Tag Archives: Lee Pace

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

8 Sep

Every single year, I know that everything happens in September and yet I get distracted by my birthday (which was on Monday) and then the fall TV, NYFW and film festival onslaught takes me by surprise. Every single year. There was also the Twin Peaks finale — thanks for that birthday gift, David Lynch — and I am still thinking about that.

The whole new year aspect is something I have discussed on numerous occasions and this time of year is both super exciting and incredibly overwhelming. Case in point; this week’s “Out of the Box” and it is one of our longest yet.

Plus be sure to check out this extended Maggie Gyllenhall rundown as she promotes her new show, The Deuce.At the Venice Film Festival, Kirsten Dunst delivers whimsy in Rodarte polka dot ruffles — a look that is similar to her recent Nylon cover — at the premiere of Woodshock.

Woodshock is directed by Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, so it isn’t a surprise to see Dunst repping this brand. Dunst has long been wearing Rodarte and despite the reviews, I am still looking forward to seeing this film.This is a little wacky from Priyanka Chopra in hot pink Fendi at the Pahuna: The Little Visitors premiere at TIFF, but so much fun. And an occasion where matching bold lipstick with a bold outfit could be a little much, but black ankle boots take the saccharine edge off. From Venice to Canada and now France; film festival season is in full swing and where can I get my own white picket fence with Laura Dern’s name on it? At the 43rd Deauville American Film Festival, Laura Dern gets a dedicated beach locker room on the Promenade des Planches and she’s wearing the perfect Gabriela Hearst Resort ’18 summer dress for the occasion.

Between Big Little Lies and Twin Peaks this has been a huge year for Dern on TV and I am already very excited to request a Diane manicure. Also, I now desperately want to have a Laura Dern themed costume party.
Actually, make that a Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum themed party.

At this same event in France, Goldblum gives great polka dot button-down and the silver fox swoon levels are high. What better time to launch a fashion collaboration in New York than NYFW and Gabrielle Union looks stunning in this yellow dress from her New York & Company Collection. Plus these outfits will not break the bank; a NYFW rarity.Leather pants and a floral frock should not work and I’m not sure there are many that could pull of this look. And yet, Tracee Ellis Ross is doing just that in Ronald van der Kemp. That backdrop at Pat McGrath’s NYFW Mothership Ball is also divine and ups the drama levels. The ’90s are alive and well at Tom Ford — we truly didn’t know how lucky we were as Gretchen said post “Zombie” sing-along in the new You’re the Worst. TV Ate My Wardrobe fave, Julia Garner goes simple in black at this runway show and she is also in the new TV themed issue of Glamour, which is worth picking up. Important NYFW runway show update and there are no words to describe my levels of swoon. Calvin Klein drawing the flamiest of flame emoji attendants.

Former model and Outlander star Caitriona Balfe looks elegant in fancy office attire at the Noon by Noor (in Noon by Noor) NYFW show.Ladysuit alert! And I have been obsessed with getting a velvet number for the last year. Caitriona Balfe in Max Mara at an Outlander screening — back Sunday, September 10 — is only adding to this obsession.

I’m not wild about the black bralette, but she does look amazing and this works better than Maggie Gyllenhaal’s matching crop top number.At the GQ Men of the Year awards — British GQ always holds them at this time of year — Anna Friel goes ’70s inspired in a sparkly striped Dhela.

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🌻🌻anna🌻🌻 #pushingdaisies @annafriel

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Important Pushing Daisies content. Yes, I screamed with joy when I saw Anna Friel’s Insta Story this morning.It has been noted that a lot of the October covers we have seen so far are visually more striking than the September offerings and I recall the same thing happened last year. There is less pressure for a big statement look and W’s new series of covers includes this Tracee Ellis Ross stunner (her second appearance this week). The color of that dress, the way she is looking directly at us and that powerful pose is all very mesmerizing. Saoirse Ronan also feels like she is gazing directly into my soul and the new trailer for Lady Bird also has me all a fluster this week.

Frances Ha is one of my favorite films and everything about Greta Gerwig’s new film is ticking all the boxes. I cannot wait. Stranger Things returns next month so expect to see this cast everywhere — I’m gonna start a season 1 rewatch tonight — and Winona Ryder for is making me covet a leather beret.

