Oscar Sunday. It's a serious event, the creme de la creme of the award season. Awards aside, Oscar Sunday is when style appears in a big way. Award shows and red carpets bring out real life Cinderellas and infamous fashion moments (anyone else remember Jennifer Lopez's green dress at the 1995 Grammys?).
This year, while there were no Earth-shaking green dress moments (my roommate calls that a cautionary tale for other would-be fashion risk takers), there were certainly hits - and a few misses.
(image courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com)
It's no secret. I love Nicole Richie. Her style evolution from trendy California party girl to chic fashion designer is inspiring. Her Oscar look simply dazzled in a Reem Acra draped dress, perfect eye makeup and brunette hair. Fingers crossed that the dark locks are staying. Blondes may have more fun, but Richie as a brunette oozes class.
(image courtesy of zap2it.com)
Sandra Bullock showcases the keys to a perfect Oscar outfit. A Marchesa dress with a jaw-droppingly perfect fit and envy-worthy silhouette. A bit of metallic embellishment (but not too much!). Hair, makeup and accessories that compliment - not distract! - from the overall look. Classy and gorgeous.
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If Carrie Bradshaw was a real person, she would absolutely approve of Sarah Jessica Parker's Chanel Couture dress. Parker easily emulated Oscar glam and scored major bonus points with her husband, Matthew Broderick in Tom Ford. Love.
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Rachel McAdams ushers in spring watercolor prints in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. With a crisscross sweetheart neckline and long, flowing train, McAdams shines on the red carpet.
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Women like Meryl Streep (and my mother!) ease any fear about aging. In a winter white Chris March dress, Steep looks more graceful and amazing than ever. A plunging neck gives a youthful style, without compromising age-appropriateness. Hollywood starlets, take note.
(image courtesy of zimbio.com)
The bad news? Everything can't be glamorous and chic on Oscar night. Case in point. Miley Cryus in a Jenny Packman gown. Perfect from the waist down. Cringe-worthy from the waist up. Bustier tops aren't allowed within a 50 mile radius of a red carpet. Or anywhere.
Other hits: Demi Moore in Atelier Versace (does she ever age?), Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan (I'm a sucker for burgundy gowns), and Elizabeth Banks in Versace (no one can do wrong in lavender chiffon).
Other misses: Zoe Saldana in Givenchy (save the poof-train for playing dress up, not the red carpet) and Vera Farmiga in Marchesa (how can she even sit down?).
Still questionable - Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive. Hit or miss? Tell me at popcultureparadox [at] gmail.com
-M
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(image courtesy of instyle.com)
Confession. I'm blessed with good hair. As a young girl, friends oohed and aahed while running their fingers through my thick locks. I quickly realized the benefits of good hair -- volume, texture, control, style. I brag, but before anyone passes judgment on my admitted bragging, I'm willing to give up a few secrets - my ultimate tricks of the trade.
