Things That Are Awesome, Vol. 65

on wednesdays we wear pinkThe weekly collection of internet stuff I love:

  1. This is how I feel every time I look at Facebook: Obnoxious Friend Won’t Stop Attaining Major Life Milestones.
  2. 40 Mean Girls Quotes That Make Everyday Life Worth Living. I love this, and I also just realized that I don’t own Mean Girls on DVD. Egregious error on my part, I know.
  3. Bleeding maize and blue, always: The 35 Ways You Know You’re a Michigan Wolverine.
  4. Every few years or so, I start to feel overwhelmed by all the clutter in my life and feel compelled to get rid of stuff. I’m feeling that way at the moment, so naturally I love this article: “Living With Less. A Lot Less.”
  5. 16 Reasons Everyone Loves Connie Britton. Number 16, y’all.
  6. The most memorable Friends quotes. There are almost too many to choose from, but I think my personal favorites are “Pivot!” and “Gum would be perfection.”
  7. Oh, to be this puppy: How to Hug a Puppy, by Tom Hardy.
  8. This is a real cool photo shoot: Photos of the Same Two Models Transformed Into Different Couples.
  9. The most random – yet awesome – Tumblr I’ve encountered in awhile: Ugly Renaissance Babies.
  10. On second thought, this might be the best Tumblr I’ve found lately: National Geographic Found. Some beautiful photography there.

(Image via Mean Girls GIFs)

New Fall Television: What Are You Watching?

For the last few years, I’ve tried to avoid watching new TV shows when the fall rolled around. For awhile, it was because I was traveling constantly for work and was never home to watch television anyway. Last fall, it was because it was 1L year and I needed to study a lot. This year? I still need to study a lot, but something crucial has changed in my life: I got a DVR.

I know, I know. Welcome to 2004, Laura. Still, this magical little device has kind of revolutionized my TV watching habits. And by “revolutionized,” I clearly mean, “encouraged me to watch more TV.” Like, a lot more TV, if we’re being honest here.

To that end, I now have three brand new shows that I’m semi-obsessed with. In my opinion, these are the best new shows of the fall season. DVR or not, you should be watching them.

Call the Midwife

This is my favorite show to come around in a long time. I’ve heard a lot of people compare it to Downton Abbey, which I don’t understand. Yeah, it’s on PBS, and yeah, it’s historical, but the similarities stop there. I love me some Downton Abbey (and I’m mildly obsessed with some Downton Abbey), but I think this show is better. There. I said it.

Why is it so great? First, it’s beautifully shot and impeccably styled – it portrays 1950s London to a tee. Second, the actresses who play the midwives are all excellent (my particular favorite is Miranda Hart, who plays Chummy. She’s hilarious). Third, and most importantly, it tells wonderful stories. The show follows midwives as they work with patients in London’s East End. Each week there are a few new patients, and their stories are always gripping, unexpected, and so moving. Seriously, I have cried (or at least welled up) at every single episode.

Nashville

Nashville follows dueling country superstars, one at the beginning of her career (Hayden Panettiere) and the other seemingly nearing the end (Connie Britton). The show is a lot like a soap opera, but it’s elevated from your typical soap opera with snappy dialogue, great actors, and intriguing storylines. There is a ton of stuff going on here – love triangles, family secrets, musical numbers, political intrigue, and commentaries on modern celebrity – but the show juggles it all really well.

The Mindy Project

I love Mindy Kaling, so I would have made it a point to watch this show, DVR magic or not. I will admit that The Mindy Project has not been quite as funny as I had hoped it would be, but I like it and am willing to give it time (I thought New Girl started similarly slow last fall, and it became a great show once it found its groove).

What do I like about the show? Chris Messina (he’s just the best, in everything, ever), the pop culture references, the crazy delusional confidence that the character of Mindy has (“It’s so weird being my own role model”), and the fact that we all know Mindy and Danny are totally meant to be.

What are you watching this fall?

