Photos: Zimbio; Style.com

MY VERDICT: I guess there comes a time in a young woman’s life when she wants to live out her Barbie dream of wearing head-to-toe hot pink—centered around a full ball gown.  Fan Bingbing clearly experienced that this year at the Oscars when she hit the red carpet in a vibrant fuchsia asymmetric silk-satin gown by Marchesa with a matching fluro lip and pink Chopard jewels.  I thought her gems were beautiful, but this dress was one of those looks better left on the runway.  The little bits of the design that stuck out to me so much on the catwalk didn’t translate on Fan.  I also felt the lips to be a little too much, and the hair took it into Disney Princess territory—which is fine, if you’re a Disney princess.

Photos: Zimbio

MY VERDICT: It was no surprise to see Helena turn to her favorite designer Vivienne Westwood for the Oscars red carpet.  The “Les Misèrables” actress selected a square neck black evening gown with sheer tiers that appeared in an almost gradient effect as it turned into grey and ivory layers.  I liked the style of the dress, but it appeared very heavy on Helena and seemed a bit ill-fitting at the waist and bust head-on.  It was smart to partner the dress with a simple pretty necklace and black platform pumps, but Helena’s hair was so messy. It was like a prom ‘do…the next day.

Photos: Zimbio

MY VERDICT: I was really disappointed in this choice of color. Melissa’s platinum silk jersey long sleeve gown was designed by David Meister, and featured an asymmetric neckline and beaded accents on the shoulders and sleeves.  It’s pretty obvious that the dress was ill-fitting, but I don’t think it would have been so bad if it was in a midnight blue. Sometimes the color can throw everything off, and for me, I think it was the gray that became the wrong turn. Not only did it emphasize imperfections, but the shade was dull and washed her out.  I liked Melissa’s accessories, but the height of her hair was another “No”.

Photos: Zimbio; Style.com

MY VERDICT: Jennifer gave her black dresses the night off and turned to lipstick red for the Academy Awards this year.  The 44-year-old actress arrived for the ceremony wearing a strapless full ball gown from the Valentino Spring 2013 Haute Couture collection.  I adore the simple elegance of the dress, which is the very reason I had included it on my Oscar Wish List.  Although I was a big fan of Jen’s diamond gems and matching red minaudière, the lack of doing absolutely anything with her hair kind of bummed me out. I mean, it’s the Oscars—treat it as such.

Photos: Zimbio

MY VERDICT: I may have had Naomi pegged for jewel-tone color at the Oscars this year, but the “Impossible” actress was thinking more along the lines of shimmering metals.  Naomi hit the garnet carpet for the ceremony, where she was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, wearing a custom-made Armani Privé gown.  The form-fitting asymmetric design was enveloped in layered gunmetal grey sequins, and featured a single cap sleeve, a cutaway element on the opposite side, and a sexy low-dipping open back.

All in all, I thought the dress was cool—but something felt off, like it needed to either be strapless or cap-sleeved entirely. As for Naomi’s hair, she was one of the few stars who really did something with it and I appreciated that.  The loose swept back chignon was stunning, but I believe it would’ve been best with a much more regal gown.  It’s as if she was wearing two different looks.  Soft makeup and Neil Lane drop earrings helped provide the finishing touches.

Photos: Zimbio

MY VERDICT: I had to do a double take when Adele hit the red carpet, because I could have sworn she was wearing the beaded gown I wish-listed with the modifications I had hoped for.  As it turns out, the “Skyfall” singer was wearing a custom made black gown by Jenny Packham with a bead-embroidered sheer overlay.  It may not be the Valentino gown I envisioned, but it exuded all of the qualities that I felt would’ve been a great choice for her; a flattering black with a slight scoop-neck, three-quarter length sleeves, and dazzling embellishments.

It’s not a new color or silhouette for her, but it works.  Adele was radiant.  | continue reading..

Photos: Zimbio

MY VERDICT:  I’m fairly certain that Jane Fonda ages backwards.  This beautiful woman is in her seventies and somehow manages to look more youthful, than many actresses that are thirty years younger.  The Oscars were no exception to Jane’s usual radiance as she arrived on the red carpet–and stood out–in a bright yellow long sleeve Atelier Versace gown.  This 1986 vintage floor-length design featured a deep v-neck, cutout back, and a gold sequin deco pattern going around the entire waist.

It was retro, and it was fierce.

Jane wore gold waterfall diamond statement earrings and carried a matching mirrored clutch to compliment the details in her frock.  She then completed her look with a signature spiky mane, smoky eyes and a mauve pout.  She was electric.

Photos: Zimbio; Style.com

MY VERDICT: I didn’t include Sally in my wish list for the Oscars because, in my mind, the only thing the “Lincoln” star really needed was a dress in red.  Details weren’t really an issue for me as long as it fit her well—and it was red.

Sally arrived to the attend the ceremony, in which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, looking absolutely amazing — unsurprisingly — in a long-sleeve silk-chiffon Valentino gown, from the Fall 2012 Haute Couture collection, in a gorgeous scarlet!

Not only was it my favorite color for Sally, but the sheer long sleeves, pulled fabric at the bodice and feminine tiers along the long train were so glamorous and flattering for her.  I loved her look, and she didn’t even really need to do much.  Sally completed her look with a flatting up ‘do, soft makeup, diamond jewels, and a crystal “Princess” minaudière by Judith Leiber.

Photos: Zimbio; Style.com

MY VERDICT: I can thank Olivia for bringing my favorite Marchesa Fall 2013 gown to the Oscars.  I knew this beautifully crafted dress couldn’t be missing from the Academy Awards red carpet, and although I was pretty excited to see it there, I was equal parts bummed out that it wasn’t on the lady I wished it for.  The elegant embroidered bust was ill-fitting on Olivia, and for me, that put a damper on the whole thing.  I actually preferred the pictures of her from behind because at least the original design didn’t look disrupted from that angle.

Olivia finished off her look with red lips, a swept up ‘do and coordinating gold jewelry.

Photos: Zimbio; Style.com

MY VERDICT: I can’t be the only one who predicted that Nicole would be the star to first wear the black and gold molten sequin tank gown from the new L’Wren Scott Fall 2013 collection.  I think many ‘called it’—either out loud, in their mind–or maybe through a tweet.  It was a given, and it happened.  The “Paper Boy” actress arrived at the Oscars wearing the slinky, sexy gown that literally fit her like a perfect glove.  I’ve always been a fan of the combination of black and gold, in fact, it’s my current nail art—but, colors aside, what really stands out are the fun swirl patterns on the pleated elements of the skirt.

Nicole completed her look with a swept up ‘do, featuring stray cascading curls, and  jewelry from Fred Leighton; gold and black enamel pendant earrings and a gold and diamond chain bracelet.