I looove the Oscars. I love Celeb Award Shows because I just love to swoon over the fashion! As my sister
says in her Blog, to us it's like a one day test or All Blacks Game are to some - something we look forward to every year. And THIS year I finally have cable - so for the first time since I lived in Sydney (where they showed the Oscars and the Golden Globes on terrestrial TV), I can watch the Oscars, and the E Red Carpet special.
I have to say, for me this year it was
all about RED. Loving it. New ingenue Jennifer's Lawrence's gorgeous Calvin Klein Collection gown was a standout for me, as were CK's similar dresses on Clare Danes and Emma Stone at the Golden Globes -
see those dresses here.
Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection
Rhea Durham (Mark's wife) in Naeem Kahn
Jennifer Hudson in Tangerine Versace
Anne Hathaway in Valentino
Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang Other Faves - I always love a bit of glitzy beading. Designers like Marchesa, Gucci, Versace, Givency, Valentino and Oscar de la Renta are usually the go-tos for pretty/sexy dresses for awards shows. Hilary Swank's gorgeous Gucci below is a gorgeous safe-bet standard glam awards gown - the pale/nude shade, glittery/beaded full-length number. Halle Berry and Michelle Williams have followed suit.
Hilary Swank in Gucci
Halle Berry in MarchesaMichelle has redeemed herself after a run of
ugly dresses this awards season, in this pretty, sexy yet still demure number. She must've read the reviews & fashion police and has opted also opted for a safe bet, choosing Oscar de la Renta. I do like the fact she went for a high neck, which is consistent with her not-too-sexy style mantra.
Michelle Williamson in Oscar de la Renta You can't go wrong with classic black - love the low cut - paired with the austere hair, it's not too 'hoochie'. Beautiful and elegant, yet sexy.
Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco (?) I'm just not sure about these ones...Cate Blanchett's Givenchy gown got a lot of kudos, and my sister loves it!
See more here. But alas when watching on telly when Cate arrived I had my strongest negative opinion yet - not enamored with the lilac and yellow, and the cut out stomach bit framed with bobbly things grossed me out completely because it totally reminds me of those anatomy dolls with the stomach cut out to reveal the innards - yukky! However I, like the silhouette and cut of the dress - just without the ugly bobbly bits and cut out tummy.
Cate Blanchett in GivenchyI'm on the fence about Florence's - not sure. I don't usually like yellow but maybe in 'real life', with her red hair, this one may have looked rather charmingly, prettily Victorian?
Florence Welch in Valentino
When I saw Mila, I was seriously worried her boobs were going to pop out - a bit too lingerie like for me. And I can't get past lilac - reminds me of a Nana. perhaps if it was in a dark violet, I'd think differently.
Mila Kunis in Elie SaabMila's co-star Natalie - I really don't like burgundy! On telly this dress looks very maroon, -but more pink here. I'm not in love with it but I do like the fact she wore Rodarte - beautiful costumes they designed for Black Swan -
see my Post on that here. Poor Natalie had to face questions about her association with Dior (she stars in Dior's new Miss Cherie perfume ads), following the
maelstrom regarding John Galliano's anti-semitic remarks - and admirable subsequent firing from Dior.
So onto more burgundy - Scarlett Johannson in Dolce & Gabbana. I really dislike the wine coloured, 2-toned lace curtain/doily look. Not good.
Natalie Portman in Rodarte
Scarlet Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana
Do not like NK's either - kind of ugly and too angular. Not sure what the orange peep-toes are about either. Also unfortunately she chose Dior right before Galliano-gate.
Nicole Kidman in Dior
I shall end with the wonderfully eccentric Helena Bonham Carter - because she's just fabulous, not matter what she wears!
Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood (& Union Jack flag)
Most images are taken from ELLE's online Oscars 2011 best-dressed slide show.
The the other day I wore electric blue suede shoes with my black pencil skirt and black skinny jumper to work. My boss was horrified. He said - "You don't match!" I love colour blocking - although I have to admit I usually only mix 2 colours. A nice cherry red bag with a black outfit. But I love combos like parrot-green and pink, or electric blue and purple. I just attended a wedding and my friend looked fabulous in a full length scarlet red slip dress with electric blue shoes and leather gloves, and a purple jacket, paired with matte red lips. If you aren't quite as daring as Karen Elson & co below, try easing into it - pair a muted outfit with a pair of bright coloured shoes, a scarf, opaque stockings, or a hand-bag. NZ is finally starting to dip it's toes into colour - it's hard to find saturated brights amongst the racks of grey, black and dusty pink - but it's out there! This Winter I plan on scouring the stores ( - likely to be online) to add some more brights to my wardrobe. Here is some inspiration...
Harpers Bazaar Australia, March 2011
Gucci-licious, Spring/Summer 2011
Mrs Brand does Gucci on the cover of ELLE US
