A quieter week for “Out of the Box,” but a very good one for magazine content including gasp worthy covers and a reunion that warmed my soul. It was exactly what I needed to see on Wednesday when I was knee deep in work. So, thank you for that.
There are also ladysuits, animal print, kitties and some very good costume design. This is from last week at a FYC event (Emmy season is coming!), but I missed it and I can’t not include Cody Fern demonstrating that leopard print makes for a perfect button-down shirt choice. This is how you add sartorial flair to a black suit.
Fern plays David Madson on American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace and was a revelation. Here he looks nothing like his ACS character; the hair wave he is serving up is fantastic. Sound the ladysuit klaxon! At the A Series of Unfortunate Events season two premiere, Allison Williams gives great menswear in Gabriela Hearst.
Timeless continues to be the most fun and delightful show that also has me wanting to know more about the historical events they cover. This cast also continues to be the most fun and delightful as evidenced on Abigail Spencer’s Instagram.
The most recent episode, “Hollywoodland” paid homage to Queen Hedy Lamarr and also featured some stunning ’40s costumes. And the Timeless lipstick game is so strong right now. This Gucci jumpsuit has recently graced these pages, but it is definitely worth a second look on Holly Taylor. This is from Anna Silman’s profile of Taylor for The Cutand Silman is one of my favorite interviewers at the moment . In the piece they talk about Taylor’s background growing up in this industry and what she plans on doing next.
Paper continues to do very interesting things and this is beautiful (song title ref intended). But this isn’t an indictment on makeup because as Aguilera mentions in the interview “I mean, I’m a girl that likes a beat face, let’s not get it twisted.” We can do both. Entertainment Weekly excels when it comes to WB reunions—first Felicity, then Buffy—and this Dawson’s Creek issue hits all those sweet nostalgia spots. It is always heartening when a cast comes back to celebrate the show that made them famous and they do this in spades.
There is a 55-minute reunion show which delivers on the feeeeeeelings and fun including Michelle Williams seeing the Crying Dawson meme for the first time. I yelled with joy about this on Twitter because there is nothing better than Michelle Williams opting for a cover with Busy Philipps over a solo shot. As Joanna Robinson put it “Let’s all enjoy the fact that Michelle Williams clearly has a Busy rider.” Yes this is now my lock screen image. Yes I am extra when it comes to this friendship.
It was cancelled and then it wasn’t; Timeless was saved from the one season and done list, much to my joy. This was one of my favorite new shows from the 2016-2017 and part of this was the chemistry of the leads, part because I love a history infused adventure and because every week the different decades (and centuries) portrayed through costuming left me drooling.
Season 2 looks set to deliver in this department and this is a cast that likes to use Instagram to tease and treat fans. Which brings me to Abigail Spencer’s latest post and this Lucy ensemble is giving me so manyPeggy Carterfeelings. Are they heading back to the late 40s/early 50s?
Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2016” 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.
First up we took a look at our best show of the year and how the Jennifer disguise on The Americans points to Elizabeth’s emotional journey. This was followed by the first part of the “Best of the Rest” list, which featured costumes from Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Halt and Catch Fire, Broad City and Good Girls Revolt. Today we will be adding to this with some standout costume moments from some of our other favorite shows of the year including Fleabag, Outlander, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Jane the Virgin and Westworld.
For a slightly different end of year ‘Best of’ that I am taking part in check out the Observer tvDownload Superlatives series kicking off with Cutest Couple, Most Improved and Class Clown.Like Looking in My Own Wardrobe Award
Fleabag is a Top 3 show of the year and it tops the ‘comedy that is also a gut-punch‘ category. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character (also Fleabag) also happens to dress pretty much as I do with stripes and collars like the one above (which bears a strong resemblance to my Twitter profile pic) dominate my own wardrobe. This is a pretty self-centered award.
The lipstick used on the show – “Dare You” by MAC – is now in my collection and also featured on the Gift Guide I produced for Collider.Biggest Range
On Timeless they travel to different decades and centuries with very little time to prepare so it makes sense to have racks of clothes from different periods on hand. Getting a peek at the way their costume department is laid out is a fun meta nod to the IRL costuming team and so far their missions have included Union garb, WWII era ensembles, berets, Bonnie & Clyde styling, ’60s, ’70s and revolutionary attire. Most Exciting Wardrobe Change
There wasn’t much room for character clothing changes on Westworld so when Dolores ditched her blue dress for the more appropriate cowgirl pants look I definitely clapped my hands. This costume by Ane Crabtree also proved to be quite symbolic romantically in regards to Dolores’ relationship with William and was another key to the mystery of Westworld.Best Non-Cowboy Cowboy
iZombie was one of my favorite catch-ups of the year and this very fun show gets to mess around with costuming thanks to the brains Liv ingests. In “Even Cowgirls Get the Black and Blues” Ravi plays the supportive friend as Liv embarks on a brief singing career and he very much dresses the part.Fanciest Gown
Outlander went all out in season 2 in the incredible gown department to match the lavish French location and this dress by costume designer Terry Dresbach was used as part of the striking promotional material; it was somehow even more jaw dropping in the second episode of the season “Not in Scotland Anymore.”Most on Point Accessory
Quite literally as Princess Margaret is wielding a sword in this scene from episode 8 “Pride & Joy” of The Crown. The Crown is Netflix’s most expensive TV series to date and it is quite clear as to why from what we see on screen.
