Out of the Box: Look of the Week

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Halloween episodes, fancy historical balls red carpet events, award season shenanigans begin and excellent street style all feature on this week’s “Out of the Box” so let’s get to it.

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It’s the second week in a row that Trophy Wife features on “Out of the Box” as almost everyone gets to place dress up as part of their Halloween extravaganza. There is an array of costumes from Pete’s lawyer visual gag (a hung jury), Jackie’s Elizabeth I (that she thought was Marie Antoinette and Kate mistook for Lady Gaga), Diane’s super scary gargoyle and Kate’s centaur on wheels (courtesy of Jackie). The only person who didn’t indulge was Hillary and it is her brother Warren as Ellen DeGeneres that wins my best costume prize. Warren attempts everything with such enthusiasm including this costume even though he is hopped up on pain meds after a dental procedure and this makes his routine even funnier and hard to understand.

Bonus Trophy Wife costume mention goes to Jackie’s literal interpretation of who or what Iron Man is, luckily Bert did end up with an actual Iron Man suit and Trophy Wife once again nails the cold open with a very funny visual gag (last week involved Diane and Skype). Having such a huge cast could be problematic but so far this show is doing an excellent job with all the different groupings and because they are all part of the same family in one way or another these moments don’t feel contrived. The only character who they are finding it hard to organically involve is Meg and this is a shame as Natalie Morales has been great so far despite her limited screen time. Margaret Lyons at Vulture includes Bert and Warren in her piece on the “era of awesome weirdo kids” and I’m looking forward to seeing what Trophy Wife will do next (an early plea of “please don’t cancel this show”).

It wasn’t Halloween on The Vampire Diaries but they still got to play dress up thanks to a ball with a historical theme. Caroline is half of the Bonnie and Clyde and she’s pretty much a dead ringer for the Faye Dunaway’s Bonnie from the 1967 movie. Awesome Caroline is my favorite on The Vampire Diaries so I hoping this season goes beyond her pining after Tyler because she is so much more than that.

Considering how amazing last Sunday’s episode of The Good Wife is, it’s not surprising to see Julianna Margulies with a smile this big. The red flared-skirt Philosophy coat is another reason to look happy and my outerwear envy is at an all time high with this outfit. Both the reception and the ratings were high for the appropriately named “Hitting the Fan” and it’s easily one of the best hours of TV that I have seen this year as Alicia and Cary left Lockhart/Gardner and the house of cards fell down and got propped up and then fell down again (depending on which character we are talking about). The Good Wife has shown that even in its fifth season it can do bold things and I can’t wait to see how this will impact the rest of the season.

Diane Kruger is showing exactly why she is has been part of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s Look of the Week on so many occasions in this Chanel Spring 2013 Couture dress at the Little Black Jacket Chanel event in Sao Paulo. The red leather belt and floral embellishments make this a simple but stunning outfit choice. There isn’t anything too fussy about Kruger’s look and the strappy saddles/lack of accessories works and is complimented by the hair down and fresh face makeup approach.

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The Emmys were over a month ago and award chatter has moved onto movies and we can look forward to months of pre Oscars chat with some TV thrown in with the Golden Globes – where we’re mostly looking forward to Tina and Amy hosting and maybe boozy stars. One face that I am so excited to see in the mix is Michael B. Jordan for his performance in Fruitvale Station. Jordan is part of The Hollywood Reporter’s actor roundtable discussion and he talks about influences on his career such as The Wire’s David Simon and Friday Night Lights creator Peter Berg.

It’s worth a watch and the discussion covers stereotypes in Hollywood, what it’s like to portray a real person, roles they’ve turned down and terrible auditions including Jake Gyllenhaal’s Lord of the Rings disaster. The problem with these roundtables is they barely scratch the surface and switch topics at a rapid pace so just when something is getting interesting they move on. Jordan comes across as thoughtful and smart and I want all the good things to happen for him. Style wise he has been killing it on the red carpet this year.

Tags: award season, Chanel, Diane Kruger, Fruitvale Station, Halloween, Julianna Margulies, Michael B. Jordan, The Good Wife, The Vampire Diaries, Trophy Wife

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

25 Oct

It’s “Out of the Box” time and it’s we’re covering a variety of shows this week including a returning show with a bright and bold wardrobe, an “Out of the Box” regular, a new favorite and another example of the excellent costume design on The Good Wife. We’re also looking at a Halloween themed episode and there are plenty of last minute ideas if you’re thinking of going as a TV character especially if you take the Nick Miller approach.

