My top Oscars Red Carpet Dresses of All Time

Who is ready for Oscar Sunday? 

The Oscars is one of the most watched red carpets in the world next to the MET Gala. Time after time the Oscars has blessed us with numerous fashion forward moments, like who could forget Charlize Theron’s glittering Gucci gown from 2004, or Björk’s Marjan Pejoski swan dress? Growing up, I would sit in my room like I was attending the award show and judge all the outfits like Joan River (RIP). In honor of the ceremony being this Sunday I will be doing the exact same but not before I share what I believe were the greatest Oscar Red Carpet moments. If you are ready for some iconic looks read along. 

Gwyneth Paltrow Ralph Lauren 1999

Not only did Gwyneth Paltrow cement her status as an award-winning actress, but she also cemented her status as a style icon in the making.

Julia Roberts in Valentino, 2001

I’ll never forget it and neither has the fashion world, Julia Roberts in her vintage Valentino gown for her first-time Oscars win for Erin Brockovich. 

Charlize Theron in Gucci, 2004

Charlize Theron’s glittering silver Gucci gown is a prime example that less is often way more on the red carpet. Despite its simple shape, it’s one of the Oscars’ most memorable dresses in history. Theron looked the part of a true Hollywood movie star with a touch of sensual elegance. 

Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, 2014

 There was something truly magical about the Prada dress that Lupita Nyong’o wore to the Oscars in 2014. First off, the pale sky blue color was such a great match for the actress, and a shade you don’t see too often in Hollywood. She looked like a real life Disney Princess.

Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002

My obsession with Elie Saab begun in 2002, when Halle wore this iconic dress that not only shaped history but is part of infamous memes. Halle wore this beauty while accepting the first best actress award for Black woman. #HistoryintheMaking

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior Couture, 2013

Yes, she fell going up the stairs to accept the big prize, but boy did she sure look fabulous doing so. So simple, sexy, elegant and chic. 

Hilary Swank in Guy Laroche, 2005

This dress will FOREVER be my absolute favorite. In fact, my prom dress had the same midnight blue and backless design. If I could be a dress this is it! Classy, sassy with a little bit of assy.

Björk in Marjan Pejoski, 2001

When Björk wore Marjan Pejoski’s Swan dress to the 2001 Oscars, Joan Rivers said, “This girl should be put in an asylum” but this dress has been replicated, used in movies, and such an iconic moment in Oscar history. 

With Sunday approaching I look forward to some Oscar red carpet fashion moments. What was your ultimately Oscar fashion moment? 

Tips on how to afford Luxury Designer

Often times when we want to splurge on a luxury designer item we wonder how can I look rich without going broke? As someone who is pretty open about my weakness for designer handbags and shoes, I know a few tips on how to afford high end pieces. The most important thing to remember is that buying designer items is a luxury and not a need. Now it is perfectly fine to treat yourself, especially after an accomplishment or a life milestone but we have to remember to pay for our actual everyday needs first. Below are some tips to follow so that you can afford to buy designer without feeling guilty about it!

1. Save first

Make sure you are setting up a savings for the future before you invest on a designer piece. This means putting money aside for retirement, your long-term, and short-term goals and also paying all your monthly expenses. I like to balance between spending a big chunk of money and also saving a big chunk of money into my savings. I often times set a goal, for example if the bag I want is $2000, I have to at least have that amount in my savings after the bag is purchased. Always remember, your financial goals are more important than buying a designer handbag. 

2. Buy quality over quantity

Think about all the times you've purchased something cheap that after a few years fell apart or that looked like what you wanted but in reality did not. Completely not worth it right? It's better to buy the item you initially wanted than 5 items that kind of look like the item. Buying the designer style will actually save me money. rather than buying five look alike because in the end I will eventually splurge on the real deal. Additionally, designer will last longer than cheaply made items. Also keep in mind that many designer items if kept almost new count as investment pieces, that can be worn for years or resold. 

3. Wait for your "must-have" pieces to go on sale or buy from the resale market

Although classic pieces from designers rarely go on sale, if you are patient, you can find a lot of seasonal items with a classic vibe in the designer sales. Often times these sales will mark down the seasons colors that did not sell and you can achieve the look for less if you do not mind certain patterns, fabrics or color selections. 

 I am also a huge fan of buying gently used or pre-owned designer handbags from consignment sites like the RealReal, Fashionphile and Rebag. The resale market is much like buying stocks, when the "it" trend is tiny bags you can easily find totes at a cheaper resale price and vice versa. My first designer bag was a Celine luggage tote from the RealReal for half the price and in great condition, and though it is not an "it" bag right now I highly believe the style will come back and I still receive lots of compliments when I wear it. Also, consignment softens luxury’s impact on the environment, and I can approve of that. 

4. Save for the big-ticket items

For the past few years, I have started to take my time with my big buys, I often research and think about what I am going to buy for months. Not being such an impulsive buyer has actually saved me money and now I actually wear what I buy instead of having it in my closet for display.

5. Stay away from fast trends

Stay away from expensive things that are overly trendy. If you want to achieve the look but not invest in the item for long term use depend on stores like Zara and H&M. If you are going to spend a ton of money, it should be on timeless pieces with neutral colors to maximize the wear. 

6. It's not a competition

Buy what you like and what you can afford because you like it and not for anyone else. Don't get caught up keeping up with the Jones or with the social media influencers because they receive these products for marketing purposes and for free. You should always buy something because you love it not because of what anyone else thinks about it.

7. Mix it up

There's nothing wrong with wearing a $10 dollar tank top with a Chanel handbag. Absolutely nothing. Determine what your style is and mix it up. Not everything you wear has to be super expensive. I personally like to splurge on bags and shoes but will never pay more than $50 for a pair of jeans. It’s perfectly okay to have a mix of high end brands with pieces from Zara in your wardrobe, it's called balancing. 

In the end, when it comes to expensive handbags or other high-end fashion purchases, as long as you are doing it the right way, occasional splurges are allowed. Just be sure that the important stuff comes first.  There is nothing wrong with splurging from time to time as long as it doesn’t hinder your financial goals.