Archive | October, 2017

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

27 Oct

Bold pattern and color dominate this week’s “Out of the Box” rundown with stripes, florals and a variety of other fun prints. We’re in the pre movie award season gauntlet and magazines continue to celebrate the best of the year (even though it is only October).

Oh, and Stranger Things is back today, but I am sure you are probably already aware of this.

For all things Halloween TV from teen shows in the ’90s check out my round-up here. And I also interviewed 1922 costume designer Claudia Da Ponte about dressing for horror.“Women like looking sexy, but it doesn’t mean we want to fuck you.” Stitch Cate Blanchett’s words onto a cushion and I will visit your Etsy store. At the InStyle Awards, Cate Blanchett gave a blistering speech and as with last week’s Elle celebration, this is exactly the kind of thing I need to hear right now.

Blanchett was given the Style Icon Award and her striped Givenchy frock shows exactly why this was the right choice; she looks cool af posing next to Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi and he is also showing off his trademark sartorial prowess.  One of my favorite designers is Mary Katrantzou as her looks are never boring; this is once again the case at the InStyle Awards and this mixed textured frock on Lauren Cohan is serving up a heap of dramatic flair. Great lip color from the Walking Dead star too.Happy Stranger Things Day! At the premiere last night the younger teens show how to do the whole red carpet thing as they continue to embrace the fun side of fashion. From colorful pants to all the flashy accouterments; they have this thing down. Caleb McLaughlin has the perfect answer to the LA heatwave in shorts and Finn Wolfhard is giving off super ’70s vibes in a Prada turtleneck and suit.

Joined by season 2 newcomer Sadie Sink dressed in a very cute Chanel. Millie Bobby Brown’s leather Calvin Klein frock is maybe not the best idea considering the weather and it is a slightly more edgy look than her usual offerings, but it still feels age appropriate. Of course they all have stylists, but their individual personalities are still shining through. Combining two of my favorite trends—florals and ladysuits—is Kerry Washington at the 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards in Roberto Cavalli Resort 2018. This is a lot of suit to pull of and Washington does just that.

My only quibble is I wish it was hemmed slightly higher as we’re probably missing out on some fabulous shoes. Issa Rae joined CoverGirl senior vice president Ukonwa Ojo at the Fast Company Innovation Festival and both women went super colorful with their outfit choices; bold tones are not just for summer.

Ojo paired her canary yellow with leopard print pumps and Rae has gone full sequin trend in Diane von Furstenberg. It reminds me of another Issa Rae stunning outfit from 2017.Wearing all Kate Spade New York at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund show is a very fun spin on the whole preppy look and this is a sartorial path Laverne Cox doesn’t often take. It is a super cute look on her and I am definitely coveting this dress.Jenna Coleman could step right into the 1960s scenes of Outlander in this head-to-toe Burberry ensemble at the BAFTA Breakthrough Brits reception. It is also part Audrey Horne school uniform chic with a dash of ’90s with those red laced boots. A very fun segment on Late Night with Seth Meyers is “Jokes Seth Can’t Tell” and the latest edition is no different.

I would also very much like to know where Amber Ruffin’s shirt is from because it is an astronomical delight. In other excellent Amber Ruffin news; she is looking to making the switch from late night to prime time and I am thrilled.Bookending this week’s “Out of the Box” with Cate Blanchett. Here she shares the cover of Australian Vogue with Thor: Ragnarok co-star Chris Hemsworth. A shot that is both moody in focus but fun in fashion and set-up. Also this new Thor is ridiculously enjoyable and had me laughing throughout. Some really fabulous costuming from Mayes C. Rubeo.

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Teen TV Halloween Episode Round-Up

26 Oct

Halloween is fast approaching and whether you have parties to attend over the weekend, I’m sure you can slip in a few old TV episode faves to celebrate this creepy time of year.

Sitcoms have long delivered on the Halloween theme hits with Brooklyn Nine-Nine upping the game every year; culminating in a very funny and heartwarming 2017 entry. Yes, I was crying by the end of it. But the genre that I keep returning to AND rewatching is teen TV from the ’90s. Because of course. Last year I wrote about nostalgia and looking back at these episodes.

I’m looking at you My So-Called Life, Freaks and Geeks, Felicity and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Below is a collection of articles I have written and team-up conversations about this particular topic and these shows. This is the ideal time for teen characters to experiment and most of adolescence is trying to figure out who you are. On Halloween you can explore that in a more explicit and overt manner. Ghosts come in many forms and it is also fun to look back at what was big in pop culture during this time. Costumes choices can be from a very specific window of time and there are some looks that never go out of style during this spooky season.

