The Oscars 2011: Best Dressed

So the big night's all over and we all know who won the awards, but who gets a prize for best dressed...

First up is Best Actress winner, Natalie Portman, who wowed in a deep plum Rodarte gown. The soft fabric flowed beautifully over Natalie's baby bump to the floor, showing just a peep of her purple satin Jimmy Choos. The embellished low neckline and Tiffany tassel earrings added a bit of glamour to the beautifully low-key ensemble.

This wasn't love at first sight for me, but after closer inspection I can confirm Mila Kunis' place in the Best Dressed list. This pretty, lavender lace gown is a unique choice - feminine and a little bit sexy. Mila's simple up do sets the look off nicely.

It was good to see Sandra Bullock making a head start on this Spring's bright colours trend. Donning a structured, strapless Vera Wang, with matching coral lipstick, Sandra ensured all eyes were on her.

Amy Adams was stunning in this figure hugging, Sapphire blue L'Wren Scott gown. Encrusted with jewels and with a thigh high split, this dress shone on the red carpet. Amy gets extra points for daring accessorising - opting for a clashing turquoise stoned necklace and bracelet.

It's worth noting a few key trends that showcased at the awards last night. The return of the lady in red was one that couldn't be missed. Follow Zoe Saldana's lead and clash your red with a bright pink shoe or make yours evening appropriate by sticking to a dark crimson and some serious sequins a la Penelope Cruz.

Purple was another popular choice, and a personal favourite of mine for Spring. Scarlett Johansson worked the trend to the max in a seductive lace, backless Dolce and Gabana.

Theatre: The Childrens Hour

One critic commented that Keira Knightly's performance in The Misanthrope last Spring was entirely satisfactory. He continued to suggest that it was satisfactory... but lacking. It was neither relaxed nor comfortable, and in hindsight, I couldn't agree more.

At the time I pinned the disappointment I felt at the end of the play on the writing - I found it slow, even dull. Now I wonder if I also felt unsatisfied because I'd spent the entire evening holding my breath. As a fan of Knightly, I was hoping for the entirety of the production that she would get through it without making a mistake.

In her return to the Comedy Theatre, Knightly plays a school mistress in New England in the 1930s. Accused by one of her pupils of having an indecent, lesbian affair with another teacher, her character sees her life change instantly before her eyes. In the final Acts, the audience watches as the play transforms from one of dramatic entertainment to a heartbreaking tragedy; and Knightly's portrayal of despair is truly harrowing.

In this production Knightly appeared more confident and controlled than before. She conquered the American accent and presented an enduring image of true friendship between herself and co-star Elisabeth Moss.

Moss' performance was subtle but undoubtedly strong. Her character an intriguing and difficult to understand woman.

Bryony Hannah impressively portrays the cruel, difficult and rumour-hungry Mary. Hannah, undoubtedly has an intense presence onstage - ensuring all eyes were on her. She successfully shocked and appalled the audience with the lies her character tells. Some critics suggest she overacts, this is possibly true. But this is easily forgiven considering her age and potential for the future - I think we will be seeing more of Miss Hannah.

As for the play itself: despite being 80 years old, the story was still relate-able to the modern audience and as fiery as if it had been written today. It might be slow-burning, and melo-dramatic at times, but this is still one incredibly powerful production.

I, and my friend, left the theatre buzzing; and could not help but return to the topic of the play repeatedly for the entire weekend.

Jen's New Do

After years of below the shoulders, layered locks Miss Aniston has gone for the chop. At the Madrid premiere of her latest flick, Just Go With It, Jen showcased her new chic, one-length bob.

Since her first appearance in Friends in the 90s, she has been the embodiment of hair envy for women everywhere; despite having labelled her infamous 'Rachel' cut as the 'ugliest haircut' she'd ever seen.

Now Jen looks set to start a hair frenzy all over again.A mix of honey and white blond tints gives Jen a youthful glow. And the long bob is more modern and styled than her long, wavy hair. I, for one, love it.

