Tag Archives: Maura Tierney

Best of the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards Red Carpet

12 Dec

On the awards show rankings the Critics’ Choice Awards are mid-table at best, but they definitely deliver on the red carpet front and they happen to come nice and early in the cycle. Plus the combination of TV and film means this is a rather long round-up featuring ladysuits, so many florals, dudes in colorful/playful suits and some daring patterns.

For a full list of winners head here and check out this special appreciation post. Oh and the Golden Globe nominations will be announced later today!evan-rachel-woodEvan Rachel Wood has given us A+ cowgirl chic this year and she’s also high up on the #LadySuitWatch2016 rankings as she has delivered all year. Rounding 2016 out with this classic black belted Altuzarra stunner and I am full heart eyes for this.janelle-monaeJanelle Monáe goes big in a fantastic Nicci Hou gown that is giving me Alice in Wonderland adjacent vibes. Great lipstick choice too.portia-doubledayLove, love, love Portia Doubleday serving up glitzy futuristic seventies vibes in this long sleeve Jenny Packham number. allison-williamsQuickly followed by a gown that totally complements it and I would love to see Doubleday standing next to Allison Williams decked out in Balmain Resort; perhaps in a Studio 54 inspired shoot.  hailee-steinfeldHitting the floral portion of the red carpet and this is also a good time to say how much I love Edge of Seventeen and Hailee Steinfeld’s performance. This is a really fabulous Jason Wu gown and Steinfeld gets double bonus points because pockets and red lipstick.gillian-jacobsA playful twist on the botanic theme and there is so much about this Delpozo frock that shouldn’t work including the jagged hemline, but it looks fantastic on Gillian Jacobs.constance-wuConstance Wu demonstrates another fun structured take on flowers in Johanna Ortiz Resort and the splash of red on both the gown and with her lipstick really makes this pop.chrissy-metzThis is Us star Chrissy Metz also delivers strong on this very on trend pattern with a spin that feels winter appropriate. cynthia-nixonA striking mix of pink and red for Cynthia Nixon that stands out from all the blue on this red (okay it is actually blue) carpet.viola-davisViola Davis looks super sophisticated in a sparkly Michael Kors column dress and she never disappoints. Glad she has such a strong awards presence this year for both TV and movies.sarah-paulson-and-amanda-peetNow this is a power couple I want to see on screen with two very fun takes on the whole white dress thing that goes beyond bridal with Sarah Paulson in embellished Vera Wang and Amanda Peet in black and white. Both ladies also go bold with their lip color, much to my delight. er-reunionMaura Tierney gives casual cool ladysuit vibes in Styland and this pairing is giving me so many E.R. related feelings. For more Linda Cardellini reunion feels from the Critics’ Choice Awards head here.judith-lightBow down to Judith Light, always. shiri-appleby-and-constance-zimmerEverything looks so much happier IRL for this pair; Shiri Appleby in a sparkly Monique Lhuillier and Constance Zimmer’s sleek John Paul Ataker dress perfectly complement each other.stranger-thingsThe Stranger Things kids double down on their style domination and replace Jacob Tremblay as the kid to watch on this red carpet this year. rami-malekAnd Rami Malek continues his forever streak (hat tip to Ilaria Urbinati) of wearing interesting ensembles on the red carpet; this time in velvet green Burberry and Louboutin shoes.james-marsdenJames Marsden goes big in Salvatore Ferragamo and over the years he has shown how fond he is of grey plaid; we are very much here for this choice and the level of appreciation he is getting this year.sarah-paulson-and-sterling-k-brownLeaving on this because feelings and Sterling K. Brown is another dude who delivers on the non-black suit thing.

Best of the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards Red Carpet

18 Jan

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).

Krysten RitterCombing 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 ladysuitAya Cash stakes an early claim on #LadySuitWatch2016 in this excellent tux and gold tipped pumps.

Aya CashA 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 LightJudith 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.

Lena Waithe and Kelvin YuMore #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.

Chris GeeereThe 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.

Rachel McAdamsAnother 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.

Kirsten DunstMore lipstick yes from another winner and Kirsten Dunst does delicate tiered sparkles in this very 20s/30s Chanel Couture frock.

Constance WuIcy blue was a big trend on the Critics’ Choice blue carpet with Constance Wu leading the pack in this ethereal Peter Langner number.

