Oscar Parties

Elton John's charity Oscars viewing party and the post-Oscars party hosted by Vanity Fair are yearly affairs that see many celebrities glamming up for the night, even when they did not attend the award ceremony itself.

Back in the States after her Asia tour was Taylor Swift, wearing a Zuhair Murad sparkly mini-dress at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. It was boring for me, 'cause I've seen Taylor in the same look (probably except that this frock doesn't have a full skirt) too many times, complete with shiny heels and clutch (both by Jimmy Choo). I miss Taylor Swift in a blowout. Super straight locks make her look so sweet.

Hanging out with Taylor that night was Easy A's Emma Stone, who wore a very pretty psychedelic dress by Chanel. Embellishments and sequins filled the bodice, while an extra panel falls along the back from her waist. She matched her Ferragamo heels to the skirt of her pretty dress and her blonde hair just contrasted so well against the dark palette of her look. Even though the dress was from the label's 2009 Couture collection, it's probably my favourite at the party - I'm just loving the entire fun look!

Taylor Swift's BFF Selena Gomez also turned up, and surprise, surprise - with rumoured boyfriend Justin Bieber in tow. Looks like it's no rumour anymore. Making headlines with their appearance hand-in-hand (as well as a video of them sharing a brief kiss on the lips upon departure), the young couple wore Dolce & Gabbana. I was disappointed with Selena's choice of this red gown which made her look so old, especially with the red lips and Lorraine Schwartz gold jewellery. It's a look I see Taylor Swift in, not Selena who looks so baby-faced. Her matured look doesn't go well with Justin Bieber's outfit that spells teenager all-over from the over-sized pants to the street shoes. He needs to man up a bit for the formal events.

Also appearing on the red carpet in a red hot dress was Anna Kendrick. The Twilight actress chose a short piece from Notte by Marchesa, which features a giant bow and ruffle flowing across the dress. She looked predictable with her black peep-toe heels and clutch, but I like her side-swept brunette locks. Well, at least the dress isn't black or white.

Amanda Seyfried sported the other look which I loved at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The Red Riding Hood (coming soon to theatres) actress opted for a ruffled neckline short dress by Valentino, revealing her laced undergarment beneath. I love Amanda Seyfried, she has this gorgeous face with beautiful features, she can juggle very vintage looks but also fun, hippy and trendy looks. This Dear John star scored with this outfit that's very sexy without trying too hard. But perhaps she could have pulled back her hair for a better effect. Her Fendi heels seemed a little heavy but the Christian Louboutin clutch is so pretty.

It was a little like deja vu seeing Emma Roberts in this sequinned frock by Jenny Packham, complete with a matching clutch by Kelly Locke. It was boring and I want to see Emma Roberts in bright, bold frocks, I've had enough of metallics and silver outfits which make her look washed out particularly 'cause of her pale complexion. Nonetheless, she seems to make a good-looking couple with Chace Crawford (man, is he a looker) as the two were spotted hanging out with each other at another event on the same night.

Anne Hathaway showed up in a maroon Atelier Versace strapless number after her hosting duties at the ceremony. No doubt, the dress accentuated her curves with its body-hugging bodice. It's a great cut that was a perfect fit for the Princess Diaries bubbly actress. I didn't like the Roger Vivier clutch though, the design looks very dated and it doesn't go with the entire look. A miniaudiere in a lighter colour would've suffice.

Zoe Saldana didn't look so fabulous with her choice of the Prabal Gurung Fall 2011 piece. I love the dress, as well as many of the looks from the collection, but I think the runway model pulled it off better than Zoe did. The style and the flowy asymmetric hem just didn't flatter her, like those awful Ferragamo heels. I didn't like the Louis Vuitton bag she held either. The whole look just didn't click for me.

Bryce Dallas Howard's look also failed to dazzle as she looked like she put on pounds in this navy blue full-skirted number. The pointy pumps didn't make any sense to me, and neither did that giant iPad case-looking clutch. Actually, I almost couldn't recognise the latest Kate Spade spokeswoman at all.

