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SoHo looked more like Hollywood last night as stars turned out for the much anticipated launch party for the famed British cheap-and-chic retailer Topshop in N.Y.C. And while the lead-up to the opening may have been plagued by delays, the wait was worth it as everyone from Topshop’s star designer Kate Moss to Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and tastemakers Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs headed to Balthazar for an exclusive dinner — that just happened to be one of the fashion events of the season. During a surprise performance by Hudson, who’s long been obsessed with the British retailer, the sequined star shouted out, “I’ve got my little Topshop outfit on. Is this all right?” Lovebirds Lopez and Mark Anthony watched as Hudson performed “One Night Only” from their seats at Moss’s table, which they also shared with designer Jason Wu. And while Lopez might be able to afford the priciest of designer garb, she told PEOPLE.com that she’s a fan of Topshop for its low-priced chic. “I love that you can get a lot of stuff there, really inexpensive,” she said, “that it fits really great, and they really concentrate on making cool, really cutting-edge clothes.” Check out all the goods at Topshop.com — free shipping all week!

Courtesy Gap

Hollywood is gearing up to mix it up for the holidays in a fun new ad campaign for Gap. Stars like Mila Kunis — whose “Hang Up Your Own Stockings” ad debuts exclusively above — Jennifer Hudson, Ashanti, Mary-Louise Parker, Jason Bateman and more stars will appear wearing a mix of the brand’s latest collection of knitwear and other fashion must-haves. But our favorite part of the campaign has to be Gap’s Merry Mix It site, which launches today and features a series of webisodes with unexpected pairings of actors, musicians and comedians performing remixed holiday carols. The unique site allows you to watch them perform or get in on the action by remixing and downloading your own version of “Jingle Bells,” recorded by Flo Rida and Trey Songs, using clips from the entire Gap Holiday cast — which includes everyone from Selma Blair to Jason Biggs to the Dixie Chicks and members of SNL. Click here to check out the site.

The Oscar winner has worn everything from Oscar de la Renta to Donna Karan, but for the cover of her new album, which hits stores in September, Jennifer Hudson proves that she’s no fashion snob, opting for a simple $36 glitter-striped American Apparel dress. Bargain hunting’s nothing new to the “Spotlight” singer, who readily admits to an obsession with affordable British chain Topshop. But while the cotton dress may have been a bargain, when it came to accessorizing the look she went decidedly high-end, glamming it up with a $475 LAI Vamp belt. We think Jennifer’s cover frock is even more flattering than some of her designer dresses (Oscars anyone?). And what we love most is that it’s a look we can get too! Click here to buy J. Hud’s dress at American Apparel. Interested in more affordable star fashion? Check out other star styles under $100 here including looks from Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Carrie Underwood and more.

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Since her role as Carrie’s Louis-Vuitton-loving assistant Louise in Sex and the City, Jennifer Hudson has become almost as well know for her budding sense of style as her award-winning roles. And while she might have access to the world’s most exclusive designer gowns, like the Escada giraffe print number she wore at last week’s Keep a Child Alive charity event in London, the actress dished to PEOPLE about her British shopping secret — and it doesn’t require a high-end salary to afford. “My favorite place to go is Topshop. I love Topshop!” Husdon says of the multi-floor U.K. shopping emporium. But while Topshop’s prices might be on par with the affordable apparel at stores like H&M, that doesn’t mean Jennifer’s sprees are saving her any money. “I made myself sit in the room so I would not go [this trip]! I knew I would spend too much money.” How much does she usually drop? “Thousands! It’s a lot! Sometimes I want a cart because there are so many levels. How much room can one store need? That’s like my dream place!” And PEOPLE let Jennifer in on our own little Topshop secret: the store’s website delivers directly to the U.S. “Don’t tell me that!” she shouted. Then, after a pause, demanded, “What is it?!” Click here to get the latest Topshop fashions delivered right to your door. Or you can visit the New York City location when it opens in SoHo this fall.

