Oscars 2011: Anne Hathaway's Wardrobe Changes

While the verdict is still out on what the masses thought of the James Franco-Anne Hathaway hosting partnership, one thing is sure-Anne Hathaway (styled by the genius Rachel Zoe) dominated as the fashion maven of the evening. Here are my favourite outfits that Anne donned:

Valentino

Givenchy Haute Couture

Oscar de la Renta

Lanvin Tuxedo and Brian Atwood Jeweled Heels

Armani Prive

Atelier Versace

Vivienne Westwood

Best Beauty from Oscars 2011

Anne Hathaway

Amy Adams

Jennifer Lawrence

Mila Kunis

Mandy Moore

Cate Blanchett

 Michelle Williams

Penelope Cruz

Reese Witherspoon

Sandra Bullock

Oscars 2011 Best of the Red Carpet

Favourite colour trends of the night: red, lavender, and champagne. 

Anne Hathaway in Valentino 

Mandy Moore in Rodarte

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Gwenyth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection

Rhea Durham in Naeem Khan

Honorable Mention: Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Put Down the Lipstick and Walk Away!!

After indulging in the Chanel Spring Collection, I put myself on a "no-buy"; in other words, no makeup related purchases for a month. My self-inflicted makeup buying drought has drawn to a close and, oddly enough, it was a liberating experience.

As a beauty blogger sometimes I feel the pressure to "Keep up with the Joneses" (or in this case, Keep up with the Lauders) to produce blogging content that is fresh and high-interest. Every time there is a new release or hyped-up product, a sense of panic kicks in and I feel like I have to review it on my blog to stay current or before the product loses its novelty status. After this month of frugality I have discovered that I can be an active member of the beauty blogging community without constantly amassing new products.

The first week was a true test of my will but I persevered, and, like an addict slowly going through withdrawal, I learned to avoid MAC, Sephora and the beauty aisle at the grocery store. One of my revelations was that you don't have to own a product to be able to talk about it. I know some of you are think "Duh, Lydia. That doesn't take a genius." Over this past month I have been able to truly appreciate my collection and rediscover old loves. 

Don't get me wrong. I have definitely added to my wish list during this time (namely the Chanel Rouge Shines), but I don't feel like I need to rush out and get any of them immediately. Everything in moderation and it is time I practice what I preach about "want vs need." 

Best of Beauty: Grammys 2011

The Grammy Awards was disaster after disaster after train wreck in terms of fashion. Apparently there was a competition over who could wear the smallest scrap of cloth and still call it a dress (AHEM Rihanna), or who could assemble the most outlandish ensemble (undoubtedly Lady Gaga). There were a few exceptions to the general heinous fashion choices, most notably Selena Gomez, Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, and Leigh Michele; yet, I still can not say that anyone hit a home-run. 

Thankfully, the bright side of the night was spotting some great Spring beauty trends. Here were my favourite beauty looks of the night:

(will try and find close-up)

Katy Perry Redeems Herself...For Now

I refuse to even post a picture of Katy Perry in the purple debacle that she called a dress last week, but I am sure you all know to what I am referring. It was tasteless, vulgar, and garish. But she had a momentary  fashion redemption at the Pre-Grammy Gala on Saturday. Wearing Nicholas Jebran Haute Couture, Katy was radiant on the red carped in a figure hugging blush ivory gown and impeccable makeup. Her sleek hair was the perfect balance to her ultra-feminine silhouette and romantic hued makeup. 

I hope Katy will one day realize that she doesn't need to bare all to own the red carpet. 

Inspirational Images: Diane Kruger for Madame Figaro

I love reading French fashion magazines and articles because: A) They keep my language skills fresh in a predominantly Anglophone city, B) They are always ahead of the curve and push the envelope aesthetically, C) The photographs provide endless inspiration.

When I saw the article on Diane Kruger in Madame Figaro, the photographs (by Dominique Issermann) literally stole my breath. Diane's bone structure and natural beauty are awe inspiring. She has is flawlessly chic and effortlessly refined. In my eyes, she is the modern Grace Kelly.

Here is a small sampling of the photo editorial: