The Venice Film Festival, aka the world's oldest film festival, is currently underway, and with the amount of stars in attendance, I can't help but wonder where my invite went. (I'm aware that I don't work in film, but that's not the point here.)
This festival is part of the "Big Three" (the others being the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival), not to be confused with the nickname Jack and Rebecca lovingly give their children on my favorite soap opera, "This Is Us."
Filmmakers enter their films in this festival every year not only to premiere their work, but to compete for the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion. Last year's winner was the film "Nomadland," which went on to win three Academy Awards, including the coveted "Best Picture" - so, there's clearly worth to this recognition.
So, with all of that context out of the way, it's time for me to dive into the important stuff happening at the Venice Film Festival right now, aka what I care about:
In support of his upcoming film, "Dune", (that I will only be seeing for him) Timothée Chalamet is currently creating what The Hollywood Reporter coined "Chala-Mania" (I'm not going to lie, I wish I'd thought of that myself) - with fans (me) pretty much losing their sh*t at the sight of him. Here he is with "Dune" director, Denis Villeneuve: Here he is in a strawberry suit, like the third-best Starburst flavor; I said what I said, I will not be silenced: Here he is arriving to the film's premiere, looking offensively hot while kindly greeting a large crowd of fans that would instantly give me a panic attack: — mediafilm (@cravemedia_) September 3, 2021 And here he is with "Dune" co-star and style icon, Zendaya: Zendaya has also been making waves (island pun intended) with her arrival to the festival. The last time she was in Venice, Spider-Man had to save her from Jake Gyllenhaal and his lack of hygiene - but, this time it's all about her and her Valentino... ... and taking the time to wave to fans like they're her royal subjects, because that's what we all are when it comes to Zendaya... ... and looking like a modern-day Medusa at the film's premiere: — mediafilm (@cravemedia_) September 3, 2021 Also in attendance is Kristen Stewart, a product of the twilight-to-critically-acclaimed-actor pipeline:
She's at the festival to support her upcoming film, "Spencer," in which she portrays Princess Diana during the infamous Christmas weekend that she decides to end her marriage with notorious ugly person, Prince Charles.
I will be watching this film because, like everyone else, I love Princess Diana and must also pay my respects for her paving the way.*
*Allowing me to wear biker shorts and an oversized sweatshirt to Trader Joe's. Kristen is already getting Oscar hype for her performance, but I believe she deserves the award based on her look to the film's premiere alone: Another star who deserves an Oscar unrelated to anything actually having to do with film: Jennifer Lopez and this Dolce & Gabbana look that I will absolutely be recreating on a budget for Halloween and to run general errands:
She basically did an entire photoshoot around Venice in this outfit, including this photo that looks like me at a family reunion surrounded by all of my Italian uncles:
Ok, back to film: handsome man, Oscar Isaac, and funny woman, Tiffany Haddish, are in attendance to support their film, "The Card Counter":
During the press conference for this film, Tiffany shared pieces of wisdom that I appreciate both professionally...
... and personally.
And, finally, like a grown-up version of the band HAIM, Olivia Colman, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dakota Johnson showed up to support their film, "The Lost Daughter": There have been a handful of other noteworthy stars in attendance so far (Kirsten Dunst, Penélope Cruz, and Benedict Cumberbatch, to name a few) - and, with the festival set to run throughout the next week, there's only more on the horizon.
So, if you'll excuse me, I'll be spending my time envying all of the celebrity appearances, red carpet fashion, and exclusive film screenings that I have been so rudely excluded from.
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I encourage you to listen to "That's Amore" by Dean Martin while you read this blog for the full effect.
Kourtney Kardashian is currently POOSH-ing it up in Italy with her boyfriend, Travis Barker, and if you haven't seen any of the photos of them living their best life together, here's a quick refresher: Here they are experiencing the joys of eating gelato while walking along a cobblestone street (no, I am not jealous, who said that.) Here they are taking a ride on a gondola and blocking out the paparazzi with matching sunglasses. And here they are lady-and-the-tramping it on what I can only assume is a yacht. It's obvious to everyone that Kourtney is the happiest she's been in a very long time (maybe ever), so it's only natural that her baby daddy, Scott Disick, felt the need to chime in.*
(*A disclaimer before we begin: I like Scott, and I also may or may not own Talentless merch - but I can't help reacting like Khloe every time he acts out.)
First, a little context for you: here's Kourtney with her ex, Younes Bendjima.
You might remember him as the guy who Kourtney refused to show or speak about on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians", like he was a vampire and she was trying to protect his secret. Or, she just wanted to keep their relationship private. Could be either.
Well, as jealous exes are prone to do, Scott decided to slide into Younes' DMs and put Kourtney on blast. While he was clearly expecting some sort of fraternal-level message in return, his mission backfired when Younes instead put him on blast, sharing the DM for the world to see:
Younes basically said... do I know you?
