Sunday, March 3, 2013

[Look of the Week] Oscar Edition

Oh, Oscar night...when millions of dollars of gowns and jewels are on display for all us plebes to see, and they might talk about a movie or two. The whole affair is considered by some to be overly extravagant and pointless, but I, for one, thoroughly enjoy seeing what tricks these celebs pull out of their sartorial bags on what is arguably one of the biggest nights in fashion. Here are my favorites of the night.

Jessica Chastain

 
She looked like a straight up Hollywood movie star. This Armani Privé fit her like the best glove in the whole world. And the red lipstick was the cherry on top. Had she gone with a nude lip, or any other color lip for that matter, the whole look would have been bland. Kudos to you Chastain, for being a total bombshell.


Naomi Watts


What I love about this, and Chastain too, is that she is bringing the whole package. Everything about the way she looks is about as good as it gets for a human. Nothing is detracting from anything else; the hair, the dress, the makeup, and the jewelry are working together in perfect harmony. This dress is also Armani Privé, and Ms. Watts and Mr. Armani reportedly spent months collaborating on it. It paid off big time.


Stacy Keibler


Never did I think I would be putting Stacy Keibler on my Best Dressed list. But damn if girlfriend didn't BRING IT in this Naheem Khan gown. I had to show the back too, because it's just too fabulous not to.


Zoe Saldana
 

I love that Zoe takes risks. This Alexis Mabille dress could have been a disaster, but the ombré layering on the train and the flowery bodice are somehow working together to make it beautifully eye-catching. I maybe could have done without the belt and also changed her shoes, but she is pulling it off.


Nina Dobrev
 

And here we continue the trend of very little color. Nina didn't attend the Oscars ceremony, but I had to include this photo of her (also in Naheem Khan) at Elton John's after party. I adore a bold pattern on a fancy gown so this struck a cord with me. Her simple pony, smokey eye, and minimalistic jewels allow the gown to really shine.

Sidenote: As I was combing through all the red carpet photos from that night, I realized all my favorite gowns were essentially the same shape: nipped in at the natural waist, narrow at the knees, slight flare at the bottom. This is not an accident. This shape is so versatile, and, dare I say, the most flattering of any dress shape to a woman's natural curves. My #1 rule of dressing has always been and will most likely always be: cinch the waist. You won't regret it.