This has been a much quieter week on the style front than the last bumper “Out of the Box” and this makes sense as yesterday was Thanksgiving; if you were celebrating then I hope you had a fabulous one! Also, Happy Gilmore Girls Day! This is pretty much what I plan on doing today. In all things Gilmore and style here is my rundown of the best of the premiere red carpet and I also took a look at the fashion of the early ’00s through the 2016 lens.
On the menu this week we have very cute premiere dresses and a whole eclectic mix of events. Plus roundtable season is back! At the London premiere of Allied, Lizzy Caplan wears an Elie Saab that is not only the ideal amount of sheer but also gives off great polka dot and red lipstick. Pretty much perfect.Yara Shahidi has become a bit of an “Out of the Box” fixture and part of this is down to her versatile style; at the Marie Claire Young Women’s Honors she goes for fresh and funky in Tadashi Shoji giving off some fun floral vibes with a spirally twist.
Plus a bonus fantastic selfie from the night with a super sleek bobbed Gina Rodriguez.
The first major awards nominations came out this week and the Independent Spirit Awards is always a favorite. They tend to skew different to all the other major awards on account of the whole indie aspect (of course there is overlap) and they always deliveron the red carpet style front. Jenny Slate and Edgar Ramirez were on hand to announce the nominations and are giving good presenter style; not too fancy, not too casual. Also bold pink shoes are always welcome.
For the full list of nominations (and pretty much a list of films I want to see) head here.This week President Obama presented 21 Americans with the Presidential Medal of Freedom; one of the recipients was Ellen DeGeneres and it is hard to watch this clip without getting chocked up and teary as both Ellen and Barack Obama did. And it really is “easy to forget now just how much courage was required for Ellen to come out on the most public of stages 20 years ago.”
This photo of the pair is a delight and Ellen as always is crushing the ladysuit game and gives such good pattern clashing.
Here is a full look at this fabulous burgundy plaid suit as Ellen waits to get in to the White House.
Roundtable season is here! And we all know how I feel about this (if you don’t then know I went full klaxon on Twitter when THR released who the group was). Amy Adams pretty much has a reserved seat at this table as this is now her fifth roundtable over the last seven years showing just how strong her presence is at every award season. I adore her so I am all good with this. Somehow she also gets the worst outfit. And in fun THR roundtable stats; three of these women (Adams, Bening and Portman) all featured on the inaugural cover back in 2010.
Taraji P. Henson gives great roundtable as last year’s TV drama actress discussion showed and as I mentioned last week I am very excited about Hidden Figures.
They’ve gone for the dark ensembles to give off the serious vibe, which is one of the go to THR roundtable editorial staples with Emma Stone and Naomie Harris taking best dressed and Annette Bening getting best lipstick. As with the TV roundtable series the movie ones will air on SundanceTV, but you can read the transcript and watch the videos at The Hollywood Reporter.
Now I’m going to get back to Gilmore Girls and have a fantastic rest of your weekend!
The 2016 summer TCA press tour continued this week (and finished yesterday), which means another round of fabulous panel and party attire. This week has already given an instant entry into magazine cover of the year and the TCA awards delivered on the Mr Robotcast style dominance (and for my take on some of the costuming this season head here and here).
It isn’t all TCA on “Out of the Box” this week as Emmy campaigning continues and one of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s favorite podcasts gets profiled in The New York Times.At the Fox All-Star party Taraji P. Henson in Emanuel Ungaro is pretty much wearing my platonic ideal of a floral dress; ideal because it is perfect for a casual summer event AND because you could throw on some ankle boots with knit tights for when it starts to get colder.
