Gregg DeGuire/WireImageIt was just incredible to be able to step onto the red carpet Sunday and share Oscar night with a bevy of beautiful, talented women.
But for somebody covering the awards (rather than winning them!), the search for the perfect, like-totally-amazeballs Oscar dress is not an easy one. Unlike Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain–designer dresses aren't showing up at my doorstep!
Most of the labor, though, falls on the shoulders of my stylist, who scours the showrooms and works with designers to gather dresses that are suitable for my taste and style.
This year I think I tried on about 15 dresses in total, over a course of three different fittings.
There are a gazillion variables that come into play when choosing an Oscar gown: color, fabric, silhouette, my mood, fit, looking "TV pretty" vs. "real-life pretty" (finding a dress that satisfies both), and also taking into account that I'm on the air early in the day (so nothing too dark ever works)!
In the end, Rafael Cennamo's nude colored ruched bodice gown won my heart. We liked the way the color contrasted with dark hair and complemented my skin tone, and how the fit hugged the hell out of my curves!
The peek-a-boo blue was a much needed splash of fun, too.
The accessories and makeup were critical in making this look come together. I always intend to look chic and sophisticated, but with an edgy allure at the same time. Nothing too safe. We thought the gold accessories kept the look young and interesting; the purple-pink-berry lip pop and strong brows brought the whole look to life.
My favorites:
I thought Halle Berry's Versace gown was drop dead gorgeous.
Jessica Chastain killed it in her Armani Prive, the best she's looked all awards season.
And Zoe Saldana, my queen of taking risks! Only you could pull of this fascinating Alexis Mabille Couture! Love! Love! Love!
And just a few shout-outs: stylist (Amelian Kashiro), the dress (Rafael Cennamo), necklace (Solange), rings (Baccarat & Hoorsenbruhs), shoes (Prada), makeup (Maria Vargas) and hair (Melissa Brown). Thank you all!
So what were your faves?