Red Carpet Style: Best Dressed and Runner-ups at the Oscars 2012

So, I don't know about you all, but last night's red carpet at the Oscars left me feeling unsatisfied.  Sure there were some high notes like Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen and Natalie Portman in vintage polka dot Dior, but for the most part, I felt the looks fell flat when there were so many amazing dresses to pick from.  For instance, Penelope Cruz, one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, looked matronly, and Michelle Williams' peplum clashed with the bottom of her dress.  Overall, I wanted more pizazz and style and less frumpy.

Here's my top five picks and then some who I think were almost there.  Let me know if you agree/disagree!

Best Dressed:

1.  Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Fall Couture 2011: Armani Prive beauty and backstage

Fall 2011 Couture: Armani Prive

Armani definitely channeled Japanese gardens in the fall 2011 couture collection.  While it's not the futuristic modern dresses that he showed last couture season, it's a polished and sophisticated collection that shows that glamour can be found in clothes besides evening wear.

However, that being said, just as a general statement (and one I might address later on after all the shows are finished) where are the ball gowns, where are the Oscar gowns?  Where are the gorgeous feminine dresses that I think of when I think couture?  Yes, Armani showed a beautiful collection that is gasp, wearable couture, but is couture really supposed to be that wearable?  No.

That being said, don't let my negativity on couture week this season as a whole discourage you from viewing this beautiful collection of silk Japanese prints and gorgeous dark velvet and palette dresses.  The models look stunning with pretty nude makeup and their origami-like hats.

Armani Prive looks to the future

I apologize in advance for not posting some looks from the couture shows, but I am bogged down with homework, so I'll leave you with a taste of the awesomness that occurred in Paris Monday.

Armani took a trip to the future with some extremely interesting shapes and fabrics.  Not to mention a lot of purple lipstick and bedazzled lips.  Take a look at some of the photos from behind the scenes.