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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

23 Aug

“Out of the Box” is dominated once again by red carpet photos, but thanks to a cobalt blue pea coat on Breaking Bad this week costuming also makes an appearance. As always this is a snapshot of what we have been watching and looking at online so if you have any favorite outfits that we have missed let us know. The fall TV season and the Emmys are approaching and so there will be more variety in the weeks to come.

Winner: Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza at the Afternoon Delight Premiere

Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza

This coupling is chosen for both their relaxed red carpet attire (Poehler is wearing some awesome blue and black Nike Dunks, sadly they are out of shot) and for how much fun they are having at this event. This continues a string of Poehler/Plaza photo opportunities including this recent fake make out session on the set of Parks and Recreation. I could gush about this pair all day but I’m also going to quickly point out the amazing APC  white peacock print sweatshirt that Plaza is wearing, while it’s not actually NBC affiliated (it can be purchased from Liberty London) Plaza is doing a good job of giving a nod to the home of Parks and Recreation. Of course no one can really replace Ann as Leslie’s BFF, but I hope Rashida Jones’ departure opens up more time for Leslie/April bonding. Look how adorable they are together.

Runner Up: Robert Sheehan at The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Premiere in Toronto

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Last week Robert Sheehan wore an incredible paisley suit with what appeared to be glowing shoes so the above outfit could be considered a calmer approach. When it comes to suit wearing there is less opportunity to make a bold sartorial statement and Sheehan has shown just how that can be done. The leopard print Christian Louboutin loafers are striking thanks to the leather pants stopping just above the ankle and Sheehan has the right amount of confidence in his pose to pull off these different styles. The leopard print wouldn’t work with the paisley suit but with this monochromatic look it is just the right amount of flare. I’m getting Alan Cumming vibes off Sheehan’s red carpet approach, which is great as Cumming is always having fun with what he wears to these events. One thing this press tour has reminded me of is how much I still miss Nathan on Misfits.

Runner Up: Mayim Bialik at the Emmys Performers Peer Group Reception

Mayim Bialik Karen Millen

Patterns! Yes I love patterns so this mixed geometric print dress from Karen Millen is an instant hit. While patterns aren’t always figure flattering the pencil shape combined with the black contrast band across the waist ensures that it is a perfect fit for Mayim Bialik. The mesh long sleeves match the top half of the dress which also helps balance the two different halves. Makeup, hair and shoes are all simple which is exactly what an outfit like this needs.

Runner Up: Lydia (with a hand from Todd) on Breaking Bad “Buried” 

todd-lydia

Color is important on Breaking Bad and Lydia’s cobalt blue pea coat really stood out in a scene that featured mostly muted greens and browns. Lydia doesn’t look like she belongs at this location; a meth lab in the middle of the desert and she certainly isn’t dressed for the occasion. After trying and failing to get Walt back in the business she has opted for Todd and his white supremacist crew to help with her quality control issue. Lydia might be ok with ordering a hit this big but she doesn’t want to see the bloody mess that she has created. This gives this scenario and absurd edge as Todd guides her through the bloodbath. The camera briefly focuses on Lydia’s (fake?) Louboutin red soles walking through the blood and dirt and her costuming shows how out of her depth she is. Blue has usually been used for Skyler (most notably when Skyler walks into the swimming pool fully clothed) and is of course the color of the meth which isn’t up to the Heisenberg standard. On an unrelated note I was so glad to see Jesse Plemons that I momentarily forgot the horrific thing he did in the first half of the season.

What is your look of the week?

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

16 Aug

Red carpet appearances continue to dominate Out of the Box over the summer; this isn’t to say that the costuming on individual shows such as Breaking Bad and The Bridge hasn’t been brilliant – having Skyler and Walt in clean creams and whites to signify that they are simply car wash owners at the moment is a nice touch and I think we should all “have an A1 Day!”

This week has appearances from film screenings, the Teen Choice Awards and a Hollywood Foreign Press Association luncheon.

Winner: Keri Russell at a New York Screening of Austenland 

Keri Russell NY Austenland Screening

I tend to loathe any form of jumpsuit or playsuit so it comes as pleasant and total surprise that I find this Stella McCartney one so appealing. One aspect that really stands out is how simple it is in both style and color (it’s black). The Saint Laurent studded booties that you can see peeping out the bottom are perfect, as is the plain clutch as neither added anything too fussy to the minimalist styling. The flash of hot pink both on Keri Russell nails and lips gives the outfit the pop it needs and hair envy is definitely on the menu.

