The Oscars, to me, seemed really friggin’ long, awkward, sometimes funny (Steve and Alec, Tiny Fey and Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller), predictable and heartwarming (Jeff Bridges, you are awesome). But of course I stayed up for the the whole damn thing. But beyond the show and awards themselves, there is first and foremost the fashion. Here is my totally random review of who wore what:
First of, my call on best dressed. The second I saw her I said “that’s it”…but then to see her come out on stage to present only confirmed it. This is how you do nude- perfect for her skin tone, gorgeous fit, just enough ruffles, loose hair, beautifully understated jewelry….perfection. All cougars should take a page from her playbook (hello Miley Cyrus’ mom, are you listening?)
A VERY close second in best dressed- Rachel McAdams. Absolutely breathtaking! She looked youthful, unique, classy yet totally high fashion with her printed gown and statement earrings. And most importantly- she appeared comfortable and PRETTY! I simply adore this girl, and this whole look. Major girl crush.
This pains me, because I cannot stand Miley Cyrus. But I loved her look- the dress is beautiful as are the accessories and easygoing hair. But STAND UP STRAIGHT for goodness sakes! It’s the Oscars, young lady!
Anna Kendrick wore Elie Saab, which was what I picked for her. I read that this was a last minute change because the custom dress she was having made ended up looking awful (I feel for her, thats what happened with my wedding dress) But I think she looked GORGEOUS!
Queen Laitfah killed it in this gorgeously beaded one shoulder gown. Her hair and makeup were also totally perfect!
One of my other big girl crushes- Tina Fey looked lovely in this Michael Kors. The hair is terrible, but I forgive her for it because she is so awesome.
Elizabeth banks looks like a true movie star in this ruffled gorgeousness. Absolutely beautiful fit and detail with just the right amount of accessories.
I think Maggie Gyllenhaal is such a cool chick…. and this Dries Van Noten dress is as cool as her. The color looks beautiful on her and the print is fresh and unexpected. I’m loving the trend of big earrings and no necklace, I think it looks so elegant.
…and Maggie’s best accessory- JAAAAAAAAAKKKEE! I love this man. He is too flipping adorable. Reese, what were you thinking getting rid of this hunk of man candy?
And since we’re talking about my boyfriend, when he came on stage with Rachel I couldn’t help but say “dream couple!” (since I’m not in contention, that is). They are so adorable together, no?
Oh Sandra. I love Sandra, and I’m so happy she won, but to me this whole look was so stiff and unlike her. It was a bit “olympics ice dancer” too. She looked like she was trying to dress like the award she won and that lipstick was simply too harsh and the hair to proper.
Carey Mulligan wore a dress somewhat like the one I picked for her- a black ball skirt number. Not totally loving the short in front hemline and box pleats- but from the waist up she looks adorable.
Mariska is such a babe, which isn’t hard when you are 50% genetically Jayne Mansfield. I LOVE this dress on her and the hair and jewels are gorgeous too!
Kate Winslet always tends to pick slightly too structured dresses for me, and this one falls into that category. It’s a gorgeous color and her hair and makeup were one of the best on the carpet (she GLOWS), but I wish she’d loosen it up a bit once in a while. Those pleats are pretty awful too.
SERIOUSLY CLASSY. Helen Mirren is such a ridiculously awesome movie star, no? She always looks so fabulous.
Something was up with Cameron. Her dress is gorgeous and her hair and makeup looked lovely- but it felt OFF somehow. Did she change stylists? All the elements of her look were fabulous, but it felt forced on her.
I much prefer her after party dress on her (actually, I LOVE this dress)- she looks more Cameron here!
Kristen Stewart drives me up the wall (and not just because she’s dating my other boyfriend Rob), but I have to admit this dress is awesome. I was pretty shocked at how cleaned up she got and how classically beautiful this dress was! But her awkwardness when presenting? UGGGGHHH.
Penelope wore red, which was one of the colors I hoped she would wear, but this dress kind of bores me. Her hair looks too messy as well (what was UP with all the frizzies on so many people?)
While I loved what I picked for Meryl to wear, this is pretty damn awesome too. She looks classy, cool and confident. Love it.
Attack of the ruffles!!!! Big fat no for me, it’s just too much. Blech.
