A familiar energy took over Hollywood—it was definitely Oscars weekend. Police were everywhere—even at Runyon Canyon—traffic was diverted and everyone seemed to have some sort of parking or media credential.

In the midst of a bevy of VIP lounges, the weekend kicked off its first awards show on Saturday, The 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica.  Despite the parking fiasco, it’s incredible to see so many industry A-listers gathered under tents on the beach. Also, our west coast weather did not disappoint.

The Official Presenter Gift Lounge was a good time, with notables like Anna Kendrick, Beth Behrs, Benjamin Bratt and William H. Macy strolling around. Represented backstage were Wella Professionals, Tree Hut, New Balance, Emergen-C, Fashion Forms, Votre Vu, Bratz, Bowers & Wilkins, AMC Theatres, Cult of Individuality, Carlos Falchi, The Ritz-Carlton New York and Crunch.

Standouts were Bower & Wilkins gorgeous ivory leather noise-cancelling headphones, Votre Vu’s hand cream and lip balm duo, and Cult of Individuality denim.

As for Sunday, the Academy Awards fashion left me a bit underwhelmed.  I kept thinking, “ooh those polka dots would be gorgeous without the necklace,” or “stunning gown, what happened to her hair?”

I don’t recall feeling wow’d by any of the women, and that’s kinda the whole point of the red carpet. We want flawless! I did love Rooney Mara in Givenchy, but it’s hard to give props to someone whose interviews are that painfully boring. Even Angelina—who’s breathtaking in jeans and a wife beater—seemed like she was trying too hard for the cameras. Definitely not her M.O.

The men on the other hand were something to look at! Between George and Brad (yep, we’re on a first name basis), I don’t know who came packing more Hollywood charisma. But let us say a collective Thank You! to both of them.

Until next year.