The costuming by Game of Thrones maestro Michele Clapton is exquisite from the intricate formal gowns to the more casual looks such as the blouse and skirt combo in the above scene. The way lighting is used in this shot is equally impressive and everything Margaret was the most compelling part of this first season.Wardrobe Most Coveted
BrainDead is a special show that barely anyone watched; it was the kind of show 2016 needed and in a way it makes sense that is over after one season. The chemistry between Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Tveit earned all the flames emojis I used when talking about this show, it was funny, weird and had the most bizarre sex scene I have seen on TV.
Laurel also had a closet full of pattern clashing delights, super cool office wear, pussy bow blouses, blazers and ankle boots. All of which I would like in my own wardrobe and The Good Wife’s costume designer Daniel Lawson continues to crush the jacket game. Best Kroll Show Tribute
Krystal was a new clone on Orphan Black last year and she appeared on the 2015 version of this list because of the Kroll Show influence; technically this is a repeat, but I miss Kroll Show’s PubLIZity. Plus, Tatiana Maslany is so good in this role (as she is in all of them) giving Krystal so much personality while also nodding to the original influence particularly in her choice of drink. Most Dapper
So technically this is a 2015 TV moment, however this amazing song and dance number from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend scores a place because I only caught up with this show in 2016. In a very hard week in July I sat down and binged the first season and TV really is the best distraction.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend takes inspiration from numerous genres; on this occasion looking to Fred and Ginger in styling as Greg proposes an offer to Rebecca. The whole sequence blends the funny with the charming and it also won an Emmy for the choreography for this song (and I’m So Good at Yoga” and “A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes”).Dangerous Yoga Position
This year I also finally watched all of Gilmore Girlsin preparation for the big revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. One of the main highlights in this new batch of episodes as well as in the original series is Paris Geller; her bathroom meltdown including this impressive in heels maneuver almost made up for the Rory Gilmore’s stunted character growth.
Okay so Rear Window is on my most watched list (I find it weirdly soothing and is my ultimate bedtime movie) and the Jane the Virgin midseason finale looks to Hitchcock as part of the fantasy sequences. Where Crazy Ex-Girlfriend understands a huge range of music genres better than any other show on at the moment, Jane the Virgin is an expert in storytelling techniques using this to explore Jane’s creativity and expand on the telenovela.
As you can see from the outfits above, costume designer Rachel Sage Kunin has got the Kelly and Grant thing down (even if I’m more partial to Kelly and Stewart).]
For more from the TV Ate My Wardrobe Best of 2016 series head here.
TV Instagram mourns those lost on The Walking Dead (spoilers ahead), celebrates a birthday on Game of Thrones, gets excited about A+ guest stars and has a whole lot of style on and off set.
The biggest TV event this week was the season 7 premiere of The Walking Dead and even though I quit watching last year the first thing I checked after the episode aired was the identity of the departed. The Walking Dead is a show I generally keep up with just in case I ever want to go back and this is mostly through the Richonne tag on Tumblr.
My other favorite character is/was Glenn and this photo by Steven Yeun’s TV wife, Lauren Cohan is a heartbreaker. I am very excited to see what Yeun will be doing next.
Paparazzi got some BIG photos this week while Game of Thrones was shooting (don’t click this link if you want to remain spoiler free – I have SO many costuming thoughts). This is not these photos and there is something very unnerving about Dora and SpongeBob hanging in Westeros.
Get ready for an onslaught of Halloween celeb photos after this weekend, but meanwhile enjoy the SNL ladies and this fabulous sketch. While I’m on the subject of this holiday; check out my piece on teen TV classics, costumes and growing up.
I’m enjoying this season of The Last Man on Earth as much as I’m enjoying Will Forte’s drawn on eyebrows and Carol’s fabulous top. So that is a lot and it will be fun to see what the new location will bring.
Also high on the fun list is Timeless and it continues to capture the same feelings that early Sleepy Hollow gave me; the core cast is just as delightful.
I still need to watch the I Love Dick pilot on Amazon, but knowing Phoebe Robinson is going to be in it when the full season lands makes me even more eager to do so.
Abbi Jacobson and Jon Glaser serving up very different interpretations of talk show style with Glaser opting for something from Jon Glaser Loves Gear. In non-shocking news, I am very excited about Abbi’s new book.