Clark Samuels/Startraks

–JESSICA ALBA got baby-ready, shopping for furniture for her new home with Interior-designer-to-the-stars Kari Whitman. The newly-engaged star then headed over to Harmony Lane to to prep for an upcoming jaunt to Sundance Film Festival. The mom-to-be stocked up on a chic and comfy La Rok Chain Doll Dress, a pair of baby-bump-friendly La Made Cashmere Cardigans, and four LinQ Hoodie Dresses in Raspberry, Almond, Black, and Navy. “I need clothes that are comfortable and loose now that I am pregnant!” a glowing Alba explained.

–Style icon KATIE HOLMES put her talents to the test at three-floor designer fabric emporium Mood in New York City. The Mad Money star perused the aisles of the Project Runway-featured store with daughter SURI in tow, selecting bolts of cream and khaki wools for custom suits for herself and hubby Tom Cruise.

–JENNIFER HUDSON got glam at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, stocking up on multiple colors and styles of Natori Couture dresses, including a figure-skimming Couture Basics Gown, $250, in taupe and black.

—KATE HUDSON hit up the aptly named Blonde in Santa Monica in a casual chic outfit of tunic and gladiator sandals.

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We expect large large flower pins and mis-matched patterns on Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City character, Carrie Bradshaw, but when we caught Jennifer Hudson on the movie’s set in these killer plaid boots and handbag we knew it was costume designer Patricia Fields at work. In character as Carrie Bradshaw’s assisant, Jennifer reminded us of Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada (also styled by Fields). Let’s hope the Oscar winner gets to go through the same chic transformation and we see more outrageous styles on her. Check out more on set looks here and then Tell us: Are you excited to see Jennifer Hudson in the Sex and the City movie?

The Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007 fashion show at Tuesday’s Saks Fifth Avenue Colleagues’ luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire featured lots of dresses paired with boleros, but honoree Brooke Shields kept it simple in an LBD and heels by the designer. Perhaps she recalled the beating Jennifer Hudson took when she showed up to the Oscars in one of Oscar de la Renta’s shiny cropped creations. In fact, J Hud’s bolero and brown dress actually made an appearance at the luncheon. No, not on Molly Sims and Angie Harmon, who showed up in more demure dresses from the designer, but on the runway, where it garnered a far more favorable reaction – there was actual clapping as people gasped at the idea that this was the much maligned dress. Another fashion déjà vu moment: the fuchsia gown worn by Jessica Biel. Note to Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, who infamously styled Hudson for the Oscars: just because a look works on the runway doesn’t mean that it’ll work on the red carpet.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/ap; Donato Sardella/WireImage

That ringing noise you hear is the sound of stars cashing in on their Oscar-related fame: first, Best Supporting Actor nominee Djimon Hounsou signed on to be the face of Calvin Klein’s new underwear line, Steel. Now, Avon’s just announced that Jennifer Hudson will be the spokeswoman for their fragrance Imari as well as Imari Seduction, which is launching in August. “It’s exciting to be representing the Imari brand, which really embodies confidence and femininity,” Hudson said in a statement. The star will appear in print ads and in the Avon catalogue promoting the perfume; hopefully, no python bolero jackets will be harmed in the making of this campaign.

Photo: Steve Azzara/Corbis

Love the way your favorite stars dress, but can’t always afford the designer pieces they wear? PEOPLE’s Stylewatch magazine shows us exactly how to get great celeb looks for less. Here’s an outfit of Jennifer Hudson’s that we loved — and how you nab one like it for your own closet.

Get the Look of Jennifer Hudson’s Easy Elegance:
-WD-NY empire-waist cotton dress with military button detail, $186. Call 212-395-9309
-Pedre Marcasite Bangle Watch, $98 at ravinstyle.com
-Sequin Silver double hoop earrings, $68. Call Henri Bendel at 1-800-423-6335
-Oscar by Oscar de la Renta “Simone” peep toe pumps, $230, at piperlime.com