But if you need costume inspiration that is more 2017 than 1998, I also have you covered in this department.

My So-Called LifeMy So-Called Life uses the holidays to indulge in the supernatural from dead students that are very similar to Angela’s crush—Jordan Catalano—to angels at Christmas. I have written about MSCL a lot and the impact this show had on me when I was a teen cannot be measured in words (even though I have tried). It is surprising that I haven’t gone as Angela for any Halloweens so far and right now with all the ’90s inspired clothes in stores would be the perfect time. But alas, this year I have other plans.

For Halloween costume tips from the MSCL Halloween episode head here and for a discussion of everything about this episode go back in time to This Was TV.

Freaks and GeeksCapturing the awkward transition between childhood and adulthood is something Freaks and Geeks does better than many and in its third episode “Tricks and Treats,” Halloween is the perfect example of this. Whether it is finding out that there is a cut-off age for trick-or-treating or succumbing to peer pressure; this episode has it all. Plus Bill dresses up as the Bionic Woman and he is so pure. We must protect Bill Haverchuck.

I wrote about Freaks and Geeks using this holiday as a way to portray the push and pull that is indicative of being a teenager here. And for This Was TV, I did a deep dive of this episode with regular teen TV team-up partner, Julie Hammerle. Come for the Freaks and Geeks chat and all things pop culture references from 2013 (I see you Red era Taylor Swift).

Update!

I couldn’t not include this A+ TBT from Busy Philipps. 

Felicity Also early in Felicity’s run they give us a Halloween episode—it helps that October is near the start of the school year—and this one is fraught for a number of reasons; Felicity and Ben are robbed at gunpoint, which brings them closer together before pushing them apart. Felicity gets wasted and ends up throwing up in Noel’s lap, thus providing my go to Twitter cover photo for this time of year. There are also a good range of costumes and this brings me to my second Halloween costume tips post via teen TV from the ’90s.

Once again you can head to This Was TV for an in-depth chat about this episode and this isn’t Felicity’s only foray into Halloween shindigs. They head back to that well in season 4 and while it isn’t as noteworthy, there is a pre-Americans wig moment for Keri Russell and the episode is called “Boooz.” And for some reason, I still find that hilarious. You can read our thoughts about this episode on this very site.Buffy the Vampire Slayer 

The first Buffy the Vampire Slayer Halloween episode is in my Top 10 (maybe even Top 5) for this show. It is pivotal for a number of reasons and gets called back to on numerous occasions (like whenever they need anything military training related). And it also captures those awkward teen feelings as well as any of the other shows mentioned above. These are no After School Specials; instead pointing to insecurities and how this holiday can help put those feelings aside. Or magnify them.

Willow’s costume—or the one that Buffy wants her to wear—is the most ’90s, ticking all those nostalgia boxes and I wrote about that here. But don’t head to This Was TV for a team-up chat as we never did get to doing one for Buffy.

I keep returning to these episodes for a number of reasons; part nostalgia and part because they stand the test of time.

Happy Halloween, everyone! And if anyone dresses as any of the above characters please send me pics.

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

20 Oct

The last couple of weeks have been exhausting and each new day a different person tells a harrowing story about their experiences working in Hollywood. It is important that these stories are finally getting told and I’m sure this is just the beginning. My hope is that it will have a positive impact on industries that stretch far beyond just the entertainment one.

Some of these accounts of sexual harassment and assault were shared at Elle’s annual ‘Women in Hollywood’ event and the unveiling of these covers last week was a bright moment. It is worth your time to read the speeches by Reese Witherspoon, Ava DuVernay, Kristin Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence.

Hot steaming angry tears have fallen down my face a lot this week and it feels weird in a way to flip this back to a fashion post, but honestly it is what I need right now. And seeing women celebrating other women brings me so much joy in this garbage fire week/month/year.

