86th Academy Awards 2014 - Forever Chic Style - Fashion Overview

    

 

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream,

Really do come true.
 

 


    

Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops,

 

 


    

 

Away above the chimney tops,

That's where you'll find me.


 


    

The 86th Academy Awards held on Sunday, March 2, 2014 red carpet dazzled with Hollywood A-Listers adorned in glittering refinement echoing Daisy (Michelle Williams) and Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) in the film The Great Gatsby (2013).  Fashion reigned supreme and did not disappoint viewers as the paparazzi fervently snapped photo after photo of the shimmering affair.    Tinsels of silver, gold and white in form fitting frocks flattered the chosen few with Forever Chic Style and a confident movie star flair.  Veronica Lake finger curled hair and subtle make-up schemes emphasized Hollywood glamour nodding to film mavens of yesteryear.  Glorious dress designs were infused in hues of twinkling creams, whites, along with defining and elegant blues, commanding blacks and ending with red and pink concoctions all demanding center stage.  In a year, when several films such as American Hustle, Wolf of Wall Street, The Great Gatsby focused heavily on money, power, greed and covert consumption, these ladies struck home and reflected the over the top decadence of the gold rush films of 2013. 

    The stage was littered with gold statutes, gold baubles of light and sparkling silver reflecting the pizzazz and scintillating charm of the Gatsby era. And, to top it off, it was the 75th year celebration of the beloved movie The Wizard of Oz (1939) where black and white film switched before the eyes to dazzling Technicolor.  Dorothy (Judy Garland) was tapping her scarlet red shoes saying "There is no place like home" as Glenda (or Ellen Degeneres) the Good Witch twirled her wand dressed in gleaming pink.  Thus, it was imperative at the 86th Academy Awards to be draped in radiant vintage apparel spreading fairy dust on the glorious red carpet.  Additionally visions of Downton Abbey graced the walk of fame with feminine aplomb signaling a defining fashion moment. Ladies dressed in conservative attire missed the memo, while most of the gents wore elegant tuxes and made a fashion mark. All and all the affair was a wardrobe pageantry of glitz with superb acceptance speeches and unfettered grace.

 

Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow

Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow

Why, oh why can't I?

 


    

 

 

Forever Chic Style - "The Stylish"

 


    

 

Jennifer Garner:  "Daisy, The Fashionable Flapper" Garner made a stunning entrance gliding across the stage to present in a 1920's inspired flirty and feminine ritzy flapper dress by Oscar De La Renta.  The soft makeup, gorgeous curled hair and speaking skills were attention grabbing.


    

 

Charlize Theron: "Floating Goddess"  Initially, the silhouette defining Dior Haute Couture black number on the red carpet with nude straps seemed a bit simple for the evening event.  However, during the show and center stage to present, Theron positively took the breathe away.  The addition of the beaming diamond Harry Winston drop necklace, sleek hair and quiet makeup finished the ladylike ensemble.


    



Naomi Watts: "Polished Snow White"  The Calvin Klein Collection white bead encrusted frock with the 12.42-carat white gold Bulgari choker embodied the ever gorgeous Watts. The dash of red lips and swept up hair cemented the dramatic look as heads turned and cameras flashed.  Once again, Watts, with a winning smile dominated on the red carpet with the quintessential gown and a feminine presence.



     

 

 

     

 

Sandra Bullock:  "Yesteryear Movie Star" Bullock after wearing a disastrous 71st Golden Globe gown took charge and was spotlight stealing in the midnight blue off the shoulder custom Alexander McQueen duchesse draped dress.  The overall ensemble of glowing skin, side swept hair, smokey eyes and Lorraine Schwartz $1.8M earrings on this Best Actress nominee for Bullocks riveting role in Gravity, screamed movie star and was out of this world.  Well played.


    

Lupita Nyong'o: "Cinderella"  Nyong'o, Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsy in 12 Years a Slave stopped the presses when sashaying in front of the flashing lights. The baby blue Prada chiffon dress with a deep v neck glistened and flattered this elegant newcomer to the big screen.  Nyong'o strong sense of fashion style combined with poise and an incredible acceptance speech (the best I have seen in years) was movie star perfection.  This recent graduate of Yale University made a lasting impression and will be the one to watch in the years to come.

