Film festival season is here! And this means a whole lot of great daytime photocall looks and fancy frocks with Venice kicking things off. Plus the VMAs and You’re the Worst’s season 4 premiere event. The latter is definitely on my most anticipated fall TV style and everything else list.At the VMAs, Yara Shahidi goes gold in Zimmerman and with a few creases aside it is a super sophisticated look from the soon to be Growin-ish star. Shahidi continues to impress with her sartorial choices.Sparkling under the VMA lights is Gal Gadot in a very pretty Prabal Gurung and this is a delightful look. Second week in a row for Gadot; sadly no Wonder Woman cuffs this time.Less than a week until new You’re the Worst — back Wednesday, September 6 — and at the premiere Aya Cash gives great metallic accents in a lovely purple number.
As always I have lipstick envy and thanks to You’re the Worst makeup artist Kristina Frisch, I now know that this Aya Cash TCA lipstick is Stila longwear liquid lipstick in Fiery. Social media really does help the makeup treasure hunt.Working the no socks thing and crushing these casual suit vibes are Darrell Britt-Gibson and Brandon Mychal Smith, with Britt-Gibson also giving great pattern shirt.My feelings are strong when it comes to a bold collar and Lake Bell’s beaded Antonio Berardi Fall 2017 frock at the Home Again premiere is ticking those boxes. As are the colorful pumps by Tamara Mellon and Edie Parker clutch.The Venice Film Festival is underway and much to my delight, Rebecca Hall is on the jury and at the juror photocall she wore a Altuzarra Resort 2018 dress that makes me want to get a cocktail. The pattern/silhouette also reminds me of a bathrobe that I own and anything that is sleepwear adjacent is a win. Fabulous strappy red sandals too.I’m digging Kristen Wiig’s bowl bob and polka dot Prabal Gurung Resort 2018 dress with bonus doily trim and billowy sleeves. Adding some silver floral flare in Sophia Webster sandals at the Downsizing photocall.And later on at the Downsizing premiere Venice jury member and Queen Annette Bening gives a classic style lesson in black Armani with embellished sleeves. Great lipstick and frames to boot.
The Creative Arts Emmys were held over two nights this weekend (September 10 and 11) kicking off this year’s TV celebrating festivities. Game of Thrones dominated – including costume design – with 9 wins and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story won 5. Amy Poehler received her first ever (yep, ever) for guest hosting SNL with Tina Fey, but alas neither of them were there to pick up their award. Here is the full list of winners.
Below are some of the best looks from the red carpet over the two nights and this is lovely prelude to the main event coming.Allison Janney crushes it always in both the amount of nominations she has received and her choice of frock; this is no exception. Full marks for accessories with a standout necklace, bracelet and earrings, which accentuate the outfit without overwhelming it.What Joanne Froggatt needs is to probably borrow some of Allison Janney’s jewelry ideas, but otherwise this is a good warm-up before the main event and Downton Abbey’s last hurrah. Rachel Bloom goes for a bit of whimsy with a keyboard tie on Saturday, but it is her shoes that are giving me full on heart eyes. Excellent red lipstick choice too.
I was disappointed Bloom didn’t get nominated in the comedy actress category; however Crazy Ex-Girlfriend won two Emmys over the weekend for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series.Now to the Sunday night and Ellen Page adds a bit of edge to the ladysuit with leather pants and a pair of boots. Game of Thrones won the costume design award and Lake Bell’s chain mail looking Naeem Khan dress is worthy of Cersei in full battle mode. Favorite celeb couple alert! I’m a big fan of the blue tux and loafers that look like slippers so Jordan Peele is crushing it for me and Chelsea Peretti’s frock ticks all the floral boxes. There’s a 1920s bride vibe that I am so here for (maybe because my wedding is now less than two weeks away – eek) and Kristen Schaal’s got the whole red lipstick thing working for her.Rocking a lot of polka dots in a joyful pink suit is RuPaul and after 8 seasons of Drag Race this is the first Emmy win for RuPaul; he definitely picked an excellent outfit for the occasion.
Stay tuned for all our Emmy red carpet coverage this time next week!
