Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s Best of 2017! Today we are celebrating the best music.
It is an annual tradition in these parts to celebrate the songs that made an impact on TV. Most of the music I listen to is a band I have discovered via television or a playlist from particular show. This year has been dominated by Big Little Lies, The Leftovers, Halt and Catch Fire and Master of None, but there are a number of other shows that crushed it on the music supervision front.
As with the 2016 playlist, I have compiled this one for Collider and it has stretched to 35-tracks from 27 different shows. Covering drama, comedy and reality television; from network, cable and streaming platforms. There are songs that will make you cry, ones to get you dancing, sing along to and tracks that will be stuck in your head for days/weeks (looking at you Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Music can really shape a scene; enhancing emotions and later causing you to flashback to that moment as soon as you hear a few bars from the song. Any song that has been in The Leftovers will pretty much make me well up in a Pavlovian response. I have danced in my kitchen while making pasta to the “Guarda come dondolo” by Edoardo Vianello from Master of None. And just like Gretchen from “You’re the Worst,” I will bellow at the top of my lungs to “Zombie.”
There are also those tracks that are memorable for other reasons, including this jaw dropping moment from Ru Paul’s Drag Race with reactions caught on camera at Flaming Saddles in LA.
An even more iconic moment occurred in the Drag Race finale. Over at The AV Club, Allison Shoemaker goes deep with her analysis of Sasha Velour’s incredible performance, instantly becoming one of my favorite pieces of writing from this year.
There are a lot of individual tracks that I could highlight in the playlist and over at ColliderI do go into more detail, but just know that each has been picked because it left its mark in one way or another.
Another busy week for “Out of the Box” featuring summer events, returning shows and Emmy campaigns. The latter already delivering on roundtable discussions bringing joy to my award season loving heart. There was also the CFDA Fashion Awards, which I covered here and June has started well on the fashion front. There was no Americans this week, but Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys did go to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Saturday and this eventalways deliverson sunglasses chic and splendid outfits.
Russell goes for another difficult striped Johanna Ortiz once again and once again she pulls it off in effortless style. Pairing it with a crisp white sleeveless shirt is the ideal balance and I’m also applauding the sandals, hat and shades. It is all very cute and seeing this pair outside of their concerned faces on The Americans is always welcome. In more good hat news at the polo is Priyanka Chopra and this whole look feels the most ’90s and I am here for it. Also we all know how happy polka dots make me, so this Altuzarra frock is an instant win.For more on polka dots look no further than Nicole Kidman in Alessandra Rich and this manages to be the most Nicole Kidman and perfect for this summer event.
Orphan Black returns tomorrow (June 10) for its fifth and final season and let it be known that I am feeling a lot of things about this show ending. This cast is always a joy and also I see you retro Strokes tee. And now I’m also sad that I just referred to 2001 as retro.The Emmy FYC events they keep on coming and I love how different the Master of None cast style choices are. Aziz is giving great blazer game, Lena Waithe is continuing this week’s good hat theme and Angela Bassett is Angela Bassett. Stunning as ever.
Bassett also spoke to The Cutabout For Your Sweetheart and also about the excellent Master of None Thanksgiving episode she appeared in:
“It was an important episode in terms of young people who are expressing themselves and their sexuality and their acceptance within family, community, or whatever the case may be. I was proud to be able to be a part of that dialogue and express it through art. [Lena and I] didn’t know each other before, but now I’m her mama. I mean her co-mama. I mean her second-in-line mama. All props to her actual mama, because she is a beautiful young lady. The woman that raised her has got to be stunning in her own right. I’m getting chills now, I love her so. It’s a wonderful friendship that emerged from that.”At the Dear White People Emmy FYC event Antoinette Robertson is looking the most ’90s in the best possible way. Extra points for going blue strappy sandals instead of the usual black.Rami gonna Rami (with a shout out to Ilaria) and he does it so well on the red carpet in the perfect example of smart/casual, wearing Burberry at a Mr Robot Emmy event.
Lots of Emmy prep this week including dress choosing, shoes I want to see on the red carpet and hitting the campaign trail. Plus fun guest stars, going back to work with Master of None and our weekly updates from the sets of You’re the Worst, Jane the Virgin and iZombie.
