StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

There's really only one word that adequately describes attending the Oscars: WOW. 

The Golden Ticket was still golden....even though my seat was in the last row (no joke!)

It's not just literally brushing shoulders with mega-watt stars -- Cate Blanchett (I also shared a porta-potty moment with her at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon at the beach in Santa Monica); Marion Cotillard (those fish-scale details on her dress were quite something to behold as I walked into the theater behind her), Cameron Diaz (we both tried -- to no avail -- to grab a last-minute, pre-ceremony libation), Daniel Day Louis (incredibly tall and slim), Tilda Swinton (incredibly tall and slim), John Travolta (very gracious, even at the end of a long evening) -- but it's also the psychological rush that happens when your brain finally processes that YOU ARE AT THE OSCARS.  Simply from a historical perspective -- this was the 80th, after all -- it is truly a mind boggling experience.

The closest I'll ever get to being Olivia Newton John in Grease

Working -- not to mention walking! -- the red carpet is always a rush.
Part of my job is to identify the trends as the celebs weave through the throngs of reporters (it's often difficult to get a good look at them) and instantaneously translate that to cohesive fashion commentary on live television. 

With CNN Showbiz's AJ Hammer and Brooke Anderson overlooking the red carpet

Last night, working the arrivals with the amazing team from CNN, the top trends I spotted were:

1.   RED

The color of the night!  Ladies in red include: Anne Hathaway in Marchesa (above), also wearing $1 million worth of Harry Winston gems on her ears; Miley Cyrus; Heidi Klum; Helen Mirren; Katherine Heigl in Escada...to name a few

2.  STRAPLESS

Forget cleavage -- it's all about the clavicles.  Shoulder-baring A-listers: Mom-to-be Jessica Alba in Marchesa, Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta, Laura Linney in Michael Kors, Keri Russell in Nina Ricci, Kristen Chenowith in Armani Prive, Amy Adams in Proenza Schouler, Cameron Diaz in Dior

3. ASYMMETRICAL NECKLINES

An instant way to score points for elegance and edginess.  To wit: Hilary Swank in Versace, Tilda Swinton in Lanvin, Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl

4. THE STATEMENT NECKLACE

While many of the stars who went strapless kept their necklines unadorned, several of my fashion-forward favorites -- Nicole Kidman, Keri Russell and Jennifer Garner -- revived the statement necklace trend.

5. BACK IN BLACK

Black was also big (Jennifer Garner, Hilary Swank, Ellen Page, Nicole Kidman), and it felt fresh.  Perhaps it was the near overdose of bright colors at the Grammys (which I admittedly loved) that made my style spy eye pop for the classic gals in black.

I chose none of those trends (yep, a fashion rebel, that's me), and opted for a stunning silk taupe J. Mendel dress straight from the Fall 2008 runway collection, paired with about $60,000 worth of Sasha Primak jewelry (Primak regularly collaborates with It-designer Erin Fetherston). 

My moment in the spotlight!...sort of...this was taken by a valet parking attendant after the awards ceremony

I LOVED my ensemble, and it was the perfect way to show of the fruits of my Red Carpet Countdown labor.  I felt fit, fabulous and fashionable...what could be better?!

Perhaps a solid chocolate, ten inch Oscar statuette covered with 24-karat gold dust (below), as conceived by Wolfgang Puck, adorning the top of the dessert platters at The Governor's Ball???!!! 

I almost brought one home....but then what?  I pictured a melted gold mound at the bottom of my LV luggage, and decided remembering the moment with a snapshot was a better idea.

Almost, but not quite.
Feeling like a star at The Academy Awards definitely takes the cake...er, the chocolate.

And that's all she wrote.

Until next week.

Style Spy is taking a much-needed spa retreat (I just checked in today, and got the inside scoop that there happens to be a major TV star chilling out here, too)...Check back next week to find out exactly where I escaped (there are hot springs involved), complete with pictures and decadent details, of course!  See you then...

