Red Carpet Fashion: Academy Awards 2011

It's here!! What I have referred to before as "The Superbowl" of red carpets - The Oscars! After a year of more lows than highs (Let's be honest.. it's been mostly a snoozefest...) Sunday closed out this year of awards season. I had high hopes with Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosting. There were a few hilarious moments (I loved that opening scene) but the ceremony itself still fell a little flat... I was happy to see that several ladies were pushing the envelope and going outside the box this year. Even I surprised myself with a few of my favorite picks. Some of this year's trends were: Bright Color - Red and Purple were the choice colors of this year both with dresses and a few shoe choices as well as Metallics. Colored Lace - I saw so many women wearing lacy details in varying colors. Nudes/Blushes are still making their way through the red carpet trains - this year they were covered in sparkles. But enough with the small talk - let's get to my picks!

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

I am in love with this dress and Cate Blanchett is working it. She's such a risk taker and this was such a payoff. In one of the most popular colors this lavender Givenchy dress is stunning. The pleats, intricate beading and structured shoulders make this choice incredibly fashion forward. The yellow beads are a total surprise - just quirky enough. Check out this pic of the back:

With the gown itself having so much going on Cate kept her makeup fresh and clean while also sporting a super chic bob. Her gold stud earrings and gold bangle were simple but the oh-so-fab Van Cleef & Arpels. Love all around - Thank you Cate for a non-boring look!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

I am slowly beginning to form a girl crush on Mrs. Chris Martin. I am not really sure where it came from - she's definitely always been a starting player in the game of fashion - but I think more recently I've just become aware of how amazing her outfits really can be. She certainly didn't disappoint in this shiny metallic Calvin Klein. This gown could be incredibly simple... but on Gwynie it's anything but. A deep neckline and side slit are tiny details that complete this minimalist look. At this point, I'm telling myself whatever Tracy Anderson is teaching her, I need to learn - STAT. Her traditional sleek locks and dewy skin keep the vibe modern. Lastly - I am obsessed with her Louis Vuitton jewels -I mean swooning over them.

 

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with this photo right here. Jennifer Lawrence has been showing up on the red carpet all season with tight severe buns and dresses that weren't exactly perfect for her. However the first lady to show up at arrivals this year she really set the bar high. Her gorgeous blonde locks are flowing and the smokey eye makeup matches amazingly. I could give her an A+ on the hair and makeup alone. She looks like the 20 year old that she is! Jennifer also wears Calvin Klein oh so well - this form fitting fire colored dress hugs her curves in all the right places. I mean we are stepping into bombshell territory here people. So fab! Although jewels were a big hit this year at the Oscars - she kept it easy with one Chopard bangle and glittery clutch. Guess that's what Francisco Costa will do to a gal - show 'em what you got!

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Mila strikes again! Here we see a much softer and more feminine side than what we saw last month at the SAG Awards. Colored lace was all over the carpet this year - but this was probably my favorite color and detail of the material. She must have been freezing (the high in L.A. was only 55 yesterday!) but the peek-a-boo cutouts are perfection. This whole look is channeling old Hollywood glamour to me. The hair, smokey makeup and soft lips are very romantic - something we don't always see from Mila but I wish we did! She added on some Neil Lane jewels and poof! She doesn't need anything else. So fab.

Honorable Mention:

Hailee Steinfeld in custom made Marchesa

How adorbs is she?!? She's been killing it this awards season (Check out this look.. in love!) The Oscar nominee helped design this gown that the amazing duo Marchesa made specifically for her. It's totally age appropriate and perfect for her big night out as an Oscar contender. Plus - what 14 year old (or just any woman for that matter) wouldn't want to wear Fred Leighton jewels?

I know Natalie Portman isn't on my list - I so wanted to pick her.. but I just didn't love it. Also - Note to all women out there - sometimes the jewelry you pick isn't always the greatest. Case and point - Amy Adams:

Oh Amy, Amy, Amy.... why oh why did you have to add that Cartier necklace to your gorgeous L'Wren Scott sequined gown? You all but had it in the bag as Best Dressed... Unfortunately I can't overlook that minor major detail...

Who were your best dressed? Did I leave off anyone who you just can't live without?! Let me know! Happy Monday everyone!! xoxo

all images via Zimbio