Stylish with Substance

Ella's own picks as stylists for the Academy Awards 2006, part 2. Whether I'm happy with what's crossing the red carpet, or not! See my first post.

Best Actress Nominees

Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line)

Reese has been wearing shorter dresses of late, and it's been said she'll go full-length, but I couldn't resist this mid-length frock. It was my pick from the start. Reese has a glamour, but I more notice her femininity, so I loved the polka dots.

This pick is from Carolina Herrera.

Felicity Huffman (Transamerica)

People's Style Director Susan Kaufman also said that Felicity Huffman would go for something bold to stand her out. She suggested a bright color, like this Hermès in orange, which is nice. But I've really been feeling the curves-accentuating feel of the Elie Saab. It's wonderful for a celebrated mom who played a man-woman-man-or something in a celebrated film.

Picks: Hermès and Elie Saab, respectively.

Charlize Theron (North Country)

This dress just struck me as Charlize. Why do I love a flapper style for Charlize, so? Hmm. There's even a beaded faux-necklace on the neckline (with a bow on the shoulder!) to help that image. Short? Bah! She can rock her body!

This pick is from Moschino!

Keira Knightley (Pride and Prejudice)

Keira loves boho style, but she keeps it classy. For the red carpet, she keeps boho to one slight accent. This white gown has a Greek neckline that is so Keira, but the dress is similar to her Golden Globes dress. So I'm offering a second option. Neutral, yet bold, and never too much is the dusty red. It has the Greek goddess in it, slightly, with a lower, natural waistline. And that flourish on the floor! Who can decide?

Picks from Nicole Miller and Zac Posen, respectively.

Dame Judy Dench (Mrs. Hendersen Presents)

I love this ensemble from Oscar de la Renta, so I was pleased to find someone whom it would work on. It needs some maturity in the wearer, because it is so the throwback to Gone With the Wind. Too much? I can't think of anyone better, and somebody's got to don this lovely.

This pick is by Oscar de la Renta.

This is not a prediction of what I think will be, but my picks as stylist for the Academy Awards 2006. With my busy school week, personal issues (natch), and feeling down in the weather, I got started on this late. (Oh and a lot of housework and cooking, somehow!) (And you did also see less posts this week.) Hey, I compiled this in a few hours each over three days. So I'm still good to hire. ;-) ;-)

Supporting Actress Nominees

Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain)

Again, Michelle has been ultra feminine, and I wanted to celebrate that. My favorite is the first, knee-length, but it's again short. (I love short dresses, sorries.) So I supplied a second option. They both have great shape, and whether it's large bows or a bouquet of flowers and yaaaards of material, these dresses show off the girl.

Picks from Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana, respectively.

People's Susan Kaufman said, "Amy favors dramatic frocks that complement her porcelain skin and red hair. Expect ... "frothy and black – nothing too simple." I listened to Kaufman on the "frothy" with these crazy ruffles, but I believe that the best color for red heads & fair skinned is not black. I love this navy blue frock for her. Mostly, it just spoke to me.

Pick: Oscar de la Renta

Amusingly, Miss Cinnamon of Style Spotlight had the same instinct I did when I saw this gown ... we picked it for pregnant Rachel Weisz. The model seems to be quite hippy in her pictures, so I think it could be fitted to the actress. But also, I should note that the dress is probably not so widening on its own. Although the look might have helped my "gut."

Pick: Valentino

This simple beauty (who broke out in The 40-Year-Old Virgin) seems to go for elegance (on the red carpet, not when choosing to star in that film). I picked this sleek black gown with feminine bows on the straps. It would compliment her frame so well.

This pick is from Michael Kors!

Frances McDormand (of North Country)! Have your people call mine, because I didn't know your personality, style or even face enough to give you proper attention in this short time. Apologies!!

Stay tuned.