Oscars 2011 Academy Awards: Red Carpet Winners and Not So Bad Losers

Jennifer Hudson was stunning in Versace

The Oscars, Hollywood's most GLAMOROUS EVENING, has once again come and gone. We congratulate all the winners of the coveted golden man statuette and we look forward to another year of magical movie making!

There were a lot of Highs on the red carpet and even the lows were not so bad. There really weren't many fashion tragedies. So I would have to say that they ladies really took their time to make sure they all looked fabulous on the red carpet this year, which was a little surprising.

What we noticed on the red carpet. Lots of red and oranges. Navy and tones of Purple were also big. Nudes, golds, silvers and sparkle were also a hit. Hair do's ranged from high glam to tossled mess. But all in all it worked. The men - you can't really go wrong with a classic tux - though Russel Brand needs some styling help.

So for this years Oscars Red Carpet I would give it an A-. Lots of great looks with just some misses.

Here's an overview of my Hots and not so hot.

LOVED IT

Michelle Williams in Chanel, Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier, Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein, and Melissa Leo in Marc Bouwers.

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang, Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa, Natalie Portman in Rodarte, and Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Reese Witherspoon in Giorgio Armani Prive, Helen Mirren in Vivienne Westwood, Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott, and Annette Benning in Naeem Kham.

  LIKE IT

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana (wish she would have done something with her hair and maybe it would have pulled it all together), Marissa Tomei in vintage Charles James for Lily et Cie (Love the color and the gown, maybe again it was just the overall styling that didn't pull it all together), Erin Andrews in Kaufman Franco (This just looked a tad big on her, the fit was not quite right), and Celine Dion in Giorgio Armani Prive (I love the fit and the color but the lines and the sheen reminds me a little bit of packing tape. Maybe in a different color I would have loved it more).

NOT MY FAVORITE LOOK OF THE NIGHT

Busy Philipps in Douglas Hannant (it was just a tad to busy on Busy. If you lost the bow it might have made a bigger impact. The dress just made her look larger than she really is), Sharon Stone in Christian Dior (not so bad - it's the overall styling - she looked like a hybrid mix of Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous and Cruella de Ville - all she was missing was a vodka bottle and a cigarette holder), Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood (Oh Helena at least this was not such a wreck but again I think less is more), and Nicole Kidman in Christian Dior (usually one of my red carpet favs, but this frock made her look large through the hips and it was just  and just way too much going on).

HATED IT

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture (Cate another one of my red carpet favs - FAILED with this number. The chest part look like its framed by that circular number or it's a puppet show theater she is wearing. And the chartreuse beading - what is up with that?), Virginia Madsen in Romona Kevesa (So wrong in so many ways), Florence Welch in Valentino (I get it...but still it's just not flattering on you darlin'), and Jacie Weaver in Collette Dinnigan (just not flattering to your top half or the overall look - but congrats on the Nom).

THE MANY LOOKS OF ANNE HATHAWAY

in Tom Ford (One of my Favorite Gowns of the evening)

in Giorgio Armani (LOVED THIS DRESS)

in Givenchy (not so fond of this dress but Anne worked it out)

in Atelier Versace (my least favorite dress of hers that evening the scarf things ruined it for me)

in Vivienne Westwood (loved the nod to Black Swan)

in Oscar de la Renta (Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous)

in Valentino (Red Carpet Stunner)

There you have it, my Oscar red carpet recap. We all have our likes and dislikes and this is purely my own opinion, but I do have to say that there really weren't many that went wrong this year. Can't wait for next years award season! Could we possibly seeing some of these styles on the White Carpet soon? I can see how some of these gowns can easily translate to the wedding aisle as well as for bridesmaids!

Anthropologie Launches Bridal Collection called BHLDN

BHLDN exclusively at Anthropologie

If Vera Wang announcing that she is doing a line called White for David's Bridal wasn't enough, ladies hold on to your hats or whatever is available! Anthropologie (a subsidiary of Urban Outfitters), one of the modern woman's favorite store is launching a bridal line called BHLDN on Valentine's Day, yes FEBRUARY 14. Women across the country are going to be swooning after seeing these ultra fabulous gowns that is priced between $1000 and $4000. The gowns are modern with a touch of glam and classic with a nostalgic twist! All of them GORGEOUS!

