Oscars 2012: Best of the Red Carpet

Once again, we thank The Academy for a fantastic parade of glitz and glamour on this year's red carpet.  We loved Billy's song, Octavia Spencer's and Meryl Streep's winnings, and of course there was the glorious Christopher Plummer too (we won't lie that we were secretly hoping he'd break into a romantic rendition of Edelweiss right there on the stage). But, we all know the red carpet is sometimes even more entertaining than the show itself.  So, who was the best dressed at the 2012 Academy Awards? While we admit most of the ladies looked absolutely gorgeous, there are a few that really shined. The PDR award for Best Dressed goes to Michelle Williams (Jen's pick) with her sweet, elegant, and romantic vintage look and Jessica Chastain (Saira's pick) with her gorgeous McQueen gown that is perfectly royal and fits like a dream.  Do you agree?  Let us know what you think!  Here are some of the other best dresses (you may disregard the hair because honestly we have no idea what was going on with some of these looks) at this year's Oscars:

1. Michelle Williams (Louis Vuitton) | 2. Jessica Chastain (Alexander McQueen)| 

3. Milla Jovovich (Elie Saab) | 4. Kristen Wiig (J. Mendel) | 5. Natalie Portman (Dior) |

6. Gwyneth Paltrow (Tom Ford) | 7. Tina Fey (Carolina Herrera) | 8. Rooney Mara (Givenchy Couture) |

9. Angelina Jolie (Atelier Versace) | 10. Cameron Diaz (Gucci) |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Rendezvous on the Red Carpet

We'd like to thank the academy.. .for inspiring us to write this post.  While we couldn't do live blogging during the event, we can't simply let the Academy Awards pass us by without a comment (or seven) on the fabulous apparel that adorned the red carpet. It was easy to spot the trends this year, from the color red, to loose wavy hair, to shimmering dresses, etc. etc.  Walking the red carpet with all eyes on you can be stressful, but some of these celebs make it look effortless. Here's a look at some of our Oscar night favorite's:

Swan Queen and "Best Actress" winner Natalie Portman looks super pregnant and super stunning in this elegant, plum colored dress by Rodarte.  We might consider leaving those tassel earrings at home though. (Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty) 

It's no surprised that the ballerinas took center stage. Mila Kunis looks absolutely gorgeous in this lacy lilac dress by Elie Saab. (Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty)

Glowing Gwyneth Paltrow looks as radiant as "Oscar" himself in this metallic dress by Calvin Klein.

  (Photo Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage) 

Red was certainly the popular color this year and Jennifer Lawrence wore it best as she showed off her curves in this simple and chic dress by Calvin Klein. (Photo Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Saying that Michelle Williams looks amazing is an understatement.  Her figure alone deserves an award but the elegant Chanel dress and perfectly polished hair show she's come a long way since Dawson's Creek. (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty)

Reese Witherspoon takes classic black and white to a new level with this retro look.  This Armani dress is simple and elegant and we especially love her very mod ponytail. (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty)

And, finally, Amy Adams looked beautiful in a navy sequined dress by L'Wren Scott. Although she sparkles like a jewel we do think the necklace was a little much and she could have looked even more elegant had she gone without it. And we think an updo would have worked better with that high neckline, but that's just us!  (Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty)

Loving James Franco's grandma.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Into the fray: The Oscars 2010

I know everyone and his grandmother has an opinion on the dresses that paraded down the red carpet last night, but i'm going to jump into the fray and talk about some of my favourite dresses. Overall I was pretty disappointed: nothing too out there, lots of silver, pale blues, and lavenders, and lots of yawn inducing strapless gowns.

However I did like: Carey Mulligan! I know everyone is raving about this Prada dress (I didn't expect it to be Prada!) but I really have to join in! Its exactly the kind of dress I would wear if someone invited me to the Oscars; the embellishment and the hem line are particular focal points. I also love her pixie crop and how she choose to accessorize the dress so simply, but with those fab earrings. Sandra Bullock should also get special mention for wearing the kind of dress I would die to get married in! I know usually the bridal style gowns are a big Oscar no-no (I'm thinking of Miley Cyrus this year) but this dress has to be an exception to the rule. And Kudos to her for being the first actress to pick up an Academy Award and Golden Raspberry in the same year: and actually going to pick both up!

I didn't like: Meryl Streep (although I love her, it looked like she was wearing a toga!) Jennifer Lopez (there is such a thing as too much!) and Sarah Jessica Parker (I know lots of people liked this Chanel dress but there was a little too much going on, on top of a nothing column dress for me) Diane Kruger also looked terrible: why would you have ruffles from your upper thigh to your calf?? Liked the monochrome, but another example of too much going on and not in a good way!

Which were your favourite dresses? Who did you love and who did you hate?