It seems like a good sign that Aziz Ansari has not rushed making season 2 of Master of None. And that they will be shooting in Italy. Once again I am going to want to eat all the pasta.
Emmy campaigning continues and Deadline has another interview to be savored. This time it is with Tatiana Maslany and the above quote and series of images is a pretty good example of why we heart Maslany hard. To read the whole wonderful interview head here.
Also on the Emmy trail (as well as promoting S2 of Mr Robot – here is my latest Mr Robot costuming piece) is Rami Malek and on The Late Show he took his first Instagram photo. Leaning in completely with a selfie stick shot.
Bonus video of this moment/Rami demonstrating his loveliness.
Emmy nominations will be announced tomorrow (Thursday, July 14) and that means it is time to offer up some quick thoughts regarding who I would like to see on the shortlist. I’ve split my list into drama, mini-series and comedy with some shows getting multiple nomination hopes. These are all actors who have submitted their work for Emmy consideration and some of these are repeats from last year’s wish list.
A mix of certain locks, potential first timers and complete outsiders make up these choices and while I am sure there are some amazing performances that are not included below this is the list of actors I have gone for.
DramaMatthew Rhys and Keri Russell
Every year The Americans tops its previous season with Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell taking levels of soul crushing heartache to new heights. It was hard not to spend half of any review I wrote praising the leads for how much they manage to convey with just a look and the number of ways they manage to devastate, but I get to repeat myself here for those that missed that.
They’re not the only Americans actors who deserve a nod this year with Alison Wright turning Poor Martha into something so much more than a tragic lovelorn figure. I would like to this show reap all the awards this year and have my usual gif lined up for when this doesn’t happen. Again. Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Regina King
The Leftovers hit new highs in season 2 and relocating to Texas was a huge part of this. Three scenes really stand out; the first is when Nora wonders if there’s been a second departure when she wakes up to find Kevin is gone. A desperate phone call to emergency service is followed by a desperate hug when Kevin walks in through the door which quickly shifts to anger that he put her through this. The second comes when Nora gets Erika to take the questionnaire she has given to countless others and as the camera pushes in on both actresses we get to see the best of both Carrie Coon and Regina King. The third and final scene I want to highlight comes from the season finale and when I heard this clip on a recent Vulture podcast it made me cry; when Justin Theroux sings “Homeward Bound” the tears and snot flows freely and it tops off an incredible season.Tatiana Maslany
Even in this fourth season of Orphan Black I still manage to forget that Tatiana Maslany tends to be a least 50% of the characters in any one scene and that she can break my heart in an instant. Caitriona Balfe
While I’m on the subject of heartbreak which is a common theme among all my picks; Caitriona Balfe delivered a raw and emotionally devastating performance when Claire experienced a huge loss midway through season 2. “Faith” is the ideal Emmy showcase episode, but Balfe has delivered on a number of levels this year showcasing Claire’s strengths and vulnerability in equal measure.Shiri Appleby
On UnREAL Shiri Appleby as Rachel teeters on the edge of falling apart at every turn; she is fantastic at her job but that means a whole lot of questionable actions and Appleby conveys both the conflict and excitement in the manipulation of the Everlasting contestants that she gets off on.
Mini-Series
The mini-series category is stacked this year and I’m hoping that both Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown will have their names called out on tomorrow. Paulson is pretty much a lock for her incredible portrayal of Marcia Clark and while Brown is more of an outside chance I will be disappointed if someone like John Travolta (because he is a movie star) gets nominated ahead of him. For the chemistry between Brown and Paulson alone they deserve an Emmy nod with late night office intimate dancing and a look in the hotel corridor that had me screaming KISS HIM; I did not expect American Crime Story to result in shipping of any kind. Kirsten Dunst
On Fargo this season Peggy Blumquist became a new TV style icon and Kirsten Dunst took a character who could have felt incredibly cartoony and delivered something a lot more nuanced. Wanting something better than the life she has and ending up in a murdery cat and mouse game, Dunst makes Peggy a tragic figure we root for and shake our head at while also giving me a good reason why I have kept so many magazines.