In addition to the fabulous wedding gowns that Anthropologie will be selling, BHLDN has also created accessories, shoes, and wait for it...bridesmaids/event dresses too! Completing the whole Anthropologie wedding story! I am pleased to share with you the fashions Anthropologie has for the bride and her maids and her guests!

Enjoy!

Bridal Fashions by  BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

Event Dresses by BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

perfect for the bridesmaids and her guests

I personally am not so fond of the event dresses - they come off a little dated for my taste, but it does fit in to the Anthropologie woman's lifestyle story of retro, hip, cool, and chic fashion. On the other hand, I am absolutely loving the bridal gowns!

AMA - Red Carpet looks more WTF than OMG.

I love award shows and seeing all the glamor and gowns and bling and fabulousness. But it seems last night's AMA (American Music Awards) were more about trying to out do Gaga's outfits (she wasn't even there) - which can't be done or trying too hard to make a statement - whatever statement they were trying to make. I thought most of the outfits were a big fail and quite disappointing. Here's a look at the parade of HORRIFIC outfits that came down the red carpet last night. Just seemed like an off year.

(Mike Nelson / EPA)
I get it, less is more, but it was a just a bit off Rhi Rhi. Maybe you should have taken a cue from Hallie Berry's 2002 Oscar Gown by Elie Saab - the same designer that did this number. Your asymmetrical green draped dress by Elie would have made a better impact on the red carpet.

(Chris Pizzello, Associated Press)
Ke$ha, maybe you should replace the $ with a ¢ because this entire look likes like one HEFTY mess. It looks like a PR garbage bag challenge and you oddly are reminding me of the female version of Syndrome on The Incredibles. I hope this was not the junk junk you were talking about that boys wanted to touch.

(Danny Moloshok / Reuters)
Miley Miley Miley - maybe we should just change your name to Charmin because it looks like you forgot to check your behind before you left the restroom in this Marchesa gown. I think chopping off the train would have made this couture look much better.

(Chris Pizzello, Associated Press)
Willow - you've got my hair whipping but fire your stylist now. This concoction that they assembled is a hot mess and has me shaking my head NO NO NO. Overworked couture on a preteen just looks odd and the fit not too flattering...if you were older people would be saying what's up with the CT.

(Danny Moloshok / Reuters)
Nicki Minaj there is so many things wrong with this. Let's just say, maybe you should get your money back from the metal yard - they'll buy back by the pound. Manish Arora the designer of this number just did too much - way too much. If he wanted his couture to be recognized in The States maybe he should of put her in one of his other and absolutely stunning colored frocks. Plus wasn't the skeleton thing already done by Lady Gaga last year on stage? A rehash of his (Manish Arora) carousel dress that Katy Perry wore to the European Music Awards would have been a welcomed site too.

Regardless of the train wrecks - and there were more of those than just the ones above, a few of the celebs were right on the mark. Here are three of my favorites from the evening.

(Chris Pizzello, Associated Press)
Katy Perry is a teenage dream in this pale pink confection by Badgley Mischka. Simple, classy, dreamy.

(Danny Moloshok / Reuters)
Kelly Osbourne in Dior - absolutely beautiful. She looks old Hollywood fabulous, thinking Bridgette Bardot - sexy but classy.

(Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Taylor loving the bangs and this bang up dress by Collette Dinigan. You sure know how to light the way!

So that is my recap for this years AMA Red Carpet looks. Quite disappointing year - lets hope the couture for the awards season are better than these frocks.

Wedding Gown Designer to Watch: Rosa Clará

Rosa Clará is the designer to watch and I would not be surprised if she was the go to wedding gown designer in the next couple of years. I'm in total awe after seeing some of this designer's gowns.

Rosa Clará has been in business since 1995. Her designs are known in Latin countries and on the European circuit but have not quite made an impact here in the US. She currently has some gowns being sold exclusively at Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC and some select styles can be found at premiere bridal boutiques throughout the US. A list of local retailers can be found on the Rosa Clará Website. Rosa Clará is based in Barcelona, Spain.

Rosa Clará designs are absolutely modern, gorgeous, and it transcends time. She states that her '09 collection is, "Inspired by two trends: One, simple lines with close fitting gowns. And the other, spectacular volume." All I can say is that her gowns are like none I have seen in recent years. You also need to check out the Rosa Clará '08 line and you will notice that things she was putting out last year are now being presented by other designers this year. She is definitely "wedding" fashion forward.