The Carrie Diaries returns tonight for season 2 and I’m looking forward to discussing the way they depict ’80s fashion; a fusion of pieces that are on sale now with authentic items. Carrie gets a new friend this season and it’s someone from the Sex and the City universe; that’s right Samantha Jones is entering Carrie’s life and she’s doing so in a lace jumpsuit (because of course).

I really enjoyed the first season of The Carrie Diaries and found both the show and AnnaSophia Robb to be incredibly charming. That’s a whole lot of bold color and patterns in the shot above and a flash of Carrie’s bra through her blouse is probably a nod to the many times we saw SJP’s in Sex and the City. This could also be Samantha’s influence as she is the more provocative, even at this age. She’s not pictured here but the person I am most looking forward to seeing in all her ’80s glory is Donna, as she was a constant source of sartorial joy last season.

Parks and Recreation has been bumped around the schedule this week and so this feels like a good opportunity to talk about April’s outfit from the end of the last episode. It’s typically April and for those who frequently read “Out of the Box” you will know by now that April’s wardrobe is one that I covet. With April her clothes are pretty similar to my own personal style and something like the outfit above is within my budget (the bag and skirt are both from Urban Outfitters). With a character like Olivia Pope I can but dream of owning something from her closet (and I’ve talked about my spilling issue before that prevents me from wearing white).

While I have already focused on the incredible Diane costume design on this week’s episode of The Good Wife I also want to highlight Elsbeth Tascioni’s blue velvet suit and frill blouse. This could have been a pure Austin Powers looking disaster, instead it’s lends to Elsbeth’s charms as she demonstrates why Alicia and Will trust her inherently; just because she looks and behaves a certain way doesn’t mean you should underestimate her. I wonder who will get Elsbeth in the impending firm breakup?

It’s that time of year for Halloween themed episodes which means costumes! New Girl‘s Halloween party featured a couple of lesser known costumes including Paper Mountain Trash King (otherwise known as trash from Nick’s car) and Joey Ramona Quimby (a hybrid of Joey Ramone and Ramona Quimby). Not featured in the shot above but also just as random is Schmidt’s public serpent. Winston opts for a real life person and dresses as David Letterman after a misunderstanding at work, Schmidt thinks he is Maya Angelou instead.

Jess looks pretty great with a bob and the striped top would go on my wish list if I didn’t already have more striped tops than any person ever needs. Later on Jess does get to dress as a more familiar character as she pretends to be Michael Keaton in his Batman costume. Even when doing a popular character there is a weird edge to it. At The AV Club Erik Adams discusses how for these characters every day is Halloween as they are constantly adopting pseudonyms on New Girl and with this in mind it makes complete sense that their costumes are this bizarre.

It wasn’t Halloween on Trophy Wife but there is still an opportunity for dressing up with a ’80s themed school fundraiser. Trophy Wife is one my favorites from the new fall shows and it has impressed me with how it balances such a big cast and all of the different family dynamics. This part of the episode was all about Pete saying no to Diane and the Billy Idol/Pat Benatar costumes could ruin the impact of Pete’s big moment; even though things end on a slightly awkward note for Pete, his point has been made and acknowledged. Kate’s Working Girl costume is effective because it would be easy to make a gag out something more revealing, but this show is a lot smarter and subversive than the title suggests. I’m glad more episodes have been ordered and despite low ratings I’m remaining optimistic that good word of mouth will help this charming new sitcom stay on the air.

Tags: April Ludgate, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries, The Good Wife, Trophy Wife

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

18 Oct

It’s a genre TV heavy “Out of the Box” this week including a shippers dream and the most fun show on TV right now. As always this is just a snapshot of the week on TV and any other TV related photo shoots or public appearances that have caught the eye of us here at TV Ate My Wardrobe.

The 20th anniversary of The X-Files continues to bring so much joy as Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny took part in a Reddit AMA (where the above photo is from) and a Paley Center Panel where they flirted a whole bunch and made sure that anyone who had any Mulder/Scully shipper feelings long ago is feeling them all over again. They look great and they’re having so much fun at these panels even if they can’t remember half of the plot of the show (and when it comes to the mythology, who can?).