Another incredible shot from the October issue, which is gonna look great on my coffee table. Well, as long as I can get one of the covers I want (and not the Jared one).

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#britishvogue 🇬🇧

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Also in fabulous October cover news; Zoë Kravitz for British Vogue. This is the most excited I’ve been for this edition of Vogue and a fantastic sign that new EiC, Edward Enninful is going to deliver. Love this very fun polka dot number that Kravitz posted to Instagram and this is another magazine I’ll be picking up (even though I still have to read last month’s).  

Best of TV Costuming 2015: Best of the Rest Part 2

28 Dec

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.

So far the Best of 2015 series has focused on in-depth costuming achievements from The Americans, Hannibal, Fargo and Mad Men. Plus a special You’re the Worst “Music Monday” end credits rundown and “Out of the Box” round-up.

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 2 of the standout costuming moments in 2015.

DianeCamo Queen

Diane Lockhart is the ultimate when it comes to power dressing in the office – make sure you have at least one piece of statement jewelry – and she manages to transfer this skill to the snowy hunting climate working the all camouflage and furry hat getup like no other.

Looking S2The Morning After the Night Before Award

Looking dudes killing it with their cardigan, plaid and most importantly bathrobe attire in the season 2 premiere. Patrick also hugged a tree, which was possibly the most adorable TV moment of 2015.

Kit HaringtonHair Most Watched

When you want people to believe a HUGE character has been killed off don’t say the actor who plays him has cut his hair because for the next few months every public appearance will be under the hair watch spotlight; whether this be at Wimbledon or an airport (which also happens to be where said show is filmed). Nice suit, Kit. Sunglasses won’t protect your identity.

DaredevilInaugural Cary Agos Hot in a Hoodie Trophy

Cary Agos wore his hoodie recently much to our delight and yet we are going to give his prize to the one and only Matt Murdock who took this look to new shirtless levels in Daredevil. Rosario Dawson’s Claire also does casual cool ever so well.

Clothing Most Lived In

Mr robotIt would be remiss if while I was on the subject of hoodie wearers if I didn’t mention Elliot from Mr Robot and it just so happens that I started watching this yesterday (three episodes in and all I want to do is watch the rest). Elliot’s hoodie is very much part of his being and he pulls his hood up at any given opportunity. If a person could live in their clothing then Elliot would definitely live in his black hoodie with his black backpack as his home away from home.

Halt and Catch FireHow to Work a Sleeveless Hoodie 

This is NOT A GOOD LOOK outside of a boxing movie (and even then I would probs give it a pass) and yet there is something so mesmerizing about Lee Pace in this getup. The same can be said for pretty much all of his Halt and Catch Fire costuming (dude even makes an all white suit and tee work) and this is one show I am so glad I went back to. For actual style inspiration check out everything Donna.

Inside AmyBest Mode of Transport

Amy Schumer’s “Last Fuckable Day” sketch was sadly all too accurate, but most of the time it is better to laugh than cry and that is exactly what Inside Amy Schumer did with this moment and many others over the super strong season 3. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes a rowboat look cool as fuck. Is there nothing this woman can’t do?

Jane the Virgin Chapter 20Smackdown of the Year

There’s a lot that can be said about the relationship dynamics on Jane the Virgin; the Villanueva women are guaranteed to get me crying at least once an episode and I am firmly in the Team Michael camp. There is one relationship that has gone from antagonistic to friendly with a whole dose of it’s complicated in-between and the Jane/Petra situation is the one which intrigues me the most. In Chapter 20 the pair entered the fantasy wrestling ring and it was as much fun as the leather wresting attire that a pregnant Jane was wearing. Petra didn’t look too shabby in her liquid silver jumpsuit. Jane the Virgin is particularly good at mixing the soapy/fantasy elements with real world in both content and costuming; this smackdown episode showcases these elements.

The Reality Show I Wish Was Real 

2015 saw the end of several TV Ate My Wardrobe favorites including Kroll Show, which bowed out before it hit any kind of slump. There are many sketches that could have filled this slot – PubLIZity being a close contender – and yet it was this one off Farley piece that has me randomly saying “Look like dis.” Chelsea Peretti and Jenny Slate were my ideal Kroll Show guest stars and this included both women much to my delight.

