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Posts tagged “Viola Davis

And the Oscar goes to…

Did you watch the Oscars last night? Per usual, I skipped watching the show live and merely enjoyed the highlights online and via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook after the fact. There were some gorgeous gowns and great tuxedos out there to enjoy though, I must say. What was your favorite look?

I absolutely adore Leslie Mann and was thrilled to see her on the red carpet. I think that this sleek Roberto Cavalli gown suits her slim frame perfectly and the color is very pretty against her pale skin.

The dramatic gold detailing and flowing train on Jessica Chastain's gown made it one of the highlights of the evening. She looked absolutely stunning.

Rose Byrne is someone who I'm really enjoying lately, she seems to be trying out a new look and its fun to watch. I loved this black sequined Vivienne Westwood gown with the drop earrings, she looks beautiful & statuesque.

 

Another sequined stunner was Ellie Kemper, who donned a gorgeous bronze sheath that was perfectly complimented by her dramatic gold earrings, cocktail ring and clutch.

Gwyneth's Tom Ford gown was one of a kind. I loved the floor-length cape - SO Katherine Hepburn - and the cuff was fantastic.

I wish more fashion insiders did red carpets... Wouldn't it be a kick to see all the magazine editors dressed to the nines instead of just judging everyone else's looks? Anyway, Nina Garcia knocked one out of the park in this Jean Paul Gaultier Couture sheath. Gorgeous.

Polka dot gown? LOVED IT!

Octavia Spencer has been choosing some great Tadashi Shoji gowns on the way to this red carpet and the designer worked incredibly well for her yet again. Gorgeous!

Yes, this dress was very busy - between the ruffles, the diamond bow broach, the tiers and the silhouette, there's a lot going on. But it suits her somehow. Well done!

When I saw this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown in December I knew it would make its way to the Oscars. Emma Stone has been embracing brilliant jewel tones lately with great success (remember the emerald Gucci suit?) and this frock did the trick yet again.

Rooney Mara looked head turning in her favorite designers of late, Givenchy. I like the uniqueness of this dress, yes there were other white dresses, but with her hair & makeup, the train and the intricate back of the gown, she was in her own category.

Stacy Keibler looked like she was auditioning for the role of the Oscar itself, but in the best possible way. Her Marchesa gown was flattering and fashion-forward, perfect for the Oscars red carpet.

 

Viola Davis was a vision in Vera Wang. This color is just breathtaking on her.

 
There were a lot of sweet, dreamy, pastely gowns that while gorgeous, tended to get lost in the melee. Rather than review them all individually, here are some of the prettier ones…
 

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My favorite looks? Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and the two visions in white – Rooney Mara & Gwyenth Paltrow. I loved all of these looks for different reasons and couldn’t narrow it down any further if I had to. Emma brought the standout color, Jessica brought the drama and Rooney & Gwyneth both brough the unexpected – gowns that were unique, unusual, and totally head turning.

And don’t worry my loves, I’ll cover the Oscar tuxedos and afterparty dresses in my Looks of the Week post later on today.

Happy Fashion Monday!


SAG Awards

Yes, you read the clock right, it is a rare and coveted midday MCLV post! Lots to do this week and no time to take it slow.

The SAG awards were the latest award show on the road towards the Oscars and I thought that most of the ladies whose dresses I’ve loved lately performed well.

Stacy Keibler looked tan and statuesque in this gorgeous black lace Marchesa. I love the off the shoulder silhouette!

Regina King was a vision in a pale lavender, tiered Alberta Ferretti gown.The fit is perfect and I like that she accessorized with darker, metallic jewelry & clutch.

Natalie Portman was a vision in a deep-burgundy colored strapless Giambattista Vallie gown. A simple updo and minimal accessories kept the look from going overboard. That color really suits her!

I think Dianna Agron is absolutely adorable, but she doesn't always wear the most flattering dresses on the red carpet (LOVED her MET gown last year though) so I was excited to see this fuchsia Carolina Herrera number. The cut and color are flattering, the accessorizing is minimal but sweet and her hair is gorgeous.

It takes quite a woman to make red-lace Valentino look sweet and demure! Michelle Williams managed to make this midi-length gown all her own, rather than let it overwhelm her petite frame.

While this would have been even more striking in a bright color, the cutouts and dramatic silhouette of this Zac Posen gown kept it from being anything but boring. I love her silver cuff and great cocktail ring as well.

 

Marchesa can be busy and over the top but Viola Davis chose wisely with this gorgeous white & gold gown. The soft curls and beautiful cuff were perfect!

Jayma Mays was stunning in Reem Acra - The color, the cut, the train, were all absolutely perfect for her.

 

It's these type of looks that prove you don't need to be a size-zero Tween to stand out in Hollywood. Mary Steenburgen looked stunning in this fitted, draped David Meister Gown. I LOVE the broach like piece at the waist and the stacked bangles, absolutely perfect on the accessories.

