Taking A Break From Fashion Month To Discuss #OscarsSoWhite

Before you read this, I have to confess. This is actually a best-dressed list disguised as an argumentative essay about the predominantly white Oscar nominations this year. So I apologize in advance if that's what you were expecting. Perhaps the very fact that this best-dressed list is slightly too white might make us all think about the current issue plaguing the mind's of Hollywood's elite. I invite you to think about that as you take a look at this best-dressed list. Full disclosure, the choices are entirely based on the dresses, not my opinion of the women wearing them. In my book, every woman on that Red Carpet deserves to be honoured and admired for her work and the dress is merely a matter of taste, that differs from one critic to another. After several hours of watching Mad Max win awards, let's analyze and criticize the most frivolous, yet integral, part of the show: what everyone was wearing (or maybe just my top 10 best).

NUMBER 10

Mindy Kaling in Elizabeth Kennedy

I am a huge fan of Mindy Kaling for a number of reasons. One of them happens to be her classy sense of style. While Mindy has made a few strange Red Carpet choices, this one was simple and yet, also one of the best. The cut was flattering and the surprise at the back gave it a touch of glamour, making it Oscar-ready. Let's not forget to mention, her beauty look is beyond chic.

via racked.com

NUMBER 9

Jennifer Garner in Rene Caovilla

While this look could have potentially landed much higher on my best-dressed list, it remained slightly safe and a tad too predictable for my taste. Regardless, Jen looked bombshell stunning in black with just the right amount of sparkle to stand out on the Red Carpet.

via hollywoodtake.com

NUMBER 8

Rachel McAdams in August Getty Atelier

I may be impartial to Rachel McAdams because she's Canadian, but it's undeniable that green is definitely her colour. While the best green dress just happened to be worn by someone else last night, I still loved the sensual simplicity of this look.

via vanityfair.com

NUMBER 7

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Cate Blanchett always wears Armani Prive and this year is no different. She has never made my best-dressed list though. Until now. Generally, this actress loves to make a statement on the carpet and while I'm usually a huge fan of bold statement-makers, hers never quite succeed at giving me the fuzzy feels that other dresses do. This year, I couldn't decide if I loved or hated this aqua dress. Part of me felt as though I were looking at a sea creature. The other part just wanted to touch it. It's the type of dress you might see in a fairytale and that is exactly what I loved about it.

via abc7.com

NUMBER 6

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior

Charlize Theron is probably the only actress who can actually say she ALWAYS wears the dress (the dress never wears her) because no dress can upstage someone that beautiful. Whether this simple Dior number with a stunning deep V and a necklace that could blind the blind or something as elaborate as Cate Blanchett's dress, nothing can take away from Charlize Theron's modelesque figure and natural beauty. I'm pretty sure Emily Blunt wanted to kill the Academy for forcing them to present together.

via indianexpress.com

 NUMBER 5

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein Collection

This sparkling emerald green custom Calvin Klein dress shone as bright as Saoirse's pride in her Irish heritage. Nothing says best-dressed like a look that came straight from the heart. Not only did she look stunning, but you could tell she felt it too. That is precisely was got her in my top five.

popsugar.com

NUMBER 4

Olivia Munn in Stella McCartney

This dress may have been very simple, but as far as red dresses go (sorry, Charlize), but this one was definitely my fave. It was flattering, eye-catching, and striking against Olivia Munn's beautiful black hair. If I had to pick an Oscar dress, this would be the top choice on my list. The real question is: was it orange or red? I'll allow you to ponder that one.

via nytimes.com

NUMBER 3

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Naomi Watts, a constant contender on my best-dressed list, has blown me away once again with her Oscar choice. Like Cate Blanchett, this outfit was fit for an aquatic wonderland, but Naomi was the mermaid and Cate was a sea urchin (no offence to Cate intended). It was a cross between Saoirse's and Cate's dress, only better because it has ombre. I'm in love.

via today.com

NUMBER 2

Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad

Obviously, Priyanka Chopra cheated her way onto this list by choosing to wear the most incredible designer, Zuhair Murad. How could this look possibly have failed? Everything this designer produces is breathtaking and Priyanka owned this look. P.S Maybe this list isn't that white after all.

via popsugar.co.uk

NUMBER 1

And the number one best-dressed on my list goes to...

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

Yellow may not be my colour, but it is definitely hers. Alicia's look was romantic, classy, and just bold enough to make her number one on this list. What can I say? Louis Vuitton speaks for itself.

via telegraph.co.uk

Honourable Mentions:
Eddie Redmayne's black velvet blazer.
AND
Chris Rock's white tuxedo blazer.

What was your favourite look from last night's Oscars? 

Ponder it,

Bella

Why Dresses Are The Key To Surviving Your Summer

When the weather heats up and the layers come off, the best part about summer shines through. We finally get to throw something on and head out the door without a fuss. Winter coat? No thanks. Gloves? See you later. A hat? Maybe for style purposes. While winter may have been about the accessories you NEED, summer is about the ones you want, the ones that are there #forthesakeoffashion.