Runner Up: Kerry Washington at the Teen Choice Awards

Kerry washington teen choice

A  change of pace and a look that is in contrast with Keri Russell’s; both are Stella McCartney creations. This is the Teen Choice Awards where the hemlines are shorter, the colors are brighter and it’s an opportunity to wear something a little more fun. It’s a cute dress that works perfectly for this setting and because Kerry Washington likes to mix it up on the red carpet (or blue on this occasion) this is a great look for her. Choosing a bold lip color that mirrors some of the lip illustrations on the dress and wearing her hair down in a relaxed style enhances the outfit choice. Bonus points for a great pair of sparkly Louboutins.

Runner Up: Diane Kruger at the HFPA 2013 Installation Luncheon 

Diane Kruger Carven

Yes this Carven dress is plaid and yes it has pockets (if a dress has pockets I’m 77% more inclined to buy it) and so this was always going to be a look I love, especially with Diane Kruger as the one wearing it. It’s slouchy which works for the luncheon setting (you should see what I wear to lunch). I’m not totally on board with the strappy shoes but thankfully they’re not nude pumps. Kruger’s hair and make-up matches the relaxed attitude of her pose and the lack of accessories is preferable on this occasion as they might clutter rather than accentuate.

Runner Up: Olivia Wilde at the HFPA 2013 Installation Luncheon

Hollywood Foreign Press Association's 2013 Installation Luncheon

Olivia Wilde is rocking Solange favorite Clover Canyon and it’s hypnotic without overwhelming; like going on a kaleidoscope journey. The green shoes/bag combination could be considered too matchy matchy but I like the way it mimics the green on the dress and two different colors it might go the bad clashing route. This is why Wilde’s fresh faced, simple up do approach looks great as it creates balance with the beautiful chaos of the dress – somewhat related here is a really brilliant look at the the dichotomy between sexy and smart in profile pieces featuring Olivia Wilde.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

9 Aug

The Television Critics Association Press Summer Tour was the focus of the last edition of “Out of the Box” and featured a whole host of different shows. This week we are going to celebrate the women of a show that we have talked about a lot this summer here at TV Ate My Wardrobe and that is Scandal.  Kerry Washington has dominated the discussion so far thanks to her performance as Olivia Pope and her impeccable style as Olivia and on the red carpet. At the ABC Disney TCA party on Sunday the Scandal women all looked incredible this whole post is dedicated to them.

Winner: Darby Stanchfield

ABC TCA Summer 2013 Party

Much to my delight full skirts feature big in 2013 F/W collections and this Alexa von Canisius jacquard floral-print pleated skirt that Darby Stanchfield is wearing is beautiful. Pairing it with a simple black silk top and black pumps lets the skirt be the centerpiece of the outfit. As Abby on Scandal Stanchfield’s amazing red hair is often straighter than straight so the tousled approach instantly separates her from her character. A bold lipstick also compliments the whole look and while a bracelet might add something, the lack of accessories also stops it from becoming cluttered.

Runner Up: Kerry Washington 

Kerry Washington TCA

Kerry Washington’s orange and white Giambattista Valli dress from the Resort 2014 collection is fun take on pattern clashing. The paisley pattern on the top combined with the scribbled detail on the skirt could like a magic eye illusion (it’s a boat) but thankfully this unlikely pattern pairing works. Kerry Washington likes to dabble in a variety of styles on the red carpet and this is why I could write endless red carpet posts about her; she never sticks to the same one designer or approach and has a good time with the clothes that she wears. Both her Christian Louboutin pumps and Nancy Gonzalez clutch are in neutral tones that don’t distract attention away from the dress, plus she has one new piece of jewelry as Washington got married in June.

Runner Up: Bellamy Young

Disney & ABC Television Group's "2013 Summer TCA Tour" - Arrivals

More floral goodness as Bellamy Young wears a super summery frock from Elie Tahari, paired with a thin yellow belt. I’ve got so used to seeing Bellamy Young in her traditional First Lady clothes that feature a lot of bold primary colors and pastels but not much pattern so this is a huge departure. Mellie’s hair is normally styled to perfection and when she wears it down her curls have a certain rigidity, here Young’s hair is allowed to be free and she looks like the kind of woman I would want to have a cocktail with (actually I’d really love to have a bottle of wine or two with Mellie as she’s become one of my favorites on Scandal).

