My Top 10 Favorite Oscar Dresses…

So I’m not really an awards show person. I find them boring and too long and I generally don’t care. What I DO care about are the red carpets before the awards. And the red carpet of all red carpets? Well the Oscars of course! So here’s a little list of some of my favorite Oscar red carpet moments…

Last year’s red carpet was pretty awesome. I remember Lupita Nyong’o walking down in that BEAUTIFUL blue Prada dress and my jaw just dropped! That color! The way it moved… the headband! It was perfection. Her whole red carpet season was flawless in my opinion but this dress makes my top 10 for sure. Cinderella come to life.

Kate Hudson in Versase was another perfect look for me. Her hair, makeup and that body… YES. I especially love the bold shoulder and the little cape action. I’m a sucker for a back moment.

In 2011 came two more of my favorites, both in beautiful pastel hues and both stunning for different reasons.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy? Yes please. This dress got a lot of mixed opinions but I love everything about it. The pop of neon against the most perfect pinkish lilac and the intricacy of the beading detail make me swoon. That edgy sculpted shoulder juxtiposed against the pleated flowy fabric is that touch of badass that takes this dress to the next level.

Now Mila Kunis in Elie Saab is another story. Girly flirty sexy feminine perfection. Showing skin in such a sexy yet sophisticated way… I just love this dress. Romantic is an understatement.

In 2010 I LOVED another dress that got mixed reviews- Zoe Saldana in Givenchy. The ruffled purple ombre was UH-Mazing and that glittery top sent me to girly heaven! I loved it and was really surprised that lots of people hated it. Like, whaaaaa??

Ah, and Sandra Bullock in that perfect Marchesa number. She looked like a beautiful glittery Oscar. She looked like a goddess. And this was the year she won the Oscar for best actress and made a beautiful speech (ok sometimes I watch the speeches- I’m a sucker for a good cry) and then her disgusting cheater husband smiled at her lovingly while she thanked him. YUCK. …but I digress. She was stunning and I loved her in that moment.

ISABEL MARANT, DICTATOR OF FRENCH COOL, SAYS '80S FASHION IS BACK FOR FALL

A look from Isabel Marant's fall 2016 collection. Photo: Imaxtree

With all the attention the '90s have gotten from the fashion community for the past several seasons, we forgot how fun the '80s were. Having only spent about a year of that decade alive, I'm referring more to pop culture's depiction of it, and it appears that we're going to start dressing like that again soon based on Isabel Marant's fall 2016 collection (Lanvin went there too, as did a few other designers, though more subtly). As upbeat '80s hits played in the elegant Place Colette near the Palais-Royal, attendees forgot all about the gloomy weather outside. Marant seemed set on making this show a fun one.

The '80s can be a tricky inspiration point to execute, but Marant did it the right way — without much of the tackiness that's often associated with that era of fashion. Hair was teased just the right amount, and several models' bouncy curls had me rethinking my decision to straighten my own. Plus, the fact that this was a fall collection helped keep things classy: patent leather miniskirts and pants were tastefully paired with wool knits and/or oversized, ankle-length coats. Preppy sweaters were layered over button-downs and Victorian-style blouses. Animal prints were balanced out by somber grays and plaids. Ruffly, partly sheer, black silk dresses looked romantic and luxurious while evoking an '80s dance club vibe.

A few of the bolder pieces, like a long, bright red patent leather coat with a studded belt or a shiny, red, skintight satin jumpsuit with a gigantic bow on one shoulder, won't be for everyone, but there were plenty of wearable pieces with commercial appeal. I'm also willing to bet that even for those of us who can't afford Isabel Marant, her '80s influence will still find a way into our wardrobes in the coming year. The designer does have a way of knowing just how women want to dress, after all.

5 style hacks every man should know

Life’s hard. So if there’s an easy way of doing things, well, you can always colour us interested. Looking your best costs time and money, so to save you a bit of both, we’ve cobbled together a list of ways you can cut corners without sacrificing so much as an ounce of style.

1. Roll Your Shirt Sleeves Like A Marine

Sometimes it’s the little things that let your outfit down. Messily rolled shirt sleeves not only make you look like you’re about to do battle with a blocked toilet, they’ll also repeatedly fall back down your forearms. Annoying.

For a neat roll, deploy the marine’s approach:

1. Start with your sleeves fully extended and cuffs unbuttoned.
2. Bend the sleeve at the cuff, curl it upward and over itself until it’s inside out.
3. Straighten both the bottom and top of the rolled cuff, ensuring there are no creases.
4. Repeat the process as necessary, gradually folding up to the desired height on your arm.

