Tag Archives: Parks and Recreation

Happy Galentine’s Day! Dream TV Lady Friendship Celebrations (Part II)

13 Feb

Happy Galentine’s Day! And once again I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the many amazing lady friendships on television. Over at The A.V. Club Molly Eichel wrote an essay about how the best love stories on TV are not romantic ones; instead it is the close friendships between women that get this title and I am inclined to agree.

Last year I offered up some dream lady hangout scenarios and I want to do something similar this year with a whole different set of besties (before you wonder where Abbi and Ilana are). Some of these friendships span decades while others are relatively new, but the one thing that is clear is these women will be there for each other whether the drama is small scale or involves saving the world.

Gretchen and LindsayA park bench, getting free samples of frozen yogurt, in a bar; wherever is good when it comes to Gretchen and Lindsay on You’re the Worst. This friendship was put to the test during season 2, but Lindsay has been there for Gretchen when her depression consumed her in sophomore year at college and she offers up some excellent advice “wear your stains on the outsides of your clothes, Gretch.”

(I just watched this scene again and it still crushes in every way – yes I am crying)

So whether it is giving relationship pointers advocating against becoming “sweater people,” trying not to talk about dudes or just general getting drunk and chatting shit then this is one friendship I am all in on. Trish and JessicaJessica Jones does not let anyone penetrate her hard exterior, well there is one exception and her name is Trish Walker. Trish still has her work cut out, but she does get results that end in reciprocated hugs.Jessica came to live with Trish after the tragedy that befell her family and she then helped her adopted sister of sorts deal with her own shitty abusive situation. There’s not a lot that comes between this pair (aside from Jessica’s refusal to ask for help) and there is plenty of darkness in their lives; however some playful moments did sneak in before Kilgrave including Trish’s costume ideas for superhero Jessica (with the name Jewel to boot) and challenging douchebags in bars to bets they can never win. More of this please.Playing HouseMaggie and Emma have their own challenges on Playing House including raising a baby together and all the ups and downs that come with being this close to someone. Emma stayed when Maggie’s husband strayed and whether it is getting into a Kenny Loggins concert, winning the paddleboat race or just dealing with dating after having a baby they are always there for each other in a big way.  The Good Wife 7.01 bar sceneThe newest friendship is also maybe the one that is most needed and while Alicia Florrick featured last year she has definitely been lacking in the lady friends department since her big break up with Kalinda way back when. In the last episode Alicia broke down and blurted out years worth of resentment and instead of fleeing, Lucca embraced Alicia and shared her sad story (which I find hard to believe considering just how charming she is). Finally Alicia has someone to booze with where there are no other complications such as unrequited feelings or bitterness.Gilmore Girls 1.09 Rory and LaneAn old friendship to a lot of you, but one that is very new to me and I’ve just hit the halfway point of Gilmore Girls’ first season. Rory has already had a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw BFF moment – where she made everything about her – but she’s young and she came through for Lane and her hair touching drama. So far going to different schools has not been an issue and Lane is just as likely to be hanging out at Rory’s or grabbing something to eat at Luke’s with her bestie. I am looking forward to seeing how this friendship develops over time because there is nothing quite like teen female friendships (see MSCL, Freaks and Geeks). Hopefully Gilmore Girls will also fulfill the required bathroom conversation time that all other teen shows we have covered on TV Ate My Wardrobe have excelled at.

Going to leave you with the traditional “Time After Time” Anne, April and Donna rendition that has become this site’s Galentine’s Day anthem.

For more Galentine’s Day celebrations head here and here.

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Oh, Hello 2016! Resolutions, Weddings and Peak TV

4 Jan

As this is the first post of 2016 it is time to shake off those writing cobwebs and look to the year ahead after spending so much time looking at the one we just had. I’m not one for specific resolutions and September feels as much like a new start as January does (for more on that read this), but there are some things I want to think about in terms of what is to come and what I would like to do in this shiny new year.

First of all this is going to be a huge year for me on a personal level as I am getting married this year. This means I have to finally stop calling watching marathons of Say Yes to the Dress ‘research’ and actually get out there and find a dress. I’m not someone who has all the details of this garment or day planned to a meticulous level (far from it) and I knew that going from “I’m getting married next year” to “I’m getting married this year” would definitely cause momentary panic.

