Oscar Action

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

The Hollywood girls turned out on the red carpet in top form. Lots of gorgeous sophistication and overall chic.  The keys for the night were neutral (my favorite looks), a range of purples and shades of red.  

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection

Halle Berry in Marchesa

These sparkly nude-shades were the best. I loved Michelle Williams in Chanel -- always a bit gamine, uberstylish and simply chic.  Gwyneth looked modern and cool. And Halle Berry is beautiful and knows exactly what works for her. That skin! The understated shades really let the beauty of the actresses shine... something to think about and apply to our own wardrobe choices.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Interesting that purple was such a dominant color. I suppose it pops on the red carpet, is feminine, and not outrageously bold -- especially lavender. Mila Kunis looks perfectly pretty in her lacy, boudoir-inspired gown.  And I love that we can count on Cate Blanchett to bring a real dose of fashion -- always with an avant-edge. And her hair was so chic.  Other than Reese Witherspoon, not a lot of black this year. 

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection

Jennifer Lawrence was my favorite in the color category. She looked modern and young and gorgeous. The sleek shape was perfect for her... and goes to show that you do not need an over-the-top evening gown to make a statement.

Penelope Cruz in L'Wren Scott

Bravo to Penelope Cruz who just had a baby!  She is a natural beauty -- and although her dress was a little showgirl for my tastes, she looked amazing!

Black Swan Style

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

I finally snuck out to see Black Swan last night. It is so intense. And Natalie Portman is amazing. The costuming is also incredible. While the full-on ballerina creations were a spectacle, I was also loving the ballet practice get-ups -- the gray, white and powder pink layering, and the mix of cashmere, tulle, and satin. I wear a lot of heather and charcoal shades and petal-y pinks mix in so nicely - - subtle color.  I have a pale pink Marc By Marc Jacobs ballerina-style wrap top from years ago that I just pulled out to wear with my light gray jeans and will throw a gray cashmere cardigan over it (I will stop at leg warmers though).

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Designers must have had Black Swan on their mind too. From Chanel Couture to Alexander McQueen, there were had hints of Swan Lake...

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Alexander McQueen R-T-W Spring 2011

Some designers seemed more intrigued by the "black" side of the Swan Princess... making its way to the Fall 2011 runways (we're onto day three of NY Fashion Week). 

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011

I love the tulle, feathers and full skirts -- and the black gives it a sexier edge.  I'm incorporating a little of white and black swan into my wardrobe... and rooting for Natalie Portman to win the Oscar! (I can't wait to see what she wears.)

** More to come on the Fall 2011 fashion shows. The Jason Wu collection was beautiful...

In the Navy

Sofia Coppola in Louis Vuitton

I've always loved navy -- especially for night. It is less severe than black -- more understated and oftentimes more elegant.  As evident on Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst, black, however, is the perfect partner for navy. Notice how the belts add polish and definition to their frocks.

Kirsten Dunst in Chanel

Celestial Chanel Couture

It's amazing that Karl Lagerfeld, who wears so many hats, can continuously pull stunning collections out of them.... He only designs for Chanel, Fendi, and his namesake lines - mens and womens. He shoots ad campaigns, magazine editorials, owns a bookstore and a publishing house... manages to mingle with fabulous people. Who knows what else is on his plate -- I am sure a lot more.

Chanel Spring 2011 Haute Couture images from Reuters

The lightness...the femininity...the elegance. So beautiful.

According to style.com's Tim Blanks (who gushed over the collection), 10 million beads were used.

And every model in flats!

Heaven.