Runner Up: Katie Lowes

Katie Lowes TCA

Katie Lowes is wearing the only non-patterned dress and even though mint green is everywhere this summer, this ICB dress feels like it could be a work outfit – an amazing work outfit but it makes me think office more than party. The white blazer is serving up Olivia Pope related thoughts and while it isn’t terrible overall it lacks the summer freshness of her co-stars. There is one aspect of this look that trumps the rest of the Scandal ladies and that is the incredible color-block Oscar de la Renta pumps.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

2 Aug

Last week it was all about Comic-Con style and this edition of “Out of the Box” looks to the panels and parties of the Television Critics Association Press Summer Tour. Current and forthcoming shows with plenty of familiar faces feature as we take a look at the big style hitters.

Winner: James Wolk at The Crazy Ones Panel

James Wolk Crazy Ones TCA

“Not great, Bob!” is still one of the best line readings of the year and James Wolk has featured several times on this list thanks to the sartorial greatness of Bob Benson on Mad Men. The Crazy Ones is also set at an ad agency and while I’m pretty lukewarm to the promos, having James Wolk as a cast member (and the bonus of Kelly Clarkson) will be enough to get me to watch the pilot. Even though it’s the height of the summer, Wolk has gone for an impressive amount of layering with shirt, hoodie and jacket and he looks pretty great in a smart/casual manner. His face is saying he’s listening intently, his slightly raised eyebrow suggests disagreement. Either way Wolk is a welcome sight.

Runner Up: Claire Danes at the Homeland Panel

Claire+Danes+2013+Summer+TCA+Tour+Day+6+AydrrD5aTWil

Claire Danes is the only one I’ve mentioned but she is not alone in this shot; Damian Lewis’ suit is lovely and if his socks were not skin tone then he’d have his name in bold too and Rupert Friend looks like he has come from a Mary Poppins audition. Danes is often one of the best dressed on the red carpet and while you can’t see all of the Thakoon lilac dandelion dress because she is sitting down; it’s elegant without looking like she is trying too hard. I think the key behind TCA dresses is a late afternoon/early evening cocktail party approach and all of the women that feature this week have got that spot on. The Christian Louboutin t-bar sandals are now on my shoe wish list.

Mae Whitman and Lauren Graham at the Parenthood Panel

Mae Whitman and Lauren Graham

Reminding me once again that I still haven’t watched Parenthood (I know) this double dash of patterned dress brilliance from Lauren Graham and Mae Whitman is making me want to get right on that. While I’m not the biggest fan of nude colored shoes they get a pass as the dresses are both on the eye-popping side. Bonus points awarded for excellent lip color.

Hannah Simone at the Fox TCA Party

Hannah Simone

While I might not have paired nude shoes – we already know how I feel about them and it’s a bit matchy matchy with a nude dress – this is a striking look from Hannah Simone thanks to the orange floral lace detail. It’s another great choice for a relaxed summer event like this where you want to look professional without resorting to floor length gowns or jeans and t-shirt. I miss New Girl and so I’m really happy to see the cast out and about again.

Runner Up: Emily Bett Rickards at the CW, CBS and Showtime TCA Party 

Emily Rickards TCA

The Felicity/Diggle/Oliver team is at the heart of Arrow and hopefully this is something season will capitalize on. Emily Bett Rickards gets footwear approval as she opts for orange heels that go with this blue, flower embellished dress. This is a dress that can be dressed down with flats or dressed up in this manner with a pair of bold heals and a simple clutch.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

26 Jul

Comic-Con might be over and while Out of the Box covered the all important X-Files reunion from last Thursday’s panel, there are plenty of style moments from the weekend that deserve a place on this list. This week is an all Comic-Con edition and includes flower crowns, Team t-shirts and the perfect casual but stylish Comic-Con panel attire. 