Zoe Saldana wore just about every trend on one dress- sequins, ruffles, ombre color. Overkill on such a gorgeous, gorgeous girl.
This might be an unpopular opinion since I know quite a few bloggers loved J.Lo’s dress, but I did NOT like it. I thought the top was unflattering and that big, giant ruffle on the hip just looks silly to me. I know it’s high fashion, but I much prefer when a woman looks comfortable yet gorgeous and not like they can’t possibly sit down.
“SJP, WTF?” That’s what I said as soon as I saw her. Way too tan, way to much frizz in the hair and a dress that could not be less flattering. Now, I love the detail of top of it and the color, but it looks like a big ol’ yellow Chanel garbage bag to me.
I did love the silhouette of the dress Nicole Richie wore but this close up of her makeup will give me nightmares. Yikes.
Such a big night for Kathryn Bigelow, but what a boring dress!!! She is so gorgeous with such a rockin’ figure and with all the amazing gowns available out there, to pick this one is confusing to me!
MY EYES!!!! Charlize, holy crap. What was she thinking? Cinnabon boobs! She is such a stunning woman and I know she loves haute couture, but this one will go down as one of the strangest Oscar dresses ever.
I can’t get behind the new trend of the stiff, molded bodice. I just don’t think it’s pretty or flattering on anyone. I think Amanda Seyfried is such a beautiful girl, but this dress is simply too much. She wasn’t nominated and yet she wore a huge white bridal like ball gown. Not a fan.
Diane Kruger can totally pull this Chanel off, but it falls short for me. Again, I just don’t think it’s pretty. I feel like dressing to look pretty instead of fashion forward is so underrated!
Oh hi Ryan Reynolds. Call me. xoxox
YOWZAS! Hilary Swank brought it to the Vanity Fair party. What a body and what a daring dress! You go on with your bad self Hilary. High fives.
How damn gorgeous is Natalie Portman? She could wear a Snuggie on the red carpet and I’d still think she was stunning. This dress isn’t my favorite, but the hair in makeup is flawless.
These guys are like 5 years old, but they look amazing! Like real honest to goodness movie stars! Way to represent, little ones.
I saw this picture of Rachel Bilson leaving her house and had to post it because she is just so hot. That dress is amazing and fits her like a glove- the cape I could do without, but she really looks awesome!
And I can’t sign off without commenting on the jaw droppingly horrendous red carpet coverage by Kathy Ireland! What WAS that? She was practically yelling into the mic, her right arm was constantly ramrod straight and sticking out to the side and every word out of her mouth causes me to shove pillows over my ears and moan “make it stop!!” What a terrible choice by ABC!
What did you think??
Great assessment, erin! I actually didn’t catch it because I was on a flight home from London, but I also adored demi’s dress! I think it takes a keen eye to wear the nude look and she killed it, pefection. I also loved Miley’s look, perfect for her age and coloring. And I’m also wishing Zac brought vanessa hudgens because those two really do hit it out of the park, fashion wise! and rachel mcadams, stunning, she is such a class act and amazing actress. love your commentary, so spot on!
fabulous assesment! rachel mcadams was my fave and when i grow up i want to be as amazing as meryl and helen. so gorg! and yes, yes, yes to your kathy ireland statement. i was thinking the EXACT same thing.
Wow – did you nail it! I agreed with almost everything you said except for SJP: I LOVED her look, MINUS the spray-glow tan. What’s up with that? Demi Moore, Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart wore my favorite dresses.
You forgot Sigourney Weaver’s fug.
And thank you for commenting on Kathy Ireland! I was thinking that the entire time – could she have been stiffer? Yikes.
Cinnabon boobs on Charlize Theiron- I couldn’t have said it better…lol! Great assessment.
We were on the same wavelength for a lot of the choices – seems many stars went “safe,” and I was yawning over that, but agree with you that so long as safe = pretty, I can deal.
OK I thought that SJP looked like carrie Fisher in Star Wars. I do not care for her what so ever and this just was the topper to that opinion.
I also agree with you regarding Jennifer Lopez.
But another I think that looked awful was mariah carey.
