2011 OSCARS: Red-carpet fashion

The Oscars did not disappoint fashion fans in 2011. The pre-show is now two-thirds as long as the actual broadcast, and I am not complaining! The overall winner was hands down Gwyneth Paltrow. She dazzled in a silver Calvin Klein Collection dress coupled with Brian Atwood gold pumps and Louis Vuitton jewels.

Paltrow managed to strike a perfect balance between glamorous and understated. There were a few who could learn a thing or two from her.

Jennifer Hudson needs to fire her stylist. Combining too much jewelry with a big gown and hair that could be featured on “Toddlers and Tiaras” takes her from elegant to tawdry. Amy Adams also could have benefited from toning down one of the three: dress, hair or jewelry.

But, alas, my list of fashion mishaps paled in comparison to my list of those who hit it right on the mark. Jennifer Lawrence, nominated for best actress in Winter’s Bone, was an example of not trying too hard and achieving the desired result. The goal is to look effortless, and Lawrence dazzled in a simple, red Calvin Klein Collection dress complemented by tasteful Chopard jewels and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Matthew McConaughey’s gorgeous wife Camila Alves stole the spotlight when she stepped on the red carpet. Alves wore a black Kaufman Franco gown with Stuart Weitzman shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention an actress who still sparkled, even with the most inconvenient of accessories, a baby bump. Natalie Portman, the winner for best actress in a leading role for Black Swan, wore a purple Rodarte silk chiffon gown. Penelope Cruz, who gave birth to a baby boy in January, tried to squeeze into a L’Wren Scott sequined gown perhaps a bit too soon. But, I do give her credit for trying.

The magic of Oscar night is never lost on me. I enjoy it from start to finish. Even though I may critique a dress here and there, it is still a night for us normal folk to escape from reality and hang out with the stars.

By Kodi Stanley / Writer

Revised