Second City Style's Jeannine Benoit with Ivanka Trump at Nordstrom Chicago
Add gorgeous, well made fashion line to the list of Ivanka Trump’s successful endeavors. The business mogul last week revealed her Spring 2012 Collection at a private party at Nordstrom. I was lucky enough to attend the event and meet with Ivanka first hand to find out her inspiration behind the collection and her take on the line she’s worked so hard to create.
Each individual piece in the spring 2012 line is a beautiful blend of classic, elegant and sophisticated. The picture of ladylike refinement and grace, Ivanka Trump translates her own sense of style into the line.
The full collection spans across clothing, jewelry, handbags and shoes all at an affordable price point. Her inspiration? Setting out to create an affordable luxury line, Ivanka says she really focused on designing a collection that fit her lifestyle – busy business woman, active mom and wife.
Ivanka Trump Pinksy Snake High-Heel Pump, $140
Ivanka Trump Pearl Laser Cut Clutch, $125
I have to say after looking over the entire collection I’ve quickly become a fan. There’s a pair of snakeskin rounded toe pumps that were calling my name, not to mention a perfect spring/summer transitional clutch that can easily take you from day to night.
The collection has a beautiful attention to detail and clearly didn’t skimp on quality. Overall, we’re impressed! Head over to Nordstrom Chicago to check out the full Spring line up soon.
Jennifer Lawrence in Marchesa at the 'Hunger Games' Berlin Premiere
Well, it’s the week we’ve all been waiting for.The Hunger Games premieres this Friday, March 23 and for the past few months, this epic (and very disturbing) blockbuster story and it’s hot young cast is all anyone can talk about. The film’s kickass heroine, Katniss Everdeen, is played by the willowy blond Jennifer Lawrence, who was famously made brunette for the role. And while Lawrence’s dark locks were noticeably absent from her red carpet premieres this past week, the one thing she didn’t seem to forget was her blossoming sense of style. Her ease with pulling off red carpet looks that are both classically beautiful and modern brings another trilogy star to mind. But we applaud Lawrence for stepping up to the task of fantasy series icon, and meeting her frantic fans with sense of elegance and grace that belies her young age.
But enough of that, let’s get on to her dresses! For her most recent premiere in Berlin, Lawrence chose a scarlet Marchesa frock and matching platform pumps. The sheer folds and pleats in the bodice allow for the dress to be tasteful while still being sexy. And the bright, punchy hue may even be a nod to her character’s moniker in the story, The Girl On Fire (she does kind of match with the movie poster behind her).
For the movie’s premiere in Paris, Lawrence took a totally different route and opted for a simple Tom Ford sheath. The dress is exquisite in it’s tailoring (of course, we wouldn’t expect anything less) and fits her like a glove. And her gold sandals, long glossy hair and bright red lip relaxes the look and prevent it from being to severe. Lawrence’s talent and versatility make her a bit of an old soul (think: Dakota Fanning) so she can still pull this off seamlessly without it looking too “old”.
Here’s Lawrence at the London premiere in another sleek gown, this time by Ralph Lauren. She endured a ton of grueling training for the physicality of her role as Katniss and it’s about time we got to see that bod outside of the weird, wet-suit looking things she wears in the firm. The gold leaf glimmer of this gown is perfect in that it’s not too flashy but not too conservative either. And we love the loose strands of her updo and the lack of jewelry, which allows her chic dark nails to stand out.
Unfortunately, not all red carpet looks can be winners. For the L.A. premiere, which actually kicked off the tour so this was the first dress she wore of this bunch, was arguably the worst. All the things we just discussed about great fit and lack of flashiness seem to have missed the memo with this Prabal Gurung dress. And don’t get us wrong, we love Prabal. But this dress is too heavy, too “trying to be the dress for a fantasy flick premiere”, and overall just too shiny for our liking. And as a result, it really ends up wearing her. We appreciate her vamped out, smokey-eyed look, but with the space queen dress it just ends up looking way too Barbarella. Do you agree?