Trend: Aztec Jewellery

I'm falling head over heels for Topshop's new Aztec inspired jewellery collection. It's all about bold colours - burnt orange, turquoise, blood red and emerald green mixed with gold. Think big shapes like statement rings and long rope necklaces with pendant stones hanging near your navel. Stones are roughly cut to create a 'just pulled from the earth of the desert' vibe, and everything is chunky and textured. Wear with maxi dresses come Summer, or a fur Gilet and jeans for Spring style.

Engraved Band Agate Ring, £10; Bead Chain Wrap Drop Earrings, £10; Ethnic Turquoise Bangle, £10, all Topshop

Could I be a Gleek?

Could I become a Gleek? That's the question I've been pondering the last few days. When a friend at work discovered I had never watched the American musical-style show, she insisted I take home her box set.

I don't like musicals. There's the odd classic - Grease, and the recent blockbuster - Mama Mia, that I enjoy, but I thought Nine was awfully dull, despite the fantastic cast.

On the other hand, I find it hard to beat an evening filled with American sitcoms - Gossip Girl, Friends, Desperate Housewives - you name it, I'm watching and loving it. So maybe, just maybe Glee and I could get on?

I've just finished episode three and I'm still sitting firmly on the fence. I do not immediately love it or hate it. I find the grotesque characters amusing and the writing sharp and witty. I like the relationships already developing between characters. And nothing beats a cast performance of a song I already love (I admit I may have sang along a little to their version of Kayne West's Gold-digger). But then there is also the cheesy, over the top expressions when the actors sing an emotional tune and it all seems a little rough around the edges and forced. But what I'm watching is the early days of a new show, the things I find frustrating have most likely been ironed out, and I imagine series two will be much more polished. For now, I'll persevere.

Film Review: Black Swan

I went to see Black Swan having heard that it was a must-see, but knowing little of the plot and having few expectations. I can honestly say I was blown away.

Natalie Portman's portrayal of Nina, a young ballerina feeling the pressure of being cast in her first leading role, is spot on. Portman manages, impressively, to present the fragility of a young girl in a seductive world suffering with mental illnesses and a difficult mother. Yet, is also pitch-perfect in Nina's darker moments where she is ambitious and deceitful. This is Portman reaching new heights, showcasing her acting expertise.

Nina's part in the production depends on her ability to delve into her darker side, as she does panic attacks and delusions become a regular occurrence. The viewer watches as Nina's performance improves and her mental health rapidly deteriorates. There is a fusion between an artistic breakthrough and a nervous breakdown.

The film is glossy and glamorous, exciting and very scary. Putting to one side, the astounding acting and the 'on the edge of your seat' plot, the film is also visually impressive. No detail is left to chance. The close up camera shots, grainy photography and behind the shoulder tracking of Nina may seem like obvious tricks to build tension, but the truth is these tricks work. And a consistent palette of black and white interior serve to emphasise the battle between Nina's own black and white swan. And, the dancing alone is reason enough to see this film; it is beautiful.

This is a thoroughly accomplished film. I would be surprised if Portman does not win Best Actress at the Oscars, she definitely deserves to.

New York Fashion Week Kicks Off

A few days into New York Fashion Week and I've been having a sneaky peak at what was on show.

I'm already lusting after Jason Wu's collection. Lace was heavily featured - reportedly, he used 15 different types all made in Paris in the show. A particular favourite for me was a tight grey jumper with black lace panels running down the sleeves. Mostly black and white, the collection featured the odd glimpse of deep tomato red, violet and nude. Feathered skirts were another highlight, as were the high collared, sheer blouses, ideal office wear. The collection was finished with stunning evening wear in the form of full lightly-layered maxi skirts and tops smothered with sequins.

