For actress Kristen Bell, playing a 1980s TV reporter in the upcoming film Big Miracle was a chance to emulate her fashion idol: her mother.

“I grew up in the ’80s but it wasn’t my prime. But I had older sisters and I definitely looked up to the way my mom dressed,” Bell told reporters during a press event Friday at the Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. “The first time I realized, ‘Oh, look at these beautiful, stylish women in my life,’ was around the time the [Big Miracle] story happened.”

Director Ken Kwapis calls Big Miracle — based on the real-life attempts to save a family of whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in 1988 Alaska — a “period piece, as weird as that sounds.” And while the film co-stars Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, it’s Bell’s eager reporter that dons the more stereotypical 1980s fashions in the film.

“It was really fun working with the costume designer to create all these amazing shoulder pads and all these cool pastels,” Bell explained. “And [my character's] hair obviously had to be big so we did hot rollers every day which was fun and then teased the crap out of it.”

One awesome last accessory tied all Bell’s outfits together, though: press-ons.

“I wore press-on nails,” she admitted, “because everybody had long, pink fingernails in the ’80s.”

Big Miracle opens nation wide Feb. 3.

–Patrick Gomez

In less than two weeks, five of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading ladies selected similar looks from Valentino’s spring/summer 2012 collection.

For the Jan. 9 Rome premiere of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara wore a scarlet, tiered gown with piqued sleeves and sheer paneling. In the days that followed, both Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell attended awards season soirees in leather-accented styles, while Kirsten Dunst and Kate Bosworth opted for slightly more black-tie versions of the same silhouette.

Valentino is “synonymous with red carpet and glamour,” Alba’s stylist Brad Goreski tells PEOPLE of the seasonal collection’s appeal. For his client, “the combination of leather and lace was absolutely perfect” for the InStyle and Forevermark Golden Globes pre-party because of its “mixture of ladylike and edgy” qualities.

The Bravo star credits the line’s “sort of whimsical quality” as an enduring red-carpet trend, but says that unexpected details manage to keep the dresses young. “That is why for stylists, it’s a sure thing,” he declares, adding, “you know if one of your girls is wearing Valentino, it’s going to be a good moment.”

–Justine Harman

ON A BUDGET? GET STAR LOOKS FOR LESS! 

With stylish clients like Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell, über-stylist Nicole Chavez has the cool girl look down pat. And with her involvement with new consignment site reFINEstyle.com, she’s getting us one step closer to achieving it ourselves! We asked Chavez, the site’s Style Editor, to give us some advice on how to successfully shop consignment. Her top tip: “When it comes to consignment it’s really about word of mouth and recommendations from friends and fellow shoppers. Once I hear about a good store I will go check it out. It’s important that the merchandise is current, authentic and lightly worn or not worn at all.” Which is why she’s so enthusiastic about reFINEstyle, started by Megan Masoner. “What is so great about reFINEstyle, they have taken out the research and legwork for the consumer,” Chavez tells PEOPLE. “The sellers on reFINEstyle are invited/hand-selected so you don’t need to worry, all the products on the site are authentic and in good condition.” With some of the country’s best consignment stores in one place, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch to score a good deal — just get inspired by Chavez’s favorite find! “[My] best consignment score — the Venice-print Prada cotton dress, and I found it in one of my favorite NY stores (which is now on reFINEstyle).” Check out the site for yourself now! –Melissa Liebling-Goldberg
SHOP CELEB STYLE IN ‘STAR LOOKS FOR LESS!’

It’s been 15 years since the first Scream film hit theaters, delighting audiences with thrills and chills. And while the cast members have come and gone — some in an untimely manner on screen — Scream 4 seems to be the most star-packed of the series yet. Last night, the sure-to-be-frightening film premiered in Los Angeles at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, drawing a whole roster of celebs. But the ladies who really stood out were original stars Courteney Cox and Neve Campbell (in Vivienne Westwood), plus newcomers Kristen Bell (in Vanessa Bruno), Hayden Panettiere (in Zac Posen), Anna Paquin (in Cushnie et Ochs) and Emma Roberts (in Burberry). We loved all of their pretty dresses, but we want to know what you think. Tell us: Who gets your vote for best-dressed Scream 4 star?