Sarah PaulsonMore sequin delights and Sarah Paulson’s Naeem Khan dress has a fun silk neckline and sleeve cap spin adding that extra something something.

SaoirseAnother recent repeat awards best dressed and another take on cornflower blue from Saoirse Ronan in Antonio Berardi. The sleeve detail is spectacular.

Eden SherThe Middle’s Eden Sher kills it in Rubin Singer and I’m so here for this fun play on black and white stripes.Constance ZimmerI love Constance Zimmer’s striped Tracy Reese dress as much as I love her reaction to winning (which I love a lot).

Carrie CoonAnother speech/winner I adore is Carrie Coon and she’s bringing the bold in blonde and a whole lot of yellow.

Zoe KazanPattern 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.

Alicia VikanderDitching 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.

Tracee Ellis RossLooking fabulous in floral sleeved Randi Rahm and Tracee Ellis Ross demonstrates how to make a black dress stand out.Bryce Dallas HowardAs 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).

Maura TierneyPosing 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.

Rami Malek and Portia DoubledayDitching 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.

Rami Malek and Justin TherouxIn my head they are comparing the amount of desperation, sadness, confusion and sweat levels in both of their amazing performances.

Best of the Golden Globes 2016 Red Carpet: Tuxes, Print and Everything Else

11 Jan

Rounding off our initial Golden Globes red carpet coverage with a whole lot of dudes in tuxes plus some other frocks which don’t quite fit into sparkles, bold block color or black and white categories.

Oscar Isaac GG*waves back* Oscar Isaac really is the man of the hour and not only does he look handsome as hell in custom Rag & Bone, the curl and beard level is great AND he won for Show Me a Hero. Nothing bummed me out quite as much as the end of this David Simon miniseries and I mean that as a testament to the performance and the story. Plus Isaac managed to work a mustache and dad jeans. Not an easy task.

Jon HammAnother winner from the night from both a style and award perspective; Jon Hamm you are a dreamy delight.

David OyelowoDavid Oyelowo was a constant highlight on last year’s awards campaign and he defies my sentiment that we were just going to get a whole lot of standard tuxedos in this purple affair.

Aziz AnsariAziz Ansari is another dude we can count on as he goes for a muted twist on plaid.

Eddie RedmayneEddie Redmayne is also part of the fun suit clan and this Alexander McQueen subtle polka dot number is no exception. The lean is very much in full operation.

Rami Malek and Christian SlaterCrush from the mid-90s and current crush both looking mighty fine all suited and booted. The cast of Mr Robot is one stylish group.

Judith Light#LadySuitWatch2016 kicks off to a great start with the always amazing Judith Light.

Cate BlanchetThis Givenchy frock has a slight boudoir air about it on the sweeter end of the scale to Caitriona Balfe and this might be a Cate Blanchett magical fashion unicorn scenario.

Maggie GyllenhaalNot a whole lot of pattern on the Golden Globes red carpet this year and Maggie Gyllenhaal gets more 30s inspiration in this beautiful Marc Jacobs dress.

Maura TierneyI heart everything about Maura Tierney so I was very pleased to see her win and that she wore her glasses up on stage.

TransparentThis seems like the best way to finish today’s Golden Globes red carpet coverage with a whole lot of Transparent infused chaos.

Talking New Perspectives at The Affair PaleyFest Panel

15 Oct

The Affair is not what you would describe as a light show, but there were plenty of laughs to be had at the PaleyFest New York panel this week. Showrunner Sarah Treem and the cast discussed the new season including how adding Helen and Cole’s points of view has expanded the world of the show by offering up four different takes of the overarching story. The general conceit is touched upon with the idea that there is no one ‘true truth’ being offered up and instead we are now getting four different versions of one affair and its impact.

Plus find out which actor gets the most shit in real life about their character (spoiler alert – it is Dominic West).

PaleyFest The AffairThe new POVs mean we get to move beyond the central love story and Dominic West mentions how in the first season Noah and Alison were falling in love and so generally they were on the same page. With Helen and Cole their feelings toward this relationship come from a place of betrayal and so their versions are in contrast; sometimes wildly so as we saw in the mediation and when Cole returns some of Alison’s things. It is no longer a case of spot the difference with clothes, hair style and tone, but a completely different take on an experience.