So many sequins and bold color on Out of the Box this week with looks from the BET Awards, movie premieres and other red carpet shindigs bringing all the summer dress delights. Yara Shahidi super fun and super colorful Tracy Reese dress for the 2016 BET Awards is playing into two of my great loves; stripes and sparkles. The teenage Black-ish star has picked out a look that is both age appropriate and stands out. Gold vintage Tommy Hilfiger stacked heels are the perfect shoe as they shimmer without clashing. For more on Shahidi’s getting ready process head to Teen Vogue.More bold sequins at the BET Awards with singer Andra Day delivering on vintage looking glam and this entire ensemble is stunning right down to purple Moschino pumps. A Prada sequin mini for Aubrey Plaza and this is ultimate Megan Draper has just hit California attire. So I am of course so here for it.I would like to see a live action movie with Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper and Lake Bell and not just The Secret Life of Pets, which is what they are promoting here. Dress pretty for all three ladies and this was also the occasion where Jenny Slate made things red carpet official with Chris Evans.Glorious green caftan at the ready for Lauren Ambrose at the Amazon pilots event. I like this super boho look a lot more than the Interestings pilot (I loved the book, but think the show misses a lot of what made this group charming). I really like Ambrose and have high hopes that if it does go to series they will fix these issues.At the Tarzan premiere Cush Jumbo is also doing the casual glam thing in Michael Kors and this really makes me want to grab a cocktail with her.
Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2015” costuming series and rather than doing a straightforward countdown we’re going to do a variety of posts that look at which costumes and shows have made a huge impact this year. From items we want in our own wardrobe to pieces that got everyone talking; we want to celebrate the work of television’s best costume designers.
Now is the turn of a huge range of shows we have been watching this year from network, cable and streaming with comedy, drama and all those other hard to categorize scripted offerings. There has been so many fantastic individual moments that we have had to split this post into two otherwise the scrolling would be endless.
Here is Part 1 of the standout costuming moments in 2015.
Most On Point Accessorizing
What better way to appease the dragon that has done a runner than wear a necklace bearing a very familiar image and this comes in particularly handy for Daenerys in “The Dance of Dragons” when Drogon makes a very timely entrance. The influence of Daenerys’ heritage has been visible throughout the texture of her costuming which at times has been scaly in appearance. Yunus & Eliza designed this stunning piece (click here for a closer look) and it really is fit for a queen.
The Leather Jacket Award
As with last year there have been a whole slew of leather jacket wearing stunners, but there is one lady who takes wearing this garment to every outfit level and that is Jessica Jones. Not pictured are the very 90s looking jeans that are also glued to her body pretty much all of the time and this signature look makes sense when the show takes a deep dive into her backstory.
Who Rocks a Lot of Polka Dots
Cookie Lyon has gone through a style evolution since she was released from prison going from matching animal prints to high end garments as she has caught up with trends and got accustomed to her wealth. One of my favorites is this Dolce & Gabbana polka dot blouse; perfect for a dramatic exit and a fun take on the tablecloth party trick. Cookie’s always going to eat.
Best Mustache – 1980s Edition
Not only did Oscar Isaac take dancing in dad jeans to Bruce Springsteen to new levels, but he also worked this mustache in ways I did not think possible in Show Me a Hero. The mini-series from David Simon is terrific and devastating and not just for the 80s fashion. And even several months after watching it still makes my heart ache when I think about Oscar Isaac’s performance.
Best Mustache – 1970s Edition
Of all the Mad Men characters who would embrace a new decade with some additional facial hair it really makes sense that it would be Roger Sterling. It could easily be kinda skeezy (and of course Roger has entered this territory on more than one occasion), but there’s also something elder statesmen about it and that’s what he is. And I would happily watch an endless loop of Roger and Peggy hanging out in their now deserted office.
Top Hat Placement and Male Nudity on Cable
Alleviating the awkward of the first time with cute top hat parlor tricks is Bertie on The Knick and it is all around adorable. While this is the most of Michael Angarano that we get to see, cable has embraced male nudity this season on a level we haven’t previously seen with both The Leftovers and The Affair showing far more dudes naked than women this year. Game of Thrones you have some catching up to do.
