Age and Beauty: The Best of Over 40 Style Leaders in 2011

Jennifer Lopez was voted the most gorgeous walking, talking, breathing 40something alive, but she's only 41. In other words, she hasn't come close to peaking yet.

There are other juicy women of a certain age – the best age – who I've had the honor to speak with this year or admire whose personal style has knocked me out. Maybe it's not a style I'll emulate, but for them it was absolutely perfect. They walked in the room and made a statement that no one was telling them how to dress, look or act.

Who had the best style in 2011? 

Helen Mirren

The best part of interviewing Helen Mirren is when she walks into a room. You just never know how amazing she will look. I'll never forget our last talk in New York where she was just wearing a gray skirt and a tight red cashmere sweater. Of course, after you marvel that her silver hair is so shiny, so full, so swingy then..... you start thinking about buying a red sweater. Of course, the best part of talking to her is that Mirren dazzles you with her wit, charm, and smarts. She is in one word: amazing. 

Ellen Barkin

There's nothing that enhances your style more than a quick tongue, an amazing sense of humor, frank words, a young, sex boyfriend….and a blonde power bob. Oh, we didn't even mention yet her uncensored Twitter accounted. You should check it out and subscribe. She even tweets from the tub. 

Meryl Streep

You gotta love someone who plays "The Iron Lady" who says at home she's the ironing lady. Her style is that of the Everywoman. She can be a devilish magazine editor or a French cooking icon. Now in her latest film where she plays legendary female head of state Margaret Thatcher, she shows that a steely backbone is your best accessory.

Viola Davis

A maid's apron actually enhanced her dignity and stature in one of the best movies of the year.  This great talent who is an Oscar front running for Best Actress for "The Help" is a newly adoptive mom with a chic style that in real life includes pantsuits and glam gowns. She's put together in real life, but we love to see her avoid falling apart on screen. She indomitable.

Sheryl Crow

Great style isn't just gowns and LBDs. No one rocks a pair of blue jeans and a tank top better than Crow who is a busy mother and amazing singer/songwriter. Crow with her long, loopy blond hair seems as ageless as her songs are timeless.

Madeleine Stowe

She's channeling her inner Joan Collins as the witch du jour on the nighttime soap "Revenge." Stowe started out as a movie star with "The Last of the Mohicans," but revamped her career for TV and now is diva delicious as a billionaire beeoch. No one does a low cut ball gown better these days on the small screen or a power up-do. It's not advisable to cross her. Ever. 

TELL US WHO YOU THINK IN HOLLYWOOD HAS THE BEST STYLE. I'LL GET THEIR TIPS IN AN UPCOMING COLUMN