April and AndyThere is still a lot to plan and I know my strengths do not lie in this kind of organizing, luckily the guy I am marrying is much more adept in this area; however I have to remember that there is also much for me to do beyond flicking through a few magazines or making jokes about getting inspiration from Marnie’s forthcoming wedding on Girls. I’m sure there will be more on this during the year (including dress photos after the day) and while it does feel very daunting, I also can’t wait.

SerenaThen comes the career* orientated resolutions and turning my general weekly note to myself that I need to pitch more to outer outlets into an actual thing. TV Ate My Wardrobe is the safe space in that it is mine and I can come here and just post whatever. There’s no emailing, waiting and worrying about rejection. This blog is something I am incredibly proud of, but I also know that I need to push myself more and stop getting in my own way. The underwear piece I did for Flavorwire is one of the best writing experiences I have ever had; I got to talk to three incredible costume designers and while it was nerve wracking it was also very rewarding. I need to do more of that and by writing about this on such a public forum I hope to remind myself that pitching is something I should be spending more time doing. I was better at doing this stuff in 2015 than I was in 2014, but there is still ways to go.

*Note – Using this photo of Serena when she had assumed Gossip Girl blogging duties because of how similar her writing attire is to mine (because who doesn’t wear that many necklaces while typing) and because I found that storyline way more amusing than I probably should. I also spent way too long on Netflix looking for this screencap so I had to use it.

Some other things are just generally related to TV habits and pretty much remembering there is no way to watch everything, because #PeakTV. Sometimes it feels like you are missing out on what everyone is talking about, but there are not enough hours in the day to watch every single BIG show.

[Source]

Last week I started both Making a Murderer and Mr Robot with one being a much talked about show over the summer and the other being the hot topic over the festive break. Staying up to date is kinda important when writing about something like television, but there is also no point in stressing out over the ever growing list of ‘must see TV’ (feeling so NBC 90s right now).

While I’m on the subject of TV to watch in 2016 there are some old shows on the list including Gilmore Girls which I need to get back to for TV Rewind (and because those first two episodes made me want to watch a lot more) as I know my co-writer in all of this, Julie Hammerle is now definitely ahead of me. I blame the two shows I mentioned above for derailing my plans to watch more over the holidays. There are also things like Outlander which is very much at the top of the “To Watch” list before the new season begins. Also the stack of books I got for Christmas would very much like to be read (along with the other stacks sitting on my bedside table – pretty much need Hermione’s time turner necklace or the About Time power). Plus there is the exciting X-Files revival and other favorites such as The Americans and Broad City returning in the next few months.

So here’s to an exciting year and one I can’t wait to share with you all!

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Best of TV Costuming 2015: Best of the Rest Part 1

22 Dec

Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2015” costuming series and rather than doing a straightforward countdown we’re going to do a variety of posts that look at which costumes and shows have made a huge impact this year. From items we want in our own wardrobe to pieces that got everyone talking; we want to celebrate the work of television’s best costume designers.

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

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.

Daenerys Dragon necklaceMost 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.

Jessica JonesThe 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.

CookieWho 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.

Isaac, Oscar as Nick Wasicsko, Sussman predicts Nick gets eatenBest 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.

Mad Men 7.13 RogerBest 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.

The Knick - BertieTop 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.

Broad City Val#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.

Master of None#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 BridgeThe 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.

FortitudeBest 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.

Peggy CarterRed 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.

Wet Hot American SummerLake Bell and David Wain in Season 1 of the Netflix original series "Wet Hot American Summer" Credit: Saeed Adyani, Netflix [Via MerlinFTP Drop]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.

April Ludgate Parks and Rec finaleBest Future April Ludgate 

2015 saw the end of Parks and Recreation prompting 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.

Hannibal 3.01 Bedelia in blueWhat 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.

You're the WorstSunglasses 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.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Beach House GinaMost 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.

LookingFestive 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.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming next week.