These extreme differences worked better for me in the second episode in the Cole/Alison encounter because there was a lot of wish fulfillment from Cole’s view; it was all about reconciling this relationship ending in a cordial manner and accepting that it is over. For Alison, Cole is menacing and a bit of a dick; this justifies her decision to leave. The box (which I’m guessing belonged to their child) is absent in Cole’s story and his day was already pretty bleak without this reminder.

Degrees of favorability come up and how generally the best version of a character is in their own story. This isn’t always the case with Joshua Jackson pointing out Cole’s day involves cocaine, drink driving and an aggressive run in with his brother. He also mentions a random blow job, but this scene didn’t make it into the second episode and this is one of the many jovial moments from the panel. While I don’t need The Affair to become all laughs all the time, it would be good if they could inject a sprinkling of the humor as this is a group of actors who have really great chemistry off screen as well as on. From this panel I know I need some more scenes between Cole and Helen; evidence in the photos below.

The Affair PaleyAnd here’s another because this panel really is delightful (plus I am weak when it comes to Joshua Jackson in a sweater).

The Affair PaleyFest panelThe Affair is a show that I find really interesting and infuriating at times in part because of the narrative structure and the storytelling device. This season is already more in the interesting column over infuriating as a result of the new perspectives and giving Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson more to do. Ruth Wilson also points out that Alison’s sadness has been dialed back a bit this year (“for you guys as much as me”) and while some of the standout scenes dealt with Alison’s all consuming grief, this is a welcome move.

Prior to this discussion the PaleyFest audience have just watched the third episode (airing Sunday 18) so there are a couple of ‘huh?’ moments in what they are referencing, but nothing particularly spoilery. Dominic West discusses the challenges of underwater acting so I will be keeping an eye out on his facial expressions during that scene.

At the end the cast are asked which of the other characters they have previously played would they like to see spend a day in The Affair universe and both Ruth Wilson and Maura Tierney come up with funny answers. But I don’t want to spoil it so just watch the panel here for that and enjoy the rest of this lighthearted affair (I will see myself out).

 

The Affair Season 2 Teaser: “Do You Honestly Think That Things Just Work Out for the Best?”

30 Jun

The Affair is currently shooting its second season and just in time for maybe Emmy nominations – it did win the Golden Globe after all – a teaser for the new season has been released. In it there is plenty of smooching, crying, yelling and some very disheveled looks.

The Affair S2The amount of viewpoints is expanding from two (Alison and Noah) to four (Helen and Cole join the mix) and this is a good thing because at times during the first year I found it hard to find myself too engaged by the central pairing.

My issue isn’t that they are having an affair (it is in the title of the show after all) or that they didn’t have good chemistry, but I just didn’t care all that much for them as a couple. Out of the pair Alison is by far the most compelling as Noah’s story borders on mid-life crisis cliche and it is his scenes with Helen that really hit some incredibly devastating notes. 

The Affair S2 ColeBy opening up the different viewpoints it takes some of the attention away from Alison and Noah and will give Helen and Cole more depth. Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson both delivered last season while being on the periphery and I am forever in awe of everything Maura Tierney does as she can sell heartbreak with just a look. Now their characters will hopefully become more than just props in the central love story and we will get to see how they view Alison and Noah.

Memory is a big factor and how it can vary from person to person and it will be interesting to see how Helen and Cole’s version mirror or deviate from the kind of experience we have already witnessed.

The Affair S2 HelenPlaying with perceptions of behavior and costume is one of The Affair’s strengths, which goes beyond spot the difference and reveals a whole lot about these characters and how they see the world. By throwing in two more POVs it will expand this further and this is why I am excited for the new season.

From the teaser you can see that things are going really well for a brief moment, but there is going to be a whole lot of confrontations with the exes, tears in the shower and a really striking blue dress from Helen. Oh and that pesky court related business.

Watch the teaser for season 2 of The Affair, which will return in the fall.

Plus here is the always delightful Maura Tierney discussing the expanding viewpoints and Emmy related thoughts with Goldderby.

 

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

8 May

Pattern, print and all the vibrant styles on this week’s “Out of the Box” plus it’s that time again for magazine covers and we’ve got a couple of delights in this department.

Kerry WashingtonI have a folder on my computer which includes many fashion week runway photos of outfits I really like, but don’t quite fit whatever Fantasy Costuming column I am writing. This orange Tanya Taylor ensemble is one such outfit and Kerry Washington looks so good wearing it for her appearance on Good Morning America. Fun and fresh looking; ideal for spring. Those Christian Louboutin ‘True Blue’ sandals are also stunning and a very good way to kick off this week’s sartorial highlights.