The dash of pink nail polish with black Alex Wagner sandals is an excellent finishing touch.So this shot of Yara Shahidi is from last week’s ABC day/Black-ish panel, which I somehow missed until I saw Shahidi’s Instagram. From H to T (thanks Tyra) this is a fantastic look throwing in some whimsy with leopard print shoes and ticking all my collar/bow boxes. Shahidi continues to impress not just on a teen style scale, but in general.Mindy Kaling goes classic in a black Dolce & Gabbana at the Hulu Mindy Project panel, but kicks the whole look with some fun peep toe pumps and a second case of fabulous pink nail polish this week.This Roland Mouret frock is a lot of dress to pull off and Lizzy Caplan is just the person to do that at the CBS, CW and Showtime TCA party; crushing it on non-boring shoe and lip color choices too. At a quick glance and if you switched out the bottle of water for a cocktail then this looks more like a vacation snap; Mandy Patinkin has gone full casual and Claire Danes is still giving off a tanned glow in a stunning green and orange textured frock with a floral trim. Instead it is the Homeland panel and here’s what they revealed about the forthcoming sixth season. The You’re the Worst cast continue to delight in the run up to season 3 and Aya Cash was kind enough to tell me on Twitter what lip color/brand she is wearing. I am also very much into Cash’s Rachel Comey ensemble and Kether Donohue looks lovely in blush pink. Plus, Desmin Borges and Chris Geere do the casual/smart panel balance well. And one from the You’re the Worst panel because just look at these beauties.Speaking of which and as Emmy campaigning season continues the “it is about time” Emmy nominees, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have given another joint interview (this time for Deadline) and as with the THR one it is a delight of finishing each other’s sentences and talking about The Americans. This one goes more in-depth into last season and they also discuss how Russell’s pregnancy ended up giving Rhys the biggest episode of the season to direct (which he crushed) and this also happens to be both their episode submission.
This Mark Mann photo also looks like a great way to sell chambray and seersucker shirts for all your upstate New York vacation needs. A birthday crown for Jessica Williams and a tiara for 2 Dope Queens co-host Phoebe Robinson at their show, which also happened to be Williams’ birthday and featured a surprise guest (who also happens to be a former boss). This New York Times profile covers that night and discusses this podcast and ladies fave of mine; here’s to them recording an episode when I am in New York next month. *insert prayer hands emoji*
Masters of Sex returns for its fourth season next month (Sunday, September 11) and they’re entering another decade. Last year the 60s were a blur with time jumps aplenty and as a whole the season was more miss than hit; Virginia’s daughter succumbed to the teens in drama curse (and I had such high hopes), the Masters and Johnson relationship had so many back and forths that it felt like constant whiplash and at one point Josh Charles wore a gorilla suit.
There were some flashes of greatness including this speech by Bill and the costuming as we moved through the 1960s was top notch for the entire season.
Now we are heading for the 70s and key parties might be on the menu (or some other swinging variation) if the promo is anything to go by. The usual relationship turmoil between Masters and Johnson is on the cards and in terms of styling there is both a beardy and clean shaven Bill and David Walton appears to be sporting an incredible amount of hair while propositioning Libby. The volume is impressive and terrifying in equal measure. Betty is also back and for this I am very grateful. Please give her more to do this year; the fact that she is on the poster is encouraging. Pattern dominates the costuming and the poster, which is fun but is also a reminder of Garden State (a movie I loved when it was released – a thing I put down to being in my early 20s). I am tentatively looking forward to Masters of Sex as I really like watching these actors do their thing and really hope it is big improvement on last season.
Masters of Sex returns Sunday, September 11 on Showtime.
TV award season is gearing up with roundtables and For Your Consideration events – initial Emmy voting starts June 13 – and this means plenty of fun frocks. This isn’t just an accolade considering time and we’ve got three different award ceremonies included in this week’s round-up. Plus Vulture Fest and talk show appearances all embracing bold color and pattern. At the Homeland FYCEmmy panel Claire Danes goes all in on the Peter Pilotto florals and this is a very different and fun take on the usual summer botanical styling. Also at the panel they discussed season 6 and the fate of Peter Quinn with this extremely vague description from showrunner Alex Gansa “How Peter Quinn’s character is gonna be dramatized this year is going to surprise people, and it may not be what you think.”Roksanda Ilincic is a go to bold color favorite of mine and Lizzy Caplan’s yellow Roksanda Ilincic dress paired with chunky strappy sandals is ideal attire for her appearance on The Late Show and the wedding I am attending on Saturday. Might be too late/pricey to get hold of it. Caplan with a shorter choppy ‘do is also the dream. Sparkly metallic shoes and matching tops and skirts for both Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer at Vulture Fest and my anticipation levels are high for the return of UnREAL. Zimmer’s all red approach edges out Appleby’s delicate crop top/skirt number, but only just and I am so ready for more Quinn and Rachel in my life.More crop top/florals from Jessica Williams at the Peabody Awards (The Daily Show was one of the recipients) and she looks cool as fuck in this outfit. My 2 Dope Queens catch-up has been going well so far and I would highly recommend this podcast for people who like to laugh.Also at the Peabody Awards the Mr Robot guys continue to dominate in their menswear choices and they’ve got casual, smart/casual (as above) and fancy pants nailed. Swoon levels set to high.Mindy Kaling looks stunning in bold blue Elizabeth Kennedy at the Gracie Awards Gala, which is a less dramatic than the Elizabeth Kennedy gown she wore to the Oscars but I think packs a bigger punch.This is one intense backdrop at the Obie Awards and Danai Gurira continues to mix it up on the red carpet in a fun summery ensemble. Perfect for celebrating the Best Ensemble Performance for her play Eclipsed. I am very much looking forward to seeing what she will wear to the Tonys in a couple of weeks. Also at the Obie Awards and part of the Best Ensemble for Eclipsed is Lupita Nyong’o in a hard to pull off length Prada dress. Pleats means shimmying perfection and this bold color and pattern even against this dizzying backdrop is producing all the heart eyes. The above Tonys remark also definitely applies to Lupita.
