Tag Archives: Jessica Williams

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

16 Feb

Another week featuring award season shenanigans, NYFW and the blessing that has been the Black Panther press tour. The gift that keeps on giving.

The new Americans artwork for the final season was unveiled this week and it is just as stylistically stylized as the previous five years. Always such a visual pleasure. At Michael Kors, Blake Lively leaned into Valentine’s Day with heart embellished Louboutins and a fabulous red PVC trench, Zendaya mixed athleisure with a sleeveless duster and Emily Blunt is a pattern clashing queen.

The show itself was a lot more eclectic than you would normally get from this designer, but I am a big fan of the Agatha Christie influence. And the leopard print. Stranger Things teen Caleb McLaughlin has been one of the shining stars in menswear on the red carpet over the last couple of years, putting a lot of adults to sartorial shame. McLaughlin looks like he is having fun with fashion so it doesn’t come as a surprise to see him at the Phillip Lim 3.1 show. Here he is with Zosia Mamet; I love her turtleneck/jacket combo.

How to brighten up your day in one step; wear yellow. Jessica Williams looks fabulous going into to the Tibi NYFW show.Dee Rees strikes another ladysuit win in this floral metallic number at the WGA Awards.More florals to fall for with Chelsea Peretti in N°21.

Earlier this week, I watched Get Out for the first time since it came out at the cinema and knowing what is going to happen makes you realize just how layered every line is. I am so happy to see Jordan Peele getting recognized for his work including winning at the WGA for Best Original Screenplay.I am really excited to see Annihilation and the cast is part of the reason why. Delightful dress twirling fun with Tessa Thompson and Gina Rodriguez at the premiere. The Call Me By Your Name promo train keeps on coming, much to my delight. Want to buy the house in the movie? Well now you can. A lot more affordable is the new issue of GQ, which Timothée Chalamet is the cover star of. The whole vibe is moody, emo fun including this shot. That Saint Laurent jacket jumps on the covet list.

This comment from Armie Hammer is very cute. I’m gonna be sad when the CMBYN promotion is done and dusted.

“Timmy had research to do. For me, it was mostly: Do you know how to ride a bike? The day I got there, I barged in on a piano lesson and was, like, ‘As soon as you’re done, we’re hanging out.’ From that moment on, we were together all the time.”Black Panther is now out and we have one more week of this fabulous press tour to enjoy. The film is fantastic, as are the costumes and you can read my interview with Ruth E. Carter here.

The turtleneck/jacket trend continues to be doing big things. Especially when it involves Chadwick Boseman sporting this floral Musika Frere suit.Also at the same New York screening Letitia Wright makes a difficult Coach ensemble look fabulous. That jacket has a kooky ’70s vibe, which is totally in my wheelhouse.

Wright’s performance as Shuri is one of the standout performances in a film of standout performances. I hope we’re going to see a lot more of her in the Marvel universe.Lupita Nyong’o covers the “Culture of Hair Issue” of Allure. The cover is striking, but this shot is really fun, which is why I picked it. In the piece Lupita discusses her hair history, the larger cultural implications, the products she uses and what it was like working on Black Panther:

“On set, it was just such an inspirational experience because so much thought was put into this film, and every single aspect of it was rich and beautiful and just arresting, actually. To see this aspirational African world that actually becomes an example for the whole wide world was spellbinding. We were all very much aware that we were in something extremely special.”

For more in-depth conversation about the celebration of natural black hair in Black Panther I would highly recommend reading this interview with Camille Friend over at The CutThere are no damsels in distress in Black Panther, the age range of the leading women varies and they aren’t just there to be a love interest. Shuri (Letitia Wright), Romonda (Angela Bassett), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) all have agency; it is incredible seeing four black women taking center stage like this. This Essence cover celebrates the Black Panther cast and this is a powerful image.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

2 Feb

A week of two “Out of the Box” posts! For everything Black Panther head here.

In this rundown; the Grammys—featuring ladysuits aplenty—premieres, fashion campaigns and a very good photoshoot. The very busy January has come to an end, but February will likely be just as hectic. Oh yes, fashion week is coming.The music industry has not been good, kind or supportive to Kesha, but Kesha showed up to the Grammys and bared her soul on stage in a heart crushing performance of “Praying.” Caroline Framke nails the hypocrisy of the music industry in this article.

At the Golden Globes the #TimesUp message was delivered in black, at the Grammys the symbol was a white rose (which wasn’t as effective). Kesha’s fabulous Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors custom look includes embroidered roses and this is a fantastic ladysuit. The silver boots are the perfect touch of glitz to proceedings.  Janelle Monáe gave a powerful introduction to Kesha’s performance; the music industry has failed Kesha, but it was still incredibly heartwarming to see so many women supporting her. Monáe also opted for the floral embroidered aspect of the white rose and I have really missed her this award season.

Luckily there is a double dose of Monàe this week. What a stunning Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo. More ladysuit excellence; so many different ways to put a feminine spin on menswear. Anna Kendrick does the whole sexy thing with La Perla lace paired with Balmain plaid. Adding a dash of color with pink Casadei pumps. Sequins, sequins, sequins. This is an award season staple that is thankfully not going away and Chrissy Teigen’s YANINA Couture dress is one of the glitzy highlights from this crowded time of year.

