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Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba joins us again to blog about her style (and all the backstage scoop) on the show’s 16th season. This week, she talks about the sexy dress that made her wish she had a date night planned — and sending her jewels flying into the audience.
What an incredible night in the ballroom. The number Derek choreographed based on the late Fred Astaire’s incredible genius was so impressive. It’s exciting to see such innovative choreography, even though the idea was borrowed. It’s a reinvention and that is what happens with art.
What was impressive is that it didn’t feel like a second rate version of a classic. Instead, it felt like a wonderful unique piece of art that will stand the test of time. I haven’t been that impressed since his Paso Doble the night before!
That was just a little reminder to my judging friend Len Goodman … who I still say robbed them of a perfect 30. But I still love him and respect him. We are all there for different reasons, and a little argument here and there never hurt anyone.
I wanted to talk about my look tonight. It was fun — I actually came in early today because I had the sudden urge to do a big change. So I asked Anna Maria Orzano, my friend and hairstylist, to do a little ombré on my hair. I woke up at 6:00 a.m. so ready to get to the set to get my hair done. So, Anna Maria took three hours to get it all done and we were ready for show.
I was going to wear this incredible dress but we decided to save it for Monday. So you’ll see it then and I’d love your feedback on it. But tonight I wore a lacey short dress by Gemy le Prêt.
Well, let me just say, Gemy le Prêt, I’m wearing your designs on my next date. I have not received this many compliments from the men on our set ever. It shocked me! I’ve been working with a lot of our crew on a variety of shows for around 20 years. And in many ways, they just see me as one of the team. But tonight was a different story … and I have to admit, it was kind of fun.
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In my personal life, I’m quite shy and don’t like a lot of attention. I cry when I have to give a speech to my friends I get so nervous. But tonight, this dress made me feel really good. It was very comfortable, and I felt very feminine in it. And judging by the reaction from the boys, it may also be a bit sexy. It’s true, men do love a little skin and lace! So for those of you ladies out there looking for a great date dress — well, this might be your lucky dress.
As always, I had fun with my jewelry as well. I’ve always loved jewelry, and it’s been a dream of mine to create a jewelry line. Which is why I’m excited to have a new favorite ring. It’s very pretty and unique. It’s a gold eternity band, and it reminds me of a modern version of my mother’s wedding ring. It’s got a scalloped edge and pretty diamonds inside. It’s one of those rings that can go from day to night and right back to day — us modern women like convenience! The ring is by Pandora Jewelry and is called their Eternal Radiance.
The tennis bracelet was by Lance Fischer and goes for $28,000. So I won’t be wearing that on a daily basis but I loved it and framed it with two of Danielle Steven’s chain and rhinestone bracelets. BaubleBox did it again with their brown statement ring and the gold flag ring (next to my new favorite ring by Pandora) is by Nissa. It’s a cool ring to wear at the office or out on a date as well.
My stylist Gabrielle Letamende just bought me some new shoes by Loriblu Bijoux and they were comfy enough to dance and get down to Jason Derullo. I love his music. It’s always so much fun to dance to. I did almost lose one of my jewelry pieces — the Deepa Gumani spiked beaded cuff on my right hand went flying across the audience when I was dancing to Jason’s performance. Luckily, we have an honest audience!
Even though it’s sad that Sean went home, I think he had a good time and had a good ride. I really commend our producers tonight for putting together an ambitious show. If you could have seen the apparatus that was used for Derek’s number — all I can say is “Wow!” Thee show was really great, and while I wish I could have gone out on a date tonight right after the show (thanks to my sexy dress), instead, I’m here at LAX getting ready to fly to N.Y.C. I’m doing some press for the next few days, and I’m going to hang with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. Should be fun … I guess the dates will have to wait a bit!