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 2 of the standout costuming moments in 2015.
Camo 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.
The 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.
Hair 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.
Inaugural 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
It 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.
How 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.
Best 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?
Smackdown 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.
Unexpected 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.”
Outfit 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.
How 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.
Stripes 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.
Most 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.
Finding 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).
International 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. How 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.
Unexpected 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.”
We have written about a lot of outfits both on and off screen this year and the 2015 Best Of series turns its attention toward our Look of the Week column, which has featured a whole host of red carpet appearances, magazine covers/editorial styling and many other sartorially infused events. Here is the first part of our “Out of the Box” rundown showcasing our favorites from a very stylish year.
Best Magazine Cover
Taraji P. Henson has appeared on a lot of covers this year and this Diana Ross inspired shoot for W had my jaw on the floor and it is why this issue is still sat on my coffee table. What I love about this image is that it is so simple and yet so incredibly sexy in a way that is so far from Cookie (who is also incredibly sexy).
Best Cape
At the summer TCA CBS, CW and Showtime party Ruth Wilson wore a stunning caped flamingo Valentino frock and had me dreaming of sunshine and sipping on a margarita.
Best Gingham
For her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Lizzy Caplan not only looked super summer cool in a black and white gingham Lela Rose dress, but she also brought up the WB with fellow guest Jon Hamm. Switching out Birkenstocks for black pumps from the backstage walk to the show also showcases how to dress up/down this outfit.
Most on Point Dress
When the movie you are promoting is set in space it might be a tad on the nose to wear a dress this intergalactic, but I say go with it and Kate Mara did just that in this stunning Valentino number.
Best Leather Jacket
Olivia Wilde has been a regular in these parts for the last few months rocking a variety of styles and this leather jacket over floral Valentino (a brand doing very well in this end of year listicle) gives this an edge over the other outfit faves. Trusty red pumps have been worn on multiple occasions by Wilde and work with everything from 70s inspired to color blocking.
Best Leather Pants
Keri Russell favors leather in all forms whether skirts, jumpsuits or pants and as her Late Night with Seth Meyers ensemble demonstrates she looks cool as fuck mixing a show tee with heels, black blazer and these leather pants. The pop of lip color gives an extra kick and I am always thankful that makeup artist Tina Turnbow shares what brands she uses (and I was very lucky to be gifted this lipstick earlier this year).
Best Playsuit
Playsuits can be hard to pull off, but Kristen Stewart is effortless chic in sequinned Zuhair Murad with legs going for miles. At the time I mentioned how much I enjoyed the fact that she lost the heels and walked most the red carpet barefoot and I still do. A lady after my own heart.
Best Jumpsuit
Rebecca Ferguson was a revelation in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and she also stood out at the London Premiere in this stunning DVF Jumpsuit. This was just before I wore my very own DVF dress at my soon to be brother-in-law’s wedding and I was very excited about all of this (as you can tell).
