OSCARS - WINNERS AND LOSERS OF THE RED CARPET

I couldn't let the Oscar's go by without posting about the highlights and low lights of the red carpet - lets face it the awards start way before the actual ceremony begins with fashion experts and critics judging the looks with ultimate scrutiny. Well this year I have decided to weigh in with my opinion of the best and worst dressed of 84th Annual Oscars - Sorry boys, but I have left the men out of consideration, a Tux is a Tux.

WINNERS
The ultimate winner of the night (which is good for her since she might never get an Oscar, unless Resident Evil 14 is something special) was Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture. Model-turned actress Milla, was channeling the Hollywood glamour of old with retro hair and scarlet lip, finishing off the look Edie Parker box clutch - can anyone say girl crush!

Milla Jovovich is a bit of all white in Elie Saab

Professional planet-saver and sometimes actress Gwyneth Paltrow split the fashion critics down the middle with her Tom Ford Oyster dress and cape. While some may have comment that Gwyneth was more super hero than super glam, but I love her risky choice - it may not be layers upon layers of over-the-top organza that we have come to expect from the Oscar red carpet, but the simple, structured gown was something fresh and different - You Go Gwynnie!

Gwyneth Paltrow has is white in Tom Ford

Annoyingly stunning, Angelina Jolie continued her run of red carpet wins, once again wearing Atelier Versace. The super luxe black velvet showed of creamy white skin in all the right places, and the Angelina trademark slash to the thigh was sure to keep a smile on Brad's face. A blood red lip and loose waves completed the look to vampish perfection - Morticia Adams must be jealous!

Angelina Jolie is looking velvety good in Atelier Versace

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara broke away from her usual dark and muted red carpet colour palette, rocking a crisp white gown from Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. The dramatic silhouette is gorgeous against on her waif-like fringe, and Rooney's trademark severe ebony bangs add a touch edge to the whole ensemble - I can't get enough of Rooney's style!

Rooney Mara dazzles in Givenchy Haute Couture

I normally hate princess style ball gown-esque dresses but Penelope Cruz might just have changed my mind with her stunning silk chiffon gown from Armani. With many of the attendees of the event making the event a monochromatic affair, I loved how Penelope chose a rich angelic blue shade that was stunning against her olive skin - Princess Penelope had it going on!

Penelope Cruz was the perfect princess in Armani

Helen Mirren was given a run for her money as the most stylish in the golden girl category (it's the polite way of referring to the more mature woman), as Glenn Close wowed on the red carpet in Zac Posen. The gorgeous green fitted number topped with an elegantly tailored tuxedo jacket showed the figure of a woman half her age - I'm a little bit green with envy!

Glenn was gorgeous in green, wearing Zac Posen

Kelly Osbourne has come along way from the slightly chubby teenager with garish hair and ill-fitting clothes that she used to be. With a figure and a wardrobe to die for (I mean literally die), Kelly looked fabulous on the red carpet with a vintage inspired Badgley Mischka bodycon gown with stunning beaded detailing.

Kelly Osbourne had bags of style in Badgley Mischka

Rose Byrne showed that black doesn't mean boring in a simply elegant Vivienne Westwoood sequined number, that instead of showing off the twins, seductively showed the actresses bare back. The sleek hair and sultry make-up made the whole look super classy, however, in every picture of Rose I saw, I couldn't help but notice how this she looked - treat yourself to a family size bar of chocolate girl!

Rose Byrne showed back in black in Vivienne Westwood

Office and Bridesmaids actress, Ellie Kemper has never been on my fashion radar - that is until I saw the pictures of her in this stunning bronze and gold sequin gown by Armani Prive - no wonder she looks so happy. The blinging beauty perfectly complemented the copper tones of the dress with her minimal jewels and the tone of her hair.

Ellie Kemper literally glowed in Armani Prive

THE LOSERS
I'm sorry to say that not everyone on the red carpet was killing it in the style stakes and even sorrier (an somewhat surprised) to say that the worst dressed award of the night goes to the usually chic, Sandra Bullock. The ill-fitting gown from Marchesa gave Sandra a boxy fit and swamped her usually stunning curves. The severe pulled back hair did nothing to add any softness to the outfit - sorry Sandra, but this was a big miss.

Sandra Bullock loses shape in Marchesa

As much as I love Meryl Streep, every time I look at this picture, all I can think is that she looks oven ready. The cut of the Lavin dress actually worked really well on Meryl and the burnished gold shade is so hot right now, but the brashy fabric looked far too cheap and decades out of date. On the plus side, she did win the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady - so on the whole not a bad night for Meryl.