Semi-related, but this piece about maternity wear over at Racked is one of the best things I have read this week.In custom Gucci, Lana Del Rey goes full ’30s starlet with an overt nod to actress and science pioneer Hedy Lamarr (yes I do have Karina Longworth’s voice saying her name in my head) with the crown of stars. A breathtaking look.

Grown-ish continues to do some very fun and interesting things. Plus it is strong in the style stakes. Including this brief homage to Lemonade.

Yara Shahidi’s ditched the heels she wears in the scene for comfier Birkenstocks. 2 Dope Queens makes its podcast to TV special leap tonight on HBO (February 2); Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson have been making the talk show round this week much to my Instagram Story watching joy. Both women make consistently fun fashion choices and at their premiere it was no different.

Williams wears a velvet belted MISA frock, Robinson’s gone burnt orange Free People pants and halter. Both have a ’70s vibe without looking like they’re matchy matchy.

And because I can’t resist the DVF suit version of Danai Gurira’s frock. Another ladysuit winner. Celebrity pregnancy confirmations range in the same way it does for a regular person to announce (or not). There are so many tacky ways to talk about a pregnant celeb and the official bump unveiling discussion is one of them. Anyone who has seen a recent photo of Kirsten Dunst knows she is pregnant, but this Rodarte S/S ’18 campaign apparently counts as her official word on the matter (there is no accompanying statement).

The photos by Autumn de Wilde are beautiful, as is the whole famous person filled lookbook.

And yes I am very happy about this news because while I can be grossed out by ways certain publications discuss the baby bump as if it is its own being (“showcasing their baby bump”); I am also very fond of this celebrity couple. Contradictions and multitudes.

collection featuring a lot of amazing women including Danai Gurira in ruffled polka dots. I’m not going to read this conversation between Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet until I have seen Lady Bird (on Monday!), but I really wanted to bask in the sweaters. The Good Place season two finale was indeed very, very good. There are not enough words to describe what a wonderful show this is. Thankfully we have Manny Jacinto talking to GQ about Jason, Blake Bortles, the phenomenon that is this show and his parents. The accompanying photos are also part of the good place.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

26 Jan

Coats, boots and sweaters are all on the “Look of the Week” menu and Sundance taking place during award season is my fave kind of style whiplash. It is also a sartorial highlight for me because I cannot resist that slouchy (but often super cool) winter fashion. For all things fancy and fun gowns check out our SAG Awards coverage.

Plus Paris Couture Week, public appearances to promote things and some more amazing magazine covers. January, you keep on treating us (and keeping me very busy).Obsessed with Tessa Thompson’s Belstaff skirt and jacket, Cos turtleneck and silver Alchimia di Ballin silver ankle boots. Sorry to Bother You co-stars Lakeith Stanfield and Armie Hammer are also crushing their respective Sundance looks.

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Mafiosos in transit

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Armie has had a very busy week. Sadly there was no Oscar nomination (though I am more bummed out for Michael Stuhlbarg), but he has been promoting Call Me By Your Name in Italy in Paris with co-star Timothée Chalamet and director Luca Guadagnino. Lots of great Instagram Stories content. Traveling in double Adidas style.

And there is also this delightful interview on French talk show Quotidien. Bringing many screencap delights to my Twitter TL this morning. There’s no English subs on the second part (so far), but it is worth watching even if you can’t understand everything. Zineb Bayad recreated scenes from CMBYN with photos and she is in the audience, ending up in a Hammer/Chalamet sandwich hug. Back to the fabulous coats and boots of Sundance with Steven Yeun, also starring in Sorry to Bother You. I am very excited to see his post-Walking Dead career. A stunning Gabriela Hearst leopard print coat on Elizabeth Gillies; I wouldn’t expect anything less from someone that has been wearing all manner of extravagant costuming on Dynasty over the last few months. Sensible boots and fabulous coats are not mutually exclusive. Got to love a fancy hat too. Gillies’ Arizona co-star Rosemarie DeWitt also got the leopard print memo, much to my delight. I too have indulged in this pattern this week, hopefully the cardigan I have ordered from Topshop arrives tomorrow while I was writing this I got a text to say it has arrived. A day early! Check my Instagram for pictures when it does.Super excited for the 2 Dope Queens HBO specials and the promotion of this has also got me hyped. Great ’70s inspired looks from Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. Issa Rae gives good Sundance sweater. At the A Boy, A Girl, A Dream premiere, Insecure’s Jay Ellis looks just as stylish as Lawrence. Looks like camo print is making a bit of a comeback. As also seen on Priyanka Chopra at the Burden the Park premiere. A fun mix of smart/casual that makes me glad that I am a hat and red lipstick person.

 

 

For something slightly more glam; Maggie Gyllenhaal in one of my brand faves with another Vampire’s Wife dress that I want in my closet.And a dash of ladysuit fabulousness from Aubrey Plaza in pink Rebecca Minkoff at “An Evening with Beverly Luff Lin.” A #TimesUp red beanie to promote the movement and because keeping your head warm is important (my mother drilled this into me, which might also be why I am a hat person).  Double Aubrey Plaza because I like this dress and Michael Shannon has paid attention to my mother, it would seem.From Utah to Paris; at the Berluti Menswear F/W 2018 show Isabelle Huppert continues to exude everything cool and Timothée Chalmet dips his toe back in the velvet suit well. While promoting Waco, Taylor Kitsch bundles up in a leather jacket and scarf combo refueling the crush that has never really gone away.Sequins are everywhere at the moment and I am very much on board with this trend. At Jimmy Kimmel Live! Viola Davis leans into this with a pair of gold sequined pants; everything about this look is fantastic.