Best LadySuit
#LadySuitWatch2015 has been TV Ate My Wardrobe’s most used hashtag this year and when I saw Amandla Stenberg’s Dazed photoshoot in which she rocks this look I pretty much screamed in delight. Stenberg has been killing it all over social media with her super smart and observant takes on everything from cultural appropriation to how teenagers get discredited for their opinions just because of their age. I can’t wait to see what she does in 2016.
Best Floral Suit
This year has cemented the notion that Michael B. Jordan can wear suits in any color or pattern from Vivienne Westwood plaid to textured D&G at the Met Gala. And he graced the pages of Voguein another D&G floral suit; this time showing he could work something even bolder.
Best Polka Dots and Stripes
This is pretty much my platonic ideal of any outfit.
Best Co-Star Pockets, Patterns and Giggles
They haven’t spent any time on screen together since season 1 and photos like this of Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams have me longing for the day the Stark sisters will be reunited and then burn the place to the fucking ground. Thankfully due to all the Game of Thrones press commitments we get plenty of delightful off screen moments like this. Clothing wise Maisie Williams has pledged allegiance to dresses with pockets and Sophie Turner is doing strong patterned work here at the GoT premiere.
Best Sweater – Part 1
There is nothing not adorable about this Matt Bomer look.
Best Sweater – Part 2
If there is one sweater I coveted more than any other in 2015 it is this Coach space themed knitwear as worn by many including Cobie Smulders at Sundance.
Best Front Row Watching at NYFW
Two Nickis – one real, one fictional – at the Alexander Wang NYFW runway show back in February and I am always fond of the random groupings at fashion events.
Best Fashion Campaign
A campaign which still makes me gasp all these months later and Samira Wiley is crushing it for Christian Siriano.
Best Lady Hangout
Squad Goals is one phrase which has been used to an exhausting degree in 2015 (by myself included), but yeah I’m going to have to use it here because this is an ultimate lady hangout situation.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week and Happy Holidays!
After last week’s pants and ladysuits affair we are returning to a dress filled “Out of the Box” with plenty of bold color, pattern (SO MANY STRIPES) and statement frocks. The pitter patter of awards campaigning is upon us plus premieres and other end of year events are bringing these sartorial treats.
Happy Jessica Jones Day! And Krysten Ritter looks phenomenal at the New York premiere in ethereal Zuhair Murad Resort 2016 demonstrating the ideal amount of sheer. I am very excited to start this new Netflix series and I’m sure I will have some thoughts on here in the next week or so (depending on how quickly I burn through it).
Another floaty white ensemble delight from Lizzy Caplan in Thakoon at the Night Before premiere, which manages to capture festive cheer in a subtle fashion. Plus another lesson in sheer that doesn’t make me sadness sigh.
The Academy events are here and at the 7th annual Governors Awards on Saturday, Teyonah Parris wore this stripe Pedram Couture beauty. Black and metallic silver are perfect for this time of year and Parris is always on top formon the red carpet.
Brie Larson keeps it super simple in Calvin Klein and stands out in doing so. I cannot wait to see much more of her on the red carpet this award season. Still very much feeling her reaction to Cate Blanchett in a jumpsuit.
Another flawless block color dress and Ava DuVernay’s blue peplum Elvira Jude is striking, as are the gold pumps which are peeking out the bottom.
Emily Blunt is a TV Ate My Wardrobe fave both on and off screen; she constantly makes interesting choices including this shimmery Marc Jacobs resort frock. Loving the leather collar.
Kerry Washington adds to the stripe joy in a matching Saloni top and skirt with thankfully not quite matchy matchy Nicholas Kirkwood chevron pumps at the inaugural WWD/Variety Stylemakers event. The work of Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo was recognized with Washington presenting her with the award and after ditching Scandal this season, I just watched the mid-season finale and those costumes really are everything. This one had it all from the fanciest of frocks to incredible coats and an all important wine cardigan, plus the episode was also really great.
Now this is pretty much a dream dress and Kirsten Dunst has been appearing a loton hererecently; I think this Gucci chevron-striped frock might be my favorite as it has a very 70s feel to it without looking like she has just come straight from the set of Fargo.
Pretty Much the Dream Dress Part 2 with Elizabeth Banks in a colorful sequin stripe Dolce & Gabbana number at the LA Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 premiere and this has festive party written all over it.
Double Elizabeth Banks this week as I couldn’t resist this Giulietta fun play on the LBD at the VH1 Big in 2015 with Entertainment Weekly Awards.