Winner: Hugh Dancy and Bryan Fuller at the Hannibal Nerd HQ Panel

Hugh Dancy Flower Crown Bryan Fuller Flower CrownIf you spend any time on Tumblr in the Hannibal tag then you have probably seen the flower crown meme; basically it’s photoshopping a flower crown onto a Hannibal character (it’s not limited to the Hannibal fandom but it’s prevalence is clear to see). At Comic-Con last weekend many Hannibal fans donned the flower crown and at the main panel showrunner Bryan Fuller was given one and proudly wore it. This continued at the Nerd HQ fan Q&A where Hugh Dancy and Fuller were given crowns and both were game to wear the head piece; they look delightful.

Hannibal is the first Bryan Fuller show that I have watched (though I very recently finished watching Wonderfalls) and it is clear why he is beloved by the viewers of his shows, as he not only acknowledges the quirks but takes part (this includes referring to the stag as “Swiggity Swag the Nightmare Stag”). Hannibal doesn’t have a huge audience but the one it does have is passionate and this can help a shows survival when it lives on the bubble (sometimes it doesn’t matter as to whether a show lives or dies, as Fuller can testify). It’s through Twitter and at events like Comic-Con that showrunners and cast members can share moments and this flower crown incident is indicative of that. 

Runner Up: Yvonne Strahovski at the I, Frankenstein Panel

Yvonne Strahovski Comic Con

Mixing patterns can go horribly wrong but it’s also one of my favorite things to see on the red carpet when it works; Yvonne Strahovski shows how to get power clashing right. Strahovski is a Comic-Con pro by now after several years of attending with Chuck and this year she was on double duty with Dexter and I, Frankenstein. Straddling the line between being casual and stylish for the Comic-Con setting can be hard but Strahovski nails it in this Sportsmax dress and black pumps.

Runner Up: Keri Russell at the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Panel 

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Keri Russell’s super cute tweed shorts/white jacket combo is both relaxed and professional looking. While this probably wouldn’t work in your average office (not that Comic-Con is anyone’s average office) it’s something that can easily be recreated for those warm (read humid) summer days that some of us are experiencing at the moment. I’ve got so used to seeing Russell in her Americans 80s attire that it’s good to see her wearing something from the current decade. Even if I miss the wigs.

Runner Up: The Veronica Mars Guys at the Veronica Mars Panel 

Team Veronica Mars Comic ConJason Dohring and Chris Lowell play devil’s advocate with Veronica Mars shippers as they sport the name of their rivals character on their chest at the Veronica Mars panel. Ryan Hansen takes part in the Team t-shirt game but instead of showing preference to a romantic connection he wears his own character’s name with pride (which is perfectly Dick Casablancas). While I am definitely Logan all the way when it comes to Veronica, I have to say that Ryan Hansen wins this team game for me (even if Jason Dohring’s arms are a little distracting in the best possible way, in the above shot).

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

19 Jul

It’s been a busy week with Emmy nominations, Comic-Con and magazine covers and this edition of “Out of the Box” covers all three. While it’s still very much the summer and my Scandal catch up is underway, it’s also time to look to returning shows like Breaking Bad  and from the activity on my Twitter feed most casts are returning to their shows for the fall season. As always this is a snapshot of what I have been watching and what news/photo shoots have caught my eye online and in print. 

Winner: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny at The X-Files Reunion Panel, Comic-Con

X Files Reunion

The X-Files holds a very special place in my TV watching history and the relationship between Mulder and Scully is a very big part of this. I have never been to Comic-Con but I know that if I was attending this year then this X-Files reunion panel would be number one on my list and from this ScreenFad live blog it sounds like it was a relaxed and fun affair. Both Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny look content and happy to be reunited in front of a large audience of fans and thrilled shippers all around the world when Anderson suggested that Mulder and Scully would “Have sex” on a date. Duchovny followed this up with “Then maybe dinner?”

Runner Up: Bryan Cranston for GQ 

bryan-cranston-gq-magazine-august-2013-04

It’s been a good week for Bryan Cranston as he received an Emmy nomination and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; he’s also on the cover of the August issue of GQ. The photo shoot has Cranston ditching the Heisenberg/Walter White threads (this is a far cry from standing in the desert in his underwear) and going for a tailored look. It’s a good choice and I don’t think we’ve ever seen him look this dreamy.

Runner Up: Aubrey Plaza for The New York Times

Aubrey Plaza NY Times

Aubrey Plaza is currently on the promotional trail for The To Do List and this includes a profile in The New York Times. Opting for a photo that wouldn’t look out of place on Instagram (because that is a thing we do now) the styling leans much older than the skort wearing teen that Plaza plays in The To Do List and is more polished than Plaza’s Parks and Recreation character April.