Love, Tor xx

Better Late then Never - Oscar Red Carpet Fashion.

Hello blogosphere,

Tor and I know that in the fast moving world of l'internet, you have to get your thoughts out there fast else three days will pass and your opinion is so much dry dust. With that in mind, Tor and I speedily and non-grammatically MSN'd our opinions about the latest Oscar fashions.

We know you're sick of the obvious so we tried to spread the net a little wider. But you're still seeing Marion Cotillard again so I'm afraid you'll have to suck it up some. It's been a lean year friends. And with that, please enjoy our extended text-based conversation:

Becky says:
You ready to critique outfits?
Tor says:
i'm so ready!
Becky says:
In a intellectual style?
Tor
not sure about the intellectual bit but i'm up for looking at dresses and making pleasing noises!
.....i liked Anne Hathaway

i really loved the roses and that it was very obviously glam when a lot of the other 'slebs went for understated black dresses (small yawn)
Becky says:
Totally seconding the yawn.. Everyone's saying it was a super subdued safe Oscars and I think every critique I've read so far has longed for Cher or a swan dress. Personally, I only respond to red carpet outfits that could be conceivably used in drag acts
Tor says:
there was lots of 'nice' and 'pretty' but no wow
Becky says:
Chic is for LOSERS. Plus, I thought Hathaway was too reminiscent of Kate Winslet Ben de Lisi dress of a few years ago.

Tor says
it so is!!!! why would you look understated when you have access to huge diamonds and puffball?
Becky says:
It sickens me.
Tor says:
The ben de lisi thing makes me find it more substandard- i've been od'ing on project catwalk this week and slowly growing to hate him
Becky says:
He's a shrieking fashion ferret
Tor says:
haha! And thats so far from good!!! There were lots of well dressed pregnancies this year. Cate Blanchett wore 'the bump' well i thought?

Becky says:
She's so famous for her risk-taking and I was just, well, underwhelmed. I love the chunked up neckline but that's about it.
Tor says:
yeah there were no risks taken by anyone this year
Becky says:
I reckon if you're pregnant there's very little option other than going 'tits ahoy'. Like Catherine Zeta Jones in 2002

Tor says:
hmmm, that was too much bosom even for me!!!
Becky says:
#1 You LOVE it. #2 Everything's so tasteful. I want to see puffy nipples on the red carpet! Feathers and puffy nipples!
Tor says:
those killer heels teamed with the enormous bump cant have been comfortable
Becky says:
They're Loubotons too. The patented feet shredders
Tor says:
on gmtv yesterday they said that a lot of 'slebs have collagen fillers in their feet so they can't feel the pain and they can stand on them longer!?
Becky says:
That's going to lead to a spate of ballerina style deformo toes

Tor says:
yup. i've never believed in the whole beauty=pain thing
Becky says:
Plus, you're a baby
Tor says:
yup, no pain, no pain. thats all!
[...]
Becky says:
My favourite dress was actually worn by a teeny tiny celebrity of no real standing - Lydia Hearst.

Tor says:
wow that;s gorgeous! like a ballerina mated with a chiffon peacock
Becky says:
And then a open passion fruit....It's quite vagina-ry. In a good way.
Tor says:
I didnt think of that until you just said it!
Becky says:
Sure sure. I also like this one on Saoirse Ronan: because it was simple but with omigod COLOUR.

Tor says:
you know i hate lace and that particular lace looks cheap, and cheaply applied
Becky says:
Prada spits on your hate
Tor says:
The colour is nice but the dress is bleurgh. Prada can keep their lace and their saliva!
Becky says:
You'll love it in six months time. I'm starting your shock therapy tomorrow.
Tor says:
it looks cheap to me on the catwalk...can you imagine what it will look like when the highstreet do it???
Becky says:
Fair point. Nothing worse then the sweatiness of cheap lace. Maybe I'll cheer you up with Marion Cotillard.

I love this picture. Mostly because I want Forrest Whitaker to hug me.

Tor Says

Oooh! Scaley!!
Becky says:
Totes. Jean Paul Gaultier no less. He's not worn so much on awards nights. I also want to give a shout-out to that su-poib eye make-up and her general Frenchiness

Click for awesome hi-res details

Tor says:
I just can't decide if i like it or not it looks stunning on her though!!
Becky says:
They shoulda greased her hair down like they did on the catwalk. Woulda been ace,
Tor says:
like the jewellery. lots of chains is a-ok by me!
Becky says:
I like the fact I can see slight nicotine stains on her teeth. What do you think of Tilda Swinton?
Tor says:
She scares me
Becky says:
Don't say that. That's what she wants. Everyone was going on about her brave choice to not wearing make-up but she's clearly wearing liner and gloss at the very least
Tor says:
the dress was not a good choice for her pale skin and tiny body
Becky says:
Again, I wish she'd gone all-out. Though she's famous for wearing Viktor and Rolf and they're a little bit too Kwazy Klown for the Oscars. Her dress is Lanvin you know. I researched this. Praise me.
Tor says:
You are wonderful! An oscar nerd of the highest order. Geek!
Becky:
Mean! What do you think about Mrs MacAvoy aka Ann Marie Duff?