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TV to be Thankful For: A Pre-End of Year List (of Sorts)

26 Nov

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.
  • Everything Valerie Cherish.
  • Everything Abbi and Ilana.
  • “Looking for a Plot.”
  • Teen girls on The Americans avoiding the usual annoying teen trap many other dramas fall foul of.
  • 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.
  • Kit Harington Hair Watch.
  • Peggy’s cigarette smoking sunglasses strut.
  • Peggy roller skating.
  • The many times Mad Men made me cry.
  • Sally Draper.
  • Watching Felicity with Julie Hammerle and the time travel arc being even better than I imagined.
  • This Entertainment Weekly cover.
  • Master of None using THAT passage from The Bell Jar (which led to more tears – TV has made me cry a lot this year).
  • Jon Stewart’s last Daily Show (more tears).
  • All the incredible music I’ve ‘discovered’ thanks to shows such as Girls, OITNB, Master of None, Looking, You’re the Worst and Togetherness.
  • No longer having “Drip Drop” stuck in my head.
  • The lighting on The Knick.
  • 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.
  • Queen of ladysuits – Alana Bloom.
  • #LadySuitWatch2015
  • Superheroes on TV.
  • Jessica Jones’ leather jacket and her friendship with Trish.
  • Matt Murdock and this balloon.
  • Pre-emptive Mulder and Scully feeeeeeelings.
  • When Sherlock bought Joan the perfect outfit.
  • Every single one of Diane Lockhart’s statement necklaces.
  • Giving Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson more screen time on The Affair.
  • All the wardrobe inspiration from so many shows this year and the always growing Wish List.
  • That I got to talk to three amazing costume designers and write about it.
  • 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 Felicity and Dawson’s Creek.

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Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

12 Nov

Master of None was how I spent my weekend and there’s a whole bunch of photos from this show on this week’s TV Instagram round-up including one that hit me right in the feels. Plus plenty of other set shenanigans from shows like Elementary, Jane the Virgin and the forthcoming Legends of Tomorrow.

 

Future excellent Good Wife guest star and excellent Lucca Quinn outfit ahoy.

 

The excellent Master of None is definitely a family affair with Aziz Ansari’s parents playing his parents on the show and his brother Aniz collaborated on the writing end. I am now in a post marathoning funk.

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My dad took off most of his vacation time for the year to act in Master of None. So I'm really relieved this all worked out. Tonight after we did Colbert together he said: "This is all fun and I liked acting in the show, but I really just did it so I could spend more time with you." I almost instantly collapsed into tears at the thought of how much this person cares about me and took care of me and gave me everything to give me the amazing life I have. I felt like a total piece of garbage for all the times I haven't visited my parents and told them I wanted to stay in New York cause I'd get bored in SC. I'm an incredibly lucky person and many of you are as well. Not to beat a dead horse here and sorry if this is cheesy or too sentimental but if your parents are good to you too, just go do something nice for them. I bet they care and love you more than you realize. I've been overwhelmed by the response to the Parents episode of our show. What's strange is doing that episode and working with my parents has increased the quality of my relationship to my parents IN MY REAL LIFE. In reality, I haven't always had the best, most open relationship with my parents because we are weirdly closed off emotionally sometimes. But we are getting better. And if you have something like that with your family – I urge you to work at it and get better because these are special people in your life and I get terrified when my dad tells me about friends of his, people close to his age, that are having serious health issues, etc. Enjoy and love these people while you can. Anyway, this show and my experiences with my parents while working on it have been very important in many ways and I thank for you the part you all have played in it.

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And now things are getting a little misty up in here.

 

I mentioned this a couple of days ago, but I really hope there is more Shannon in season 2 because Danielle Brooks killed it as Dev’s agent.

 

And you should definitely Treat Yo Self.

 

Mostly I just want an excuse to talk about how incredible Regina King is on The Leftovers this week (and every week) and the questionnaire scene with Carrie Coon is jaw-droppingly good. Powerhouse performances from both women and I am still thinking about it.

https://instagram.com/p/94vKMHpH2d/?taken-by=rachelsagekunin

 

From page…

https://instagram.com/p/943kQDG8PH/?taken-by=britneyspears

 

To screen.

