Hello Oscar, It’s Me, Fabulous.
February 23, 2009
I’m drinking beer, eating pizza, and watching the Oscars. (I’m a classy lady.) My Sunday night activities are not promoting my goal to have a body like Penelope Cruz, but I’ll deal with that tomorrow.
The Oscars are the night when fashion icons are made and stars are born. Recession, fecession, 2009 was no different. The stars broke out their rarest diamonds and finest gowns to steal the show at the 81st annual academy awards. While we might not be able to call Mr. Lagerfeld and Ms. Cartier to ask for borrowed goods, we can easily score the stores for Oscar-inspired looks. Thankfully, Oligoville has taken the first few steps inspired from the best dressed of the evening to get you an Oscar winning look.


This $725 Nicole Miller strapless gown from Nordstroms echoes the sparkle, whimsical spirit, and sweetheart neckline of Penelope’s gown. 

Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto’s is a dream to be scene in her one-armed blue gown by John Galliano. This House of Dereon knock-off from Bloomingdale’s at $390 has the essence of Freida and the aura of the Oscars. You might not be able to lay your hands on a 100 year-old ring from India like Freida did, but with this bright blue baby nobody will even notice.


Amy Adams stopped the show in a luscious cherry-red gown. This Moschino Cheap and Chic read starlett is a ringer for Amy’s sexy spirit at $755.
Style Icon: Michelle Obama
January 6, 2009
The day after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the headlines weren’t just about the new milestone our country had just experienced … it was about Michelle Obama’s dress on that historic night.
I applaud our future first lady for this choice and others she has made, that push the envelope and introduce the country and the world to designers they wouldn’t have necessarily come across otherwise. Her bold choices are a sign of independence, confidence and gusto … BRAVO !!
The future of our country seems to be laying in the hands of Obama …Mrs. Obama that is.What will decide this future? The dress she dons on January 20, 2009 for her husband’s inauguration. Of course, we all know what you wear makes a huge impression, but to have so much riding on it is unprecedented. Her choice will signify hope, promise, and for sure influence women everywhere in their fashion choices. Designers will use Michelle as a muse, and inspiration will trickle to the runways for seasons to come.
Many believe her choice should be an American designer, and I agree. It should stimulate excitement for the garment industry in the US, which is especially feeling the strains of the economy. There is a very delicate balance to focus on. The coveted choice Michelle makes shouldn’t be too over the top, alienating the more conservative mass, yet with her obvious youth and spunk … a fun, fabulous, slightly risky pick would be perfect.
Oscar de la Renta has been a first lady favorite for years, with Laura Bush as a huge fan and before her Hillary Clinton.
There’s Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Rodarte, Nicole Miller, amongst others.
Tracy Reese would be an amazing choice; being a successful, accomplished African-American woman, very similar to our future first lady. Not to mention her designs are simply stunning.
Michael Kors has national recognition with his Project Runway fame; his designs are clean, classy and crisp, sophisticated and spectacular. He also is accessible, with a bridge line Michael Michael Kors … making him attainable for the masses, and the pick I am pushing for !!
Quelle colour? Michelle looks amazing in most tones. Purple seems to be her color of choice. Blue would be absolutely appropriate, Red might be too much after her election night pick, and Black might be too basic.
In this case, and always: Understated elegance is always best.
She also has her two daughters to keep in mind, Sasha and Malia. They always seem to blend perfectly, with few words; their wardrobe often speaks to their individual and unique personalities.
Now that the election is over, and our choice for president has been made, the question is: What will Michelle wear? I can’t wait to see for myself …
Article written by Alana Kelen, Head stylist for VH1
