Krystal Orphan BlackUnexpected Character Inspiration 

More reasons to adore Tatiana Maslany as not only did she deliver yet another fantastic new clone to the Orphan Black table, but she also got her initial inspiration from one of favorite places (as related to the above choice). Maslany told The LA Times that “Krystal was different because she was meant to die in the first episode. I was really into Kroll Show at the time. And I was doing PubLIZity. I was wandering around the set as Krystal in that voice, and they were, like, “We can’t kill her.” Then we started to develop her into a full character and not just me doing Jenny Slate.”

UnREALOutfit Most Inspired by Lindsay Weir 

Much like Lindsay Weir, Rachel on UnREAL pretty much had her army green jacket glued to her and while Rachel’s life is definitely more of a mess there is certain Lindsay quality to her.

The Good Wife 7.07 Alicia bed headHow to get Dressed in a Super Sexy and Snarky Manner 

The Good Wife gave us the TV equivalent of blue balls squandering both Finn and Jason; instead having Alicia hook up with Johnny and Peter. At least the latter delivered on this perfect giving none of the fucks moment.

Masters of Sex 3.05 Virginia bretton stripesStripes Delight

A classic look is classic no matter the decade and Virginia’s striped tee and pants ensemble on Masters of Sex is just that. If Emma Stones stripes and polka dots is my platonic ideal of an outfit then this is a close runner-up.

Lady Gaga AHSMost Old Hollywood 

No one looks more killer (in more ways than one on this occasion) than Lady Gaga as The Countess on American Horror Story: Hotel capturing all that is glam and seductive about Old Hollywood.

Elementary 3.17 JoanFinding the Ideal Location for an Outfit that Looks Like a Painting 

Every episode of Elementary is a costuming dream and Joan’s fashion palette is full of patterned delights including this stunning Victoria Beckham shirt dress; it looks like a shot of springtime against the snowy backdrop. There are several shows which use the winter shooting schedule to their advantage and Elementary is on this list (The Americans and Hannibal are two others).

The LeftoversInternational Assassin of the Year

There could only be one and the meaning behind Kevin Garvey’s suit – which Justin Theroux fits rather nicely – plays out in an incredibly surreal way in one of televisions best episodes of 2015 as The Leftovers hit new bonkers and brilliant heights.
The Americans 3.12 big blue phoneHow to Make a Silly Looking Prop Look Entirely Serious

I mean it still looks pretty silly, but I don’t want to say that too loud as Keri Russell is giving killer side eye and it’s pretty terrifying. This is also one of Elizabeth’s best wigs of the season (which is actually a slightly less wavy repeat from S2). Blonde is definitely working for her.

Master of NoneUnexpected Sylvia Plath Quote Usage 

Master of None took one of my favorite passages from any book and used it in an unexpected way that was so unbelievably perfect. Yes I burst into tears at the reading and portrayal of the fig tree passage from The Bell Jar. Here is that incredible quote in full.

“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn’t quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn’t make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”

For more Best of 2015 head here.

Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

19 Nov

Welcome to another “Behind the Insta-Scenes” and this week we have Looking treats, amazing set decorations, some early holiday cheer and an Americans plot suggestion.

CATE BLANCHETT JUST CAME INTO MY DRESSING ROOM IN A JUMPSUIT😱😱

A photo posted by Brie (@brielarson) on

 

This reaction is why I feel comfortable saying – Brie Larson, just like us.

for all you beautiful #pushingdaisies fans. Long may we all live with the touch of love. ❤️💛💙💜💚💋❣

A photo posted by Anna Friel💋 (@annafriel) on

 

Pushing Daisies is in my permanent rotation of bedtime watching and so I can’t even deal with this photo that Anna Friel posted yesterday tbh.

Taking a break for a little photo shoot. #Looking

A photo posted by Looking (@lookinghbo) on

 

The boys, the boys. Does this mean no Dom mustache?

😘 #Looking

A photo posted by Looking (@lookinghbo) on

 

I heart Lauren Weedman so much. Now I have a hankering to rewatch “Looking for a Plot.”

 

Working on a Sunday feelings.

From our family to yours….. @thegoodwife_cbs

A photo posted by Alan Cumming (@alancummingsnaps) on

 

Sarah Steele gives excellent skeptical face and I am always thrilled when she comes to play on The Good Wife. Will Marissa be happy with her father’s mental state of mind this time?