#LadySuitWatch2015 Shorts Winner
My response to seeing Abbi as Val for the first time is pretty much the same as Ilana’s jaw on the floor expression:
Ladysuits of the shorts variety are classic cabaret attire and I am so here for this Judy Garland/Liza Minnelli style and singing mashup inspiration.
#LadySuitWatch2015 Patterned Shirt Winner
Denise is not only stylish as hell as demonstrated by her movie premiere ladysuit wearing ways, but she is also one of the best things about Aziz Ansari’s excellent Master of None helping make a citizen’s arrest in the stellar “Ladies and Gentleman” and offering up sound dating advice (even if she ends up ignoring it).
The Outwear and Boots Crime Fighting Title
Season 3 of The Bridge (Broen/Bron) lost one of its main stars, but didn’t lose any of its quality introducing a new partner for Saga who turned out to be just as compelling (if not even more so than his predecessor – sorry Martin). Style wise the pair complement each other rather well favoring classic coats and boots for their crime fighting attire; Saga is still all about the olive leather pants and Henrik also tucks his trousers into his boots because who wants those flapping in the wind while running after a suspect.
Best Reason to Invest in a Big Warm Coat
Fortitude is part X-Files like mystery, part exploration of the human condition in an extreme and isolated environment. It is also a very good advert for furry hoods and big coats; yes I even invested in my own.
Red Lipstick Queen
There is plenty to love about Peggy Carter and season 2 is just a couple of weeks away! Agent Carter also gets added to the How TV Ate My Wardrobe list in the makeup department as I invested in Peggy’s Besame 1946 lipstick and there is also the bonus of beautiful packaging along with fantastic red lips.
Denim Dream
1981 was a great year for denim and there is a residual 70s influence on fashion in Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp with high waisted flares and dungaree delights. Also pairing anything with short shorts is fair game.
Best Future April Ludgate
2015 saw the end of Parks and Recreationprompting plenty of finale tears. This also means saying goodbye to one of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s biggest style influences and I am happy to report that future April Ludgate is still very much in our sartorial good graces.
What to Wear on Your European Vacation
Traveling across Europe with Hannibal Lecter means packing your finest threads and Bedelia is up for that challenge with this blue 1940s spy looking ensemble even if this is the opposite of staying incognito.
Sunglasses I Need in my Life
Yes I am still highly coveting Gretchen’s round opal yellow Wayfarer sunglasses for the second year in a row.
Most On Point Accessorizing Part 2
Gina is not just the TV Ate My Wardrobe Sweater Queen (her turtleneck game has been strong all season), but she’s also the reason why I yell “Wolfie” at the screen whenever any of the direwolves pop up on Game of Thrones. So when Gina appeared on screen in the episode “Beach House,” which kicked off the new year for Brooklyn Nine-Nine in this hat/scarf/glove combo it also caused me to yell “Wolfie” on this occasion too.
Festive Relationship Goals
Looking is almost over (*sob*) and before its one final outing in the form of a TV movie next year, let us bask in Eddie’s Santa outfit and how Agustín went from loathsome narcissist to the dude (and ship) I was heavily invested in by the end of season 2. Good character development, show.
This week there is an array of good shoes/bad shoes or rather shoes that don’t got with the outfit, but we’re not going to let awkward footwear get in the way of fabulous patterned dresses.
While my mind is already thinking about fall fashion Lizzy Caplan is serving up lat summer vibes in tropical Proenza Schouler Resort 2016 at the LA Sleeping with Other People – a film I am very excited about -p screening. The only thing not quite working is the baby blue Louboutins; even though I am happy they are not beige pumps the lace up aspect is far too fussy here.
Now Lake Bell is wearing some really great shoes – Christian Louboutin ‘Nicobar’ sandals – although the tan lines you might get would be interesting. This is the second week in a row for Lake Bell on “Out of the Box” and last week she went classic; at this No Escape screening she has gone down a very different, but still fabulous route in an asymmetric Marni skirt and long sleeve crop top ensemble.
