A Walk down Oscar Fashion Memory Lane

I am not really a girly girl. I mean, I like dresses and make-up and jewelry, but I don't obsess over it or get dressed up a lot. But what I do love is seeing other ladies getting all dolled up in their finery. Maybe that's why I like watching all those wedding reality shows like, "Say Yes to the Dress" or "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" Or maybe I like those shows because subconsciously I'm hoping to have a wedding someday and get all dressed up myself. Uh, yeah, but that's a whole other post.

Anyway, I also love watching the Oscars. Not because it's such an entertaining awards show (not even my #1 crush Hugh Jackman could make it that much more fun to watch last year), but because I love seeing all of the fabulous ladies dressed to the hilt. And even though these same ladies dress up for all the various awards shows held this time of year, they seem to really save the best for the Oscars.

As they will be dressing up soon for this big night, I'd like to look back at some of the dresses that I have loved. I don't usually remember clothes all that well, but there have been a few in the past few years that have really stayed with me. Here they are - -

Jennifer Garner 2004

I'm definitely not a fashion pro, but I do remember Ms. Garner in this exquisite vintage dress. The color and fit were perfect for her. She practically glowed on her walk down the carpet.

Cate Blanchett 2007
Besides the fact that j'adore Ms. Blanchett, I thought this silver gown was a stunner on her. She doesn't always make the most conventional fashion choices, so I was tres pleased to see this gown that looks like liquid metal with understated beading at the hem. Gor-geous.

Kate Winslet 2009
Another goddess in my book is Ms. Winslet. I can't say that I saw her in her Oscar-winning role, but I did see her in the dress she wore to accept that Oscar. Some thought the color and heart details were all wrong, but I think she looked divine. The whole look - hair, make-up, cool demeaner - won me over.

Nicole Kidman 1997

This is one of the few gowns that really stayed with me. Ms. Kidman decided to go with a color not usually seen on the red carpet, but she pulled it off fantastically. I also love the fur trim and embroidery at the neck. Plus, she looked about a foot taller than her date, Tom, which I loved.

Helen Mirren 2008

Ms. Mirren is the, um, most senior fashionista on my list, but she completely deserves this spot. Her red dress burned itself into my memory - in the best way possible. It is classy and hot and fabulous all at once.

Cate Blanchett 2005

You'll notice who I really love by who makes a double appearance on this list. This is the gown Ms. Blanchett wore when she won her Oscar for her role in "The Aviator" and I am still floored by it. The contrast of the pale yellow dress and the crimson belt is perfect. I also love the fit of the dress with the draping of her train. A near perfect look in my opinion.

Kate Winslet 2004

I can still vividly remember sitting on my couch and seeing Ms. Winslet come down the red carpet in this dress. The dress itself is very simple, but with the gorgeous detail of the flowers across her bust and shoulder, it blew me away. I am a fan of understated dresses, and this one takes the top prize in my book.

Marisa Tomei 2009

In all the dresses I've seen (and remembered) this one is my all-time favorite. And I have to say that I love that Ms. Tomei wore it (I can't help but love her after seeing "Untamed Heart"). I love the color. I love the fit. And I'm sorry, but how in-credible! is all that pleating? Again, I would rather seen a gorgeous fabric with interesting details than overdone beading, obnoxious color, etc.

So, what about you? Did you love any of the above dresses? Hate any of them? Have other dresses that have been burned into your fashion memory? I would love to hear about it.

And now we only have a few short weeks to see if there will be any other fantastic creations to talk about in the coming years. Happy gowns to you all.