What do Grace Kelly, hats, a Penelope Cruz dress, fashion, and a TV show all have in common? They are a few of my favorite things.

My favorite show on TV is Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on ABC. It is set in 1920s Melbourne. The fashions worn by Miss Fisher are divine and the interior design is simply delicious both a real treat for the eyes. 1920s fashion tended to be fun and funky. The interior design of the 1920s could be dramatic; Art Deco style was king.

The 1920 hats are magnificent. I started to wear hats as often as possible a few years ago. I love quirky designs although I do not always have the courage to wear anything too outrageous. Today I was complimented on my hat a number of times. As I returned home in my car I had got such a buzz out of wearing my hat I started to sing ‘These are a few of my favorite things’ and thought I would share my favorite things of the moment in a blog. Let others enjoy.

I have always loved hats. I am so glad they are back in fashion. When we were young we had new Easter bonnets and new winter hats each year. My sister always complained saying I always looked good in hats and she looked awful. I never agreed with her I always thought she was much prettier. Since then I have often been told hats suit me. I think it’s because I have a cheeky face.

This week I noted some interesting trends in an Instyle Australia article ‘Oscar Winning Trends’. Among trends such as environmentally friendly fashion and workwear in brands like Carhartt WIP, one of the trends they suggested was a return to Old Hollywood. Natalie Portman and Penelope Cruz were both praised for their retro Grace Kelly-esque curls. Milla Jovovich and Bernice Bejo were complimented on their 1920s Great Gatsby-inspired dresses. It is amazing how things can overlap.

Bendigo had a royal visitor this week to open ‘Grace Kelly: Style Icon’ a world-renowned fashion exhibition hosted exclusively in Australia by the Bendigo Art Gallery. I can’t wait to see the exhibition. Grace Kelly and her elegant style are one of my all-time favorite things.

Now back to what I discovered in the Instyle article. Besides a return to old Hollywood, the other trends include cream white and ivory gowns; for example the Tom Ford creation worn by Gwyneth Paltrow (my Oscar favorite) and the Valentino worn by Shailene Woodley. Full-length gowns with long sleeves like those worn by Glen Close and Meryl Streep are also on trend.

Strapless dresses with a structured bodice floating from the waist for example the Alexander McQueen worn by Jessica Chastain and the Vera Wang worn by Viola Davis are also considered a winning style. Michelle Williams in a Louis Vuitton and Tina Fey in a Carolina Herrera; short structured over skirt were styles that shone.

But I must admit my favorite red carpet dress for 2012 is the Armani Prive worn by Penelope Cruz at the BAFFA’s. I think it is absolutely stunning. What do you think?

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com