Red Carpet Queens: Oscars Edition

After all the fashion fabulousness that ensued at the Golden Globes, I had been on the edge of my seat waiting to see what sartorial delights the Oscars would bring. But, to be frank, I was very underwhelmed. I didn't feel that spark, that fashion-star quality, from the red carpet in the way I usually do. Everything was just a little...lackluster. That said, I did have my favorite looks of the night.

Mila Kunis looked divine in Elie Saab. I love that she went for this sweet lavender color on a night typically reserved for gowns in gem-tone hues, sparkles, or black. This gown is pure romance--it balances sweet and sexy perfectly.

Hailee Steinfelt has been on-point this entire awards season; I've loved her look at every show. She manages to stay age-appropriate at all times--something very few young starlets have mastered. Hailee worked together with the Marchesa designers to create this Cinderella-esque confection. My one complaint? The headband. 

Florence Welch stood out on the red carpet, donning this statement-making Valentino Haute Couture gown. Although she tends to go for this type of look at many of her public appearances, it works for her.

My thoughts on Anne Hathaway's fashion choices from the night are very conflicted. I loved her in this this vintage Valentino Haute Couture gown from 2002; however, I did feel it was too safe, especially after her unforgettable Armani gown at the Golden Globes.

More importantly, her eight (!) outfit changes throughout her hosting duties really gave fashion followers something to talk about...and that something, for the most part, was not good. Anne is usually someone I can count on to look impeccable (given the fact that she's styled by Rachel Zoe), but on Sunday night, her looks failed to impress. While some were just plain boring (too many strapless gowns!), others were simply disastrous. 

The night finished with Anne in this bejeweled, turtleneck Tom Ford number. It may not be the most dazzling dress of all time, but for the first time in the entire Oscar presentation, I was surprised and intrigued by a gown, and that, in my opinion, is worth something. Anne pulls off this eccentric look in the graceful and elegant way I'm not sure anyone else could.

Diametrically Opposed

I've been told many times that I'm hard to shop for, but I really don't understand why that is. I can usually find something to love in all styles of clothing. 

Two of my favorite ready-to-wear collections are about as different as can be, and yet, I love them both.

Steve Alan--a line I started crushing on not too long ago--produced another amazing collection for Fall 2011. The looks are gorgeously subtle with cute, quirky touches.

On the other hand, Alice and Olivia, my go-to brand for all things girly, glitzy, and glamorous, produced a Fall 2011 collection that is anything but subtle. The brand went for a fun, flapper vibe. 

Despite my yet-to-be-tamed obsession with all things '70s, it was refreshing to see a collection channeling a different decade (minus the fabulous high-waisted leather, brocade, and velvet pants).

Who says you have to pick one style? I love them all. 

Delighted By Burberry

Burberry Prorsum RTW Fall 2011...

be still my heart.

{images via Style.com}

But it wasn't just the show that induced seething jealousy. Two of my all-time favorite fashion crushes attended the show, and both were dressed impeccably in head-to-toe Burberry.

{images via thevoguediaries.com}

Only these two could pull off giant puffer coats and unabashedly-badass studded pencil skirts. 

Lusting, to say the least.

Black and White and Red All Over

{Madewell jacket, J. Crew tank, Madewell jeans, vintage double-strand necklace via the Melrose Trading Post, Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Opening Ceremony boots, Michael Kors watch, Madewell bangle, David Yurman Ring, high school class ring}

My three-day weekend consisted of basically two activities: shopping and studying (what else does one really need, anyway?). I used the former as retail therapy for the latter. 

On Friday I decided to venture out to the Barney's Warehouse Sale. Though the two-week sale extravaganza had been largely picked over, I did stumble upon several extremely discounted gems, including my newest obsession--these Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony boots.

I fell in love with everything about them. The thick, super-high heel, the rounded pointy toe, the lace-up/tassle effect, and the solitary buckle. They are the borderline-insane fashion item I've been searching in vain for all season. 

I've had a fun time figuring out how to wear the boots, especially since winter is, for the most part, a thing of the past. While I do want to save them for next year's colder months, I'm thinking of pairing them with girly frocks and tights for this not-quite-spring weather situation we've been having lately.

Please excuse the gratuitous shoe shots, I can't resist...

My favorite part? The crocodile-effect detailing. Too. Cool. 

NYFW 2011

There were so many amazing collections at New York Fashion Week. Below are a few of my favorites.

{Tommy Hilfiger}

Classic American style with a downtown twist. The designer himself referrd to his fall collection as "the nonchalant style of a 1970′s rock star’s girlfriend.” 

{Marc by Marc Jacobs}

So '70s, so bookish, so wearable. 

{Rodarte}

{all images via Style.com}

Modernized 1970's prairie girl fashion. Too cool. I adore the flouncy full skirts and demure necklines.

Not surprisingly, one of the biggest themes of New York Fashion Week was the 1970's. Groovy fashion is certainly staying alive, at least for the next season to come.