On the show Davis also discussed the Scandal/HTGAWM crossover. Those sequined pants also look great on screen.Black Panther is less than a month away, which means we’re going to be seeing a lot more of this cast. I am excited about all of this. Lupita scores another stunner of a cover and the accompanying Hollywood Reporter shoot is just as beautiful.

In the interview she talks about the piece she wrote for The New York Times about her own horrifying experience with Harvey Weinstein:

“I felt uncomfortable in my silence, and I wanted to liberate myself from it and contribute to the discussion. That was just what I felt I needed to do, quite viscerally. I couldn’t sleep. I needed to get it out.”

Earlier this week I spoke to costume design icon Ruth E. Carter about the Black Panther costumes and I cannot wait to share what we talked about. Look out for that nearer the release of the film.  A VERY good week for magazine covers. This is also sparkly gown perfection.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

12 Jan

Last week felt like a busy “Out of the Box,” then the Golden Globes and so many other events took place. Coverage of the very different Golden Globes can be found across three posts including the activists that attended and why it is important to credit designers. Being a feminist and caring about fashion are two concepts that don’t have to exist separately.

Post Globes parties, other awards, premieres and looks from TCA panels are featured. For the Critics’ Choice awards—which were held last night—there will be a rundown post soon. Busy Philipps is usually Michelle Williams’ award show date. But after discussing using her place of privilege in respect to what has been going on in Hollywood in her Harper’s Bazaar interview, Williams came up with the idea of bringing activists as guests. Williams was accompanied by Tarana Burke, the woman who created #MeToo over a decade ago and seven other A-list actresses followed suit.

Don’t even get me started on the shit Marky Mark pulled with regard to the reshoots.

Later in the night the pair did hangout, Busy’s Stories included the ridiculous question a paparazzi dude asked Michelle “What’s next for women?” But if Busy did decide to put this Q on a tee or sweatshirt and donate the money to #TimesUp I would be first in line.

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Blurry mirror selfie with my bb.

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Black iridescent Jeffrey Dodd looks great on Busy, but I am also very much a fan of their day after outfits. This is such a fun spin on the ladysuit by Sonequa Martin-Green; cropped/high-waisted Vitor Zerbinato suit with high ruffled collar Elisabetta Franchi shirt. The latter is making me feel like my Alienist as a style influence prediction isn’t totally off.Amy Brenneman looks cool af at the HBO Golden Globes after party and I am still mad Leftovers got no love. I never thought I would be this enamored with a sheer turtleneck, but holy wow is Tessa Thompson working another fabulous twist on menswear inspiration in Alexandre Vauthier.

And after calling out Lena Dunham for doing the most Lena Dunham thing, Thompson got embroiled in an apology/not apology news cycle. She handled it well and with eloquence, even though her first statement didn’t need explaining or walking back as it sounded pretty accurate. But, Hollywood. Or as Ira would say, “Keep It” (check out his new podcast, which is also great).Including this photo mostly because of how great Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery are together in season 2 of Stranger Things. Also because I just remembered Keery was in Molly’s Game. His hair was just as impressive. Gillian Anderson got a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. Her new shorter, blonder do has been getting quite the workout this week, much to my delight. This silver number by Sophia Kah is my favorite of the three dresses she has worn this week. The specs with the glitz are excellent and X-Files co-star Annabeth Gish is also crushing the style stakes.

Oh, and this week’s episode of The X-Files was incredible, especially in comparison with last week’s mythology mess. So many fun Mulder and Scully scenes. Their chemistry is still off the charts and enough to make me feel like I am fourteen again. Lots of giggling.  There’s been a lot of dressed up Greta Gerwig this week, but here she is at a SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversation event in a super cozy sweater just to mix it up.

After Lady Bird won at the Golden Globes, Gerwig was asked about her position on Woody Allen as someone that has worked with him in the past. She fumbled with a non-answer; it was disappointing even if I could recognize that it was once again a woman being asked to justify another man’s abuse. But, she did follow up with a response that is far more definitive on her position and also acknowledges why it is important to speak up.At the 2018 Film Society Of Lincoln Center & Film Comment luncheon, Greta Gerwig got daytime dressed up in this fabulous pop of floral color. Get Out’s Lil Rel Howery took the suit/turtleneck pairing to new levels in this amazing color combination. At the National Board of Review Awards, Gal Gadot wears an Elie Saab dress that is reminiscent of her blue frock from Wonder Woman. Minus the giant sword of course.The Black Panther press tour is approaching and I am so ready. Lupita Nyong’o looks in command of a space ship in a sparkly Balmain ensemble.I finished Maureen Orth’s Vulgar Favors this week, the book the new American Crime Story is based on so my anticipation levels for the show are now even higher. Penelope Cruz gives Versace-adjacent vibes in velvet custom Stella McCartney.Queen Judith Light has been cast in the perfect part for her and she lights up the red carpet as always.As far as I can tell, Anna Chancellor is not in American Crime Story, but I wish she was. But I do love this patterned frock and ankle boots combo even if it looks more Sundance attire.

