Red Carpet Fashion: Academy Awards 2012

First of all - thank you to everyone who followed my live tweets for this year's awards season!! I always have so much fun and really enjoy seeing what everyone else is saying about the red carpet! I also have to give a shoutout to some lovely ladies - Katie & Melanie - who have watched all the season long with me! Now let's talk about all the looks we saw from Sunday's show! Trends were spotted and included whimsical white gowns, dazzling diamond necklaces, sequins galore and pops of pastels. My picks are littered with a few of each so let's get down to it!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford and matching cape

There's no shortage of love on this blog or in my life for Gwyneth Paltrow. She's still my #1 girl crush and I was absolutely swooning over her fashion pick for the Oscars. Sleek and modern, this Tom Ford white column gown and matching cape are devine. I'm literally obsessively looking for a "Steal Her Look For Less" cape as we speak (floor length not necessarily needed) Ahhh - I just can't get over how elegant and regal this is. Clean makeup and hair plus the addition of an intricate Anna Hu cuff and ring were perfect accessories. Hands down - best look of the night.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich was one of the first celebs to hit the red carpet and boy did she set the bar high! I must admit that I'm a series sucker for anything Elie Saab. The label's design are always glittering, super feminine and incredibly beautiful - this dress is no exception. But Milla's poise and amazing body are what really sell this dress. The white sequin gown has a unique one shoulder cap sleeve and a slight train creating a mix of modern and classic romance. She finished her look with a curly bob and a bright bold lip. Love it!!

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

If GP is my ultimate girl crush, Jessica Chastain isn't that far behind. She's a relatively new actress who burst onto the scene with what seemed like 12 movies. She's funny, gorgeous and while Ryan Seacrest was interviewing her I couldn't help but think "Damn, I want to be best friends with this girl!" The stunning red-head beauty absolutely wowed on the carpet in her hand embroidered black and gold Alexander McQueen gown. She took a major risk wearing such an ornate dress but she pulled it off flawlessly. I also can't get over how lovely her makeup and hair are! They're very simple and let's the dress take center stage without the whole look overpowering her. Plus she's dripping in over $2 million worth of Harry Winston yellow diamonds. Now what girl wouldn't be smiling about that?

Do you see what I mean about STUNNING?! She's gorgeous!

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

I'm also a huge Giuliana Rancic fan. The Italian-born E! correspondent has really stepped up her A-game this awards season and this look was definitely the icing on the cake of fabulous 2012 picks. I couldn't be more in love with this beaded and tulle Tony Ward dress. It's got a hint of 20's flair and I mean those sequin shoulders? I die! Fits her like a dream and she's positively glowing. A bright red lip and chic chignon were outfit finishers. Congrats G!

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Wow. Wow. WOW! Michelle Williams has been pushing the envelope all season with unique and special looks. So far nothing absolutely jumped out at me as a favorite and I was a little worried about what she might wear for the Oscars. But I definitely was not disappointed with this fabulous custom-designed Louis Vuitton gown. Although the color was picking up as "red" on camera, it's really a deep coral color which looks amazing on her skin tone. I adore the peplum waist and the tiered ruffles - just the right amount of feminitiy. She topped off her ensemble with her signature quirky style - a vintage Fred Leighton bow broach and a color-blocking pink Bottega Veneta crocodile clutch.

Love!!

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

The Help's Octavia Spencer has been absolutely killing it all awards season. I've loved everything she has worn so far. So when she walked the carpet in this beaded Tadashi Shoji gown I literally squeled in delight! It looks silver, but upon closer inspection it's actually a pale gold color. She's got some curves but the girl knows how to dress for her body type! Everything she puts on becomes a gown that any size girl could wear and look fabulous in. This particular choice has a flattering gathering in the front and ladylike short sleeve. Not only is she really a beautiful woman, but is super sweet. She's been enjoying this awards season run and her speech when she won was so incredibly touching and a true test of her character. Octavia finished off her winning look with Neil Lane jewels and a classic metallic Judith Leiber clutch.

See what I mean about the gold color?

So what do you lovelies think? Do you agree with my picks? Anyone you thought I should have included? Let me know! xoxo

images via one, two, three (and inset), four, five (and inset), six