Part II in this week’s “Hmm those shoes” and once again while they beat beige there’s still something not quite working. Other than this Sarah Paulson has picked the ideal Erdem floral frock for Television Academy Emmy Awards cocktail reception. I am looking forward to all the pre Emmy shindigs (even if they didn’t nominate all of these people). At the second Sleeping With Other People screening this week Alison Brie wore bold orange Derek Lam with a curious crotch zip. However her shoe game (Louboutins – of course) and lipstick game are strong.
A collection of summer dresses, classic silhouettes, sparkles and super chill looks from this week’s “Out of the Box.” Plus more magazine treats including some Fargo season 2 hints.
Lupita Nyong’o continues to reign supreme in the red carpet stakes and this colorful graphic stripes Lanvin mini frock is ideal D23 Expo attire. It is a fun look and I cannot wait until the full blown Star Wars press tour in December.
This is a sparkly floral delight from Kristen Stewart in tailored to perfection Zuhair Murad. Down the red carpet she went barefoot and this only makes me heart her more (the length of time my heels stay on varies, but it is pretty much a flip flop/barefoot swap before the end of the night). This recent KStew press tour has been one sartorial hit after another from magazine covers to the red carpet.
The nude pumps are a bit of a snooze, but I’m going to give Lake Bell a pass on the shoe front as this red Vionnet Resort 2016 dress is super chic excellence. Plus Bell gets the bonus red lipstick and excellent clutch points at the No Escape premiere.
Not sure what I’m lusting after more – Kerry Washington’s sunglasses or her floral Suno frock. This is at Jennifer Klein’s Day of Indulgence event which sounds like a whole lot of free stuff joy, which also sounds very appealing.
Second week in a row for Aubrey Plaza and she once again looks casual cool in sunglasses and buttoned up blouse as she also attends the Day of Indulgence.
The Stephen Colbert September issue GQ profile has plenty of incredible suits and poses throughout New York. It is well worth a read particularly the second half where things turn to dealing with tragedy at a young age.
Kirsten Dunst serves up another 70s inspired photo shoot and whereas Town and Country took a Virgin Suicides inspiration in floaty whites, in Gotham Magazine she is giving off Jane Birkin vibes. The interviewis conducted by Julianne Moore and covers quite a lot of ground including which film is closest to her own character (Bring it On), being a child actor and what drew her to Fargo. She also reveals some plot details and the costuming comes up; I am very excited this aspect as this is my favorite clothing decade.
“In the first few episodes, I wanted people to look at Peggy and giggle a little bit—just a pinch! Not at her, but with her, just so that you’re on this girl’s side. Some of the stuff that she manipulates her husband into doing! I had red gloves because I was caught red-handed. And because this character wants to get out of Minnesota, I wanted her to have a beret to wear, or a shirt that has the Eiffel Tower all over it.”
She also says nice things about Jesse Plemons, because of course “He’s awesome. Most of our scenes are together, and we developed a great friendship.”
Plenty of style highs from the red carpet this week as the post-award season dry patch comes to an end with a variety of events. Plus a magazine cover which caused me to stop and stare.
Laverne Cox does simple chic in red Zac Posen at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Grandma (Cox went for a vamp look earlier in the day).
The Tribeca Film Festival is the place for cute looks as Alison Brie demonstrates at the premiere of Sleeping with Other People in Valentino.
I really need You’re the Worst back in my life as I’m missing those glorious assholes and also this Alice + Olivia embellished dress Aya Cash is wearing at a FX bowling event this week.
This is adorable and yes there was a huge cheer at every moment of snark, side eye and general over it vibe from Sally Draper on Mad Men this week. At the ‘harper’ by Harper’s Bazaar launch party Kiernan Shipka flexed her sartorial skills in a collared Valentino (who are killing it in the cute short dress department) frock.
In awe of The Wall Street Journal MagazineCarey Mulligan cover and 70s inspired editorial (and of Carey in general) as this captures everything that makes this my favorite decade for style. Her Vogue cover is fine, but this is exceptional. The jacket is Valentino and they get the “Out of the Box” crown this week with three entries on the list.
