While much of the free world is recovering from post-holiday excesses and indulgences and vowing to possibly do something those extra pounds, for the glitterati, not being in peak form – and fast! – could actually cost them their careers. Beginning with the Golden Globes on January 15th, followed by the Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 28th, the Grammys on February 11th, and finally, the mother of all red carpets: the Oscars on Feb. 25th. Because so many millions upon millions of eyes are upon them as work the red carpet, it's an important night to look just right because today, a star's look is a major part of their brand. The little elves that help Cinderella (of both sexes) get to the ball looking fine are the fashion stylists who pull the clothes, gowns, and accessories, and the hair & makeup crew. As "Sex and the City" showed, it's stylists like Patricia Field who can mold a stars image, and singlehandedly spark trends – so they wield a tremendous amount of power. Here are some up-and-comer's to keep an eye on. FASHION: BRITT BARDO: Kate Hudson, Eva Mendes, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Former assistant to Madonna's supa'stylist Andrea Lieberman. Worked for Jennifer Lopez as her full time stylist for half a year; later approached by Kate Hudson. Bardo strives to make her clients look "super-relaxed and effortless," she recently told WWD. "I don't want anyone to look like they are trying too hard." NICOLE CHAVEZ: Rachel Bilson, Jamie King, Kristen Bell Armed with a photography degree from Cal Polytech University, Chavez interned in the costume department on a Disney movie, and then the pilot of "The O.C.", overseeing Rachel Bilson’s wardrobe. Favorite designers include Brian Reyes, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs and J. Mendel, but for willowy former-model King, she tries out more avant garde looks. "With her, I have height on my side so we can go really fashion forward." PENNY LOVELL: Ginnifer Goodwin, Chris Klein, Josh Duhamel The former London fashion publicist discovered she enjoyed styling shoots involving actual people rather than human mannequins. She puts stars like "Big Love's" Goodwin in labels like Moschino, Marc Jacobs and Burberry – part of her philosophy of letting a client’s personality rather than the trends dictate the clothes. "When you do something so personal for someone, you have to get along, and the more honest you are, the better the results," she said. ANNIE JAGGER: Brittany Murphy, Ashlee Simpson, Natasha Bedingfield, Emmy Rossum The former University of Colorado art major dreamed about styling music videos, and interned at Nylon magazine. After working for Rachel Zoe in New York, she moved west. "Videos are about creating a story, and red carpet is about being appropriate to the occasion," she said, "but I don't want people to say about my clients. 'Oh, that's the girl who always shows up in a black dress.' I like to keep it interesting." TARA SWENNEN: Lisa Marie Presley, Nicollette Sheridan, Lauren Graham, Rebecca Gayheart While interning at Barneys New York, she met – and began assisting – Andrea Lieberman, learning the secrets of tour and video costumes. Later, under Rachel Zoe, she picked up the do’s & don’ts of the red carpet. "With a video I can go all out, but with red carpet, I make sure it's toned down since you have to play it safe these days, unfortunately," she said. "But I am willing to risk getting panned a little bit more because I see it as an art and I also represent peoples' personal tastes." LEE HARRIS: Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu Although he has costuming credits including Drew Barrymore's "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Spider-Man 2" and "3" under his belt, Harris credits his time as a wardrobe shopper for TV’s "Ally McBeal" as a high point of his career. "I feel that it is my job to think, edit and select the perfect pieces for fittings so that my clients don't have to spend hours and hours trying on dresses,"' he said. "They have more important things to do." HAIR & MAKEUP: TRACEY CUNNINGHAM: Reese Witherspoon, Renée Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera The former personal assistant for Bette Midler is now on many a speed dial for A-listers wanting a color intervention. Her time at John Frieda and later at Neil George obviously paid off handsomely. She’s the one responsible for Nicole Richie's transformation into a brunette, and the one that keeps Molly Sims fabulously blonde. "Less is more, and consistency is the key." ADIR ABERGEL: Keira Knightley, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Kristin Davis The son of an Israeli Black Panther and former dancer with the American Ballet Theatre found his calling when he met hairstylist Arthur Johns. His mentor taught him the business well and the tresses of Jennifer Garner and Anne Hathaway will be under his command at the Globes. "I am so passionate, it consumes me." RACHEL GOODWIN: Penélope Cruz, Hilary Swank, Hilary Duff, Selma Blair In her native San Francisco, Goodwin was a style wild child. "I have had every lip and hair color you can imagine." From her beginnings on a student film, she prefers clients with a risk-taking streak. "With someone who you have been with for a long time, you have a dialogue. The best things come out of a long relationship." MAI QUYNH: Demi Moore, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth As a graduate of Hollywood’s Studio Make-up Academy, Quynh's first job was working the Nordstrom MAC counter. "Once I got there, I liked it, but I didn't love it." She later worked for Jeanine Lobell of Stila, Paul Starr, and Pati Dubroff. "I [treat] everyone individually. I try to add my own little touch to it, but still make them look like themselves." ELAN BONGIORNO: Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross, Andie MacDowell, Heather Locklear It's all who you know, in this case Garren’s associate Thom Priano, to whom Bongiorno simply marched up and introduced herself at the Garren Salon at Henri Bendel. "That is how my whole career got started," she acknowledges. She is now known for her smoky eye and glowing skin.

• Fashiontribes Daily Lifestyle & Fashion Blog