I've missed blogging about the last 2 Oscars. The year before last, I was doing a turtle impression, and last year, I was still being a turtle, and suffering serious pain. This year, the turtle thing's receding, even if the pain isn't, and I am DETERMINED to blog about Oscar fashions.
There seem to be trends each year with fashions. Last year, for instance, was The Year of the Pastel Smudges, because just about everyone seemed to be wearing pastels. Unfortunately, this trend has continued this year. Along with the strapless dresses, which seem to me to be worn without enough in the way of accessories. Too many bare chests and dull ears; with an expanse of flesh, you need something to break it up. Especially if you aren't well endowed in the bust department, as most Hollywood women aren't. Some dresses tried to compensate with some pleating and bodice detail, and the results were somewhat hit and miss, I think.
There are a few certainties each year with what people will be wearing. For starters, it's a given Tilda Swinton will be wearing an Out There, unusual draped construction in a colour not for the faint hearted. But then, Swinton has such an androgynous shape and face, wearing anything more typical would look ridiculous on her, and she knows it. Furthermore, she has such dramatic colouring she can get away with shades that would make anyone else look like they'd either died six months ago or were about to have a heart attack. But this year, I'm slightly disappointed.
I can't think of anyone else who'd look good in that batwing top. It drapes so beautifully. But not even Swinton can carry that colour. I do wish she'd reversed and wore the black on top - there's actually very few people who can wear that much black so close to their face. The makeup is very un-Swinton like, but I like it.
---
One of the other great certainties about Oscar night is that Jennifer Aniston will have loose hair, and be wearing something black and unstructured. Yes, Jennifer, I know you have a long jaw, but that's no reason to be so boring with your hair. Reese Witherspoon also has a long jaw, and isn't afraid to wear her hair differently all the time. Try an up-do! Vary the length! Get some curl happening! And as for the black unstructured look, it's so boring. And it's become a uniform for you. It can't still be because Brad Pitt left you, you were doing it before then, and...
Bloody Hell.
Jennifer Aniston IS NOT WEARING BLACK.
And she LOOKS AWESOME (aside from the hair). The dress has a lovely shape, georgeous detailing, and it isn't black. I do wish she'd do something different with her hair, but hey, this is a million times better than her usual black.
---
I'm actually wondering whether the whole black-dress-as-uniform thing is Brad Pitt's influence, because I've noticed a certain uniformity of (lack of) colour creeping into Angelina Jolie's wardrobe lately. Now, I love Jolie's work as an actress, have done since Playing by Heart, and she seems like quite a decent human being as well. Any way you look at it, she's got to be one of the most physically beautiful women alive (maybe ever), and to me, has always had a classic style, while being quite unique and adventurous.
But this year...
Hair: stunning, beautifully dressed, showing off the bone structure and neck to perfection. Makeup: minimal, but then any more makeup on Jolie's face would be overdone. Her features don't need any help. Accessories: DAMMIT, I WANT THOSE EARRINGS.
Dress:.... love the cut. In fact, it's stunning. The bodice is perfectly cut, alluring without being trashy, and the skirt looks like she can move in it easily. But it's black. Blackblackblackblack BORING. I feel so sad when I see this dress, I think it's a wasted opportunity. I can't help imagining how this dress would look in a dark blue, especially with those earrings.
I really, really LOVE those earrings.
---
Usually, Jessica Biel is stylish and and georgeous. She gives Angelina Jolie a serious run for her money in the beauty stakes... but this year, WTF? True, my hair usually looks that messy first thing in the morning, but you try looking good after 4 hours of interrupted sleep (on a good night). But that's first thing in the morning. THIS IS THE OSCARS. Seriously, Jessica. Go check out Angelina Jolie. THAT is what you should be aspiring to, if you want well dressed, effortless looking hair. And while the colour does actually look good on you, WHAT is that tongue thing hanging down the front? Are you worried there won't be any towels in the ladies room or something? AND WHAT IS WITH THE BLACK ACCESSORIES WITH WHITE?!