It seems as if she has taken aspects from different cultures and made them her own. You will see gorgeous draping on Grecian Gowns, Kimono inspired wedding dresses, Modern Princess Gowns and of course...an ode to Barcelona, Spanish influenced gowns.

Additionally, many of her pieces can morph into a second look by adding or removing lace jackets that she has designed to go with certain gowns.

Here's a sampling of the gowns I love.

Style #213 Languido - Organza dress with beading and a Chantilly lace jacket with hemstitch decoration. A lovely dress with two looks. When you take off the full-length lace jacket, you are left with a stunning strapless gown, perfect for the reception.

Style #248 Lua - Beaded bodice with a silk brocade skirt and train. This dress reminds me of a modern Kimono. The train detail is so wonderful with its multiple tiers. The dress is so simple yet so stunning.


Style #159 Lyla - Halter dress with floral neck embellishment and embroidered flowers on a full skirt. The ultimate playful princess dress. I love the embroidery on the skirt; it gives the gown a little spunk, but keeps it elegant at the same time. Cinderella would have been proud to wear this gown.


Brides...you need to check out the Rosa Clará line, there are so many wonderful gowns to discover on her site. Additionally she also a second line that is more affordable called Two by Rosa Clará and a link to her Complements line of veils, tops, shoes, and headdresses (used by Karl Lagerfeld in Chanel's Pre-Fall 2009 Collection Fashion Show).

I hope you will love this designer as much as I do. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in coming years.

Jo Vull Rosa Clará!

-Percy

Photos from Rosa Clará

Trend Thursdays: What's Hot in Bridal Gowns

Every bridal season we are wowed by the designs that are created by fabulous designers. There's always a handful of trends that is a must have for that year. In the past we have seen colored ribbon sashes, Swarovski crystal embellishments, the mermaid dress phenomenon, and even colored wedding gowns. So what's the must have look this year?

Here's my trend alert for the remainder of the 2009 bridal season, which will carry over to the early part of 2010.

1) Empire (ŏm-pîr') Waist

from left to right: Vera Wang, Priscilla of Boston, Jenny Packham, Alvina Valenta

2) Flower Power

from left to right: Carolina Herrera, Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Jim Hjelm

3) Over the Top Bows

from left to right: Amsale, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Vineyard Collection

4) Sleeves

from left to right: Le Spose di Gio, Manuel Mota for Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier, Reva Mivasagar

I hope you all like my trend report. Regardless of the trends, always pick the gown that you feel the prettiest and happiest in. I have heard from many brides that you will know the right one for you. Happy dress shopping!

-Percy

Photos from Brides.com and top shop photo from Morrirom's Photo Stream on Flickr

Trend Thursdays: The Look at The Met Costume Institute Gala

It's always fun to see what celebs wore to The Met's Costume Institute Gala. This year's gala was held on Monday, May 4, 2009. It's the time of the year that I hold with bathed breathe on what made it down The Met's red carpet. I realize that it is sort of a costume party, but isn't it also a way to show off your best "costumes" or "couture?" Maybe even start the next trend or look?

This year's theme was "Model as Muse" and we all know that at one time or another, designers have had their muse for creating their lines. Here are some of the more famous pairings:

• Bob Mackie and Cher
• Halston and Jerry Hall
• Anna Sui and Naomi Campbell
• Louis Vuitton and Madonna
• Marc Jacobs and Anne Hathaway
• Chanel and Nicole Kidman

Well the outfits and costumes did not disappoint, some made us gasp in awe and others just made us gag in disgust. I will present my top 4 in the red hot and the hot mess categories.

First the Hot Mess of The Met's Costume Institute Gala

All four of these fashion icons, just made odd choices...was this truly their intention to look somewhat odd, crazy, dowdy, and dated?

Rihanna in Dolce & Gabbana; Madonna in Louis Vuitton; Kirsten Dunst in Chanel; and Kerry Washington in Louis Vuitton.

Would you recommend any of these looks to your bridesmaids? How about wearing it to a cocktail party? I hope not, especially Madonna's rabbit ear headpiece.