In any case, three out of four ain’t bad. And we still can’t WAIT for the movie to premiere this weekend. Let’s just hope that Lawrence’s red carpet looks continue to get better with time.
Yesterday, Kate Middleton was caught playing a game of field hockey with Great Britain’s women’s field hockey team. Apparently the princess used to play back in the day and felt quite at home on the field. Not only did she play well, but is there ever a time this girl doesn’t look perfect? I might not be able to do any sort of athletic activity with my hair down like Princess Kate, but I can at least try to look at flawless as she did in her perfect sporty outfit.
It has been a while since we have sat ringside. Let the fights begin!
Anne Hathaway vs. Chelsea Handler in Elizabeth and James
Winner: Ah, the mullet dress. Something tells me we are going to see a lot (probably too much) of this frightening trend. A party in front and all business in the back. I am going to have to go with Chelsea Handler on this one. For two reasons. One, I just hate that necklace with Anne’s outfit. She doesn’t need it as there is already a black band around the collar. Two, if you are going to wear a dress like this it means your legs have to look banging. In flat sandals her legs albeit skinny, still look a little thick. Heels make your legs look longer and just better.
Reese Witherspoon vs. Jenna Elfman in Giambattista Valli
Winner: Reese Witherspoon. Um, Jenna dear…I don’t think that dress was meant to be worn that way. You sorta ruined it by pushing the strap down. Besides, the one-shoulder dress is so hot right now.
Leighton Meester vs. Georgina Chapman in Marchesa
Winner: Georgina Chapman. OK, how can you compete with one half of the design team of said outfit? You can’t. This lace number looks so far superior lined. I also don’t like the matching lace shoes Leighton is wearing. Somehow the young actress looks vulgar which is not a word I normally associate with Marchesa.
Sarah Jessica Parker vs. Lana Del Rey in Prabal Gurung
Winner: SJP of course! I just can’t get past Lana’s awful shoe choice and shimmery ‘pantyhose.’ I also prefer the v-neck sleeveless version which is much more flattering than Lana’s. Then again, ever since I saw her bizarre performance (or whatever that was) on SNL, I can’t warm up to her.
Rachel McAdams vs. Nicole Kidman in Collette Dinnigan
Winner: Rachel McAdams. I never thought I would say this about Nicole, but she has been striking out as of late. Remember when she could do no wrong when it came to her red carpet style? Well she has been replaced by Rachel. The length of the dress and shoes are much more flattering on Rachel. Nicole’s dress is hemmed to that area I call ‘Neverland’ where the leg is cut off in an unfortunate place. The dress is also a bit too tight on Nicole as evidenced by the pulling of the fabric across her thigh area and her boobs appear to be struggling for air.
Stacy Keibler vs. Vanessa Hudgens in Maria Lucia
Winner: Vanessa Hudgens. What can I say Mrs. (I’ll Never Be George) Clooney? The dress looks perfectly acceptable on you, but the yellow color on Vanessa is just amazing. I also prefer lose, flowing hair with a strapless dress. Otherwise it looks too prom/bridesmaid. And let’s face it, that ain’t gonna happen with the guy you are dating now.
If you haven’t been monitoring your calendars as vigilantly as er, some of us, then you may have forgotten that the Marni for H&M collection hits stores this week, and we’ll be on the front lines of the madness (literally) at a special press preview party this Wednesday, March 7th. But until then, we dug up a little something for you to whet your palette and cut your teeth on the upcoming line. Marni for H&M released a video of the celeb-studded launch party, complete with stars like Milla Jovovich, Drew Barrymore and Elisa Sednaoui weighing in on the collection of apparel, shoes and accessories.
Highlights include when Jovovoich’s husband, film director Paul Anderson sheepishly admits to not knowing how to put together an ensemble without the help of his actress/designer wife, Frieda Pinto and Sophia Coppola modeling their Marni for H&M ensembles in the step and repeat and, dare we say, a Winona Ryder cameo? Random, but we love it. And of course, the sneak peeks of the print heavy, color saturated and tragically chic pieces that will finally —finally!—be affordable enough to purchase by the armful. That i,s depending on how many elbows we can throw come Wednesday. We still have waking nightmares about theVersace party after all. Check out the video here to get your wheels turning on what you may want to scoop up in this decadent designer diffusion line. Enjoy!