---
Sarah Jessica Parker is supposed to be a style icon. Like Tilda Swinton, her clothing is usually Out There. But unlike Tilda Swinton, I don't mean that in a good way. SJP always looks Too Much. Take this year's ensemble. The love affair with puffy tulle skirts continues, and really, they only look good on those dollies you stick on the spare toilet roll to hide the fact it's the spare toilet roll. And I can't help wondering how many mosquito nets were sacrificed for that skirt. I do love the bodice decoration, but, SJP, speaking as a girl who is the (not really) proud owner of a DD-sized bust:
If you are going to wear a strapless top, make sure the bodice can accomodate your boobies. That much spillage doesn't look sexy, it just looks tacky.
----
Another person I absolutely love is Meryl Streep, as an actress, person and style icon. She can look so lovely, living proof to everyone that you don't need to starve yourself or botox yourself into a shop dummy to be beautiful. From other photos, I thought at first her choice this year was awful. But then I saw her next to Sophia Loren.
I still think the colour of Streep's dress is best described as eh. And there are better bodices out there. But the off the shoulder detail is sexy (and age appropriate) and the skirt drapes well; slimming and lengthening. And the sleeves are perfect for a woman over 50 - no matter how well you look after yourself, arms go crepey and saggy, so sleeves are a must.
And compared to Sophia Loren, she looks stunning. Sophia, that colour would look dreadful on anyone, let alone next to that much fake tan, and the skirt... One another thing. The heavy eye makeup and false lashes looked good 30-40 years ago, but not now. Check out the woman next to you for an idea of age appropriate, sexy dressing. Or better still, talk to Helen Mirren.
---
Speaking of age-appropriate dressing, Goldie Hawn really needs think about it, too. This dress ... well, it would have looked amazing on her 30 years ago, but that was when she was about my age. She looks incredible for her age, and is to be applauded for avoiding botox and punishing exercise regimes, but she is no longer my age.
Wear sleeves next time, Goldie, and maybe rethink the windblown hair. And note what I said to SJP - spillage of boobies is just revolting. At least SJP's spillage was sort of firm.
---
Marisa Tomei probably takes out the weird pleating award. Seriously, is there a direction where there aren't pleats? When you have that many different lines on a dress, you don't get any shape, you just get a mess. And check out that hem. Is it saying "TRIP HAZARD" in glowing, flashing letters to anyone else?
---
Evan Rachel Wood also has some unusual pleating happening, but unlike Tomei, Wood's pleating works, I feel. I rather like this dress, but for one fairly significant detail...
OH LORDY, THAT COLOUR IS BLAND. Wood simply does not have the colouring to wear a dress like this. Seriously, it's the same colour as her skin. That's never a good look, and her hair is too pale to provide enough contrast. Perhaps, if she had dark hair and dark eyes, it might work, but she doesn't, so the look just doesn't work.
(Incidentally, does anyone else think Wood's expression in this photo's a bit miffed? Maybe she realises she could have done better?)
---
You may be thinking, did![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
dream_wind not like anything aside from Angelina Jolie's ear-rings? (which I seriously, SERIOUSLY covet, in case you didn't get that earlier.) Well, there were several outfits I thought were lovely.
For starters, Amy Adams. I covet her necklace almost as much as Angelina Jolie's earrings, and she has rightly kept the rest of the accessories to a minimum. A statement piece like that needs to shine by itself. And while I'm not too keen on the swath of red chiffon hanging from the bust, I adore her dress - the colour, the cut, the bodice detail (aside from that stupid chunk of chiffon).
---
I loved Mamma Mia, and here is Amanda Seyfried. She was bubbly and fun in the movie, and here she looks like she's ready to have a great time. She looks awesome and she knows it. The colour suits her so well, and the style suits her age. Normally, I'm not a fan of huge sash bows, but she pulls it off; she's young and sweet, and also the structure of the dress doesn't fight with the sash bow.
And how covetable is that necklace? I want it almost as much as I want Amy Adams', or Angelina Jolie's earrings. (No, I am not going to shut up about those earrings.)
---
Frieda Pinto's dress was unusual, but lovely. The colour, for a start, was stunning. And the beaded chiffon turned a rather plain cut into something ravishing. Team that with a smile that could illuminate Mumbai, clever accessories and hair that probably shines in the dark, you have a winner.
But thinking more of that amazing colour, here's Angelina Jolie again. How unspeakably awesome would her dress have been, if it had been the colour of Pinto's? Alas, I lack the photoshop skills to try, but I can replace the black with the blue in my mind, and it makes me want to cry even harder.