 

Now all I want is for Paige to pull a Taylor Swift and spill all her secrets in the form of catchy pop songs. Working album title “They’re Russians.” Clues includes in the liner notes. Might spell out ‘Maple Latte’

just spying #nobigdeal

A photo posted by Annet Mahendru (@annetmahendru) on

 

Annet Mahendru goes on her own top secret mission scouting out Dupont Circle Travel and all their personal touches. The set dressing detail on The Americans is fantastic as is their collection of family photos.

 

What every Thanksgiving dinner prep needs.

HOW CRAZY GOOD IS OUR SET DEC CREW? #HappyHolidays 🍾#Scandal

A photo posted by Darby Stanchfield (@darbysofficial) on

 

Moving on to the next holiday and a very different location. Scandal is killing it with the set decoration.

 

And it is Christmas on Jane the Virgin with a double serving of Mateo in a super cute festive outfit.

New Bromance activity! Getting Palm tree hats. @jaimecamil

A photo posted by Brett Dier (@brettdier) on

 

Meanwhile, also on Jane these guys are trying out another fashion idea.

 

On New Girl they’re bringing back parka chic. And it is working.

Oh hi Netflix HOME PAGE!!! ahhhh!!! One week!!! #jessicajones #netflix

A photo posted by Krysten Ritter (@therealkrystenritter) on

 

Soon!

 

Closing things out this week with a mostly smile filled Hunger Games selfie. Amazing lipstick game from JLaw.

Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

8 Jul

Plenty of away from set photos this week with Independence Day celebrations including a whole lot of swimwear, inflatable animal floats and sunshine. Reunions aplenty and Magic Mike XXL outings are also on the cards so dive in to our Instagram highlights.

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Last one…!

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Rivaling Taylor Swift for most fun on a swan (or rather a flamingo) float and we’re sounding the adorable couple klaxon for Diane Kruger and a beardy Joshua Jackson.

 

January Jones was also at Diane Kruger’s to celebrate the holiday weekend and Kruger shows off her excellent hosting talents with plenty of July 4th themed treats, an excellent way to use a watermelon and listening skills so good they make the hashtag.

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Happy #Merica day mañana

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Wearing very patriotic looking swimwear and the Jones/Kruger Instagram crossover is quite possibly my new favorite. And for breakup texts look no further than January Jones’ post holiday upload.

 

Parks and Rec reunion happiness. These super sunny photos mean plenty of excellent sunglasses.

https://instagram.com/p/4xz3vTJwBe/?taken-by=serayah

 

Unicorn float (well it looks like a unicorn sans the vital horn) for Serayah and Taylor Swift with more excellent swimwear to behold.

https://instagram.com/p/4sVQmwJwH1/?taken-by=serayah

 

The Taylor 4th party is a well documented extravaganza and this shot looks like it could be straight out of a Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren lookbook. Also prompting me to ask the forever question – is there someone who is employed by Swift as the official Insta photographer?

 

Balcony barbecue for Jessica Williams in a super laid back outfit which I am coveting.

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PUSHING DAISIES REUNION

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Now this is one reunion I would like to see translated into a Pushing Daisies return to TV in whatever capacity (pretty much alternating between this and Wonderfalls for bedtime watching at the moment). Nice beards boys.

 

I love everything about Gabe Liedman’s Urkel tee story and it should definitely be hung on a wall.

 

Does this mean we can expect to see Matt McGorry on the You’re the Worst Sunday Funday sequel or are they just having a Sunday Funday of their own? Another excellent dress from Kether Donohue.

https://instagram.com/p/42elSdtfvu/?taken-by=broadcity

 

Broad City has found a new home on UK TV and will be airing on 4 Music. Abi and Ilana are excited about this and so am I.

 

Perfect Magic Mike XXL viewing girl squad vibes.

 

Ending things this week on sleepy prettiness from Jussie Smollett on the set of Empire.

Best of TV Costuming 2014 and The Shows I Finally Watched

29 Dec

Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2014″ 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 that we want in our own wardrobe to pieces that got everyone talking, we want to look at this year’s TV through the prism of costume.

2014 was the year I finally started watching Game of Thrones and it was the one gaping hole in my “shows that are huge that everyone talks about” list. However, what I want to focus on today is a pair of shows from the “cancelled too soon” brigade that have long been on my “why haven’t I watched these yet?” list (I have a lot of lists).

