Fashion at the Oscars: Jennifer Lopez in Giorgio Armani Prive & Sarah Jessia Parker in Chanel Haute Couture

One of my favorite nights in fashion just came to a close and of course I’m here to give you my two cents.  When I covered the Golden Globes earlier this year, the main thing I took away was that I was…yawn, bored.  The Oscars were a bit more interesting but most actresses still played it safe – but at least some had the good sense to wear couture!

My two favorite dresses of the night happened to be haute couture:  Jennifer Lopez in Giorgio Armani Prive and Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Haute Couture.  Lopez was stunning in an iridescent pink dress that was equally sparkly and dramatic.  The extra petal at her hip were beautiful and accentuated her feminine curves.  Parker’s gown, on the other hand, was striking in it’s simplicity. The most beautiful part of the dress was the neckline and back of the dress.  Both women wore the most popular hairdo of the night – the messy updo.

Fashion at the Oscars: Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa & Mo'Nique in Tadashi Shoji

The best story behind an outfit – without a doubt – goes to Mo’Nique.  Her entire ensemble was dedicated and made in homage to Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actor to be nominated and win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind.  Mo’Nique stated:

The reason why I have on this royal blue dress is because it’s the color that Hattie McDaniel wore in 1940 when she accepted her Oscar. The reason why I have this gardenia in my hair, it is the flower that Hattie McDaniel wore when she accepted her Oscar. So for you, Miss Hattie McDaniel, I feel you all over me.

Overall, the ladies looked lovely and there weren’t too many missteps… though of course I had my least favorites.  Here’s my quick rundown on the trends I picked up on and my picks for different categories:

Color Trends:  Lots of metallic shimmer, especially gold, but silver and iridescent were also really popular.  Blue also was a popular color for the night – from midnight navy to royal blue to pale baby blue – blue was popular in many shades.  Pale blush was also on the carpet and I must say, I was not a fan.  The color of the dresses were too close to the color of Demi Moore’s & Anna Kendrick’s skin – they blended in too much and were not flattering (which was a shame because Demi’s dress was gorgeous!).

Couture:  Finally!  The ladies wore couture.  From Chanel, Giorgio Armani Prive, Atelier YSL, Atelier Versace, Donna Karan Couture – the ladies went a bit more high fashion.

High Slits:  At the Golden Globes the ladies showed off their um, “globes” – at the Oscars, they showed off their legs with thigh high slits.  Mariah Carey, Zoe Saldana, Demi Moore, Anna Kendrick and Jennifer Lopez all showed us a little leg.

The Messy Updo:  I’m not sure if it was the weather (rainy) or if it was intentional, but many of the ladies had messy updo’s.  Jennifer Lopez, SJP, Zoe Saldana, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Ritchie and Miley Cyrus all wore this look.

Most Improved:  Tina Fey in Michael Kors looked great.  Word on the street was that Vogue helped style her – and it showed.  She looked beautiful while still looking strong and intelligent and didn’t have any uncomfortably low necklines.  Mariah Carey also came far.  She still had the girls on display but this look was almost classy for her.

Least Favorite:  Charlize Theron & Zoe Saldana.  Charlize’s awkwardly placed rosettes drew all the attention to the breasts – and looked ridiculous.  Yes, Dior, apparently, can do wrong.  Zoe’s dress was beautiful from the waist up but the mass of tiny ruffles on the bottom of the dress was just too much.

Most In Need of Finishing School:  Miley Cyrus and Kristen Steward are tied for this one.  Kristen Stewart should stick to converse because she can’t pull off glamour.  She needs to wipe off that smug look off her face and stop slouching before she hits the red carpet.  Miley actually has great Oscar dresses (she had one of my favorites) – she just needs to be able to wear it like a lady.

Check out the gallery to see for yourself and let us know your favorites, least favorites, etc…

Jennifer Lopez is on the comeback!