In other things that brought me joy (but also made me sob) check out the Halt and Catch Fire season finale and the essay I wrote for Collider about the end of this show.
Some of the posed shots at the Elle ‘Women in Hollywood’ celebration took place in front of this semi-futuristic metallic backdrop and Yara Shahidi’s Chanel ensemble was already great, but looks even better here. Plus this dress has pockets and we all know how I feel about this. Those shoes are also divine.We’re going to be seeing a lot more from A Wrinkle in Time teen star Storm Reid and the heart emblazoned Reem Acra frock is a mix of adorable cool. Love that she’s not wearing stacked heels and this is the kind of shoe I should opt for, rather than failing to wear a pair of heels for an entire evening. The Big Sick is one of my favorite movies of 2017 and writer Emily V. Gordon continues to give great pattern at fancy events. This is such a fabulous fall floral look.
Color blocked Calvin Klein is just the thing—even if it errs on the side of too sheer—and Julia Garner’s got an excellent blue bag to match. Top marks for the bold lipstick too.Tracee Ellis Ross at the polo is a match made in fashion fun heaven and as she mentions on Instagram these items are all from her wardrobe; her fave Céline pants (that color!) and an Agnes B button-down from high school. Yep, high school.

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TONIGHT ~ all new @blackishabc at 9/8c #blackish

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From the fabulous posing on Insta collection this week; Tracee Ellis Ross shows that her Black-ish character is just as stylish and I would very much love this oversized green Tomorrowland chunky knit in my closet.

Last Sunday, Gina Rodriguez and Eiza González hosted a lunch with other Latina actresses and industry figures including Eva Longoria, Stephanie Beatriz, Melissa Fumero, Rosario Dawson and America Ferrera. Also in attendance were a number of Rodriguez’s Jane the Virgin co-stars Yara Martinez, Andrea Navedo, Ivonne Coll and Justina Machado.

It was heartwarming—especially after the last few weeks—to see Rodriguez and González hosting a super positive event like this.

We’re Going to Need More Wine is on my book list (and a phrase I say often) and also Gabrielle Union is making me want to invest in velvet pants more than I already did and I’ve been coveting a velvet suit hard.

And while I’m on the subject of velvet; here’s Rami Malek for Shortlist in the perfect Dior velvet. 

Also Mr. Robot has got off to a promising start and is featured in my Halloween costume TV inspiration round-up. 

Allure has been crushing it this year and the last time Kerry Washington graced this magazine’s cover I commented that it was one of her best (and she has been on many magazine covers). I’m gonna say the same thing again as this image and the accompanying editorial are captivating and disarming in the best possible way.

The interview is also full of gems including what it means to play Olivia Pope; “For her to be three-dimensional and complex and fully human and not anybody’s stereotype or caricature is a big deal.” She also discusses the current political climate and beauty standards. With the latter she mentions how black women are judged by the way they wear their hair saying, “I like to wear my natural texture, especially now because I have children and I want them to know that their hair is perfect as it is. They don’t have to change it or straighten it. They can, but they don’t have to.”

She talks about filming Scandal while pregnant (sadly there is no mention of my Fitz’s knee as a bump barrier) and what it means for her now the show is ending. You can read the full interview here.

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Erdem x H&M Party Highlights aka Give Me All the Florals

19 Oct

The first fast fashion collaboration I remember was when Roland Mouret teamed up with Gap back in 2006 and the designer/high street retailer team-up has been going strong for over a decade now. In fact Karl Lagerfeld did one with H&M in 2004—for some reason I don’t remember this—and H&M has produced collabs with a number of designer brands including Balmain, Stella McCartney,  Comme des Garçons and Versace. Now is the turn of Erdem.

Uniqlo is my to go to brand for indulging in the high/low collaborations and the only reason why I didn’t end up with about 10 things from the recent J.W. Anderson team-up was because they had sold out of the items I wanted before payday. But I don’t need any more sweaters (I always need more sweaters).

Bringing me back to H&M x Erdem and there are a number of items I am already eyeing up from the collection—namely leopard print coats, ladysuits, sweaters. And at the runway show party there are various celebs on hand sporting new looks that I am very tempted to add to my wardrobe.Pajama adjacent clothing is always going to win me over as is Kirsten Dunst; the two combined is fashion heaven and Erdem’s signature florals is a repeated motif.Perfect for winter botanics and I am coveting Kate Mara’s dress hard. And I can almost afford it. Perfect for one of the weddings I am going to next year. Throw a white tee underneath and hey it’s the ’90s again. I would also like to know what red lipstick Alexa Chung is wearing.On the runway there was plenty of menswear inspired pieces AND menswear; here is Taylor Kitsch sporting some grey pants that look great on him (and can look great on you too).Zendaya shows off one of the super feminine ensembles and leans hard into the retro vibe with her ’50s looking ‘do. I love everything about this and this whole collab is very wearable and pretty timeless. This is exactly what you want from fast fashion.

And here is that beautiful teaser ad. Let’s rewatch.

Erdem x H&M will be available in selected stores Thursday, November 2. And you can view the collection here.