*all red carpet celebrity images courtesy of and credited on InStyle.com's Oscar photo gallery*

I'm referring to the Oscars, of course!  There's less than a week to go until the biggest night in Hollywood -- until the red carpet of all red carpets -- and Style Spy is going to be there checking out all the action, both on the carpet and inside the Kodak Theater. 

This night will also be the culmination of my Red Carpet Countdown, which means the Complete Body Development team and I have only a few days left to get me in gear.  Although I've been working hard since the last week in November, I still feel I have a long way to go.  Admittedly, Fashion Week put a bit of a wrench in my Oscars fitness plan: my crazy schedule meant no time to work out and less-than-perfect meals; then came my wedding anniversary celebration; then Valentine's Day; then President's Day weekend...you get the idea.  I will definitely be continuing the Countdown after the golden statues have been awarded.  Bikini season is rapidly approaching, after all, followed by my best friend's wedding in Jamaica.  See?  There's always a "red carpet" in the future -- for everyone -- which means the RCC is always relevant.

BUT...back to the present.  I hit the gym this morning and -- besides a killer workout, ouch! -- Alex, Alicia and Ramon gave me some final countdown tips to help ensure I'm as lean and mean as possible when I step onto the carpet next Sunday.

Alex Reznik, trainer extraordinaire!  Check out my pink boxing gloves!

RED CARPET COUNTDOWN:  ONE WEEK LEFT TO WHITTLE

1.  Cardio, Cardio, Cardio!  Focus on low-resistance training instead of weight training to streamline.

2.  Munch a little, a lot.  Keep your metabolism working overtime by eating small snacks throughout the day.  Stop eating by 7pm, or at least 3 hours before bedtime.

3. Food focus:  lean protein, raw or steamed veggies, low-sugar/high-fiber fruits (blueberries, grapefruit) -- no processed foods, salt, or alcohol and minimal carbs

4. Don't drink too much water; limit intake at least three days before the event to guarantee a bloat-free event

5. Steam!  Spending time in the steam room flushes toxins and stimulates circulation.

Spied!  Orlando Bloom at Heathrow Airport en route to the BAFTAs toting Mulberry's medium molded leather suitcase.

Kazuhiro Nogi/Getty

The suitcase retails for $795. 
Call 888.685.6856 for stores 

STYLE SPY RECOMMENDS: 
A ROMANTIC DINNER WITH YOUR SWEETIE AT NYC'S NOBLE

What:  A cozy, gourmet eatery and wine/liquor bar

Where:  7 Spring Street (just West of Bowery), 212.777.0874

Why:  Besides gourmet comfort food (lobster bisque, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, foie gras-stuffed burgers, and warm chocolate cake), this tiny gem boasts an enomatic wine serving system (revolutionary technology that preserves the integrity of opened bottles of wine) stocked with rare offerings you're likely never to see served by the glass again.   Worth a trip just for the vino. 

Tips:

-Try the Gevrey-Chambertin, a stunning Burgundy, if they have any left!

-Make a point to ask for Chris, Noble's wine guru -- his extensive knowledge of wine and food-pairing suggestions is part of the charm

Mr. Husband, formerly the wine director at the famed Spotted Pig gastropub, gives the wine list a rave review

FEBRUARY 7th & 8th

RUNDOWN 

2/7 (my 4-year wedding anniversary!)

