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Red Carpet Recap: The 66th Annual Emmy Awards

By |August 26th, 2014|Celebrity Style, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

And the Emmy Goes To…:

best dressed emmys january jones kiernan shipkaJanuary Jones in Prabal Gurung, Kiernan Shipka in Antonio Berardi, Halle Berry in Elie Saab

It’s a wonder I was even able to complete this post as I spent the majority of last night’s 66th Annual Emmy Awards in the waiting room at CityMD where I tried to convince them that it was imperative to change the channel from NY1 to the Emmy’s so that I could complete my work.  No dice, but fortunately I’d planned ahead by recording the show before stepping out.  Don’t worry guys, after being poked and prodded and nearly regurgitating on a tongue depressor, turns out it’s just a sore throat.

Instead of sipping on champagne, I gargled with salt water and settled in to catch up on what I’d missed.  Clearly, what I’d missed was almost every single show that’s currently on television.  I’ve been so busy watching re-runs of The Golden Girls, that I wasn’t even aware that shows like Masters of Sex or Treme existed.  But let’s be serious, it’s an honor just to be nominated and sure it’s exciting to win (full list of winners here), I’m only here for the fashion.

Fairly early into the red carpet arrivals, there was a theme brewing.  If you weren’t wearing red, you were wearing white.  From Julia Louis Drefus’s simple and well tailored Carolina Herrera to Claire Danes’ intricately detailed Givenchy, there was no chance of blending into the carpet in these crimson creations.  White may very well be one of the hardest colors to wear, let alone be photographed in.  However, last night’s presenters and nominees were picture perfect in their picks, namely Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer and Anna Chlumsky in Zac Posen.

The rest of the carpet was a veritable rainbow with Kerry Washington in an orange Prada, Samira Wiley in a curry colored Christian Siriano, Keke Palmer in cobalt Rubin Singer, and Zoey Deschanel in an Oscar de la Renta bright pop of pink.  Hayden Panetierre proved that pregnant women most certainly can wear sequins in her Lorena Sarbu and others played with color and patterns as made apparent by Louise Roe’s Monique Lhuillier and Julie Bowen’s Peter Som.

My winners included January Jones in a beautifully constructed red Prabal Gurung gown (though her hair could have used some help), budding fashion favorite, Kiernan Shipka in a steely grey Antonio Berardi, and Halle Berry whose Elie Saab was a color that was clearly made for her- seriously, it’s like Jay-Z blue. Does it have a Pantone number?  Those who didn’t fair so well?  Katherine Heigl is no stranger to the worst dressed list and last night was no different as she showed up wearing something that actually looked like something I’ve seen on The Golden Girls.  Lena Dunham, bless her, wore a cupcake confection that left her looking more silly than chic.  I applaud her new hair, however.  When Sarah Paulson arrived on the red carpet, I must admit at first I was intrigued, but I have the feeling her gown was the type that is beautiful in person, but does not translate to TV.  Somebody’s stylist needs get a Polaroid camera.

While not everyone was fashion award worthy, if this red carpet is any indication of what’s to come this award season, I’m looking forward to tuning in.  I may even start watching shows from this decade.

Orange Crush:

emmys red carpet best dressedSarah Hyland in Christian Siriano, Natalie Dormer in J. Mendel, Kerry Washington in Prada

Cloaked in Coral:

octavia spencer heidi klum mindy kaling emmysMindy Kaling in Kenzo, Heidi Klum in Zac Posen, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Well Red… and Red… and, well, Red:

uzo aduba giuliana rancic christina hendricks emmysUzo Aduba, Giuliana Rancic, Christina Hendricks in Marchesa

minnie driver julia louis dreyfus claire danes emmysMinnie Driver in Marchesa, Julia Louis Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera, Claire Danes in Givenchy

Shocking Pink:

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsKaley Cuoco in Monique Lhuillier, Zoey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta, Allison Janney in Nicholas Jebran

All White, All White, All White:

kate mara anna chlumsky emmys red carpetKate Mara in J. Mendel, Anna Chlumsky in Zac Posen, Padma Laksmi in Ralph Rucci

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsKristen Wiig in Vera Wang, Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer, Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsJoanne Froggatt in J. Mendel, Julianne Hough in DSquared, Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli

Shine On:

