Posts tagged Kate Mara

FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2012

One of the biggest fashion nights of the year has finally happened, and we are so thrilled that there was actually some glamour walking down the red carpet.  From the style winners to the weirdest walking down the carpet (ashes, anyone?), there were plenty of gorgeous and gaudy gowns from which to choose. Yes, white dresses did seem to reign supreme, on the likes of Shailene Woodley and Rooney Mara, but we saw a sneak peek into the Fall 2012 world with touches of gold lamé on Stacy Keibler and Meryl Streep. Obviously the best dressed of the night was Miss Piggy, with Kermit her always-in-style arm candy, but we’ve racked our fashion brains to come up with those that we think are a close second, or third, or fourth…

Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen hit a home run this year with Jessica Chastain. The ornate gold detail is very en trend without being temporary, and it fit her like a glove. I loved that her stylist kept her hair loose and picked neutral jewelry, it was the perfect complement to an intricate dress. Glenn Close also looked phenomenal in Zac Posen, and had she removed the jacket for a red carpet pic or two, she might have rivaled Jessica.

Worst Dressed: While there were definitely gaudier dresses on the red carpet, Anna Faris in Diane von Furstenberg missed her fashion potential entirely. For a young girl with great features, she ended up looking old in the dress silhouette and dated with the short blonde bob.

Best Red Carpet Rookie: In probably the most flattering gown I’ve ever seen, Octavia Spencer looked unbelievable in Tadashi Shoji. The silhouette made wearing white possible on any body type, and the contrasting metallic sparkle against her skin was breathtaking. It’s not easy to look good in close-up shots, but Octavia proved that she has what it takes to be a style and Oscar winner.

Biggest Comeback: Kristen Wiig has almost fully recovered from her choker incident at the SAG Awards. While her J. Mendel tiered dress wasn’t a style grand slam, it was a welcome improvement and definitely a step in the right direction. With the right accessories and an up-do, this look could have been sensational.

Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy looked effortlessly glamorous without being boring or over-the-top. I guess it pays to be from France.

Leslie’s Picks
Best Dressed: Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. She looked spectacular top match her well deserved Oscar award. It showed that even woman with real curves can still have an Oscar winning red carpet moment. I felt that her look was flawless with the pull of the dress coming towards the front extenuating a smaller form waist and giving the puppies some love! Her hair pulled back with a small beehive bump was adorable and makeup was light and natural. I loved everything about her choice down to her Neil Lane clutch, xxxxx.

Worst Dressed: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi. The Grecian inspired gown didn’t strike me as flattering nor glamorous. Plus- size fashion is hard but with, a knock out of the park like Octavia Spencer, I can’t say its impossible! I’ve never been a fan of ¾ sleeve nor am I a fan of a bell sleeve period. I find it cuts, if not worn correctly, people off and make their arm shorter and stubbier. The rhinestone encrust on collar and empire waist put too much attention to her front. I would have loved to see her in something a little more subtle. LESS IS ALWAYS BETTER.

Biggest Comeback: Meryl Streep in Lanvin. She’s always been an Oscar nominee favorite but her fashion…not so much. I really think she hit a home run ( all these baseball analogies?!). The gold lame wrap was elegant and a new color to add to her older subtle color choices. Bravo, more than well deserved.

Best Red Carpet Rookie: I’d like to give a shot out to Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood. The hilarious Bridesmaid star was astonishing in her black one shoulder sequin get up. Making a statement is key; she nailed it. I believe her hair did it for me, superb!

Best Couple: I hate couples.

Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. She looked like she was emerging from a milk waterfall and I loved it. So sleek and effortless.

Worst Dressed: Sacha Baron Cohen in character from his new movie “The Dictator.” The Oscars are no time for publicity stunts, good sir. Emma Stone, who chose an overstated Giambattista Valli dress, was a huge disappointment. She looked flawless on the carpet all season, and now this.

Biggest Comeback: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi… while the choice is still questionable, and I can certainly understand the perils that plus-size women face with formal wear, this ensemble is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Best Red Carpet Rookie: Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen. Completely glamorous… in fact, she might have been the MOST glamorous of the night!

Best Couple: George Clooney & Stacy Keibler (who wore Marchesa). She looked so appropriate for the event and they both simply sparkled. The Pitt-Jolie team just looked soooo severe. Booo, hiss.

Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab was the epitome of old-Hollywood-turned-modern glamour. She has the perfect complexion to pull off a dress like this with a deep red lip and a classic wavy up-do.

Worst Dressed: Sherri Shepherd’s bright blue Grecian number was not flattering on her. It was too much boob that it ended up looking kind of messy up top.

Best Red Carpet Rookie: Although Kate Mara wasn’t nominated, she donned the designer of the night - Elie Saab - and looked great!

Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy. Classy and sophisticated…plus he’s extremely handsome, that doesn’t hurt.

That concludes awards season! Tell us which celebs made your best and worst dressed lists on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/staconsignment)!

FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards 2011

Awards season continues! We’re taking a quick break from shopping our hearts out at the big STA sale to bring you the dish on the SAG Awards red carpet. Here we break down the top trends of the night, from the grand slams to the strikeouts (can you tell we just bought baseball tickets?). This awards show had a surprising number of impeccably dressed celebs (even Helena Bonham Carter didn’t look terrible), but since this is one of the more liberal events, there are always the few who take it to the extreme. Check out who made the cut and whose dress needs to be cut, straight from The FashioniSTAs. 

White Hot 

No one loves wearing summer-appropriate clothing during the winter months quite like the citizens of Los Angeles. It’s almost as if they’re rubbing it in our faces that we’re cold and they’re not. That aside, some of these white gowns didn’t quite make the cut. Eva Longoria (far left) showed up in a Georges Hobeika dress with a draped, plunging neckline that almost looked like she was the victim of a Halloween TP-ing incident. Amy Adams (center right) also donned this summer shade, going with a Herve L. Leroux gown that would have been gorgeous if it had properly fit her. The worst of the bunch? Winona Ryder (center left) in an actual wedding gown by Alberta Ferretti. Self-explanatory. 

However, the shining (white) light of this trend was Natalie Portman (far right) in a gorgeous crystal-trimmed, strapless Azzaro gown. Our only complaint is that the fit across her baby bump was for someone not pregnant. 

 

Orange You Glad 

I feel like everywhere I turned someone was showing up in a nude-colored dress, from basically the entire female ensemble of Glee to Kate Mara to Hilary Swank. This seemed to be the season of nude shades, but at this awards show, a few were bold enough to take it a step further and go orange. Sarah Hyland (below, left)– one of our favorite new fashionistas – looked sleek, if not a little too old, in her Max Mara knotted-waist dress. One thing that maybe didn’t work with this ensemble? The oddly mismatched arm jewelry, which kept her looking a little less put together than she did at the Golden Globes. Jayma Mays (below, right) also went with this hue, looking dewy and fresh in a Jenny Packham number. She made it look effortlessly perfect with just the right amount of metallic embellishment, and her hair color only made the outfit better. 

 

Not-So-Basic Black 

In order to wear black on the red carpet and not get completely ignored, your dress has to have an additional wow-factor. Judging from the Malandrino plunging neckline pantsuit, Julie Bowen (far left)decided to go in a different direction with black and lose the dress part altogether. I’m not sure if she was channeling J.Lo, but she hit the red carpet in style, going sleek and modern with the most perfect makeup. Amber Riley (far right) in Anne Barge also rocked the awards show with her full-on diva look. If this is any indication of her star power, hold on to your seat. She’d give anyone a run for their money in this number – which was originally a wedding dress, although it’s so awards-show-fabulous, you’d never be able to tell. Christina Hendricks (center) also went with black in a long-sleeved, sparkly L’Wren Scott number, which at first glance looks as if it had the potential to be a great departure from the black norm. But taking a closer look, the color is too severe on her pale skin, and the shoes definitely didn’t help. 

 

Print Crazy 

If you want to go experimental at any of the awards shows, the SAG Awards is definitely the way to go. The girls who took the print plunge definitely deserve to be in an elite fashion category, from Mila Kunis (below, left) in a perfectly-styled Alexander McQueen that solidified her as this season’s top fashionista, to Hailee Steinfeld worthy of a place in the young Hollywood hall of fame in a striped Prada. The list goes on with January Jones in an antique gold, lace-print Carolina Herrera, Julia Stiles (below, right) in a crisp, ombré Monique Lhuillier, and Claire Danes (below, center) in a belted, floral Louis Vuitton. 

 

  

The FashioniSTA Verdict 

Marisa 

Best Dressed: January Jones

Best Dressed: January Jones in Carolina Herrera (right). She was the complete package and had some serious “wow” factor. I loved the intricate gold pattern on black background and the fit – slightly loose, conservative t-shirt shape on top, fitted through the hips and thighs and then ending in a mermaid flare – was dramatic. She accented the outfit with gold Roger Vivier pumps, simple black stud earrings and an old-Hollywood style side-swept up-do. Perfection! 

Worst Dressed: Christina Hendricks in L’Wren Scott. This dress had some potential. However, there were just too many execution issues and unfortunately the look fell short. I don’t think that the fit was great and – as a result – her curves made her look heavy instead of voluptuous. Also, the combination of the full-length sleeves, the heavy-handed eyeliner and the fact that the dress was black was way too much for her fair skin. She looked almost gothic and, to be honest, a bit scary. 