I still blame this on Lady GaGa as we’re living in the “AG” (After-GaGa) era. This requires dressing ridiculously crazy just for the fact of dressing ridiculously crazy.
Former Cheetah Girl and ex-girlfriend to Rob of the Kardashian clan, Adrienne Bailon walked the red carpet at Caesars Entertainment’s “Escape to Total Rewards” event in NYC last night. And some on-lookers probably got a little more than they bargained for. While posing, a gust of wind came through, “accidentally” (and I use the term loosely since very few people knew who she was before this incident) moved the sash of fabric placed in the front that was NOT SEWN DOWN and exposed everything underneath the sheer skirt.
In case you needed a side view of this monster (monster being the dress and not the wearer)
I might be able to stand by such absurdity if the dress was cute or even well made, for that matter. But when it comes down to it, it’s a completely see-through skirt with a randomly placed, crumpled chiffon scrap placed on it. The ruching at the sides only make it look like she tried on the dress a size too small. I guess she thought she was being demure when she put on a cropped leather jacket. God only knows what the bodice looks like.
Just because we know you can’t wait to own this beauty, this dress is just a sneak peek of Bailon’s upcoming fashion line collaboration with Dominique Auxilly. Right now, she is claiming that the line will debut during NY Fashion Week in September.
You could call this crazy but this is not the first incident this year with a demure lady going out in public half dressed…
Singer Ashanti attended New York Fashion Week in February last month without all the proper undergarments. She attended the Falguni & Shane Peacock runway show in a sheer dress with strategically placed stripes and embellishments. And struck a pose like it wasn’t a problem! Posed so hard, she also broke something. She couldn’t even sit down without having her hands strategically folded over the “good china” throughout the whole show!
These dresses are showing everything. Ev-ery-thing. Unless you’re putting it all up for sell, what’s the point, really? Well, Ashanti and her Louboutin pumps that spell ‘S-E-X’ might suggest otherwise…
I’m a fan of the sheer trend but I’m also a fan of wearing something UNDERNEATH. Third time is a charm and then this officially becomes a trend. Please don’t make it a trend.
A plunging neckline is always a particularly difficult look to pull off. Many factors can make the look appear as if you’re trying too hard or you’re planning on going home with someone after three shots of tequila. For those of us dying to rock this look without the negative connotations, Leighton Meester stepped in to light the way.
At a Miu Miu event in NYC, Meester wore a plunging dress from Prada’s 2012 spring collection. Meester not only pulled this look off, she hit this one out of the ballpark. Here are some tips to make sure you can get this look right.
1. Keep everything else under wraps. With a look this daring, everything else about your look should be borderline conservative. Think longer hems, conservative sleeves, and demure coloring.
2.Keep it ladylike. With this look to be more sexy Grace Kelly and less Lady Gaga grabbing groceries, keep your accessories ladylike and classy. Meester masters this with a simple, small bag with a pop of color and nude pumps that extend her legs for miles.
3. Think clavicle, not cleavage. With a top like this, you want to avoid cleavage at all points. For those ladies with larger chests, it will be a game of tucking and taping. (Lucky for you smaller chested girls!) Once you’re all tucked in, use some bronzer to accentuate the inconspicuous amount of cleavage you have left.
The finished look is more “Va-va-voom” than “get a room” and now we all can rock it.
Kelly Osbourne in Badgley Mischka at the 2012 Oscars
We’re a couple days in from the Oscars 2012, and all the Best and Worst Dressed lists have been posted and discussed ad nauseum. But what about the others? The random B and C list celebrities, spouses of stars and dare we say, the people who are paid to actually judge everyone else? Case in point, Kelly Osbourne. The world has been lauding her for her recent weight loss over the past year and her now fixed place on the judgemental but hilarious “Fashion Police” E! segment alongsideJoan Rivers. So who did she reach for when prepping for the year’s most glamorous night?