Startraks; WireImage; FilmMagic

Kristin Bell has parlayed her glowing skin into Hollywood’s newest beauty contract, inking a coveted deal with Neutrogena. “I am really excited to be the new face of Neutrogena Naturals because I trust [the brand] so much already,” Bell tells PEOPLE of the line that she will represent, which contains no contain dyes, chemical sulfates, parabens or petrochemicals. “I strive to live a healthy lifestyle, and…to be able to represent a line that I actually use and like to incorporate into my daily routine is ideal,” she explains. Bell joins Neutrogena’s other beautiful ambassadors, like fresh-faced Miranda Cosgrove, Jennifer Garner, Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere, Gabrielle Union and Emma Roberts. Fans don’t have to wait to get glowing skin like Kristen’s: her facial cleansers, facial scrub, bar soap and lip balm are already rolling into stores across America. Tell us: What’s your take on Kristin Bell as the latest face of Neutrogena?–Kim Peiffer

FIND OUT STARS’ BEAUTY TIPS AND TRICKS!.

A new trend is in bloom! This season, summer’s pervasive prints have been reincarnated into decadent and glamorous oversized florals. On Monday, Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was spotted out and about in London, sporting a kimono-inspired mohair Dolce & Gabbana black overcoat, dotted with pink and white buds. The style must be contagious because that same night, Kristen Bell stepped out for the U.K. premiere of Burlesque in an equally wild Stella McCartney mini dress, which she tempered with merlot satin pumps. The very next evening, reality starlet Kristin Cavallari turned up at the L.A. premiere of Country Strong rocking a coppery floral bodice gown with newly platinum tresses. And while we love the look on our breezy summer frocks, we’re still on the fence about this blooming winter trend. Tell us: What do you think of oversized florals for winter? – Justine Harman

VOTE ON STARS STYLE MATCH-UPS IN FASHION FACEOFF!

Tapping the minds and deep pockets of famous friends like Ashton Kutcher, Mandy Moore and James Franco, Edward Norton is getting in the holiday spirit this season through his charitable giving site, Crowdrise.com. “People like to do nice things for each other and have fun around the holidays, so we put this together in that spirit,” Norton said of the site’s new campaign, Crowdrise Holiday Fundraiser Thing (CHFT). Meant to “peer pressure” the world into fundraising, Crowdrise gives members the opportunity to join a team and a cause, like Paul Rudd’s for the American Cancer Society, to help raise money. And if supporting a specific charity with the help of your favorite star isn’t enough incentive, Norton has also added some stylish holiday shopping to the site from fashionista friends like Kristen Bell. The actress has teamed with Satya Jewelry to create the Acholi necklace, a 24-carat gold vermeil tree-of-life pendant and peridot gemstone, to benefit Invisible Children, an organization dedicated to ending the use of child soldiers in East Africa. And if you’ve already crossed off jewelry from your shopping list, Will Ferrell’s gift is sure to win you over: a bottle of suntan lotion with a nude shot of the actor on the front—for his Cancer for College campaign, of course! To join your own fundraising team, or visit crowdrise.com because everyone’s doing it! –Jessie Goldberg
SHOP 35 EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

Courtesy SHAPE

After celebrating her 30th birthday last month, Kristen Bell is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Appearing on dual covers for the September issue of Shape, the stylish actress shares her 30 best stay-fit tips, challenging women to embrace a more balanced approach to fitness. Opting for an active lifestyle over fad diets, she admits: “I’m like a jackrabbit throughout the day and like to keep moving whenever I can.” Instead of depriving herself of caloric sweets, she makes compromises. “More flights of stairs means I can eat more candy!” And when Bell isn’t playing board games with fiancé Dax Shepard, she can be found planting vegetables in her organic garden or getting crafty at home. “I love to do projects around the house,” she explains. “I have a very old sewing machine, and if I spot something I like in a magazine, I want to see if I can make it.” To hear more from Kristen, pick up the September issue of Shape or visit Shape.com for a behind the scenes look at her cover shoot. –Justine Harman