Glee girls Dianna Agron and Lea Michele were also in blue dresses for the post-Oscars party held at Sunset Tower, Hollywood. The blonde beauty, who also starred in I Am Number Four (in theatres now!), wore an ankle-length J.Mendel pleated chiffon dress which features a plunging V-neckline. I'm not crazy about the outfit, especially the hair, but this shade of blue is really Dianna's colour. Salvatore Ferragamo peep-toes finished her look.

Lea Michele pulled a Angelina Jolie in a sequinned Roberto Cavalli gown. I love how her hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, revealing her beautifully made-up smokey eyes. Lorraine Schwartz jewels added to her dazzling look. It's refreshing to see her in this get-up but even though it does seem to age her a bit, it's a positive thing that she's trying different looks on the red carpet. This one turned out great.

Modern Family's Sofia Vergara lets her hair down in straighter locks over her Spring Zuhair Murad sheer gown. The dress is too racy for my liking, but the actress managed to pull it off without looking too sleazy. Definitely the attention-grabber for the night.

Naomi Watts also opted for a black number, which was designed by Zac Posen. She looked so dull in this heavy-looking dress. This colour is not working out for her, and the sheer diamond-shaped panel on the front seems to be creating an illusion of a bigger tummy on Naomi. Not to mention the feather-trims on the sides look really out of place. Not a good look.

Charlize Theron was beautiful in a white single-shoulder gown from Atelier Versace. The look would have been perfect if she her hair done instead of leaving it down.

Cameron Diaz left her date at home as she attended the party alone in a short single-shoulder dress by Carolina Herrera. The printed mini frock certainly played up her lengthy stems and I love that she kept the accessories light with thin bangles. The Green Hornet actress completed her fun look with black booties by Jimmy Choo and a black Judith Leiber clutch. I couldn't decide - did the Pre-Fall dress look better in the original knee-length version as part of the collection, or in a shorter cut as seen on Cameron?

Jessica Biel glowed in this Atelier Versace embellished gown as she hit the red carpet with boyfriend Justin Timberlake. That should put rumours to rest about the couple's split. The look was soft and sexy, and very different from other looks I've seen her in. She looked gorgeous. Love the nude makeup.

Sports Illustrated model Brooklyn Decker was decked in a flowy Joy Cioci tiered dress. She looked stunning! I love the romantic look of the dress and how she cleverly complemented it with her messy do with curly strands falling on the sides. Diamond in the Rough - jewellery for a good cause, completes the ensemble together with her funky shoes. Isn't she gorgeous? Another favourite for me for this event.

Rosie Huntington of the upcoming Transformers sequel walked the red carpet in a nude Valentino Couture dress. The British model-turned-actress looked so tall in her dress with which she wears Jimmy Choo heels. The ensemble was okay, but when you're already at that height, it's probably more fun to dress up in colours other than nude since she doesn't need the added illusion of a lengthened figure.

Over at the Elton John's Viewing Party, BFFs Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale caught up with each other amidst their busy schedules. Vanessa was in a short metallic Marchesa mini with which she matched her Sergio Rossi gunmetal heels. Vanessa is wearing this colour way too much and I want to see her in fun bright colours. Short is good, but I need some colour on this girl.

She caught up with Nicole Richie, who wore a minimalistic white Halston dress with cut-outs. Christian Louboutin sling-backs peek out of her dress slit. A giant black clutch completes the boho fashionista's look. I like it that with Nicole you can't quite predict her looks but this style isn't my favourite on her. I love her in bohemian, flowy dresses but I guess you can't just stick to one look for all the events.

Ashley Tisdale took a break from her Hellcats filming duties as she flew back to LA and loosened up for the night with her HSM BFF. Ashley was in a Jenny Packham shimmery dress that has a waistline encrusted with crystals. Love the dress, hate the bright lips.

