Shows back from summer hiatus while others come closer to their end. Plus cast reunions, dancing, fancy dinners at the White House and more from this week’s TV Instagram highlights.
You’re the Worst returns this month – August 31 – and I cannot wait; just look at these faces. All the heart emojis. Catch up on Hulu now and in the meantime I will be listening to this season 2 credits music playlist to get in the mood.
Fun getting ready pictures of Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys’ trip to the White House last night from hair stylist Brian Magallones. Cue every Russian spy joke ever and it would appear that the Obamas are fans of The Americans as they scored a prime spot at the state dinner table. Excellent dress choice by Keri Russell and a nice prelude to the Emmys next month.
Sometimes a hiatus beard happens (see Matthew Rhys) and other times in between seasons a different dye job is the thing (or this could be work related). Regardless, from this obscured shot the blonde looks great on Sophie Turner.
There have been a lot of missteps on UnREAL this season including keeping Rachel and Quinn apart and at loggerheads. The end of this week’s episode included a really satisfying moment that doesn’t erase everything that has come before it, but it felt good to see them together again. Also this is a really nice photo of Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby.
For a closer look at some of the Emmy nominated costumes including this personal fave head to the Costume Designers Guild Awards page for a lot more treats.
This photo of Michiel Huisman led to a very fun conversation about dudes in sweaters on Twitter last week and I thank him for that much needed break from work.
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.
Welcome once again to Behind the Insta-Scenes! A new feature offering a roundup of the best behind the scenes photos posted on Instagram from a variety of TV show and personal accounts from the people who are on them. This includes anything from future episode sneak peeks, what’s airing this week, flashing back to the past and general on set (and sometimes off set) antics.
The inaugural Behind the Insta-Scenes post was an all comedy affair and we’ve mixed it up with a couple of shots from some more dramatic shows, plus a directorial debut and this week a TV Ate My Wardrobe favorite joined Instagram which is cause for celebration.
A post shared by Alan Cumming (@alancummingsnaps) on
Play guess The Good Wife plot from Alan Cumming’s shot of co-star Julianna Margulies wearing an apron and latex gloves while sitting on a tiny plastic chair.
Diane Kruger is now on Instagram and she has already delivered on fashion, Pacey and amazing cat photos. The highlight so far is this photo from German themed party Kruger organised for The Bridge crew (oh hey FX please renew this show) after Germany won the World Cup. So adorable.
The second episode of A to Z is on tonight and Ben Feldman’s reminder concentrates on co-star Cristin Milioti; all I can focus on is her amazingly long eyelashes. While I thought the first episode was only okay, I am totally charmed by Feldman and Milioti even if the premise isn’t so promising and so I will definitely keep on watching.
Busy Philipps directed an episode of Cougar Town this week (including her own daughter in the scene above) and she did so in style wearing a vintage JC Penny ’50s dress.
Our weekly installment of Mindy Project set shenanigans has Mindy Kaling learning lines in an Equipment tartan sweatshirt that I really want in my own wardrobe now it is finally cold enough for sweaters.
The TCA Summer Tour is over and Comic Con is in full flow; this edition of “Out of the Box” features a lot of the former and a hint of the latter.
Diane Kruger is stunning in at The Bridge panel wearing Roksanda; a designer that always brings a pop of color and intrigue (Lizzy Caplan was a highlight in Roksanda last week). The color-blocking of the dress using an array of shapes makes it feel like the dress version of a toddler learning game and it is pretty mesmerizing. Bold strappy two-tone pink and black Dior sandals add to yet another Kruger standout.
Michelle Dockery always brings her A game when promoting Downton Abbey and this Victoria Beckham Fall 2014 ensemble is delightful. Dockery manages to work the classics without falling into cliche “English Rose” territory by keeping things contemporary; the gold chain adds something to the simple navy top while not detracting from the abstract print of the skirt. Cool dark denim heels complete this look.
At the Fox All-Star party Mindy Kaling stands out in a jade green Tadashi Shoji dress and you can always rely on Kaling to wear something that will add a dash of color to proceedings. That or at least some sparkles. The cut is great on her and the minimal accessories/striking lipstick sets it off.