---
Anne Hathaway is someone I'm coming to love as an actress, person, and style icon. People talk about Hollywood glamour; Anne Hathaway has it. The cut of that dress is so simple, but creates such a great shape. And THIS is how you pleat, people. Even though the bodice and skirt pleat in different directions, they come together at a single point, subtly emphasising curves where they should and not going all over the place. A young woman with skin as pale as Hathaway's would normally look washed out wearing that colour, but Hathaway has the colouring to pull it off, and pull it off well. And seriously, how could anyone not covet Hathaway's lips? I LOVE that shade of red. But if I put it on, I look like I've got jaundice, and so do most women. Finally, note Hathaway's minimal accessorising. That dress is a statement, and sparkles by itself. Any jewellery other than the diamond earrings would just get lost.
---
And finally...
My pick for the winner of the fashion stakes, as well as the deserved winner of the Best Actress Award.
Kate Winslet.
I do love Kate. She can do funny roles, serious roles, scary roles, romantic roles ... and she's georgeous. While not starving herself into a skeleton. She also has a wonderful red carpet style. Admittedly, it's usually possible to predict what she'll be wearing, to a certain extent: figure hugging, asymmetrical one shoulder bodice, up-do with the hair. But hey, when you've got something that works, stick to it, and for Winslet it works well. Very, very well. And unlike Jennifer Aniston's uniform black or Penelope Cruz' uniform white (she did it AGAIN), Winslet's signature silouhette leaves a lot to play with.
Look at her. This is a woman dressed to be a winner. The cut emphasises she is all woman, without being vulgar. The hair is perfect, showing off a swan-like neck and bone structure I could kill for. The grey colouring would be severe, but for the black detailing, which breaks up the grey and provides emphasis to all the right places.
So, to sum up? Clear winner, both in awards and fashion, Kate Winslet, followed by Anne Hathaway. Honourable mentions to Frieda Pinto, Amanda Seyfried and Amy Adams (even with the swath of chiffon on the bust). Most improved, Jennifer Aniston. Most disappointing, Angelina Jolie. Best necklace, Amy Adams, just nudging out Amanda Seyfried. Best overall accessory, Angelina Jolie again, for those seriously covetable earrings. I just know I'm going to be scouring all the jewellery shops around the place looking for knockoffs of those earrings.
Well, that's it for my take on this year's Oscars fashion. Damn it was fun, and I hope to do it all again next year!
There seem to be trends each year with fashions. Last year, for instance, was The Year of the Pastel Smudges, because just about everyone seemed to be wearing pastels. Unfortunately, this trend has continued this year. Along with the strapless dresses, which seem to me to be worn without enough in the way of accessories. Too many bare chests and dull ears; with an expanse of flesh, you need something to break it up. Especially if you aren't well endowed in the bust department, as most Hollywood women aren't. Some dresses tried to compensate with some pleating and bodice detail, and the results were somewhat hit and miss, I think.
There are a few certainties each year with what people will be wearing. For starters, it's a given Tilda Swinton will be wearing an Out There, unusual draped construction in a colour not for the faint hearted. But then, Swinton has such an androgynous shape and face, wearing anything more typical would look ridiculous on her, and she knows it. Furthermore, she has such dramatic colouring she can get away with shades that would make anyone else look like they'd either died six months ago or were about to have a heart attack. But this year, I'm slightly disappointed.
I can't think of anyone else who'd look good in that batwing top. It drapes so beautifully. But not even Swinton can carry that colour. I do wish she'd reversed and wore the black on top - there's actually very few people who can wear that much black so close to their face. The makeup is very un-Swinton like, but I like it.
---
One of the other great certainties about Oscar night is that Jennifer Aniston will have loose hair, and be wearing something black and unstructured. Yes, Jennifer, I know you have a long jaw, but that's no reason to be so boring with your hair. Reese Witherspoon also has a long jaw, and isn't afraid to wear her hair differently all the time. Try an up-do! Vary the length! Get some curl happening! And as for the black unstructured look, it's so boring. And it's become a uniform for you. It can't still be because Brad Pitt left you, you were doing it before then, and...
Bloody Hell.
Jennifer Aniston IS NOT WEARING BLACK.
And she LOOKS AWESOME (aside from the hair). The dress has a lovely shape, georgeous detailing, and it isn't black. I do wish she'd do something different with her hair, but hey, this is a million times better than her usual black.