5:30 am wake-up!;  make-up call time, 6:30 am; met Fox5 crew at 8 am for last live Fashion Week segment (Watch ALL FOX 5 FASHION WEEK SEGMENTS HERE); shows all day, topped off with a romantic rendezvous for burgers and beer with Mr. Husband at The Corner Bistro (a special thanks to the bistro's bar master, Red, for remembering to play my favorite song on the jukebox, Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl")

2/8

fashion shows all day, plus on-camera video coverage for InStyle.com (WATCH ALL INSTYLE.COM's FASHION WEEK VIDEO COVERAGE HERE)

ENSEMBLES

2/7

started the day wearing a Nicole Miller gold metallic dress, then changed into Hudson high-waisted jeans, a Henri Bendel black turtleneck, a Max Azria fur vest cinched with an Erickson Beamon gold belt, YSL boots, and a Salvatore Ferragamo ponyhair bag

With Peter Som before his Bill Blass collection debut

2/8

Club Monaco minidress, Bebe belt                                                

WIth the man of every hour, Diddy, backstage before his Sean Jean menswear collection

SHOWS: CELEBS
                                                                                                         
Reem Acra: Sophia Bush, AIsha Tyler                                                                   
Sean John: Kevin Federline, Tyson Beckford
Marc Jacobs: Victoria Beckham, Ellen Pompeo, Selma Blair

Victoria Beckham at Marc Jacobs

Ellen Pompeo at Marc Jacobs, wearing THE Marc Jacobs shoes of the (Spring) season

MEMORABLE MOMENTS 

2/7

Peter Som's sensational debut runway collection as the new Creative Director for Bill Blass

2/8

Sonic Youth performing during Marc Jacobs' collection, which was the last -- and arguably the best -- show of the week

Kim Gordon rocking out at Marc Jacobs

The stage/runway at Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs takes his post-show victory lap (yep, his hair is navy blue!)

FEBRUARY 5th & FEBRUARY 6th

RUNDOWN 

2/5:  Sometimes Fashion Week ends up including things that aren't related to Fashion Week, and Tuesday was one of those days: 5:00am wake-up for live CBS Early Show Grammy's fashion segment;  Badgley Mischka backstage interview and show; CNN.com fashion week and Valentine's Day gift segment; Entertainment Tonight segment tapings (4!); shows, shows, shows; Prada party

Backstage with Mark Badgley and James Mischka, 2/5

2/6:  Back to the 4:45am wake-up call; 7:50am Fox5 segment at Bryant Park (click here to watch my hair transformation); shows and designer interviews (Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi and Phillip Lim); Full Frontal Fashion segment taping (discussing the Anna Sui show immediately following the Anna Sui show); more shows

Backstage with Michael Kors before his "Reel Life" Fall '08 collection, 2/6

ENSEMBLES

2/5:

Peter Som sweater
Lela Rose skirt
Alexis Bittar ring and cuff bracelet
Black Gustto tote

After the Marc by Marc Jacobs Show, 2/5

2/6:

Walter sweater dress                                                                                              Rebecca Taylor coat   

At Isaac Miztahi's studio, pre-show

SHOWS: CELEBS

2/6:

Badgley Mischka: Jamie King, Eliza Dushku
Oscar de la Renta: Angie Harmon  
Marc by Marc Jacobs: Fergie

2/7:

Michael Kors (the most star power in the front row so far!): Racquel Welch; Eva Longoria; Ellen Pompeo; Debra Messing

 
MEMORABLE MOMENTS 

Interviewing Isaac Mizrahi.  His film Unzipped inspired my senior thesis in college and helped me graduate with honors.  After graduating, I remember tagging along with Elsa Klensch -- as an intern a decade ago -- when she interviewed him and being in complete awe.  He's even more charismatic than I remembered.

After a very, very, very long day...

All photos courtesy of Michael Hopkins' Iphone 

FEBRUARY 4th

RUNDOWN

4:45am wake-up!;  make-up call time, 5:30 am; met Fox5 crew at 7:15 am; did two live segments for Fox.  Watch my interview with Peter Som on "Good Day New York" HERE; shooting video for InStyle.com (click here for our weekend wrap-up); shows and shows and shows and shows...