I was sitting there, watching the red carpet coverage on Sunday night and feeling every bit the industry pro, because I actually recognized Osbourne’s dress from a runway show I had seen not two weeks ago. Squinting at the cut outs and embellishments, I actually said out loud “Is that from the Badgley Mischka Fall’ 12 show?” Of course no one I was with was able to respond accurately (I have my fashion buddies, then I have my celeb-crazed buddies) but I knew I had correctly identified it. And I was right, especially when I remembered that Osbourne was indeed front and center at this particular show.
So, after my little power trip had subsided I began to really look at Osbourne in the dress and wonder if it worked, her hair notwithstanding (don’t even get me started on that!). The shape of the gown does do nicely to emphasize Osbourne’s curves, though at times it looked a bit long and just kind of heavy for her petite frame. The show itself had been glorious of course, all full of goth, Tim Burton undertones, which I guess fits Osbourne seeing as who her father is. But the severity of the black and teal against the Easter egg tones of her hair again seemed to miss the mark. Had she sported it with her old black, razer cut bob it would have been divine.
So what do you think, dear readers? Did you think Kelly Osbourne rocked the look and earned her spot to judge others? Or is she right there on the “What Were You Thinking” lists with so many others?
I really think Miss Piggy and Kermie Wormie were the standout couple of the evening. Then we have the rest and some did better than others when it came to walking down the red carpet. Shall we take a look?
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa
Joseph: I really wanted to like this dress because it hits the key black-and-white trend for Spring 12, but I just can’t get over the ill-fitting bodice. The top needed more structure.
Lauren: I totally agree. This dress needed some serious tailoring! I normally love Marchesa on the red carpet, but this fell flat. Now I question the black/white trend for spring.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford
Joseph: Easily one of my best dressed of the evening. The tailoring is impeccable. This is how you take all the glamour of the powerful women of the 30s and 40s into today – without the monster double shoulder pads!
Lauren: This was hands down my favorite look of the entire evening! At first I thought it was going to be Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab, but THEN I saw Gwyneth and she was dethroned. Tom Ford can do no wrong in my opinion. However, once Gwyneth removed the cape she was wearing a rather boring white gown…and one that could have been fitted a little better.
Cameron Diaz in Gucci
Joseph: This dress is beautiful and uniquely Frida Giannini. Her early seasons at Gucci sort of re-hashed earlier Tom Ford offerings, but now she has really come into her own. Her viewpoint on sexiness is really quite modern and this dress totally exemplifies it.
Lauren: Granted the dress is quite beautiful, but let’s discuss it on Cameron. It was just what I imagined her in. No surprise. I am also curious what she has done to her face? She’s not looking as beautiful as she once did. Then again, who is?
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Joseph: I think this was the perfect example of how an actress should dress when she is not nominated. Let the B-list actresses desperately scramble for attention. Angelina is far too confident to have to try too hard. She looks amazing without pulling focus. This is Brad’s night, not hers.
Lauren: I agree this gown was perfect for Angelina as a presenter and the arm candy of a nominee, but there is no denying she did try to steal the show once she was on stage. That exposed leg almost looked fake! The best part of the evening was when the winners she presented made fun of her. Lighten up Angie! You scare me.
Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera
Joseph: I love that Carolina chose only her to dress for the evening. She looks elegant and appropriate – two words we rarely associate with the funny girls – see Kathy Griffin. The peplum is so important this season and I’m really glad to see it on one of the more “real” women on the red carpet. Any glamazon can work the peplum, but Tina shows the real women of the world how to rock it!
Lauren: I totally agree. Tina Fey just keeps getting better and better. I love the navy and the peplum.
Meryl Streep in Lanvin
Joseph: This is a brand we usually associate with red carpet risk takers like Julianna Moore. I’m delighted to see it on Meryl. She was nominated for her role as a skirt-suited 80s powerbroker and I fully expected her to work her femininity – most likely in Donna Karan. The choice of brand was a surprise but the silhouette and the draping were just what you would expect.