Meryl Streep overdoses on lame in Lavin

Sarah Hyland, of hit American sitcom, Modern Family is still just finding her fashion feet at the age of 21, but that isn't really an excuse for the drab lilac Alberta Ferreti gown,l that completely washes her out, adding ten years to her age. And what is with those creases? Creases on the Oscar red carpet - for your own sake Sarah, sack the stylist!

Sarah Hyland in disheveled Alberta Ferreti

It looks like Descendants star Shailene Woodley went back in time to chose her gown, with this old-fashioned and 'meh' dress from Valentino Couture. The prim and proper dress is decades to old for her and the cut out detail reminds me way to much of a doily - although points are awarded for the gorgeous fresh faced make-up.

Shailene Woodley borrows from grandma in Valentino Couture

Oscar-nominated Anne Sophie Bion probably has her trash wrapped up in a very expensive gown, because it seems some unfortunate mix up has seen her wearing trash bags by a designer unknown. Just because someone says "you could wear trash bags and still look good" doesn't mean you have to try out that theory, and it certainly doesn't mean you should try it out at the Oscars - For the love of God Anne!

Anne Sophie Bion was ready for the trash pick-up

Who were your best and worst dress of the Oscars 2012 red carpet?

TREND OF THE WEEK: SPORTS LUXE

With the Olympics 2012 just a few short months away, the fashion industry is jumping on the band wagon with the Sports Luxe trend - looking chic and stylish has never been more comfortable.

Victoria Beckham S/S 2012 - Sports Luxe to Perfection!

STOP!! Step away from the drop-crotch jogging pants and college print hoody - the sports look trend isn't about traditional sportswear. Think structured dresses with racer-backs, neoprene, leather and silk fabrics, flowing trousers and shorts and quirky jumpsuits - sportswear just got glam!

These gorge pieces are all on my sports luxe wish list, I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of chic leather-look running shorts - a tougher edge the more girly silk versions.

1.) Slinky Metallic Racer Vest, Topshop.

2.) Subtitled Leather Look Shorts, General Pants.

3.) Mista Brielle Wedges, Topshop.

4.) Silk Baseball Jacket by Unique, Topshop.

5.) Honey Hued Sky Blue Sunglasses, Romwe.

6.) Black Neoprene Bralet, Topshop.

7.) Pleat Calf Skirt, Topshop.

If you get just one Sports Luxe piece this season, make it the bralet, like the neoprene (wet suit material to you and me) version Topshop has on offer in several colour. A totally versatile piece, it can be worn under a boyfriend tailored shirt for a grungy look; with a pleated maxi skirt for traditional sports luxe; or with some high waisted wide-legged trousers and large metallic cuffs for a touch of '70s glamour. All hail the bralet!

MARNI FOR H&M

My favourite high street store H&M has quite the reputation for collaborating with some of the world's hottest designers - Lavin, Stella McCartney and Versace to name just a few. Well, much to my delight they aren't stopping there, with a capsule collection by avant-garde label Marni due to be released worldwide on March 2nd - I think I will be dusting my sleeping bag off and camping outside the doors of my nearest H&M immediately. When you have a look at these sneak peak pictures you will know why!

Leather Top £79.99GBP, Silk Trousers £59.99GBP

Silk Dress £69.99GBP

T-shirt, Sequin Collar and Sunglses all £19.99GBP

Necklace £34.99GBP; Tan Leather Bag £59.99GBP

Silk Top £39.99GBP; Silk Shorts £34.99GBP

Aren't the colours just divine, I have my eye on the mustard and fuschia silk top for sure - that teamed with a pair of skinny jeans, will make the perfect outfit for any season. What pieces are your favourites?

Pictures courtesy of Glamour Magazine.

STYLE STALKER NEW COLLECTION - COME AS YOU ARE

Style Stalker have outdone themselves with their latest collection. Its fashion for the grunge girl of the future - lots of space age silver, gold sequins and leather. Here are some of my favourite shots from the super cool lookbook, shot by Kimberly Gordon at an LA skate park and featuring the annoyingly attractive model, Alexandra Spencer.