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different faces same disguise #TheAmericans

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The cast of The Americans has just as much fun with the disguises as I do writing about them.

 

More from The Americans season 4 table reads and is that Dylan Baker I spy sitting there?

https://www.instagram.com/p/96sn3RQqBz/?taken-by=glenpowell

 

Scream Queens is pretty patchy; one person who has been consistently brilliant throughout is Glen Powell and he really can work a golf bro ensemble.

 

I want to see which character comes next in this chain. Maybe Andy Sachs.

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FIRESTORM rainstorm brainstorm #legends #bts

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Fake rain or real rain on Legends of Tomorrow? I will be very glad when this show starts because a) more Victor Garber on TV and b) Arrow and The Flash can go back to focusing on their own storylines rather than setting up the spinoff.

 

Elementary made a very welcome return last week and I am as happy as Lucy Liu and Aidan Quinn are delightful in this Jonny Lee Miller snapped shot.

 

I still need to watch last week’s episode and so I’m reading the look on Viola Davis’ face as one that is questioning my viewing choices.

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Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

4 Nov

A bumper “Behind the Insta-Scenes” this week including Halloween both on and off set, cast hangouts, reminiscing and dancing. There is always time for dancing.

 

Everything about this photo brings me so much joy. I miss Parks and Rec.

 

More Parks behind the scenes delights from Retta and a good reminder that Aziz’s new show Master of None lands on Netflix in two days!

 

Continuing the Parks and Rec theme and combining it with the musical that like many people I can’t stop listening to at the moment. The fact that Ben Schwartz has Jean Ralphio’s faked death headstone is also aces.

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night shoot got us like 😐😑 #Brooklyn99 😉

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There’s a whole lot of late shoot not so happy face from the B99 team.

 

And then these face parts expressions.

 

Entering the Halloween portion and You’re the Worst doubled down on Sunday Funday this season with a fantastic tapestry of scares, amazing costumes, hilarity and relationship drama.

 

Which Aya Cash then used as an IRL dress-up solution because why not? These wings give me so many teen flashbacks and I still have a pair stuffed in the back of my wardrobe.

 

Bowling shoes plus Halloween equals this fun set-up on Sleepy Hollow. Abbie’s Beyonce is one of the best costumes I have seen on TV.

 

January Jones continues her excellent Insta hashtag game and a spot on look for Halloween.

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I'm afraid I blue myself #nevernude

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Best costume from Tatiana Maslany.

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#mophie

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Stark sister feels.

https://instagram.com/p/9cFSBkHqsD/?taken-by=maisie_williams

 

Throwing a Stark brother into the blurry mix – will they ever be reunited on Game of Thrones?

 

Look who came back to The Mindy Project! Although I still want a talk show with Adam Pally and Ben Schwartz to be more than a onetime thing.

 

The Flash set looks like a lot of fun…

 

Even with the slightly questionable snack preferences.

 

Frankie J. Alvarez shows off some sweet moves in his super tight jeans in this throwback to season 2 of Looking.

 

Woah! Scream Queen spoilers alert! Not really, but now I really want Gwyneth Paltrow to be the killer.

https://instagram.com/p/9o4P7gG_Qu/?taken-by=tavitulle

 

I haven’t watched this week’s Scream Queens yet and while I keep fluctuating between enjoyment and eye roll toward this show (standard reaction to a Ryan Murphy project) this pairing does raise my interest levels. Now to make the Gwyneth thing actually happen.

 

Speaking of horror show and Maya Kazan’s got the most terrifying addition to her look on The Knick.

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Silicon Valley. Season 3. Day 1.

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Part 14 of the real life series entitled ‘A show I need to catch up on before it returns.’

 

#Latenighthangoutgoals

 

Ending things this week with this very hypnotic video. And even though I can only see a tiny portion of Elizabeth Banks’ outfit, it already looks like she is killing it on the Mockingjay press tour.

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Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

8 Jul

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

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Last one…!

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

 

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

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Happy #Merica day mañana

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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PUSHING DAISIES REUNION

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Perfect Magic Mike XXL viewing girl squad vibes.

