Oscars Gowns from 2011 Academy Awards

The Academy Awards bring out Hollywood glamour and glitz on the Red Carpet. Here are some observations on the Oscar gowns.

Jennifer Lawrence’s red, minimalist Calvin Klein dress epitomized how something so simple can be so smashing when showcased on a perfect body. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a minimalist silver metallic Calvin Klein to similar effect, with added color in her jewelry.

A radiant Natalie Portman in Rodarte showed off her new shape in a beautiful plum color, also seen on Scarlett Johansson, who chose another trend for spring, lace.

Speaking of spring colors, lilac complemented Mila Kunis in her Elie Saab dress, though I would have liked her bodice to be a bit higher cut and to have fit a bit closer to her body to avoid the extra tire look around her middle.

Hailee Steinfeld, only 14 years old but so poised, glowed in a subtle blush color in a very age appropriate Marchesa tea length gown.

Jennifer Hudson, looking regal, opted for the drama of a blood orange architectural Versace gown, which showed off the amazing work she has accomplished to slim down. I would have wished for a more flattering decolletage.

Hilary Swank showed how drama can also be achieved in a metallic ombre grey Gucci gown embellished with beads and feathers and a long train, against a backdrop of simple hairdo and makeup.

Cate Blanchett won the award for the most fashion forward of the evening in her lilac Givenchy gown decorated with yellow beads and a warrior like shoulder line, but softened with pleating.

Reese Witherspoon looked a bit retro with a 1960s style hairdo and an Armani Prive black and white gown. I think it made her look a bit old and the style did not show off her figure, though the emeralds were resplendent against her skin.

Melissa Leo won an Oscar that night for Best Supporting Actress but did not win any prizes for her choice in gowns. Custom made by Marc Bouwer, the gown was not flattering and the collar was too high.

Michelle Williams wore Chanel, but the gown did nothing to show off her amazing her skin and figure, though her haircut is adorable and her face so beautiful.

Amy Adams wore a sumptuous sapphire color that set off her red hair, but the L’Wren Scott gown had too high a neckline. The ornate emerald necklace on top of the beaded gown was too heavy a look for her delicate beauty.

To conclude, one cannot go wrong wearing Valentino red on the Red Carpet, and who better to show this than Anne Hathaway, the co-host of the Oscars this year with James Franco, shown here with the designer himself?

Top Ten Trends for Spring 2011

Spring 2011 has something for everyone. Here are my top ten choices for a stylish spring.

1. Wide legged trousers

Relaxed, high waisted and wide legged trousers and jeans for spring extend the eye for a leggier, taller appearance. What is there not to like?

2. Maxi Dress or Sk

irt

Remember the maxi dress from the 1970s? It's back, with less rock and roll and more sophistication. Pair a long skirt with simple tops to avoid looking too dowdy.

3. Prints, floral and ethnic

Prints abounded for spring, in tiny bouquets, big, bold floral abstracts, tribal, ethnic and the exoticism of the east.

4. Platform Wedge Sandals

In the interest of comfort, choose a flat wedge platform sandal for a quick update.

5. Stripes

Spring's sporty look translates into bold stripes in dresses, tops and accessories, but narrow stripes paired with a midi skirt looks quite chic.

6. Midi skirt

Hemlines fell this spring from minis to mid calf or longer, but are far from matronly, especially when striped or in a brilliant color.

7. Vibrant Color Combos

Tonal color combinations exploded this spring----pinks, oranges, turquoises, bright yellows, lime and emerald greens, deep purples, teals and electric blues. The brighter the better!

8. Ruffles

Ruffles remain a mainstay but as you can see, are far from twee!

9. Lace top

Keep it simple and not too seductive for a ladylike look, in black, white, or nude lace, eschewing colors.

10. Minimalism

Less can be more when stripped down to simple, architectural lines, proving that minimalism need not mean boring.

As with most seasons, there are dualities. Neon colors are contrasted with the absence of color, in bright whites and muted nudes. Fabrics are lacy as well as sheer. Skinny pants and jeans are paired alongside the wide legged versions. Minimalism is softened by the prevalence of ruffles, as well as the peasant boho look from the 1970s. Denim continues to be a strong trend, not just in jeans, but in tops and skirts. Safari and military trends continue from the fall.

Anoraks and parkas help update the preppy and nautical look.

Enjoy the mix!

Top Ten Trends for Fall 2010

Fall is filled with some great choices, and I've picked my favorites!

1. Jeggings

Jeggings are a combination of jeans and leggings and are most successful if they are of a thick enough fabric to provide smooth lines. Avoid anything too shiny, too thin, or too inexpensive. Be sure a longer top covers all your assets! A comfortable yet stylish look with long cozy wrap sweater and killer boots.

