Still on my mind

So I know the 81st annual Academy Awards happened three days ago, but there are just some gorgeous gowns that I can't get off my mind. (And a few that I have tried to forget!)

As I have mentioned before, my favorite part of awards shows is, somewhat sadly, the pre-show. The people watching. The gown gushing. I did tune in for the whole show and enjoyed host Hugh Jackman's musical numbers with Anne Hathaway and Beyonce/Amanda Seyfried/Vanessa Hudgens & Zac Efron, but what I really truly care about, more than the winners, is the clothes.

Oh, and the eye-candy.

Nevermind his suit is a bit ill-fitting. Milk's James Franco is delicious.

I tried to narrow my faves down to a manageable bunch, like three, but this was impossible for me, I just loved too many! So here's the rundown of what I think made a memorable statement on the red carpet Oscars night:

Neutral Knockouts

There were lots of neutrals popping on the red carpet, but these were some of the best:

The Wrestler's Marisa Tomei shined in a pearl-grey Versace Atelier satin organza gown. I love the whole look, but what did it for me is that amazing pleated skirt. That is some serious craftsmanship.

Taraji P. Henson, who plays Brad Pitt's mother in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is the epitome of easy elegance here, wearing a tiered Roberto Cavalli confection, a Fred Leighton statement necklace and a sleek 'n' sassy do, too! Why can't my hair do that?

Upon her arrival on the red carpet, I did not like Anne Hathaway's dress. But a closer look at the slinky Armani Prive ivory gown covered in Swarovski crystals and clear paillettes made me change my mind. It kind of reminds me of the scaly look worn last year by then-Best Actress Winner Marion Cottilard. Oh, and I am still dying to see Rachel Getting Married. It is actually coming out on March 17 so I guess I'll see it then.

Penelope Cruz truly looks like a princess in this vintage Balmain ballgown. It is 60 years old! She also looks like a winner-- she took home Best Supporting Actress for her work in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Sexy Stunners

Step aside. These hot commodities are coming through:

What can you say about Kate Winslet, Miss Best Actress for The Reader? She always looks fab. This one-shoulder YSL gown, worn with Chopard jewels and a sleekly swept updo, scream old Hollywood glamour. I read somewhere that Kate's daughter, Mia, wasn't too pleased with her mother's choice of wearing a gray dress, however. Too funny!

Not everyone loved Freida Pinto's royal blue, one-sleeved dress by John Galliano, but I thought the color was perfect for her and her warm, radiant makeup was stunning. The Slumdog Millionaire-ess is absolutely beautiful, and I still need to see her movie, too!

Presenter Halle Berry commanded the stage in a striking Marchesa brocade gown. 

SJP is known for her fashion risks and while some might say this was a fashion mistake, I beg to differ. I literally screamed when she appeared on my TV screen, my boyfriend can attest to that. I am loving her "barely mint" (as she called it) Dior haute couture. I've heard some tsk-tsk the ample cleavage the Sex and the City star had on display, but I say, if you've got it, flaunt it! (This is not a hard and fast rule, but I pretty much give Sarah Jessica-- yes we are on a first name basis-- a pass to break any fashion rule she darn well pleases. This is how much I love her.)

Bejeweled Beauties

The awards for best blinged-out babes goes to:

Heidi Klum carried a heavy load with diamond-and-coral Lorraine Schwartz earrings and stacked bangle bracelets (not shown).

Angelina Jolie in emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings (she had a matching cocktail ring, too). I am not a fan of the perpetually black attire Angie usually wears-- you could say this Changeling is in need of some change-- but I am glad she added this dazzling pop of color wear it matters most: around her face.

No Doubt: Amy Adams' Fred Leighton necklace is amazing. It perfectly compliments both her green eyes and her scarlet Carolina Herrera dress.

All images via Yahoo!'s Oscar Fashion Report Card