Oscar Isaac
I’m not just picking Oscar Isaac because I want to see him in a tux come September, but because Show Me a Hero is still something that almost a year later feels like a gut punch when I think about it. Isaac also manages to work that mustache and is delightful in the moments where he fixes up the house in dad jeans while listening to Bruce Springsteen.
ComedyAya Cash
A lot of the performances I have chosen have involved some element of crushing heartbreak and this isn’t just relegated to drama; Aya Cash and You’re the Worst took the comedies that make me cry to new levels this year and this exploration of depression was an unexpected and welcome turn from one of my favorite shows on TV.
Rachel Bloom
I am late to the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend party having only started (and finished) the show last week and Rachel Bloom is doing such a wide range of things both in front and behind the camera. There are the song performances (and I have a number of these swirling through my head) coupled with the range of emotions from the funny to the agonizing and I think we have found a common theme among my nomination choices.
Aziz Ansari
Another creator/star that stands out this year is Aziz Ansari with his Netflix series Master of None and for things that get stuck in my head I have been saying “The Sickening… It’s happening!” a lot this year. Also for getting in my favorite passage from The Bell Jarinto the season finale in such an interesting way and gifting us with amazing weekend date ideas, showing the difference between experiences walking home if your are a dude or a woman and highlighting diversity on TV/film issues. I hope to see multiple nominations for Ansari.
Gina Rodriguez
Another case of a comedy that makes me cry just as much as it makes me laugh and Gina Rodriguez delivers in both arenas. Season 2 saw Jane juggling motherhood, grad school and so many romantic triangle situations; it is the relationships between the women on Jane the Virgin that really hits my sweet spot and the chemistry Rodriguez has with her co-stars is a huge part of this charm.
Instagram delivers on the charming and delightful this week including The Good Wife nearing its end, flashing back to award and promotional tour favorites and an array of shows in production right now.
One of the best things about this recent awards cycle was everything Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay and thanks to a Room promotional tour in Japan we’re being gifted more of this adorable. Can they promote this movie for forever, please?
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The Good Wife only has a few more episodes to shoot which means an uptick in set photos (which is why I’m posting two this week). This is from episode 20 and shows just how close they film to airing; we only just had episode 17.
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And now episode 21 otherwise known as the penultimate episode. *sob* Yes I know I said it was time for the show to be done, but I am still very sad it will soon be over.
The introduction of Lucca Quinn has been one of the main highlights of this final Good Wife season and hopefully a decent project will snap Cush Jumbo up when this is all over.
Posing up a storm with Stars Wars co-star in the Empire photobooth (after they both took home awards). I am already excited for the next Star Warspromo tour.
This is Lucy Liu’s third time behind the camera on Elementary and she looks all kinds of relaxed here. Somewhat related but I’m still not quite over the level of cute coming from this photo of Jonny Lee Miller with Liu’s son.
So it is another day of listening to the Cruel Intentions soundtrack as a result of a SMG post. This is not a bad thing and the TV version has a lot to live up to on the music front.
The awards shows they keep on coming and the Critics’ Choice celebration continued the Mr Robot hot streak. Plus plenty of amazing red carpet looks from those who attended last weekend’s Golden Globes and a whole host of different faces (including many beloved by TV Ate My Wardrobe).
Combing one of the big trends from the Golden Globes (sparkles) with perfect for shimmying pleats; Krysten Ritter’s excellent Zuhair Murad track record continues. At the Netflix TCA panel it was announced that Jessica Jones has been renewed for a second season and I cannot wait.
Aya Cash stakes an early claim on #LadySuitWatch2016 in this excellent tux and gold tipped pumps.
A clutch close up because Aya Cash’s Les Petits Joueurs should be seen in all its “AAH!” glory and last time we saw one of these fabulous Lego bags was from another award season shindig.
Judith Light continues to work the red (blue) carpet like no other slaying in a turtleneck and jacket casually slung over her shoulders finishing it all off with a floor length (and pocketed) skirt.
More #LadySuitWatch2016 with Master of None’s Lena Waithe (posing with co-star Kelvin Yu) delivering polka dot perfection in a fun twist on this look and continuing pattern shirt dominance.
The You’re the Worst cast maybe went home empty handed, but they killed it on the red carpet. Every detail right down to the pocket square on Chris Geere’s Ted Baker ensemble is incredible.