Courtesy SHAPE

Splash News Online

Kristen Bell might be rethinking her blonde bombshell status. For her role in the upcoming movie musical Burlesque–also starring Christina Aguilera and Cher—the California girl covered up her golden locks with a brunette wig. “When I had the wig on I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. I felt like another person,” Bell tells Instyle.com. And for the usually sunny-haired star, the temporary change might be something she is considering for good. “Now I’m over being blonde. If I’m well received as a brunette in Burlesque then maybe I’ll go brunette in [real life]!” While we are used to Kristen as a blonde, we love the chocolate brown hair against her fair skin and sparkling blue eyes, and think she should try it out for real. Tell us: Should Kristen Bell go brunette in real life or should she stick to blonde? –Andrea DeSimone

Courtesy Shoedazzle; Dennis Van Tine/Retna

She lends her seductive voice to narrate the hit show Gossip Girl, and now actress Kristen Bell is also lending her stylish hand to charity—designing a one-of-a-kind pair of shoes to benefit children battling serious medical conditions. With the help of 25 young patients at L.A.’s Shriners Hospitals for Children last spring, the star spent an afternoon designing the chic pair of shoes as part of the Art of Elysium workshop, a non-profit that brings actors, musicians and artists into the lives of hospitalized children. Bell and her helpers came up with the “Midge,” a $39.95 gladiator-inspired platform sandal that comes in a versatile neutral shade. “I wanted it to be comfortable and in a color you can use a lot,” said Bell. Proceeds from sales of the limited-edition shoe, available at ShoeDazzle.com starting August 9 until supplies last, will go to the Art of Elysium’s programs. “I was excited to partner with ShoeDazzle to design a one-of-a-kind shoe benefiting The Art of Elysium,” said the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star. “I hope that the women who purchase this shoe will wear it with pride, and feel beautiful, knowing that they are supporting a wonderful cause.” –Maureen Harrington

INF

While most starlets are still embracing a less-is-more philosophy in skintight minis for the red carpet, Kristen Bell bucked the trend for Chanel’s annual Tribeca Film Festival dinner, dressed in an anything-but-basic black Chanel dress with a bell-shaped skirt. But not everyone wants to stand out from the crowd so much. We have to wonder if the shape of her skirt is too much for most? Or is it a cool retro look that would fit into any fashionista’s wardrobe? Vote in our poll below and then tell us: Would you wear a bell-shaped dress like Kristen’s?

Kathy Hutchins/Hutchins

What girl hasn’t dreamed of designing her own shoes? This Tuesday Kristen Bell finally got to live out that fantasy–and it was all in the name of a good cause. Joining 25 young patients in the playroom at an Art of Elysium design workshop at L.A.’s Shriners Hospitals for Children, the actress put pen to paper and sketched her first-ever heel for a charity initiative with online shoe society ShoeDazzle. “I’ve never designed in my life,” she admitted to PEOPLE, but luckily her new young friends were on hand to weigh in. The end result? A faux-leather gladiator-bootie, which Bell dubbed “The Midge.” Kristen’s shoe will be produced for Kim Kardashian‘s online shoe club ShoeDazzle later in the summer, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Art of Elysium, a nonprofit program that brings actors and musicians into the lives of seriously ill children. “I’m in a profession of vanity, so this is grounding for me, and I hope fun for the kids,” she explained of spending the day with the children, who also did a lot of playing, painting and drawing of their own. Kristen’s shoe will hit ShoeDazzle.com this August, but in the meantime, check out her sketch of “The Midge” below. “You can wear these anywhere,” said Bell, “and hopefully they’ll be comfortable.” – reporting by Maureen Harrington