Now for the Red Hots at The Met's Costume Institute Gala

These four style icons hit the mark. Not only were their outfits fresh, but they didn't look out of place either. I mean really...Ashley's Olsen's dress could have come off very Golden Girls caftan, Renee's color choice could have come off as pea soup, Kate Moss' gold lame dress with matching turban could have come off dated, and Anne's zippered dress meats Brigitte Bardot do could have been a big flop, but all four just sizzled. Now these outfits are trends I could live with.

Ashley Olsen in The Row (Mary Kate's Label); Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera; Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs; and Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs.

Can't wait until next year.

-Percy

BTW I loved Katy Perry's dress best. The mixture of material with metal was hot! Especially loved the Wonder Woman cuff...Can't believe it was made by Tommy Hilfiger.

Photos from Pop Sugar and OMG! Katy Perry dress by Tommy Hilfiger

Icon Bride: Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate gamine, stayed true to her iconic look at her wedding to Mel Ferrer on September 25, 1954 in Burgenstock, Switzerland, by donning a ravishing tea length gown that is undeniably...Audrey.

The gown designed by Pierre Balmain was a beautiful silk organza tea length number that was cinched at the waste. The top of the dress looked like a button down shirt with a collar and voluptuous sleeves. She topped off the ensemble with fresh flowers in her pixie cut hair.

In modernizing this iconic bride, this is how I see the Audrey Hepburn bride of today.

Gown: Oscar de la Renta; Floral Hair Piece: Leah C. Headpieces; Blue Tux Cece Bridal Shoes: The Shop @ Percy Sales Events; Woven Box Handbag: Perfect Details.

I hope this brings out your inner gamine.

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned Web sites. Hepburn/Ferrer Wedding photo from Daylife

Trend Thursday: Clay Flowers

I came across DK Designs clay flowers the other day and was mesmerized by the delicate and realistic beauty of these artful creations. Therefore, my Trend Thursday pick for the week are clay flowers by DK Designs. Diane Katsuyoshi-Phillips artist and owner of DK Designs has created a way to make the brides bouquet an heirloom piece and a way to distinguish a bride from all the other brides. These floras add a new dimension to your wedding day, because they become art pieces that people will be talking about. The big plus is that your floral creations will be like no other, and your guests...unless they have seen other clay flower arrangements, will be wowed by the uniqueness of these blooms.

Additionally, I love the clay flower hairpieces. They are a perfect gift for your bridal party and a way to create drama in your wedding hair without worrying about the flower wilting! Also, all the clay floral creations can be used after the wedding in so many ways. You can use them as decor in your home, put away in a chest to pass on to future generations, or framed in a shadow box as a piece of artwork in your home.

For more inspiration on how clay flowers can spruce up or add to your wedding day, please visit the DK Designs or DK Designs Blog. I can't wait to suggest these gorgeous blooms to my clients. DK Designs has been featured on Martha Stewart and a plethora of wedding publications and notably so, because her creations will definitely be the talk of your event.

I hope this helps in molding your floral choices.

-Percy

Photos from DK Designs

Fantastic Fridays: Gown Sketches

If you were wondering, Friday's are generally for guest bloggers, but I haven't been able to secure any guest bloggers lately, so I am going to flip flop between Guest Blogger Fridays and Fantastic Fridays. Fantastic Fridays will showcase something truly fantastic. It can be celebrity wedding news, political items I feel passionate about, or something I came across that I think is truly FANTASTIC!

Today happens to be a Fantastic Friday and I am featuring something really cool I came across reading one of my magazines this month...Bridal Gown Sketches. Sure Princess Diana and other celebrity brides have had their gowns sketched by the designer or artist as a keepsake piece, but now you can too. So what that you bought your gown at David's Bridal or on the Internet at some online wedding gown store. Now you can get the same couture treatment that celebrity brides get when designing their gowns.

One fantastic sketch artist that I discovered through the magazine is Jennifer Angilello who owns All About the Dress. Her stylized rendition of the bride and gown are fantastic. Jennifer's portraits run about $425, according to InStyle Weddings Magazine, and from the looks of her portfolio it's well worth it. If you are looking for a less pricey version you may want to visit Dreamlines where sketches run at the $100 rate and is shipped from France.

Another option is to get the artist in the family to do a rendition of your gown, maybe as their wedding gift to you. This option will definitely have more meaning...as it is someone you know. But what ever route you get, I definitely think getting an artist rendering of your gown, with you in it or not, is definitely a FANTASTIC thing to do as a memento to your wedding day.

Here's sketching you...kid!