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsAmy Poehler in Theia, Hayden Panetierre in Lorena Sarbu, Gwen Stefani in Versace

emmys red carpetAlexandra Daddario in Reem Acra, Taylor Schilling in Zuhair Murad, Taryn Manning

Mauve-lous:

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsLouise Roe in Monique Lhuillier, Cat Deeley in Burberry, Amanda Peet in Giambattista Valli

Citrus Sirens:

lucy liu kate walsh emmysSamira Wiley in Christian Siriano, Lucy Liu in Zac Posen, Kate Walsh in Stephane Rolland

Going Green:

laura prepon sarah silverman emmysLaura Prepon, Sarah Silverman in Marni, Allison Tolman in Romona Keveza

 Shades of Blue:

emmys red carpetMayim Bialik in Oliver Tolentino, Keke Palmer in Rubin Singer, Edie Falco in Escada

emmys red carpetNatasha Leone in custom Opening Ceremony, Julia Roberts in Elie Saab, Rose Leslie

The New Black:

66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsLena Headey, Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier, Debra Messing in Angel Sanchez

Watercolor Wonders:

taissa famiga julie bowen emmy red carpetTaissa Farmiga in Honor, Betsy Brandt in Alice + Olivia Julie Bowen in Peter Som

Pattern Play:

emmys 2014 red carpetTeyonah Parris in Christian Siriano, Michelle Dockering in Rosie Assoulin, Ariel Winter in Black Halo Eve

Two’s Better Than One:

aaron paul lauren parsekian jon hamm camila alves emmys Jon Hamm in Tom Ford and Jennifer Westfeldt in Marchesa, Camila Alves in Zuhair Murad and Matthew McConaughey in bespoke Dolce & Gabbana, Lauren Parsekian in Sarbu and Aaron Paul

Better Luck Next Year:

emmys red carpet worst dressedKatherine Heigl in vintage John Hayles, Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli, Sarah Paulson in Armani Privé

 

Kate Walsh in Stephane Rolland

 

Why Did You Wear That: Dive In

By |March 6th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithEveryone knows I love lingerie, a good cocktail, and my maltipoo, Smitty.  Something else I love more than the average juice fasting female is swimwear.  Some girls are all about bags, some about shoes and while I love both, a bikini is always certain to catch my attention as well as my paycheck.  I even consider myself a bit of a bathing suit expert.  I mean, I spent two years having the pleasure of filling Bendel’s with barely there beachwear.

I love bathing suits so much there are times when I wonder why I don’t just move to an island and live in a bikini whilst sipping on fresh coconuts, but then I get bored even imagining it and continue on in my concrete jungle.

Sure, this took me the greater portion of a day to pull together, but because I love swimwear so much, I enjoyed every moment of it.  Whether you love a one piece or the teeniest of itsy bitsy bikinis, I’ve rounded up a suit in almost all of this spring’s biggest trends that should tickle your fancy or at least your fanny.  So, here it is.  The most elaborate swimsuit guide you’ll see and ever need to get you beach bum and poolside ready.

bikinis summer

 