Younes even went on to post another note to his Instagram story, writing, "Couldn't miss this one. He's been playing around for too long, tried to stay quiet and be the nice guy. Back to work now."*
(*Another disclaimer: I edited Younes' message for clarity because there were too many typos and I can't have you all thinking I don't know basic grammar.) While Scott has yet to comment or even confirm the authenticity of these DMs (they're 100 percent real), Travis decided to send a not-so-subtle message of his own by posting this meme of Ray Liotta from the movie, "Goodfellas," to his Instagram story:
I can only imagine an unbothered Travis casually posting this and then being like, "Hey, Kourt, pass the limoncello."
Taking the subtle shade route herself, Kourtney took to Twitter and posted this Bible verse:
If I'm being completely honest, I have no idea what this means and it kind of reminds me of the confusing speech Noah Centineo gave at the 2019 People's Choice Awards*:
(*One final disclaimer: This is not a diss to Noah, I would still absolutely risk it all.)
Anyway! Whether or not Scott decides to publicly comment on this, one thing is clear: Kourtney is too busy enjoying herself and living la bella vita to care. (Yes, I know basic Italian, don't be intimidated by my talents.) Kanye West released his highly-anticipated (not by me) album "DONDA" over the weekend, much to the excitement of every guy I went to college with. Over the past few weeks, Kanye, aka the The Phantom of the Mercedes Benz Stadium, has been putting on listening parties for fans, collaborators, and the Kardashian Krew. *Stefan from SNL voice* These parties have everything: Kanye levitating above the crowd... Spandex masks covering his entire face... $40 hot dogs... Despite all of this, the final listening party before the album dropped was the one that really caught my attention: cut to Kim Kardashian, in a full-length Balenciaga wedding gown, appearing to re-marry the man she is currently divorcing. In my opinion, Kim looks like a ghost haunting an old Victorian manor, but it's haute couture so I'll turn a blind eye to it. Over the last few months, there's been constant speculation around Kimye: Will they get back together? Are they done for good? What kind of guy would even be on Kim's level? Does Irina Shayk regret taking that trip to France and getting sucked into another Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper incident? I, personally, believe that Kim and Kanye aren't getting back together, but that they simply understand the importance of branding. Kimye is a brand, and if Kris Jenner has taught Kim anything in her life, it's that there is simply no excuse for missing a check. Together or not, Kim is always going to be the leading lady in Kanye's life, even if it is less of a rom-com and more of an anxiety-inducing Safdie Brothers film. I also believe that Kim has no problem throwing on designer clothing and standing next to Kanye - not only to remind all women that she is his ride-or-die, but also to remind the world that she has worked her way from the cover of K-9 Magazine to the cover of Vogue and she will not be denied. And, with sources (again, Mama Kris) confirming to multiple outlets like E!, TMZ and People that Kim and Kanye are just good friends/co-parents/billionaires, we can all rest assured that the former It-Couple are simply enjoying the free press that comes with breaking the Internet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go listen to the "All of the Lights" and confirm that I do, in fact, miss the old Kanye.
Lizzo Is Collecting Hollywood Boyfriends Like Infinity Stones And We Should All Take Notes8/26/2021
To quote Lizzo's new bop - ALL THE RUMORS ARE TRUE. Well, not really, but I consider my gossip to be fact, so.
Anyone who's been paying attention to Lizzo knows that she has a magnetic personality, and it's clear that the men of Hollywood are not immune to her charms.
She is seemingly (and effortlessly) curating an entourage of Hollywood boyfriends as she glides her way to the top of the music industry by releasing hit-after-hit and just being naturally hilarious, like the time she confidently cursed on live television at the Grammys.
Now, while I don't know much about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (I only watch the films with hot actors for leads*), I have been peer-pressured into watching the Avengers in theaters in order to participate in public discourse that I don't even care about, so, yes, I know what the infinity stones are. And, while they may make up the superhero universe, the Hollywood men gravitating toward Lizzo make up an even more important universe: pop culture.
*Spider-Man and Captain America
So, without further ado, I present the timeline of Lizzo becoming the modern-day feminist adaptation of Hollywood's Most Eligible Bachelor(ette)* and collecting celebrity men like infinity stones, as she should:
*Sorry, Leo. You had your time. This history lesson (yes, I am taking this seriously, get on board) begins with an obvious choice: Harry Styles.
December 2019: Harry covers Lizzo's hit song "Juice" for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, setting the Internet ablaze by enthusiastically uttering the words, "Somebody come get this man, I think he got lost in my DMs."
January 2020: In a natural turn of events, Lizzo invites Harry onstage in Miami to perform the song together. They're dressed for different climates, but their voices are in perfect harmony. February 2020: To return the compliment, Lizzo covers Harry's hit song "Adore You" for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. Later that month: Lizzo and Harry pack on the PDA at the Brit Awards. Although it was all done in good fun, Lizzo is simply stronger than me for being able to chug her tequila and move on with her night after the fact. March 2021: One year later, Lizzo and Harry reunite at the Grammy Awards to rock pastel outfits, take this cute photo together, and cement their icon statuses. Now, as we all know, Lizzo is certified 100 percent that b*tch, so naturally Harry Styles is not the only man we'll be discussing today. Yes, I am treating this like I am a tenured professor at Columbia University, is there a problem? Obviously, while Harry is busy on tour or on yachts with Olivia Wilde, Lizzo would need someone to occupy her time, yes? This is where Chris Evans comes in. June 2019: One day while on social media, Lizzo was simply minding her business when Captain America himself responded to one of her tweets.