The internet has been buzzing about the new track, “Fresh Out The Oven” released from Jennifer Lopez, er, Lola featuring Miami rapper, Pitbull and production from The Neptunes. I just wanna clear one thing up. Jennifer Lopez has been known for years as Lola. It is the nickname that her husband Marc Anthony calls her, he even referenced her in the liner notes of his 2004 album, Amar Sin Mentiras. This is the first time Jennifer is reaching out to her fans with the moniker and for long time supporters it’s a sweet move. J.LO was the tough Nuyorican from the Bronx, and Lola, who from the teaser video seems to be an exotic beauty with one hell of a sexy silhouette.

According to her rep:

“Lola is just for this song, it’s not her ongoing persona,” says a source close to the singer. “It’s something fun. She hasn’t become Sasha Fierce [Beyoncé's artistic alter ego]. There won’t be anything to do with Lola on her Love? album.”
“This is a hot club record that the label loved and Jennifer thought was fun. Jennifer and Pitbull got together and the record leaked. Lola is a fun character just for this song.”

Love? will be Jen’s seventh studio album and it’s set to be released in January. Not saying that I love all of her music, but she sure is fun to look at! She always brings the attitude and you cannot knock her hustle. It’s a boriqua thing y’all. Listen to the track here:

Summer’s here and you know what that means… countdown! For no reason other than the fact that everyone loves a good top-5 list, we here at M.I.S.S bring you one of epic summer proportions, the Top 5 fashion-friendly musical biopics (whew, what a mouthful!). Read on to find out our five favorite flicks that chronicle the lives, times, and fashions of some of music’s biggest legends.

Fashion Meets Film: The Countdown: #5: Lady Sings the Blues

#5: Lady Sings the Blues – The “Supreme Diva”, Miss Diana Ross, starred in this 1972  flick which chronicled the embittered life of jazz legend Billie Holiday. With a gut-wrenching performance from Miss Ross, the film recreated Billie’s personal struggles to a tee, at the same time showcasing her unforgettable songs about love and heartbreak. Costuming for the film was done by legendary designer Bob Mackie, who also did the costuming for Barbara Streisand’s Funny Girl. The dresses were crafted with painstaking detail and every ruffled hem recreated the 1920s elegance and sex appeal that Billie was so famous for. Of course, accessories were a big part of Billie’s look and translated well to the film – check out the clip below for her signature wide-brimmed hat, and if you watch the film you’ll get a glimpse of the infamous flower that was always perched in Billie’s hair.

Fashion Meets Film: The Countdown: #4: La Vie En Rose

#4: La Vie En Rose -  Another tragic female singer flick, this 2007 Oscar winner star beauty Marion Cotillard as the influential French songstress Edith Piaf. Capturing Piaf’s rise to fame and bouts with depression, the film’s costuming department had the unique challenging of creating looks that spanned several decades. Edith’s post-Wartime wardrobe of the 1930s,  her younger years, consisted of playful sailor suits, elegant menswear, and the Charlie Chaplin-esque bow ties that were the norm for the fashionable women of the period. As Edith transitions from the early days of her singing career to the heights of stardom, circa WWII, the film makes a point to show her adopting the signature simple black frock that would become her staple. As Edith – and Marion Cotillard, (with the help of some amazing makeup wizards) ages, the frock remains the same. Tired and true, who can’t relate to Piaf’s heartache and need for the perfect LBD!

Fashion Meets Film: The Countdown: #3: Sid and Nancy

#3: Sid and Nancy – Apparently, women aren’t the only ones who suffer downfalls! One viewing of this 1986 film is all you need to see that men are just as dramatically tragic. Sid and Nancy follows Sex Pistol frontman Sid Vicious’ descent into heroin and the resulting burtal murder of his American girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Sounds dreadful, but its a musical! The fashion is gritty and accurately reflects the reality of the 70s punk scene. Spungen’s hair is nothing less than a plantinum blonde masterpiece, the perfect match for Sid’s spiked leather jacket. His jeans are ripped and uber tight, and the bare chest and punked-out jewelery are as Sex Pistols as can be.  Peep the clip below of Gary Oldman singing his little heroine-laced heart out, and take notice of his vintage punk look, especially the white blazer!

