Oscars 2011: The Magpie Dress Awards

Fashion Weeks, Smashion Smeeks... Who cares about the fashion of the future, when the fashion of right now was being displayed in its full glory last night at the Oscars.

Possibly the largest fashion date in the diary, the Oscars serves up the creme de la creme of the movie world and the most delectable red carpet designers in the world.

So, without further ado, here are my favourite dresses from the Oscars 2011:

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere

I'm not normally a huge fan of Ms Swank, but last night she stood out a mile in this gorgeous feathered gown. I adore it, totally, utterly, completely.

FYI Maribou feathers are going to huge come AW'11 so Hilary really is ahead of the trend with her layer upon layer of Ostrich feather.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

It is only slightly sickening that Hailee (unfortunate name) is just 14 years old, but kudos to the young'un. She co-designed her dress with the girls at Marchesa...and I think they all did a bloomin' good job! I think the 1950's style of this dress is incredibly pretty and perfectly youthful for such a young Oscars nominee.

Mandy Moore in Monique L'Hullier 

Some may find this a little boring, but I couldn't leave Mandy off my list. She really does look gorgeous in this gown. Sequins and net are what make up the majority of this dress - such a simple idea, such an effective outcome.

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection

I 'umm'd' and 'ahh'd' over Gwyneth's dress choice A LOT, but in the end decided that I did like it. The molten gold is really quite eye-catching, while the simple cut of the dress tones it down. A very clever number methinks.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture

 What a sophisticated choice! Cate has opted for a completely atypical Oscars dress - she's ditched feathers, sequins and lace, in favour of something much more 'fashion'. I'm a huge fan of the pastel purple and think the cut is simple stunning on her.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

For me, Mila can do little wrong. I love her understated Elie Saab number. The lilac is a beautiful shade and the overall look is very sophisticated. With such a small frame, layers of net would have swamped her, so I'm thankful she went for something a little less ostentatious.

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana

Bravo Scarlett! One of this season's hottest trends is lace and Ms Johansson has gone the whole hog by donning herself in the fabric head to toe. The risk has paid off as she totally rocks this look - plus the cut-out back is ultra sexy.

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang

I always keep one eye out for Sandra. She always goes for classic styles and she always wows! The red of this dress is bright enough to stand strong against the red carpet and with her dark locks and fresh face, she looks the epitome of a classic beauty.

And the award for most beautiful mother-to-be goes to...

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

If I look like this when I am pregnant, I'll be one ecstatic woman. Natalie just glows in this aubergine gown. I am so pleased that she is embracing her pregnancy and not trying to hide it. Go Natalie!

Alas, not all of our A-listers scored so highly. There were, as is usual, a few fashion flops:

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Eugh! I do not like. At all. I hate the shimmer of the dress (it cheapens it), I can't stand the frou-frou-ness of the train (sleek would have suited her much better), and the halter-neck is all wrong (her boobs look like floating devices).

Florence Welch in vintage Valentino

Florence looks like death. The pale dress, the pale skin, the un-made face and hair... This is the Oscars darling, not a Halloween party.

Michelle Williams in Chanel

I hate to be mean about Michelle and more-so, about Chanel, but this dress is just so wrong. Michelle looks incredibly top-heavy - which is amazing because she is so slight. There's also something to be said for leaving some things to the imagination...

Well, that's more than enough excitement for one Monday morning. All this glamour while I am sitting here in my 'house clothes' is leaving me feeling quite wretched. Off to the gym I go...

Baftas, New York, roses and more!

Oh my, oh my, oh my - so much fabulous fashion fun going on right now. New York Fashion Week, award ceremonies galore, Katie Price launching her fashion line...

Where shall we begin?

Awards ceremonies


The Grammys - well I won't dwell on this, but let's just say that there was lots of bling, gowns with high slits, cut-out backs...nothing amazing or original. Dullness.

The Baftas - now we're talking! The stars pulled out all the stops (though obviously there were some tragedies...*clears throat* Emma Watson):

Julianne Moore looked simply divine in a deep blue velvet column dress by Tom Ford. 

What en elegant lady! 

Wearing my fave Lanvin dress of the season, Emma Stone just glows. Simple and effortless. Bravo!

Jessica Alba brings some Hollywood glamour to London in her cobalt blue Atelier Versace gown.

Thandie Newton has to be my absolute fave. She looks gorgeous in this fuschia printed Monique L'hullier floor-sweeping dress. 

New York Fashion Week

It's hard to say what trends we'll be seeing for Autumn/Winter 2011 already, but here's a sneak peek at what's caught my eye so far...

Luxury at Carolina Herrera

 DKNY finds its inner tomboy

Duro Olowu piles on the prints

 Diane Von Furstenberg ups the glam factor

 High intensity at Malandrino

Sculpture and structure take centre-stage at Thakoon

Victoria Beckham prepares for her pregnancy with loose knits. Love the hood.

It's looking good so far...let's hope it stays that way. 

More to come soon...

Katie Price

If you weren't sure if I was being sarcastic about Katie Price, take a look at her new 'fashion' line:

Oh wow...Katie, you have actually rendered me speechless. Called Day 22, because new products are going to be released on the 22nd of each month (I guess Katie needs to keep it simple), the collection seems to be...
...actually I don't know what it is. One thing I do know is that you'll never catch me dead in it!

And in other news...

My carboot sale on Sunday went very well - thank you to those of you who came down to rescue my unwanted goods.

 There's Mummy Magpie hard at work!

And finally...

Happy Valentine's Day! Although my beau is all the way in Hong Kong he managed to get me my fave roses delivered. What a lovely surprise to come home to after a long gym session. I'm a very lucky girl ;-)

BEAUTIFUL!

Here comes the bride...

...and for once I am not talking about me!

Wills and Kate have finally decided to tie the knot. They took their time didn't they! And can you believe that they would choose to marry in the same year that I am to wed my beau? How selfish!

Fingers crossed they stick with their 13th August date...or all hell will break loose!

The happy couple

I can look at this in one of 2 ways:

1. The world will be Royal wedding crazy and my big day will fade in to oblivion
or
2. Weddings will be next year's buzz-word so mine will be totally on-trend!

I pray for the latter, but fear the former.

Anyway, in the spirit of bridal unity and all that, I thought I'd share some wedding dress ideas for the future Princess Royal (not for me obvs, that's a secret)...

This gown from Monique Lhuillier is so romantic. Kate is a modern classic, so I reckon she'll want a traditional shape with a hint of the current style.

Another beautiful dress from Monique Lhuillier. This has a much more virginal feel to it. It's very simple but the veil is ornate and adds all the interest. I'm guessing Kate is not a 'proper' Christian bride, but it might be nice to pretend!

This is quite a simple gown from Christos Bridal, but then Kate's style is just that. It has a subtle beauty to it, just like her.

This one is from Jewel by Priscilla of Boston. Once again, traditional with a bit of a twist.

A bit of a frou-frou option from St. Pucchi. Why not - she is a REAL princess after all!!



I'm sure what ever she wants, she'll be having specially made, but Kate, here's my two pence worth, if you're interested.

And it's a bloomin' good job that we're getting married in Marrakech, because Buckingham Palace would never have let me hold my wedding there (long-time Style State readers will get that) with a royal wedding on the cards.

Congrats guys - but just steer clear of winding up this Bridezilla!!!