Kathy Hutchins/Hutchins

Courtesy Neil Lane; Lester Cohen/WireImage

Kristen Bell may have been totally stylish on the Grammy Awards red carpet last night in her Etro dress and Jimmy Choo heels, but it was her jewelry that grabbed all the attention — her new engagement ring, in fact! Bell’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE that she got engaged to longtime boyfriend Dax Shepard over the holidays, and she took her Neil Lane-designed ring out for a spin last night. The gorgeous ring is a fancy-colored emerald cut diamond that is over 3 carats, set in platinum with small white diamond accents. And we can only imagine what a gorgeous wedding gown this red carpet favorite will pick out! –reporting by Elizabeth Leonard

Peter Wintersteller/Berliner

In spite of Kristen Bell‘s busy acting career, the Couples Retreat star still took the time to make saving the world look stylish. Last week, Bell joined Pete Wentz and Rachel Bilson to co-host the Guess/Vanity Fair party in Los Angeles to launch special edition organic Guess T-shirts that benefit the nonprofit organization Invisible Children. Pairing one of the T-shirts with a sexy Vena Cava dress and Christian Louboutin pumps, Bell talked to PEOPLE about her involvement with the organization, which promotes youth education and economic development in war-torn regions of Central East Africa. “It’s just standing up for humanity, which I think is really important for us to do for each other,” she said. Bilson agreed, saying, “It’s also important to spread the word about these T-shirts. You can buy them, and all the proceeds go to Invisible Children.” The party stayed lively with Wentz behind the DJ booth and attendance by celebrity friends such as Annalynne McCord and Eliza Dushku with boyfriend Rick Fox. Buy your own Guess Invisible Children T-shirt for $26 on Guess.com, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization. –Susan Yara

Jeff Vespa/Wireimage

For a sexy, flattering shape, look no further than Phillip Lim.  His intricately beautiful designs and unique structure continue to garner attention from fashion-savvy celebrities, who rushed to help the N.Y.C. designer celebrate the one year anniversary of his West Hollywood boutique. “The shapes are unbelievable. I’m a girl without much shape on my own so I appreciate a designer who knows how to accentuate a women’s body,” 90210 star, Shenae Grimes told PEOPLE.  Adds host Rachel Bilson, “He really designs for every women.  Every article of clothing is amazing, you literally walk into his store and want everything.  If I had it all in my closet I’d be like the best-dressed person!” The store itself is another example of Lim’s attention to detail.  The designer and California native said,  “The store is just a simple palette, when you walk in, it’s like the cleansing of the palette when you go inside it exposes all the tastes and the spices.”  That spice is what makes Molly Sims a fan, “Everything is a little off.  He’s never going to put something together that is expected…and he pulls off being very conservative in a very vintage way. Wanting to create a special night reminiscent of a summer concert, Lim chose his favorite band, The Duke Spirit to serenade the crowd on the outside patio and personally consulted with his celebrity clients before the event.  Of her outfit, Kristen Bell simply said, “He (Lim) picked it for me so I just said “ok, I’d be happy to [wear it]!”–Michelle Ward