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Sleepy Hollow continues to be one of the most fun things on TV at the moment and part of that joy comes from watching Ichabod adapting to the 21st Century. They don’t play this card too much and as it is used sparingly it adds humor when we do get a scene as he struggles to understand; I totally feel his pain when he is trying to get into the razor wrapped in plastic.

There has been a discussion as to why Ichabod is still wearing his old timey clothes and I think it’s still too soon for the big makeover episode as he’s meant to look out of place. It also gives Ichabod a tangible piece of his past to hold onto while he adapts to the present. He is aware that this might look peculiar as he asks Abbie is he looks out of place in this century and before she can really address this they are interrupted by a well timed radio call. The banter and chemistry between Abbie and Ichabod is one aspect that helps ground Sleepy Hollow even when the most ridiculous things are occurring.

While I’m on the subject of Sleepy Hollow here is the cast at New York Comic Con from last weekend so you can see what Tom Mison looks like when he’s not in his Revolutionary War attire and yep he looks rather dashing in his scarf and sweater combo. Katia Winter who plays Katrina also gets to ditch her look from the past, but it is Nicole Beharie that stands out in a super cute polka dot dress. Orlando Jones is also looking pretty swish in his vest and green tie.

The Originals demonstrated that it’s not just Mystic Falls that can throw a decadent affair as a masquerade ball becomes the setting for part of Klaus’ big plan. This is all about light and dark and while the symbolism is rather obvious it doesn’t make it any less glamorous as the innocent Cami has taken fashion advice off Claire Danes in Romeo + Juliet. Klaus and Rebekah are both decked out in black because they’re evil and all that, plus they look terrific in these costumes.

The Walking Dead returned this week and hey they let Michonne smile for the first time ever and this made me very happy. As did her interactions with Rick (#Richonne4Eva). This photo of Danai Gurira is from the October issue of InStyle and it’s a stunning editorial; it is a completely different look to her Walking Dead character and the grim world it is set in.

Once again the costuming on The Good Wife is impeccable and Diane looks like such a powerhouse as she negotiates with Will. The jacket is simple and the broach adds a bit of flare along with her dark rimmed glasses and red lipstick. We’re only 3 episodes in and The Good Wife has already dropped the mic several times as they build the tension and rip the firm apart from within. As with Scandal these clothes act as an armor for these characters and here Diane is showing that she isn’t going to give up without a fight. Olivia Pope would approve this look.

For Scandal and Masters of Sex costume posts head here and here.

Tags: Christine Baranski, Danai Gurira, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Katia Winter, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones, Scandal, Sleepy Hollow, The Good Wife, The Originals, The Walking Dead, The X-Files, Tom Mison

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

11 Oct

Public appearances, magazine shoots and red carpet looks dominate “Out of the Box” this week. Remember to check out our Scandal costuming recap for all things Olivia Pope and our Masters of Sex color and costuming post here.

While I’m on the subject of Masters of Sex here is Lizzy Caplan in what looks like a jumpsuit but is actually two separates (though a long sleeve jumpsuit is available) by Corey Lynn Calter. Having just got used to seeing Caplan in all ’50s wear I’m glad to see this shoot with The Independent doesn’t try to mimic that style and instead goes for a more 1970s look.

The bag over the head option is probably only useful when it is raining (and really how much does that really do to keep you dry?) but this Clémence Poésy outfit in Stylist magazine is not only super adorable but also affordable. The coat is French Connection and the skirt is from Oasis showing just how winter florals are done and I basically want this whole ensemble – there are chaffinches on the blouse! Clémence Poésy’s next role is in another adaptation of Broen this time the border between France and the United Kingdom; instead of The Bridge it will be called The Tunnel and Poésy is playing Elise, the role Sofia Helin and Diane Kruger have also played. The three actresses all share a similar look and it’s unlikely, but I’d love to see a crossover involving the three different versions of this show.

I watched American Horror Story for the first time this week and while I’m still entirely sure what to make of the show I do know that I am excited to have Angela Bassett back on TV again and she looks incredible at the premiere of American Horror Story: Coven. This leather and lace Robert Rodriguez dress is pretty much perfect and completely in tone with the show that Bassett is promoting.

