Sometimes you’re just feeling bold and you want to mix it up and take chances. I can assure you there are two times in your life that this is not the time to take a serious fashion risk. One is your wedding day and the other is if you have the honor to attend the Academy Awards. These are the times to let your individuality shine but, use good sense and listen to those around you. On that note, lets go over my picks for the WORST Oscar Fashions from the 2011 awards show.

Cate Blanchett – I don’t even know where to begin. Cate took a bold fashion risk, I’ll give her that.  But, this apron-fronted Givenchy gown had just about everything wrong with it. The fit was flawless but the rest of it should have been left on the proverbial ‘cutting room floor’. By far the most confused look  of the night.

Nicole Kidman – Many years from now, Nicole is going to look back on this gown and ask herself  “What was I thinking?” I am already asking. In her Dior Haute Couture beaded peplum gown, she reminded me of a futuristic meter maid.

Penelope Cruz –  The L’Wren Scott gown accented her  figure beautifully, her hair, make-up and accessories were all beautiful. Unfortunately there was no real style to the gown and I felt like I could have seen the same thing in the Miss Universe pageant.

Helena Bonham Carter – A great actress really immerses herself in her character. However, after the film is released to DVD you can stop dressing like the the Mad Hatter, or whatever she had in mind when she picked out this  Colleen Atwood disaster. On a bright note,  at least she had time to stop in Chinatown and pick up a little plastic fan in case she broke out in a sweat.

Scarlett Johansson – We get it …you have a rockin’ bod and gorgeous hair. This Dolce & Gabanna gown, however, was too heavy looking and did not have any elements that fit your tiny frame. I also don’t think the Oscars is a good  time to have “bed head”.

Amy Adams – I have never been a huge fan of turtleneck sleeveless gowns. This navy blue, beaded, L’Wren Scott gown is no exception. Paired with the fact that the hair is too casual for this look and the necklace was too matronly, this entire look fell short for me.

Michelle Williams – When you have a gorgeous face and adorable figure, it is easy to look great in anything. Michelle’s ivory, pearl encrusted, Chanel gown is the exception. This  silhouette is designed for a very small busted, less curvy woman. It was too heavy looking and the lack of color made  this petite pixie beauty look like a faded photo of herself.

Marisa Tomei – She opted for a vintage gown circa 1950’s by Charles James,  which is a difficult choice – obviously. The truth is that women today are not built the same way the were 60 years ago. If you decide to wear vintage you have to fill out the dress completely and have it fitted to your frame. This means you have to bring your ‘A’ game and your ‘C’ cup. The  beauty of the gown was lost while we sat and tried to figure out where her boobs were.

Agree or disagree? Let me know! In the meantime, you can see the hottest couture bridal designer fashions by clicking below:

https://www.bridalshowexpo.com/fos_video_bride.html?PHPSESSID=823d669ebc3c999e7ad29cad873bbc56

Tomorrow we tackle the Tuxes in our ‘Menswear Review’!

– Penny for Bridal Expo Chicago