You are right on…but even more…you had be rolling first thing in the morning….such funny commentary! Loved it so much I had to post my first ever comment! Kathy Ireland..serioulsy??? She was a robot and so incredibly awkward, have to hand it to the stars she interviewed, none of them burst out laughing!! Anyway, just want you to know, I love your blog and your takes, it is part of my everyday morning routine!
Great post Erin. Your best pics were quite similar to mine. Agree with you on JLo’s dress, Miley’s horrible posture, Kristin’s lack of personality and Kathy should not have been conducting red carpet interviews at all! I loved all of the nude-ish dresses and was disappointed in SJP overall. Love that pic of Rachel~ glad you included it!!
OH MY GOD! I could not even watch Kathy Ireland- she was horrific-and I was truly embarrassed for her!
I have a serious girl crush on Rachel McAdams too. She looked absolutely gorgeous and she felt so comfortable and beautiful in that dress. I loved her earrings too. I actually liked SJP minus the frizzy hair and the tan. I thought the dress was different and very fashion forward and she knows how to carry it. I agree with you on Cameron Diaz – something felt off, it wasn’t her style at all, plus she never wears her hair like that. And yes – Kristen Stewart was so nervous / awkward presenting but Taylor Lautner nailed it – he presented at that stage like a veteran.
Sarah’s dress looked better from the back…and there really is a difference between haute couture (SJP, ruffle-mania girl, and JLO) and not haute-couture.
Miley looked ridiculous. She is trying to look like a mature 30-year old, but failing since she chose the wrong dress for her body type. If she stood up straight, her boobs would have popped out. Not attractive. At all.
But, do you not agree that Hillary Swank could have steped it up with her hair a bit? Not an updo, but…something else. Her colorist needs to be fired. She’s forgiven, though. With that body, you can achieve world peace.
One of my guy friends said that a little known fact was that J.Lo was actually wearing a snuggie on her side. So true! I wasn’t a fan either. And NOT a fan of the structured/Star Trek-ish corseted top trend that Amanda was wearing.
Yes, what WAS it with all the intentional frizz? J.Lo, SJP, Penelope (hers was the worst), Rachel McAdams…I wanted to get some pomade or hairspray and apply it on the TV.
I only disagree with you on SJP. Hated her hair but LOVED her dress. I think she couls have pulled it off better if the hair was done differently and the tan was more subtle.
Overall, I think overall fashions were pretty good. There was more good than bad.
I agree that Kristen Stewart cleaned up remarkably well. The dress was stunning. She looked appropriately young and fresh. I thought her on-stage moment was excruciating. Stand up straight (like Miley seems incapable of doing). And is it really that hard to keep it together for 30 seconds (even at the tender age of 19)??? C’mon. The cough. The fidgeting. So painful.
you are so right about Kathy Ireland – that was terrible! I also loved Rachel McAdams, definitely in the top! I disagree about SJP though – I thought she looked amazing!!
Great review!
Demi (surprisingly) was best dressed in my book as well. Color was just dynamite on her…and damn she looks young for her age! Thanks for including some after party dresses–like Cameron’s. Didn’t catch that part on TV but loved her after party dress. I also reluctantly agree that Miley had a great ensemble. There was a bit of a fit problem for me with Penelope’s dress–though it was pretty. I liked Nicole Richie’s dress (especially the back) but the makeup channeling Cleopetra to an alarming degree. What did Nicole Kidman wear? I never saw her…
I thought Mariska and Cameron Diaz looked great. My vote for worst dressed: Molly Ringwald. WTF? Hard to tell what was worse…the hair color or style….the dress or dress color or the jewelry? Yikes! xx
I’m with you! What was ABC thinking with casting Kathy Ireland!!! She was awful.
I probably would have given Rachel McAdams, Meryl Streep or Cameron Diaz the nos. 1, 2 and 3 spots, but agree with your comments! And I’m so glad you did not like SJP dress. I thought it looked like it just came off the living room window and the commentators I heard loved it…NOT! Jennifer L and Amanda S dresses looked like they were made from bubble wrap to me. And finally, nothing about George Clooney’s hair? Definitely too long, don’t you think?