I’ve got so used to seeing Michael Shannon as the buttoned up (former) Agent Van Alden on Boardwalk Empire and so this combination of polka dot socks and pink t-shirt at The New Yorker “In Conversation” event is so utterly delightful. Rather than his impressive acting career this evening looked at music and Shannon performed with his band Corporal. Sadly there doesn’t appear to be a video of this performance on the New Yorker’s site and I can’t imagine his character on Boardwalk Empire getting up with a guitar anytime soon, unless a super coked up Al Capone wants him to of course.

There is something so wonderfully ’80s about this Band of Outsiders dress; it might be the puffed pointy shoulders or the black and white zigzag stripes. Whatever it is, Lucy Liu looks incredible. This outfit is for an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman but in my mind she is really working on a top secret take down mission in 1987. Now all I need is for someone to wear this outfit from Wonder Woman and I’ll be happy.

Tags: American Horror Story: Coven, Angela Bassett, Boardwalk Empire, Clemence Poesy, Lizzy Caplan, Lucy Liu, Masters of Sex, Michael Shannon, The Bridge, The Tunnel

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

4 Oct

It’s another costuming focused “Out of the Box” as more shows returned and debuted this week. There’s also a show from long ago in the mix as Felicity is now on my viewing schedule and the opening credits are too good to not include in this feature. This is a snapshot of the week on TV and costuming that has caught our attention. We haven’t forgotten Scandal as there is a whole post here dedicated to the season 3 premiere.

Masters of Sex started this week and it’s already my favorite new show of the fall (Sleepy Hollow takes number 2 slot which I would not have predicted a few weeks ago). One issue with the pilot is it did that thing where it over emphasized the 1950s setting and mentioned on several occasions the historical impact this study will have. As this is the first episode I’m not going to quibble too much about that, especially when Lizzy Caplan gets to play a character that is confident with her sexuality in this setting and Virginia Johnson is ahead of her time without feeling out of place in this time. Caplan is an actress who I have wanted to see more of since her performance as Janis Ian in Mean Girls, Party Down provided an excellent TV role for Caplan but alas that only lasted 2 seasons – where is that movie they keep teasing us?

The costuming on Masters of Sex is giving me a lot of coat and short sleeve sweater envy and as with most period costume dramas there is wistfulness about seeing clothing styles from the past. A show like Mad Men has influenced fashion and while I don’t see Masters of Sex having the same huge impact it’s probably going to give me some ideas, especially as we are now in coat season. I got a short sleeve sweater this week and on Twitter I mentioned that it had a Megan Draper quality, it also looks like the costuming on Masters of Sex might have been an influence.

It isn’t all office wear and with the loss of Gossip Girl we don’t have a guaranteed big soiree every week, but luckily there’s a big fancy party and this means Virginia Johnson wearing a sleeveless prom style dress. If you were in any doubt who was the most in control of their sexuality then the above photo with Master’s wife Libby reinforces their roles. Libby is probably the weakest aspect of the pilot playing the downtrodden but supportive wife and I hope they expand her character beyond this.

Moving onto the present and The Good Wife returned on Sunday with an excellent episode that set up what should hopefully be an explosive season 5. Cary and Alicia’s big move hasn’t been revealed to the rest of Lockhart/Gardner but there are rumblings that something’s afoot and it probably wasn’t a coincidence that Diane was wearing the color of danger in the scene where they asked Alicia if she had heard anything. Red is generally Alicia’s go to power color so I think it’s significant that Diane is wearing it. Costume designer Daniel Lawson does such a great job on this show as he doesn’t lose the femininity of these characters and still giving them an incredibly commanding look. Now let’s flashback to the past with Felicity as I am watching the show for the first time for This Was TV. I’ve never seen the Felicity opening credits prior to this week and I was struck by how simple but effective they are as we see Felicity and her friends in various settings around New York. It’s half laughing, half pensive looks and by using black and white it also gives the impression of what someone who had just started college would deem cool as their opening credits sequence. This shot of Keri Russell is stunning and I’ve already been warned that this credit sequence will get a terrible makeover which I am already mad about and should be filed with Alias and Veronica Mars as ways to mess up your awesome opening credits. On display here is the 90s baggy realness that the three episodes I have watched so far has in abundance.