Another super colorful outfit at the Fox All-Star with Bones’ Michaela Conlin pairing an electric blue sleeveless shift dress with a pair of bubblegum pink pumps. Hey, it is a summer party after all.
When doing the promotional thing Comic Con is a little different outfit wise as while there is a huge audience, it is a much more casual attire affair and so it can be a tricky one (particularly for woman as dudes turn up in jeans and tees for regular photo calls as opposed to the much more put together female attire, I’ve ranted about this in the past).
Caroline Dhavernas’ Hannibal panel ensemble is cute and the seersucker shirt/patterned skirt has the hint of Alana Bloom if Alana was on vacation and drinking a cocktail. I also have worn the reverse of this outfit recently. While some information was revealed about Hannibal’s third season, there was no word as to what role (if any) Dhavernas will play. I’m hoping her presence at SDCC is a hint that she will be back.
If you ever wondered what to do with all those patches bought from vacation destinations long ago then look no further than this stunning Mary Katrantzou ‘Dixiecult’ dress Diane Kruger wore to the season 2 premiere of The Bridge last night. From the fall 2014 collection this shows a huge departure from the mesmerizing digital print designs Mary Katrantzou is renowned for and Kruger’s sartorial prowess makes her the ideal candidate to show it off.
This is one of those dresses that gets even more interesting the more you look at it and pairing it with simple Stuart Weitzman navy strappy sandals and a yellow pouch Charlotte Olympia ‘Pandora’ clutch works like a charm. Here is a closer look at both:
Back in February when the collection first hit the runway Katrantzou explained that “Everything’s made up of badges and symbols taken from road signs, scouts, cookie cutters, and militaria. But in the end, when we put it together it does look a bit pagan and weird. Something regal, but quite pop, too.”
Here’s another look at some of those patches including more road signs and the intricate double braid hairstyle that is so deceptively simple from the front.
And here is Kruger looking super adorable with co-star Demián Bichir and it is this partnership I am looking forward to seeing again when The Bridge returns tomorrow (July 9) on FX.
The pre-Emmy nomination roundtables continue and Varietyhas released a whole bunch of discussions with stars from drama, comedy and mini-series/TV movies. We recently covered the drama actress panel from The Hollywood Reporterso it’s time to take a look at the dudes from drama and comedy. These panels feature actors from shows I watch fervently (Hannibal, Looking and The Americans) to ones on my catch up list (Key & Peele).
General topics covered include hardest/most challenging scenes and Matthew Rhys mentions how he made Holly Taylor cry for real when he screamed at Paige during the Bible page ripping scene. He is terrifying in that scene so this really isn’t all that surprising. The answers from the comedy actors are very different and one story involves an anal cover. Terrible auditions come up and Hugh Dancy’s anecdote is pretty hilarious, though they mention that bad auditions are more depressing than funny. Key and Peele discuss casting Donald Sterling and who on this panel they might choose. Josh Radnor talks about that finale and the big final moment if you want to relive any anger/disappointment/sadness.
Watch both videos below. Pretty sure everyone got told there was a blue/grey/black dress code.
Another busy week of red carpets with the Cannes Film Festival in full flow so dramatic gowns galore alongside Riviera chic at the daytime photo calls. It’s not just Cannes as the Peabody Awards were presented this week and there was another premiere for The Normal Heart.
Eva Green brings gothic spectacle in this blood-red Elie Saab Couture gown at the premiere for TheSalvation and the flowing train combined with caped sleeves and an embellished bodice adds to the dramatic impact. Green’s style tends to gravitate in this direction and I’ve just watched the first episode of Penny Dreadful; the black corsets and full Victorian skirts look exquisite on Green and the costume design is fantastic.
Jess Weixler plays Robin on The Good Wife and so I’m more used to seeing her in one TV’s best sweater collections. This is a big switch up and Weixler has been promoting The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby at Cannes. Weixler also attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala in a beautiful Honor gown. The ice blue color coupled with the petal neck detail and flowing tulle gives it a romantic feel and it’s the ideal contrasting companion to Eva Green’s blood-red dress.
