Academy Awards 2011- Ten Beautiful Faces

Last night's Oscars were less painful than other red carpet events in recent memory. Maybe because I kept E! on mute for most of the time, or perhaps it was excitement for Colin Firth. I wonder how many women (and men) sighed with contentment and smiled inwardly at the thought of Mr. Darcy's victory. I couldn't help it.

The stars' makeup was exceptionally beautiful. Even in those cases where I hated the dresses (hello, Cate Blanchett), hair and makeup was mostly flawless and quite varied. We saw everything- muted natural tones, sultry eyes and the trendy orange lipstick, and they all allowed the beautiful faces to shine.

Helena Bonham-Carter left Bellatrix Le Strange at home and brought her own gorgeous self to the ceremony. Her hair is larger than life and suits her perfectly.

Amy Adams championed NARS spring collection, proving that wearing all these bold colors together might be a bit overwhelming on one delicate face. She's sporting the new Velvet Lip Gloss Pencil in Baroque, which I love. Mandy Moore was also wearing NARS, both on the red carpet and during her on-stage performance. No word what exactly happened to Zack Levi's face to make his so orange, though.

Cate Blanchett wore the conversation piece of the night. Her haircut was among the most beautiful, though and her makeup (I think I've heard it was Lancome) illuminated her in all the right places. Other two beautiful blondes were Gwyneth Paltrow and Michelle Williams. I'm still not crazy about Michelle's platinum blonde, but the Jane Seberg/ pre-crazy Mia Farrow thing suits her well. Now, if we could only make her smile.

Everyone's favorite brunettes both opted for bold lips. Sandra didn't look as relaxed as she claimed to be, but I liked her hair far better without the blunt fringe from a couple of months ago.

Jennifer Hudson's oddly placed breasts distracted many from asking questions about her face. Someone went to town with a full coverage foundation. I prefer Jennifer looking a little more natural.

To end things on a more pleasant note, let's look at Natalie Portman:

Top photo of snowy mountains behind the Hollywood sign on Sunday morning from zimbio.com. All other photos: Just Jared.

Oscars 2011- Blogging The Red Carpet

The first hour of the Red Carpet show is always awkward. The bigger stars are still circling the premises in their limos and we're left to deal with Kelly Osbourne's tattoos, Giuliana Rancic's improv skills and other weirdness. This time in the form of Daphne Zuniga (seriously?) and her dress.

Then there's cleavage and the lack of. Mila Kunis is showing all the skin while Florence Welch, Amy Adams and Michelle Williams are nunfully covered. Interesting trend, for sure. Speaking of the beautiful Michelle, she looks so fragile and unhappy. Is Ryan Seacrest making her cry? She looks like all she wants is to return to the arms of her publicist who seems ready to swoop in and save her at any moment.

But then there's a kind of hush (well, my TV is now on mute) and Anne Hathaway does what she do best: remind us what's Hollywood glamor is all about. It's vintage and it's Valentino. Best red dress of the night, especially since I'm really not too crazy about Jennifer Lawrence Baywatch dress. But seriously, the way Jennifer looks she really doesn't need my approval.

I'm having a moment here. Cate Blanchett and the bad robot dress. Even she can't get away with that one. Sorry. Same goes for Scarlett Johansson and that hairstyle. It doesn't work, especially not with that high neckline. The dress is beautiful, by the way.

Sharon Stone has embraced her inner Cruella de Vil. Surprisingly or not, this looks is working great for her. I also like Hilary Swank, ostrich feathers or not. I just wish she'd wear a darker lipstick. A little color won't kill her.

Love: Reese Witherspoon's hair and makeup. Don't love: the lack of imagination in her dress. Love: Gwyneth Paltrow's dress (note to Cate Blanchett: that's how you do futuristic). Don't love: Nicole Kidman's origami dress.


One last thought for the night: Emeralds. I want some.


Photos: Just Jared

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa at the 2010 Oscars

At the 2010 Oscars, Sandra Bullock looked gorgeous in a great gown from Marchesa. Sandra always has a great, simple style that makes her seem down to earth and friendly, rather than out of reach like many of the stars. Sandra's girl next door style is easy for anyone to copy, and will look great on any woman, which is probably why nearly all of us love Sandra.


The Marchesa gown that the Best Actress Oscar winner wore was a beautiful gold color with beading that made her sparkle on the red carpet. Sandra, like most of us, looks incredible when she's all dressed up. Her hair, her makeup, the color of the dress was all perfect for her. The sheer bodice and shimmery skirt were sexy, yet subtle, and the bodice itself sparkled with with the floral design. She paired it with bright red lipstick, simple makeup, and had her long hair parted on the side, tucked behind her ear and falling over one shoulder with not a strand out of place. She looked radiant with her lovely earrings and bracelet, and the clutch she carried that was the same shimmery color as her skirt.

Sandra often looks comfortable with who she is, and the way she paired this gown and pulled off the look, even with the skirt reaching the floor and trailing along after her, unlike many of the celebs. So is there a lesson for us when we watch Sandra win such awards as Best Actress? The answer is simple – be comfortable with who you are and the rest will fall into place.

While there were several celebrities who wore Marchesa, such as Vera Farmigia, Sandra looked the best in the Marchesa gown that she chose. Marchesa is an incredible designer, and all the dresses look fantastic, though some of them seem a bit overly large or actually too detailed. Marchesa creates the dresses the stars wear, and also some fantastic bridal dresses. If you're looking for Marchesa gowns, head to Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman, since these are the only places you are likely to find such beautiful gowns in the United States.

For more on Sandra Bullock and her hair check out this post here