Tags: Daniel Lawson, Felicity, Keri Russell, Lizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex, The Good Wife

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

27 Sep

It’s been a big red carpet week thanks to the Emmys (for all our coverage head here) and so Out of the Box is going to return its focus to the costuming that has caught our eye on TV this week. Featuring characters that are Out of the Box regulars and some new faces this is a snapshot of the week on TV and costuming that has caught our attention.

The penultimate episode of Breaking Bad saw Walter White isolated and broken as he started a new life in a cabin somewhere in New Hampshire. It’s not much of a life as he has to spend $10,000 for an hour of company and two copies of Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is all he has to watch. His first attempt to leave the cabin begins with him putting on the Heisenberg hat; a symbol of the empire he had created and the elusive figure that was feared. Combined with the parka coat and the surroundings this takes any of the menace out of it and the trip is futile, with Walt returning to his cabin of solitude. The next time we see him venture outside he has ditched the Heisenberg hat and opted for a more sensible beanie and it appears as if Heisenberg has gone for good. That is until he sees the Charlie Rose interview with his former partners and for one last episode Heisenberg is set to return.

Oh Sleepy Hollow you are the most nonsensical fun that is on TV at the moment and the first two episodes have certainly squeezed a lot of mythology into them. The one thing that is grounding the show is the central relationship between Tom Mison’s Ichabod Crane and Nicole Beharie’s Lt. Abbie Mills. The crazy story part isn’t necessarily what hooks people into a show; it’s the chemistry between the characters that increases the satisfaction of a journey like this and it makes the ridiculous moments easier to swallow. Ichabod is still dressed in the clothes he arrived in and it’s unclear whether he will get a wardrobe update. This helps with the notion that he isn’t from this time and I can’t quite picture him in jeans and a t-shirt, though I also really want to see the inevitable makeover episode when they don’t have witches and headless horseman to deal with.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is another new show that benefits from a strong central pairing with Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher playing two very different cops. Braugher is the new Captain at the precinct Andy Samberg’s Detective Jake Peralta works at and the second episode reinforced the conflict between Jake’s easy going style and Captain Holt’s by the book attitude. Uniform has been a point of contention in both the pilot and with their undercover surveillance this week; Jake is seeing how far he can push his new captain. Jake’s minivan disguise is Harvey Norgenbloom and Harvey wears sandals, not the best footwear choice for chasing after bad guys. This push and pull works because Samberg is so good at doing the goofy manchild role and Braugher has the perfect level of deadpan. I’ve been impressed with both of these episodes and how quickly these characters have been established.

Jess got wasted on New Girl this week after Nick’s solid advice that drinking makes you cooler and her hangover outfit is wonderful; the plaid shirt she slept in – it looks like it could be one of Nick’s but it’s actually a woman’s shirt that you can buy here – the key is that it is baggy as you don’t want anything too tight after a night of heavy drinking and toilet bowl dancing. The sunglasses are an important addition as is the coffee cup that Jess is clutching (a can of Diet Coke is my preferred solution).

It’s April’s yellow mustard hoodie that is top of my clothing wish list and you’d be surprised how hard it is to find something this simple. Parks and Recreation returned for season 6 yesterday with a double bill episode and a trip to London (and Scotland). April’s dress at the awards ceremony is the same Alice + Olivia dress that Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford was seen wearing at New York Fashion Week. Along with this mustard hoodie there are other repeated outfits featured in this premiere of Parks and Rec that are on my most wanted list including Leslie’s mixed polka dot blouse and it makes sense to reuse costumes with these types of characters.

Special mention has to go to the wardrobe of Jean-Ralphio and Mona Lisa; this more than double denim explosion is as amazing as Jean-Ralphio’s hair is huge.

Tags: Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Aubrey Plaza, Ben Schwartz, Breaking Bad, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Bryan Cranston, Heisenberg Hat, Jenny Slate, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, Sleepy Hollow, Tom Mison, Zooey Deschanel

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

20 Sep

It’s the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday which means there are parties aplenty and with the earlier Creative Arts Emmys happening last Sunday we also have some winners looking fabulous as they pick up their accolades. So let’s get straight to it.

