As I mentioned earlier, between the plethora of nude dresses and the near-desecration of my favorite Reem Acra gown, there wasn’t much to get excited about on this red carpet.  The “Wow!” never came, but there were a few, “Oooh, I really like that’s!” for this pageant girl to enjoy.  

Here are the dresses that made me go “Ooh!” and “Ah!”:

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

This dress is sublime and perfectly crafted.  Of course, Angelina could make a burlap sack look gorgeous (esp. with Brad Pitt on her arm), but this dress has a regal elegance that is hard to beat.  

I’d also like to thank the actress and mother of 79 for providing me with my favorite red carpet moment of the evening when she verbally bitch slapped Ryan Seacrest when he tried to have a jovial conversation about her new movie, The Land of Blood and Honey, which is about rape and genocide in Bosnia during the 90s.  The icy glares she was giving him warmed my cold, black heart.

Dianna Agron in Giles

While some have criticized this dress as ill-fitting, I don’t agree.  The laser cut, swan detail on the bodice is just breathtaking.  And while the pleats are a bit unwieldy on such a diminutive frame, I was so glad to see a gown that wasn’t trained or fishtailed that I’m willing to let it go.  (Seriously, how many mermaid gowns can one carpet hold?)

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Much like Cate Blanchett’s Givenchy from the 2011 Oscars, the more I looked at this gown, the more I liked it.  Yes, the eagle on her belt is a bit superhero-esque, but the plum and raspberry frock is simply divine.  And frankly, I kind of enjoy how the belt and the shoulder detailing give the gown a bit of edgy chic.  So, shine on, Emma Stone, long may you reign.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

I adore this gown.  It plays up all of Vergara’s generous curves without overpowering her, and the texture created by the laser-cut detailing on the bottom is just extraordinary.  I would have appreciated but just a bit more oomph to the hair, but statuesque doesn’t even begin to describe this amazing ensemble.

Evan Rachel Wood in ???

I despise Evan Rachel Wood.  I mean loathe, detest, abhor.  And yet, she keeps making it onto these best dressed lists.  Last night, during the live chat, I actually lamented about how often her choice in gowns lands the smug former girlfriend of shock-rocker Marilyn Manson on this site.  But alas, Samantha McMillen is a genius stylist, and I must give her her due.  Peacock jokes aside, this is how you do feathers, sheer and sequins (take note Lea Michelle) and make it look spectacular.

Ariel Winter in Dolce & Gabbana

There was so little to rave about last night, that 13-year-old Ariel Winter made the cut.  The Modern Family star gets major points for choosing a dress that was pretty, playful and age appropriate.  The detailing on the skirt and bodice of this dress are just fabulous.  I especially like the twisted straps and just pouffy enough skirt.  I’d wear this to a cocktail party any time.

Her Mom also gets kudos for denying her daughter a cell phone until she gets a little older. Nothing irritates me more than the number of children under rollercoaster-height that I see texting on iPhones.  Hopefully, Hollywood doesn’t ruin her good upbringing or her sense of style.

Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

Now, this, is the Marchesa of my memory: elegant, feminine, the perfect mix of sexy and demure.  I adore the way that the sheer neckline allows the bodice to be cut low without being too revealing.  I am amazed by the intricate pleats, gathers and layers, the kind of fine detailing that you want to peruse with a jeweler’s loop.  And the color, the perfect shade of pale platinum is divine.  

My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that I would have like just a bit more jewelry.  A sparkiling drop earring and one bracelet more would be enough.

This dress is the gown of my dreams, but sadly, a bit too young for a woman about to leave her 20s behind.  So without further adieu, Belle’s Best Dressed of the 2012 Golden Globes is…

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

This dress is fantastic.  It’s sophisticated enough for a woman in her 30s, but still sexy.  This, Kate Winslet, is how you do two-tone, take notes.  Perfectly fitted, and perfectly chic, there isn’t a single thing that I would change.  Gorgeous.