(Images sources: Call the Midwife, Nashville, and The Mindy Project)

Emmys 2012: Fashion Recap

Around this time of year, guys get super pumped about Fantasy Football. This always baffles me, because I kind of detest professional football. Then, it hit me: red carpets are my Fantasy Football. Everyone’s gotta have their thing, right? Thus, I feel completely justified in obsessing over each celebrity’s outfit and writing this blog post.

The Emmys, as a telecast, were kind of awful this year. The jokes were stale, the acceptance speeches were rushed, and almost nobody I like won an award (except for Damian Lewis – yay!). The only thing that redeemed the night for me was the fashion; I thought there were a lot of solid looks (and, naturally, some awful ones too – but those are also amusing in their own way). Let’s discuss:

My Best Dressed:

  • Emilia Clarke: I liked how unique this dress was – very modern and fresh and cool. I’m also a big fan of the bold purple florals; it reminded me of Kate Middleton’s recent Prabal Gurung (which I also loved).
  • Heidi Klum: Way to kill it, Frau Klum. I seriously saw this dress and typed “HEIDI KLUM” in all caps in my notes. I mean, Heidi is just completely shutting it down – gorgeous color, lovely hair, perfect draping, the works. This was clearly meant to be a “take that, Seal” dress and it totally succeeded.
  • Tina Fey: For years, Tina Fey’s red carpet dresses have either left me sad or bored. This year, I say: finally! This dress was perfect – I loved the deep burgundy color, and the baroque detailing on top was beautiful. Get it, Liz Lemon.

Honorable Mentions:

There were a lot of great looks last night, and I had a hard time narrowing down my best dressed list to three. So, here are three other looks I adored:

  • Zooey Deschanel: I am so glad Zooey went with a ballgown over an “I’m quirky” cocktail dress with tights, as she is wont to do. This was very Cinderella-esque, but in the best possible way. I loved her hairstyle and the pale powder blue color of the dress.
  • Amy Poehler: Similarly to Tina Fey, Amy Poehler’s red carpet looks are usually tragic, making me pumped that she broke out of the rut. And similar to Heidi Klum, Poehler proved the rule that the best thing you can do for your style is go through a breakup. This was a beautiful dress, and her hair has never looked better.
  • Kerry Washington: I just adored the color of this dress – perfection (though I think it looked far more fabulous on television than it does in this photograph). In any case, this look was stunning – the exact right dress for her.

My Worst Dressed:

  • Ashley Judd: I swear, I can remember a time when Ashley Judd was a red carpet all-star (exhibit A). Her past glories make this look particularly tragic; it is terrifying from head (that awful hair) to toe (the weird way the dress fans out at the bottom). Glamorous Ashley, please come back to us.
  • Lena Headey: I am oh so sad about this look because Lena Headey is awesome and should look fierce on the red carpet, but she never does. I just don’t even know what to say about the top of this dress – it’s a messy gothic catastrophe.
  • Ginnifer Goodwin: I know it’s Ginnifer’s thing to wear avant-garde looks on the red carpet and I give her props for being daring, but this looks like a toddler glued red crepe paper atop a sheer gown. She’s so pretty; what a shame.

Other Fashion Awards of Note:

  • Best Beading: The top of Nicole Kidman’s dress is just to die for (get it?!). I’m less sold about the overall effect of her look, however – something just seems missing to me. I also would have preferred to see her hair in an updo or pulled back into a sleek ponytail.
  • Most Striking: I don’t think many people could pull this dress off, but Julianne Moore totally can (and did). Her red hair with that stark yellow dress was unexpected but amazing.
  • Most Expected Yet Still Awesome: Seriously, what else is Sofia Vergara going to wear to the Emmys? This is totally her kind of dress: curve-hugging, sparkly, and attention-grabbing, but she looks great, like a fabulous Colombian mermaid. I don’t think most people could handle this much sparkle, but she can.