  1. Peekaboo Panels: Indah Slam Mesh Patches Top and BottomsT by Alexander Wang Mesh Paneled SwimsuitUNIF Relic SuitLee + Lani The Rio one PieceNorma Kamali Spliced Bandeau One Piece,
  2. Dirty Pop: Beach Riot Ay Papi Freemont Bikini Top and Colada Bikini BottomsCynthia Rowley Underwire BikiniSalinas Ocean Print Racerback SwimsuitGiejo Abstract Plaid Bra Top and Mixed Boy Briefs
  3. Global Graphics:  Zimmerman Instinct Paneled One Piece, Cecilia Prado Optico Triangle Top and Tie Side BottomsMara Hoffman Laser Cut Bandeau Top and BottomsKushcush Bali Bikini Top and Bikini BottomsTori Praver Cabazon Top and Bottoms
  4. Team Spirit: Minimale Animale Calamity Jane BikiniLisa Marie Fernandez The Lisa Marie Two Tone BikiniLisa Marie Fernandez The Farrah Neoprene SwimsuitT by Alexander Wang Mesh Combo Halter Top and Bottoms
  5. Black (and White) To Basics: Clover Canyon Torqued Walls Bikini Top and Bikini BottomsZinke Emmi Reversible Bikini Top and Reversible BottomsBeach Bunny Laser Cut Top and Skimpy BottomRachel Pally Gia MaillotJason Wu Bandeau Bikini
  6. Fresh Blooms: Red Carter Floriculture Peplum One PieceNanette Lepore Fleur de la Mer Bikini Top and BottomsMinimale Animale Work It BikiniMiu Miu Floral Print Ruched BikiniDolce & Gabban Zaraga Blossom Print SwimsuitShimmi Stevie Embroidered Wrap Bikini
  7. On the Fringe: Indah Sports Illustrated Marley Crochet One PieceL*Space Skinnie Minnie Bikini Top and Blake Bikini BottomsIndah Havana Bikini Top and Santiago Bikini Bottoms,  Indah Patron Fringe BandeauLuli FamaCosta Buena Fringe Plunge Bikini Top
  8. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Croptops: Maaji Crop Top and Bikini BottomsBeach Riot Coral Gables Bandeau Top and Bikini BottomsMara Hoffman Naga Cropped Bikini Top and Tie Side Bottom,  Thayer Ruffle Bralette Bikini TopElla Moss Belle Floral Ruffle Bandeau Top and Tunnel BottomsWildfox Couture Tankini Top and Reve Crisscross Brazilian Bottoms
  9. Perfect Pastels: Nookie Beach Hermosas Bandeau BikiniZimmerman Verano Layered Frill BikiniMIKOH Swimwear Banyans String Racerback Top and Lanai Multi String BottomsZinke Weekender One Piece
  10. Heavy Metal: Zimmerman Scout High Triangle String BikiniVix Swimwear Solid Copper Triangle Top and Bikini BottomsLisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve BikiniAgent Provocateur Zonia Sequined Triangle Top and Bikini Briefs, Zimmerman Scout Balcony One Piece

 

Red Carpet Recap: Are We There Yet?

By |March 3rd, 2014|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

lupito nyongo cate blanchett oscarsCharlize Theron in Dior, Kate Hudson in  Atelier Versace, Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani, Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

It feels as if this particular awards season stretched out a bit longer than years prior, but maybe that’s the overall theme of 2014 thus far.  Long winters, long award shows, long winded speeches.  Tonight’s award show, the 86th Annual Academy Awards, was no exception.  Seeing as the red carpet arrivals started at five thirty (Eastern time) and the actual show didn’t commence until midnight, I literally spent six and a half hours of my life staring at dresses, listening to sometimes awkward interviews with Seacrest, and holding my breath in hopes that the music didn’t come on during winners’ acceptance speeches.  I couldn’t tell if I was still exhausted from the weekend or if the cold had finally taken a toll on my cognitive thinking because I’m pretty sure that every actress on the red carpet was required to wear the same dress.  Either that or I was watching 1984 and didn’t know it, which is entirely possible.  Fortunately, for the first time in WhyDid’s history, I was unable to award an entire category to the worst dressed women of the night.  Instead it went to our charitable roast beef hat wearing friend, Pharrell, who decided that full trousers were not fully necessary for the red carpet.  I might have let it slide because he’s so darn cute if he hadn’t somehow convinced his lovely wife, Helen Lasichanh, to dress in tandem.  I guess it would be hard to say, “no,” to those dimples.

As for the rest of the red carpet, nudes, metallics, and soft whites and pastels were the overall theme with a spattering of both basic as well as embellished black.  Navy was a trend for both men and women and first time Oscar winner, Lupita Nyong’o, deemed her hue Nairobi blue.  Everyone was going nuts over her headband, which I hated because it made her look too “costumey” and would have preferred she’d accessorized her decollete with a delicate lariat, but she gets a pass for that stand out shade of blue.  Speaking of hair, cropped pixie cuts were the biggest trend and soft subtle styles as seen on Jessica Biel and Naomi Watts were the second runner up.  Jennifer Lawrence in a pixie cut and who wore red, didn’t even wait until she was inside before repeating last year’s tumble.  She either needs a better seamstress or a higher tolerance for champagne.  A notable trend for men was wearing a white jacket with their tuxes and why, why, why is Jared Leto so damn pretty?  Rarely do I covet another’s hair, but if someone can get me in touch with his stylist, I’ll be forever grateful… or at least for the next month or two.  And while I finished wrapping up the red carpet, I realized that the real style mavens held out until the afterparties.

