Elizabeth Banks: One Part Effie, One Part Style Queen

The was no one more surprised than I that I went to see - and enjoyed - The Hunger Games. Of course I had watched all the red carpet appearances and particularly loved what Elizabeth Banks did at the various premiers and promo events. And then when I saw the film, it was first Lenny Kravitz (as a stylist) and then Effie (played by Elizabeth Banks) that appealed to my fashionista's heart. And then Lizzie made me gasp with joy at the White House correspondents dinner - all in red peplum - and fall in love again with Mary Katrantzou at the Met Gala - so I thought it necessary to take a better look at her style this week - starting with this AMAZING black and burgundy Alexander McQueen dress she was wearing on Monday night. I die. The shoes and handbag are also McQueen, just BTW. Sigh. LOVE.

She turned up to a late night TV show recording in Marc Jacobs a couple of days beforehand. And I loved the bouncy little skirt length (the runway look was a midi skirt) and the open neckline. This redeems the MJ collection a bit after the frock-horror show of Alexa at the Met.

And just a bit before that, Peter Pilotto was the lucky (and quite edgy) designer to have Lizzie B wear his latest collection. I adore that such a classic beauty is looking to the more fringe - and mostly British - designers for her red carpet looks. It is such a pleasant change from all the classic American sleekness that you usually see from an ice blonde beauty. The character that EB brought to Effie is the same sort of vibes she is bringing to the red carpet. And I for one LOVE IT. In Kanye capitals. LOVE. So there.