
Forget the cutout — yes, even Rooney Mara’s diamond stomach cutout. While stars are still baring some serious skin on tonight’s red carpet, the takeover trend of the evening is aimed at a slightly higher body part: the shoulders. Hollywood is ditching the straps on this year’s red carpet in favor of a classically sexy strapless neckline. While it’s not exactly a groundbreaking style, the wares were far from boring, with no two ladies wearing the look quite the same way. From the subtle ruching of Isla Fisher’s neckline to the draped-to-train, off-the-shoulder sleeves on Mindy Kaling’s modest Elizabeth Kennedy gown, each starlet made the craze her own. Read on to pick a favorite!
Alicia Vikander
2. Sofia Vergara: Marchesa was the mastermind behind Sofia’s strapless navy frock, and its wraparound bodice and intricate beading at the bust only serve to highlight Sofia’s slender waist. (Photo via Kevork Djansezian/Getty)
Priyanka Chopra
4. Andra Day: Like Alicia, singer Andra Day glows in a soft yellow strapless piece with a sloping neckline. One half sleeve adds an element of interest to this SAFiYAA dress. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
5. Mindy Kaling: Mindy Kaling stands out from the strapless pack in this off-the-shoulder Elizabeth Kennedy number. With half-sleeves that tie in back to become a draped train, this piece is just as appealing coming as it is going. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty)
6. Naomi Watts: Naomi Watts goes for a classic strapless column silhouette, keeping the focus on her toned arms and choker-style bling. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
Jennifer Jason Leigh
8. Isla Fisher: The delicate ruching of Isla Fisher’s dropped shoulders sets the star’s dress apart from the rest on the red carpet, giving us major bridal vibes. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
9. Jennifer Garner: Half-sequins, half-satin, the top of Jennifer Garner’s sweetheart-esque, half-sleeve neckline is one part class and one part pizazz. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
10. Lady Gaga: Queen Gaga herself jumps on the strapless train, invoking all the old Hollywood glamour she can muster in this sleeveless Brandon Maxwell pantsuit. Covered up with a curtain-style bodice, Gaga keeps it mostly covered, flashing only sensual shoulders. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
11. Reese Witherspoon: Reese beams in this violet corset-style bodice with a flared strapless bust and a peekaboo bra. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
Tina Fey
13. Kate Winslet: Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominee Kate, seen here with fellow Oscars nominee Leo (agh!) kept things simple in a black lamé strapless gown from Ralph Lauren. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.