My Top 5 Fashion Picks for the 2012 Oscars

Back in January, I posted my top 5 fashion picks for this year's Golden Globes, and explained the reasoning behind my long standing tradition of obsessively watching movie awards shows:

From the age of 2 until the age of 22, I wanted to be an actress. I spent my teens and early 20s doing commercials, tiny indie films, and plays, and graduated with a Specialist in Acting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  There were also countless awards speeches practiced in my bedroom mirror, you know, just in case and everything.  As for why I'm no longer acting (and am instead designing clothing for a living), I had an epiphany of sorts during a required costume design class my final semester of college.  I adored fashion and had been sewing my own clothing for a while, and one day in the middle of that class, I realized what I was really meant to do.  Luckily, the career change from performance to design still allowed for me to find inspiration through watching these awards ceremonies, and I continue to be shamelessly fascinated with observing the looks that my favorite actresses (or their stylists) have chosen for the red carpet.

As much as I love watching the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards is the awards show in my eyes.  I mean, I make a serious event out of it.  Sometimes I host get-togethers, sometimes I watch it alone (with excessive amounts of Ben and Jerry's to keep me company), and sometimes my husband is even home from tour to watch it with me.  This was the case last night, when I subjected the poor guy to hours of red carpet viewing before the show even started.  ("But babe, the Oscars are just like the Super Bowl. Everyone is just dressed better.")  I have a strange tradition of making fondue on Oscars night, so we consumed lots of delicious Gruyere-coated bread while I frantically scrawled fashion-y notes in my trusty awards show journal.  There were several looks that I really loved from red carpet this year, but I chose the following five as my very favorite.

Yes. I loved her again.  In fact, Michelle Williams was my absolute favorite on the red carpet last night.  She looked soooo elegant in her bold coral Louis Vuitton peplum dress and simple Forever Mark jewelry, and I'll just never get over the adorable-ness (is that a word?) of her pixie cut.  Just like with the Golden Globes, there were all sorts of comments on Twitter comparing her dress to cupcakes and what not, but I for one think it's awesome that she takes risks with what she wears.  Her look was the perfect combination of classic and fun.  I just adore her.

Everything about Milla Jovovich's look (which was my second favorite) epitomized old Hollywood charm to me.  Her makeup and hair - red lipstick, subtle finger waves, and rosy cheeks - were flawless.  And the sequined one-shoulder Ellie Saab gown she wore, paired with an Edie Parker clutch, was gorgeous.  I could stare at her for hours. Creepy but true.  P.S. I randomly met Milla at a thrift store in Madison, WI when I was in college.  She was sooo cool.  I was awkward.  She was also even prettier in person.  So not fair.  P.P.S. Speaking of Edie Parker, I'm am officially obsessed with her clutches.  They are beyond amazing.  Truly.

Octavia Spencer (who absolutely killed it in The Help), looked seriously stunning in a sparkling white and silver beaded Tadashi Shoji gown.  Her look was glamorous without being overdone, which in my opinion is the ultimate chic.  I really loved her subtle updo and gorgeous Neil Lane drop earrings, paired with an elegant metallic clutch by Judith Leiber.  And her acceptance speech?  SO touching. Tears.

Natalie Portland never ceases to amaze me.  She was the picture of style and grace in a vintage 1954 Christian Dior gown, all vibrant red and full of polka dotted goodness.  I love how she went with a sleek, elegant hairstyle and fresh-faced makeup - very Grace Kelly.  And check out all that sparkle (courtesy of Harry Winston)!  She was a vision, for real.  Plus, anyone who opts for vintage instead of a brand new gown that will ultimately be discarded gains points in my book.

Although I'm normally a huge fan of capes and capelets (I even designed one for my spring 2010 collection!), I wasn't all that into Gwyneth Paltrow's full length cape at first glance.  After taking a minute though, I found her look as a whole to be really striking.  The dress itself - a Tom Ford design - was clean, elegant, and perfectly fitted.  I also loved the all-white ensemble.  Combined with her pretty swept back hair and simple makeup, I thought she looked very classy and fresh.  The best part though was that she stood out with a look that was understated.  And when it comes to fashion, that's not an easy thing to do. 


I also have to add that although Midnight in Paris was my favorite film of 2011, I was pretty happy that The Artist took so many awards. I adored the costumes, the acting, the story line, and the risk they took with making a real silent film in a time when technology is everything.  Plus, Uggie the dog rules. 

Did you watch the Oscars?  What were your favorite looks?  Thoughts on the winners?

Photo sources from top: Getty, Getty, Getty, Getty/Daily Truffle, Getty/Wireimage.