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

13 Oct

Film festival season continues and we are definitely in fall fashion territory with outerwear and lots of long sleeves. Patterns dominate and the Thor premiere was a delightful display of sartorial fun.

It is also time for the annual “Women in Hollywood” issue of Elle and in a week that has been tough when it comes to writing about this industry—because of the endless harrowing tales of sexual harassment relating to, but not just limited to Harvey Weinstein—these covers are a welcome sight.  The Thor: Ragnarok premiere was a sparkly clothes delight and Jeff Goldblum once again gave great shirt; switching pattern for a silver number to go with his silver fox vibes. Hard swoon. Tessa Thompson is being touted as the MVP of the new Thor and she was a rainbow pleats knockout at the Emmys. Here she keeps up the colorful gown theme in a glorious marigold Schiaparelli gown.Cate Blanchett looks like she is concocting a grand scheme and then is going to throw a martini in someone’s face in gold sequin Gucci. This is enough sparkle to overwhelm, but this being Cate she can and does pull it off.
The Fug Girls asked if “preppy Star Trek is a thing?” and sign me up if it is. I love the ’70s athleisure look of the new series (which I need to catch up on) and I am here for Saoirse Ronan at the On Chesil Beach LFF premiere in this Alessandra Rich dress too.Holy sophistication! Kristin Scott Thomas ticks the turtleneck and mustard coat casually slung over her shoulders boxes at the LFF premiere for The Party. Everything about this is perfect for a fall fancy event.Heritage patterns are on trend and Greta Gerwig’s Ralph Lauren Collection frock in Prince of Wales check is fit for an evening in the English country and the New York Film Festival. I’ve probably already said it numerous times, but I am so excited for Lady Bird.A T-shirt can say a lot and at Glamour’s “The Girl Project” event Yara Shahidi has an important message to deliver on the International Day of the Girl. This shirt is available from Hstry and comes in both short and long sleeve versions at a super affordable price. It also looks like the kind of shirt that could make an appearance on Insecure.I just read a profile of The Vampire’s Wife co-creator Susie Cave in British Vogue and this is a brand I am head over heels in love with. Ruth Negga, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elisabeth Moss, January Jones and now Rachel Weisz at the New Yorker Festival have worn these super pretty frocks with signature frilled sleeves. Also at the New Yorker Festival is Tracee Ellis Ross in a fabulous floral Valentino jumpsuit. I love how much fun Ross has with fashion.

And it isn’t all big designer brands for Tracee Ellis Ross; this polka dot frock is from JCPenney and is part of Ross’ capsule line. Available from November 12 and everything is under the $75 mark. So many amazing women gracing the cover of Elle this month including one of the women of the year and a TV Ate My Wardrobe fave; Queen Laura Dern.
The icon levels are high and this Cicely Tyson cover is like a breath of fresh air because age is not and should not be a factor when a fashion magazine picks their cover stars. Take note, Vogue.

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

6 Oct

Film festival season continues and this week’s “Out of the Box” includes looks from both London and New York. Pattern continues to dominate and even though summer is over, florals are everywhere. Plus magazine covers continue to make me swoon and there’s a little something from Paris Fashion Week after this bumper post mid-week.

Oh and something I went to in person. I really like the Gucci bow collection and it reminds me a little of the Valentino gowns from last year (also at LFF).

At the Breathless premiere Claire Foy lets the dress do the talking, opting for a smoky eye and no accessories. This continues to be a very busy year for the soon-to-be Lisbeth Salander. More Gucci and Carey Mulligan’s gone Grecian goddess in gold and green at the Mudbound premiere. It is a beautiful look that ditches her usual twee styling choices.
Mudbound director Dee Rees tux jacket game is strong and pairing this botanical print with burnt orange is perfect for fall. It is still early doors, but there is Oscar buzz surrounding this movie and it is definitely on my most anticipated list. It will premiere on Netflix next month (November 17).Also on the highly anticipated list is Call Me by Your Name and at the NYFF both Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet have added pattern to their looks. Chalamet’s gone subtle in Prince of Wales check and Armie’s embracing the floral trend. Results are good.

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But wait. Guys? THIS IS WHO I AM NOW.

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Busy gives A+ Paris posing and also I would like this entire outfit, please and thank you. In Busy and Michelle Stories updates; they dyed Michelle’s hair pink and there was definitely a lot of wine consumed.Yesterday, I went to a the LFF Jake Gyllenhaal ‘Screen Talk’ event and this is less about what he was wearing (pretty standard daytime promotion outfit) and more about getting to attend.