Aaron Paul and Neil Patrick Harris Announcing the 2013 Emmy Nominations 

65th Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement

I’m pretty sure there is nothing more adorable than Aaron Paul in polka dot bow tie (ok maybe his Price is Right appearance) and I’m sure he will offer something just as delightful at the Emmy awards come September. Here Paul is announcing the nominees for the 2013 Emmys and while I’m still simmering from some of the missing names/shows (like Hannibal, Jake Johnson and The Americans), Aaron Paul deservedly got another nomination for his role of Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad. Neil Patrick Harris looks just as dapper as always and was a late minute replacement for Kate Mara (she had travel issues) showing that even with short notice and at 5.30 am he’s always on it when it comes to hosting.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

12 Jul

Last week was a summer dresses special and “Out of the Box” returns to its normal format with this edition. This week we will be looking at a mixture of red carpet appearances, magazine shoots and talk shows; patterns are a huge theme and the more they clash the better.

Winner: Diane Kruger on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 

DIANE KRUGER

The Bridge premiered on FX this week and so Diane Kruger has been doing the red carpet/talk show circuit much to my delight. It’s not a secret that Diane Kruger is someone who I admire as both an actress and with her bold fashion choices and the above look definitely falls into the latter category. This isn’t the first time that Kruger has opted for two very different patterns and this polka dot t-shirt with a floral print skirt from Emanuel Ungaro’s Resort 2014 will probably be quite divisive, but here at TV Ate My Wardrobe we think it looks amazing. The slit in the skirt is probably a tad too high but the high waisted belt effect and demure neckline of the t-shirt distracts from this and it’s the clashing patterns that are in focus. It’s an outfit that would be too much on most (Solange could definitely wear it) and Kruger manages to work the different patterns so it doesn’t look too out there, this is helped by minimal makeup and her simple hair down approach.

Runner Up: Michelle Dockery for Harper’s Bazaar 

Michelle Dockery Harpers Bazaar

It’s the second week in a row that Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery makes an appearance on this list and while the sun might still be shining magazine editorials are looking to the fall season. This striped affair is from Miu Miu’s Fall 2013 collection and with the dash of polka dots on the neck scarf it’s another patterned success. The tights/coat combo might be a much if Dockery was walking down the street but it’s perfect for a striking magazine cover.

Runner Up: Michael B. Jordan at the Fruitvale Station Premiere

Michael B Jordan New York premiere Fruitvale Station

Michael B. Jordan is currently promoting Fruitvale Station, a film which has already picked up awards at Cannes and Sundance and is getting early Oscar buzz. Jordan is known for his roles in The WireFriday Night Lights, Parenthood and Chronicle and I’m so excited to see this much attention being given to this very special actor (Andrew Garfield is also a big fan). Jordan has also been delivering style wise on the red carpet and while I’m not normally a fan of the shiny suit, Jordan looks dapper and well put together in this attire.

Who is your look of the week?

 

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

5 Jul

The weather is heating up and so this edition of “Look of the Week” is a special summer dress and thanks to the all Mad Men affair last week this will feature some red carpet appearances from the past two weeks. This is a quieter period for TV watching (though some shows like Dexter and Ray Donovan premiered on Sunday) and so this is the first time there are no entries from shows, just red carpet and public appearances.

Winner: Allison Williams at the Nantucket Film Festival

Allison-Williams

This red and pink patterned printed dress that Girls star Allison Williams wore to the Nantucket Film Festival would work for either daytime or evening affairs and could easily be dressed up or down. Here at TV Ate My Wardrobe we love patterns and this dress mixes four different types that flatter rather than overwhelm. I’m not a huge fan of nude pumps, but I can understand why Williams has chosen a simple pair of shows with a dress like this. Accessorizing with thin gold bangles is also a smart choice and adds detail without cluttering this look.

Runner Up: Allison Janney at The Way, Way Back Premiere

Allison Janney

There are several reasons why I’m looking forward to seeing The Way, Way Back and one of them is Allison Janney who is excellent in everything she does (ok I’m ignoring THAT episode of Lost, but hey that mess wasn’t her fault). Janney has been killing it on the red carpet while promoting this film and this floral dress is super cute; the belt detail and yellow clutch are perfect. As with Allison Williams’ I’m not a big fan of the nude shoes, but they go fine with a dress that is this embellished.