---
I'm actually wondering whether the whole black-dress-as-uniform thing is Brad Pitt's influence, because I've noticed a certain uniformity of (lack of) colour creeping into Angelina Jolie's wardrobe lately. Now, I love Jolie's work as an actress, have done since Playing by Heart, and she seems like quite a decent human being as well. Any way you look at it, she's got to be one of the most physically beautiful women alive (maybe ever), and to me, has always had a classic style, while being quite unique and adventurous.
But this year...
Hair: stunning, beautifully dressed, showing off the bone structure and neck to perfection. Makeup: minimal, but then any more makeup on Jolie's face would be overdone. Her features don't need any help. Accessories: DAMMIT, I WANT THOSE EARRINGS.
Dress:.... love the cut. In fact, it's stunning. The bodice is perfectly cut, alluring without being trashy, and the skirt looks like she can move in it easily. But it's black. Blackblackblackblack BORING. I feel so sad when I see this dress, I think it's a wasted opportunity. I can't help imagining how this dress would look in a dark blue, especially with those earrings.
I really, really LOVE those earrings.
---
Usually, Jessica Biel is stylish and and georgeous. She gives Angelina Jolie a serious run for her money in the beauty stakes... but this year, WTF? True, my hair usually looks that messy first thing in the morning, but you try looking good after 4 hours of interrupted sleep (on a good night). But that's first thing in the morning. THIS IS THE OSCARS. Seriously, Jessica. Go check out Angelina Jolie. THAT is what you should be aspiring to, if you want well dressed, effortless looking hair. And while the colour does actually look good on you, WHAT is that tongue thing hanging down the front? Are you worried there won't be any towels in the ladies room or something? AND WHAT IS WITH THE BLACK ACCESSORIES WITH WHITE?!
---
Sarah Jessica Parker is supposed to be a style icon. Like Tilda Swinton, her clothing is usually Out There. But unlike Tilda Swinton, I don't mean that in a good way. SJP always looks Too Much. Take this year's ensemble. The love affair with puffy tulle skirts continues, and really, they only look good on those dollies you stick on the spare toilet roll to hide the fact it's the spare toilet roll. And I can't help wondering how many mosquito nets were sacrificed for that skirt. I do love the bodice decoration, but, SJP, speaking as a girl who is the (not really) proud owner of a DD-sized bust:
If you are going to wear a strapless top, make sure the bodice can accomodate your boobies. That much spillage doesn't look sexy, it just looks tacky.
----
Another person I absolutely love is Meryl Streep, as an actress, person and style icon. She can look so lovely, living proof to everyone that you don't need to starve yourself or botox yourself into a shop dummy to be beautiful. From other photos, I thought at first her choice this year was awful. But then I saw her next to Sophia Loren.
I still think the colour of Streep's dress is best described as eh. And there are better bodices out there. But the off the shoulder detail is sexy (and age appropriate) and the skirt drapes well; slimming and lengthening. And the sleeves are perfect for a woman over 50 - no matter how well you look after yourself, arms go crepey and saggy, so sleeves are a must.
And compared to Sophia Loren, she looks stunning. Sophia, that colour would look dreadful on anyone, let alone next to that much fake tan, and the skirt... One another thing. The heavy eye makeup and false lashes looked good 30-40 years ago, but not now. Check out the woman next to you for an idea of age appropriate, sexy dressing. Or better still, talk to Helen Mirren.
---
Speaking of age-appropriate dressing, Goldie Hawn really needs think about it, too. This dress ... well, it would have looked amazing on her 30 years ago, but that was when she was about my age. She looks incredible for her age, and is to be applauded for avoiding botox and punishing exercise regimes, but she is no longer my age.
Wear sleeves next time, Goldie, and maybe rethink the windblown hair. And note what I said to SJP - spillage of boobies is just revolting. At least SJP's spillage was sort of firm.
---
Marisa Tomei probably takes out the weird pleating award. Seriously, is there a direction where there aren't pleats? When you have that many different lines on a dress, you don't get any shape, you just get a mess. And check out that hem. Is it saying "TRIP HAZARD" in glowing, flashing letters to anyone else?
---
Evan Rachel Wood also has some unusual pleating happening, but unlike Tomei, Wood's pleating works, I feel. I rather like this dress, but for one fairly significant detail...