And now a twist on a white sporty style mini dress from Aubrey Plaza paired with stacked strappy heels giving this an overall retro feel.
I just realized that season 3 of Broad City isn’t too far away (okay slightly further away than expected as yesterday it was announced its return will be February 17 instead of the usual January window) and I definitely don’t need an excuse to post a photo of these amazing ladies.
Attending the Worldwide Orphans Gala (of which Amy Poehler has served as an Ambassador of the Arts since 2013) they struck the balance between casual and fancy with Ilana’s matching crop top and skirt combo working like a charm and I am so here for Abbi’s floral wrap. Amy’s sparkly skirt is also super festive appropriate and this outfit also reminds me of how much I love/agree with Rachel Syme’s recent tights essay (although I would’ve gone with a different color pump).
The strongest episode of Masters of Sex to date is still “Fight” and this messy third season ends with a nod to this magnificent two-hander offering some semblance of hope despite the many missteps. It is far from a perfect finale and suffers from the weight of storylines that have come before it, but it finally feels like there is some forward momentum instead of entertaining the same back and forth dance we are accustomed to.
Due to other work and travel commitments I haven’t reviewed MoS for a few weeks now and my general view of those episodes is the strong (mostly Betty) moments have been overshadowed by the repetitive nature of Bill and Virginia’s disagreements; it’s not only Virginia that feels like she is suffocating.
Bill is controlling and single minded and his recent behavior, particularly during the dinner sequence last week has been hard to justify or even tolerate. Virginia’s decision to flee is one that is easy to understand and yet I can’t help but feel the pull of Bill when he lays it all out to her in his last ditch move to get her to stay. His first attempt comes when Bill tells Virginia he is dropping the MD so they will be equals and this gets a brief consideration before the swirl of everything else going on takes center. Not the reaction Bill was expecting, but the drama levels at the clinic are probably far higher than he was anticipating. This idea of telling Virginia how he really feels came from Virginia’s other suitor and this romantic dilemma is part of what has been bugging me this season; Virginia has essentially become the center point of a love triangle and her role in the work has taken a backseat position.
The love story has always been part of Masters of Sex and I am so here for a good romance and yet it feels like Virginia has been reduced to the love prize between a man who is far too good to be true and the man with many flaws. Charming Dan is in part so charming thanks to the person playing him and Josh Charles has been selling the shit out of the perfume man and yet I can’t trust a character that is this good; Dan is the guy who makes bold gestures and then follows through. When he says he will leave his wife (the always amazing Judy Greer) for Virginia he does leave his wife for Virginia.
He can’t quite compromise with her work situation, but luckily for him everything is imploding and this is the ideal time to sweep Virginia off her feet, but how long can this perfect man act keep up? And if it isn’t just an act, how long will Virginia feel complete? I believe her when she tells Bill that happiness outside of the work is her goal, but her constant checking over her shoulder for Bill at the airport is a telling sign that this is still not enough.
Pieces of Virginia’s past have given further insight into her psyche from her contentious relationship with her mother to the impact of her long ago broken heart which was first alluded to in “Fight.” Dan is the chance to do things right while going against her mother’s desire to see her with Bill and if we’re breaking everything down into their base components then both Virginia and Bill’s behavior goes back to their parents. Bill’s father is the person who informs his desire to rail against authority no matter who else gets hurt in the process. As the not so subtle dream sequence shows at the start of this finale, Bill is incapable of staying down because he doesn’t want to be seen as weak. However weakness can be the inability to admit when a situation has spiraled out of control as this one has.
There are times to fight and times to fall and Bill ends up choosing the latter instead of running through the airport and catching Virginia just in time. Masters of Sex has already done the big rom-com ending back in season 1 when Bill showed up on Virginia’s doorstep in the rain and it is Bill’s decision to stop which gives me hope that this show is not a lost cause. If Bill had made it to the airport and won Virginia’s heart with a flowery speech then the cycle would just be repeating, now there is a chance they can build on the ruins Virginia has left behind. Okay so we don’t see Virginia get on the plane, but every time she looks back it acts as a warning sign to Dan that their union might be less than perfect and it wouldn’t be a shocker if she ditched the Mexico plan.