Runner Up: Michelle Dockery at Wimbledon 

Michelle Docekry Wimbledon

Michelle Dockery is at Wimbledon; a tournament which is well known for rain so this is summery while also looking prepared for the inevitable downpour. The pale pink shirtdress and navy coat complement each other and the brown flats make this daytime appropriate. As with all of the outfits that are featured this week, it’s a look that could be dressed up or down. The Downton Abbey star gets bonus points for the yellow bag that we can see the strap of, simply because yellow bags are a weakness of mine (especially in the summertime). This is a simple and elegant outfit that is well suited for the venue.

Runner Up: AnnaSophia Robb at The Way, Way Back Premiere

AnnaSophia Robb Way Way Back

The cast of The Way, Way Back is rocking flower power and AnnaSophia Robb’s Red by Valentino has a twist as the floral print is layered underneath black polka dots. Robb is living up to her Carrie Diaries role and is often one of the best dressed on the red carpet and the only thing that doesn’t quite work with this look is the clunky looking black strappy heels. They’re not terrible, they’re just terrible for this dress and something less severe would make this the perfect look.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

28 Jun

One of the shows that has featured on almost every “Look of the Week” is Mad Men and this edition is going to be a Mad Men special; celebrating some of the best costumes from the season 6 finale “In Care Of.” The costuming on Mad Men has always been exceptional and Janie Bryant’s work this season continues this tradition as picking an era appropriate outfit isn’t the endgame and clothes can help define a character. They can also help shape the conversation as we saw when Megan wore a t-shirt that had also been worn by Sharon Tate and the floodgates of conspiracy theories were opened.

Winner: Peggy Olson 

Peggy Power PantsuitIt was a tossup between this and Peggy’s cleavage enhancing mini dress and Channel No.5 combo; ultimately the Pantsuit of Power (thanks Tom & Lorenzo for that excellent name) felt like the Peggy Olson we have been waiting for. Both the seduction dress and this pantsuit are outside of Peggy’s usual costuming wheelhouse and she has definitely matured this season as she has progressed in her job and grappled with a complicated romantic entanglement. Peggy ends the year working in Don’s office and she looks incredibly comfortable in this environment; this is the first time we have seen Peggy rocking a pantsuit at work. Ted has shown that he isn’t exactly the great guy she has been telling Don he is, but I hope that season 7 is going to be the year Peggy shows what a dominating force she can be. This Pantsuit of Power is just the start.

Runner Up: Stan Rizzo 

Stan Mad MenOne of the stars of this season has been Stan Rizzo and his beard (this photo is courtesy of the Fuck Yeah Stan’s Beard Tumblr) and Stan turned up to work in his best suit and well cared for facial hair to present an idea to Don. That idea was to open a small office in California while dealing with Sunkist and Stan would run it; Don said no thank you and then stole the idea for himself. Poor Stan. It doesn’t end there and the California office became the beacon of hope for all cowardly men (ok just Ted). Stan isn’t going to California and so hopefully he will still be around next season to join Peggy and show everyone else how to get things done.

Runner Up: The Draper Family

MM_613_JT_0416_191It’s not every day that your father takes you to the house he grew up in so be sure to wear your Thanksgiving best, oh right your father grew up in a whorehouse. Despite Sally’s recent rebellion and being thrust into an adult situation thanks to witnessing her father’s indiscretion, she’s still dressing like a young girl. I’m expecting that to change next season and Sally will start wearing more daring outfits that we’ve only really seen on Megan, or she’ll look like the 1960s version of Blair Waldorf. Bobby’s jacket reminds me of Henry Jennings’ rainbow coat in The Americans and is something I would wear if it came in an adult size. Gene looks as adorable as ever – will he finally get the chance to speak next season? Don looks as he always does but he’s finally revealed another piece of his past to his children.

Runner Up: Bob Benson 

Bob Benson Pinny Mad MenOne of the highlights of this season has been the mystery of Bob Benson and while his motivations are still relatively unclear he does know how to rock a mini Thanksgiving themed apron (it’s almost as good as the short shorts). One thing we do know is Bob is willing to humiliate the man he claimed he loved to save his job and he’s also not going to listen to Roger; he’ll hangout with Joan all that he wants to. The addition of James Wolk to the cast has been wonderful (and not just because of that charming smile) and hopefully his new show on CBS won’t stop Bob Benson returning next season.