 

Forever Chic Style - "If Only"

    


    
 

Angelina Jolie:  "Mother of the Bride" First and foremost, Jolie is an incredible woman, whose acting chops, family ethics and humanitarian efforts reach far beyond a slight mishap in apparel choices.  The Elie Saab Haute Couture 4th of July sparkler belted on the runway did not flatter Jolie in the slightest. The hair, makeup, 38-carat Robert Procop earrings, were as always perfection.  The gown was blah blah and ill fitting around the waist and bodice. On the other hand, this was her beau's night and not hers and perhaps being modestly low key was a nod to her man.   Stay tuned, with upcoming wedding nuptials, movie Maleficent opening and a directing feat for the film Unbroken  to be released Christmas 2014 - Jolie will be back in mind blowing glory next year.
 

 Conservative Measures

 

    

 

 

    

 

Amy Adams:  "The Conservative Sophisticate" The midnight blue Gucci Premiere' gown emphasized Adams shapely figure, while complimenting red hair and gorgeous creamy skin.  Overall, this Best Actress nominee for American Hustle ensemble was elegant though not slated for an Oscar soiree.  Unfortunately, Adams could have taken a cue from her American Hustle character, Lady Sydney Prosser, and burst forth onto the red carpet in a drop dead sparkler with another deep neck and a diamond necklace for a show stopping moment.

    

 

 

    

 

Jennifer Lawrence: "The Simple Frock"  Lawrence graced the carpet with a ravishing red Dior Haute Couture wool crape fitted off the shoulder piece with peplum at the hips.  The dress on this Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rosalyn in American Hustle, was stunning with the hair and $2 million 100-carat Neil Lane diamond draped backwards.  Again, red is Lawrence's hue yet look at Pink's Elie Saab jewel encrusted red dress and wonder what if Lawrence had waltzed out in a similar number? After all, this is the Oscars and not a Black Tie dinner.   Of course, tripping has becoming Lawrence's Oscar signature with another spill out of a car in 2014.  There is always "next year" for new beginnings and new stable shoes. 

    

 

Anna Kendrick: "Pitch Perfect" The J. Mendel frock is a mishmash of lengths and cutouts with a splash of red. Kendrick wore the concoction with a smile, poise and confidence even if the dress was outlandish.  Youth does have advantages.  And, Kendrick playfully evoked Jolie's stellar unforgettable black gown with "The Leg."

  

Forever Chic Style - "The Lady in Waiting"

 

    

 

 

Kate Hudson: “Va Va Voom"  Hudson literally owned the red carpet in a custom Atelier Versace white fiery fitted gown with matching 1930's cape.  The sophistication and simplicity of the majestic gleaming costume with blonde tresses and jewels captured a Gatsby moment with a flourish.  When presenting on stage, the dress complimented the well spoken and vivacious Lady in Waiting.   Now if only her mother Goldie Hawn would take note and trim her messy and outdated hair. Maybe a lesson from daughter to mother needs to be learned!

 



Forever Chic Style -  "The Queen"

 

    

 

    

 

 

Cate Blanchett:  “Gloriously Oscar Gold ” Blanchett's  winning Best Actress performance in Blue Jasmine was mesmerizing along with the films exquisite fashion.  This fashion maven knows that gold is the hue that enhances blondes and is wickedly memorable for an Oscar night on the town.  The Armani Prive' golden blush tone concoction with gold encrusted Swarovski crystal baguettes was luminous against her coloring.  The dress was heavy but the beauty, sublime fit and finished ensemble with make up and incredible drop earrings rang old school elegance.  Blanchett, a fashion diva in 2013 hit every note with her gut retching and electrifying performance in Blue Jasmine and also commanded a champagne Forever Chic Style moment on the red carpet.

  

Forever Chic Style - "The Frumpy Frog Queen"

    

    

 

Julia Roberts: "Grandma's Lace Dollie"   Julia the peoples darling let us down at the Oscars in 2014.  The Givenchy Haute Couture black lace gown was a visual mess with the peplum, modesty panel and strangely placed lacey cap sleeve.  The hair was messy and the blue or green nail polish did not compliment the ensemble of this accomplished and Best Supporting nominee for August: Osage County.   Unfortunately, Roberts didn't really care this year though the smile made up for the poor choice in apparel.  Remember the vintage  black & white Valentino worn at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001?  She won Best Actress for Erin Brockovich (2000).  Roberts evoked memories of Old Hollywood Glamour movie stars.  If only, Roberts had received the Gatsby vibe?  Perhaps, this movie queen would have commanded the court rather than obtain The Frumpy Frog Queen award.

 

 

Judy Garland - The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Dreams do come True....

 

 

 

    

 

 

Kim Hardwick - Forever Chic Style