Pushing Daisies and The Hour are tonally different with one inhabiting a heightened reality with the other being very much grounded in this world; Pushing Daises is heavily influenced in its visuals by the period The Hour is set in with a playful twist on 1950s style. The costume design of both is something I was instantly drawn to and vibrant color is a strong feature on Pushing Daisies with both sets and wardrobe dripping in Technicolor. This isn’t to say The Hour is a dreary palette of greys and beige as Marnie’s sweet pastel frocks and Bel’s block color suits dismiss this notion.

Bel the hour Marnie The HourWhen you come to a show late and one that has been recommended countless times there is a worry it won’t live up to expectation and you just won’t get it. Fear not as the only reaction I had to these two shows was devastation there isn’t more than two seasons of each and joy to finally see what everyone has been raving about. There is an unearned feeling of sadness that comes from watching something which had an early cancellation as I don’t necessarily believe I have the same right to be angry that there is no more when I didn’t watch it when it aired. Instead I will be both mad at myself for not getting to it when it was originally on and still lament this premature end.

It is easy to romanticize the 1950s thanks to the styling; the costuming of The Hour and the influence of this period on Pushing Daisies has me clamoring for pretty frocks with nipped in waists. And hats. So many great lady hats in both shows.* There is also a lot of bad things about this post-war period and The Hour covers various panics from this period including the spy and nuclear war variety. Racism and sexism are prevalent throughout and homophobia extends to being criminally prosecuted if you are caught in a homosexual act. So while I love 50s fashion and costume designer Suzanne Cave did an excellent job of recreating this period, it is good to be reminded of the horror beyond the hooped skirts.

*Still dreaming of the day I get a Janet Snakehole pillbox hat

Chuck Pushing DaisiesDrawing comparisons between the two aside from finally watching them both this year and a shared 50s style isn’t as hard as you may think when it comes to discussing FEELINGS. Yep I’m talking about shipping and the obstacles for the main couples at play. Pushing Daisies takes the central pairing and gets them together in the first episode; this is no will they/won’t they. Instead they face an entirely different challenge as they can say exactly how they feel, but can’t physically touch each other without a barrier between them. Ah the perils of bringing people back to life with one touch and killing them all over again with another one. The Hour is a more traditional unrequited love deal as Freddie’s love for Bel is apparent from episode 1 and she takes a little longer to get there.

But hey look how great they look at the Christmas party from season 2 and this amazing shade of blue on Bel:

Bel and Freddie S2Unlike The Hour which is actually set in the 1950s, Pushing Daisies takes its costuming cues from a variety of periods with Chuck’s attire leaning towards a hippie vibe at points. Basically anything from the mid portion of the twentieth century and it takes on the visual richness you would expect from the mind of Bryan Fuller.

And look how adorable they are:

Pushing Daisies Chuck and NedSometimes once is enough but another thing these shows share is they are now part of my not so long list of DVDs I like to stick on at bedtime and fall asleep to. The sleep part sounds like a disservice, however it reveals how much comfort they bring and I’m always glad to add something to my rotation because otherwise my Rear Window DVD is going to get burnt out.

Now to figure out what to add to the 2015 rewind project. All suggestions welcome. Otherwise I will start my much thought over Gossip Girl rewatch and I’m not sure I am ready for that.

Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

11 Dec

Welcome once again to Behind the Insta-Scenes! Bringing you a roundup of the best behind the scenes photos posted on Instagram from a variety of TV show and personal accounts from the people who are on them. This includes anything from future episode sneak peeks, what’s airing this week, flashing back to the past and general on set (and sometimes off) antics.

We’ve got an array of onset photos this week including a look at a future episode, which also happens to be flashing back to the past, award nomination celebrations, the final days shooting one show and creepy Santa.

 

Oh hey Michiel Huisman and your beardy goodness! Hanging out with Orphan Black creators John Fawcett and Graeme Manson in what looks to be Felix’s apartment.

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Meet Alex Eakin, tech billionaire #themindyproject

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Lee Pace is guest starring on The Mindy Project this season as an important person from her past and having watched the Christmas episode it now makes sense why they were shooting in San Francisco a few weeks ago.