Another amazing maroon dress and Rachel McAdams stands out in an Elie Saab frock which manages to make me love sheer (on this very special occasion). Love the delicate chain straps, tousled hair and bold lip color.
More lipstick yes from another winner and Kirsten Dunst does delicate tiered sparkles in this very 20s/30s Chanel Couture frock.
Icy blue was a big trend on the Critics’ Choice blue carpet with Constance Wu leading the pack in this ethereal Peter Langner number.
More sequin delights and Sarah Paulson’s Naeem Khan dress has a fun silk neckline and sleeve cap spin adding that extra something something.
Another recent repeat awards best dressed and another take on cornflower blue from Saoirse Ronan in Antonio Berardi. The sleeve detail is spectacular.
The Middle’s Eden Sher kills it in Rubin Singer and I’m so here for this fun play on black and white stripes.I love Constance Zimmer’s striped Tracy Reese dress as much as I love her reaction to winning (which I love a lot).
Another speech/winner I adore is Carrie Coon and she’s bringing the bold in blonde and a whole lot of yellow.
Pattern clashing at its best from Zoe Kazan and her take on the red carpet experience is worth reading in this love letter of sorts – in three parts found here, here and here – to her stylist and friend Leith Clark.
Ditching delicate for fun and I am always partial to a bit of Mary Katrantzou; Alicia Vikander is the ideal person to pull this look off.
Looking fabulous in floral sleeved Randi Rahm and Tracee Ellis Ross demonstrates how to make a black dress stand out.As does Bryce Dallas Howard in plunging Balmain and as with her Jenny Packham frock at the Golden Globes last week she bought this off the rack (this time from Forward by Elyse Walker).
Posing in front of a superb piece of fan art capturing the amazing Helen dancing in her spanx scene from The Affair is Maura Tierney working a Max Mara skirt and top with super casual fancy aplomb.
Ditching the tie once again, but sticking with Dior is winner Rami Malek posing with co-star Portia Doubleday (whose dress I like when you can’t tell just how sheer it is *shakes fist at this trend*) in front of the Mr Robot fan art mural.
In my head they are comparing the amount of desperation, sadness, confusion and sweat levels in both of their amazing performances.
It’s only the first week of January and already it feels like we are in the full thick of it when it comes to award season. Tomorrow is the Golden Globes which means plenty of pre-parties tonight, but first there is the AFI Awards luncheon showcasing the best of the year in television and film with 10 titles from each getting honored. These include Mad Men, Black-ish, Mr Robot, UnREAL and Master of None on the TV side and Room, The Big Short, Carol and Spotlight on the film end. For the full list of honorees head here.
As it is a daytime event the looks are slightly more casual and while I love a fancy gown and dudes in tuxedos (and see also ladysuits), these are actually my ideal kind of outfits. Pattern dominates once again much to my delight and the guys are really bringing it with an array of suit/jacket choices; variety is not something you will be seeing a lot of in the dude department tomorrow night (well at least we have Alan Cumming to count on).
One to feature in the Kodak Carousel collection and I’m getting all emotional just thinking about how Mad Men left these three characters. Jon Hamm’s blue plaid is an excellent choice for this cocktail reception in what will be a sea of black this weekend. Kiernan Shipka and January Jones have coordinated, but not in a way that looks too matchy matchy; Shipka’s collar detail and Jones’ red lipstick are both fantastic. This picture is everything.
Brie Larson continuing her week of sartorial highs in this super pretty Gucci floral dress with a twist; pink snakes weaving through the foliage. Another collar to love and she looks entirely at home with one of the best dressed guys of award season. Yes I know Jacob Tremblay is only nine, but he is showing how it’s done from formal wear to tweed sports coats.
More floral dress treats from the Mr Robot ladies with Portia Doubleday and Carly Chaikin also getting the excellent collar memo. Christian Slater isn’t looking too shabby either.
The kids from Black-ish are also rocking various prints including Marsai Martin’s polka dot delight, plus more plaid from Miles Brown. Teens Yara Shahidi and Marcus Scribner don’t let the side down and all age groups are covered in the high style stakes.
Their onscreen mom Tracee Ellis Ross is also killing it in with a) more standout prints, b) another fabulous collar and c) red lip color bliss.
