All That Jazz

One more Oscars post and I am done, I swear. (Do I make a convincing recovering addict?)

I had to comment on this after my friends and I were absolutely stunned while watching Sunday's telecast. Many have already discussed the much-maligned musical medley, which, although put together by the brilliant Baz Lurhman, was fairly disappointing and disorienting. But no one (to my knowledge) has talked about Beyonce's fashion faux pas (and no, I don't mean her reported nip-slip) during that number: the unfortunate placement of the hanging sequins on her bedazzled leotard.


That's...a really awkward place to have red things streaming down. Just...wow. Sure, that may be gross to point out, but let's be honest: now that you see it, you can't think of anything else, right? That was exactly my thought process while watching this number. Once I saw it, I was horrified, but transfixed. I couldn't look away.

Obviously, this outfit was supposed to be an homage to classic dance costumes from the golden age of musicals in the early decades of the 1900s. But...could we maybe have done without this particular flourish? Gives a whole new meaning to "paint the town red." *Shudder*

(Thanks to Winners Use Drugs for the photo.)

Red Carpet Classics: Julia Roberts

I was hoping there would be some more vintage dresses for me to comment on after Sunday's ceremony, but since there was only one gown, I figured I would discuss my favorite vintage looks from years past. And there's no better example to kick off this post than Julia Robert's vintage Valentino gown worn to the 2001 Academy Awards:

Roberts deserevedly took home the Best Actress trophy for her titular role in Erin Brockovich, but with this dress she also earned herself a spot on many all-time best-of red carpet lists. This dress is a classic, without a doubt.

The black and white color scheme is simple yet elegant, and the contrast created by the white detailing adds an extra layer of visual interest. The V neckline that continues as a single line down the front elongates her form, and helps the eye travel down to the rest of her dress. The train is extravagent without being ostentatious. The netting adds a softness to this look, and ties the dress together with its presence on both the train and the bodice.

This is the type of dress that little girls dream of being able to wear one day, and even though I wasn't exactly a little girl when I first saw it, I can't deny that I envisioned myself in her shoes (and dress) on that Oscar stage back in 2001. Mostly so I could make this face:

(Thanks to People and L.A. Splash for the photos)

Red Carpet Watch: Oscars

Greetings, dear readers (all two of you). As promised, it's time to talk Oscars. First of all, I have to say, the Oscars are my absolute favorite television event of the year, and other than that supremely odd ode to musicals in the middle of the telecast, I thought this year's show was really great. I think Hugh Jackman was a bit under-used as host, although they probably had to give him ample time to catch his breath between those intense musical numbers. Now, on to the red carpet!

Before we get to the vintage goodies, I'd like to make my pick for favorite ensemble, and that honor would have to go to Amy Adams, in Carolina Herrera:

This color is absolutely gorgeous on her, and really stood out from all the creams and black on the carpet this year. Not only that, but she chose a funky, bold piece of jewelry to accent this already-awesome outfit:

Temptalia described this look as "a cross between Talouse Latrec’s dancing girls and the watercolor feeling of a Gustav Klimt painting," and I couldn't agree more. Her simple, elegant hairstyle really lets her dress and necklace take center stage, and overall I think she pulled this off with grace and ease. (Is it obvious I have a girl crush on her?)

Speaking of grace, the biggest vintage splash at the Oscars was made by Penélope Cruz, who won the Best Supporting Actress statuette for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She also won a lot of best-dressed awards for her more than 60-year-old Balmian gown:

Cruz said she saw this dress eight years ago, and it made such an impression on her, she vowed to find it again and wear it for a special occasion. I'd say being the first Spanish actress to take home an Oscar is a fitting occasion indeed.

Finally, on the accessories front, Natalie Portman carried a vintage Rialto clutch to the ceremony:

The pearly, brushed silver bag nicely accented her flowly, sophisticated look without pulling attention from her dress.

(Thanks to Getty Images, AP Images, and Gossip Rocks for the photos.)