My favourite piece has to be the stunning silver biker jacket, although the peace sign vest is also just that little bit special too. The collection is available now, so head to the Style Stalker website now - I warn you though, you may have to try and beat me to some of the pieces, as I'm sure they are going to sell out quickly, and I am a demon with my mouse!
Here's my best bits:

1.) Rebel Yell Top - $109
2.) Heavy Metal Pant - $189
3.) Heavy Metal Jacket - $199
4.) Currency Dress - $179
5.) Holed Out Tee - $69
6.) Heavy Metal Skirt - $109

Shop the 'Come As You Are' collection from Style Stalker on their website, here.
Photographs courtesy of Style Stalker

MODERN GRUNGE

With summer comes festival season and with festival season comes a search for the perfect festival style. Well may I suggest you choose 'Grunge' - Yes I know it has been around since the early 1990's ans it didn't look good on Keanu Reeves or Courtney Love, in fact it looked more grimy than grunge. But, 2012 see's grunge going glam, a look that has been spearheaded by the likes of the annoyingly attractive Taylor Momsen, front woman for rock band, The Pretty Reckless.

Taylor Momsen for Material Girl - Courtesy of popbee.com

Grunge does not have to be all about the over-ripped jeans, old lumberjack shirts and Doc Martins - it has evolved into something a lot sleeker. Tuxedo style shirts can be worn over flirty bustiers that are meant to be seen; leopard prints can provide an excellent alternative to plaids; and biker boots teamed with a pair of leather-look leggings creates a sexy, but still grungy silhouette.

As I'm a truly wonderful person I have put together some essential grunge pieces that will integrate easily into any wardrobe. Remember to keep the colour palette dark and muted - the outfit can be brightened up with a scarlet red lipstick and minimal bright accessories.

1.) Neon Heart - Animal Tux Shirt $89.95
2.) Neon Heart - PU Bustier $89.95
3.) Cheap Monday - Tight Summer Blue Jeans $90.00 $27.00
4.) Lee - Cement Cut Off Short $99.95
5.) Agent Ninetynine - Animal Fur Belt $24.95
6.) Subtitled - Baseball Fleece Jacket $99.95
7.) Mimi Loves Jimi - Biker Book $69.95
8.) Agent Ninetynine - Shiney Zip Tights $49.95

All pieces are available from the General Pants website.

TOPSHOP DESIGNER T-SHIRT COLLECTION

British high-street juggernaut 'Topshop' is celebrating ten years of sponsoring fledgling British design talent, by inviting some of their NEWGEN alumni to design a capsule T-shirt collection. Participating designers include Erdem, Christopher Kane, Holly Fulton, Gareth Pugh, Richard Nicoll, Meadham Kirchhoff, Roksanda Illincic and Jonathan Saunders amongst others. I am loving the capsule collection, particularly the fun and flirty lace-collared option from Erdem, and the stylish, yet just a little bit creepy, graphic doll print tee from Meadham Kirchhoff.

Erdem

Meadham Kirchhoff

Holly Fulton

Roksanda Illincic

The shirts will be available from the Topshop stores across the globe and online at topshop.com during London Fashion Week. The proceeds are to be donated to Centrepoint, a charity dedicated to helping the young homeless in Britain. When t-shirts look this awesome and at the same time raise money for a worthy cause, that's fashion, well-done. Add one to your wardrobe guilt-free, I know I will be!

Visit the official Topshop website, here.
Photographs courtesy of Telegraph UK

LOVER ARE ALL WHITE

Australian fashion label, 'Lover' have hit the right the note with me for the Summer 2012 season, with their whimsical collection in the hottest colour of the season, white. The predominately white offering features plenty of ladylike lace, juxtaposed with exquisite tailoring - the whole collection is clean and crisp and just a dream to behold.

Picking out my favourite piece could be compared with 'Sophie's choice', but in the end I have to go for the simple, yet achingly chic which playsuit with tuxedo-style lapels and a tie waist. Lover...I love you, it's fashion, well-done.

The ultra-talented Susien Chong and Nic Briand launched Lover in 2001 in humble surroundings - a weekend market stall in Bondi. Taking influence from their fashion and graphic design backgrounds, the duo created garments based on what they loved and were inspired by creatively. It is amazing how far the label has progressed from their humble origins, presenting a critically acclaimed 10 year anniversary catwalk show at the Sydney Opera House Last year. Worn by the likes of Alexa Chung  and Kirsten Dunst, and featuring in the fashion Bibles US and UK Vogue , I'm sure I'm not the only one who hopes Lover never changes.

Visit the official Lover website here.

Images courtesy of Vogue Australia.