Dan Bucatinsky plays Cyrus’ husband James on Scandal and he picked up the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series on Sunday night. It was a tough category that also featured Michael J. Fox (The Good Wife) and Rupert Friend (Homeland) and in a heartfelt speech he mentioned how wonderful it is that he can thank both his onscreen husband and real life husband. Wearing an amazing Alexander McQueen Dogtooth Jacquard tuxedo, Bucatinsky showed there are options for men beyond just the standard black tux and the Scandal cast is one of the most stylish both on screen and on the red carpet .

The Good Wife has a huge amount of excellent guest stars and Carrie Preston plays one of my favorite recurring characters; Elsbeth Tascioni. Tascioni’s quirks could come across as forced but Preston shines in this role and so I was delighted to see her win for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series on Sunday. I’m also a sucker for a cape and while most of the red carpet looks at the Creative Arts Emmys played it safe, it was good to see Preston trying something a little different.

People magazine named Kerry Washington the World’s Best Dressed Woman this week and I’m definitely not going to dispute this title; who else could pull of this bubblegum pink ruffled Halston Heritage dress without looking like a Barbie doll?! The white shoes/clutch and matching lipstick to the dress color could be seen as accessorizing overkill but for some reason it works. All eyes will be on Washington on Sunday and she is high on my list of most anticipated red carpet arrivals. The Outstanding Actress in a Drama category is incredibly strong and my loyalty is split three ways between Washington, Elisabeth Moss and Claire Danes.

From last night’s Hollywood Reporter Nominees Night party both Tina Fey and Allison Williams have opted for the simple and effective black dress approach. It might be the similar outfit choices and natural makeup look but they could definitely play sisters in something. Along with Kerry Washington’s gown another thing on my Emmy anticipated list is what Amy Poehler has planned for the announcement of the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy category that Tina Fey is part of; previous years have included a silly glasses, mixed up speeches and a pageant approach. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are also slated to present at the Emmys this weekend.

While The Vampire Diaries isn’t nominated for anything, Awesome Vampire Caroline herself Candice Accola attended the Hollywood Reporter party and looked, well awesome. This is another occasion where matching lipstick color to the dress actually works and while the nude shoes are not my favorite this is a really good look for a party that doesn’t require a full on gown. The dress is really cute with the bow belt and Rorschach like image (it’s definitely a butterfly).

As I’ve already mentioned the Scandal cast are just as stylish off screen as they are on it and Darby Stanchfield bookends this week’s Scandal filled post. This outfit could look a bit too business but as it’s a skirt and crop top this gives it a party edge. The clutch and statement ring add flare to the look and I love the belted detail that helps break up the grey tweed. Once again Stanchfield has avoided her Abby like super straight hair and opted for the wavy approach; as always I have long auburn hair envy.

For more photos from The Hollywood Reporter’s Emmy party head here.

Tags: Allison Williams, Candice Accola, Carrie Preston, Dan Bucatinsky, Darby Stanchfield, Emmy Awards, Girls, Kerry Washington, Scandal, The Good Wife, The Vampire Diaries, Tina Fey

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

13 Sep

New York Fashion Week came to a close yesterday (the madness continues today with London Fashion Week kicking off) and so this edition of “Out of the Box” is a front row special.

Ashley Madekwe might be exiting Revenge in the season 3 premiere, but she has been doing the fashion show rounds. Madekwe has been running her own style blog for the past 5 years and so her presence at multiple shows doesn’t feel forced or contrived. Out of all the many stunning outfits that Madekwe wore this week, this super pretty bronze/gold beaded dress at Saturday’s Monique Lhuillier show is my favorite. Avoiding the pitfalls of ruining a good dress with too many accessories, Madekwe has also gone for a fresh faced look and it’s stunning.

Girls co-stars Allison Williams and Zosia Mamet have very different styles and at the Prabal Gurung you can see this in action – Williams is all about the classic and Mamet tends to opt for a variety of looks that sometimes fail to hit the mark. Not so at the Prabal Gurung show where she looks relaxed and stylish. Both are in monochrome – they’re somewhat power clashing but it works and the pop of color on Mamet’s floral top is eye catching. Mamet also looks like she wants to be there, a change from her standard red carpet pose that tends to suggest otherwise.

