Best Dress-ed at The Academy Awards

Wow, I have to say - there weren't many fashion catastrophes at this year's Academy Awards. Most of the women who hit the red carpet looked absolutely stunning and managed to stay away from the cookie-cutter gowns we're growing tired of.

Among my picks for best dress-ed are Hilary Swank in Gucci, Anne Hathaway in Valentino (and coincidentally, with Valentino), and Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Also, here's my behind-the-scenes bests, because you probably didn't see them in front of the camera!

 Camila Alves, Matthew McConaughey's girlfriend

 Elizabeth Chambers, Armie Hammer's wife

And, for reasons I can't explain: Babs, Russell Brand's "Mum"

Shop the Look: Snow Bunnies

Fashion Salad is a discussion dedicated to tossing ideas about a mix of life and style musings. 

I'm attempting to find inspiration in the fact that it's snowing here in Chicago (again) and will probably continue to do so into April. (Yes, April!)

My two favorite things about winter: Leggings and layers. How amazing are these weather-resistant Nina Rain Bow Booties?  ($68)

Snow Bunnies by corals+cognacs on Polyvore.com

Wet Seal thermal top, $8.50
DAY Birger et Mikkelsen striped top, 84 GBP
TopShop short top, $40
Old Navy shawl collar vest, $31
Jack BB Dakota vest, $42
TopShop high waisted legging, $18
Liberty27 booties heel, $68
UGG Australia cardigan boot, $138
Minnetonka tall boot, $90
The north face hat, 20 GBP
Gap Snow Fur Vest, $35

Louboutin's "Trashy" New Shoes

Christian Louboutin's signature red sole is getting a green twist.

These 6-inch "Ecotrash" sling-backs from the French shoe designer's S/S 2011 collection bear a $1,095 price tag, and yes, they're made from "reclaimed" materials. Louboutin promises that no two pairs of these Ecotrash pumps will be the same, though, so that price tag comes with a promise that your pumps will be completely unique. According to the designer's website, “Ecotrash isn’t shy about being unique, each shoe will vary in trash and no pair will look the same."

More often than not, you have me at "6-inch slingback," but hmm... Just what kind of trash are we talkin' here?

Sephora + The Body Shop Collaborate on Skincare Line

Have you guys heard? The Body Shop and Sephora have teamed up to develop a line of natural, eco-friendly skincare and body products, which will roll out to more than half of Sephora's stores nationwide in the first week of March. (via WWD) I'm imagining a mixture of musky, earthy tones and light, floral-based scents...

On the note of going green, what eco-friendly products have found their way into your daily beauty regime? I like Zoya, which makes vegan nail polishes free of controversial chemicals including toluene and formaldehyde. Another favorite Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly, a shimmery, paraben-free body lotion that's packed with essential amino acids and B vitamins. This is especially fab on bare legs in the sun!

If you're like me, then you already have a few too many half-used sticks of Burt's signature beeswax lipbalm in your jacket pockets and at your handbag bottoms, but if you haven't heard of Zoya, check out the eco-brand's YouTube channel here. I'm definitely trying "Marley" for spring - with two coats and an added topcoat, it looks like it belongs in the OPI RW family!

Fashion Forecast: Imperfect Proportions

Fashion Week(s) > Christmas. Maybe that's because they create the hope that strappy sandals in the spring are on the horizon? 

While cold-weathered months were all about layers and chunky knits, there are some definitive new shapes emerging in womenswear this spring/summer 2011. 

According to WGSN's 2011 trend report (WGSN is a blogger's fashion bible and one of the retail industry's leading online trend analysis and research provider), it’s all about volume, bold prints and pieces, including trapeze cuts and asymmetric crops, domed shoulders and pear-drop silhouettes. Also worth noting, peasant-style ruffle dresses make a welcome return for a softer feminine look, and pencil skirts are reworked with a sexy fishtail.

 Rachel Roy Spring/Summer 2011

Rachel Roy Spring/Summer 2011

 Prada Spring/Summer 2011

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2011

Check out more Spring/Summer 2011 runway looks and trends on TheCut. 

Style Philosophy: Clothing Optional

Hello, bonjour, hola, ciao!

I'm Hallie. I'm a new blogger and seasoned creative writer (at heart). 

Currently, I'm a quantitative research professional. Every day I work with data, statistics and numbers to (ultimately) tell a story. I love it, but it has some serious creative restraints.

Enter: Blogger. corals+cognacs is a perusal of my favorite fashions, finds and inspirations.

I hope that you will enjoy it and drop by often. Until next time, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours... 

• Style Inspiration: Other bloggers, countries, fashions and cultures, and of course, CHICAGO! The amount of inspiration here is never-ending, from the architecture to our local fashion powerhouses and midwestern tendencies.
• Style Advice: Invest in key pieces - those items that will add an exclamation point to an outfit you're wearing.
• Style Philosophy: Clothing optional. Kidding. Be confident and comfortable - especially in what you're wearing, because that's more attractive than anything else.