ENSEMBLE

Peter Som dress
Kara Ross silver cuff bracelet
Silver Prada shoes
Silver metallic Gustto bag

SHOWS: CELEBS

Peter Som: Mandy Moore; Gennifer Goodwin                                       
Oscar de la Renta: Angie Harmon
Betsey Johnson: Tyra Banks, Joan Jett
Max Azria: Fergie, Rianna, Brittany Murphy

MEMORABLE MOMENT 

Seeing Peter Som make it big with both his own collection and as the new creative force behind Bill Blass (Peter's runway debut with the label is later this week).  I met Peter nearly ten years ago when he first launched his collection -- he was showing it out of his West Village apartment.  I am thrilled to see him pack the tents at Bryant Park, complete with star-studded front row. 

OK, so nothing can top THE GIANTS' big win last night, but...

FEBRUARY 3rd

ENSEMBLE

J. Mendel dress with Max Azria petticoat
Erickson Beamon belt
Alexis Bittar cocktail ring
Prada boots

Backstage at Herve Leger

SHOWS: CELEBS

Herve Leger: Mandy Moore, Rose McGowan, Joss Stone, Jamie King
Diane von Furstenberg: Susan Sarandon, Ellen Barkin, Molly Sims

MEMORABLE MOMENTS 

Witnessing the return of the Herve Leger label to the runway (it's been nearly a decade, and this was the first-ever show in New York City), thanks to designer Max Azria, who is designing a record-breaking three collections for New York Fashion Week: BCBG, Herve Leger and Max Azria.

Interviewing Max Azria, photo by Michael Hopkins

The nearly 50-yard-long wall of ice blocks (flown in from Switzerland) that created the backdrop for the Y-3 show. 

Y-3 runway

Chilly show-goers were gifted with handwarmers and blankets embroidered with the Y-3 logo (tip: use this idea, like I did nearly four years ago for my February 7th winter wedding, for favors...I put fleece throws embroidered with a silver snowflake on each guest's chair).   

FEBRUARY 1st

RUNDOWN

Alarm went off at 4:45am;  make-up started at 5:30 am; met Fox5 crew at 7:00 am; did live "Good Day New York" segment at 8:09 am (watch it NOW); shows all day

ENSEMBLE

Black Halo mini dress
Alexis Bittar cocktail ring and bracelet
Alexander McQueen platform wedges with Wolford opaque tights
"Vintage" Miu Miu bag (circa 2000, pulled from my personal archives)

Backstage at Nautica with Crystal, my Fox5 producer

SHOWS: CELEBS

Nautica: Chris Noth, Nigel Barker
Heart Truth Red Dress: Laura Bush, Molly Sims, Heidi Klum, Joss  Stone
BCBG: Joss Stone, Sophia Bush, Cheryl Hines
Rag and Bone: Ellen Pompeo, Julianne Moore
Baby Phat: Tyra Banks, Joss Stone -- again! -- a stellar showing at multiple shows today

 
MEMORABLE MOMENTS 

Liza Minnelli PERFORMING "NEW YORK, NEW YORK" LIVE ON THE RUNWAY at the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection!

Discovering that my new long hair gets wavy in the rain (!).  (I fully plan to work the mermaid waves on Monday: I'll be wearing a chic Peter Som dress -- as well as interviewing Peter live for Fox5 -- and I think the tousled hair will be a perfect match)

Three days ago in my HAIR CHRONICLES post I vowed that my hair changes would no longer shock and surprise, but as with most things, there are always exceptions...particularly when given the opportunity to get hair extensions from Adel -- arguably the best extension specialist in the country --  at Louis Licari's Fifth Avenue salon. 

Adel meticulously applied handfuls upon handfuls of tiny strands (using keratin-infused bonding glue) to my short locks and -- five and a half hours later (the big, soft oatmeal cookies they kept bringing me ensured I stayed firmly planted -- don't tell my trainer!) -- the transformation was astounding. 

Behold The Next Big Hair Trend:  the long, blunt bob!

Here's where we started:



En route to the finished product:

The master and the new me:

So.....????  Say something!  What do you think?!?