Oscars 2011 Top Picks - and how you can get them

As far back as I can remember, I've watched the Oscars. In my family, bonding time is TV time.  We all gather together, get comfy and debate the fashion highs and lows, who brought who as a date, and which films would come out on top.  Since I've grown up, the family Oscar watching has sadly ceased, but I try to keep the tradition going in spirit.  This year, I even managed to convince Mr. Artist to keep it on in the background this past Sunday.  Sadly, he did not remember any of the red carpet highlights, but lucky for me I have you readers to commiserate with!

As soon as you can see the red carpet fashions, you can bet there will be a ton of Oscar knock-offs appearing.  Personally, I don't see anything wrong with these inspired gowns.  Celebrities are meant to inspire us with their trend-setting looks, be it gowns, hairstyles, or body sculpting tricks.  As long as you're not trying to pass off your knock-off as the real deal, then why not?  Here are a few of my favourite looks from the Oscars and their more attainable look-alikes:

Halle Berry looked stunning in one of my favourite designers, Marchesa.  Halle always goes for stunningly romantic gowns in neutral tones that complement her glowing skin.  While not everyone was a fan, I personally loved the cascading beauty of Halle's train.  This Mignon gown at $578 echoes the same color family and chiffon ruffles as Halle's dress, but at a much cheaper price point.

Next we have Natalie Portman.  Natalie, I worship thee.  Not only are you gorgeous and a natural beauty normally, you are literally luminescent as a pregnant woman!  Class, beauty, elegance and intelligence are the words to describe Natalie and in this beautiful plum Rodarte gown she is the epitome of all those things.  You cannot even tell she is pregnant here as your eyes are just captivated by how rich that color looks against her complexion.  Well done.  This Mori Lee gown on the right has a very similar color as the Rodarte, but with a different halter neckline that is also quite flattering, especially if you have well shaped shoulders, and a sexy cut-out back.  Available for $330.

Finally there is Sandra Bullock in her drop-dead hot revenge dress.  Who says revenge is a dish best served cold when you can serve it up in the form of a smoking red Vera Wang?  I loved how simple this dress was, letting the color take center stage.  Minimal jewelry put the focus on Sandra's porcelain skin.  The final blow is delivered to us by that clever little dip in the neckline, giving us just a peek of cleavage.  Classy and sexy done well.  Sandra, you just proved without a word why you are sooo beyond that trailer trash.  It's ok darling, we all make mistakes.  Anyways what was I saying? Well, if you need a revenge dress as smashing as this one, consider this Flirt by Maggie Sottero gown.  It's still got that devilish red color, the notched neckline, and also features a glamourous ruffle and jeweled accent at the waist.  Take that!

So what were your favourites from the Oscars? Would you wear any of the more affordable options here?