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Last night saw the 2012 American Music Awards (AMAs) take place. And as usual, they represented the lowest common denominator in popular music, with Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift picking up the big gongs, and Psy doing Gangham Style to close out the night. But the red carpet didn't actually reflect this dumbed-down style. In fact there were some wonderful surprises that made it a pretty exciting carpet. Starting with this wonderful canary yellow Stella McCartney dress that Kerry Washington wore to great effect. Love her. Love this dress. And her hair-do. The soft coral shoes were the perfect accompaniment to avoid matchy-matchy disaster.

Kevork Djansezian/AMA2012/Getty

Then there was this soft pink Oscar de la Renta dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore. It's just on the right side of 60s chic to avoid being to saccharine. That neck line...divine. The Jimmy Choo shoes and the ultimate make-up job make this easily one of the looks of the night.

Kevork Djansezian/AMA2012/Getty

I was also taken with the very shot mini dress that Taylor Swift wore in softest gold. It was Zuhair Murad, but not see through. And the up-do and another brilliant make-up job made this totally age-appropriate and sassy.

Frazer Harrison/AMA2012/Getty

For the second time in a row I am also calling out Carly Rae Jepsen. She has recently started dressing more her own age (she turns 27 this week), than teenager-y. And it is really working for her. This halter Gomez-Garcia pink spangle dress, paired with the edge silver nails is a great combo. And keeping the hair mussy and the accessories simple is a great step forward for her style.
So who was your favourite? One of these ladies, or someone else? Let me know.