Lauren: I have to tell you…I was surprised to find out this gown was Lanvin. While it is a vast improvement over what Meryl normally chooses to wear on the red carpet, I did not like the material close-up! It looked cheap which is not a word I normally pair with the brand. I also thought it made her look a little top heavy.
J.Lo in Zuhair Murad
Joseph: A little too tight, a little too low cut, all in barely there nude color – just what you would expect from J.Lo. This illusion beading will probably be really important for prom season but I have to be honest say that I think that Octavia Spencer did it better. I just think that this style of dressing sends the wrong message to women of all ages about what sexy is and how much you have to bare to be it.
Lauren: Oh J.Lo, J.Lo, J.Lo. No! You were one of the women I thought would rock it (she has been stellar on American Idol)…and you didn’t. Was that a little nip-slip we also caught while you were presenting with Cameron? In so many ways that 3 minutes was painful to watch. Give J.Lo a red carpet and she has to whore it up. Too tight, too tacky, too desperate!
Emma Stone in Giambatista Valli
Joseph: Red hair in a red dress on a red carpet – it all makes me see RED. Sometimes “too much” is simply too much! This was NOT the season to rock red on the red carpet. Everyone compared this to Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga, but the truth is I think that the more relevant comparison is Julianne Moore in the bright pink Lanvin at last year’s Golden Globes. This shade of red simply doesn’t work with her coloring and she’s not fashion forward enough to carry off the silhouette.
Lauren: I totally agree. I hate when the dress and hair colors are the same (take note Ellie Kemper in Amrani). Red on the red carpet was so last year and Emma looks like she is being swallowed by that giant bow. Too bad. I was hoping she would wow us again.
Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji
Joseph: Even before she accepted her Oscar, she was a winner in this dress. The fit, the coverage, and the illusion beading all combine to make her one of my Best Dressed of the evening. Women of the world take note – you don’t have to be model thin to be well dressed, feminine and sexy! This is one look that I hope to see copied by women everywhere.
Lauren: Perfection. I also love that while so many designers were trying to woo her she stuck with Tadashi Shoji. That is so admirable. Why mess with a good thing? I totally concur with your statement about being well-dressed, feminine and sexy, no matter your size. Octavia has wowed us on every red carpet this season. I am so happy for her win too.
Glenn Close in Zac Posen
Joseph: This is what happens when you have too many good ideas and try to put them all into one look. I really want to like this outfit, but I just can’t. I love the color. I love the shawl collar tuxedo jacket. I love the fishtail. I love the way the bodice is constructed. Together – it’s a complete disaster.
Lauren: I hate to say this, I rather agree. However, do you know how hard it is to find a gown that covers your arms these days? It’s damn near impossible! It has been for the past decade. Ask my mother who is dying for a new black tie gown and can’t find one. I believe a woman over 60 should try to cover her arms a bit. Don’t kill me for saying that. So I can’t blame Glenn for going this route. I don’t love the jacket with this dress, but I don’t fault her for it either. Designers really ought to think of their older clientele as well. Design one or two dresses with some sort of sleeve.
Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture
Joseph: Like an angel from heaven!!! You know I love runway looks on the red carpet – especially haute couture – but lately Givenchy has been more Grammys than Oscars. Think Nikki Minaj in head-to-toe leopard. I was so glad to see something this beautiful at the Oscars. She made it look completely effortless.
Lauren: Meh. I think she looks more like an angel from hell. I was not digging this gown on her. Sorry. A pale white girl in a white dress and severe dark hair, just looks so forced to me. I get she is the representative for hipsters, but I really am not buying this. I hated the bodice. My husband said she looked like Edith Head and I’m inclined to agree (go honey!). She still looks like she could kick my ass, even in the gown.
Viola Davis in Vera Wang
Joseph: I love the skirt of this gown. The play of textures and the asymmetry are so beautiful. I hesitate to give this dress props because I don’t want women out there to think that they can pull of this color. Maggie Smith said it best in Gosford Park: “Difficult color, green. Very tricky.” I also don’t understand the bust. Is it meant to remind women to get an annual mammogram? Or are they defibrillator paddles to revive her if she passes out when the winner in her category is announced?