 

Mindy Kaling also posted a few photos of what Mindy looked like in 2004 – bangs and blue contact lenses – when she first knew Alex. The caption explains it all.

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Santa/Mr Belding! #newgirlchristmas

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New Girl went for a different kind of Santa this year for their super fun festive episode and I’m not sure I will ever be able to look at Saved by the Bell’s Mr Belding in the same way again.

 

It was SAG nomination day yesterday and the cast of Veep have a lot of SAG years between them. This also works as a reminder that I still need to catch up on this show.

http://instagram.com/p/wZ2WVJjFi8/?modal=true

 

With this coffee truck for the Community cast and crew, Gillian Jacobs agrees with Nathan Fillion’s sign.

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Last Wine Wednesday. I just cried.

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The last Wine Wednesday on the Cougar Town set is an emotional one.

Fall Rewind: Pushing Daisies

2 Sep

In the small gap before the onslaught of every show ever returning and a new roster of soon to be canceled/revered offerings (most likely the former) it seemed like a good idea to start something old, but new to me. Seasons 1 and 2 of Pushing Daisies have been sitting on the ever growing bedroom DVD pile (I should say piles as it’s currently topping 3 stacks) and so the time has come to fill that Hannibal hole with more Bryan Fuller infused whimsy.

Pushing Daisies promoMy journey through Bryan Fuller’s oeuvre has taken a non-chronological direction starting with Hannibal when it premiered last year followed by Wonderfalls last summer, the Dead Like Me pilot a few months ago and now Pushing Daisies. The preoccupation with death and explorations of our mortality are a Fuller signature; he tells these kinds of stories in an unexpected and weirdly delightful manner. Okay the operatic death tableaus of Hannibal don’t necessarily fall into the delightful camp, but they are projected using a nightmare lens of wonder through the actions of Hannibal and the other killers on this show. From what I have seen in these first three episodes Hannibal and Pushing Daisies are at the opposite ends of the same spectrum as the protagonist deals with the way they can manipulate events.

As with Will Graham and Wonderfalls’ Jaye Tyler, Ned the Pie Maker is trapped by circumstance; Will’s empathy disorder is his crutch and curse, for Jaye her ennui coupled with her new ‘gift’ to right wrongs through the vague advice from inanimate objects sets her down a path of reluctantly helping other people. Like Will and Jaye, Ned’s ability comes with a whole host of caveats and when you bring someone back to life there are always loopholes and drawbacks (or so TV/movies/books have taught me).

Here’s a list of quick observations of why Pushing Daisies has pulled me in:

1). There is a Winston

Pushing Daisies DigbyThe pilot opens with the death of Ned’s dog Digby, but wait this is Bryan Fuller and he’s not going to kill a dog (right?! You promised me Bryan that none of Will’s dogs are getting it next season). Ned revives his pet with his magic touch and Digby is still here in the present, the only thing is that Ned can’t touch him otherwise he will die all over again. He still gets stroked, just in an unconventional manner.

2). Pies and Cheese

Pushing Daisies PieNed’s business is pies. Pies would be in my top 5 foods. Chuck’s aunts love cheese (Chuck called the refrigerator a cheese box until she was 17). Cheese would be in my top 5 foods. This show makes me hungry for cheese infused pie crusts.

3). A Very Different Romance

Pushing Daisies KissChildhood sweethearts who shared their first kiss with the other. This isn’t so much “will they/won’t they” as “how can they?” If Ned touches Chuck she will be dead all over again, solutions to the lack of contact include separate beds, kissing through different forms of plastic like the body bags above (sounds/looks way creepier than it is) and touching hands with a wall occupying the space between. I am looking forward to seeing what inventive methods they will discover as way to experience closeness without physical contact.

4). The Color Palette

Pushing Daisies the auntsThe skies are a little bluer, the yellows look like sunflowers and reds leap out of the screen. While it might sound like the screen has been dipped in a box of Crayola crayons, the bold and stylized color palette doesn’t feature throughout. In some scenes like the one above with Chuck’s aunts color draws the two figures out of their crowded living room (along with the stuffed peacock as the background centerpiece). As with Hannibal, color is saturated and highlighted to draw attention to a specific aspect of a scene and it’s one of the many reasons why Bryan Fuller shows are so visually arresting. Color also acts as way to show the variety of genre influences from noir to screwball comedies as Fuller plays with these aspects through the production design.