 

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

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Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

26 Feb

A very busy Behind the Insta-Scenes this week with Oscars action, Mindy Project guest star heaven, the end of Parks and Rec (*sob*) and other set shenanigans.

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Gloriously Awesome. #TheOscars #GovernorsBall

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Winners and losers hanging out together all smiles at the Governors Ball. Yes I yelped with happiness when Questlove appeared on stage during “Everything is Awesome.”

 

The only caption this needs is swoooooooooooooooooon.

 

A Gossip Girl reunion we didn’t know we wanted at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party.

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Post Elton, pre Vanity Fair burger…

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What to do between parties? Grabbing a burger with Jonathan Groff in a tuxedo sure sounds like a great idea. Just don’t spill any sauce on that white shirt.

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About last night… #Looking #Halloween

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Halloween in February for Looking with an excellent and high on the cringe factor episode. Bonus points for costumes which actually looked homemade rather than the TV version of homemade.

 

The Mindy Project excels in the guest department and what could be better than a very beardy Stephen Colbert as a priest?! Not much.

 

Parks and Recreation finale sadness combined with how much I heart this cast equals all the feelings.

 

Ben Schwartz has been posting Parks and Rec behind the scenes photos for the duration of season 7 and this is definitely one of my all time fave Jean-Ralphio moments.

 

Splendid dresses and posing skills from the ladies on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

 

Even spies still want to grab a quick cup of coffee.

 

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Goodbye April Ludgate: Style Icon and Eye Roll Queen

24 Feb

Mustard yellow hoodies, sweaters, patterns and prints; April Ludgate is a TV Ate My Wardrobe style icon. With Parks and Recreation coming to an end tonight it is time to celebrate April and while I am sure this character would hate this level of attention and emotional attachment, I’m going to do the equivalent of all those hugs she has tried to avoid over the seasons.

Parks and Recreation - Season 6April is fond of snarky comments, references that would have sparked occult fears in the mid-90s and reminding the audience that she hates almost everything. Her costume design doesn’t necessarily reflect this and while it would have been easy to represent this aspect of her personality with dark attire, they went in an entirely different direction with bold color and pattern.

April has proclaimed on many occasions that she hates people:

[Source]

A special few have cracked April’s “I hate people” mantra with Andy being top of the list and going from a ‘will they/won’t’ to getting married shortly after they started dating in season 3 was a shrewd move by the writers.  The Anne obstacle card was played early and getting passed this allowed both Andy and April to grow in unexpected ways. Yeah they still ate turkey-chili off a frisbee and shared one fork, but their romantic union has not really faltered since they became Mr and Mrs Dwyer.

The focus of April’s anxiety as the show has progressed has been career orientated as she has struggled to find a job she finds fulfilling. There was a brief spell where veterinary school was going to be a thing, but that never came to pass (it did lead to a fun Fantasy Costuming post). Leslie is of course the hero of the show and her optimism in the face of everything is inspirational and yet I look to April for more than just her excellent style. Comfort has been found in April’s all too real struggle to find her place in the world and it is one I know well. Trying to figure out what you want to do is terrifying when surrounded by people who know exactly what they want to be and you only have some of your shit together. Television can be many things and reflecting back personal experience is just one of those aspects; while I have never worked in a Parks department I know what it is like to be lost and struggling to pin down a career path. Hell, I still know what it is like as I try and turn this writing thing into something sustainable.

April Ludgate is more than just a TV character to me because in part she represents these feelings of being stuck while also surrounded by an awesome group of people. To see April get what I expect to be a happy ending tonight gives me hope and I’m sure she would roll her eyes hard at that. Aubrey Plaza’s performance has never allowed April to fall into caricature and the emotional scenes where she lets other characters in on her hopes and fears have always been a high point. I even cried when she hugged Ben this season, yes this is where I am at emotionally with this show ending. It’s not just April who is a TV Ate My Wardrobe style favorite as Plaza’s off screen attire leans heavily on prints and pattern; Plaza is also the reason I now have a leather pleated skirt obsession.