Lauren: Bah! OK, at first I liked this dress and I agree the skirt is beautiful. The color was so striking on the red carpet. However, once I saw her sitting in it I grew to dislike it. The color began to look tacky and with her red hair, it just looked bad and dare I say cheap? I know, Vera Wang cheap right? Well there is that Lavender label and the Kohl’s line, but I digress.
Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
Joseph: The peplum look that is so important this season is all about proportion. Michelle’s dress is simply perfection of proportion personified. This dress made the diminutive actress look positively statuesque. This is how you trick the eye with fabric. The coral color looks as fresh as springtime and is the perfect compliment to her coloring. Kudos for her for taking the chance!
Lauren: I absolutely adored this gown on her! It was one of my favorites of the evening. From head-to-toe I thought she looked stunning. I have nothing to say except…please do it again next year!
Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture
Joseph: The talking scarecrows on cable TV all thought this dress was “too old” for her but I completely disagree. She’s introducing an entire generation of young women to beautifully made clothes and – most importantly – showing them that you don’t have to go bare to be sexy or glamorous. Yes – a 60 or 70 year old actress “could” have rocked this gown, but isn’t it refreshing to see a young actress looking so beautiful without looking like a slut? Angelina Jolie did a lot for long sleeves on the red carpet in her green Versace but I think that this takes it to a new level with an even younger audience.
Lauren: Dude, who are you calling a scarecrow? I totally AGREE with the critics who say this dress was too old for her! There is a happy medium between too old and slut. She should have gone there. I think there are a million other gowns that would have looked better on her. She’s 22 not 72! This dress would have been perfect on Glenn Close (or Jane Fonda). I don’t mind the long sleeves, I mind the neckline! Fail, fail, fail.
Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen
Joseph: This literally hurts me to say, but this is another Titanic-level red carpet disaster. She is simply too short waisted to wear this. The bodice of the dress is so long that the bust is pushed up too high. Two words for you – pit cleavage! She’s also too short to carry off the proportions of the embroidery. It makes her look pear-shaped. With the memory of the Savage Beauty exhibit so fresh in the minds of the fashion folk, why would you even attempt carry off McQueen unless it was utter perfection?
Lauren: I have little to add. You are correct on every point. This looks more Versace than McQueen. Ouch.
Bérénice Bejo in Elie Saab
Joseph: You know how I love current trends on the red carpet, especially when an actress does it right. Mint green is the one shade of the current pastel trend for Spring 12 that is so difficult to get right. Thankfully, she – and Elie Saab – got it absolutely right! The beading enhances the color and gives the dress dimension. The illusion beading on the sleeves is particularly flattering. Even the worst bingo arms would look great given this treatment.
Lauren: I agree. I love this gown and after seeing Milla Jovovich in her Elie Saab, I think I can say these are red carpet stunners. My only criticism is Bérénice’s posture. She makes the gown look a bit sloppy. No? I’m not sure if it’s the dress or her posture pulling her boobs down, but something isn’t quite right.
The 84th Annual Academy Awards had major buzz. Not only is it the biggest film awards show of the entire season but the best looks from the biggest stars in the world are said to be on that red carpet. So perhaps we always expect too much, but shouldn’t we? The movie stars and celebrities are in their element.
Which is why it’s hard when the Oscars become a bit underwhelming as they did this year. Sure, The Artist won Best Picture and Billy Crystal gave a stellar beginning monologue, but the dresses weren’t the bold, stand out, statement looks we wanted to see. Perhaps this was exemplified when the biggest news on the red carpet last evening was (besides Sacha Baron Cohen dumping ashes on Ryan Seacrest) that Angelina Jolie was showing a little leg. How bold, Angelina!
Pardon the sarcasm, but we were hoping for more! Nevertheless, there were dresses that stood out in an overall drab collection of celebrities.