Steve Granitz/WireImage; INF; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Rachel Bilson, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Bell might have completely different looks, but one thing they all have in common is their stylist Nicole Chavez. For Sunday night’s Teen Choice Awards, Nicole tells PEOPLE, “I wanted a very casual, fun, young vibe — I was gravitating towards really soft palettes,” for all her clients. Rachel was Nicole’s first client four years ago when they met on the set of The O.C. and Bilson encouraged her to start styling. Rachel, who won for Teen Choice Movie Actress Action Adventure for her thriller Jumper, wore a blue one-shouldered Brian Reyes dress (someone that Rachel “loves working [with]“). Of her longtime client, Nicole says, “Rachel is very natural with fashion. She’s not afraid to wear something that is a little different or unexpected.” Kristen Bell “immediately gravitated” to her Jenni Kayne hot pink skirt and nude cami. Of the look, Nicole says, “The color combo’s great. It’s super modern, cute. Perfect for Teen Choice.” For Scarlett, it was a Matthew Williamson chiffon dress with a burst of colors on the beaded shoulders, but, says Nicole, “The real statement will be about the jewelry. It’s fun to layer things and be more bold.” All the pieces were from Scarlett’s friend jewelry designer Sonia Boyajian, who designed her engagement ring. Like Rachel, Nicole says Scarlett isn’t afraid of a fashion risk. We love all Nicole’s girls’ looks. Tell us: Who was your favorite– Rachel, Kristen or Scarlett?

Steve Granitz/wireimage

It’s that time of year again when we’re all trying to refresh our spring wardrobes. One trend you won’t want to miss? Flirty black and white graphic patterned dresses. Your votes let us know how much you love those print frocks with sweetheart necklines, featured in our latest Trends Gallery. So we tracked down Kristen Bell‘s exact dress, as well as other similar styles to help you get this standout spring look even on a shoestring budget.

Get Kristen’s Look!
For Real:
Jay Godfrey dress, $510 at neimanmarcus.com

For A Steal:
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent silk dress, $382 at ronherman.com

BCBG Max Azria floral print hammered satin dress, on sale for $196 at bloomingdales.com

Shoshanna’s black gingham dress, now on sale for $163 at bluefly.com

Silk chiffon dress, $148 at whitehouseblackmarket.com

Jordan Strauss/WireImage

What man is lucky enough to elicit declarations of love from Ashley Olsen, Rachel Bilson, Hayden Panettiere, Molly Sims and Kristen Bell — all on the same night? Shoemaker extraordinaire Christian Louboutin, of course! Young Hollywood’s A-list turned out to fete the french designer at an exclusive cocktail party in Hollywood last night. Hayden (in a Trina Trunk halter top) gushed to PEOPLE of her platform pumps, “these were my birthday gift, and I’ve had one pair like every week since. I’m addicted, but I’ve only bought two. I don’t know how I’ve managed to acquire [them]. It’s like they’re popping out of the woodwork!” While Hayden and Heroes costar Kristen Bell whispered in a corner, Molly Sims revealed she’s been a fan of Louboutin for over a decade. “They’re comfortable, they’re stylish — he just hits it whether it be with the ribbon or the cork or the platform. I mean, have you seen the new sexy shoe boot with the zipper up the front? He’s incredible!” Echoing the ultra-luxe shoes wearability and comfort was Friday Night Lights‘ Minka Kelly, who claimed “the first day that you wear them it feels like you’ve worn them for 4 years. You can wear them all day long, and they’re really the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn.” As for the man of the hour, Louboutin told PEOPLE that his success “comes from a very simple thing is that when you”re designing things, people can see the pleasure in doing what you do, and my biggest pleasure is actually my work and is designing shoes.” Lucky for us!

Check out a selection of Christian Louboutin’s shoes at saks.com.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty

As if stars needed another reason to head to Saks! The Elie Tahari boutique opened inside Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills Tuesday night and Marcia Cross, Kristen Bell, and Big Shots‘ Jessica Collins stopped by to check out Tahari’s super soft v-neck tees, cashmere sweaters, silk tops, and tailored slacks. Inside the party, Cross chatted with a girlfriend while Bell caught up with two male friends and sipped champagne. “A friend of mine actually started working with [Elie Tahari] and said ‘you’ve got to see their stuff’ and I wasn’t familiar with them before,” Bell told PEOPLE. “I think that the same year he blossomed and started having events like this and designing in a different way,” For new mom Cross, the event was even more exciting. “Can we shop tonight?” she asked PEOPLE on the way in. “I don’t get out of the house anymore, so if we couldn’t shop tonight, we’d go at nap time tomorrow.”