And what of the outfits? Without the multiple times I uttered how much I loved something April was wearing this website might not be a thing. This character is in part why TV Ate My Wardrobe came into existence as I wanted my own space to talk about the television I love and the on screen style which has impacted my own wardrobe. April is a huge part of this and while I am still yet to find the perfect mustard hoodie – there will be a parade when this finally comes to pass – the Wish List is losing one of its dream characters when Parks ends tonight. However, there are still outfits left to covet and here are a couple of dresses that made me yelp with joy when they appeared last week in the penultimate episode “Two Funerals.”

April Ludgate 7.11 polka dots*Sings in the style of Jean-Ralphio* Pooooooooooolka Dotssssssss. My feelings towards this outfit are strong and this dress is from Madewell.

April ludgate 7.11The smart business lady wear of characters like Olivia Pope and Alicia Florrick is stunning and covetable from a fantasy point of view; at the moment I don’t have a reason (or budget) to wear clothes like that. April’s appeal covers a lot of ground – she’s fucking hilarious and to use a blech word I find her very relatable – and part of this is how closely her style matches my own, or at least how I aspire it to be. I like dressy attire and the above Cynthia Steffe frock falls into several categories of dress that can be fun, functional and funky (eye rolling at myself for that alliteration). We like to see ourselves reflected on screen and while I’m pretty sure April would hate this essay, she would maybe reluctantly give me a hug and then run away.

And to end things on a moment that not only includes another item I am desperately trying to get my hands on, but one of my all time favorite Parks and Recreation clips.

“Ring-a-ding-ding!”

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Happy Galentine’s Day! 5 Dream TV Lady Friendship Celebrations

13 Feb

Galentine’s Day is here and to celebrate this annual treat we’ve come up with a variety of dream scenarios featuring some of our favorite lady friendships on TV. Friendships between women are often portrayed as fraught and full of conflict/jealousy, but there are some that avoid these common pitfalls. Okay several of the ones here are not free from turmoil, however they have grown stronger as a result and they don’t tend to fall into the usual cliches. There are plenty from past and present to consider and so this all too brief list includes both; leaning towards the shows TV Ate My Wardrobe covers on a regular basis.

Of course there are plenty of other amazing friendships between women on TV and this barely scratches the surface so let us know of your ideal Galentine’s Day TV character hangouts in the comments below.

April and LeslieYou can’t celebrate Galentine’s Day without first mentioning Leslie Knope; as the creator of this wonderful day she gets forever Galentine’s status. In this week’s Parks and Recreation April dished out a very rare hug and it made me cry a whole bunch. It is one of several friendships on this show that means a great deal and a Galentine’s event with Leslie features waffles and an array of handmade gifts.

Donna and Ann will be there and a trip to a karaoke bar will ensure another rendition of “Time After Time” takes place. Of course April knows the words.

Broad City 1.01 fursMy first thought for an Abbi and Ilana Galentine’s hangout was going to a fancy restaurant in our hottest outfits, but instead I realized that sitting on a stoop drinking booze in ridiculous clothes like these from the pilot would be a much better plan. Shenanigans on Broad City occur wherever and usually a lot of laughter follows; this sounds like a perfect way to celebrate with one of TV’s best (if not the best) lady friendships.

Diane and AliciaSo this Diane Lockhart/Alicia Florrick martini session is post funeral and our Galentine’s party would involve just as much booze and far less sadness. Alicia needs more lady friends on The Good Wife and while it seems very unlikely now for the actual show, in our fantasy scenario there will definitely be tequila shots with Kalinda.

[Source]

There will of course be all the wine.

MSCL ep 12 Sharon and RayanneMy BFF OTP is long standing and while Angela is the star of My So-Called Life the friendship that developed in the school bathroom between Rayanne and Sharon has my heart. This is also the location of this Galentine’s meet-up and while it is far from glamorous, for those who have read any of the teen TV recaps I have done with Julie Hammerle you will know how important a bathroom chat is for me. And this is the ultimate one.

Felicity 2.21 drinksDancing and drinking with the ladies on Felicity. Plus a side order of post club snacks and making sure Felicity never wears this outfit ever again to round off the evening.

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