Pretty in Pewter:

oscars red carpet Giuliana Rancic, Jessica Biel in Chanel, Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta

Long (Sleeve) on Shine:

angelina jolieAngelina Jolie in Elie Saab, Sarah Paulson in Elie Saab, Julie Delpy in Jenny Peckham, Sally Hawkins in Valentino

Flesh and Gold:

oscars red carpet Kristin Chenoweth in Roberto Cavalli, Jenna Dewan Tatum in Reem Acra, Portia de Rossi in Naeem Khan

Bright Whites:

kelly-osbourne-naomi-watts-oscarsKelly Osbourne, Calista Flockhart in Andrew Gn,  Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein, Laura Dern in Alberta Ferretti

Petal Pink Princesses:

camila alves penelope cruz Penelope Cruz in Giambattista Valli, Cristin Milioti, Camila Alves in Gabriela Cadena

Lavender Ladies:

kristen bell oscarsLady Gaga in Versace,  Kerry Washington in Jason Wu, Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli

 Basic Black:

julia roberts oscarsGlenn Close in Zac Posen, Julia Roberts in black Givenchy, Karen O in Camilla Staerk, Olivia Wilde in black Valentino

Embellished Black:

oscars red carpetAnne Hathaway in Gucci, Emma Watson in Vera Wang, Anna Kendrick in J. Mendel, Chrissy Teigen in Monique Lhuillier

Moody Blues:

amy adams sandra bullock academy awardsAmy Adams in Gucci, Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen, Kevin Spacey in Burberry, Liza Minnelli in Halston

Red on Red:

jennifer-lawrence-oscars-dressJennifer Lawrence in Dior, Ireland Baldwin, Bette Middler in Reem Acra, Olga Kurylenko in Alice Elia

White Knights:

jared leto matthew mcconaugheyJared Leto in Saint Laurent, Ryan Seacrest, Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana

No Pants, Well, Kinda Are a Problem:

pharrell williams Pharrell Williams in Lanvin

After the Party It’s the Afterparty:

vanity fair oscarsKarolina Kurkova,  Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab, Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli, Diane Kruger in Valentino, Jane Fonda in Nicholas Oakwell 

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Spring Awakening

By |February 24th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

spring fashion trendsSpring equinox is less than a month away (March 2oth) and even though that sadistic groundhog, Phil, made us wait it out a little longer this year, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.  That means, it’s time to shake off that winter way of thinking and dressing… and eating.  Before you know it, it’ll be time to start bitching about how hot it is, but in the meantime let us revel those few pleasant weeks of spring that remind us why we live in the best city in the world.  Judging by this past weekend’s “heatwave” that spawned dozens of pairs of bare legs to make their post polar vortex debut and the crowded streets on Sunday for boozy brunches (not to mention the rooftop at Soho House that resembled that of a Lorde music video shoot), it seems that the natives are restless and ready to shed winter’s layers.

spring-accessories

Dolce & Gabbana Cat Eye Filigree Gold Tone Sunglasses3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Iridescent Textured Leather ClutchJ. Crew Collection Floral Print Cotton and Silk Blend JacketSophia Webster Kiki Lace Print PVC and Leather Sandals

Red Carpet Recap: Up All Night To Get Lucky (and write this post)

By |January 27th, 2014|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

slipknot-beyonce-daft-punk-grammysLast night the 56th Annual Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.  The red carpet was covered in designer clad nominees and presenters from Kendrick Lamar to Anna Kendrick all looking to clinch their very own gold sippy cups.  You know who didn’t win a Grammy?  My computer… because it failed to perform.  I’ve been without it since Thursday and fortunately was able to harass the geniuses at Apple enough to retrieve it at 6:45pm on Sunday evening– just in time to chip in my two cents on the evening’s events.  Phew.

To go ahead and get the party started, Beyonce, husband, Jay-Z, and that ass took the stage wherein we all began to feel guilty about the half chewed leftover piece of cold pizza in our mouths.  Perhaps we should all take up “surfing” because it seems to be doing wonders for Beyonce’s body… and love life.  While we’re at it, where can one meet a man who glances at us like we’re the elusive golden unicorn and also happens to be a rap music mogul and doting daddy?