This is also a good time to mention how much I miss The Hour. If any show deserves another season it is this one.TCA is still going, but it is the FX panels from last Friday that I am mostly interested in. Including Edgar Ramirez wearing a lovely sweater while discussing American Crime Story. I would love to know what Darren Criss is reacting to. The last TCA panel for The Americans and Keri Russell brought out the polka dot pussy-bow blouse big guns. I’m still in denial that it is ending. And their TV family was rather well coordinated, all getting the black/grey/white memo. I mentioned this on Twitter, but Keidrich Sellati looks like he should be hanging out with the Stranger Things teens in star collared Givenchy. Holly Taylor’s long jacket/legs out is the perfect spin on panel attire and I am still super impressed with how The Americans broke the teens in a prestige drama curse.Atlanta returns for season 2 in March and I am so ready. At the TCA panel Zazie Beetz brought all the floral ensemble glory, while Donald Glover and Brain Tyree Henry worked the more casual versions of their red carpet style.At yesterday’s HBO session, Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams were there to discuss 2 Dope Queens. And Phoebe is offering up another fun take on the ladysuit including a faux fur sash. I am very much looking forward to these specials.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

3 Nov

Some of the big trends dominating the latter half of the year are showcased in this week’s “Out of the Box” and a fun mix of fancy/casual events delivers sartorially. Plus talking the Stranger Things publicity tour, movie premieres and striking magazines editorials.We are so lucky that Michelle Pfeiffer has been having a huge 2017, culminating in Murder on the Orient Express. I am a big Poirot/Agatha Christie adaptation fan so I am cautiously excited about this movie—I really love David Suchet’s Poirot.

But something that does not need to be debated or cautiously excited about is Pfeiffer at the London premiere in a stunning silver Prada gown.
Daisy Ridley is going to be wearing a lot of fancy frocks over the next couple of months and she is kicking things off in glamorous style in jade-green Vivienne Westwood Couture. For more from Ridley scroll to the bottom of this post.Thor: Ragnarok is great and it is the rare Marvel film where you can hear the director’s voice—both literally and figuratively. Here is Taika Waititi hamming it up at a screening of his new movie and this is another case where he’s giving great style. And white denim jackets are not the easiest thing to pull off.It is that time of year when awards start coming thick and fast; the start of a very long season for those actors that might get an Oscar nomination. Allison Janney is one such person and here she is at the third annual Carney Awards starting things low-key, but jazzing it up enough with her choice of jewelry.
Cold-shoulders and deconstructed shirts were the two (terrible) trends of 2017. Now it seems that every sweater, top and dress is finding it necessary to have some kind of lace/tie/ribbon on it. I am not mad about all of it, but I think I might be in a few months time.

Kathryn Hahn at the A Bad Moms Christmas premiere gets the good end of the ribbon deal in Alberta Ferretti.

Jessica Williams mixes two of my fave thing—preppy and twee—in Creatures of Comfort at the opening of The Wing in Soho.  The Stranger Things teens are still everywhere promoting the second season and the boys continue to do the casual thing with aplomb. There has been concern about Millie Bobby Brown’s schedule and any regular reader of Lainey Gossip will be very aware of this. There have been so many child/teen stars that have burned out far too young and hopefully Brown will not be another cautionary tale.

In terms of styling before this promo tour Brown’s look was pretty age appropriate and as the Fug Girls point out it is now veering into the other end of this scale. Here, I think her Giamba outfit is a good mix of high fashion/fun and Sadie Sink’s ensemble is doing it, but without doing the most. Dressing when you are a regular teen is hard enough and I can’t imagine going through this awkward stage with this many eyes on you.  Frances Ha was my favorite film of 2013 and suffice to say I couldn’t be more excited about Lady Bird. There are a lot of Greta Gerwig profiles out this week and I couldn’t be more thrilled; both the New York Magazine and New York Times ones are excellent. The above photo is courtesy of Interview and regular readers will know how much I adore their editorial style.

Gerwig is interviewed by Francis Ford Coppola and it is an insightful conversation about Gerwig’s childhood, influences and process including this gem about the rehearsal process. I also love 20th Century Women so this anecdote really speaks to me. And this gif is a necessary accompaniment to her tale.

[source]

“It wasn’t just working with the lines; it was also a lot of talking and investigation. I would have them all dance together, because when I worked with Mike Mills, he had us do that. I found it useful because it makes you less embarrassed of your body and less embarrassed in front of other people, so I stole that from him.”

The below sentiment also applies to how I pitch. I am so bad at explaining an idea in its initial stage.

“I’ve found that if I can explain it to someone early, it’s going to be terrible. You have to give the hunch time to grow in the dark, because otherwise—let’s say you pitch it to a friend really early—it dies.”Solange shines bright for Glamour as one of their Women of the Year in matching sequined Gucci top/pants and Stuart Weitzman boots. Perfect level of sparkle for this time of year.

The whole essay is super inspiring, but this really resonates:

“There’s such a dated, tired narrative that women are taking a risk by standing up for themselves, writing their own narratives, and having control over their bodies. But I felt so much freedom in speaking my truth. I no longer wanted to stay silent. I didn’t care what I had to lose. I started to weigh what the risks of not telling my truth were versus burning bridges that needed to be burned.”The best cover Entertainment Weekly has done in an age; the colors/clothes/everything about it. Constance Wu and Henry Golding look fabulous. I really need to read this book before the movie comes out. As I mentioned near the top of this week’s “Out of the Box,” Daisy Ridley is going to be everywhere for the next two months—much to my delight—with both Murder on the Orient Express and The Last Jedi. I really love this cover and the whole ’80s direction of this editorial. Also, the interview is conducted by none other than Adam Driver and it is delightful.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

7 Jul

A relatively quiet week because of the 4th of July celebrations (giving me a good reason to wax lyrical about the 1970s sartorial treasure trove that is Jaws), but thankfully Paris Couture Week means some stars were out in the sun in their designer finest. Plus some movie premieres and more magazine highlights.

