Oscar Red Carpet 2011: cupcakeMAG's Best Dressed!

{Reese Witherspoon}
You can't go wrong with Giorgio Armani Privé mixed with $1 million worth of Neil Lane diamond and emerald jewelry. Her voluminous retro updo made her look like a grown-up Barbie. We LOVE it! 

{Sandra Bullock}
The scarlet Vera Wang gown was simply stunning paired with a crimson VBH clutch and Harry Winston earrings & bangle. 

{Mila Kunis}
The lavendar lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown with Neil Lane diamonds topped our faves. 

{Jennifer Lawrence}
The newbie to the Oscars shows us that sometimes less is more. She swooned us with her bright red Calvin Klen Collection, elegant Chopard earrings and bangle, Juditch Leiber clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals. Perfection! 

{Michelle Williams}
In true vintage style, the white Chanel Haute Couture gown paired with Harry Winston diamon earrings and ring turned heads on the red carpet. 

{Anne Hathaway}
We loved this vintage Valentino Haure Couture taffeta gown with a beautiful floral applique train. She tops it off perfectly with a scarlet red lip and Tiffany & Co. 

{Cate Blanchett}
Perfectly structured! In an eleabroately beaded Givenchy Haute Couture gown with yellow beaded accents and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry -- she looks her best. We also love her fresh chic bob! 

Tell us: Who was on your best dressed list?

Couture Item of the Week for Not a Couture Price!

By Angela Parks, Contributing Writer

First, let me express how delighted I am to be part of the cupcakeMAG team! Part of my commitment is to provide readers with fabulous couture finds,  at a less demanding cost!  

As a Military Spouse, I have the great pleasure of attending countless balls with my husband.  You have NO IDEA the passion I have for evening gowns! While watching the 2008 Academy Awards, I was inspired by Katherine Heigel's dress. The moment I laid eyes on the vermilion colored Escada gown, I knew it would be my choice for our next formal event. The curve hugging gown was a fabulous throw-back to old Hollywood glamor. 

Naturally, obtaining the Escada gown was not even a remote possibility. I scoured numerous dress sites searching for a comparable gown, but came up emtpy handed. I did happen upon many horrible "looks for less", which paled in comparison.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Katherine Heigel Escada Gown at the 2008 Academy Awards

After countless days of searching for my coveted gown, I had almost given up hope. Finally, I found a website that would guarantee a quality dress made to my measurements and specifications. I was hesitant to invest a great deal of money to a business out of Hong Kong. However,  when I was quoted the price of $ 100.00 (yes, you read that correctly, ONE hundred), I figured it was worth a shot.  In less than two weeks my dress arrived. I was terribly skeptical.  I opened the box (and much to my surprise) it was stunning! Nearly a mirror replica of Katherine's Academy Awards gown. I tried it on and the dress fit to perfection. I could not have been more pleased with the results (I think I might of even cried!). Especially at the bargain price of (did I mention) $100.  

 

Photo of moi wearing my bargain "couture" gown at Hubby's Navy Ball

Since my fabulous find, I have had many friends commission dresses for themselves. After all -  why buy "off the rack", when you can feel like the Belle of the Ball in a dress tailored just for you!

If you are feeling sassy and would like to commission a dress for yourself, you can do so at the following website: www.eDressit.com  

Side note: Be sure to provide accurate measurements, as eDressit does not allow refunds on commissioned dresses. When in doubt, add a couple of inches to your bust, waist, and hips - then have the dress altered by your local seamstress to guarantee a perfect fit!