It’s once again time to talk of all things shiny and sparkly and way-way-way out of most of our price ranges – but a gal can dream, right?! So while I watched from the comfort of my friend’s living room, in a less-than-awards show worthy ensemble consisting of big pants, bigger pants, a sweatshirt and a blanket (It’s cold here people!) I took note of three major trends that I saw gliding down the red carpet during the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.

I’m going to break it down MC Hammer style (without the pants… ‘cause they’re just not very flattering) in three little phrases: Old School Glitter, A Rainbow of Fruit Flavors and A Study in Contrasts.

Old School Glitter:

Let’s start with the aforementioned Hollywood-ish sparkle. A bevy of breath-taking beauties sported gowns of shining sequins, pretty glittery embellishments and full-out silver and flowing feathery-goodness (Très swanky, Ms. Swank.) reminding me of the old school awards show gear of a much-earlier and much cooler Hollywood.

Best Actress nominee and a fashion favorite of mine, Michelle Williams [Blue Valentine] looked luminous in a simply cut, full-length Chanel number, while Best Supporting Actress nominee Hailee Steinfeld [True Grit] continued her triumphant fashion awards show ‘It’ girl sweep (No for realz… she’s a young girl. A young, young girl.) in an age-appropriate (whew), calf-length, tutu-ish pink sparkler – very Black Swan, intentional or no. Hilary Swank sashayed, literally, down the red carpet in a sequined and feathered strapless Gucci Premiere gown that screamed “I am a movie star, dammit.” and Goopy Godess Gwyneth Paltrow rocked a modern, art deco-inspired Calvin Klein gown with a very sexy front cutout.









A Rainbow of Fruit Flavors (nom, nom, nom):

Color was also a big contender this year as designers seemingly placed all their eggs in the lets-woo-the-starving-starlets-into-submission-with-candy-hued-dresses basket. (Mmm… candy. Nom. Nom. Nom.)

Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, in my opinion, did it best in a stunning low-cut burnt orange Versace number, while Mila Kunis [Black Swan] chose a busy little lavender Elie Saab design embellished with rather saucy neckline cutouts and multiple gathers of lace. Best Actress winner for her role in Black Swan, Natalie Portman hid her baby bump behind a draped and flowing purplish Rodarte gown, and Amy Adams played both sides of the fence combining both sparkly and bright blue in an Oriental-cut full-length L’Wren Scott.










A Study in Contrasts:

While the debate on whether black or white are actual ‘colors’ rages on (Seriously, get a hobby.), it’s still considered incredibly chic to sport one or the other or both while you levitate down the red carpet, and no one - in my humble opinion - did this better than Ms. McConaughey herself, Camila Alves. Sporting matching Dolce & Gabbana (awww…) Ms. Alves and Mr. McConaughey walked away with King and Queen of the Prom Award, he in a classic tux and she… oh, she… in a beautiful, flared low-cut black gown that made her look other-worldy beauty. (She is now my new girl crush. I’m sorry Ms. Blanchett.) Reece Witherspoon also flexed her fashion muscle in a fitted black Armani Privé strapless full-length with a white bandeau at the bust (White on top… black on the bottom? Can’t go wrong with that – am I right, ladies? Or am I right?) And let’s take a closer look at my other girl crush, Helen Mirren who continued to make aging and sexy look easy in a fitted gun-metal grey Vivienne Westwood with structured, gathered sleeves and bodice.







Anne Hathaway couldn’t make-up her mind and had me literally reeling with jealously (No for realz… my head pulled a 180 degree Exorcist move when she pulled on the silver-fringed Oscar de la Renta.) at the 8 different gowns she got to rock, though it’s now clear why renown stylist Rachel Zoe allegedly charged “astronomical” fees to dress the “non-nominated” Oscar co-host – ‘cause every single dress was slammin’! From a red carpet crimson-hued Valentino Fall 2002 Couture, to a show-opening Grecian-inspired Givenchy Fall 2009 Couture, to an electric-blue, off-the-shoulder Armani Privé Spring 2011 number, Ms. Hathaway just might be the luckiest lady in show biz… at least for last night.