Lizzy Caplan and Annaleigh AshfordGearing up for Emmy season and Showtime’s starting their ‘for your consideration’ campaign with screenings of their shows; first up is Masters of Sex’s Lizzy Caplan and Annaleigh Ashford. Caplan was a Met Gala standout and once again she is killing it, this time in Mary Katrantzou with Ashford’s mint ensemble ticking the cute panel outfit boxes. I want to go to a garden party with both of them.

The AffairThis great for many reasons – they are one of my favorite parts of The Affair, they do kinda look like mother and daughter here, Maura Tierney is doing relaxed cool so well and Julia Goldani Telles kicks things up a notch once again in this patterned Bibhu Mohapatra beauty. Also a good time to take another look at her incredible Golden Globes frock. I really hope the second season spends more time outside of the central pairing.

Keirnan ShipkaPower clashing to the max and Kiernan Shipka’s dress at the Nylon Young Hollywood party shouldn’t work, but I think Shipka might have a touch of the Kruger (otherwise known as Magical Fashion Unicorn) as I think she looks great. Two more episodes of Mad Men left; so not ready for it to be over.

Mindy KalingIt has been a week of mixed fortune for Mindy Kaling with news of cancellation, maybe renewal and details of her book all coming out. Another moment of good for Kaling and this is the best InStyle cover I have seen in a long time. This Michael Kors frock from the SS 15 collection is the perfect choice for the June issue and its cover star.

Laverne CoxThis is everything; such a simple, strong and striking image of Laverne Cox taking center stage.

Best of the Golden Globes 2015 Red Carpet: Sparkle Motion

12 Jan

Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s coverage of the 2015 Golden Globes red carpet and we’re going to be splitting this up into four posts covering all the major trends of the night. This was a really strong year for a variety of styles and not only that but the awards themselves were at times incredibly touching with many misty eye inducing speeches. Good work everyone.

First up the super sparkly gowns.

Diane KrugerKicking off with the best dressed couple of the night and Diane Kruger’s super shimmery Emilia Wickstead dress is eye catching and the same can be said for Joshua Jackson in a tux. Kruger also had the best reaction to The Affair winning best show as January Jones can attest.

julianne mooreJulianne Moore serving up feathered and sequin perfection in Givenchy Couture. There was cheering at this red carpet moment.

Uzo AdubaAnother big style win for Orange is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba in a column of silver Randi Rahm goodness.

Maura tierneyTaking a brief break from all over silver with Maura Tierney in a chain mail style wine color frock and this is one of several looks from the night with a 70s inspired edge.

Emma stoneAnd now for something completely different and Emma Stone gets added to my “huh, jumpsuits can be pretty fantastic list” with this stunner from Lanvin. The bow that turns into a train should be too much but it works.

Dakota JohnsonMore metallic decadence and former Ben and Kate star Dakota Johnson dazzles in Chanel Couture.

ellie kemperEllie Kemper is a beaded beauty in this exquisite Naeem Khan dress. Bonus red lipstick points are awarded.

Stay tuned for more Golden Globe red carpet reactions.

What’s in a Dress on The Affair?

21 Oct

The Affair has many secrets it is yet to divulge including the identity of the person who has been killed and why the police want to talk to Noah and Alison about their relationship in so much depth. It is a show that begs to be watched more than once from the way scenarios change and the dialogue differs in both perspectives. It is a spot the difference if you will and this goes beyond the words that are said with hairstyles and clothing differing in each version of events. I’m going to focus in on the latter and the dress Helen wore to the fancy soiree at her father’s house in the second episode.

At this point we don’t know if Alison or Noah is reliable in their recollections as there are enough discrepancies to suggest both have inaccurate memories. Or they are both lying. Or one of them has a better memory. The other thing to remember is this is also a matter of perspective so Alison comes across as sexier in Noah’s version, whereas in her own retelling of the story her dress and mannerisms are far more tempered around him. By looking at how they view the secondary characters we can also learn more about Noah and Alison, which is where Helen and her dress come in.