OH LORDY, THAT COLOUR IS BLAND. Wood simply does not have the colouring to wear a dress like this. Seriously, it's the same colour as her skin. That's never a good look, and her hair is too pale to provide enough contrast. Perhaps, if she had dark hair and dark eyes, it might work, but she doesn't, so the look just doesn't work.
(Incidentally, does anyone else think Wood's expression in this photo's a bit miffed? Maybe she realises she could have done better?)
---
You may be thinking, did
dream_wind not like anything aside from Angelina Jolie's ear-rings? (which I seriously, SERIOUSLY covet, in case you didn't get that earlier.) Well, there were several outfits I thought were lovely.For starters, Amy Adams. I covet her necklace almost as much as Angelina Jolie's earrings, and she has rightly kept the rest of the accessories to a minimum. A statement piece like that needs to shine by itself. And while I'm not too keen on the swath of red chiffon hanging from the bust, I adore her dress - the colour, the cut, the bodice detail (aside from that stupid chunk of chiffon).
---
I loved Mamma Mia, and here is Amanda Seyfried. She was bubbly and fun in the movie, and here she looks like she's ready to have a great time. She looks awesome and she knows it. The colour suits her so well, and the style suits her age. Normally, I'm not a fan of huge sash bows, but she pulls it off; she's young and sweet, and also the structure of the dress doesn't fight with the sash bow.
And how covetable is that necklace? I want it almost as much as I want Amy Adams', or Angelina Jolie's earrings. (No, I am not going to shut up about those earrings.)
---
Frieda Pinto's dress was unusual, but lovely. The colour, for a start, was stunning. And the beaded chiffon turned a rather plain cut into something ravishing. Team that with a smile that could illuminate Mumbai, clever accessories and hair that probably shines in the dark, you have a winner.
But thinking more of that amazing colour, here's Angelina Jolie again. How unspeakably awesome would her dress have been, if it had been the colour of Pinto's? Alas, I lack the photoshop skills to try, but I can replace the black with the blue in my mind, and it makes me want to cry even harder.
---
Anne Hathaway is someone I'm coming to love as an actress, person, and style icon. People talk about Hollywood glamour; Anne Hathaway has it. The cut of that dress is so simple, but creates such a great shape. And THIS is how you pleat, people. Even though the bodice and skirt pleat in different directions, they come together at a single point, subtly emphasising curves where they should and not going all over the place. A young woman with skin as pale as Hathaway's would normally look washed out wearing that colour, but Hathaway has the colouring to pull it off, and pull it off well. And seriously, how could anyone not covet Hathaway's lips? I LOVE that shade of red. But if I put it on, I look like I've got jaundice, and so do most women. Finally, note Hathaway's minimal accessorising. That dress is a statement, and sparkles by itself. Any jewellery other than the diamond earrings would just get lost.
---
And finally...
My pick for the winner of the fashion stakes, as well as the deserved winner of the Best Actress Award.
Kate Winslet.
I do love Kate. She can do funny roles, serious roles, scary roles, romantic roles ... and she's georgeous. While not starving herself into a skeleton. She also has a wonderful red carpet style. Admittedly, it's usually possible to predict what she'll be wearing, to a certain extent: figure hugging, asymmetrical one shoulder bodice, up-do with the hair. But hey, when you've got something that works, stick to it, and for Winslet it works well. Very, very well. And unlike Jennifer Aniston's uniform black or Penelope Cruz' uniform white (she did it AGAIN), Winslet's signature silouhette leaves a lot to play with.
Look at her. This is a woman dressed to be a winner. The cut emphasises she is all woman, without being vulgar. The hair is perfect, showing off a swan-like neck and bone structure I could kill for. The grey colouring would be severe, but for the black detailing, which breaks up the grey and provides emphasis to all the right places.
So, to sum up? Clear winner, both in awards and fashion, Kate Winslet, followed by Anne Hathaway. Honourable mentions to Frieda Pinto, Amanda Seyfried and Amy Adams (even with the swath of chiffon on the bust). Most improved, Jennifer Aniston. Most disappointing, Angelina Jolie. Best necklace, Amy Adams, just nudging out Amanda Seyfried. Best overall accessory, Angelina Jolie again, for those seriously covetable earrings. I just know I'm going to be scouring all the jewellery shops around the place looking for knockoffs of those earrings.
Well, that's it for my take on this year's Oscars fashion. Damn it was fun, and I hope to do it all again next year!
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