Oscars 2013: Playing with Color

The year was 1992, early spring. I was eleven years old and home with a stomach bug. In between sleeping and eating popsicles, I turned on the television and saw Katie Couric recapping the 63^rd Academy Awards from the night before. The moment I sat down, this image popped up onscreen:

Geena Davis. In all her ruffled glory.

 “The Today Show” hosts hated her dress, going on and on about how bad it was. I, on the other hand, thought it was amazing. Suddenly, the connection formed in my mind that movies and fashion were closer than close, forever entwined together. 

I was hooked. From then on, I made a point every year to watch the Oscars and the red carpet arrivals as well (all this before the dawn of the internet).

 When people ask, I usually tell them the Oscars are “my Superbowl.” I get as excited for red carpet fashions and the glamorous men and women wearing them as most men get for football’s ultimate night.

Working with the Princess Closet, I come across dresses every year which, when matched with the right girl, give the wearer a true “red carpet moment.” When you find the perfect dress, you get to channel some of that Hollywood glamour (without having to spend five figures on a couture dress!). It’s such a joy to give a young woman that shining glory moment.

With online photo galleries bursting with images from last night’s ceremony, I thought it would be fun to spend this week sharing my thoughts on what worked (and what will work for YOU come prom night!). 

Today, I thought it would be fun to focus on color. Many girls come into our boutique and declare right away that they want their dress in red/pink/gold/black, etc.  The right color, as we all know, can make or break a look.

I thought these women looked especially great last night, and here’s why…

1) Kerry Washington in coral Miu Miu

I absolutely love Kerry Washington’s acting work, and she never fails to impress on the red carpet. Her sixties-inspired Miu Miu dress was beautiful for its simplicity and also for its saturated coral hue. Coral is a bold choice, but it works for so many skin tones, and by keeping the silhouette simple, Ms. Washington was a style winner last night.

2) Jennifer Aniston in red Valentino

In a tie with Kerry Washington for best color, Ms. Aniston’s red Valentino gown was perfection on her. If the dress had been a simple column shape, it would have been ho-hum. Instead, Jen amped it up by wearing a true GOWN in signature Valentino red, and kept the rest of her look understated. Fabulous and elegant.

3)  Quvenzhané Wallis in sapphire Armani

Everyone loves “Hushpuppy” for good reason (if you have not seen Beasts of the Southern Wild, do so NOW). She is adorable, precocious, and wise beyond her years. How many nine-year-olds do you know who get to wear Armani? The reason I love this dress (and, of course, little Miss Wallis) is that the color is so bold yet so elegant at the same time. If it was white, she might look like a flower girl in a wedding. Instead, she rocks the sapphire blue, and a young style star is born.

4)   Maria Menounos in hot pink Romona Keveza

A dress this color could easily venture off into casual wear if done improperly. We see neon tees, leggings, and accessories everywhere these days! Instead, television correspondent Menounos finds a way to make her Romona Keveza column dress look impeccable and chic, wearing minimal accessories and letting the dress speak for itself. Wearing her hair down added a comfortable touch to her overall look.

Next time, I’ll share my thoughts on statement-making “big gowns” and how to actually wear one. Thanks for reading!