2. Sock It To ‘Em

Nothing quite kills a carefully curated ensemble like a pair of wayward socks. Small (and mostly out of sight) as they may be, a flash of Spongebob under your glove-fit suit trousers instantly undoes any and all of your efforts.

Stop playing a game of chance with your sock drawer and stock up on styles that actually work with what you usually wear. As a general rule of thumb, match the colour of your socks to that of your trousers (a shade darker or lighter works too); or, for more seasoned players, try a contrasting colour that doesn’t clash so much as complement your trouser and shoe choice.

For more tips on this subject, check out our guide to matching your socks to your outfit.

3. Put A Stop To Pilling

Bobbles wrecking your knitwear vibes? Restore your garment’s true nap with a Sweater Stone. Simply stroke this pumice-like lifesaver gently over your pilling pieces and see the finish of your jumpers, jacket collars and cuffs instantly renewed.

In a pinch? Raid the bathroom cabinet instead. A disposable razor will do a similar de-bobbling job, but should be used sparingly as the blades can damage sensitive fibres.

4. Rotate

Not only is wearing the same thing day in, day out terminally boring, it’s bad for your clothing’s lifespan too. Leaving a day or so between wearing your favourite pair of brogues or that trusty white T-shirt allows them to absorb perspiration and dry thoroughly.

Fail to do this and your footwear’s shape warps, while your tees quickly acquire that pungent fragrance you’ll never quite be able to wash out.

5. Kill Creases With Ice Cubes

No time to iron? CBA to iron? Get rid of wrinkles the easy way by chucking your shirt into the dryer along with a couple of ice cubes and then run it on its hottest setting. Once the ice cubes melt to steam, the dryer’s hot, moist air relaxes creases, leaving your shirt smooth and fresh.

Don’t get heavy-handed, though – use two to three ice cubes max, and be sure to only run a couple of shirts, or a shirt and a pair of trousers, at a time.

Men’s Accessories Trends 2016 I Mirrored Glasses I Blue Suits I Tangerine Bags

Mirrored Glasses Trend

If you’re anything like us here at the Trendspotter, your collection of sunglasses is updated as often as you can find an excuse to do so. When it comes to guys’ sunglasses, the standard old athletic style is no longer your only option. Unlike women, who accessorize with jewelery and handbags, sunglasses have become an important part of a trendy accessory and a man’s outfit. So, looking the part by throwing on cool shades is one of a few opportunities to reflect one’s personal style. Seems as though this year, the sunglasses are coming roaring back into popularity in a big way. And we’ve spied a major trend to try this season are retro chic designs with mirrored lenses. That’s right, from the streets to the runways and back, mirrored sunglasses are back in action 90’s style. We can’t help but notice the plethora of mirrored styles modeled everywhere this season. Designers are going bolder than ever by introducing brightly coloured lenses in hues of blues, pinks, or purples feel fresh just in time for the new season. Whether you’re looking to channel a bit of that downtown cool-kid vibe or a glamour boy, the of-the-moment mirrored shade will provide an instant update from a simple polo shirt to a relaxed tux.

1.Le Specs Round Sunglasses With Mirrored Lens, 2. Westward Leaning Color Revolutions Acetate Square Sunglasses/Blue, 3. Marc Jacobs Sunglasses MJ 364S 06Q/89, 4. Ermenegildo Zegna Sunglasses SZ3249 589B A, 5. Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Cut Polarized UT 47 OGMGLP

Blue Suits & Jackets Trend

It’s no surprise when warmer months are around the corner, the colour preference in menswear becomes much more popular and acceptable. Well, this season is no exception. The high fashion designers are all about advocating colourful suits. If you are not one who does tailoring every day, perhaps a special occasion requiring a tailored attire can be an excuse to try this trend. And you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.Two of the biggest designers celebrating colour tailoring this season are Paul Smith and Gucci. Featuring colour suits in hues reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer, aquamarine blues and pastel turquoise suits and jackets created a colour palette that maintain the overall aesthetic understated and refined. Most blue suits offer a solid foundation for playful accessorising. Lending itself to a broad range of complementary shades, like purple or burgundy, blue tailoring demonstrates that colourful suiting can be toned down when paired with more restrained neutrals. When paired with white shirts, supper skinny tailoring offers a suit mod-like appeal. While a pale shade of blue gives even the most formally cut suit a playful air when put together with white loafers for a slick yet sophisticated summer feel. So there we have it. Both the high fashion and the streets are undoubtedly giving a nod to all hues of blue when it comes to tailoring this season. Will you?