-Percy

Sketches from All About the Dress

Trend Thursday: My Favorite Dresses for Spring 2010

What wedding planner does not love wedding gowns? With a slew of designers showing off their Spring 2010 collection recently, I was salivating at the gorgeous creations that hit the runways. Sure there were some of the same ole same ole Princess gowns, Grecian gowns, empire, mermaid and a-lines, but folks those are the standards that people want and are staples to any bridal collection.

I was in bridal gown overload looking at all these gowns but than there were some that just stood out to me. Here are my top four picks for Spring 2010.

(left to right)

1. Carolina Herrera - This gown was just embellished enough and gave the whole look that extra "Ola senorita" feel about it. It was young, vibrant and the fabric looks incredible. The neckline is not too revealing and the ruching is just perfect. I particularly love the boating hat also. Work of art considering she based her inspiration on works of art this season.
   
2. Monique Lhuillier - I am a fan of Monique! This dress is so beautiful. The bodice is perfectly ruched and the ball skirt just reminds me of a bed of flowers. Perfect for a spring wedding. What I love about this dress is that it looks like its structured or has to many fabrics but it actually moves nicely, an almost ethereal feel to the whole dress.
3. Oscar de la Renta - Oscar is the master of classic silhouettes that still is modern. What I love about this dress is that it is such a throw back to Jackie O, but I could see a modern day first bride wearing it too. I love the ribbon belt, the embellished fabric, the 3/4 sleeves and the whole look of this piece. Perfect for a wedding at the courthouse or even in a lovely meadow somewhere. Pure bridal without being over the top.
4. Priscilla of Boston - This dress is perfect, from the silver-ish undertone to to the belted empire waist, to the detachable train. Elegant, regal and outstanding. It's so Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly meets Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I love it.
   

I hope these dresses have inspired you in your quest for the perfect gown.

-Percy

Photos from Brides.com

No Surprise Sunday: Birds of a Feather

It's no surprise to me...Barry Manilow has sung about a woman named Lola, wearing yellow feathers in her hair. Sex and the City attempted to march Carrie Bradshaw down the aisle wearing a bird in her hair as part of her wedding day ensemble. It was only a matter of time before designers would bring our feathered friends into the forefront and actually embellish wedding gowns with these elements.

Sure we have seen Marabou feathers on gowns before and the infamous feathered boa at weddings, but nothing says...f-WOW-l than what designers such as Alexander McQueen, Monique Lhuillier, Junko Yoshioka, and Jenny Packham (l to r in pic below) has accomplished in bridal couture. They have taken feathers to a whole new level. Using such feathers from Ostriches and Peacocks to create show stopping, jaw dropping, wedding gowns that will surely be the talk to the town.

If these over the top gowns weren't enough, at the 2009 China Wedding Expo, a $1.5 Million peacock dress was debuted and stunned the audience. The dress hand-sewn by eight creators consisted of 2009 (obviously for the year 2009) peacock feathers and 60 Hetian Jades, generally knows as seed jade, were incorporated in this show stopping dress. How is that for strutting your stuff at your wedding day. I am sure we will see more and more of our fine feathered friends incorporated into gowns in the future.

Here's to flocking together in this new trend.

-Percy

Photo credits: Carrie Bradshaw photo, Alexander McQueen, Monique Lhuillier, Junko Yoshioka and Jenny Packham gowns from Brides.com. Peacock gown photos from Trendhunter Magazine.

Wacky Wednesdays: Stinkerpants Invitations and Save the Date Cards

I came across Stinkerpants invitations by fluke...actually by blog surfing and automatically fell in love with Sara's designs. These unique invitations, save the date cards, what ever you want them to be cards are all hand drawn by this incredible artists and style-maker. I have not seen anything this unique in a long time and can't wait to use her talents for a bride and groom! I am even thinking I might have her do my family holiday cards this year!

Stinkerpants Designs does everything from scratch. There's no "templates" used and it's truly a custom piece. If you are looking for a quirky and unique way to announce your wedding, invite people to your nuptials, or even tell them to save the date, than look no further...Stinkerpants Designs will definitely deliver that and more.

I love the colorfulness and the sheer joy that these invitations convey. Say goodbye to stuffy boxed invitations and say hello to modern cool! For more information and a gallery of her other designs, please visit Stinkerpants Designs.

-Percy

Photo from Stinkerpants Designs