While on the topic of children, teen dream, Lorde was given the duty of taking the stage after Jay and Bey and despite a somewhat spastic start, she nailed her vocals proving that she earned both song of the year and best pop solo vocal wins.  Speaking of nailing it, can anyone explain those nails to us?

But let’s get down to what really matters, the fashion.  The Golden Globes were all about crimson, the SAG’s about blue, and the Grammy’s were primarily comprised of glimmering golds.  There were spatterings of color from blue to orange and another heavy dose of red, and quite a few female icons opted for pants in black.  Madonna and son, David, wore matching Ralph Lauren and oh gawd, she wore a grill.   And shouldn’t her grill match her bedazzled gloves?  And what happened to her British accent?  It seems she’s traded it in for a southern twang… maybe due to her golden grill?  It’s too much for me to comprehend right now.  I ‘m drunk in love… or maybe prosecco.

The ladies who took our breath away have all graced both the best and worst dressed lists in award shows past.  Katy Perry was a vision in (predicted) Valentino, Beyonce in sheer white Michael Costello, a pregnant Ciara in Emilio Pucci, and a tiny Taylor Swift in Gucci.  I was torn on Taylor because there was no denying how stunning her gown was, but the hair and makeup didn’t match in my opinion.  This was her time to be edgy. A slick ponytail and more dramatic makeup would have taken her totally over the top.  Her half assed updo read post Pilates hair to me.  By the way, have none of Taylor Swift’s friends shown her a video of her dancing?  Please do.

On the other end of the spectrum, as adorable and talented as Ariana Grande may be, I’m heading to her house with a hairbrush and some tough love.  If I see her in another half up-half down ‘do, I’m shaving her bald like Britney.  As for the man posing as a roast beef eating Smokey the Bear, it’s a good thing you’re handsome and talented, cause that hat…  It’s got its own Twitter handle for heaven’s sake.  Skylar Grey wore what is essentially a flesh colored Band-Aid and Zendaya, I don’t even know what to do with you.

But for the most part the evening was full of fun surprises like 34 couples being married by Queen Latifah during a Macklemore/Madonna performance and a Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney reunion.  I’m just left wondering where our bad girls of the red carpet, Miley and Rihanna were?  Lady Gaga was also nowhere to be found leaving the fashion shenanigans up to the men and some creepy ass clowns.

Doesn’t Matter if You’re Black or White:

sarah hyland paula patton grammySarah Hyland, Paula Patton in Nicolas Jebran, Judith Hill

Back in Black:

kelly-osbourne-lorde-grammysKelly Osbourne in Badgley Mischka, Faith Evans, Louise Roe, Lorde

White Snakes:

The 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards - ArrivalsParis Hilton in House of Milani, Steven Tyler, Keltie Knight, Iggy Azalea in Elie Saab

It’s a (Wo)Man’s World:

maddona grammysStevie Nicks, Cyndi Lauper, Yoko Ono, Madonna and son, David in Ralph Lauren

Suits and Ties:

miguel kaskade grammysMiguel in Saint Laurent, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in Mr. Turk, Austin Mahone in custom Sanctuary 28, Kaskade

Gold Album:

rita ora grammysRita Ora in Lanvin, Amber Rose in Naeem Khan, Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Get Naked:

kasey musgraves grammysSarah Bareilles Blumarine, Kasey Musgraves in Armani, Brooklyn Haley

Red:

pink-miranda-lambert-grammysTamar Braxton, Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland, Pink in Johanna Johnson, Gloria Estefan in Gustavo Cadile, Colbie Caillat in Ezra Santos

Channel Orange:

giuliana-rancic-grammysGiuliana Rancic in Alex Perry, Natasha Bedingfield in Christian Siriano

True Blue:

grammys 2014 red carpetAnna Faris in Fitriani, Bonnie McKee in Gustavo Cadile, Alicia Keys in Armani Prive

Outfit of the Year:

best dressed grammysKaty Perry in Valentiono, Beyonce in Michael Costello, Ciara in Emilio Pucci, Taylor Swift in Gucci

And the Winner Isn’t:

grammys worst dressedAriana Grande in Dolce and Gabbana, Pharrell Williams, Zendaya in Emmanuel Ungaro, Skylar Grey Michael Costello

and in case you missed it or just need a reminder as to why you need to hit the gym…

xx,

WhyDid