 

Emma Stone's tea-length Alexander McQueen was one of my favorite looks of the evening. Gorgeous accessories - shoes, gold detailed clutch & earrings - and a beautiful, interesting, stand-out dress.

 

I almost didn't recognize Kristen Wiig in her draping, white Balenciaga halter gown. She looked chic and well-put together, and I loved her dramatic choker necklace.

 
And my personal favorite of the Screen Actors Guild Awards?
 

Zoe Saldana looked phenomenal in shimmery white Givenchy Haute Couture with silver accents. As much as I love this gown on her and as well as it suits her, her unbelievable spiked diamond collar and cocktail ring were without a doubt my favorite pieces of the night. Amazing!

You can check out multiple views of Zoe’s amazing look here.

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The Good the Bad & the Ugly: Critics’ Choice Awards

Ready for some glitz and glamour? The Critics’ Choice Awards were the latest stepping stone towards the Oscars, and the style was a step up from the People’s Choice Awards. More gowns and less cocktail-length frocks. Brights, dark hues and neutrals all made appearances and the men even pulled out their suits.

And Brad Pitt pulled out a cane.

Hmmm.

Confusing, no? I like the white tie though.

Anyway, back to the pretty dresses on pretty girls. Prada, Gucci and Valentino – Oh my!
 

I've missed you Evan!!! Evan Rachel Wood looked phenomenal in a strapless Valentino column gown. The lace and intricate detailing of the fabric kept the dress from being boring and her fresh makeup and adorable updo made her look ethereal.

Pale yellow, bright yellow and grey? Only Diane Kruger could make this work. And on a red carpet (grey, actually) sadly lacking in accessories her pink clutch and bracelets were a welcome sight.

 

Clearly after the success of her green Gucci suit at the People's Choice Miss Emma decided to stick with what works. This belted maxi-style Jason Wu dress is perfection on her. I especially like her cat-eye makeup and simple pave hoops.

Kirstin Dunst's layered tulle & ribboned Christian Dior confection was completed with vintage earrings and bright pink lipstick. This was one of the few black dresses and I like that she chose something dramatic and unusual.

Gotta give credit where credit is due. A white gown is HARD to pull off and Stacy Keibler looks great here. The bangles and sparkly clutch are nice, but obviously Mr. Clooney is the best accessory a girl can have!

Viola Davis couldn't have picked a more striking color for herself than this gown. I like the simplicity of it paired with the gold tassel earrings.

You're got to respect a woman who wears pants on the red carpet! Leave it to Tilda Swinton to pair a dramatic open black and white coat with white pants and a black pussy bow blouse. Tres chic!

I wasn't sure if I loved or hated this black and white Chanel gown, but ultimately I decided that it worked for her. She has a fun, quirky personal style and I think that a dress like this highlights her petite stature without overwhelming her.

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Have  a great weekend!


Red Carpet Looks

Over the past week and weekend the stars gathered en masse for premieres, red carpet events, store openings and film festivals. Now pull up a cocktail and join me for some eye candy.

Haywire premiere in Los Angeles:

The color of Matt Bomer's suit couldn't be more ideal and the fit is perfect. As it should be since the man lives in these skinny suits on Blue Collar. What makes this stand out to me is the tie, a really nice choice.

Channing Tatum looks nice in this muted blue plaid suit. The coloring works well for him and I like that the pattern gives the suit a little something extra.

 
 
23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Red Carpet:
 

Shailene Woodley's look is cute, flattering and age appropriate. What more could you ask for?

I know that I already featured this dress, um, yesterday - but I couldn't help it. The whole look is simple, sleek and sexy - absolutely ideal.

 
Variety’s Indie Impact Award & 10 Directors to Watch brunch:
 

Charlize Theron wore a beautiful Reed Krakoff dress while she was at a luncheon in Palm Springs. A really great choice for an outdoor event in nice weather.

 
Nation Board of Review Awards Red Carpet:
 

Keira Knightley looked adorable in lacy black Nina Ricci. I love that it's chic and fashiony, but low-key. You could almost wear flats with it!

Michael Fassbender looked dapper in his black suit w/ blue tie combo. I'm not sure why everyone is shaving their heads but I LIKE IT.

This may be just a simple Ralph Lauren dress, but it goes to show you just how important color is when it comes to dressing. Viola Davis couldn't look any more striking!

 
 
 
Audi Celebrates The 2012 Golden Globe Awards: 
 

Viola Davis wore an unbelievably flattering sheath in great metallic colors. Her hair looks really pretty here too!

Zoe Saldana looked phenomenal in this midi Jason Wu number. I like that she wore her hair up to show off the great neckline of this dress and kept the jewelry minimal. Fabulous shoes too!

 
 
The 7th Annual New York Film Critics’ Circle Awards:
 

I am including this look for a single reason - That necklace is TO DIE FOR. The end.

 
And if you’re already missing the holidays or have an unnatural obsession with Candy Canes – I don’t have a problem, I swear – make this. Soon. Before the Candy Canes are gone.
 
Good night!