Fashion Meets Film: The Countdown: #2: Notorious

#2: Notorious – This recent blockbuster doesn’t even need an introduction, a simple “Represent, Baby Baby!” is all that’s needed. The story of the man, the myth, and the fashion icon who “stays Coogi down to the socks”, Notorious does a great job of capturing the burgeoning “ghettofab” look of the period. From B.I.G’s Timbs and sweatsuits, to his infamous bowler hats, pinstriped suits,  cascading furs and canes, this flick definitely reps the ghettofab steez that BIG made famous.

And drumroll please….

Fashion Meets Film: The Countdown: #1: Selena

#1: Selena – If you haven’t yet caught this 1997 classic, I shudder to think what you’ve been doing with your life in the meantime! Jenny from the Block gives an honest portrayal of slain Tejano music superstar Selena Quintanilla Perez, and garnered a Golden Globe nod for her work.  The film takes us on a journey in Southern Texas as we watch Selena grow from a child performing at local fairs, to a full-bodied woman trying to get her father to accept her fashion choices, in particular one skimpy bustier! Selena’s interest in fashion becomes a major plot point in the film, as we watch her open her own boutique. Her day-to-day style channeled a gentler version of the Chola-look popular at the time (think deep red lips, belly-baring shirts, and huge hoops, Selena rocked it all!), while her on-stage looks mirrored the sexy appeal of popular mainstream divas of the 90s such as Janet Jackson and Madonna who favored high-waisted pants, cropped belly-baring boxy jean jackets or boleros, and the infamous pointy (and otherwise non-pointy) bustiers. Check out the scene of Selena unveiling her sequined bra on stage for the first time below, and rent this movie for a summer night with the girls if you aren’t already a super fan!

Well M.I.S.S readers, we’ve come to the end of our star-studded musical countdown. Hopefully you’ve got the beat in you, and your DVD player now, and be sure to leave a comment letting us know your favorite musical biopics!

There is this pattern where musicians and actors will switch careers within entertainment- you know how recording artists will move to the big screen and Hollywood will move to the music studios. For one reason or another, many of these artists have a hard time transitioning themselves from what they have been recognized for and into the new job he or she embarks on (ahem, Beyonce!) But I would like to give kudos to the Top 8 artists who have gracefully accomplished shifting multiple careers at a time. I present to you the best singers turned actors and vice versa nominated by moi. This is based on the best transition within careers and not in any particular order.

1. Will Smith: rapper -> actor

Before this man was saving the world one blockbuster at a time, he was the first rapper to win a Grammy for his and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand”. He then got his acting career jump-started with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and has been a hit ever since. Movies like  Men In Black, Independence Day, I Am Legend, Ali and Hancock have credited Will Smith as a serious actor, not just a rapper playing himself. As of today, Will Smith has won over the hearts of many people through his films and continues to set positives examples, one being the support of family.

2. Jamie Foxx: comedian ->singer -> actor

He has the capability to make you laugh, cry, dance, or fantasize. In the early 90’s Jamie Foxx, built up his popularity by making people laugh in the comedy clubs. His most famed works were for Def Comedy Jam produced by Russell Simmons. After his comedy success, he hit the television screen on the comedy show ‘In Livin Color’ (who can forget the infamous Wanda?) and was later given his own sitcom ‘The Jamie Foxx Show.’ Jamie’s movie career is also a remarkable accomplishment- a few of his early works being Booty Call, Any Given Sunday, Miami Vice, and The Kingdom. Ray and Collateral were two films that won Jamie Foxx  Oscar nominations in the same year, a feat that has only been accomplished once before him by actor Al Pacino. Today he has the radio on lock with his latest single “Blame It” featuring T-Pain off his third album “Intuition” that went platinum and continues to be heard by the people on his Sirius station Foxxhole.

3. Justin Timberlake: actor -> singer

From the studio to the big screen, Justin Timberlake illustrates what he knows best and that is performance. Starting off as an actor on the Mickey Mouse Club then moving to the music group *Nsync, Justin Timberlake became noticed for being more than a cute boy from the south. His debut album Justified was the beginning of a successful solo career and he kept the music in motion with the release of his sophomore album “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” Movies such as Alpha Dog and Black Snake Moan show off Justin’s dramatic side, but he can also make you laugh with his frequented SNL parody cameos.

