2016 Oscars Red Carpet Review....

This year, despite my best intentions, I did NOT watch a single movie nominated for best picture.  Our recent movie watching has been limited to Sunday nights with the kids: Hoosiers, Miracle, Glory Road, Seabiscuit, you get the idea.  We are sports-movie-fanatics around our house as of late.  So, unfortunately, I did not watch the full Academy Awards with the suspense over who would win best picture, as in prior years.  

Nevertheless, I always enjoy a good red carpet review!  I have to say, I did not LOVE a ton of the dresses this year.  Some of the actresses with consistently solid fashion choices were disappointing for me, including Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, Kate Winslet, and Julianne Moore.  Also, no matter how fabulous the color or fabric may be, call me old-fashioned, but I simply cannot get on board with the asymmetrical hem (Alicia Vikander), excessive cleavage (Olivia Wilde, Charlize Theron), OR peek-a-boo transparency (Gwen Stefani, we know you are gorgeous w a rockin' bod, but you could leave a little more to the imagination!) 

In fact, to collect a Top 10 list, I had to go beyond the actual Oscars Red Carpet and dip into the Vanity Fair after-party pics.  

So, here goes my Top 10:

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive - As usual, Cate knocks it out of the park in this
gorgeous pale aqua (please don't call it seafoam) feather-and-beaded-embellished-confection...
By far, my favorite gown of the evening.

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive - How amazing is the back of this gown!

Margot Robbie in Tom Ford - Loved the gold statuesque silhouette of Margot's snakeskin gown...So flattering and stunning on her!  I also loved her natural relaxed hairstyle.  The deep v-neck is far more tasteful than some of the other u-shaped necklines, and is balanced by the long sleeves and overall coverage in the remainder of the dress.

Olivia Munn in Stella McCartney - I absolutely LOVE the chic simplicity of this bold orange one-shoulder gown.  Though not as embellished as your typical Oscars dress, it is a breath of fresh air in its clean lines and fun color.

Kate Bosworth in Ralph & Russo - I believe this was at the Vanity Fair after party, but I HAD TO INCLUDE this knockout of a dress. The beautiful full texture along the neckline and soft lilac color are both gorgeous on her!

Kate Bosworth in Ralph & Russo

Louise Roe in Christian Siriano - I am not so familiar with this actress, but I loved the unique, light, airy, and graceful flow of this gown.  I always appreciate when a designer includes an interesting detail such as this, with an otherwise boring strapless gown. The color is also a pretty compliment to her fair skin and brown hair.

Mindy Kaling in Elizabeth Kennedy - Have you read any of her books? Although I have not seen her as much on TV, I absolutely LOVE her writing. Hilarious. Real. Thoughtful....did I say HILARIOUS!?  I thought this black and cobalt gown was just beautiful on her.  So elegant and classic but with a modern, color-blocking twist.  Everything from her hair, to her makeup, to her accessories were perfect on her!

Naomi-Watts in Armani Prive - Although I did not LOVE the rainbow effect of the blue-indigo-violet gradation of color, the overall jewel tones, silhouette, and graphic beaded texture were stunning on her.  

Rachel McAdams in August Getty Atelier - As mentioned above, you know I am not a big fan of excessive showing of the skin. However, somehow Rachel McAdams pulls this one off WELL.  I think it comes down to balance. If you are going to have a plunging front or back, keep it simple and balance with rest with coverage.  Her gown accomplishes this with the high neck in front, and the deep emerald color is beautiful on her!

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton at the Vanity Fair after party - I am not too familiar with this young pop artist, but she looks adorable in this killer silver sequin disco ball of a dress. 

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton

Elizabeth Banks in Ralph & Russo at the Vanity Fair after party...Perhaps more bridal than Oscars!  I still love the beautiful lace top, elegant cape, and ivory color.  So pretty on her!

What were your favorites?  It is always fun to dish over the 'best' and 'worst' dressed on the Oscars red carpet! xoxo