Here’s one of my favorite daytime looks from Cannes with America Ferrera sporting yellow Louis Vuitton on top with a coral M Missoni pencil skirt. It’s a fresh and colorful style choice and Ferrera has raised her red carpet game recently. This is a really super cute outfit and thanks to the overall color I can forgive the nude pumps. Ferrera also handled a really shitty red carpet situation incredibly well later that day.
Mullet dresses are a strange breed and it’s one trend I don’t tend to be enamored with; Giambattista Valli might be the exception as both Diane Kruger’s dress from the Peabody Awards and Lena Dunham’s Met Gala frock don’t make me recoil, quite the opposite in fact. I’ve been rather underwhelmed with Cannes this year and it is missing Kruger’s presence so I’m glad she’s working her effortless style in this statement dress as she represents The Bridge at the Peabody Awards. Mint green pumps add a fun twist and work rather well with the pink print of this ensemble.
More fun prints with Doctor Who’s Jenna-Louise Coleman in Milly at the Peabody Awards. This is a really funky design and the geometric print is rather mesmerizing. The black ankle booties could be seen as a bit too clumpy for this outfit/time of year, but I think they work on this occasion and this is a red carpet look I’d quite like to nab for myself.
Now to the guys and The Normal Heart premieres this weekend. Matt Bomer is of course the standout here as he continues to avoid the red carpet dude standard as he goes for a maroon twist (last week he mixed polka dots, checks and floral). Jim Parsons’ suit is simple and he looks very cute. It looks like Taylor Kitsch got ready in a hurry, but hey he’s Riggins so he’ll always get a rugged pass from us.
Out of the Box is glad to have several shows back this week and to celebrate we’re taking a red carpet break before this weekend’s Golden Globes to focus on the looks that stood out on TV. The People’s Choice Awards were pretty uninspiring and one of the only notable outfits was Anna Faris’ Golden Girls like ensemble (I mean this as a compliment), everything else was pretty shoulder shrug and it’s clear that all the top shelf gowns have been reserved for this weekend. So let’s turn to TV; we’ve got a couple of dresses, a fur and leopard print combo, plus an exquisite shot from the new season of The Bridge (the Scandinavian version).
It’s a travesty that Donna LaDonna hasn’t appeared in the spotlight on these pages as she is pretty much The Carrie Diaries fashion MVP. Everything she wears is over the top, but this is the ’80s and we don’t need to see a refrained mean girl. Donna is more than just the cliché queen bee and she instantly makes any scene better. On last Friday’s episode she gave Dorrit some bad advice and yet she more than made up for it by challenging Mouse to beer pong, followed by some drunken spooning. These two characters are my everything (actually I might need to add Walt and Bennett to this list). Donna’s party outfit is made up of a Topshop faux-fur bomber jacket and leopard print dress because of course. Don’t ever change Donna and don’t leave me show.
Jess Day wears super cute dress, not a shocker I know but I’m easing into 2014 and the Kate Spade nautical inspired look on this week’s New Girl is delightful. The tray of frogs is obscuring the oversized belted midsection that cinches the dress in at the waist and the red, white and blue is giving off some springtime feels (considering I’m writing this with a glove on it’s nice to pretend it’s warmer than it is).
Happy 100th episode to Parks and Recreation and while they were over in London shooting the season 6 premiere they hopped across the Channel to Paris to film scenes for this milestone episode. Ben and Leslie are doing the whole tourist thing so a selfie in front of the Arc de Triomphe is forgivable (who am I kidding my Instagram is full of these kinds of shots, sadly not in Paris). Leslie’s mesh patchwork dress from M Missoni uses pattern and color to create an interesting visual; if she wore this in Pawnee it might look out of place, for Paris it is perfect.
