topping off her cute, casual look with David Yurman bangle bracelets.

Singer Nelly Furtado showed some leg in a white-lace Alberta Ferretti mini-dress with peek-a-boo black cutouts, nude pumps and big statement jewelry, including spiky earrings and a crochet bib necklace. Dancing with the Stars star Julianne Hough, who co-stars with Tom Cruise in a film version of Rock of Ages, left little to the imagination in her sequined-and-strapless draped mini-dress.

The belle of the Billboard Music Awards 2012 ball? Carrie Underwood, who bucked the short dress trend and continued her signature look of flowing locks and big ball-gowns, in a fun gray and blue tulle Oscar de la Renta dress.

Photos by Getty Images

Since becoming Duchess of Cambridge last year, Kate Middleton continues to wow fashion critics and royal subjects alike with her smart, demure wardrobe and simple hairstyle. Unlike many of today’s Hollywood starlets (and even royals of the past), Middleton relies on her classic looks to tell her story instead of wild dresses revealing lots of skin.

Her conservative style appears to have inspired celebrities. Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cate Blanchette have been spotted on the red carpet recently wearing full-length, high-necked gowns with sleeves to the wrists. The Met Gala earlier this month was a reminder that showing less skin is in.

Middleton’s personal style isn’t without a little pizzazz! Many dresses — such as the gorgeous cream-colored Roland Mouret gown sported on a recent private dinner in London with Prince William — have fitted bodices and high-slits. Her turquoise Jenny Packham dress at the Olympic Gala in London featured an intricate lace and delicate button on the sheer back, proving that even when she wears plunging styles, she keeps it prim and proper.

Plus, the Duchess uses her accessories as a chance to draw attention to her ensemble. She often pairs her modest dresses with gorgeous dangling tear-drop and chandelier earrings.

What is your favorite Kate Middleton outfit so far?

Photos from Getty Images

The Met Gala is known as  “fashion’s Oscars” because of the the glamorous red carpet styles worn by the guests. An annual affair since 1948, Vogue sponsors the annual opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute.  “Impossible Conversations,” this year’s exhibit, focuses on the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is the mastermind behind the gala.

Gowns in metallic hues such as bronze, silver and gold shimmered as the trend of the dazzling evening, considered to be one of New York City’s top social events.

Actress and new mom Jessica Alba wowed in the night’s most talked about dress – a flowing, bronze Michael Kors gown. TV star Sofia Vergara continued the trend in a figure-flattering, silver-embroidered Marchesa gown. She paired it with drop earrings and two delicate filigree bangles by Harry Winston.

Gwyneth Paltrow turned heads in head-to-toe Prada, sporting a revealing asymmetrical pale lilac dress and stiletto Prada heels embellished with crystals. Scarlett Johansson showed glittered in a nude off-the-shoulder Dolce & Gabbana mermaid style dress and gold Louboutin heels. She completed her look with Fred Leighton earrings.

What was your favorite look from the event?

*Photo credit Timothy A Clary

Approach your maid of honor and best man speech with maturity and sincerity. Following a few simple guidelines will help you wow the guests and leave your bride and groom smiling.

Take your wedding toast seriously. You’ll probably have a few months to prepare, but don’t wait until the last minute to write your maid of honor or best man speech. Remember that you’re speaking to the bride and groom on behalf of all the guests, and the goal is to congratulate and thank them for allowing you (and the guests) to share their wedding day. Don’t say anything that might shock or embarrass the crowd – or upstage the bride and groom.

Great maid of honor and best man speeches have a standard format with a personal touch. Start with a sweet joke or special memory you have with the bride, groom or both. Next, offer encouraging, heartfelt advice and well wishes for the couple. You could also pick a meaningful quote or read lyrics to their favorite song. Make sure you thank the bride and groom for inviting you – and don’t forget to raise a glass at the end of your maid of honor or best man speech!

Know your style; don’t try to be something you’re not. Create a simple outline on notecards with key phrases to help you remember your speech without the temptation of reading it word-for-word. Keep it short and sweet and you’ll create a memory that will last a lifetime.

The ring features a 7-carat flawless emerald cut diamond surrounded by another 9 carats of emerald cut diamonds. Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring has an estimated value of between $500,000 and $1,000,000!

The 16-carat stunner was designed by Brad Pitt himself with help from Robert Procop, Beverly Hills jeweler and former CEO of Asprey & Garrard – a company known best as the jewelry designers for the English royal family. Robert Procop was already familiar with Angelina Jolie’s style; he’s designed red carpet worthy pieces for her and offers a collection of jewelry inspired by the actress on his website.

Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring reportedly took a year to design, with each element holding a special significance. The diamonds around the band were cut specifically for Angelina Jolie’s hand, and each diamond has a “distinctive faceting to a shape and size that perfectly suits Angelina’s long, slender fingers,” according to the jeweler.

Although a date for the wedding has yet to be announced, we know for certain Angelina’s wedding plans – from shoes to dress to wedding jewelry – will be the talk of the town until she says “I do!”

*Photo credit: Pop Sugar

Mad Men’s costume designers agree a little vintage styling goes a long way. To get the “Mad woman” look from the show, grab a few basics for your wardrobe, including slim pants, a classic shirtwaist dress and A-line skirts.

