Lua's all-time favorite Oscar dresses

In preparation for the Academy Awards tonight, Lua and I have put together a list of our all time favorite Oscar dresses. This is a bit of a departure from my usual blog topic, but I thought tonight might be a good time to start branching out. We have chosen our favorite gowns (and the runners up) by color: pink, white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Some of these dresses are on everyone's list (Michelle William's in Vera Wang for instance) and some are just our personal favorite (Nicole Kidman's blush colored Chanel), but each of these dresses has a unique beauty that stands above the rest. What makes these dresses so spectacular? Is it color? Fit? Embellishments? The actress in the dress? Whatever it is, these dresses have managed to make a lasting impression on the fashion industry and 16 year olds shopping for prom dresses everywhere. 

Nicole Kidman - Chanel

Natalie Portman - Rodarte 

Anne Hathaway - Armani Prive

Gwyneth Paltrow - Tom Ford 

Reese Witherspoon - Valentino 

Angelina Jolie - Elie Saab 

Kate Winslet - Ben de Li

Jennifer Lawrence - Calvin Klein 

Charlize Theron - Vera Wang

Michelle Williams - Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams - Vera Wang 

Renee Zellweger - Jean Desses 

Julianna Moore - Tom Ford for YSL

Nicole Kidman - Dior

Nicole Kidman - Chanel

Hilary Swank - Guy Laroche

Reese Witherspoon - Nina Ricci 

Mila Kunis - Elie Saab

City Lights: Neon

So, neon is pretty much everywhere right now. I just went into Nike to buy my dad a sweatshirt and I actually had trouble finding something that wasn't neon. I used to think the neon color palette was the worst thing in the world. However, I saw this girl (who I always thought was really cool) rocking a neon cross-body when we were out the other weekend and it stuck in my head. Apparently, now I like neon because I'm drawn to it everywhere. I am pretty close to buying my first neon accessory (starting with a clutch or a belt). I feel like the same goes for design when you're incorporating a trend; start small and see how you like it. It might just be the jolt your room needs?!

The doors

Doors are the center of your home's exterior, but so often they add little in the way of design. My inspiration today shows entryways from all over the world that exhibit a strong sense of design.  Whether it's a variation on shape, color or fixtures, doors are an excellent place to get creative and maybe even spend some extra money. (After all, it is your home's first impression!)