Michael Kors is perfect for spring as Zendaya Coleman demonstrates outside Good Morning America this week and she looks effortlessly cool in this matching wrap shirt and skirt.
More Michael Kors and Julianna Margulies at the Time 100 Gala; as a fan of pretty much all things tuxedo influenced this was always going to be an instant hit.
Bookending with a Tribeca Film Festival event and Lake Bell at the Chanel Artist Dinner looking super serious mixing Rag & Bone with Stella McCartney. Let’s just say I am getting a whole lot of coat related feelings.
Another magazine heavy week with Mad Men and Orphan Black doing the final promo push. Plus pretty dresses aplenty from various panels, premieres and events.
Tatiana Maslany gives good face on the cover of Adweek and a thoughtful response to a question relating to Strong Female Characters:
“The characters all have a complexity to them, an unapologetic individuality. They’re not physically superhuman and emotionless and without flaws. Having a strong female character doesn’t mean she’s beyond suffering and fragility. There’s a fearlessness. That to me is strong writing for women. It defies gender.”
Not the first time I have swooned (nor will it be the last) at how she talks about the multiple roles she plays on Orphan Black and what it means to be a Strong Female Character (and why this terminology is outdated). Maslany also discusses whether the show is a feminist piece and while she doesn’t thing that’s how it begun life she believes that it is now adding “Women aren’t often the default in movies, TV, media—there’s often very limited space for them. But it’s exciting to mine these stories and see a show that puts women at the center of it.”
Bonus smiley Maslany and her favorite show on TV is one we definitely agree with “I love Broad City. It’s that unapologetic approach where the characters are not defined by their gender. It’s all about their personalities, sense of humor, flaws and friendship.” For more from this Adweek interview head here.
A stylized Stylistcover with Kiernan Shipka going full 1960s with a Twiggy homage. This makeup looks great on Shipka even if it ages her up by quite a bit. Not too sure about the velvet headscarf but I’m guessing Shipka didn’t want to go full pixie (and there are plenty of Twiggy headscarf modelling shots). In the interview Shipka reveals that she has the necklace Don gave Sally with SD on it, although she hasn’t found an occasion to wear it yet. There was sadly no Sally (or Betty) in the mid-season Mad Men premiere so I’m holding out hope she will appear in this Sunday’s episode.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus goes full leopard print at the Paley Center ‘Evening with Veep‘event and as is generally the case with JLD she is killing it. I’m a little so so on the footwear, but when wearing a bold print nude heels are fine I guess.
Now here’s a pair of fantastic shoes and Lake Bell’s choice of multicolor Christian Louboutin mules work wonders with her equally bold orange Dior tuxedo inspired frock at a New York screening of Dior and I.
Another pair of so-so shoes with a fantastic dress as Lily James does the final leg of the Cinderella promo tour in Tokyo. James has worn plenty of princessy frocks recently and it is good to see her in something with a shorter hemline, but just as pretty in star covered Valentino.
Vanessa Hudgens is ditching crochet attire and Coachella this year for Broadway and at the Gigi opening night after party she makes a dramatic impact in a stunning Alice + Olivia gown. A sleek blunt bob and dark lip color all add up to create one of her best looks yet.
The ’90s inspired fashion cycle continues and while the crop top explosion is something I’m enjoying just as much now as I did back then (and there continued to be a lot of stomach slivers on the Spring 2015 NYFW runway); the happiness I get from relating something back to My So-Called Life far outweighs my fear of showing my midriff. And you know Rayanne Graff could rock a bralette like no other, particularly when layered with multiple shirts and jackets.
Scrolling through endless shots and what leaps out? That’s right a dress from the Creatures of the Wind collection that is a combination of every Angela Chase plaid shirt/dress ever worn with a black plunging vest underneath.
Here is some Angela in plaid examples just in case you don’t spot the connection:
The ‘trying not to be obvious while looking at Jordan Catalano’ plaid.
The ‘squeezing a zit even though you know it’s a bad idea’ plaid.
The ‘hanging with your parents and wearing over dungarees’ plaid.
The ‘watching a sex manual VHS with your former BFF’ plaid.