5). Chuck’s ’50s Inspired Costuming

Chuck Pushing DaisiesChuck is meant to be dead so there’s a whole host of hats, sunglasses and headscarves employed to conceal her true identity and there’s a strong ’50s influence to her costume design.

Pushing Daisies Chuck's disguiseFrom bold red frocks, cute trench coats to floral patterns; Chuck’s attire is super feminine with full skirts, nipped in waists and the odd cleav enhancing neckline.

6). Ned’s Henley

Pushing Daisies NedWhile the show itself is ultra colorful, Ned’s costume palette is rather muted as he alternates between black tees, suits (for funeral homes) and this Henley. All of which are timeless pieces that reveal Ned’s closed off nature. Plus Lee Pace looks really good in all of these things.

7). Spot the Fuller Regular

Pushing Daisies RaulDr.Chilton! It’s Raúl Esparza playing the espresso machine fixing Alfredo. Hoping he gets to share a song and dance number with Kristin Chenoweth – the musical interlude in the second episode is fantastic. I am looking forward to what other Bryan Fuller show regulars will pop up and I will take this moment to once again suggest Lee Pace for either Francis Dolarhyde or Alana Bloom’s psychiatrist (if she survives she’s going to need one) on the next season of Hannibal.

8). The Pie Hole

Pushing Daisies The Pie HolePlaying with words and double meanings (some with more eyebrow raising definitions) have featured throughout the first three episodes – the beaver tee for a start – and my favorite so far is the name of Ned’s business. Plus the pie top roof is genius. Pushing Daisies is genre bending and part of this is the retro styling from the narration to the costuming. It’s wonderfully old fashioned with an element of innocence and in a way feels like an extended Twilight Zone premise. It goes way beyond this and like the other Bryan Fuller shows I have discussed there is something very special about the way it defies time and genre.

I know what I’m going to be doing until the new TV season starts and with only 22 episodes (*sob*) this is a more than doable TV Rewind project.

 

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

6 Jun

Red carpet events, polo, new summer shows and magazine editorials all make up this edition of “Out of the Box.”

Aaron PaulLast weekend a whole host of stars attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic and this means it’s time for sunglasses and super cute dresses. Olivia Munn is radiant in white lace Lover (not pictured, but Munn also had the most amazing Devi Kroell wooden clutch), as is Busy Philipps. Both Lupita Nyong’o and Dakota Johnson work brimmed hats with black/white patterned frocks and Julianne Moore does the almost impossible and makes a jumpsuit appealing (by Rosie Assoulin, who also designed this Keri Russell dress). Only model Behati Prinsloo underwhelms in beige. Aaron Paul holds court in the center looking very dapper in a summer suit.

Lucy LiuSwitching things up with Lucy Liu in this gorgeous strapless Carolina Herrera gown at the 2014 Huading Film Awards. The gold geometric print is eye-catching starting small and intricate on the bodice, getting larger further down the skirt. It is a silhouette that works incredibly well on Liu and it is a dramatic change from the looser fitting shift dresses she tends to wears on Elementary.

Halt and Catch FireHalt and Catch Fire premiered this week and I’m starting to think Girls/OITNB costume designer Jenn Rogien was right when she said at the recent Vulture festival that you end up dressing the year you were born, as recently I’ve been drawn to early ’80s style from The Americans and now Halt and Catch Fire which is set in 1983.

Mackenzie Davis plays Cameron and her red sweater is making a mark on my already extensive TV knitwear list and short hair looks amazing on Davis. She’s got an Agyness Deyn thing going on. Scoot McNairy is working the sadness beard like no other and Lee Pace is doing well with the mysterious/handsome all about his eyebrows look. Let’s hope this show can build on what I thought was a promising, but not quite fulfilled pilot (so like most pilots really).

Brie Larson and Shailene WoodleyThis shot of Brie Larson and Shailene Woodley comes from their New York magazine cover story this week and this shoot is giving off all the Simon & Garfunkel “Bookends” vibess (and this automatically makes me think of Almost Famous). Getting prepared to heave cry when The Fault in Our Stars comes out. Will be drinking plenty of water on that day if the book/trailer are anything to go by.

Julie Hammerle

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