Oscar Fashion Watch: Who Wins on the Red Carpet

There are two reasons that people choose to watch the Oscars: 1) if there is a good host 2) for the fashion.  Every year, people come dressed in their best (or what they think is there best) hoping they won't end up on the worst dressed list.  Unfortunately this year more people ended up on my worst dressed list than best dressed list.  Oscars 2012 fashion in a recap was whites, metallics, and neutrals.  I could count on one hand the amount of people that chose to incorporate color in their wardrobe. Seriously, you would think celebrities in attendance were allergic to color.  Along with the bland color palette, many actresses chose poor silhouettes for their body types.  There are plenty of flattering styles out there to hide or accentuate certain assets, why not utilize them to your advantage versus disadvantage.  Below, I did a general recap of Hollywood's infamous night for fashion.

Octavia Spencer definitely wins the White Dress look for me. She chose the most flattering cut for her body and the warm in her white compliments her skin tone.  Rooney Mara's dress would be attractive were it not for the sagging folds of fabric covering the bust--not flattering.  Mila Jovovich and Gwyneth Paltrow look okay, but the whites they chose are rather stark for their complexions.  I honestly have no idea what Shailene Woodley was thinking; her dress looks like a foam Princess Leia dress with cookie cutter cutouts.  The dress does her youthful shape no justice!

George Clooney's main squeeze, Stacy Keibler, seemed to think wearing a gown in the color scheme of an Oscar would increase chances for her beaus to win. Alas, all it did was wash her out and make what would be a pretty dress, look costume-like.  Anna Farris wears a long sleeved sequined, shimmery gown that unfortunately looks more like a fitted trash bag.  Thank goodness for Meryl Streep's classy golden gown, or metallic would have struck out this year.


























Netural Colors were a popular choice for the red carpet with Kristen Wiig, Maria Menounos, Maya Rudolph and several others.  I am personally not a fan of neutrals because I feel they are a "safe" choice, but Maria Menounos and Cameron Diaz were able to make it interesting with their silhouette choices.

One of my favorite looks of the night came from Giuliana Rancic in a 30s inspired gown. The silhouette suited her and the embellishment was just enough for an event such as the Oscars.  I also enjoyed Emma Stones red neck tie dress. It was modest yet flirty and modern. 

Fighting the Elements: Fashion vs. Freeze

Being an Oregonian, I am constantly fighting the rain, cold, and occasional snow.  As an apparel design major, I am always conscious of what I am wearing, trying to stay fashionable but weather practical.  However with temperature highs of 55 degrees in my neck of the woods, expressing my style can be difficult.  Being a big fan of dresses, I have paid special attention around campus and on media sites of how to wear them in the bitter chill of winter.  Universal solution (and obvious one): TIGHTS! Below are selections of fun tights that 1) spice up any outfit and 2) protect bare legs from the evil bite of winter! <3 M

Five Minute Fashion Fix

Ever have those mornings where you wake up 5 minutes before you have to be out the door? You scramble, heart racing, as you throw on whatever scraps of clothing you can find littering the floor of your room.  As you take one look in the mirror, all you can think is "ugh, today is gonna be a bad day".  It doesn't have to be though! There is light at the end of this fashionably unfortunate tunnel and it is called the "power outfit".  Call it cheesy as you may, but I have four go-to outfits that I have prepared in case of a time crunch fashion emergency.

1) The Jeans, Scarf, T-shirt, Blazer/jacket combo: This look is quick, chic, and effortless (looking).  Take a colored or white V-neck tshirt, layer on a scarf and blazer, squeeze into your favorite jeggings, and head out the door.  I'd also suggest investing in a spin pin from Goody; it is a single bobby pin that works the magic of many.  This way, you can pop up sleepy hair into a loose bun.

2) The Ever Versatile Band Skirt: This flexible skirt is the new skinny jean. Dress it up with a loose  lace blouse or wear it casually with a loose fitted cotton sweater. Add a long hanging pendant and some killer detailed tights and bam--fabulous in 5 minutes.

3) The Killer Blouse: An eye catching blouse can no question make an outfit.  This sheer blouse could easily go over a pair of skinny jeans and casual boots to create an effortless five minute look.  Look for a blouse that has some sort of detailing that is unique and eye catching; that way accessorizing can be minimal.  I personally have a mauve colored long button up blouse that is sheer in the front, and rayon in the back.  The mix of fabrics makes the shirt texturally intriguing, while the gather in the back adds a little drama.  I layer it over a cream cami, skinny jeans, and healed boots and am dressed in 1 minute tops.

4) Last but not least, The Go-To Dress.  Add to your wardrobe a fun dress with detailing that needs little to no accessorizing. Zooey's dress above has the adorable bow accents that require no further decoration.  Pair it with a plain headband to create a cute look no one can resist.

The key to looking presentable on "quick" days is all about having go-to "power outfits" in the back of your mind.  No, you don't have to have every item of your closet memorized; but have 2-3 outfits ready that you know look good.  How I keep track of my "power outfits"? Stylitics.com.  Some people just have an outfit in the closet waiting for them come "uh-oh I'm late" days.  Whatever your method, remember that "waking up late" is no excuse for wearing what you woke up in out in public.  Style on friends!