Elsewhere you can read my thoughts about why Tulip from Preacher is one to watch for summer fashion inspiration and this fun rendition of “Wannabe” courtesy of TV stars and W Magazine.Starting with Dior and this is a really great look on Kirsten Dunst. It is very much in her style wheelhouse; embroidered hearts and stars combined with the tulle and polka dot sheer aspects give off a romantic dreamy vibe.  Celine Dion is living her best life at the Dior show and it makes me very happy to see her like this.Aziz Ansari goes casual at Chanel and this looks perfect for Master of None. If/when we get a third season. Part of the reason I picked this photo of Julianne Moore at Chanel is because of the pockets and they really do make a lot of dresses (especially daytime frocks) so much better. I am thrilled Netflix has got into the movie releasing game because it makes projects such as Okja and The Incredible Jessica James (available to stream July 28) so much more accessible. Yes, I would always prefer to see a new release in the cinema, but sometimes that isn’t an option with how far wide something gets distributed.

At the premiere for The Incredible Jessica James, TV Ate My Wardrobe fave Jessica Williams keeps it simple, but bold in Tibi. Such a strong summer look.

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Happy 4th! Have a dog!

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There was no Taylor huge shindig this year, but who needs that when we get the best Instagram material from Laura Dern. My only concern here is how close Justin Theroux’s hot dog – insert dirty sounding cackle here – to those white jeans.Fall fashion in magazines, even if it is super hot and no one does a coat editorial better than Idris Elba. The whole Esquire shoot is fabulous and the interview covers his extensive TV and film career with input from The Wire creator David Simon. It is an interesting chat that looks at his past, family and body of work while nodding toward those Bond rumors that will no doubt continue until the next actor is chosen for the iconic part.

Fun fact – this exact time last year, Elba appeared on Look of the Week for another flaming hot magazine shoot.The Edit is also looking to fall and everything about Lena Headey’s plaid and tweed infused highland editorial is my dream. The Game of Thrones promo onslaught is upon us and I am so ready for season 7.

Going all in with their GoT coverage at The Edit, as Maisie Williams conducts the interview with her co-star (not that they have appeared in scene together since season 1). It is pretty informal, but also touches on some serious topics including Headey’s postnatal depression that she had during the first season and the charity work they have done together. She also talks about the emotional reaction she had to a major death last season and the perils of wearing big gowns on set.   

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

15 Jun

Not so much Emmy chat in the sartorial sphere, but awards they keep on coming. The week kicked off with Tony style and as you will see below the Women In Film 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards also delivered. Plus it is that time of month when magazine covers are unveiled and the July issues are really coming through on that front.

And I also talk about my new Twin Peaks style icon here.
This is such a great summertime cover of Time Out with Jessica Williams as its star and it is impossible not to stare at her eyes. And not just because of the colorful eyeliner. The interview covers a range of topics including her new movie The Incredible Jessica James, her podcast 2 Dope Queens and an all too common scenario with the kind of parts that are available.

“I feel like, oftentimes, a black actress is the guest star in somebody else’s movie. As a minority, you’re like a guest role or something like that.” But with The Incredible Jessica James she “got to be the star of my own story.”

There’s also a fun Buffy the Vampire Slayer interlude and interviewer Inkoo Kang does not agree with Williams’ assertion that Buffy is the best character. For me it is a toss up between Faith and Giles. For The Edit, Zoë Kravitz looks dreamy in white including this Anna Sui gown that could double as a ’70s inspired wedding look.

Big Little Lies has been a huge success and Kravitz also has comedy Rough Night coming out (today in the US, August 25 in the UK) and the next Fantastic Beasts movie. Casting is something that comes up in this piece and even though Kravitz is carving out an interesting and varied career, she discusses just how narrow the thinking can be here:

“When my name is brought up in a casting office, I’m sure the fact that I’m black comes up in discussions. I just read a script in which there were two couples, and one was written as black. When I talked to the directors, they said I should play the wife of the black guy. It’s insane that they still think the black girl needs to be married to the black guy, and everyone else is white. Their thinking is so compartmentalized.”

She also discusses growing up with famous (and cool) parents, as well as her thoughts on fashion and how it “is another medium to express yourself: this is how I feel today, this is the external representation of what’s going on inside.”More dreaminess and Chrissy Teigen’s Marie Claire cover has me wondering where the nearest field is because this looks super appealing. Great choice of dress and this Gucci frock has so much going on – paisley! embroidered insects! – but looks fabulous.

The excerpts from the interview promise the usually candid Teigen and I will be purchasing this issue when it hits newsstands next week (June 20).

Also on a personal note, I used Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings cookbook to make a dinner extravaganza to celebrate 13 years (!) with my guy. I am not at all confident in the kitchen, but I find her style and recipes less terrifying to navigate and it was a tequila soaked success. Thanks, Chrissy!
It is Spider-Man: Homecoming promo time and this means we are going to get a whole lot of Zendaya, much to my delight. Including this stunning Vogue cover and Zendaya commanding all attention in feathered Calvin Klein.

