Michelle Rodriguez: Yeah, I Shaved My Pits ... But NOT Just for Oscars

Michelle Rodriguez was all cleaned up for Oscar night -- specifically in the armpit area -- and she's blaming her smooth look on peer pressure.

The notoriously unshaven star attended the Vanity Fair party Sunday night, and flaunted her freshly-shaved pits. At first glance, you'd think she cleaned up because it's a fancy schmancy event -- but she set us straight Monday morning at LAX.

M-Rod says she was feeling the heat long before she slipped into her Oscar night gown, and she doesn't seem happy about it.

We say ... if it makes you happy, Michelle ... let it grow!