I totally agree with your comments, Rachel McAdams was perfection (that’s how to do glamour in a modern way and not end up looking like a bedazzled showgirl!), Diaz and Bullock looked awkward and Winslet put me to sleep. I only disagree with Tina Fey, love her, but did not love that dress, I need to see her get out of her black dress comfort zone! Totally agree with the frizzy hairline comments, note to Hollywood stylists, fuzzy hairline isn’t a trend, it’s humidity!
Erin, you crack me up! Seriously, ditto on everything you said. You should replace Kathy Ireland and do the interviews. It would be much more interesting. You”re right on about the good and bad fashion!
Thank you for acknowledging how insanely awkward and boring Kristen Stewart is.
Kathy Ireland was terrible. Couldn’t agree more.
Hmm…more hits than misses for me this year, I fear. But I agree that Demi, Maggie and Rachel rocked it. In fact, I think Demi looks better than ever. Also love Tina Fey’s MK dress but the hair/makeup was so wrong it kind of killed it for me. For worst dressed it’s a tight one but I’d give it to Charlize. Those rosettes are a nightmare.
Totally agree with you…. god, Charlize’s dress is truly hideous… and yes, Kristen Stewart is one weird kid, but I least she took a shower (and hopefully got a peducure) this time….
I heard this morning that the weather is LA was horrible and humid = frizzy, frizzy hair. Love the first dress in the post. It’s just perfect!
oh my gosh – kathy ireland = embarrassed for her. awful. i agree with most of your comments – especially WHAT WHAT WHAT is reese thinking?!? i love jake!!
I, too, LOVED Demi’s look. Yep…she showed all the faux cougars how it should be done, alright! I didn’t think Nicole’s makeup was too bad, but that’s coming from someone who’s into the technique of makeup artistry. I had similar thoughts about Kathy…something was off, LOL…Miley seemed to sense it, too. She seemed like she wanted to back away from her during the interview…it was totally weird. I don’t know what that mess Charlize had on was…I was like, flowers on the boobies?? Really now? Sandra’s hair weirded me out at first, but it grew on me. Loved Mo’Nique’s look–her simple makeup and the flower in her hair were simply timeless!
Kathy Ireland was horrendous! Demi Moore is ageless. Loved Rachel McAdams and, unfortunately, Miley Cyrus. I thought Anna Kendricks’ dress was very pretty but the colour didn’t do her justice. Really liked SJP’s dress but her tan was OTT.
the much anticipated Elements of Style review!!! I was looking forward to reading your opinion and I concur on most of it. I loved every word you wrote about MIley, Cameron, Kristen Stewart, SJP, Kathryn Bigelow, Charlize, and Kathy Ireland. As I read your post I mind mind was yellin “OH MY GOSH, I KNOW!!!”
demi moore…. the best of the night. my jaw dropped when i saw her. perfect. just perfect. and yay for sandra bullock.
Excellent review! Loved Elizabeth Banks dress. And the Demi Moore cougar coment is priceless! Feel so sorry for Kathryn Bigelow…what was she thinking with that horrible dress for such an amazing night???
Agreed with everything but Miley Cyrus. That dress did not fit her. She is a small girl but the bodice was a size too small, in some photos she has back fat…and she is not fat. She is not even twenty and the boobs were hanging below the shoulder to elbow midpoint. Shame on her stylist and tailor.
Zoe Saldana’s dress was cut SOOOO high she looked awful. The top of the dress was so beautiful and she’s stunning…but we saw WAY too much of her.
I’m one of the few who thought SJP looked spectacular! Especially hair and makeup.
I loved Sandra Bullock’s dress but the lipstick was just too jaring -scary!
I agree with you on J Lo – bad choice.
I was so disappointed by SJP, too! The hair was all frizzy and had those giant buns in the back. And nobody with a body like hers should dress in a sack like that! I still love her, though :)
And, cinnabon boobs, indeed.
Well, SJP looked so strange and awkward in that horrible frock. Reminded me of that awful ensemble Andie threw together from old scrap dresses at the end of “Pretty in Pink”. Now I felt bad for poor Andie, but Sarah has no excuse!
Erin,
You have the best recap out of everyone! I missed the whole thing but recorded it so I could fast forward through the commercials. Can’t wait to see it all. I have to agree with everything you said though, you are right on about everyone. I’m still in love with Maggie’s dress, it was totally unexpected and I loved that! I have to say though, you nailed it with Demi, she looked the best out of everyone. She’s an icon for us all!