Red Carpet Stunners
Viola Davis in Vera Wang
We’ve come to expect that when a star shows up at a designer’s runway show right before the Oscars, she’s going to be wearing that designer to the Oscars. Ironically, this wasn’t the case for Jessica Chastain, who got the call that she was nominated for an Academy Award during the Armani Prive show and it wasn’t the case for Rooney Mara, who wore Givenchy even after we spotted her at Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Calvin Klein. But it WAS the case for The Help’s Viola Davis, who wore a stunning green Vera Wang gown with pleats at the bottom and embellishments on the chest.
Stacey Keibler in Marchesa
Here’s another example of a girl who upstaged her actor nominee boyfriend (or hubby) when she really had no reason to be at the Oscars other than the fact that he was there. Emily Blunt did it in a bright green Oscar de la Renta dress at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Angelina Jolie did it in Atelier Versace with boyfriend Brad Pitt (OK, so she was presenting, too.) We knew that Stacey Keibler would be going to the Oscars with boyfriend George Clooney. We also knew she would be wearing Marchesa to the big event (she talked about it at Marchesa’s Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection runway show.) But we had no idea she would pick this gold lame Marchesa gown should column straight off the catwalk. We liked that people were comparing her to an Oscars statuette because she certainly looked like one. Sorry to say, don’t think she’ll ever actually be up for one.
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Angelina Jolie stunned in an velvet Atelier Versace gown (worn in her signature black) with an architectural top. What really stunned, though, was the amount of leg she showcased on the red carpet. She was all about that thigh-high slit! You go girl!
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa
People.com called Sandra Bullock a “risk-taker” for wearing this Marchesa dress, and yet, I thought it was absolutely stunning and quite conservative in comparison. The shoulders were covered and perhaps the most “risk-taking” aspect was the detailed gold leaf embellishment on the waist. Sandra Bullock wasn’t nominated for a Best Leading Actress role this time, but she might as well have been. She looked better than some other–ahem–nominees on the carpet.
Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera
Has Tina Fey hired a stylist in the past few years? That’s still the question on everyone’s mind. A few awards shows in the past had us adding her to the Worst Dressed list but she’s really upped the ante lately! The 2012 Oscars are no exception, where Fey was seen in a stylish but not overly dramatic navy Carolina Herrera number, with a trendy addition–the peplum! How’s that for fashion?
Red
Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
There’s a reason why all the fashion insiders are calling it, “The Year of the Peplum!” The peplum shape was featured heavily on all the major runways and now it’s being carried over to the red carpet. The Louis Vuitton dress is nicely textured and sit well on Williams’ petite frame, but I’m just not sure she looks good in red (actually this dress was more of a poppy hue). I was hoping for a navy blue, a frilly yellow, or even white–red just doesn’t seem to work well on her. Regardless, in a night of underwhelmers, the dress stunned.
Natalie Portman in Vintage Christian Dior
One can argue that this dress isn’t actually red–it’s polka dot! But perhaps it should have just stayed red. The black polka dots on this strapless red vintage Christian Dior haute couture gown makes Oscar winner Natalie Portman look tiny and cutesy in comparison to the bold purple Rodarte gown she wore last year when she was pregnant. Nice that she’s wearing Dior (and has lost all her baby weight) but not nice that she chose this particular gown.
Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli
Emma Stone regularly makes noticeable red carpet appearances. She was one of the first celebs we saw in the peplum (it was pink and red.) She showed up at the Calvin Klein runway show this season in another red ensemble. And here she is in red again! But what’s with that giant bow around her neck. The halter top is bad enough, but that bow makes it stand out way too much. This is an unfortunate mishap from a stylish red carpet favorite.
White
Shailene Woodley in Valentino
The Descendents star Shailene Woodley may have LOVED her Valentino haute couture gown, but it seemed that everyone else hated it! She was obsessed with the long sleeves, but that was probably the only thing good about it. Woodley may want to pull off the “mature” look but this dress was way too much for someone her age and she would have been better suited in a cuter dress, say Natalie Portman’s Christian Dior, or even Sarah Hyland’s Alberta Ferretti dress in a bright violet color.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford
Well, if it isn’t the cape! When they aren’t wearing peplums, the stars are wearing the next best trendsetting item of Fall/Winter 2012-2013. Or at least they’re wearing designers who use that trendsetting item. In this case, Gwyneth Paltrow wore Tom Ford Fall 2012 straight off the runway and looked smashing doing it. She even removed the cape when she presented an award and only wore it on the red carpet. She looked gorgeous and totally toned.