Rookie of the Year: Julie Bowen in Catherine Malandrino. I was very impressed with the Modern Family actor’s sleek, modern look. She sported a well-tailored, black jumper with a plunging halter neckline. Her accessories included a simple clutch and Neil Lane diamonds and her hair was worn down - sleek and straight – to complement her attire. This was a great choice for the SAG Awards which is traditionally a more casual event and it gave her a chance to showcase her beauty and style – a distinct departure from the role of suburban mom that she plays on her award-winning show. 

Ashley 

Rookie of the Year: Ariel Winter

Best Dressed: Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta. I LOVE this whole throwback to the ‘70s, and this sleek silhouette is so much more flattering than the 800 fussy ruffles she wore to the Golden Globes. The whole look was effortlessly gorgeous with just the right amount of sparkle for a cast nominee.

Worst Dressed: Lauren Vélez from Dexter. She’s not one of the most photographed actresses, and this time that was probably a blessing for her. Not only do I not understand this whole bedazzled flower halter top (and I always understand bedazzling), but I think I had the same skirt in the 7th grade from the Gap.

On-the-Fence: Julie Bowen in Malandrino. The pantsuit was definitely a fashion risk, whether it paid off depends on if you saw it on television or in print. But what I do know is that her sleek hair and minimalist jewelry/makeup definitely pushes her more on the fashion “do” side of things. 

Rookie of the Year: Ariel Winter (right) in Luisa Beccaria. This white, tea-length dress was perfect on her, the whole dress just worked between the texture, the slight ruffle at the collar and the black belt. She looked age-appropriate and fashion-forward, the great makings of a future fashionista. 

Biggest Comeback: Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta. FINALLY, she looked great! We knew she had fashion potential, and now we can actually see it. The color, the texture, the hair, jewelry, makeup…it all works! *Standing ovation* 

Leslie 

Worst Dressed: Jennifer Lawrence

‪‪Best Dressed: Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen Resort Collection. She looked absolutely radiant in a strapless cut. The bare shoulder flattered her wavy hair, and the splashes of red and train dazzled the already red carpet. I loved her smoky eyes, it definitely was an “all eyes on her” moment. The small thin belt accentuated her already small waist. She was a show stopper in my eyes; and I’m all about that. Kudos Kunis, kudos.‪ ‪ 

Worst Dressed: Jennifer Lawrence (right) in Oscar de la Renta. Can someone please explain to me what color pink this is? If it was a nail polish it would be named NIPP (NEVER IN PUBLIC PINK). Besides the fact that I’m not a fan of neon colors especially pink, yikes, there’s too much going on. The straps look like a bad mummy wrap. I think it’s hypocritical to have a slit all the way up your thigh then pair it up with a dainty little girl bow belt. 

On-The-Fence: Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci. A lot of people like the black lace Nina Ricci gown but I’m not sure about it. Black wasn’t a trend from what I saw nor do I think I’ve seen Nicole Kidman in a lot of black, and I see why. The black lace gown with jeweled incrusted neckline had a gothic appeal and I found it ugly, plain and simple. 

 Kim 

Best Dressed: Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen.  Easy, breezy, and beautiful.

On-the-Fence: Hailee Steinfeld

Worst Dressed:  Oh, where do I begin?? Let’s start with Angie Harmon in Monique Lhuillier — I have yet to see a feathered dress that doesn’t look like it belongs on the JC Penney’s 1998 Prom Rack. The two ladies who most drastically caught my eye, however, were Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci and Kate Mara in Hervé Leger by Max Azria.  Whaaaaaat was going on there?  Kidman’s ensemble choice was just confusing (and where on earth did that necklace come from? What about that dress said “this neckline really needs some floral stuff”?)  and Mara looked downright uncomfortable.  Was that dress too small?  Or did you just realize too late that you look terrible? 

On-the-Fence: Hailee Steinfeld (right) in Prada — the fit was great and the colors were bold, but I’m not sure if I should congratulate you on being eye-catching or warn you against that kind of future statement. Plus, Julie Bowen in Maladrino — gutsy move on the pantsuit.  It looked a little too casual for my taste, but I appreciate the confidence. 

Rookie of the Year: Jayma Mays in Jenny Packham. Great cut and the shoes are fab, but it’s a rookie mistake to wear such a washout shade. I’ve got my eye on you, Mays. Also, Mindy Kaling in Tadashi Shoji looked great – hey, Kim Kardashian, THIS is how you rock a Roman look! 

Biggest ComebackTina Fey in Oscar de la Renta.  I haven’t seen her look this radiant since her sexy January 2009 Vanity Fair cover. 

Check back as we sound off on the Grammys in a couple weeks!