4. Queen Latifah: Hip-Hop Pioneer ->actress

A pioneering woman in Hip-Hop, and asking for nothing less than “U.N.I.T.Y” the Queen gained her acting break on movies like “Juice” which eventually landed her on the T.V. series ‘Living Single’. She has starred in movies such as Set It Off, Bringing Down The House, and Chicago, and has been awarded a Golden Globe for her role in Life Support. Besides the movies and Hip-Hop, Queen Latifah has also shifted herself into jazz releasing the album Trav’lin Light which was nominated for a Grammy.

5. Jennifer Lopez: dancer ->actress -> singer

Jenny from the Bronx started her career dancing her ass off on Yo! MTV Raps then later as a Fly Girl dancer for In Living Color. As an example of life imitating art, Lopez’s breakout role was playing the slain Tejano star Selena, and she started working on her own singing career alongside her budding movie roles.  Anaconda, The Cell, and Out Of Sight are just a few of J. Lo’s movie roles that exposed her capability to play diverse characters. I remember seeing her breakout into dance on her debut single’s video “If You Had My Love” and was hooked ever since. “Waiting For Tonight”, “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” and “Get Right” are just a few of the hits that illustrate the diva in J.LO, alongside her clothing and perfume lines.

6. Aubrey Graham aka Drake: actor ->rapper, singer

There are a lot of music lovers in the States who definitely have no problem with tuning into this man hailing from Toronto. He is mainly notable for his character Jimmy on The-N’s T.V. series Degrassi and now popular because of his lyrical content and projects with Trey Songz as Lil Wayne’s newest protege on his “Young Money Record” imprint. His mixtape “So Far So Gone” has been a hit on the streets and is adding plenty of cool points to his budding music career. Newly-certified as the “Next Big Thing” in the music industry, Drake has successfully transitioned between various forms of entertainment, not to mention, has become quite the lady-killer along the way.  Watch out now!

I was one of the many, many people glued to their TVs to see what the celebrities (and their stylists) decided they should wear to the Golden Globe Awards.  There were gorgeous gowns, dazzling jewels and coiffed coifs.  Dior seemed to score big with many leading ladies wearing gowns by John Galliano for Dior.  But the biggest trend of the night was in the hair category – so many bangs in face!  I didn’t mind it, more annoying was the constant moving of the hair from the face.  As usual, there were the people that looked great, and people who I just looked at and wondered:  “Really, you have THAT much money and THAT much access to couture and diamonds and THAT’S the best you could do?”  One of my favorite looks of the night was Susan Sarandan in a black tux paired with a corset and long diamond necklaces.  Here’s a brief breakdown of my favorites, trends, and WTFs?

2 Favorite Dresses (minus the silly expressions):

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab & Kate Beckinsdale in J. Mendel

It comes as no surprise that 2 of my favorite dresses would be black and white.  Wood’s dress is evocative of Chanel to me and is glamorous and age appropriate and a good choice for an award’s show.  Beckinsdale’s dress was my favorite of the night for pure dramatic effect.  The neckline was gorgeous and she carried it beautifully.  I didn’t love her earrings but she was smart in skipping the necklace and going with big earrings.  I hate when people feel like they need to junk up their decolletage in a strapless dress with a necklace.

3 more favorites:

Kate Winslet in YSL, Eva Mendes in Dior, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Lanvin

I love Kate Winslet – she’s smart, funny, strong and a “Dame” in the making.  Her choice in dress reflected her personality – it was sleek, sophisticated and strong.  Eva Mendes was beautiful in Dior (though I was surprised she wasn’t in Calvin Klein – you know, the perfume deal . . .) and her necklace was pretty though I don’t know if I loved them together.  And Maggie Gyllenhaal looked fresh, young and independent in her Lanvin gown.  I thought all 3 ladies had nice hairstyles – I’m a big fan of up-dos for fancy occasions and their coiffs were modern and not stuffy at all.
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