Rooney Mara in Givenchy
We’re guessing since Rooney Mara made heads turn in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and her character spawned a limited-edition collection at H&M that the world assumes that Mara is going to wear bold and tough looks with lots of leather, ripped jeans, and gobs of black. And indeed, she has, at many a movie premiere despite wearing gowns and dresses to many red carpet events. This was a nice change for Mara, who is very rarely seen in something so bright and vivid, without the sleek side part she has become accustomed to wearing to “dress up her look.” Although I’m not a fan of the way her chest looks, I’m a fan of Rooney Mara’s new ladylike turn. May there be more to come!
Li Bingbing in Georges Chakra
Asian actress Li Bingbing stunned perhaps more so than some of the red carpet favorites. What stood out about her sleek white gown by Georges Chakra? The texture, of course! Giving it almost a metallic sheen with a floral feminine vibe, Li Bingbing added stunning 18kt gold, pave diamond Maple Leaf earrings to complete her look.
Princess Charlene Wittstock in Akris
We were hoping for something Armani or Chanel! Another underwhelming gown, especially at such a big event but at least the Prince and Princess of Monaco made an appearance at the Oscars!
Sparkle
Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture
Milla Jovovich is a first time presenter at the 2012 Academy Awards and she wanted to make a flash on the red carpet. Well, that she certainly did and in a clean and elegant Elie Saab look for the big event. Elie Saab, as we’ve seen time and time again (and even more so lately) is a hit with the celebrities who want something spectacular to make a flashy but elegant red carpet appearance. That’s exactly what Milla Jovovich did here.
Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab Couture
In another glamorous Elie Saab number, The Artist star Berenice Bejo wowed in a mint green beaded Elie Saab gown with a deep V neckline. Red Carpet Fashion Awards said she was missing the wow factor. Our theory? It was because the deep V neckline made her breasts look like they were sagging. It just wasn’t the right look for the now A-list star.
Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji
Octavia Spencer said she’d stay true to her designers of choice and she has. She looks stunning in this Tadashi Shoji white and gold beaded number that covers her skin but still stays nipped and tucked in all the right places. This is a winner for Octavia Spencer and she needed it–the actress was in full view when she got up to accept her Best Supporting Actress win at the awards show in the first big actor/actress win of the night!
Anna Faris in Diane von Furstenberg
We’re not so used to seeing so much sparkle from Diane von Furstenberg, but Anna Faris makes it work. Many said she looked too similar to Rose Byrne, who wore a similar Vivienne Westwood number (minus the sleeves.) But the sleeves (besides the glitter) are really what makes this outfit pop and we’re happy to see her in something statement-making without it being over-the-top. Definitely not something for the Worst Dressed list (although maybe Second City Style readers wouldn’t agree?) What do you think?
Others
Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani
Penelope Cruz said this is one of her favorite dresses she’s ever worn. But while the lavender Giorgio Armani gown fit her perfectly (Armani DOES have that effect on a woman) we’re not sure it’s the best we’ve ever seen the star look. I’m more a fan of the Chopard jewels and the retro hairdo than I am of this color or the open shoulder sleeves on Penelope.
Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen
Jessica Chastain had the phone call heard round at the Armani Prive show when she learned she was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar as she sat next to Cameron Diaz. She was probably already shopping around for an Oscars dress and at the time, we weren’t sure if she was going to pick Armani Prive or not, but we sort of assumed she was. So it was a big (and pleasant) surprise to see her wearing this Alexander McQueen embroidered number that she said “felt larger than life.” Indeed it was and the perfect way to capture her first ever Oscars experience, even one where she didn’t win!
In what is perhaps the Best Dressed of the night: Miss Piggy wore stylish Zac Posen and Kermit the Frog stunned in Brooks Brothers!
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