2011 OSCARS

Anne Hathaway

This year's Academy Awards were...different.  Red and sequins were the two biggest trends of the night, and I could not pick just 5 best dressed because there were so many amazing dresses! There were no major upsets, and James Franco and Anne Hathaway were younger, but not necessarily funnier than previous hosts.  One thing, however, was for certain, Anne Hathaway looked absolutely amazing throughout the show.

BEST DRESSED:
1. Anne Hathaway
2. Jennifer Lawrence
3. Gwenyth Paltrow 
4. Hilary Swank
5. Halle Berry
6. Natalie Portman
7. Cate Blanchett

WORST DRESSED:
1. Marisa Tomei
2. Florence Welch
3. Sunrise Coigney
4. Nicole Kidman
5. Helena Bonham Carter


BEST

Jennifer Lawrence, Gwenyth Paltrow, Hilary Swank, Halle Berry, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett

Anne Hathaway- I was nervous when I saw her in a strapless red Valentino Archive gown on the red carpet because I thought it was just okay, nothing spectacular.  I was also not a fan of her hair, but everything turned around when she walked out onto the stage in a stunning white strapless Givenchy gown with an embellished bodice.  Things just got better when she appeared in what turned out to be my favorite look, a one shouldered Oscar De La Renta Silver fringed gown.  I was also a fan of her red, strapless, embellished Altelier Versace gown.  The patterned sparkle details on the bodice and down the center of the dress were perfectly placed.  I also enjoyed her ending look, a turtlenecked, long sleeved, charcoal and sparkly Tom Ford gown.  I was not a fan of the poofy Vivienne Westwood corseted strapless gown (it was way too much), but since her hits most definitely outweigh her misses, Anne Hathaway is my BEST DRESSED
Jennifer Lawerence - She looked like a blonde bombshell in a simple scoop-necked, red, form-fitting, Calvin Klein Collection gown.  She was the epitome of minimalistic in this gown and she demonstrated how simplicity is really done.  Her hair: blonde, beautiful, and flowy, was complete perfection.  She may not have won best actress, but she looked incredible, and the dress looked even better from behind.
Gwenyth Paltrow - I was at first skeptical of this gown, but the more I looked at it, and the more I saw it in different lights and different angles, the more I fell in love of this sleeveless liquid-metallic, form fitting Calvin Klein gown. It fit her so well that it literally looked like the fabric was cascading down her body.  The neckline was unique, but was perfect, and her sleek hair was the perfect compliment to her overall sleek look.
Hilary Swank - Wow, just wow.  I was in love with her silver and charcoal ombre, sequined and feathered, strapless Gucci gown.  Gucci, really???? I totally did not see that coming when I saw her, but whatever works! It really reminded me of one of Sue Wong's gorgeous feathered creations, but this gown was on a completely different level.  She looked flawless.  Her simple hair and makeup prevented the look from being over-the-top. Could this be the best she has ever looked???? Quite possibly.
Halle Berry - She looked fantastic in a strapless, nude, embellished, Marchesa gown.  I wish that it was just a shade darker, but other than that, it was an amazing look for her.  I loved the tulle protruding from the bottom, and the sparkles were a great touch that weren't not overdone.  Let's be real, no one else can pull of an edgy pixie cut like Halle Berry can.
Natalie Portman - The best actress finally got it right! Her off-the-shoulder, maroon (go hokies!), Rodarte gown was so cute.  I loved the twist at the bust and the sequins along the neckline. It looked super comfortable and her maroon tassel earrings were a nice touch.
Cate Blanchett - She has been my style icon ever since she wore that sequined one-shoulder gunmetal armani prive gown to the 2007 Oscars, so in my mind, she can do no wrong.  She is constantly taking the right risks, and her lavender, embellished, high necked, Givenchy Couture cap-sleeved gown was no exception.  The embellishments were primarily matching the rest of the fabric, but the ones near her neck and on her back were a mustard yellow! brilliant! the back was so unique that I couldn't help myself from posting a picture of it too. Yes, there was somewhat of a circle surrounding her bust, but it all worked somehow.  Her hair and makeup were also perfect.  Lavender is my absolute least favorite color, so the fact that I liked it really proves how great the overall design of the gown is. Love, love, love, her

WORST

Marissa Tomei, Florence Welch, Sunrise Coigney, Nicole Kidman, Helena Bonham Carter 