Kerry Washington took a break from filming season 3 of Scandal to perform judging duties at the Project Runway finale fashion show. This is Washington’s third time judging on the show (first for the final) and she looks delightful in this floral Stella McCartney frock. Washington recently wore another fun and flirty Stella McCartney dress at the recent Teen Choice Awards.

Michelle Dockery’s cerulean blue* flared mid-length skirt and beautiful Peter Pan-collar blouse is both stunning and demure at the Carolina Herrera show on Monday and she looks every bit the English Rose. The dahlia bloom print on the shirt is an interesting twist on the many floral interpretations that we have seen this week on both the runway and front row.

*Hard not to think about The X-Files episode “Pusher” when this color is mentioned

Who knew I was missing Gossip Girl this much that I would not only Fantasy Costume Blair Waldorf but also get excited to see some of the cast reuniting?! It’s as big a surprise to me as anyone, but it was good to see Kelly Rutherford and Taylor Momsen posing together backstage at the Alice + Olivia show. Momsen’s hemline and makeup are not as extreme as we are used to and Rutherford also opted for an above the knee black dress. While Momsen looks as surly as Jenny Humphrey in this shot apparently she was all smiles at the show.

Rashida Jones rocks a quilted sleeveless floral embroidered top at the Opening Ceremony show and pairs it with a skirt that I wish was currently in my own wardrobe. This is a double pattern success and bonus points are given for a great shade of lipstick. Also is crushed velvet making a comeback? This really must be a 90s revival of the highest order (see the woman in the background).

Tags: Allison Williams, Ashley Madekwe, Downton Abbey, Girls, Gossip Girl, Kelly Rutherford, Kerry Washington, Michelle Dockery, New York Fashion Week, NYFW, Project Runway, Rashida Jones, Revenge, Scandal, Taylor Momsen, Zosia Mamet

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Categories New York Fashion Week, Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

6 Sep

The summer is coming to an end and the new fall TV season is just around the corner; this means more TV stars on magazine covers, red carpet and chat show appearances. September also means multiple film festivals with Venice taking place already and TIFF started yesterday. New York Fashion Week also kicked off yesterday so expect a lot of appearances from TV stars promoting their shows from the front row. This is the month where it all gets a bit crowded and while it can sometimes feel like information overload, I love it.

Winner: Eddie Izzard and Sidse Babett Knudsen for the Zulu Comedy Awards

The Zulu Comedy Awards are Danish and Borgen star Sidse Babette Knudsen appears alongside actor and comedian Eddie Izzard. While this award show hasn’t been on my radar before I am so glad that this photo popped up on my Facebook feed (thanks to Scanoir) as it brings me so much joy. We are used to seeing Knudsen in the serious role of Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg but she played host at this comedy awards show. As you can see from the above photo Eddie Izzard seems very taken with the compare and she is striking a rather amazing looking fierce pose. Last year as part of a roundtable discussion I gave Sidse Babett Knudsen my performance of the year and I can’t wait to see what she does next as Borgen has now ended in Denmark (I still have season 3 to watch). While I would like to see her tackle comedy, seeing her with Izzard has me longing for a Hannibal guest starring role.

Runner Up: Kerry Washington Covering Flare Magazine

Kerry Washington has scored another magazine cover (she’s also covers Glamour’s October issue) and this really is the year of Olivia Pope. The great thing is that none of the editorials look similar and this is something that is reflected in Washington’s red carpet choices; there is always variety. Olivia Pope has her defined uniform of white tailored pieces with flashes of other neutral tones whereas Kerry Washington is happy to experiment. The pink polka dot Miu Miu coat is striking (and on my infinite wish list) and this is the second magazine cover editorial that has opted for this collection (Michelle Dockery’s Harper’s Bazaar cover went for the stripped Miu Miu coat). Is a Vogue cover next? Here’s hoping.

Runner Up: Jack Huston at the Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Premiere

Boardwalk Empire returns in just over a week (Sunday, 9) and it’s a show that has one of the richest aesthetic looks. The sprawling nature of the world that these characters inhabit means that favorites such as Jack Huston’s Richard Harrow are sometimes sidelined for too long. When Harrow did come into play last year it was as devastating and brutal as his story has always been and I’m pleased to hear that season 4 will see Harrow explore his past; will he find his sister? Jack Huston does an excellent job of transforming himself into this character that goes beyond the tin mask; his speech patterns and posture are just as important. Red carpet appearances reveal how handsome he really is and not anyone can pull off a moustache like that.

