Oscars Best/Worst - According to Me

Watching the Oscars is a solitary experience at our house.  I love the red-carpet photos and interviews, the movie montages, the "in memorium" sequence, and the reaction shots when the winner is announced.  And the embarrassing, bumbling, long-list-of-names acceptance speeches gave me time to hit "mute" and read a book.  Dave's contribution was to sit at the computer in the next room and occasionally shout out "Never heard of him/her/it." 

But the best part is the armchair-designer, next-morning rehash of the clothes.  I find it totally unfair that men can put on a basic black tux and be labeled "classic", or don a blue plaid shirt and skinny pants, matched with a blue tux coat (a la Russell Brand) and be  considered "fashion forward".  Even Jeff Bridges' scruffy hair and beard didn't merit a single negative comment (at least that I saw). 

Women, on the other hand, are examined to the last detail.  The biggest lesson learned from this year's best/worst dressed list, which peppered the internet and blogosphere within minutes of the final credits, is that I obviously don't know jack about fashion. 

But since it's my blog, here's my opinion on the 2011 Oscars:

• Jennifer Hudson's new figure was stunning, but I don't need to see that much of any woman's boobs. 
• Halle Berry would look gorgeous in a gunny sack.
• Helen Mirren is walking elegance.
• Even famous people age, gain wait and lose hair.  I feel much better now.
• Kudos to very pregnant Natalie Portman for choosing a beautiful, yet tasteful, non-baby-bump-hugging gown.
• Wings over your hips are not good, even if your hips look like Nicole Kidman's.
• Bustiers and tattoos are not appropriate at the Oscars - or anywhere else outside a strip club.
• After 40, less is more! 
• Sometimes the best dressed women are not the stars.  Jeff Bridges wife, Susan Geston, was lovely.

My pick in the What-Was-She-Thinking? department goes to Kate Blanchett.  I know the dress is Givenchy and I know it got lots of rave reviews, which further proves my lack of fashion knowledge.  But personally, I think the square cap sleeves look like she's preparing for a jousting match, and the smattering of neon yellow beads on an otherwise pale lavender dress look like a kindergarten art project - but that's just me.

Elizabethan fencing doublet

                  

 On the flip side, three ladies received my vote for Best Dressed:

Reese Witherspoon wore the female version of the basic black tux.  Understated, classic, gorgeous!  And I love the simple ponytail up-do.

Sandra Bullock = poise and glamour.  Sexy without being too revealing.  One of the few women who can pull off bright red lipstick.  She is my idol!

And Hailee Steinfeld - how adorable is this??  Age appropriate, yet elegant and stylish.  She looked like a princess and carried herself with confidence. 









Favorite Oscar Moment:  Kirk Douglas presenting the Best Supporting Actress award.  Although it was a bit sad to see his declining condition, he can still only be described as a Legend. 

Well, that's my Oscar Wrap-up - and I'm sure the Hollywood glitterati are on pins and needles waiting to hear what a middle-aged Kansas librarian thinks.  What was your favorite part of the Oscars?