I have a feeling the UnREAL table is a whole lot of fun and I’m very much feeling co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro’s all-black ensemble with the dash of gold jewelry especially when paired with Constance Zimmer super sweet pink look. The shoulders on Zimmer’s dress are giving off Star Trek costume vibes and I am here for it.
Aziz Ansari is a guy we can count on to turn out look super sharp and this is no exception.
Simple and effective from Ryan Gosling in a great brown suit with a super relaxed stance on the open collar.
Rami Malek is also going for the no tie option (which is more than fine for a daytime event like this), but the button done up thing is definitely better for his whole aesthetic.
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.”
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.
There is a lot of TV to be watched right now (#PeakTV) and like many I am in the process of compiling end of year lists (and as I have done in previous years I will be doing my ‘best of’ in a variety of ways) while trying to remember everything that I have watched this year. So this is a preview of what is to come in the following month and hopefully it will jog my very full TV related memory of anything I might miss.
So in no particular order here is what I am thankful for when it comes to TV in 2015:
The Hollywood Reporter TV Actress roundtable participants look like this and not this.
Comedy shows that explore a broad range of topics which not only make me laugh until I cry, but also invoke full on Claire Danes level of cry face. I am mostly looking at you You’re the Worst.
While I’m on the subject of comedies that make me misty eyed; Parks and Recreation ended this season on a high with an episode that pivoted on the Six Feet Under model and caused just as many tears.
Cable shows are embracing male nudity beyond just butts (special shout-outs to The Leftovers and The Affair) and all this after the The Comeback had a whole episode dedicated to skewering cable on this issue.
And that every episode is a lesson in tension and an exploration on marriage and identity. It was my number one show in March and it still is in November (spoiler alert).
That Agent Carter got a second season and I now own the same lipstick as Peggy Carter.
The master class in acting delivered by Carrie Coon and Regina King on The Leftovers and for every insanely wonderful thing this show is doing. Also for Justin Theroux’s ability to look bewildered and devastated at any given opportunity.
The Villanueva women.
Getting to see Tatiana Maslany take on even more characters and make me forget she is playing everyone in a scene. And this wave.
Kroll Show going out on a high and creating this incredible universe where so many characters overlapped and intersected. And because I can’t say “Oh, hello” without wondering if there is too much tuna and I sometimes inadvertently say ‘Ameezing’ like I’m on PubLIZity.
The 12 Angry Men episode of Inside Amy Schumer.
Rob and Sharon on Catastrophe (even if the amount of things Sharon says that are like me is reaching a worrying level).
Shows that take will they/won’t they situations and turn them into yep they will. Oh hey there Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
All of Lady Gaga’s costuming on American Horror Story: Hotel.
Fargo indulging my love of all things 1970s clothing.
Daenerys’ dragon necklace.
The brief but amazing turn by Birgitte Hjort Sørensen on Game of Thrones.
Oscar Isaac’s mustache/dad jeans and all the Bruce Springsteen used throughout Show Me a Hero. And, how the thought of this show hits me like a gut punch.
Every beautiful/fucked up thing they got away with on Hannibal this season.
The range in costume design and shows covered on here includes everything from period to contemporary to fantasy; I am thankful there is a vast amount to discuss and get inspired by.
Season 2 of Transparent is almost here!
The list is long and there are probably some very obvious things I have missed. I will get mad at myself later, but for now Happy Thanksgiving!
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving episodes to watch maybe take a rewind and watch these offerings from Felicityand Dawson’s Creek.
Music can really shape a scene; enhancing emotions and later causing you to flashback to that moment as soon as you hear a few bars from the song. Any song that has been in The Leftovers will pretty much make me well up in a Pavlovian response. I have danced in my kitchen while making pasta to the “Guarda come dondolo” by Edoardo Vianello from Master of None. And just like Gretchen from “You’re the Worst,” I will bellow at the top of my lungs to “Zombie.”
![Lake Bell and David Wain in Season 1 of the Netflix original series "Wet Hot American Summer" Credit: Saeed Adyani, Netflix [Via MerlinFTP Drop]](https://tvatemywardrobe.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/lake-bell.jpg)
TV Ate My Wardrobe 