The profile gets to the heart of what makes Zendaya one to watch; from her upbringing to how she reacted to Giuliana Rancic’s ignorant comments about her hair at the Oscars back in 2014 and the demands she made to Disney regarding the show that was originally going to be called Super Awesome Katy (such a bad name). It also touches on just how busy she is and that she’s got at least one more season of K.C. Undercover, including plans to discuss topics such as stop-and-frisk.

And she imparts an important piece of wisdom for fans both young and old:

“A lot of people don’t realize their power. I have so many friends who say yes to everything or feel like they can’t stand up for themselves in a situation. No: You have the power.”Kate McKinnon covers the July issue of Elle and I love everything about this shot from inside the magazine; blending masculine and feminine style. McKinnon is interviewed by Tina Fey and the extract points to the political aspects of her work on SNL including a discussion on doing an impression of real person. This issue hits newsstands Tuesday, 20 June.

Speaking of which and just because SNL isn’t on right now, this doesn’t mean we don’t get a little bit of a Kate McKinnon reaction to this week’s news. It is very funny interview.At an event celebrating Kate McKinnon’s cover and the Women in Comedy issue, Late Night with Seth Meyers writer Amber Ruffin finally gives me a reason to like shoulder holes. This is an excellent patterned jumpsuit and the flats she has paired it with are also a fabulous choice.At the Women In Film 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards, Tracee Ellis Ross received the The Lucy Award for Excellence in Television and she is posing to perfection with it. The event is sponsored by Max Mara and this cute af ensemble is also by this brand. It manages to be sweet without feeling saccharine and the pink headwrap tops of this great look at an event where all eyes are on women.

In her speech she spoke about her Black-ish role and how it goes against the way black women are typically viewed in pop culture:

“There is work to be done on the representation of black women on television and how women of color are represented in media overall. As black women specifically, we are often objectified, oversexualized and ‘sassified.’ I really like that word, I made it up. To see Bow, my character on Black-ish, as something other than that on a hit mainstream TV show is really important.”Also at this event, Lupita Nyong’o presented her Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair with the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award and Nair also spoke at length about her struggles in this industry:

“I find myself, still after all these years of working, knocking at the door to be let in. We cannot afford to mistake the passage of time as progress. The steady march of years is not the same as change. In the face of this, it is so necessary, it is vital to find a community. Find those who build bridges with you and take you further because when all is said and done, there is absolutely no substitute for the act of simply doing the work, of finding the inspiration, of making something happen, and of actually creating.”

Both women look super chic and are crushing their lipstick choices. Nyong’o is a Lancôme brand ambassador and on her Instagram she helpfully points out the shade of lip crayon she is wearing.Plenty of floral interpretations at the Beguiled premiere and so far these ladies have been coordinating without ever looking too matchy matchy.

In a recent Sofia Coppola interview with Vulture the fact that so many big name directors are doing TV came up and I would love to see this happen:

“Yes! I would like to do a glamorous mini-series, although I know it’s just called a limited series now. But I feel like TV has gotten a little too gritty and edgy. I would like to bring glamour back to TV.”Pretty sure this group of ladies The Hollywood Reporter enlisted for the comedy actress roundtable could be part of Sofia Coppola’s TV glamour vision and I’m getting a strong sense of ’70s crime solving while also getting some cocktails.

As with the drama actresses, the comedy roundtable also has a high rate of delivering when it comes to an enlightening and often maddening chat. The latter includes horror audition stories and pay disparity based on gender. The whole thing can be read here and again I’m looking forward to watching the full version of this discussion.

Coats, Cardigans, Boots and Knitwear from Sundance 2017

23 Jan

This time of year is great for someone who writes about red carpet fashion because a) there is so much and b) it is quite varied. There’s the glamour of award season, panel fashion at TCA and then there’s the Sundance Film Festival. TCA and Sundance are the closest to my personal style as many of the outfits worn are things I could see in my own closet; well I’d probably have a cheaper version.

Sundance also happens to take place in a location where it is cold and this also mirrors my current local as I’m pretty much head to toe in knits right now. It also feels very different to award season and at Sundance the clothes while most likely carefully chosen have a more carefree thrown together vibe and also consist of the most amazing coats. An instant win for me.

So here is the best of Sundance so far. Expect more later in the week.jessica-williams-and-noel-wellsAt the IMDb studio while promoting The Incredible Jessica James, TV Ate My Wardrobe faves Jessica Williams and Noël Wells give great boots, patterns and beanies. An early indication of what you can expect from this style post.

On Saturday as Women’s Marches were held in the U.S. and across the world Jessica Williams gave a powerful speech at Sundance telling the crowd “I grew up thinking that the civil rights movement already happened, that we already fought. But this election was a wakeup call … We have to fight, and we cannot slack.” aubrey-plazaNow for the long coats portion and outerwear is truly my clothing weakness.