*credits: Style.com, Just Jared, Gossip Center, AshleyTisdale.org, Vanessa-Hudgens.org

Oscars 2011.

Movie-making industry's biggest night came and went. I was so thrilled when I managed to catch the red carpet action to the Oscars live this morning. Usually I would be sleeping or away somewhere. However, the turnout at the Oscars this year didn't quite 'wow' me as it typically would, as many big names from Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie to Cameron Diaz and Rachel McAdams were missing from the scene. There were also lesser elaborate gowns on the carpet. Here's a coverage of what there was at the Kodak Theatre:

Mila Kunis of Black Swan was one of the earliest to show up, making an entrance in a soft lavender Elie Saab gown from the Haute Couture collection. We usually see her in stronger colours, from red to green to black, so this pastel shade of purple was a refreshing look. But if I had to choose I'd go for bolder colours on Mila. Nonetheless, this flowy soft gown played up Mila Kunis' sultry features. Neil Lane jewels contribute to Mila's look, along with a Bottega Venetta nude clutch.

Catwoman Halle Berry wore a Marchesa piece that features a fitted embellished bodice with a ruffled silk tulle. It's probably one of Halle's better days on the red carpet since she has been missing the mark lately. While this doesn't make one of Halle's best-dressed moments, she looked sexy in that figure-hugging corset-cut dress. I miss her in a ballgown though. Neil Lane accessories and Christian Louboutin peep-toes completed her look.

Also in Marchesa was Hailee Steinfeld. The rising young star was nominated for her performance in True Grit (in theatres now), and although she lost out to Melissa Leo for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Hailee was a stunner on the red carpet, having contributed to the creation of the gown she wore last evening. She has certainly been drawing tons of attention to her age-appropriate and gorgeous looks on and off the red carpet, and is definitely the one to watch out for, alongside Dakota Fanning's younger sister Elle Fanning, who is also only 14-years old like Hailee. Hailee had her hair pulled back into a high bun and a cute headband ties the whole look together with Ferragamo shoes and clutch. She looked absolutely cute and genuine. Love her.

Mandy Moore, who performed "I See The Light" with Tangled co-star Zachery Levi last night, strolled into Kodak Theatre in a sequinned number by Monique Lhuillier. This gown was a perfect fit for Mandy because her light skin tone cleverly masked the chiffon layer which actually starts near her neckline, making the sparkles look as though they are embedded on her skin. She looked gorgeous, though I didn't really like the giant earrings.

Michelle Williams who was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her act in Blue Valentine looked like a classic beauty in her Chanel round-neck dress. The dress was simple yet beautiful, fully embellished with white beads and this look was an improvement from Michelle's Valentino look for the Globes earlier this year. Her pixie cut is kinda growing on me, since I figured her naturally wavy locks cut off even more of her already petite, round face. Small jewels from Harry Winston completes her outfit.

Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and the Machine, who performed for the guests at the Oscars this year, wore a Haute Couture tiered gown from Valentino. I'd have to say the gown looked better on Florence than it did on the runway model, maybe because Florence's skin tone worked better with it. Either way, I'm still not a fan of her looks, and this looks like a carry-on from her look at the Grammys and strangely, I preferred that Givenchy swan dress over this. But let's just say quirky fashion on the red carpet on big nights are a no-no for me.

While there is a fine line between quirky fashion and works of art, Cate Blanchette chose this Givenchy beaded gown for the Oscars and demonstrated the right way to wear dramatic outfits with much ease and grace. She has bowled over many with her look in the Alexander McQueen gown previously, and Cate, looking fabulous at 41, continues to make a bold statement. The red carpet would be a much more interesting place if every actress dared to take risks like she does. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button actress kept the rest of her look simple with some Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery. 