  • Best Old School Glamour: I always find it interesting how the ladies of Mad Men (particularly Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks) often end up dressing in classic, glamorous outfits, almost channeling their show. Jessica Pare clearly did the same, and I loved the effect: a simple but gorgeous dress and absolutely perfect hair. Seriously, love the hair.
  • Most Wonderfully True to Herself: I was so curious to see what Lena Dunham would wear, as she seems like someone who probably feels super awkward walking the red carpet. She did a nice job picking an Emmy-appropriate dress that still felt true to her. Also, her haircut is fantastic and her makeup looked great.
  • Best Indie Vibes: I loved how Leslie Mann’s dress had almost a bohemian vibe, yet still felt glamorous. I loved the vibrant yellow skirt and thought the green jewelry added just the right touch.

  • Most Adorable: Seriously, I just want to put Kiernan Shipka in my pocket. This dress was adorable – cute color, and look at her tiny little bag!
  • Best Neon: I know neon has been trendy of late, but it never seemed like something that could (or should) translate to the red carpet. But I liked Julie Bowen’s dress; she was definitely pulling the neon off. Not so sure about her hair though – maybe a tad too beachy?
  • Best Color: There’s nothing revolutionary about the silhouette of Archie Panjabi’s dress, but I’m semi-obsessed with its color. Seriously beautiful.

  • The Maize & Blue Award of Excellence: Anyone who wears Michigan colors on the red carpet grabs my attention, and I (mostly) liked Hayden Panettiere’s blue and gold Marchesa. I like the blue fabric at the bottom of the dress, but I’m less sold on the piece that’s draped over the top; it felt like a bit much.
  • The Sleek & Stunning Award: This dress was so simple, but I thought Edie Falco killed it. I love the effect of the gold belt, and she chose the perfect hairstyle for this dress.
  • Best Floral Touches: I adored Sarah Hyland’s dress overall, but it was the straps, with their delicate flower details, that truly sold me on the look. Her hair, however, feels a bit “prom” to me.

  • The Christina Hendricks Junior Award: Kat Dennings was wearing a pretty (albeit simple) dress but – let’s be honest – that’s not what’s pulling focus here. Maybe you should reign those ladies in a bit, girlfriend.
  • Best Hair: I love Christina Hendricks’s hair – perfect old school Hollywood glamour. I sort of like her dress, but the belt does not thrill me.
  • Worst Hair: Oh dear lord. Connie Britton should fire whoever did this to her hair. I mean, I just can’t. This makes me particularly sad because Connie Britton is awesome (she’s Tami Taylor, y’all!). Sidenote: I also thought this dress – and particularly its halter top – was a poor choice.

  • Most Dull, Round 1: I’m so sad about this dress; Emily VanCamp should be a red carpet all-star. This tweet pretty much sums up my frustration.
  • Most Dull, Round 2: I wish Kristen Wiig would embrace color; her red carpet looks tend to be drab. This dress is kind of delicate and pretty, but it’s also sort of blah.
  • Most Unnecessarily Matronly: I loved Mayim Bialik’s hair, but her dress has way too much fabric. I was rooting for her to have a “Rachel Leigh Cook in She’s All That” moment (aka, geeky girl goes sexy). Alas, it was not to be.

  • Best Use of a Bedsheet: I feel like Claire Danes just thought, “Screw it. I’m pregnant, so I’m just gonna drape a bed sheet over my bump and call it a day.” It’s not a terrible dress, per se, but it could use some tailoring or a little more pizazz.
  • Most Gothic: What I like about January Jones is that she is always daring on the red carpet; even when she misses, you could never accuse her of playing it safe. I’m on the fence about this look: it’s dramatic and striking, but maybe just a little too dramatic. Also, can we talk about her makeup? For a pale girl, she’s wearing far too much black makeup, and the effect is slightly terrifying.
  • Most Reminiscent of My Grandmother’s Couch: The title of the award says it all: Julianna Marguiles is wearing a dress whose fabric strongly resembles a couch my grandmother used to own. The thing is, though, I can’t decide if that makes this dress tacky or fabulous. When I initially saw it, I thought “hell, no,” but the dress is actually growing on me. I think I will call this one a winner.