Runner Up: Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson at the Venice Film Festival

First of all let’s rejoice once again that Joshua Jackson has scored himself a Showtime pilot as the new season hasn’t even started and I’m sad that he won’t be gracing our screens. Diane Kruger has been doing an exceptional job on The Bridge – there’s this amazing thing she does with her eyes when she’s trying to explain Sonya’s issues with connecting with people that breaks my heart every single time – and I’ve been generally very impressed with this adaptation.

The pair hit the red carpet in Venice for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gala Dinner (a brand that Kruger is the face of) and while not everyone can pull of such a heavy looking velvet gown, Kruger looks extraordinary in the purple Alberta Ferretti dress. There is something regal about it without appearing too much like a fancy dress costume and this is aided by the minimal accessories and simple hair and makeup. Josh Jackson looks pretty dapper, even with the injury that means he’s wearing a support rather than a shoe (also in black).

Who is your look of the week?

Tags: Boardwalk Empire, Borgen, Diane Kruger, Eddie Izzard, Flare Magazine, Jack Huston, Joshua Jackson, Kerry Washington, Scandal, Sidse Babett Knudsen, The Bridge, Zulu Comedy Awards

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Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

30 Aug

It’s an Out of the Box eclectic mix this week as we have a striking location from Breaking Bad, street style from one of our favorite young actresses, a magazine cover shoot and a floral dress to add to the already infinite list of floral dresses on the TV Ate My Wardrobe wish list. As always this is a snapshot of the week on TV, online and in print.

Winner: Jesse on Breaking Bad “Confessions”

This shot is mostly about location as Jesse waits to be picked up so he can start a new life away from manipulation; his decision to stay could turn deadly but he is following his own agency rather part of Walt’s plan. The cinematography on Breaking Bad is breathtaking and how they use their location is part of that. There are certain LA places that have been used in multiple TV shows/movies such as the oil fields and so they inevitably lose some of their impact. As Breaking Bad is shot on location in Albuquerque this opens up the possibilities for new scenery including Bear Canyon Arroyo Spillway Dam which is featured above.

Alan Sepinwall pointed out that it resembles rows of tombstones and this gives a sense of dread to Jesse’s already perilous situation. Jesse cuts a small figure in this location and with each passing season Jesse has become a shell of who he once was. Costuming wise his clothes don’t look that over-sized from this wide shot but up close they are as baggy as they have always been. This has the effect of making Jesse look even smaller and like he has no kind of authority.

Runner Up: Kiernan Shipka

At 13, Kiernan Shipka is already infinitely cooler than I ever was at that age (she’s probably cooler than I am now at 30) and she’s embracing the early ’90s (from before she was born) with this Riot Grrrl t-shirt. It’s a really simple outfit – jeans and a tee – and it’s these kinds of outfits that end up being your favorites. We have seen that Shipka can do age appropriate on the red carpet and her day look reflects this.

Runner Up: Alexa Chung on Good Morning America

Alexa Chung appeared on Good Morning America in a silk floral embroidered Kenzo dress that is essentially my clothing catnip. The peplum trend isn’t one that I’ve embraced (I haven’t quite figured out how to make it look flattering) but the small peplum detail here is something I could get on board with. First jumpsuits, now peplums if I start endorsing skorts then I know I’ve got a problem. This is a beautiful dress and one that is perfect for both a day time TV appearance and a night in a bar – the latter is something I will more likely be doing.

Runner Up: Lena Dunham Covering Marie Claire

In a slightly different version of the Erdem dress that Lena Dunham wore to the Met Gala in May; the styling of this cover and the rest of the shoot plays to Lena Dunham’s strengths. I love the short hair on her (it’s given me some more ideas of how to freshen up my own chopped locks) and the dramatic smoky eyes look great. My one niggle is how open her mouth is, but that aside I think this is a wonderful cover to celebrate 25 years of UK Marie Claire.

What is your look of the week?

Tags: Alexa Chung, Breaking Bad, Girls, Kenzo, Kiernan Shipka, Lena Dunham, Mad Men, Marie Claire, Riot Grrrl

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Out of the Box: Look of the Week
Author Emma Fraser

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

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