A prime example of this easy-going way of dressing is a dress. Whether a loose hip hugging maxi, a flared floral mini, a fitted deep-v style, or a 60s inspired shift, there is such a wide array of dresses that you can officially discard your pants this season. Dresses are the best for a number of reasons. Allow me to list them for you.

NUMBER 1

Your legs can breathe.

Pants are constricting. Shorts can ride up your butt in an unflattering way. Dresses never let you down and you can always feel the breeze pass through your legs.

via ellecanada.com

NUMBER 2

It's just one piece.

Who has the time to think of a complete outfit? With a dress, you just need to choose your shoes. No matter how many pairs you have, this is a much easier feat.

via barefootblonde.com

 NUMBER 3

They're ultra feminine.

Winter was so cold, you forgot what it was like to be a woman. Pants may be great, but it's time to wear something flirty and prepare yourself for a summer fling.

via glamradar.com

 NUMBER 4

Matching who?

Again, it's just one piece. Matching doesn't get any easier than that.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 5

It's just more comfortable.

If it's floating on your body, you're guaranteed comfort. Nothing says chill and low-maintenance like a light summer dress.

via whowhatwear.com

Could this be your new summer wardrobe?

Ponder it,

Bella

What Happened At The Grammys Before I Fell Asleep Watching

As we all know, award shows seem to drag on endlessly and no matter how good they are, our attention spans simply cannot handle four hours of this. Last night, the Grammys were no exception. Though there were many memorable moments and MOST of the performances were pretty spectacular, I couldn't seem to last until the very abrupt end. However, I came across enough moments to make a top ten list of things that made it worth the watch. Ready?

NUMBER 10

Rihanna's Giambattista Valli Dress

While many walked the Red Carpet in sleek gowns or elegant jumpsuits, Rihanna decided to make it happen in a puffy pink cotton candy gown by Giambattista Valli straight from the latest Haute Couture show. Who cares if it was over-the-top? It made everyone in the room smile and whether it blew your mind in a good way or a bad way hardly matters because Rihanna can get away with anything.

via peoplestylewatch.com

NUMBER 9

The Collabs

If the Grammys are any indication, 2015 will be the year of the unexpected collaborations. It turns out, nobody is good alone anymore and needs to add that element of surprise with a familiar face you never saw coming. Some of the best song collabs last night were: Annie Lennox with Hozier, Sam Smith with Mary J. Blige, Riri with Kanye and Paul McCartney, Usher with Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett. Also, Ed Sheeran with John Mayer at guitar. Also, Gwen Stefani with the smoldering Adam Levine. Yes, there were many collaborations (some would say too many), but the strange part was that many of the accompanying artists didn't sing more than a lyric. However, it did have the intended effect of keeping us interested.

via cnn.com

NUMBER 8

The Old Men

There were so many old men at this event, one might have suspected it was taking place in a very different era. Take for example the opening by AC/DC who rocked it out like it was 1995. Were you feeling nostalgic? Apparently, Hollywood was.

via www.theaustralian.com.au

NUMBER 7

OBAMA

There was nothing more heartwarming than Obama's dedicatory message to women who are victims of abuse. The appearance of Brooke Axtell may have brought the Grammys to a more sombre place, but it invited the audience to reflect on their privileged lives for a moment accompanied by a lovely Katy Perry ballad. Message received.

via www.usatoday.com

NUMBER 6

TayTay's Dance Moves

As per usual, everyone was eying Taylor Swift last night as she danced the night away in the audience. She never fails to deliver a stellar performance whether on stage or at her seat. Will there be a gif? One can only hope.

via www.zap2it.com

NUMBER 5

Sam Smith's Awards

Apparently, last night was the night of Sam Smith. He won almost all the awards and humbly accepted each one as one would expect from such a kind looking fellow. He also delivered an incredible show with Mary J. Blige and we love him a little more for it.

via www.variety.com

 NUMBER 4

Paul McCartney's Little Dance

It looks like Paul McCartney is taking the example from Taylor Swift and shaking it off British style by clapping his hands delightfully. Unfortunately for him, the cameras are always watching and unlike Taylor, he's not much of an attention seeker.

via www.aceshowbiz.com

NUMBER 3

PHARRELL

There were many things about Pharrell that rocked our world last night. First moment to remember was when he walked on stage and discussed the awkwardness of the situation Anna Kendrick style (who btw looked AMAZE in a tux). Also, I can't get those sparkly yellow shoes out of my head. He is officially my new style icon.

via www.musique.jeuxactu.com

NUMBER 2

Madonna's Outfit

We all know Madonna is trying to make Madonna happen, but last night's matador look was only further proof of this undeniable reality. Nobody needed to see your behind, Madodo. Is she even relevant anymore? Let's discuss.

via www.billboard.com

NUMBER 1

Of course, the best part of the night was when Kanye almost hopped on stage to defend Beyonce's cause after Beck took the award for Album of the Year. I wonder if Kim is jealous of her man's fierce loyalty to Queen Bey?

via www.standard.co.uk

If you missed any of these mind boggling moments, you can always catch up online. If not, you didn't really miss much.

XOXO,

Bella