What was your favorite Mad Men look in the season finale?

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

21 Jun

This week we are moving away from award shows and pre-Emmy nomination roundtables, instead we are going to take a look at Mad Men and Hannibal. These are the two shows that have dominated the discourse over the past few weeks and feature casts that are stylish both on and off camera. As always there are no real rules to this weekly column and it is a snapshot of what I have been watching (and looking at online) and each pick is for a variety of reasons including; what it adds to the storyline, what it tells us about the characters involved or simply because it looks good. Spoilers for the Hannibal season finale ahead.

Winner: Mads Mikkelsen in GQ’s July Issue 

MadsHannibal Lecter is one of the best dressed characters on TV (even his killing attire looks tailored) so it isn’t surprising to see him in a GQ fashion spread. Hannibal’s costuming often mixes a variety of patterns with his suit, shirt and tie; it’s power clashing at its best and automatically makes him a commanding presence in any situation. After the season 1 finale Will Graham can finally see Hannibal for who he is, but Will is not in a position to be heard as he is in the one place he feared he would end up; the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

Runner Up: Dr Alana Bloom and Will Graham on Hannibal “Savoureux”

Hannibal finale Hannibal finale Dr BloomDavid Slade directed the pilot and the third episode “Potage” and returns for the Hannibal finale. The shots above are almost completely devoid of color, save for the two figures who are bathed in darkness. This technique has been used throughout the season and in moments like this allows the viewer to focus on the dialogue and emotion of the scene as everything threatens to envelope Will Graham. Alana Bloom is one of my favorite characters on this show; in part because she is the only person who is truly looking out for Will and his well being, she also provides Will with a tether to the world. These factors also work against how this character is used; they’ve had to keep her away from Will (and not just in a romantic sense) so he can turn to Hannibal and the manipulation can continue.

Showrunner Bryan Fuller spoke to E!Online about Alana and her role next year “I think Alana will have a bigger role in season two. Because not only will she be representing Will psychiatrically in the trial, but struggling with her feelings for him romantically. She was falling for a guy that she knew to be unstable. She was keeping him at bay and now her worst fears have come true that not only is he unstable but apparently he’s capable of great violence. Her need to rescue him may be amplified.” Alana is the emotional center and Caroline Dhavernas’ performance in the finale showed this range from screaming in her car to trying to remain composed in the above scene. From a costuming perspective her red and white wraparound dress not only stands out from the darkness that threatens to consume them, but it also repeats this color combination that has been favored throughout the season.

Runner Up: Glen Bishop on Mad Men “The Quality of Mercy”

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Creepy Glen is no longer all that creepy, even if his army coat covered in Stop the War buttons reeks of a teenager attempting to be part of the counterculture while not indulging beyond smoking pot (though it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw Glen at an anti-war rally). The plaid shirt underneath shows that he’s not heading for the complete hippy route yet and at least he avoids the sandals of his friend Rolo. Glen loses his creepy edge thanks to defending Sally’s honor and losing out on a hook-up of his own in the process with the 1968 version of Britney Spears in the “Hit Me, Baby, One More Time” video. Sally was exaggerating how much Rolo was forcing himself on her and it looks like she has definitely picked up on her mother’s manipulation skillset and her smile during the fight showed this new side of Sally. After walking in on her father sleeping with Sylvia it isn’t surprising to see Sally develop an edge and the drinking and (supervised) smoking in this episode is probably just the start of a downward spiral.

Runner Up: Linda Cardellini at the Clinique Party

Linda Cardellini

While Sylvia has been a problematic character on this season on Mad Men and it’s easy to dislike the direction in which the show has taken Don Draper and his infidelity, I’m always glad to see Linda Cardellini on TV. I’m currently watching Freaks and Geeks for This Was TV and so it’s been strange to switch between a young Cardellini in a high school show set in the ’80s and as a mother of teenager in the ’60s on Mad Men. Despite any negative feelings towards Sylvia (and I have many) this red Carmen Marc Valvo dress that Cardellini wore to the Clinique Party is stunning. The contrast between the red flowers and black patterned mesh side panels gives a striking silhouette and pairing it with a simple pair of peep-toe black pumps really sets off the look.

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