Photo: Mark Davis/Getty; jeff harris

They performed together both onscreen and on the Oscars stage, but each of the talented singer-actresses in Dreamgirls hit their own high notes on the red carpet last night. With the aid of Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, Jennifer Hudson made a stylish entrance in an Oscar de la Renta chocolate silk jersey gown with ruched bodice, metallic python bolero and major Neil Lane jewels. Anika Noni Rose was glamorous as promised in a silver sequined Naeem Khan showstopper, Chopard diamonds, and $500,000 Kwiat diamond-studded Stuart Weitzman shoes. As the award show veteran, Beyonce lived up to her fashionable reputation in a pale green Armani Prive gown and glittering Lorraine Schwartz jewels. We think the ladies all look amazing, but isn’t it fun to play favorites? Tell us: Which Dreamgirl’s Oscar look do you like best? Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose or Beyonce?

Click here to see all the Best Dresses of the night, and for more of the latest news and gossip on the Oscars, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/ap; Tammie Arroyo/AFF; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Designers may all want to dress Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Hudson for the big night, but when the Dreamgirls star needed some comfortable footwear for her Oscar rehearsals on Thursday, she called on the folks at Piperlime, the online shoe shop that was gifting celebs at the Marie Claire-sponsored Luxury Lounge. “She wanted something comfortable, cute and flat,” says a company rep, who quickly shipped over a bunch of shoes, including a shiny red ballet flat by Taryn Rose (which was inspired by Sienna Miller in Factory Girl) $445 as well as styles by Cynthia Vincent, Steve Madden and Charles by Charles David.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: john shearer/wireimage

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson is the Diva of this year’s award season.

Signature Look: Figure-hugging dresses with deep V-necklines and shimmering fabrics. Hudson’s hair is almost always wavy and loose, while her makeup tends toward berry lips and metallic shadows.

Favorite Designers: The star has designer-hopped, wearing Vera Wang, Donna Karan and Prada to recent events. Shoes are often by Stuart Weitzman, with diamonds by Neil Lane.

What She Will Wear: According to an article in Vogue written by editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally, who is styling the star, Hudson will most likely wear Oscar de la Renta.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty; Robert Pitts/Landov; Lisa Rose/jpi

Who could ever imagine one dress could look great on Raquel Welch, Jennifer Hudson and Angie Harmon? Donna Karan, the designer who has been committed to making women look good for over 20 years, that’s who! Her wool jersey wrap dress with a bold gold buckle looks amazing on these three beautiful women even though they have such different body types. We love how each woman picked the version that was best for them, too. Raquel Welch showed off her famous curves while keeping her arms covered — as did Jennifer Hudson, who put a younger twist on the dress with her shorter hemline. Angie Harmon boldly took the plunge in her down-to-there halter. Is this really a dress that flatters all body types? Hey, if you have $2995 to spare at a Donna Karan store, you can find out for yourself. (Dress sadly not sold online.)

Photo: Desiree Navarra/GAMMA, Lamour Evens/SIPA, Dennis Van Tine/Abaca

Not only is Jennifer Hudson nominated for multiple awards for her first role in a movie (as Effie in Dreamgirls), but she is already working the red carpet like a pro. Dressed in a satin Prada dress at the National Board of Review gala, she admitted that she hasn’t picked out her Golden Globes gown yet but “we’re working on it. But it’ll be sexy!” She says that she picks dresses for events based on “whatever feels good. Whatever jumps out at me. I’m always looking for classiness and something that [complements] my figure.” And how does she feel about being normal-sized? “I celebrate it,” she said. “I am unique around here. Everyone else looks the same!” No doubt, she is a red-carpet standout for all the right reasons.

Get the full scoop on the Golden Globes on our exclusive Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty

Last Thursday we asked you which Golden Globe nominee you were most excited to see, and it seems like Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson is the name on everyone’s lips (or fingertips, since you typed it). We’re so thrilled for this former American Idol runner-up, and know we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the next couple of months. We’ve noticed that she likes to play with her hair. In October, she had long, one length locks (as she wore to the DGA Honors) but we also like these cute, playful bangs she’s been wearing recently. Tell Us: Which do you like better: Bangs or no bangs?

Photo: Carolyn Contino/BEImages; Michael Buckner/Getty