Tor says:
Its nice but like something we mere mortals would wear. You could buy that on the highstreet
Becky says:
I was gonna say it's a bit Warehouse-y (note to foreign readers. Warehouse is a mid-priced high street chain, comparable to something like Express in the US). But I'm desperate for pigment here
Tor says:
haha! you're clutching at straws!
Becky says:
Shuttup! It's not my fault this year hit the snooze button! Speaking of 'mortals like us' how about Ellen Page?

Tor says:
Oh look another black straigh up and down dress. blah blah blah!!!
Becky says:
But it's almost frumpy! I LOVE it! She doesn't give a shit! I find that awesomely endearing
Tor says:
Thats soo not a good thing!
Becky says:
Nooo! It's the best!
Tor says:
its oscars night! they should all give a shit otherwise whats the point??
Becky says:
They all give too much of a shit and that's the problem - they're terrified little bunnies all decked out in indistinguishable chiffon dresses. Ellen Page's dress is part of her 'dress-down' non-Hollywood aesthetic. And I like her flapper pearls
Tor says:
blah! i have those in like 3 different colours! from primark!!!!
Becky says:
I think it's unprententious and pretty. I hate it when 18-21 year old girls dress like 33 year old screen sirens
Tor says:
I like screen sirens: old school hollywood glamour, big skirts and lots of make up
Becky says:
But it looks so pre-packaged and fake on an 18 year old

I'm talking to you, Miley Cyrus

Becky says:
I like a tiny hint of madness.
Tor says:
yeah i see your point
Becky says:
All true Hollywood divas have something a little crazed about them.
Tor says:
i think maybe i'm just bitter....the whole ceremony this year left me yawning
Becky says:
I've got 2 more things to show you.
Tor says:
How exciting!

Tor says:
i loved this picture when i saw it on the night!
Becky says:
I tricked you into menswear!
Tor says:
so quirky and slightly adorable! i'm not against menwear
Becky says:
Say what you like about Spike Lee (egomaniac, occasional genius)- dude knows how to dress. Wesley ain't so shabby neither. I loved it that during the ceremony Jon Stewart made mention of Barack Obama and the camera automatically cut to Spike. He's Hollywood's designated black man!

Tor says:
ahhha nother well documents shoe fiaso. people made such a fuss about those brown shoes!
Becky says:
I am OBSESSED with Daniel Day Lewis and Rebecca Miller. The brown shoes are fucking gold
Tor says:
Now thats an interesting dress!!!
Becky says:
I know. She doesn't give a shit either!
Tor says:
they both did "alternative" shoes. maybe its a 'thing'?
Becky says:
Lace, bows and stripes....pile it on - she loves it
Tor says:
and rosettes! dont forget the rosettes!
Becky says:
I'm all for people just going for it and wearing something that makes them happy.
Tor says:
thats what makes the most interesting outfits! a bit of personality shining through
Becky says:
It's like they're dressing for an Arts Professors' formal.
hahaha! It so is!
Becky says:
And here's our special girl:

Amy Adams - love her.
Tor says:
I love her too
Becky says:
Proenza Schouler and their trademark frog-eye bustline
Tor says:
although i was disapointed her dress didnt look more like it had been homemade from a curtain!
Becky says:
I know. But check her little purse and dolly combo!

Tor says
I have a vintage purse like that! so extra credits given!!!
Becky says:
So noted. I also love looking at the civilians in the non-celebrity queue.
Tor says:
i was enjoying a lot of the celebrities mums. oh and did you see michael moores wife? like an 80s prom dress, but i strangely enjoyed it!

It has a certain 'doing it my way' charm
Becky says:
Yup, I can get behind that totally. So, Who's in your top 3?
Tor says:
argh! its too much!!!
Becky says:
Do it! Do it for the blogosphere! They crave lists!
Tor says:
diablo cody, penelope cruz and vanessa paradis

Tor says: What about yours?
Becky says:
Hmmm. Lydia Hearst (vagina dress), Kristin Chenoweth (my beloved Broadway diva.) and probably, boringly, Marion Cotillard

So, there you have it. Our useless opinions, one day from extinction. We had fun. I hope you did too. Spelling errors notwithstanding.

Your pal,
Becky.



Picture credits: Sinful_Caeser @ Livejournal, Just Jared, New York Times, Internet Movie Database and random googling.