Oscars 2011!

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection

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 Marchesa

Michelle 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 Givenchy

I'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 Saab

Mila'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.

M.A.C Cosmetics for NYFW 2011

Do you need beauty inspiration? Are you stuck in a beauty rut? Thanks to New York Fashion Week and M.A.C Cosmetics you can now have not one but twelve fantastic new looks to choose from and they are all exclusively straight off the runway and readily available to you. How good is that! The creative team at M.A.C Cosmetics were flat chat directing makeup shows for amazing designers such as Rodarte

Rodarte for Black Swan

I am saddened to hear that Rodarte will not be eligible for any Best Costume Design awards this season. Sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, who are Rodarte, created 40 costumes for the film. In The Hollywood Reporter, Merle Ginsberg explains that there is a history of designers working with the film’s costume designer, but not getting the award(s) or credit. For example, Edith Head winning the Oscar for Sabrina - when Givenchy outfitted Audrey Hepburn for the film.
I watched the film recently and loved it - while not big on horrors, I love a good edge of your seat psychological thriller! I like Natalie Portman but I love Mila Kunis so it was great to see her again.The dancing is beautiful but the costumes - ahhh, the black swan tutu is just amazing. It embodies the delicacy of the swan feathers but the strength of the Black Swan's strong, dark character - with a punk-edge!
The character's everyday costumes are also glaringly related to their personalities - Natalie Portman's delicate, meek Nina swathed in soft creams, pale grays and pastel pinks and Mila Kunis'es the sexy, sassy Lily in blacks, dark grays and charcoals. Love Nina's frothy, downy scarf and pale pink coat below. Very ballerina!
Check out the movie here & the trailer below...

DIY Chanel / Rodante Inspired Temporary Tattoo

This is EXACTLY what I had in mind when I posted about DIY tattoos here. Props to MJ of Dreaming Spires and Old Car Tyres! So cool! Hope its not too weird to be thinking of Glastonbury outfit DIYs in preparation for 2011 already....

Image: Dreaming Spires and Old Car Tyres

DIY Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte Heels

Another a-maz-ing DIY from Style Hurricane. She copied these Nicholas Kirkwood shoes with the intricate heels by dripping candle wax on the heels! Talk about inspired.

Images: Style Hurricane

DIY Rodante Style Tattoos via Outsapop Trashion

I sincerely hope that Outi from Outsapop Trashion doesn't get well and truly sick of me referencing her blog, but I am constantly and utterly blown away by her keen eye for DIY inspiration (she definitely sowed the seeds for my DIY addiction!). This one is NO exception. I for one was completely wowed by the body art in the Rodarte SS2010 runway show, and Outi hit the nail on the head when she posted recently about how easy this could be to do yourself! I can imagine doing one hand, highlighting a design that follows the bones, for some festival magic.

Image: Outsapop Trashion / If Its Hip Its Here