Also this is an instant way to spruce up a pretty standard outfit as demonstrated by Aubrey Plaza at the Iris Goes West premiere.jenny-slateJenny Slate goes super classic at the Landline premiere with her outerwear choice, which thankfully distracts from denim fringe. carey-mulliganMuch to my delight Carey Mulligan is back with the very well received Mudbound. Here she is giving great coat, sweater and lipstick (also to my delight).rooney-maraRooney Mara’s nearly floor skimming olive green number has a bit of a military vibe and pairing it with an all-black look at the premiere of A Ghost Story works like a Rooney Mara charm. As does her slightly severe dark brows and lip color choice.cynthy-wuMy strong cape feelings are well documented on this site and the one I have in my own closet was bought after I broke my wrist and my cast covered arm wouldn’t fit in my winter coat sleeve. Best purchase. Cynthy Wu’s Chloé cape take on the Before I Fall red carpet is very cute and classic paired with a white sweater and black jeans.alison-brie-and-dave-francoAlison Brie’s sporting a fabulous shorter hair style at the IMDb studio while promoting The Little Hours and the dungarees/sweater is pretty much a staple go to casual look for me right now. And fiance Dave Franco wears a T-Rex sweater from the Coach collection I have been coveting for a long, long time. alison-brieAlso while promoting The Little Hours both Alison Brie and Kate Micucci deliver on my other favorite trend; sweaters with stripes. Micucci’s super colorful number is particularly delightful.emily-browningIt is not all coats, knits and boots and as Emily Browning shows at the Golden Exits premiere in a patterned dress which is an ideal day/night look.chloe-sevingyAlso at the same premiere is Chloë Sevigny in a print that wouldn’t look out of place in that one season (*sob*) of Good Girls Revolt paired with shoes that look like the ones I wore to high school in the mid ’90s. Also black tights forever.jon-hammHot dudes in chunky cardigans; the Jon Hamm edition.nick-offermanClosing with Nick Offerman in a knitted pink pussy hat. He wears it well.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week – Part 2

30 Dec

Rounding off the Best of 2016 series with Part 2 of our favorite “Out of the Box” moments. Last week we dedicated the first part to the magazine covers that stood out and now it is time for style highs from red carpets, events, awards and panels.

The only rule was they had to appear as part of “Out of the Box” and we’ve got a good mix of casual, fancy and everything in-between.Evan Rachel WoodBest LadySuitWatch2016

So many fantastic Evan Rachel Wood ladysuit moments in 2016 and it was super hard to pick a winner. This red one is incredible, but the collar, lipstick and metallic pumps from back in June take the prize.Yara Shahidi

Tracee Ellis RossBest Sequins: TV Mother/Daughter Edition

Yara Shahidi is not only 2016’s best dressed teen, but an overall style icon for the year. This super sparkly sequin Tracy Reese dress that she wore to the BET Awards gives me so much joy as does Tracee Ellis Ross at PaleyFest in March.julianne-mooreBest Sequins – Awards Edition

Continuing the sequin love and we’ve got the whole year covered as this was pretty recent; Julianne Moore in Tom Ford to celebrate Tom Ford at one of the many film award season events. Alicia VikanderBest Post-Oscar Party

It is not just the Oscar that makes Alicia Vikander’s post-Oscar Louis Vuitton much better than the yellow Beauty and the Beast style gown she wore to the actual ceremony. Everything about this is incredible and just because it is black it is far from boring; so many fantastic sequins in 2016.Brie LarsonBest Pattern – Eyes

First up Jacob Tremblay is 2016’s best dressed kid and he also outdid a lot of his older male counterparts. At the pre-Oscar photocall his tie matches his onscreen mom Brie Larson’s super fun Emilia Wickstead skirt and blouse. An instant standout style moment that brings much needed whimsy. Mary Elizabeth WinsteadBest Pattern – Lips 

Mary Elizabeth Winstead was not only one of the best dressed characters on TV this year, but she also brought it on the red carpet. This Victoria Beckham red lip patterned dress is very high on my covet list.Kirsten DunstBest Cannes 

Serving on the jury at Cannes this year meant so many amazing Kirsten Dunst ensembles from the fancy to casual chic; it is this yellow Dior daytime perfection with an A+ red lipstick that was my favorite. Lupita Nyong'oBest Pattern Clashing 

Pleats tend to make me want to twirl and Lupita Nyongo’s colorful Prada frock at the Obie Awards is giving me those feelings. It could look like a lot against the equally bold floral backdrop and yet Nyong’o is totally pulling this off.Aubrey PlazaTatiana Maslany ColbertBest Talk Show Entrance 

Aubrey Plaza is a forever style icon and has featured in these end of year lists in the past. First she started my pleated leather skirt obsession and in June 2016 she arrived at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in pretty much my dream casual outfit. Tatiana Maslany on the other hand is doing the sneakers with heels in her hand thing while also arriving at The Late Show and she is another casual dress queen. caitriona-balfeBest Black and White 

Everything about Caitriona Balfe’s Burberry gown is a dream at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards showing that she looks fantastic in any era. I’m excited to see what she will wear to the Golden Globes in a couple of weeks.mads-mikkelsenBest Hannibal

Mads Mikkelsen looks really great in a suit and this is the first Best of year without any Hannibal. Thankfully at the Doctor Strange premiere Mads is wearing a suit that wouldn’t look out of place on the famous cannibal he plays. matthew-rhys-and-keri-russell-operaBest Cape 

Serving up so much drama at the Met Opera in September and Keri Russell has worn Stephane Rolland for three very dressy events this year – the other two being at the White House and Emmys – and this black caped number is my overall favorite. A very fancy date night with Matthew Rhys. constance-zimmer-and-shiri-applebyBest Friends 

Thankfully things are a lot better IRL between Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby than their UnREAL counterparts and while season 2 was super messy/missed the mark in places, the subsequent promo tour and red carpet appearances always delivered.