I do plan on writing something a bit longer (probably via TinyLetter), but for now enjoy the video above of Jake discussing his Brokeback Mountain audition.

I’m glad to get a close-up look at Edith Bowman’s Altuzarra floral frock as it looked amazing from our third row seats. And while this is the first time I have been to an event like this IRL, I have watched a lot of these kinds of talks online and Edith is one of the best prepared interviewers I have seen; she asked interesting questions, kept the conversation flowing and had done her research.  In more Jake news; he is now the face of Eternity by Calvin Klein alongside model and advocate Liya Kebode and four-year-old actress Leila. We are officially in fragrance season and this is both a print and TV campaign, expect those towards the end of the month. Yes, I will be swooning every single time.

Not sure what this shot of Lupita is for (magazine or otherwise), but I am in awe nonetheless. Double Claire Foy this week and she’s got two big projects coming out in quick succession; Breathless and season 2 of The Crown. It isn’t surprising to see her on the cover of British Vogue and I love that they didn’t go for something that mimics her Queen styling. Instead opting for a stunning and simple Christian Siriano gown. Green makes for a striking background and Samira Wiley’s Stylist cover image is incredibly captivating. And in good news for your bank account the sweater she is wearing here is from Uniqlo with an Urban Outfitters turtleneck below.

And for more turtleneck inspiration; check out my Outlander knitwear inspiration piece.

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Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu Star-Studded Paris Fashion Week Shows

4 Oct

Paris Fashion Week finishes today! Marking the end of this very hectic Spring/Summer ’18 season and some of my favorite looks from those attending occurred over the last few days. Louis Vuitton has quite the set of brand ambassadors; pretty much all were there for both the runway show and the boutique opening the night before.

There’s a lot of leopard print infused in these outfits on both days and this is only adding to my desire to finally indulge in this style.

Over at Miu Miu the front row was a mix of newcomers and fashion week veterans. It feels like organizers for both shows reached into my brain and picked out some of my faves. So rather than making “Out of the Box” overstuffed, here is a rundown of the best looks from these Paris Fashion Week events.Michelle Williams has been part of the LV family since 2013 and for the Paris show she brought along bestie Busy Philipps. The trip lived up to the Busy brand and was well documented on Instagram Stories—much to my delight—including dancing to Will Smith and featuring a cameo from another TV Ate My Wardrobe regular.

Both of these outfits also look super wearable and I am particularly eyeing up Michelle’s jacket and Busy’s skirt. I also spent yesterday writing about turtlenecks and while I personally wouldn’t wear a cropped version, I am excited to see this kind of sweater doing the rounds.

Find yourself a BFF that looks at you the way Michelle looks at Busy.

And there are some fabulous accompanying Insta photos, which unlike Stories, stick around for more than 24 hours. Louis Vuitton, you really should.

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All of me.

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This is also amazing. After the very low turnout at Dior—where were all their ambassadors?—Louis Vuitton did not have this problem. A front row of Oscar winners and nominees. More coats to covet and Ruth Negga at the Louis Vuitton opening is everything goals. She’s even making the white boots work. Another lipstick brand/color to add to the forever list of cosmetics I am on the hunt for.Pattern clashing at its best and Alicia Vikander is looking the most ’90s. Now these are the LV boots I would like to stomp about in this winter.Maggie Gyllenhaal continues to do amazing things on The Deuce and on the sartorial front; giving off ’50s elegance vibes at Miu Miu with a dash of ’70s style platforms. I want her to star in screwball comedy after seeing this outfit. Or a sequel to The Secretary.It is a cliché to use the word chic when someone is in Paris, but Naomie Harris is chic af here. It is really nice to see Elle Fanning in something non-pastel and floaty; this jumpsuit didn’t picture so well while sitting down, but looks great here. More platforms from Miu Miu for Dakota and this color is stunning on her. I feel very protective toward Julia Garner and no doubt this is because of the character she plays on The Americans. I also really like how fashiony she is (as well as being a terrific actress) and Miu Miu feels like entirely the right brand for her style. This is slightly edgy, but with a playful side.Clemence Posey is another regular Fashion Week attendee and this sweater/skirt pairing is what I want to wear to the office. If I worked in an office. After starring in the highest-grossing horror movie of all time, It star Sophia Lillis continues her cute as hell fashion domination. Sparkly collar and kitten print are delightful. As is this cat number from Miu Miu’s online store. Gonna go get lost in this pattern dream of a RTW collection.

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