The Oscars, Recession-Style

The Oscars are a no-expense-spared event, from the bottles of champagne to those adorable little gold trophies. Actors and actresses dress up in designer clothes (though each piece is likely borrowed), primp with hair and makeup gurus and stylists, not to mention all those limos. But this year, the recession took hold in not one, but two different ways. While many starlets choose Christian Louboutin or Manolo heels to pair with their red carpet dresses, Natalie Portman went a very different route, and actually wore shoes that everyone can afford… a pair of black satin open-toe Segura platforms from Aldo! Just imagine little Natalie strolling into her nearest Aldo store, with a picture of her dress in hand. Refreshing, isn’t it? And in a bold move, Diane Kruger decided to forgo the makeup artist cost and mastered the impressive feat of applying her very own beauty look. We have to say bravo to Diane — she looked flawless. [Stylelist and Lucky]