The status quo has been altered in another much bigger way and the conversation between Libby and Bill is the one which truly excites me because now Bill knows that Libby knows and has known for a very long time. It is scenes like this one which draw me back into MoS and it must be said that for all the bumps and missteps this season, this cast has been doing some incredible things with what they have been given. Caitlin Fitzgerald’s reaction as Bill vomits out his ‘big secret’ is amazing from uncontrollable laughter to her taking no shit as this really is not the time to unburden his soul and feel better in the process. Libby was so close to finding happiness (for a second time) and instead she chose her family (again) and not just because of some ideal image she has cooked up in her mind. Libby is so much more than this and her anger at Bill after he points out how awful this must have been for her and how she deserves something better is justified; “You don’t get to decide.”
Bill is shocked not only in finding out that Libby has known for years, but that Virginia has been in on it. This is where Libby gets to twist the knife telling Bill they have a pact conjuring up images of kitchen table plotting of Virginia agreeing to never taking Bill away from his family. It is all too much for Bill to take in and Libby gets to sashay away leaving him stuck in jail without his bond paid. And she does so in a fabulous camel coat and pants which shows how far Lib has come from pastel dress wearing housewife. See also these sunglasses from earlier in the episode which make her look fierce and like she is on a glamorous mission, even though this is far from the case.
Libby’s reason for breaking things up with Paul last week also go a long way in showing why she is so adamant at keeping her family together; she doesn’t want the cycle of bad father/son relationships to continue forever on but by the end of this finale her usually resolute spirit has been broken. It is like the Virginia secret is the very frayed string that was keeping everything together and she doesn’t even lock the bathroom door to hide her tearful breakdown, which Johnny of course walks in on.
Bill is not a mirror of his father, but he has been so afraid of repeating this pattern that he is not a presence at all; even if they did split up it probably wouldn’t be that different really. I hope next season sticks to this separation because it will allow the show to explore so many more possibilities beyond Poor Libby and this character does deserve more; so does the audience when it comes to seeing this same old storyline on repeat.
Plenty of characters who have hovered on the sidelines are complicit in Bill’s current fate and when Bill threatened Dennis earlier this season he mentioned that everyone trusts doctors, which as it turns out is not always the case. Bill has been backed into a corner by not only Dennis’ mother, but also Nora who is working with religious fanatic and lobby loiter Ronald Sturgis (another person Bill has threatened). Bill has been somewhat naive in both cases and both have come back to destroy his career. He plays the kind card with Libby and instead of telling him what he wants to hear, Libby instead points out that this is indicative of his controlling and reckless behavior.
Early in the episode Ronald tells Virginia to save herself acting as an early warning about what is to come. The only warning Bill gets is rather abstract pointing to the broken nature of things as his suspender snaps and he has to wear Lester’s belt. Bill is very anti-belts which once again goes back to his father and his choice of weapon against him. I don’t know if we needed the beating flashback even if it underscored that it is not a fashion related decision. Virginia gets a sermon from Nora and in return she smacks her with a box. Nora is a character who is clearly deeply troubled, but she definitely deserved that from Virginia and I maybe (okay definitely) cheered.
In happier romance news Barton and Jonathan (Richard from Felicity!) have acted on their feelings and got over their disagreements regarding how they want to present themselves – with a lot of help from magical advice unicorn Betty – and have a romantic birthday meal out. Well it is romantic and then Bill’s in jail predicament briefly interrupts things. When Jonathan mentions he isn’t getting younger it is hard to not picture him in college because he pretty much looks the same as he did almost 15 years ago.
Betty has been a strong presence throughout this season even when she is only there to dish out the advice and it would be remiss if I didn’t mention her conversation with Barton from “Through a Glass, Darkly” when she tells him about her relationship with Helen and how “it makes a difference” to be loved like that. Betty is often used as comic relief, but she is also important when getting to the heart of the emotional moments and I hope there will be far more for her to do next season even if she is very good at running interference. Betty also had another fantastic Twiggy inspired dress and wide tie costume moment this week.
And this look also works when hiding out smoking in a dark office.Troubled teen plots were absent from this finale and Tessa has been one of the many issues this season and I have gone from a position of defending this story to rolling my eyes at how they have made the teen an irritating obstacle. I don’t think they need to be done with Tessa necessarily, but there has to be a way of exploring Virginia’s relationship with her daughter without this many teen cliches particularly when dealing with the work Virginia does.