2. Oversized sweater

Fortuitously, tops this season are full of volume and are meant to be paired with leggings, jeggings, or skinny jeans. Add flats, boots, or a low heel. No stilettos please! Volume on top and skinny below is the proper silhouette.

3. Leopard print accessory

Animal prints are always in style and provide accent and interest to what may otherwise be a boring black outfit. If bold, you can go for a coat, jacket, cardigan, blouse, or skirt, as long as you don't go overboard. Best paired with something simple and classic. For less purr and drama, opt for an accessory like a hat, scarf, belt, handbag or shoe.

4. Lace up ankle boots

The military look from spring carries over into fall, so lace up style combat boots complement this trend and look au courant paired with a field jacket or cargo pants, or add spice to prior seasons outfits.

5. Across the body handbag

Not only is this look stylish, but terribly practical, leaving your hands free to chase down children or bargains. Handbags in general are structured and ladylike.

6. Military jacket

The olive green military field jacket from spring is definitely still present for fall. There is a platoon of choices out there! There are also many coats sporting epaulets and brass buttons for a military bearing. Just be sure not do overdo the look or you'll risk looking like you're ready for deployment.

7. Camel Coat

Fall heralds a return to classics and what could be more classic than a camel coat? If camel is just not your color, grey and red are other colors of the season.

8. Over the knee boots

These boots are perfect for tucking into leggings or skinny jeans to give a long, slender line, but also go from day to night over a date night dress.

9. Long skirt

Influenced by the TV series, "Mad Men", designers seem smitten by the calf length circle skirt as well as the the ankle length long skirts. Add this season's hot shoe, the oxford, or the penny loafer, also enjoying a renaissance, as well as the kitten heel for a 1950's touch of nostalgia.

10. Cape

This style is easy to wear, always comes back into fashion, and flatters just about every shape. This season, there are softer, drapey options.

Oscar Gowns

The Academy Awards combine two of my passions, fashion and movies. This year was historic in recognizing the first woman director for one of my favorites, The Hurt Locker. I always love the Red Carpet, with gowns ranging from wow to what happened?! Here are some of my favorites, as well as some of the duds.

Sandra Bullock dressed like a winner, knowing how a gold statuette would complement this stunning Marchesa gown. I fear it did not photograph very well but looked a bit washed out and glitzy. I loved the asymmetry of the shoulder and the beautiful detailing in the intricate beading and embroidery. It fit her like a second skin. I loved her simple hair with the pop of bright lipstick. Best Actress? You better believe it!

Anna Kendrick, nominee for her best supporting role in Up in the Air, was ethereal in her blush pink Elie Saab draped gown. It was youthful yet sophisticated and exemplified a couple of trends for spring, the blush tones and the draped gown.
Queen Latifah looked regal in her lavender Badgley Mischka gown that fit her figure and enhanced her curves with just the right amount of detail in just the right places, with a flattering gored skirt.
Rachel McAdams' Elie Saab gown, with its watercolor print and crisscrossed bodice was a welcome change from the glittery and overdone. Loved the grey blue hues and layering of fabric.

Maggie Gyllenhaal rates a special mention because she also dared to wear a print on the red carpet, choosing a very bright blue, very patterned Dries van Noten, demonstrating her fashion forward sense and fearlessness. This bright blue is one of the spring trends, and Dries van Noten is famous for his prints. Maggie may not have pleased all with her choice, but she obviously pleased herself. I applaud her all around!
Is Demi Moore becoming more beautiful as she ages? She looked stunning in this Atelier Versace gown, fitted through the bodice and then erupting into a mass of ruffles below. The subdued color against her skin was perfect.

Kathryn Bigelow looked beautiful in her Yves St. Laurent gown, but she reminded us of a tenet that bears repeating, Fit, Fit, Fit. Her gown was too tight!
Kate Winslet, also in Yves St. Laurent, demonstrated the proper fit in a perfectly simple but beautiful look.
Helen Mirren, in Badgley Mischka, demonstrated that dressing age appropriate does not mean dowdy.
Some gowns seemed to overwhelm their wearers. Here is petite Jennifer Lopez in Armani Privee, sporting what looks to be an extra appendage off her hip!
Zoe Saldana's Givenchy gown was a mystery. Why would a designer pair a beautiful bodice with a skirt like that?
I close with Tom Ford, who while not wearing a gown, nevertheless communicates how it's done, with perfect fit and perfect style.



I welcome your comments! Let me know what gowns you liked or did not like and why or why not.