Tangerine Bags Trend

Nothing makes a statement quite like tangerine or high-octane orange – a favourite shade among top designers this season. It has been declared the IT colour and the runways in Paris, Milan, New York and London were filled with it. Also known as red-orange, it is the ultimate way to wear bright bold colour this year. In men’s deparment, this bold colour trend has trickled down to the accessories department and the bags seem to have it. Fashion houses such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermes, Dolce & Gabanna and, Christian Dior definitely gave a convincing account why orange should be on your list this season. Paired with natural tones, like navy, grey, or white or juxtaposed to another one of the hottest trends this season – camouflage – tangerine is certainly striking yet really versatile statement colour to accessorise your outfit with . So, what about the shapes of the bags? Look for daytime clutches – medium in size – which are easy to carry, or opt for a top handle satchels, which offer both function and style.

GRAMMY AWARDS 2016: THE 8 BEST DRESSED LADIES

Ellie Goulding in Stella McCartney. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

We must admit that this year's Grammys red carpet was a nice little break from all of the fall collections we've been following at New York Fashion Week. There was Lady Gaga's ensemble, a dedication to the late, great David Bowie, custom-made by Marc Jacobs, along with Taylor Swift's brand new haircut that immediately drew comparisons to Anna Wintour. And although Bella Hadid isn't exactly a pop star, she still managed to make a head-turning impression as she walked alongside her beau The Weeknd. Musicians — natural performers that they are — really know how to make an appearance.

From Ellie Goulding's sparkling number by Stella McCartney to Selena Gomez's presentation gown straight off the runway, click through the gallery below to see who made the cut as Fashion best dressed ladies of the night.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA CEO ALEX BOLEN TALKS WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BRAND

Alex Bolen has been CEO of Oscar de la Renta since mid-2004. Photo: Oscar de la Renta

By his own admission, Alex Bolen "never meant to become a garmento." Before his father-in-law, the late Oscar de la Renta, appointed him CEO of his namesake company in the summer of 2004, Bolen had spent 14 years on Wall Street. "It was a big surprise."

In the United States, de la Renta's name was as famous then as it is now, but the business has changed dramatically. Ahead of the house's fall show, we spoke with Bolen by phone about the company's transformation over the past 11-and-a-half years, why he's not obsessed with chasing younger customers and what it's like to work with de la Renta's creative successor, Peter Copping, who will be celebrating his one-year anniversary on the Oscar runway this Tuesday.

You became CEO of Oscar de la Renta in July 2004, when you were just 36, and the company was a $650-million business with no stores and quite a number of licenses. Where is the company now compared to then?

The business has really been dramatically reoriented. In 2004, our business was organized in a kind of designer 1990s licensing model, where the high-end runway product was not the driver of the business, but was very much a promotional tool to drive a lot of very lucrative licenses. Those licenses were not approached in a highly thoughtful way, other than how much income was generated by them. And it was, for Oscar, a great business model. But it's not a business model that in our estimation would stand the test of time — let's not forget that in the '90s there were many, many department stores in the U.S., and now there's only one left, and that's Macy's. So we had to reorient things. We decided we would focus more on the high-end women's ready-to-wear product, and make that the core of our business. We have built a series of retail stores around the world, and expanded our geographic footprint both through retail and wholesale. In 2004, somewhere between 96 and 100 percent of our business was U.S.-oriented, despite the fact that Oscar's name was known around the world. That seemed to me an opportunity, and it has been. Our business today is roughly 60/40 North America to the rest of the world. In 2004 our revenue was 100 percent wholesale, 0 percent retail, and now it's about 50/50.

For most brands, leather goods and accessories are where the money's at. But that's not the case for Oscar — you've said beforethe company's staple is $4,000 cocktail dresses. Is that a model you're trying to change?

It's not as if we haven't tried in accessories, but there was more authenticity, more brand logic to pursuing women's ready-to-wear. That's what Oscar did, that's what Oscar loved, what our brand was about — making beautiful dresses for day, evening, long, short. We do still aspire to having a robust accessories business — shoes, bags, those are works in progress. We'll get there.

What is currently driving company growth?

I would say our expansion internationally, and to a lesser degree our expansion in the U.S. The U.S. business is a very mature business, but it continues to grow. There's more we could do, but that is going to  require a $50-$100 million solid sales increase to really move the needle. That's going to come from an accessories offering. I think in other parts of the world, notably Europe, the Middle East and Asia, there's a lot more we can do with the product as it exists today. Places like Japan, where we have typically not had business, are now generating important business. And they really love what [Creative Director] Peter [Copping]'s doing. In the very near term, the next year or two, much of our growth is going to come from continued penetration of international markets.

A dramatic blue gown leads the finale at Oscar de la Renta's spring 2016 show. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent, family-run luxury business vs. being part of a big conglomerate like, say, Kering?

