It was Oscar night last night. I love Oscar night. I love watching the pomp and circumstance of Hollywood. I love the dresses and the dapper tuxedos. I love guessing who may win and wondering what they may say. And in all honesty, I love watching my favorite actors and actresses in hopes that they win. Remember the year Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won for Good Will Hunting? That was just so incredibly charming. I also love the surprise winners and the good speeches. There aren’t many, but the poiniant and articulate speeches, they always get me.

I also have never written a recap of the Oscars or of red carpet fashion. In fact, I don’t need to because one of my dearest friends Two Pretzels does that & she does it better than anyone there is. But, this Oscars, the 88th Oscars, well a few of the dresses, they were stunning.

So, here is my first attempt at a little fashion recap. A small little nod, highlighting my absolute favorites.

Cate Blanchett / Valerie Macon / AFP / Getty Images

Cate Blanchett

This dress. This dress is the reason I am writing a review. I saw this Armani Privé and immediately thought “that is lovely.” Then she presented and I told J, “that dress really is a stunner isn’t it?” It is truly a gown for a special evening. It’s a red carpet kind of gown. I love the pale turquoise. I love the floral appliqués. Yep, I wish I had place where this gown made some sense.

Alicia Vikander / Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Alicia Vikander

She has been lovely all awards season. She has worn Louis Vuitton well; first at the Golden Globes and then at the SAG Awards. I mean, she has been lady-like and stunning. This dress though, this yellow Louis Vuitton is the bees knees. She looks like Belle, she intended to look like Belle, I love that she looks like Belle. It’s playful and lady-like. It’s a gown and yet light hearted. And, it makes me so ready for spring.

Daisy Ridley / Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Daisy Ridely

Sparkles, more sparkles and absolutely perfect sparkly shoes. I LOVE THIS. I love the peplum. I love the Cinderella blue / grey / silver hue of this dress. I love the neckline. I love the shear overlay. I love the ankle length. I love that this is so age appropriate. Young and modern and again lady-like. Do I know someone getting married? Can I pull this off? I want this Chanel Haute Couture dress hanging in the back of my closet for “someday”.

Jennifer Lawrence / Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Jennifer Lawrence

I’ve worn black and I’ve worn lace and this was always the look I wanted to achieve. This right here, this Dior dress, with that neckline and those sheer layers, the simple delicate jewelry and that platinum lob. I fancy this entire look. J-Law has been young and authentic throughout her career. I love that she is completely herself. This gown shows her maturity and to me this gown and styling shows grace.

Charlize Theron / Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Charlize Theron

Va-va-voom. Christian Dior. Crimson red. Plunging neckline. Diamonds. Beautiful bombshell. This dress… This is the kind of woman I want to become. A woman who wears this dress just like this. Like it was a dress meant only for me. I love the simplicity, the elegance, the way it’s sexy, but not too sexy. Charlize Theron, thank you for making 40 look so good.

John Legend & Chrissy Teigen / Angela Weiss / AFP / Getty Images

Chrissy Teigen

I mean, that baby bump. She is adorable, stunning, lovely. Pregnancy never looked so beautiful. This Marchesa gown is incredible. The deep red jewel tone against the nude gown. The deep red jewel clutch. The dark nails. The simple bronze make-up. I love how this was all pulled together. It makes me happy.

Tom Hardy & Charlotte Riley / Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Tom Hardy & Charlotte Riley

And the runners up… Because I completely love Tom Hardy. He’s a handsome fella and she’s a stunner too. Tom Hardy’s wife Charlotte Riley, who just had a baby in October, was wearing Gauri & Nainika. Again; the black, the lace, the plunging neckline, the simplicity… If J and I ever look half this dapper when going somewhere, I will be pleased as punch.

It was a lovely evening of dresses and tuxes and speeches and some very timely jokes.

* photo credit: oscars.com
* all dress images from getty images