The Affair 1.02 which dressHelen asks her husband’s opinion regarding which dress she should wear with Noah picking the one that looks slinkier and with a whole lot of plunge and cut outs. Helen instead picks the more covered up simple dress and this is the one we see her wearing at the party. Helen looks pretty, but there is nothing about this outfit that suggests she is a woman who comes from money. Noah’s side of the story reveals Helen to be a good mom who isn’t really anything like her parents (who he clearly despises) and while they’re still sexually active they constantly get interrupted by the kids. There is no time for just them and any excitement Noah once had about this relationship is now gone; he even turns down her shower suggesting as he’s too busy masturbating to thoughts of Alison. Which, urgh Noah you’re wife seems pretty great to be honest and you’re just feeling restless about the life you are living. This projection of his wife could also be coming from a place of guilt and so the version of Helen we are seeing is everything good.

The Affair 1.02 Noah and HelenAt the party the woman Helen’s father had an affair with is there and Noah listens while Helen has a mini meltdown about this intrusion. Later in a move that maybe makes Noah feel emasculated (so much eye rolls towards Noah’s discomfort in this scene); Helen tries to big up his second book while also complimenting his less commercial first novel. Alison delivers a whisky to Noah in this scene and there is no interaction between Helen and Alison, not even an acknowledgement they have met before. This could be Noah separating the two women in his life as best he can.

The Affair 1.02 dress fixingWhen we see this scene take place from Alison’s side there is not only interaction, but the same level of intrusive comments from the rich to the wait staff as if they think they have the right to make overly long remarks about personal tragedy (Helen’s mother to Alison) and to fix Alison’s dress in front of everyone with an unsubtle reference to the tightness. It is both patronizing and humiliating with a strong whiff of belittling. Helen is cut from the same summer folk cloth as her mother to Alison; the precise demands she makes about the glass of water (no ice) and a very thin sliver of cake sounds so utterly specific and ridiculous. Helen is stood on the opposite side of the table to her husband, rather than by his side and everything in part two suggests there is no closeness between husband and wife.

The Affair 1.02 Alison's versionThis is clear in the interaction Alison witnesses above and it is a hostile looking conversation between Helen and Noah. Helen’s dress is far more opulent here and she looks like a woman of money in her stance and styling. There is nothing approachable about Helen in this scenario and something as simple as an updo can make a character look frosty in comparison to the no fuss hair down approach of Helen in the first part. Alison’s hair also changes between the two; Noah remembers it being down and flirty (maybe Noah thinks of women with their hair down) whereas it is tied back when Alison recalls this evening.

It’s funny that I was leaning towards Alison being the more reliable unreliable narrator up to the point where she paints Helen as just another rich lady bitch and my sympathy at this point is very much with Helen. Maybe this is because I really like Maura Tierney, but also because up to this interpretation of her she seems pretty great. Of course this could be Noah romanticizing the woman he is stepping out on and the mother of his children and in the same respect Alison might be painting her in a more negative light to ease her guilt.

For another spouse comparison here is how Noah sees Cole as the cowboy and super macho dude:

The Affair 1.02 Cowboy ColeLater Noah comments that “married people don’t fuck like that” adding further credence to this idea that Noah’s perspective of Cole is all about masculinity and excitement.

The Affair 1.02 ColeTo Alison, Cole on the same day looks like the surfer dude from the first episode in a Henley and sans cowboy hat. The change of top could simply be that Cole was all sweaty from working and horse riding and yet it is notable because they look like two very different kinds of people in these shots.

The narrative set up on The Affair is disorientating because it isn’t clear at this point exactly what is going on or what is motivating Noah and Alison in the present day scenes. Costume projects an image telling us more about the character in question and because clothing is being used to show differing perspectives on this show it adds another level of intrigue; sometimes the changes are subtle with how well something fits and at other points such as Helen’s party dress the discrepancies are far bigger. Maybe Helen wore neither of those dresses to the party and we might end up seeing a third version of this pivotal event showing what really occurred.

 

Julie Hammerle

Nerds Need Love Too

Sofa and Remote

I love talking about TV as much as I love watching it

Ellie Writes Stuff

About this and that

Twitter Music Club

A rotation curation music club, based on Twitter, mainly for Kiwis

INTO ROW Z

If you enjoy a challenge, like Claude Makélélé, read my blog. Its about sport.

lost somewhere in new york city

We rock a lot of polka dots

sankles

We rock a lot of polka dots

frocktalk.com/

Just another WordPress.com site

Cultural Learnings

Television Reviews and Analysis

judgmental observer

film, tv, popular culture, higher ed, unicorns

Rookie

We rock a lot of polka dots

The Frisky

We rock a lot of polka dots

Tell Us a Story

stories about true things