  • Most Reminiscent of a Space Alien: Dear Zosia Mamet, your dress is really strange. I know you are quirky, but there’s quirky and then there’s…weird. And this is definitely the latter. Just odd.
  • Most Disappointing: Michelle Dockery’s dress saddens me; I wanted her to have a “wow” fashion moment, but it apparently was not in the cards. This dress looks dull and wrinkled.
  • The “I Can’t Believe That’s My Girl!” Award: Dear Anna Chlumsky, you look so freaking glamorous! I can’t believe it. Where has time gone?

Who were your red carpet favorites?

(Photos via People, Huffington Post, and Suicide Blonde)

Emmys 2011: Wishes + Gripes

I love award shows. I love the red carpet fashion and the cheesy acceptance speeches and the video montages. But perhaps most of all, I love analyzing the nominees and bitching about my favorites who weren’t nominated. So, with the Emmys airing tonight, what better time to do just that? Here’s my take on the ten major categories (and, no, all that miniseries crap does not count).

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Jane Lynch – Glee
  • Betty White – Hot in Cleveland
  • Julie Bowen – Modern Family
  • Kristen Wiig – Saturday Night Live
  • Jane Krakowski – 30 Rock
  • Sofia Vergara – Modern Family
  • Who Should Win: In an almost neck and neck race with Julie Bowen, I’d give it to Sofia Vergara, who could win this award almost on the strength of her accent alone. Please, please don’t let Betty White win. I mean, yes, I get it, everyone loves Betty White. That doesn’t mean we have to nominate her for starring in a mediocre show on TV Land.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Busy Phillips from Cougar Town. She is completely, wonderfully over the top and makes me laugh every single week. Sample quip: “I used to watch Jeopardy! every day because I had a major lady rod for Alex Trebek. Till I found out he was Canadian. Gross.”

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men
  • Chris Colfer – Glee
  • Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family
  • Ed O’Neill – Modern Family
  • Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family
  • Ty Burrell – Modern Family
  • Who Should Win: Can we have a four way tie between the Modern Family guys? If not, I’d give it to Ty Burrell. I love how clueless but super lovable he makes Phil.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: No contest – the biggest snub in ANY category is Nick Offerman from Parks and Rec. Seriously, Ron Swanson is unbeatable. So many great moments – his cornrows, pulling out his own tooth, getting his eyebrows burned off, his pyramid of greatness, his plain and simple hamburger making skills. How is he not nominated? Also, I give an honorable mention to Aziz Ansari, who is fantastic. I have replayed the scene where he talks about food abbreviations countless times (chicky chicky parm parm, future birds, food rakes, long ass rice, apps and zerts. Pure comedy gold).

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Laura Linney – The Big C
  • Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie
  • Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
  • Melissa McCarthy – Mike & Molly
  • Martha Plimpton – Raising Hope
  • Tina Fey – 30 Rock
  • Who Should Win: Amy Poehler, fo sho. Basically, I want Leslie Knope to succeed in every one of her crazy ventures because Poehler makes her so dorkily lovable and relateable. And here’s a plea for Tina Fey not to win for the 547th time. Seriously, we’re over it.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Courtney Cox, at long last. Never nominated for Friends, and now never nominated for Cougar Town. It’s a travesty, and Jules Cobb can only cope by curling up in her blumfy with a gigantic glass of wine from Big Carl.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
  • Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
  • Steve Carell – The Office
  • Johnny Galecki – The Big Bang Theory
  • Louis CK – Louie
  • Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock
  • Who Should Win: If I had seen Episodes, I have a suspicion Matt LeBlanc would’ve gotten my nod. But since I haven’t, I’ll have to go with Steve Carrell. I’m glad Michael Scott got his happy ending, and Steve Carrell should get one too.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I’m not sure if he submitted himself for Lead Actor or Supporting, but I’d go with John Krasinski. How has he never been nominated? Yeah, the Office’s glory days are far behind it, but Jim Halpert is always wonderful.