Back in the limelight after giving birth to twins is powerhouse Celine Dion. In a figure-hugging Armani Privé floor-length sheath, the singer displayed her amazing post-pregnancy body. The gown is g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. I love it so much! All the camera flashes are making her dress shine. It is elegant, nothing over-the-top, the entire look is so classic. Celine Dion looked amazing. And what better way to adorn the plunging neckline than with some Bulgari bling?

Like Celine Dion, Gwyneth Paltrow also glowed in her Calvin Klein metallic dress. Gwyneth was more of a singer than an actress at the ceremony, perfoming Country Strong's "Coming Home", which was nominated for Best Original Song (but lost out to Toy Story 3's "We Belong Together"). Gwyneth always appears in a classic, minimalist get-up and she almost always wears her hair in straight locks. While not many actresses can carry off this look like Gwyneth can, I'm still looking for some breakthrough looks from her. She has an amazing sense of style in her daily off-screen looks but her red carpet looks don't thrill me.

Gracing the event with hubby Keith Urban was Nicole Kidman, who wore a white Dior gown. Her look was probably one of the more elaborate ones last evening, considering most actresses have opted for simpler, cleaner looks. But despite her attempt to move away from sheath dresses and strapless gowns, this wasn't such a fantastic look for Nicole. I didn't like her hair falling over her face - it should definitely have been neatly pinned up. The drama of the dress didn't suit her, and with that drama, she didn't need that Fred Leighton diamond necklace. Her bold Pierre Hardy shoes was probably the best part of her outfit.

Melissa Leo didn't look as swanky as she did at the Spirit Awards although it was also a Marc Bouwer number she picked for the Oscars. Come to think of it, maybe she should've switched the green silk dress for this event instead. Just doll up the hair a bit and she's all set. Or maybe it was just the fit, 'cause I can totally picture Meryl Streep in this look and I don't see any potential problem.

Hilary Swank, a presenter at the Oscars 2011, was in a strapless Gucci Premiere gown. The dress is made up of an embellished bodice and a feathered skirt with a slight train. Hilary looked stunning. I loved it, and Hilary carries on her winning streak with her red carpet looks of late. A Roger Viver evening clutch finishes her look.

Moving on from the lighter slates to more bold colour, red gowns were spotted on a couple of celebrities at tinsel town's biggest night. Sandra Bullock looked like a strong, liberated woman in her fiery red Vera Wang gown. Red is definitely Sandra's colour, though I preferred her in the infamous purple Bottega Venetta gown and black Alexander McQueen dress from awhile back. Nonetheless, losing Jesse James as her red carpet date was probably the best improvement made to her look. Sandra matched her dress with a giant clutch of a different shade of red.

Also in red was the night's host, Anne Hathaway. The Love & Other Drugs actress flashed her smiles at the photogs in a vintage Valentino Haute Couture number and while doing her thing on stage with co-host and 127 Hours actor James Franco, made a couple of exciting costume changes throughout the ceremony. I like seeing Anne Hathaway in colour, so this was a red hot choice for me. Now I just want to get my hands on the rest of the looks she spotted on the show!

Then there was Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a bright Calvin Klein minimalist dress. The actress is certainly not afraid of wearing colour, as she did so in her fuchsia Oscar de la Renta gown for the Globes. But this look is more refined, more matured than the Globes look she wore, there's very little accessorizing done and she left her flowy locks in loose waves which look fabulous. A glittery Judith Leiber clutch completes her sleek outfit.

Jennifer Hudson is not new to the red carpet having taken home a Golden Globe and an Oscar before. The American Idol alum member wowed the crowd with her bright tangerine orange Atelier Versace halter gown and Neil Lane bling-bling. Probably the only thing I didn't like about Jennifer Hudson's look was that her boobs look too, I don't know, defined? Things need to loosen up in that area.