Jane the Virgin returned this week much to my teary eyed joy and this cast continues to deliver on the social media behind the scenes front. Plus we have a week of super stylish moments including Insta postcards from Cannes, costume secrets and more.
Kicking off again with Gil and George because I really want to see Oh, Hello again and because the guest stars keep on coming. Care Delevingne (just know I’m doing the Reese voice) is essentially wearing lounge wear including boob slippers, which actually feels entirely appropriate for this show.
From the Jane the Virgin season 3 premiere and what the cast looks like all aged up. Just let it be known that this was the part of the episode where I went from welling up, to single tear and quickly followed by double eye sobbing. This show.
Abigail Spencer has a whole lot of Timeless behind the scenes photos on her Insta including this incredible look at the costume detail from the Lincoln episode.
There’s a new Crazy Ex-Girlfriend theme and while I’m definitely going to miss singing along to “she’s so broken inside” I really love the aesthetic and vibe of this new one.
Regular readers will know that I have major Stephanie Beatriz glasses envy and this collection really is everything. Saving this picture for when I get a new prescription.
A post shared by Karla Welch (@karlawelchstylist) on
Now entering the amazing outfits portion of the week and first up Ruth Negga in a very cute Rochas skirt and short sleeved sweater. Lipstick points too.
Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby have been in Cannes for a television industry event and it was hard to narrow down my picture choice to just two as they have been crushing it.
As I have been away for a couple of weeks some of these Instagram highlights are from during that time period.
Now for some behind the scenes of how I choose which pictures I include; while I’m scrolling through I’ll screengrab the ones that catch my eye and because I wasn’t on the internet all that much while on honeymoon/during wedding prep this will be a lighter week, but a fun collection nonetheless featuring a lot of my favorite shows/people.
Next time everything will be back to regular transmission.
Our first proper night in New York was spent in the company of Gil and George (charmed, I’m sure) and as a huge fan of the “too much tuna” sketch on Kroll Show this stage production was everything I hoped it would be and more. Funny and so dark in places, that I was equal parts laughing and picking my jaw up off the floor.
There is still time for some 2016 Emmy coverage and this photo Tom Cullen posted of Tatiana Maslany links nicely into Orphan Black and my desire to get drinks and go dancing with them.
Speaking of Orphan Black and they are back on set for the fifth and final season. Helena is coming to play and this always makes me very happy.
Also it just occurred to me that a lot of shows I hold close to my heart are getting the chance to wrap up on their own terms (see also The Americans, Halt and Catch Fire and The Leftovers). Sure, it is a bummer they will be over soon(ish), but also such a relief they will get a proper ending to their story.
Also on this list is Game of Thrones (although it was never in doubt that they would get to choose their end date unlike some of those shows listed above) and this is very fun flashback to 2015 from Carice van Houten.
Two more seasons of The Americans (*sob*) and day one of season five already has me excited for the skirt/boot combination Keri Russell is wearing (even in this is an out of focus shot).
Now for a closer look at the hair, makeup and costuming Shantel VanSanten wore on the Timeless premiere – a show that is tremendous amounts of fun from both a story and costume perspective – and I love the detail in her description here. Also so much lipstick coveting.
Ending things this week with a couple of very important things from the Broad City Instagram including the best dog ever (Tom Hiddleston you look okay too).
As a Top 5 Americans disguise it feels right to finish this first “Behind the Insta-Scenes” post after being away with this joyous moment. Abbi and Ilana, I’m sure would agree.
This is from last week at a FYC event (Emmy season is coming!), but I missed it and I can’t not include Cody Fern demonstrating that leopard print makes for a perfect button-down shirt choice. This is how you add sartorial flair to a black suit.
Sound the ladysuit klaxon! At the A Series of Unfortunate Events season two premiere, Allison Williams gives great menswear in Gabriela Hearst.
This Gucci jumpsuit has recently graced these pages, but it is definitely worth a second look on Holly Taylor. This is from Anna Silman’s profile of Taylor for The Cut and Silman is one of my favorite interviewers at the moment . In the piece they talk about Taylor’s background growing up in this industry and what she plans on doing next.
Grown-ish star and TV Ate My Wardrobe fave gives great cover on Essence. And for Grown-ish style tips, here is where you find a lot of the costumes; this is a show that mixes aspirational and affordable. 
This made me gasp in the best way. It has been a very good week for Christina Aguilera including this Drag Race moment.
Entertainment Weekly excels when it comes to WB reunions—first Felicity, then Buffy—and this Dawson’s Creek issue hits all those sweet nostalgia spots. It is always heartening when a cast comes back to celebrate the show that made them famous and they do this in spades.
I yelled with joy about this on Twitter because there is nothing better than Michelle Williams opting for a cover with Busy Philipps over a solo shot. As Joanna Robinson put it “Let’s all enjoy the fact that Michelle Williams clearly has a Busy rider.” Yes this is now my lock screen image. Yes I am extra when it comes to this friendship.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 