The Mad Men women aren’t afraid of color and patterns, so go for rich jewel tones (like sapphire and emerald) or light pastels (lime and raspberry) when you’re choosing your vintage inspired pieces.

Your Mad Men-inspired look won’t be complete without jewelry and accessories. One must have Mad Men accessory… A gorgeous pair of pearls. The characters often sport layered pearl necklaces and dainty pearl earrings. Other jewelry pieces you’ll want to add to your collection are long necklaces and diamond brooches.

The Mad Men characters complete their stylish ensembles with structured bags (matching their shoes, of course!), scarves, headbands and cat-eye sunglasses. A swipe of red lipstick will leave you looking as chic as the Mad Men women!

At the 2012 Academy of Country Music awards, country stars came out in force to prove that their fashion – as well as their music – has evolved.

This year’s biggest fashion evolution at the ACM awards was country-crossover Taylor Swift, who debuted a stunningly grown-up look. Swift, who was nominated for three awards, donned a white column dress with midriff cut-outs and metallic detail, designed by J. Mendel. She traded her typical curly locks for loose waves and heavy bangs, and sizzled with a smoky-eye look.

Always flawless Carrie Underwood, nominated for two ACM awards, looked gorgeous in her strapless Abed Mahfouz chiffon gown – complete with a hip-high split and paired with silver Oscar de la Renta peep-toe heels. Long curls, thick, dark lashes and a nude lip completed her winning look.

LeAnn Rimes took the less traditional fashion route, forgoing a long, glam gown for a short, sassy printed Stella McCartney dress featuring swirled cut-outs. She paired the trendy dress with a pair of casual Louboutin heels, and wore her hair swept into an up do as she presented during the ACM awards.

Of course all the stars paired their designer clothes with sparkling diamonds and jewelry from designers Lorraine Schwartz and Johnathon Arndt. Nothing completes a gorgeous dress like bold jewelry, and these country music stars know it!

Photos: Reuters

Wondering if you should send a wedding invitation to friends or family members who may or may not come due to time or travel limitations? Wedding invitation etiquette says you should send an invitation regardless of whether or not you expect those guests to attend.

Invitations should be sent at least six weeks before your wedding to allow your friends and family time to make travel arrangements (if necessary) and hold the date on their calendars. Six weeks also gives you enough time to receive responses before final catering and location head counts are due.

Wedding etiquette also dictates that you use the correct names and titles of all your guests whenever possible. It’s much more personal and welcoming to specifically name the individuals accompanying your guests instead of writing “and guest” on the envelope. Make sure all names are spelled correctly, too. If you’re not sure how to spell them, ask before you address the invitations.

Also, when you’re assembling and addressing your wedding invitations, take the time to write them out by hand instead of using labels; the added personal touch will go a long way with your guests. Lastly, be sure to include directions, maps or hotel information for your out-of-town guests, but do not include registry or gift information.

Following these few etiquette rules will help to prevent any awkward moments or hurt feelings among your invited guests, which is the last thing a bride wants to worry about before her big day.

A number of designers, including Anna Sui and Oscar De La Renta, featured romantic jewelry on the runway in NYC. These pieces included flowers and other natural elements creating a sweet, feminine look. These pieces often included a pop of color, too, and could be easily paired with a sundress for the warmer temperatures.

We saw a twist on a trend that debuted this past fall. Chunky necklaces are still in vogue but have updated color palettes to match the new season. We also saw necklaces get a length extension; long necklaces were featured alongside shorter chunky pieces. Either way, it’s on-trend to wear necklaces that really stand out in a crowd.

The jewelry focus that is truly eye catching extends to bracelets and earrings as well. It was common to see large, chunky bracelets stacked one on top of another. Many bracelets stayed with the natural theme by including natural fabrics and materials. Flowers were also featured prominently in these looks. Earrings were often long chandelier-style pieces made of a variety of vibrant colors. Agates and other semi-precious stones were all the rage, making earrings real standouts.

Overall, the major trend for New York’s Fashion Week 2012 was easy to spot: bold, natural materials are a must for spring and summer. This season, jewelry is not to be ignored.

A while back, we told you how new technology is changing the face of the wedding industry. Personalization of wedding jewelry is no exception. Gone are the days of a simple “I love you” or a couple’s wedding date being engraved on the inside of a ring. Now a couple can have their fingerprints etched on their wedding bands or can create a digital recording of their voices or a favorite piece of music and have that computer-generated sound wave etched on the ring. Decades from now that sound wave could be scanned into a computer and voila, the story of a couple’s love could be retold to their grandchildren.

Another increasingly popular option is the use of more than one type of metal in the creation of wedding rings. For example, men may gravitate towards titanium for its durability, but can have it inlaid with gold or platinum for aesthetic purposes. A couple could bring an old family piece to their jeweler – say, their grandparents’ rings – and have them melted down and used as part of their own wedding set.

Also, the trend towards personalizing your ring choice means a couple no longer has to feel pressured into compromising on a matching ring set. A groom may want the chance to express himself through his band while a bride may want her wedding ring to feature a stone (or more!).

Creativity, personalization and the wearer’s individuality are all part of the wedding ring trends we’re seeing in 2012.

*Image source