On The BridgeSaga Norén favors leather pants and while they might not be the most practical for clambering aboard a vessel, they are as much a part of her as her US counterpart Sonya with her leather jacket. The second season of The Bridgestarted on BBC4 this week; this stunning shot showcases one of the protagonists and the endless seeming bridge that joins Sweden and Denmark and that gives the show its name. Yes I’ve added Saga’s coat to the covet list. You will be able to watch season 1 of The Bridgeon Hulu from January 14 and even if you’ve already watched the FX version it’s worth checking out for the central pairing alone.
Public appearances, magazine shoots and red carpet looks dominate “Out of the Box” this week. Remember to check out our Scandal costuming recap for all things Olivia Pope and our Masters of Sex color and costuming post here.
While I’m on the subject of Masters of Sex here is Lizzy Caplan in what looks like a jumpsuit but is actually two separates (though a long sleeve jumpsuit is available) by Corey Lynn Calter. Having just got used to seeing Caplan in all ’50s wear I’m glad to see this shoot with The Independentdoesn’t try to mimic that style and instead goes for a more 1970s look.
The bag over the head option is probably only useful when it is raining (and really how much does that really do to keep you dry?) but this Clémence Poésy outfit in Stylist magazine is not only super adorable but also affordable. The coat is French Connection and the skirt is from Oasis showing just how winter florals are done and I basically want this whole ensemble – there are chaffinches on the blouse! Clémence Poésy’s next role is in another adaptation of Broen this time the border between France and the United Kingdom; instead of The Bridge it will be called The Tunnel and Poésy is playing Elise, the role Sofia Helin and Diane Kruger have also played. The three actresses all share a similar look and it’s unlikely, but I’d love to see a crossover involving the three different versions of this show.
I watched American Horror Story for the first time this week and while I’m still entirely sure what to make of the show I do know that I am excited to have Angela Bassett back on TV again and she looks incredible at the premiere of American Horror Story: Coven. This leather and lace Robert Rodriguez dress is pretty much perfect and completely in tone with the show that Bassett is promoting.
I’ve got so used to seeing Michael Shannon as the buttoned up (former) Agent Van Alden on Boardwalk Empire and so this combination of polka dot socks and pink t-shirt at The New Yorker “In Conversation” event is so utterly delightful. Rather than his impressive acting career this evening looked at music and Shannon performed with his band Corporal. Sadly there doesn’t appear to be a video of this performance on the New Yorker’s site and I can’t imagine his character on Boardwalk Empire getting up with a guitar anytime soon, unless a super coked up Al Capone wants him to of course.
There is something so wonderfully ’80s about this Band of Outsiders dress; it might be the puffed pointy shoulders or the black and white zigzag stripes. Whatever it is, Lucy Liu looks incredible. This outfit is for an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman but in my mind she is really working on a top secret take down mission in 1987. Now all I need is for someone to wear this outfit from Wonder Womanand I’ll be happy.
Last week I wrote about the importance of the final song in a series final with Breaking Badand Badfinger’s “Baby Blue” and this week’s choice comes from a season, not series finale and so the tone is very different. Yo La Tengo’s “Nowhere Near” plays in a long sequence that brings season 1 of The Bridge to a close and there is a hopeful and sad quality to the song. Spoilers ahead.
The song begins as Sonya puts her sister’s tape into her new car (I guess she changed cars as she complained her new one didn’t have a tape deck) and as this song is from 1993 it makes sense that it is on this mixtape. It’s a beautiful and haunting track mirroring the tone of the pensive faces that we see in this montage; Daniel Frye at his desk, Charlotte smoking on her porch and Sonya driving. It’s also incredibly heartbreaking as Adriana’s mother waits for her youngest daughter to get off the bus and she doesn’t turn up; vanishing like many other Juárez girls. This allows for a momentary truce between Adriana and her mother as personal differences are put aside in a story that is part of the longer narrative that connects both sides of the bridge. Steven Linder is a part of this and in this sequence he visits Eva; the woman he helped save by not giving up on finding her. What of Marco? The music fades as he enters his destination and makes a deal with the devil (ok Fausto) so he can get his revenge on David Tate.
![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 