It's difficult for me to speak intelligently on what it's like to be part of a big conglomerate, because I don't really know. I can tell you what I perceive. I am envious of their ability to retain talent, because they have many brands under their umbrella, and when somebody is talented and is unsatisfied at Brand A, they can offer them an opportunity to work at Brand B, and I can't do that. I think that so much of our business is about recruiting talented people; certainly I spend a lot of my time on matters of talent. Without great people, we won't have a great business, it's as simple as that. We have some advantages in regards to talent in a certain way. We are a family business, and we are very non-bureaucratic. I, we, our family want to hire people who are outstanding at their jobs and let them do their jobs. If you would like to run your own show, that is something we can organize here. It requires the right sort of person, and somebody who is very self-motivated, but when we find those people this environment appeals to them.

For a luxury fashion brand, you were incredibly progressive in your embrace of live-streaming and social media, particularly Twitter and Tumblr. How has that investment played out for you?

In our business, it's important to embrace innovation. We try to figure out what is innovative in our industry — whether it's technology, 3-D printing, distribution, commerce or communication — and try to figure out if we can be an early adopter of those things. One other advantage of being a medium-sized business, or independent company, is that we can move more quickly. It's a way we can compete with some of our larger peers. I would say that with regards to social media in particular, that reflected a lot of [former SVP of Communications] Erika [Bearman]'s enthusiasm for that project. We still want to do that, I think it's a great way to communicate with new customers.

Our industry is obsessed with the pursuit of younger customers. I'm not sure we are so obsessed. We are obsessed with new customers, we are obsessed with more people understanding what our brand is about, but I don't know if that's necessarily young. Oscar used to say, I don't make clothes for children, and I would say we do make clothes for children, and he would say that's not the point. The fabrics we use, the way we cut, the techniques, there is a certain sophistication — a customer has to have tried other things to understand why we charge the prices we charge. It's not because we make off-the-charts margins, but look, we put a lot of work into what we do, to understand that comes with understanding of [clothes]. Does that really suit a young customer? I'm not so sure. Every day, a whole new group of people turn 35 — we want to talk to them more often. They have a lifestyle that lends itself to dressing the way that we build a collection of clothes. We don't want to be thought of as their mom's, or grand mom's brand, but I'm not sure we're designing with 20-somethings first and foremost in mind. We hope they're fans, hoping they're thinking when their life and budget allow, they'll wear Oscar.

In what other ways has technology changed the business, or the way things are done?

There's so many examples. We are now developing prototypes in our jewelry business using 3-D printers. Fabrics that used to need to be done by hand in Italy, we can now work with laser printing. Likewise in the sample room, pattern-grading can now be done on a computer. There's a billion things where small innovations create big changes in our production process. In our stores, the ability to have a global inventory system, so that if someone in [our] Madison Avenue [location] is looking to buy a blue dress that's not there, in a second we can find where it is in the world and how we get it to her.

Who is the Oscar de la Renta customer today?

The Oscar de la Renta customer is a woman who appreciates well-made, feminine product, who is very dressed up at all times in her life, day and evening, wants to look great, wants to feel great. Oscar always said that it was his job to help women lead easier lives, to solve their problems, to help them feel great. That is what we're trying to do with our product.

Peter Copping takes a bow at the Oscar de la Renta spring 2016 show in September. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Has the Oscar customer changed since Peter Copping joined the company?

I think that Peter joined our company with his own loyal following, and so he's brought those into the mix. I think some of our business partners in Asia love Peter's aesthetic; at the same time, Peter's very much on board with the general mission of well-made, sophisticated, feminine product for women who like to dress up.

What is your working relationship like with Peter? I never got to see you work directly with Oscar, but I read that you two were quite jokey and you were often jumping in to make design suggestions.

Oscar and I had a bit of an ongoing comedy show, and I think that with Peter, we have a fantastic working relationship — we talk daily, we go over general things, what's happening with our lives in New York City. It is of course a bit different than with Oscar and me because Oscar was [my wife] Eliza's stepfather.

Can you talk to me a little bit about your red carpet strategy. Why is that important to you, how much do you invest in it?

I think that what we strive for is to really develop a relationship between the designer — Oscar in the past, Peter today — and the person they are dressing. I think that Oscar always tried to understand the customer. Whether it was a customer for the red carpet or the customer on a Tuesday buying a skirt on Madison Avenue, he really wanted to solve a problem, to see what she needed. When we can do that as Oscar did with Sarah Jessica Parker, that can be a great thing. I think that when it becomes transactional in nature, I'm not sure what the point is.