Alexander Wang created disco fever at his show with flashes of glittering lurex drainpipe trousers in an array of fun colours. Yet, the main focus was luxe sports wear. Wang, once again created tough, sexy and street luxury clothing. Black bomber jackets were turned into ponchos, boyfriend blazers were made from fur and tuxedo jackets had details borrowed from the retro puffa coat. Think glamorous and heavy, hooded knits paired with light-weight skirts and peep-toe leather boots. It wasn't all in the silhouettes either, zip details and fabric choices (often flashes of leather, velvet, satin and chiffon) ensured the look was luxurious yet edgy.

The designer also featured 1920s and 30s inspired items: there were pale peach cashmere coats with fur collars, bias cut satin maxis and fur trimmed accessories.

If the Max Azria runway is anything to go by, those of us who invested in a camel coat this Winter (and let's face it, as the most coveted item around, most of us did) will be able to carry it through another cold season.

The Lust List...

If this beauty is anything to go by, it looks like Spring/Summer 11 is going to be a great season for River Island.

This yellow skirt will breathe new life into any tired Winter wardrobe.

The loose fit and retro pattern create a vintage vibe and the use of dark brown in the skirt makes it the perfect transitional piece.

It's the little details that ensure River Island is at the top of it's game - so often a cute little belt is included in the price of a dress or skirt. On this occasion I adore the included belt, and it makes styling this skirt a doddle.

Wear with brown brogues and a plain knit cardie now and with a satchel and tee come Summer.

Yellow Floral Print Skirt, River Island, £24.99

The Fighter: Film Review

Despite not being a fan of boxing, I've always been a keen viewer of films that focus on the sport. As a genre, I find boxing films tend to be very 'edge of your seat' viewing and often have a great back story for the key characters - traits I can't help but appreciate.

This film is no different. The scenes of "Irish" Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg, in the ring are made of serious stuff. Yet, the tension is really in the interaction of Micky and his family.

Christian Bale shines in his role as Micky's older step-brother, Dicky Eklund. A boxer who lives off the memory of a night when he floored titleholder Sugar Ray Leonard, years later he is a drug addict, a womaniser and Micky's coach. He fails to turn up for training, persuades Micky to participate in unevenly matched and dangerous fights and along with Micky's mother Alice, played by Melissa Leo, is gradually destroying Micky's boxing career. Cue Charlene (Amy Adams), a spirited barmaid who believes she can free Micky of his family's control, giving him a chance to prove his real talent.

Though some critics suggest Bale's performance is so loud it verges on the side of grotesque, I feel it was a brave and almost pitch-perfect attempt. Bale does not shy away from the task of honestly portraying Dicky's awfully embarrassing actions, nor does he attempt to sentimentalise or justify them, despite how uncomfortable this may make the audience. Wahlberg's Micky, is also excellent, though a very quiet performance in comparison.

Though usually I dislike films shot in a documentary style (I tend to feel it has been done one too many times), on this occasion it worked. It showcased Bale and Wahlberg's characters more intimately, and fitted well with the boxing genre.

This is a surprisingly funny and moving film, but I can't help but compare it to Michael Mann's Ali ( 2001), and if I'm honest it would be tough for any boxing film to top that epic movie.

Trend Alert: Brogues

The androgynous look is always en vogue, and this Spring offers a new treat in the form of the brogue. The key item to the boy meets girl look that was all over the S/S11 catwalks.

I've been considering investing in a pair of brogues for some time, but the masculine shoe is not really my style - I'm quite girly at heart. Yet, working in an office and not wanting to wear heels every day, has led me to the conclusion that this shoe would be a sound and timely investment.

To keep it in-line with the rest of my wardrobe, I've opted for a brogue with feminine detailing and a pale colour.

This shoe by Aldo is a great choice at only £40 and is available int he more traditional colours of black and brown. I think the thin sole, slim fit and almond shape toe keep this practical shoe looking stylish. Surely, this is the shoe of February.

Kegerries Brogue, Aldo, £40