Comedy Series

  • Glee
  • Parks and Recreation
  • The Office
  • Modern Family
  • 30 Rock
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Who Should Win: I am completely torn between Parks and Rec and Modern Family. I say the Emmys spread the love around a bit and give it to Parks and Rec this year. The Modern Family ensemble always gets major props, but I think the Parks and Rec cast is equally outstanding.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: At this point, this will come as no surprise – Cougar Town! This show is completely underrated – I only know like 2 people who watch it, which is a shame because it’s consistently hilarious. I aspire to this life one day – never working, and sitting around all day with friends to talk, play stupid games, and drink liberal amounts of wine. Penny can!!!

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Kelly Macdonald – Boardwalk Empire
  • Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
  • Michelle Forbes – The Killing
  • Archie Panjabi – The Good Wife
  • Margo Martindale – Justified
  • Christine Baranski – The Good Wife
  • Who Should Win: I don’t regularly watch any of these shows, so it’s a toss up for me. I’d probably give it to Christina Hendricks because, even though I really dislike Mad Men, she’s one of the more entertaining parts of it.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: Yeah, she’s at least half the age of every nominee, but she kicks way more ass – Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones. I can’t believe more actors from this show weren’t nominated!

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

the tudors

  • John Slattery – Mad Men
  • Andre Braugher – Men of a Certain Age
  • Walton Goggins – Justified
  • Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones
  • Josh Charles – The Good Wife
  • Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
  • Who Should Win: No doubt – Peter Dinklage. Tyrion is such an awesome character in the novels – and Dinklage brings him to life perfectly.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I love me some Henry Cavill in the Tudors. I know this show is kind of over the top and historically inaccurate, but I wish it would’ve gotten a smidgen more Emmy love. Especially for Henry Cavill. So fantastic. And beautiful.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

  • Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
  • Connie Britton – Friday Night Lights
  • Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order: SVU
  • Mireille Enos – The Killing
  • Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife
  • Kathy Bates – Harry’s Law
  • Who Should Win: Connie Britton, all the way. She makes Tammy no nonsense, wise, and humorous. Plus, she says “hey y’all” better than anyone else, ever.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I think this category is pretty complete, and I don’t watch any of the shows that might have yielded a potential snub (e.g. January Jones in Mad Men, Anna Paquin in True Blood, etc). All that leaves me is Game of Throne’s Lena Headey. So awesome at being oh so evil.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

  • Steve Buscemi – Boardwalk Empire
  • Michael C. Hall – Dexter
  • Kyle Chandler – Friday Night Lights
  • Jon Hamm – Mad Men
  • Hugh Laurie – House
  • Timothy Olyphant – Justified
  • Who Should Win: Please, please, please let Kyle Chandler win. Coach Taylor is second to none, and I love how Chandler injects a really dry sense of humor to the character. Plus, you know, clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: How about Nathan Fillion? I know Castle is kind of a dramedy, but I think it goes in this category. Fillion is such a good actor. Plus, anyone who got their start as Joey Buchanan gets a couple points in my book.

Drama Series

  • Boardwalk Empire
  • The Good Wife
  • Mad Men
  • Friday Night Lights
  • Dexter
  • Game of Thrones
  • Who Should Win: I will admit that I don’t watch nearly as much dramatic television as I do comedic, so perhaps it’s a bit unfair of me to judge this one. But, I’ll do it anyway since this is my blog. Game of Thrones trumps them all, hands down.
  • Who Should’ve Been Nominated: I think this list is pretty solid. The only drama I watch that isn’t on the list is Blue Bloods, so I’ll go with that one (even though it’s not really Emmy-worthy).