And the Oscars for Best and Worst Dressed go to...

Not only is The Oscars the creme de la creme of the award shows, but also of the styles on parade.  This year offered its typical fashion hits and misses, with none of the occasional oddities (think Bjork's swan and Lara Flynn Boyle's tutu.)  Trends included asymetrical 

and sweetheart necklines, light colors, molded bodices, mermaid hems and statement necklaces.  

Who looked Fab and who looked Drab?

First, the Fab.

 

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain gown and Chopard jewels:  With all of the designer clamoring to dress this Best Supporting Actress winner, I loved the fact that she chose to wear a vintage gown she had spotted and loved 8 years ago at top vintage curator Rita Watnick's Beverly Hills shop, Lily et Cie.  Luckily, the museum quality 60-year-old strapless lace gown embellished with gold threads was still there, and Penelope wore it gorgeously.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive gown and Cartier jewels: The body-conscious, champagne-hued fishtail gown perfectly fit her figure and glittered with half-dollar sized clear paillettes and a Swarovski crystal strapless neckline and waist. She hardly needed jewels, but wore Cartier bling worth more than $1 million anyway, including a onyx and black crystal broach affixed to the back of her dress.

Marisa Tomei in Versace gown and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels: The Best Actress nominee worked it in the dove-grey gown with all-over fan pleats, somehow managing to perfectly display the dramatic train on the red-carpet.  In addition to the fitted bodice highlighting her fit figure, the asymetrical neckline complimented her toned shoulders and arms.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte gown and Kwiat jewels: With all of the light-colored gowns, her orchid-pink number was a refreshing change.  Obviously grecian-inspired with the ruched bodice and draped skirt, the gown's Swarovski crystal detailing added glam. Keeping her jewelry simple was smart, and her vampy manicure added a modern edge to her otherwise sweet ensemble.

Other stars who looked fab included:

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent gown and Choprad jewels

Taraji Henson in Roberto Cavalli gown and 19th century Fred Leighton jewels

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera gown and Fred Leighton "Cleopatra" necklace

Now, the Drab.

Jessica Biel in Prada: When the words "dishwater" and "dinner napkin" come to mind, you've chosen the wrong dress. Not to mention this ill-fitting blah of a dress does nothing for the great figure we know her to have. Justin was obviously lulled to sleep by the ensemble and stayed in the limo.  

Sophia Loren in Armani Prive: A screen legend deserves better than this "Hello Dolly," lemon meringue mess. And the Tammy Faye eyelashes don't help matters.

Beyonce in House of Dereon: While I appreciate the kind gesture of wearing one of your mother's designs to a big event, The Oscars is not a time for charity. Beyonce is too beautiful to don this dragon-lady disaster.

Best Hair and Makeup

While "the dress is the thing," those frocks are either complemented or devalued by the hairstyles and makeup palettes chosen by the wearers. Because walking the red carpet is a dressy affair, hair and makeup often are (and should be) kicked up a notch as well.  My favorite hairstyles of the night were those of Freida Pinto's modern take on the french knot, Angelina Jolie's loose gather at the back of her head that showed off those amazing Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings (the only interesting thing about her outfit), and Jennifer Aniston's loose, wavy locks with subtle side-swept braid was pretty - a natural look only Jenn could pull off at such a formal event. 

As for makeup, artist Jeanine Lobell did a fantastic job dramatizing Natalie Portman's beautiful chestnut eyes while still keeping the young star looking fresh and glowing.

From Runway to Red Carpet

And who says celebrities don't buy "off the rack?"  Ok, well, off the runway. Check out these red-carpet styles ripped from the runway (and how some of the designers alter their designs slightly for their clients)... 

Alas, the Oscars marks the end of award season and red carpets, but the stars are sure to be seen strutting the sidewalks in Spring's latest styles.  Stay tuned... 

BAFTA's: Back in Black

For those of you who may not keep up with what goes on across the pond, the "BAFTAs" are the British Academy of Film and Television awards.  This year's ceremony was held Sunday, February 8, at the Royal Opera House in London, and many Brits and Americans alike seemed to err on the side of caution by choosing safe (but always classic) black for the occasion.

 

Pictured: Penelope Cruz in Alaia, Kate Winslet in Zac Posen and Emma Watson in Temperley.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Freida Pinto ("Slumdog Millionaire") was a shining light amongst all that black in a pretty pink Oscar de la Renta with feminine ruffles. 

Grammy Style NOT Rockin'

While there may have been songs and stardom, style was lacking at the 2009 Grammy Awards.  

Zooey Deschenel's frock looked like she made it in high-school home-ec, Jennifer Hudson's would have been OK if she haden't rucked her dinner napkin into her collar and Paula Abdul reinvoked superfriend's Isis. 

 

While Gwenyth Paltrow

 tried to be modern by paring opaque tights with her cocktail dress, she fell short. 

As for those who at least passed: Miley Cyrus' black Max Azria was chic, albeit a bit mature for her. Audrina Partridge's teal gown was pretty, but accentuated her too-thin physique-a few more pounds would have made the dress more flattering.  

Tip of the Day

In the washing machine, zippers can cause snags and small holes in certain clothing items (especially knits), so invest in a mesh laundry bag in which to place zippered items, which will protect the other items in the wash.  With some zippered items it may be sufficient to turn items inside-out.