The ‘talking to Jordan Catalano all cool and casual like’ plaid.
The ‘what the hell is Rayanne wearing?’ plaid.
The ‘my little sister doing a spot on impression of me’ plaid.
The ‘off the shoulder what is my former BFF talking to my current BFF about?’ plaid.
The ‘can you spot me while I’m hiding out in a fort made of plaid’ plaid.
And finally…
The ‘Angela Chase tribute outfit as worn by Lake Bell in the excellent In a World…‘ plaid.
The Met Gala is a lavish affair and the decadent red carpet showcases some of the more theatrical gowns; unlike something like the Oscars this event expects daring attire that might look out of place elsewhere. Last year’s punk theme was one many struggled with, in that they looked amazing but there was nothing particularly punk on display. Couturier Charles James is celebrated this year; both at the Met Gala and at the Met’s new Costume Institute exhibition as his designs revolutionized the world of fashion. Charles James was a perfectionist and he created incredibly structured and exquisite gowns. This is how fashion designers paid homage to this work and influence.
This is part one (for part two head here) and it is a picture heavy post. Enjoy!
Last year Lena Dunham looked amazing and she’s done it once again; the Met Gala is where Dunham gets it right. Mullet dresses tend to make me shudder and yet this Giambattista Valli Spring 2014 Couture is rather beautiful. The floral embroidery is exquisite and while I would have maybe added a necklace, it is dramatic enough as it is.
I can’t resist a cape even if it could double as a tapestry and Janelle Monae’s Tadashi ensemble is the kind of theatricality this event demands. Monae shows how pants can be just as eye-catching as any fancy gown and this is one of the most memorable looks of the night.
The next two pieces are from Tommy Hilfiger and use his signature colors of red, white and blue. Hilfiger is all about the classic approach and Lake Bell’s red gown is beautiful in its simplicity. One way to add impact is with a statement necklace and bold lip color/minimal makeup enhances Bell’s look.
Zooey Deschanel wore Tommy Hilfiger last year and it’s no surprise to see her wearing a gown made by her recent collaborator. Details I adore include the feathered shoulders, and the stunning Chanel Ruban Mademoiselle necklace. The white belt and train add the necessary drama, however her hair is giving me images of 80s volume which on this occasion is not a good thing.
Taylor Swift was one of the only attendees who managed the punk theme and she’s once again on point in this Oscar de la Renta gown (minus the cat) in a gown that takes the structured element of Charles James’ work and runs with it. The punk theme saw a style departure for Swift, whereas this is very much in her style comfort range and she looks stunning once again.
Now here’s one of my favorite approaches to hair styling at the Met Gala as Olivia Munn’s gold hairpiece and loose curls complement this stunning Diane von Furstenberg yellow gown. It’s maybe a bit too cleavy for this event, however the color is stunning and the long sleeves have a way of balancing out the plunging neckline. Munn isn’t overly done up either with just an orange pop on her lips.
More color and this time a floral explosion from Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera. It’s a structured ball gown and one of the more overt Charles James tributes.
Another play on the floral look as Jessica Paré opts for Michael Kors and monochrome. This might be a case of needing a necklace and yet I think the lack of one adds to the elegance of the look, especially as Paré’s sleek updo, bright pink lip color and super sparkly earrings add the required impact.
Michelle Williams keeps it simple and chic in shimmery Louis Vuitton. I adore this dress and I’m glad to see a variety of frock lengths, however this dress doesn’t scream Met Gala. Still super cute though.
Leighton Meester is going all 70s boho in gold Emilio Pucci. Pulling off both the plunging neckline and high leg slit, Meester looks amazing.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Valentino dress and matching cape is going to be pretty divisive and it might be cape bias, but I think this is terrific and hey it’s the Met Gala so these more costumey pieces are more than welcome. This also has a whole 70s thing going on with the color palette and dramatic dots (which you know, I’m also partial to). The super blonde pixie cut is also doing it for me.
Brie Larson’s robot-esque space pajamas from Prada is another ensemble that might raise the wrong kind of eyebrows, but it’s getting only good eyebrows and hand claps from here. Setting it off is the hair twist as Larson goes all in.