Yes, I agree about Cam…her Vanity Fair look is gorgeous! Va va voom Hilary Swank- hadn’t seen this yet.
Also, ditto about Miley- CAN’T STAND HER, love her look last night.
I agree with you on many…Demi, Kristen, Cameron…and yes, Ryan Reynolds! But I have to say I still just loved Jennifer Lopez’ gown and Penelope Cruz’ too….as far as Vera goes…ruffles are just so fun, why not?! You have such a great fashion sense…great commentary here!
Now, let’s talk Kathy Ireland… WHY was she on the red carpet for ABC? She is horrible, plain and simple. Maybe six years ago or so, she was part of the Fox news morning crew here in NY…um, can you say clueless? She was quickly removed from the show, Sad. Next year, they should hire you!
Just read the following on Perez and thought you’d like it:
“Across the way, in the lobby, Jake Gyllenhall was seen having a lengthy conversation with Rachel McAdams. He finally took a moment to introduce her to a friend of his, announcing, “This is Rachel McAdams, she’s the mother of my child!” (Cue no-one laughing at this zinger!)”
–http://perezhilton.com/2010-03-08-cut-to-commercial-what-went-on-behind-the-scenes-of-the-oscars
Ooo there is hope for these two cuties after all!
Cheers,
Alaina
Kathy Ireland and the other two red carpet “reporters” were all WRETCHED. Painfully, painfully bad.
Totally agree taht Demi Moore and Helen Miren (sp?) looked insanely fantastic.
right on erin. i agree with everything you said. i would love to know your thoughts on george clooney. he looked mad, bored, uncomfortable and kind of messy. but seriously. kathy ireland. horrible. i had to change the channel i couldn’t watch her. the way she held herself. yelled into the mike. i agree. terrible choice. i think meryl streep looked perfect and i too did not like sandra bullock’s choice at all. but love her anyway! sjp needs to scrub with salt and lemon juice. yuck. kristen stewart drives me crazy. i didn’t know that reese dumped jake. :(
great post -!
I am so disappointed no one wore your oscar stylist picks!!
i was laughing out loud when i read your commentary on kathy ireland- she was freaking me out.
i also had the exact same reaction when i saw jake and mcadams together…..she looks flawless.
thanks for including a ryan reynolds pic too!
It was raining pretty hard, so I blame the frizzies on that. For some of us, there isn’t enough serum in the world…
omg i agree with you. did you see miley’s mom…what a train wreck! I was also a fan of Sigourne…so pretty. My fave was Rachel. JLO had a tumor growing out of her hip…poor thing should have that looked at.
I really liked Sandra’s dress! But other than that, totally agree with you about everything else.
UGh – Kathy Ireland! Bad, bad choice!
My personal fave was Cameron Diaz in that first look. I thought she looked really young and girlish, in a good way. She tends to look … well, aged, lately. Aged surfer girl.
Ohhh, Hilary Swank. She HAS TO sex it up, you know? Because otherwise, she’s a MAN!
ANd personally, I am affronted that Miley Cyrus got to go to the freakin’ Oscars. I mean, c’mon. Give me a break. If she gets to go, then I think I should get to go! Since when did child-of-Achy-Breaky-Heart get to do that kind of stuff?!
I just found you and I agree Demi looked AMAZING. and Nicole Ritchie’s makeup looked like an Avatar. I loved your roundup, but I loved your pre-oscar styling even more. You should be doing that. I will write you a letter of recommendation.
I’m so glad you’re with me on Miley’s dress, I hated admitting how much I liked it, but I’m so glad I’m not the only one. And yes, you are not alone for J,Lo’s dress either.
Thanks for making my day with your always wonderful posts!
mmm..there’s a FEW people missing here..and geez…never thought you were so judgemental…I love your blog…read it daily, you’re on my blog roll……etc…. but man… go back and read some of your captions…… Hillary Swank….really??? still luv ya!
I think Miley was not standing up straight because she was afraid she would “pop out”… I think that was maybe a fit issue..or she needs a little red carpet guidance..