Penelope Cruz strolled in hand-in-hand with hubby Javier Bardem. Penelope, who recently gave birth (and her figure is still so good!), wore a L'Wren Scott dress with sequinned details, which was left to stand out as Penelope opted not to accessorize besides her ring and a pair of earrings by Chopard. Penelope would usually be making a statement at one of these award shows but perhaps she returned to the scene so quickly after child-birth that she decided to make this a simpler affair for herself. But nonetheless, less is more here, so, congrats to the couple anyway!

Best Actress in a Leading Role winner Natalie Portman has been in the spotlight for quite awhile now and finally she has gotten an Oscar for her breakthrough ballerina character in Black Swan. What else hasn't this Harvard graduate achieve, seriously! The preggers actress showed off her baby bump in her favourite designer Rodarte and she wore her hair in a side-swept manner, displaying her matching earrings. Natalie practically glows in coloured gowns and Rodarte really looks fabulous on her. She finished off her evening look with a pair of Jimmy Choo strappy heels and a Roger Vivier clutch.

Scarlett Johansson was under-dressed in my expectations. Instead of a ballgown, she was in a Dolce & Gabbana sheath with some raw edges at the neckline and arm-holes. The sheer-lace also had a peek-a-boo effect on her black undergarments. I expected something more dressy than this from Scarlett, so although I like this refreshing, never-before-seen look/colour on her, I thought it was kinda dull for the Academy Awards.

Very few celebrities wore outfits of colours found on the opposite end of the spectrum. Amy Adams was in a L'Wren Scott shimmery dress. Looks like L'Wren Scott was a hot favourite at the Oscars this year! I've always like Amy Adams in midnight blue, and good thing this wasn't just a typical silky gown but a sparkly one, so at least there's something different in her look from the rest of the times. The Enchanted actress also wore her hair in simple waves, contrasting her dress with emerald green Cartier jewellery. The effect was great.

Marisa Tomei walks in front of the flashing cameras in a vintage Charles James gown. The bodice and the thick straps weren't exactly flattering, but the vertical seams running down the bodice helped to streamline her body a little bit. While I appreciate that she was almost the only one (next to Jennifer Hudson) in a large, exaggerating gown, I couldn't bring myself to like the chiffon tulle stuck to the bottom of her dress. Perhaps if it was a simple mermaid cut it would've been easier to swallow. She brought on some coloured Van Cleef & Arpels jewels to brighten up her dark dress.

Helen Mirren never misses on the red carpet and at the Oscars this year, it was no exception. The British actress scored with her grey gown by Vivienne Westwood Couture and Cartier diamonds. The Oscar winner for her work in The Queen also matched her dress with a Ferragamo clutch, Sergio Rossi platform heels and gunmetal-coloured nails. She's aging so beautifully and totally no sweat working those hard-to-wear puffed sleeves!

Eccentric fashion sense is often associated with Helena Bonham Carter who was attending the night's evening with her longtime lover Tim Burton. Now that explains the quirky-ness, doesn't it? But they looked absolutely adorable on the red carpet. I just didn't think her Ray-Bans and oriental fan was necessary. The British lady toned down a notch for entertainment's most glamorous ceremony wearing this Colleen Atwood number. I wouldn't comment much on it since she is known for such crazy-looking outfits and this actually don't look too bad compared to other looks I've seen.

Finally, there was Reese Witherspoon in one of my favourite looks for the night wearing this dual-tone Armani Privé straight-cut gown . It wasn't just the dress, but also how she wore her blonde locks in this high ponytail that looked so fun yet elegant. The Neil Lane jewels , especially the green stones on her ring and earrings, added a nice sparkle to her monochrome look.

The Vanity Fair Oscar party and Elton John's AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party were among the few parties that took place as part of the Oscars' celebrations. Many celebrities who weren't at the show itself turned up but this would be another post for another time. Meanwhile, do visit the following link for a list of the night's winners if you haven't watched the show: http://gossipcenter.com/academy-awards-2011/2011-academy-awards-show-winners-481142

*credits: Just Jared, Gossipcenter, Style.com