Oscar Gowns on the Red Carpet 2012

I always love the Academy Awards for the gowns, the glamour, and of course, the Oscars. While George Clooney failed to win an Oscar, there were some winning looks on the Red Carpet, many of them on trend for spring 2012.

White was the color of choice for some of the best looks on the Red Carpet.

Gwyneth won best dressed with her simple column of white by Tom Ford that was asymmetric at the neckline, topped by a starkly simple cape. She looked magnificent and statuesque.

Mila Jovovich dazzled in a heavily sequined white gown, one shoulder a bit padded for a touch of old 40’s Hollywood glamour, with perfect hair and red lips.

Rooney Mara, eschewing her trademark black, did something unexpected and wore all white in a gown by Givenchy. Far from innocent, the look was quite avant-garde, with her heavy bangs and red lips and no jewelry. I was not fond of the flaps over the bustline, but I do give her credit for taking a fashion risk.

Octavia Spencer shone in a silvery white beaded gown by Tadashi Shoji, cinched in at the waist and beautifully draped to flatter her curves.

Shailene Woodley was in Valentino Couture, and though she claimed that it expressed her true style, the dress seemed a bit too old for a 20 year old.

Cameron Diaz was elegant and feminine in a creamy blush Gucci strapless gown that burst into gilded ruffles with a dramatic train.

On the other side of the color spectrum, Michelle Williams glowed in her burnt orange strapless Louis Vuitton gown with a peplum waist. Both the peplum and the color orange are two trends for Spring.

Viola Davis wasn’t afraid of color either, in a brilliant emerald green by Vera Wang. I wish her bodice could have fit her a bit better but applaud her decision to let her hair go natural and to leave the wigs at home.

Penelope Cruz was a vision of beauty in her gorgeous smoky lavender gown, softly off the shoulder, by Armani Privee.

Gold was another favorite color on the Red Carpet. Meryl Streep was in a gold Lanvin drapey dress with bejeweled belt. She looked more glamorous than usual but somehow does not quite get it right. I love Meryl and as long as she continues to put in Oscar worthy performances, we can forgive her red carpet misses.

Stacy Keibler was George Clooney’s arm candy, and she wore a gold Marchesa gown that made her look like an Oscar. Though I loved the gown, I thought the huge bow on her hip was a bit too large.

Rose Byrne followed one of the big trends for beaded gowns but instead of black, chose a deep midnight blue from Vivienne Westwood, with Westwood's signature asymmetry of neckline and hem and a daringly sexy open back.

Tina Fey also chose a midnight blue Carolina Herrera strapless dress, with a dramatic peplum for a look that was simple but elegant.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace was one of the few in black , but her thinness and posing detracted from the beauty of the dress.

Jessica Chastain combined both black and gold, anticipating a big trend for Fall 2012, in a baroque, embroidered Alexander McQueen. She claimed she wanted something dramatic and noteworthy. Check, accomplished.

This year, the Red Carpet showcased gowns that were elegant and refined, as best exemplified by Gwyneth Paltrow. White will be a big trend for spring, as will brights like orange, yellow, and green. Blush and pale pastels will also be seen for spring. Look out for peplums too. I welcome your comments. Tell me which gowns you loved or gave the thumbs down.

Top Ten Trends for Fall 2011

TOP TEN TRENDS FOR FALL 2011

There are some carryover trends from spring as well as last fall, but of updated to reflect the change of season and cooling temperatures.

1. Colored pants

Bright pants can punch up any outfit and banish the gloom of dark days, but keep the top simple. Skinny jeans are still popular so choose a color to enliven your denim collection.

2. Color blocking and Geometrics

Mix unexpected hues for maximum impact. Color blocking can also be achieved by pairing unexpected colors in tops and bottoms, like purple and saffron, fuchsia and red. Black and white always makes a strong graphic statement.

3. Maxi skirt

Hemlines fall to the ground, but this fall eschews the bohemian look in favor of the more tailored and urban, or in the case of Dries van Noten, tribal and patterned. But with volume on the bottom, keep the top half simple and fitted.

4. Lace

Lace continues to be a fall favorite, in all incarnations--- sheer, layered onto sweaters, and a heavy version called "guipure". If wearing lace head to toe, stay monochromatic as in these luxe versions in black and in the deep red of the season.

5.High heeled Loafers

Loafers have lasting appeal, but they are going to new heights with high-heeled ones this fall.

6. Structured handbags

On the heels of the cross body handbag, the structured handheld handbag is having its moment of popularity and is the perfect accompaniment to ladylike dresses and sleek menswear suits.

7. Polka Dots

Polka dots offer a touch of whimsy. Marc Jacobs could not get enough of polka dots, going overboard with dots on everything. Stella McCartney layered white sequin like discs as well as black polka dots over sheer tulle for a very sophisticated effect.

8. Red and Bordeaux colors

Red and Bordeaux are but two of the myriad choices of rich colors this fall, a welcome relief from the omnipresent black. Look for jade green, cobalt blue, saffron and deep purples. Metallics are always in fashion. If wearing color feels too risky, try a punch of color in accessories with your blacks or neutrals.

9. Leather skirts

Leather skirts are stealing the limelight from the must have leather jacket, and some styles have an ease about them, thus avoiding the sausage casing look.

10. Poncho

The poncho is an easy throw on piece available in many guises, from wool to knits. Keep it simple and more tailored to avoid the flower child look of the 1960s. This poncho works more like a top.

These are but a few of the many choices that await you for a stylish fall! Enjoy!