Marisa Tomei- She looked terrible. I was not a fan of her hair and that Black, satin, poofy explosion of tulle Charles James dress was a complete tragedy. She looked amazing at the 2009 Oscars, but this year, not so much
Florence Welch - This Florence and the Machine singer looked drab and frumpy in a sleeved beige Valentino gown.  It was just way to similar to her drab Grammy's look! Her hair unfortunately looked as though she had just rolled out of bed. Wear some color girly!
Sunrise Coigney - Mark Ruffalo - I love you, but your wife's black, one-sleeved, poofed-shouldered gown  made me absolutely cringe.  It basically proved to me that she is not a celebrity.  What was with that random gold streak?? She needs to take some tips from Robert Downey Jr.'s wife.
Nicole Kidman - I knew her Grammy Dress was a fluke.  She resorted back to dull colors with a white, awkwardly embellished, strapless Dior gown.  It looked incredibly overworked, and the architecture on the hips made her look wide.  I do like her hair better now that she has an auburn shade (she does not look AS washed out), but this was all wrong for me.  If only she could have worn something as fabulous as her red bow Belenciaga gown from the 2007 Oscars.
Helena Bonham Carter - Yes, she's unique, and yes, I expected her to wear something costumey, and even though I loved her in The King's speech, I still have to put her on my worst dressed list.  She claimed that since the night is all about acting and the movies, she did not want to fall into the sort of fashion trap, and  instead she wanted to embrace the movies.  She did so by wearing a dress by the Oscar-winning costume designer, Colleen Attwood. She just does her own thing, and I can respect it, but I still just do not get her hair!

OTHER CATEGORIES

 2011 Oscars, Venice Film Festival

Close Repeat - Michelle Williams wore a short sleeved, beaded white Chanel gown, and it was beautiful, but the moment I saw it I thought of the Jason Wu gown she recently wore to the Venice film festival. The gowns are different, but way too similar!! I would have loved to see her in a color, I feel like she has just looked drab this entire award season.

Hailee Steinfeld, Mila Kunis, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Celine Dion, Penelope Cruz

Most Age Appropriate - Hailee Steinfeld looked so cute in a tea-length, embellished, beige, Marchesa dress that she helped design! If she was over the age of 16 it would have been too cutesy, but she was visibly beaming!  She definitely looked her age, but she spoke more eloquently than people twice her age when interviewed by Ryan Seacrest.
Most Consistent- Mila Kunis has rocked this awards season.  She continued her streak of good looks by wearing a low-cut, lavender lace Elie Saab gown.  The only reason why it did not make my best dressed list is because I absolutely hate the color lavender.  Could you imagine this gown in black, or red?? That would have been extraordinary, but she still looked amazing!
Least Flattering - I was not a fan of Scarlett Johansson's maroon lace, high-necked, Dolce and Gabanna gown.  It was pretty, but not on her.  It did not accentuate her curves and failed to show-off her bust.  I feel like a scoop neckline would have made the world of difference in this overall look.  I did, however, LOVE the back of this gown.
Worst Accessories - Amy Adams looked amazing in a cap-sleeved, high necked, navy sparkle L'ren Scott gown, but I thought that her giant necklace ruined the entire look! She should have gone with a detailed stud earring and ring.  Her hair and makeup looked beautiful, but I just could not get past her necklace!
Best Post-Baby Bod - TIE between Penelope Cruz and Celine Dion.  Celine Dion wore a skin tight Armani Prive silver, v-necked, sleeved gown.  She looked flawless.  As for Penelope Cruz, I think she is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, and she looked hott in a red, low-cut, sparkle explosion L'ren Scott gown. BUT it may have been a little much....

Julia Roberts 2001, Reese Witherspoon 2011

Look Alike - As soon as I saw Reese Witherspoon, I immediately thought of Julia Roberts Valentino gown when she won best actress for Erin Brockovich in 2001.  The dresses aren't exactly alike, but the two looks are so similar in my mind.  As soon as I made this connection, E!'s Giuliana Rancic said the exact same thing! The colors, their makeup and even the somewhat 70's vibe of their hairdos are similar! Witherspoon rocked the strapless black and white Armani Prive gown, but it was just not what I expected from her!

All Images Courtesy of justjared.com

Nicole Miller - 2011 Fall Collection

These fashion week posts are also late considering I was studying during the entire week.  I did have a chance to look through many of the collections, though, one of which was that of the fabulous Nicole Miller. I have never worn any of her dresses, but I love her cute and fun cocktail dresses I have seen so many other adorn.  This collection threw me off a little bit.  It was overall very dark, edgy, and structured. A lot of blue and gray tones were present, and my favorite look was a light gray structured piece pictured above.  She also threw in some orange and a print.  It was not what I expected, but has a very distinct look

Grammy Awards!

I am sorry this post is so late! I have been overwhelmed with cinema, econ and math tests, but now that they're all over, and ended fairly well, I can FINALLY finish this post. PLUS, the Oscar's are on Sunday and I promise to completely redeem myself!

This year's Grammy red carpet was full of sparkly metallics and outrageous hairdos (aka Nikki Minaj).  Lady Gaga chose to be incubated in an egg, and Nicole Kidman actually looked great! My best dressed pick, though, was Gwenyth Paltrow! I did not see any pictures of her on the red carpet, but she was glowing when I saw a picture of her sitting next to Beyonce.  Paltrow wore a black lace, sleeved, Pucci mini with a bit of sparkle and towering heels.  She flat-out rocked it.

