Red Carpet Round-Up: The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Award season ended with a bang last night at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I'm happy to report that this year's Red Carpet did not disappoint! In fact, it got the VAMP of approval- "Vamp" because nearly every starlet added some sort of dramatic accent, whether it was a red lip, gigantic bow, A CAPE or dark nail polish. 

My top three best dressed A-listers run the style gamut: Gwyneth Paltrow in white, caped minimalism care of Tom Ford, Jessica Chastain in dark and romantic Alexander McQueen and a glowing and feminine Octavia Spencer in her favorite designer, Tadashi Shoji. Gwyneth's cape came off for her onstage presentation, revealing fab, padded capped sleeves. Her glitzy cuff added Wonder Woman power to her superhero look. McQueen of the Red Carpet, Jessica Chastain, looked gorgeous with gold eye make-up and romantic Raphaelite hair. Octavia Spencer's figure looked smokin' hot in her winner-worthy silver sequins...

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Jewel tones also reigned supreme with Leslie Mann in sapphire Roberto Cavalli, Glenn Close in emerald Zac Posen and Emma Stone in fuschia Giambattista Valli. Derek Blasberg of Harpers Bazaar excitedly tweeted that Leslie Mann was the first starlet to wear Cavalli and not look like an Italian hussy. Ha! I couldn't agree more! She appeared effortless and chic yet remained festive and sparkly. I also loved Glenn's man-repelling tux jacket worn over her ball gown. And while Emma's frock was not my favorite, the color was stunning on her. 

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I also appreciated Berenice Bejo's gorgeous mint Elie Saab gown, despite its busy bead pattern. The pastel hue looked fresh and made me yearn for spring. We also saw a lavender pastel on Penelope Cruz in her nod to Grace Kelly. 

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Of course, our Red Carpet risk-takers must be recognized. Rooney Mara stunned in a lacy Givenchy number. I loved the contrast of her dark, blunt cut bangs against her soft, ethereal gown. Shailene Woodley also took a big risk in her white, long-sleeved Valentino Couture. Her look certainly was not one of my favorites but I appreciate her attempt to bring something different to the Red Carpet. And, finally, a sentence I never thought I'd write- Tina Fey made a fashion forward move that majorly paid off in her black Carolina Herrera avec peplum. Her figure looked phenomenal and I highly recommend she rock a structured gown more often! We also saw Michelle Williams in a Louis Vuitton peplum but I happened to like Tina's look much better.

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We can't conclude this post without a nod to Emma Stone's fabulous Louis Vuitton accessories. I stared at her clutch and chain link bracelet every time I could see them, despite that gigantic bow eating her face. (Sorry, I can't help it.)

 

And, finally, one last piece of glitz before we go. Milla Jovovich was the one of the first glamazons to arrive but certainly made a lasting impression. Her silver beaded Elie Saab gown fit her perfectly and added every bit of drama the Oscars deserves.  

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Thank you, Hollywood, for the va-va-va-vamp last night. I see many capes and peplums in this spring's future. We shall see how the Red Carpet translates to real life...