This is from the Elle Women in Hollywood celebration at the end of October; they are giving off metallic dress and flaming hot jumpsuit excellence.Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Elisabeth Olsen, Michael B. JordanBest Sunglasses

As the Fug Girls like to say “Everybody looks hotter in sunglasses” and the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic helps prove this theory. Summer wardrobe delights from Elizabeth Olsen, Michael B. Jordan, Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.TCA You're the WorstBest TCA 

Panel outfits are an “Out of the Box” fave as they tend to deliver on the casual cool. With Aya Cash she also delivers on great lipstick and she also let me know what brand and color (Inglot 13). I picked it up while on honeymoon and it is fantastic. Thanks, Aya!2 Dope QueensBest Crown

To my favorite podcast of the year and two women that made 2016 a whole lot better (including the time they were there for me when I traveled home on the train after my dad died in July). This fabulous shot of Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson from The New York Times puts the crown in 2 Dope Queens.Sarah Paulson and Sterling K BrownBest Look of the Week

I said this at the time and I’ll say it again, but the way Sarah Paulson is looking at Sterling K. Brown is how I would look at Sterling K. Brown. Marcia and Chris 4EVA.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week – Best of 2016 Part 1

21 Dec

Taking a TV costuming break for this installment of our Best of 2016 series for a midweek “Out of the Box” special focusing on the best magazine covers of the year.

Each of the covers below has appeared on “Out of the Box” and while publications like Teen VogueBust and Variety have featured on multiple occasions we have picked only one cover per magazine. The twelve chosen don’t quite work on a one per actual month, but it is a good snapshot of what was on offer throughout 2016 and this is the order they were published in.

In fact three of them were from the same “Out of the Box” column in October; this was a very good week for magazines and made the disappointing September issues a distant memory.

A study by Fashionista shows that diversity of cover stars is much improved in 2016 and this is evident from the entries below, although there is always room for improvement especially from certain publications who still lean heavily towards a certain look (oh hey Harper’s Bazaar).

Composition and color that standout were important in how each one was picked and styling was also an influence; I would be more than happy to have any of these issues on my coffee table (and quite a few of them have).Amandla Stenberg Teen VogueTeen Vogue has had a very influential year and they kickstarted 2016 with this stunning Amandla Stenberg cover; this one appeared on the first “Out of the Box” of the year and the direct look to camera is full of self-assured confidence.

Almost 12 months later and I am still mesmerized.bust-jessica-williamsBetween the bold lip color, the super expressive smile, the backdrop and the lip hair clip this Bust cover featuring Jessica Williams is enough to make anyone feel happy.Kirsten DunstPairing a bright yellow with black and white is instant cover catnip and Kirsten Dunst is giving me a look as if to say she knows this. I’m not normally a fan of the wet look hair trend, but here it works with the casual denim jacket number.

My one magazine purchasing regret this year is I didn’t find an outlet that sold this issue of The Gentlewoman.oscar-isaacWhen this cover of Rolling Stone was unleashed on to Twitter it very much distracted from the work I was in the middle of because, well you can see.

Oscar Isaac hugging a dog in his coat is very much in my wheelhouse.A #LadySuitWatch2016 entry and Elle is very good (with certain beauty shot caveats) at these multi-cover celebrations; this one looking to women in comedy with the Ghostbusters cast getting their own covers.Nylon WinonaThis has been the year of the Winona Ryder comeback with several publications featuring Ryder front and center. Nylon goes old school with a ‘zine like shot and Winona Forever indeed (she definitely has a portrait in her attic). Gina Rodriguez Latina magThe haircut of the year is showcased on Latina Magazine with Gina Rodriguez’s Annihilation half buzz cut; this is another case of staring directly at the reader, which is both disarming and enticing. The accompanying editorial is just as stunning. Thankful for wigs on Jane the Virgin so she could do this during its hiatus.variety-laverne-coxA super ethereal image of Laverne Cox for Variety and this is how to do striking pastels beyond the Hollywood Reporter’s stagnant drama actress roundtable sartorial choices (see also the seriousness of putting everyone in black/white or blush tones). So dreamy.

michelle-obamaIt is no surprise that Michelle Obama has appeared on a vast array of magazines this year and The New York Times gives the most original with an incredible beauty shot rather than sharing the focus with a fabulous outfit at the same time. emma-stoneNovember issues were so full of hope and this Emma Stone Vogue entry is bittersweet now. I still love it though and the whole composition coupled with the pixie cut, stripes and color palette is so good that the crop top is something I can get on board with.thr-ruth-neggaRuth Negga has had a very good 2016 and the “Out of the Box” column this Hollywood Reporter cover was part of also featured Negga’s Vogue editorial and she is also the first face of Vogue’s 2017 issues.

This is a great shot with Negga commanding the focus and the Saint Laurent floral pussy bow dress is something I covet in both this and blouse form (as seen on Keri Russell).

michelle-williamsEnding the year with something sparkly and my forever fave Michelle Williams wearing Michael Kors for Porter. The photo shoot inside is just as fabulous and something in the interview caused me to go full klaxon on Twitter. Someone make this happen.

Stay tuned for more “Out of the Box” 2016 highlights next week and for the regular column on Friday.

Julie Hammerle

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