BEST DRESSED
1. Gwenyth Paltrow - Pucci
2. Jenna Ushkowitz - Pamela Dennis
3. Nicole Kidman - Jean Paul Gaultier
4. Maya - Jean Fares Couture
5. Eva Longoria - Ashi


Jenna Uskowitz - Not only was she my pick for #2 best dressed, but she was also the most improved from the SAG awards.  She looked so classy in a strapless, overlapping black mesh, short Pamela Dennis dress, complete with an oversized, but not too oversized, bow.  I have never seen her look so effortless! She blew those other Glee gals out of the water.

Nicole Kidman - Thank you for trying something different! Her ruched, strapless, floral print, warm colored, Jean Paul Gaultier gown was an unlikely pick for her, but I thought she looked fantastic.  I loved the the detail right along the bustline and at the bottom, and her hair was flowy and flawless. This gown definitely belongs in the book of her best-ever looks.

Maya - She looked like a star in a strapless and sparkly Jean Fares Couture gown.  It had a blue tint, and I loved the detail along the front and bottom.  Her sleek hair and makeup really balanced each other out. Even though I am not all that familiar with her music, I thought she looked great.

Eva Longoria - She looked so cute in a short, Ashi black and white ruffled mini.  It was so fun and flirty, and unlike anything else on the carpet.  Some may think that the ruffles and puffed bubble skirt were too much, but thats why I loved the look.  She took a risk and it payed off.

Worst Dressed
1. Rihanna - Jean Paul Gaultier
2. Jennifer Lopez - Pucci
3. Lady Gaga - ???????
4. Katy Perry - Giorgio Armani
5. Jordin Sparks - Zang Toi

Rihanna  - My mother said that she looked like a "cake," and although that may be a strech, I just know that she DID NOT look good.  Were those white stripes furry? yes. Was that mesh see through? yes. Was her hair a gross-unreal-looking color? yes.  This dress was just hideous and flat out awkward. Yikes!

J.Lo - This would have been the epitome of the most perfect look for the grammys.....but it was too short for her! Yes, she's hott, but she is also not that young, and I thought that there was going to be a serious wardrobe malfunction at some point throughout the show. 

Lady Gaga - I have no words. Why does she have to be so odd? Instead of giving an edgy designer some recognition, she hid in an egg. nice.

Katy Perry - Did she never take her wings off from the Victoria Secret fashion show???? I just do not understand her. Yeah, she's "hott" I get it, but that doesn't mean you can get away with a jeweled bra, toga and angel wings - let's be real here...

Jordin Sparks - I guess she couldn't decide between a long and short dress so just chose a combination of the two.  Good idea! NOT. Plus, everyone should know by now that I hate that disgusting fabric. I hate to tell her, but no one, absolutely no one, looks good in that fabric!

Christian Siriano - Fall 2011

Christian Siriano Fall 2011 - photo courtesy of style.com

I was blown away by Christian Siriano's Fall 2011 collection.  It was filled with jackets, skirts, and stunning dresses.  The color pallete was very dark with hints of dark green and pink, and he even included sparkle and embellishments.   I loved it because he was able make it cohesive, yet he still changed it up and suprised me!  He draped, he fitted, he ruched, he overlapped, he just worked his magic.  I could picture so many of his dresses on the red carpet. My favorite dress, however, was the one pictured above.  I love that it sways and flows, and is heavy, yet light. The sheer one shoulder silhouette is simply complete perfection.  I fell in love with him when he was on project runway and he has continued to capture my attention.  I am literally in awe of his talent. 

IT'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!

BCBGMaxAzria Fall 2011 - image courtesy of Fashionologie

Today was the official start of New York Fashion Week! Celebrities came out to the Heart Truth's annual red dress event yesterday, but today's Fall 2011 collections included BCBGMaxAzria, Richard Chai, Tadashi Shoji, and Christian Siriano.  I missed the live stream of Chrisitian Siriano's show, but I am hoping to view images from it shortly.  I did, however, have a chance to review all of the looks from the BCBGMaxAzria Fall 2011 show.  The dress pictured above was definitely my favorite.  The other looks were very minimalistic, and high-waisted skirts were replaced wih long, drop waisted, belted skirts.  The collection was also filled with covered-up looks in primarily solid colors, which is why the above look appealed to me -it was so different and fun. I can not wait to see more collections throughout the week! Check back for thoughts on the oh-so-fierce Christian Siriano.

Photo of the Day - Boardwalk

The Boardwalk Inn and Villas in Walt Disney World is by far my favorite resort on the property.  This was the view from our balcony. I loved the off-coloring caused by the summer sun.  Wish I was there.

Photo of the Day - Midwinters

We had a Midwinters formal last night on campus, and my roommate and I rocked dresses with some strappy backs.

Photo of the Day - Bryant Park

Since my workload seems to be a little lighter this semester, I am going to start to feature a photo of the day.  In most cases, the photos will be from my personal portfolio, but I will also feature some of friend's photos as well. For my first photo, I decided to feature a picture from my NYC trip over the summer. I actually have this photo set as my desktop background right now, because I am just so in love with Bryant Park, regardless of the fact that it no longer plays host to New York fashion week.