Masters of Sex works best when it is Masters and Johnson; this is not to say there shouldn’t be conflict but the writers do need to go beyond the same push/pull we have seen for three seasons and hopefully the actions of Bill, Virginia and Libby in this finale will lead a revitalized show that leads to a return to form.
The busy that is September becomes all too clear in this week’s Out of the Box as we have fabulous outfits from a variety of events including film festivals, magazine covers, a fashion campaign, New York Fashion Week, film premieres and a profile of a star from a returning show.
Stunning from Lizzy Caplan in ultimate pattern clashing Mary Katrantzou and she pushes the fashion envelope once again at a Sleeping With Other People screening. And it also bears repeating that her lack of Emmy nomination means one less showstopping moment. Let’s enjoy her breathtaking Donna Karan Atelier gown from last year instead.
New York Fashion Week started yesterday so expect plenty of coverage in the coming days and one piece of fashion news that has already caused woots of joy comes courtesy of the new face of Christian Siriano; Orange is the New Black’s Samira Wiley looks incredible in this campaign.
You’re the Worst returned this week and I pretty much had a giant grin plastered across my face throughout the episode. Which is pretty much the same expression the Aya Cash Complex shoot gave me and this cobalt sequin collared dress number coupled with a flawless sunglasses game (much like her character’s) and amazing red lip color is giving me so much life. The rest of the photos and interview are just as good including her description of Gretchen and Jimmy’s relationship:
“They’re only one representation of a relationship. The idea that one relationship or one show can represent all of a culture is just not realistic. But I do think there’s a cynicism in our generation. I actually think that cynicism is what makes it so romantic.”
Or as Jimmy might put it “Look, we’re not against sweater people. We’re not protesting sweater people’s right to exist. We just choose not to be them, because they remind us of encroaching death.”
The Shondaland magazine takeover continues with Essenceand more sequin pretty for “Out of the Box” this week with Kerry Washington delivering another great cover.
This is one dress I keep going back and forth on ultimately landing in the love it camp and Alicia Vikander’s custom Louis Vuitton peasant gown is a very different look for the Venice Film Festivalred carpet and she’s pulling off the drama. Considering how many films she is in this year and that some of them have awards written all over them I am glad she is such a fashion risk taker.
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen is about to do the all 70s thing in HBO’s Vinyl so it is only appropriate that she shows up to NY Mag and The Cut’s NYFW party sporting some very 70s very wide legged pants. This decade has been providing runway inspiration throughout 2015 and it will be interesting to see if it is still an influence this week. And I am so ready for Sørensen to be a huge star.
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.
At the London premiere of Allied, Lizzy Caplan wears an Elie Saab that is not only the ideal amount of sheer but also gives off great polka dot and red lipstick. Pretty much perfect.
Yara Shahidi has become a bit of an “Out of the Box” fixture and part of this is down to her versatile style; at the Marie Claire Young Women’s Honors she goes for fresh and funky in Tadashi Shoji giving off some fun floral vibes with a spirally twist.
The first major awards nominations came out this week and the Independent Spirit Awards is always a favorite. They tend to skew different to all the other major awards on account of the whole indie aspect (of course there is overlap) and they always deliver on the red carpet style front. Jenny Slate and Edgar Ramirez were on hand to announce the nominations and are giving good presenter style; not too fancy, not too casual. Also bold pink shoes are always welcome.
This week President Obama presented 21 Americans with the Presidential Medal of Freedom; one of the recipients was Ellen DeGeneres and it is hard to watch this clip without getting chocked up and teary as both Ellen and Barack Obama did. And it really is “easy to forget now just how much courage was required for Ellen to come out on the most public of stages 20 years ago.”
Roundtable season is here! And we all know how I feel about this (if you don’t then know I went full klaxon on Twitter when THR released who the group was). Amy Adams pretty much has a reserved seat at this table as this is now her fifth roundtable over the last seven years showing just how strong her presence is at every award season. I adore her so I am all good with this. Somehow she also gets the worst outfit. And in fun THR roundtable stats; three of these women (Adams, Bening and Portman) all featured on the inaugural cover back in 2010.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 
