I was so captivated with the Academy Awards this year! Mainly because I had actually seen the films or done more research on them than usual, but also because the red carpet did Mama proud. Mama = me… as if I am the mother hen of fashion. Not so much. However, I am quite opinionated on the topic (although sometimes a closeted disagree-er) …which leads me to note that this time around I decided to stick to my guns while stating my case among my fake Fashion Police panel…. or anyone willing to entertain my discussion!

Most of my choices (both good and bad) were in line with the comments I’ve heard from media outlets, friends, etc., but I feel the need to defend a few.

BEST DRESSED:

Ummm Cameron Diaz blew me away! No doubt the girl’s always cute, but she’s been a little off on recent red carpets. kinda harsh/clowny… I dunno. I was just so so excited for this look on her! Oscar de la Renta knows what’s up…. as well as my girl Rachel Zoe (Cam’s stylist and brains behind the operation). By far, my favorite of the night…. I wanna get married in that slice of heaven!

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy – one of the gowns I’m going to bat for. Heard a lot of dissage – “…a tie-dyed purple atrocity that might have been a dragon skin or something.” whaaaaaa?! This was beautiful fun to me… I agree that the dress suffered a bit of disconnect top to bottom, but I thought it was refreshing. Tastefully funky at least. Exotic meets glam! Most importantly, she wore the dress, it didn’t wear her.

Miley Cyrus… Can’t believe she got it right so soon – I thought it would take her a while to class it up. Not that I typically despise her choices, but def didn’t expect her to beat out so many hollywood heavyweights this time around. The top of the dress could have used more material proportion-wise in my book, but it looked adorable on her. Hannah Montana’s just gotta work on that posture to match this newfound class….

And to round off my top picks – Sandra Bullock. She certainly dressed for the occasion – it was such a “winner” gown that (if it were me) I would have felt awkward in it had I not brought home the gold – paranoid that people were saying ‘oh man… she wore that thinking she had it in the bag. how embarrassing.’ ha! Looks like she had faith the vote was swinging her way. Really chic – loved the detail spilling over the shoulder and her hair was on point to match.

My next tier of ladies who took a step in the right direction:

Vera Farmiga’s Marchesa gown was another that stirred up some harsh words. “…looks like napkin folding gone horrible awry.” In my opinion, the ruffles had enough structure to flatter. That peek of hip showcased her curves and something about the dress’ material looks seriously comfy! The color (of which I’m typically not a huge fan) accents her eyes like whoa! And I say the solid color allows for a ‘go big or go home’ design.

I’ve been semi back and forth on Jennifer Lopez’s Armani Prive icy choice, but decided the pros outweigh the cons – no pun intended. While I love the structured, almost futuristic vibe, it does weigh her down a bit. Not in a chubby way, it’s just sort of… bulky. Totally lights up her face though, so I’ve decided I kind of love it on her. And I’m forever a fan of asymmetrical anything!

Tina Fey. Sometimes I feel like she’s pulling our leg with her red carpet choices, but this was a serious SERIOUS improvement! Can you bring yourself to recall her Mary Poppins-esque atrocity from the Golden Globes? I really wish she’d give color a try, but I’ll settle for a classy, one-shoulder on the funnygirl any day. The hair, on the other hand, reminds me of the night Amy Poehler dolled her up for clubbing in “Baby Mamma.”

Dame Helen Mirren is simply ravishing! She even makes me type in a British accent! Has anyone ever looked better in grey hair? I think not. In a Badgley Mischka gown and Chopard jewels, she knows exactly what to play up… beautiful colors, age appropriate and straight royal!

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Queen Latifah, Anna Kendrick, Amanda Seyfried, Zoe Kravitz(Lenny’s daughter!)

WORST DRESSED:

Nicole Richie. Niki, Niki, Niki – why? This is boho chic for sure! But someone needs to remind her she’s at the biggest formal event in her world - former reality tv star/musician baby mama/tabloid queen types are lucky to get an invite. There was a noticeable lack of class in her evening wear – so drab! so Adams Family! Nicole’s got pretty cool style these days. She could have used this opportunity to showcase a piece from her jewelry line. I don’t get it.

SJP’s choice in Chanel Haute Couture is one I’m a little intimidated to rival (as many in the fashion forward community have praised it), but let’s be honest – the overall package is lacking. Love that it’s different and I especially appreciate her relaxed glam mangled bangles, but I’m not picking up on whatever message she’s sending.

Charlize Theron knows better…. this is seriously unfortunate. So bleh! My first thought was that I was noticing everything but her flawless face (her money-maker!). The strategically placed roses, bad color choice and wrinkles are all super distracting. Dior this time…. but a definite miss! She typically rules the RC – sad day.

Alright, Demi Moore’s Atelier Versace gown is the only one of the bunch I’m yet to hear anyone diss. I’m close to hating it… especially on her. Let me say, I did see a few pics where the shade looked a bit different and it was tolerable, but it’s really a mess. Sooooo out of date to me – I can imagine folks thinking this was fashion forward three+ years ago. The top half is whatever, but the bottom is just gross! To me, it looks like a tomboy stuffed in a frilly mess. This is the first time I’ve really noticed she looked ‘good for her age’ …as opposed to effortlessly blending in with the likes of rising teen stars.

Yowza! That was fun! My first blog post and my first official red carpet commentary with no apologies – feels good.