April 2021: Lizzo shares on TikTok that she drunkenly slid into Chris Evans' DMs, using emojis to represent shooting her shot. I can both respect and relate to her move from "I put the sing in single, ain't worried 'bout a ring on my finger" to "Chris Evans, please contact me immediately."
She shared her immediate regret about it... until he not only followed her but RESPONDED.
August 2021: Lizzo jokes on TikTok that she's pregnant with Captain America's baby. HE RESPONDS AGAIN: "Hi! Just heard about our little bundle of joy. My mother will be so happy lol" followed by "Just promise me no gender reveal parties lol." A supportive man with the common sense not to set off fireworks in an enclosed space? Lock it down, Lizzo. (Side note: I love how Chris Evans so often uses "lol" to let her know he's cool with playing along. Meanwhile, I use "lol" when I'm 100 percent serious but trying to be chill.)
Since she has secured both the bag and Captain America's shield as a family heirloom, Lizzo would obviously need someone else to spend her time with while Chris Evans is busy on set or dry-cleaning his Knives Out sweaters.
So, since August notoriously slips away into a moment in time (I'm paraphrasing Taylor Swift lyrics for those of you not in the vicinity to hear me playing it at full volume every day), Lizzo is clearly making the most of this elusive summer month. This week, she decided to be charitable and made a guest appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live", where she got to chat with guest host/charming person, Niall Horan.
But first, let me bring you up to speed:
November 2019: During an interview with BBC Radio 1 (clearly a common facilitator in Lizzo's social life), she shares the story of her first run-in with Niall. He replies something along the lines of Thanos can snap his fingers all he wants, I'm not going anywhere.
To which she so casually responds:
December 2019: During an appearance on "The Tonight Show," Niall recalls this moment (aka Lizzo's impact) during his interview with Jimmy Fallon. Ok, now back to the present. August 2021: A smitten Niall tells Lizzo that his fans have been pushing for the two of them to date since that fated first meeting, so he invites her to play a game of compatibility. Somewhere, Zooey Deschanel's agent is angrily typing an email to Kimmel's producers for stealing the plot of her Celebrity Dating Game reboot that no one is watching.
In my opinion, the highlight of the game is when Niall asks if she would make him sign a pre-nup and Lizzo simply responds, "I want some of that One Direction money." Considering I spent all of my teenage money on One Direction, I would also like to see some of it back in my pocket.
Anyway! Niall ends the segment by inviting her on a date to Dave & Buster's and calling her a queen (which seems like an oxymoron, but it's Niall so we'll allow it), AND the friendly flirting continued back onto Twitter:
Niall not only shared her sentiment, but praised her to his fans. Clearly there is a battle of the One Direction members brewing for her attention, but I think Lizzo will be just fine at multi-tasking.
And that brings you all up to speed! Now that Lizzo has an Avenger and half of of One Direction on speed-dial, I can only guess as to who will join her collection of infinity stone boyfriends next* (though, if we're being honest - at her level, they're more like Bvlgari diamonds.)
*My money is on Dylan O'Brien, but let me know your thoughts in the comments! First of all, I want to say - welcome back. Second of all, you probably know I haven't written on this blog in quite some time; over a year, to be exact. This is because, well, I don't know if you've noticed, but the world has been going through some collective sh*t. As the world starts to open back up, I've been thinking a lot about this blog and how enjoyable it was to write about the fun things I'm passionate about - and, how much I enjoyed hearing feedback and connecting with the people (like you!) who are kind enough to read my work. With that being said, I'd like to offer a glimpse into my life over the last year through the lens of my favorite pop culture moments during - and, I don't know if anyone has used this descriptor yet - such unprecedented times. SUMMER 2020 Taylor Swift turned her life into folklore (see what I did there) and I'm still listening to this album on repeat. My top three songs, you ask? Well, since I have taste: "mirrorball", "august" and "this is me trying" (if only for their bridges that are stronger than most infrastructures I've seen.) July 23rd was the ten year anniversary of One Direction being put together as a band, and if you saw me getting emotional on that day, no you didn't. I was reminded that they've officially been solo artists longer than they were even in the band, so my senior discounts should be activated any day now. Like many other people my age, I was under attack the moment I started watching Normal People. It was adapted from the novel written by Sally Rooney, if only to bring me on a rollercoaster of emotions and to bring Paul Mescal and his gold chain the honored title of "The Internet's Boyfriend." FALL 2020 This is Harry Styles' world and we're simply living in it. When he graced the cover of Vogue (the first solo man to do it, thank you very much!) in a dress, he sparked a debate over whether or not "men are still manly" - to which he posted the photo with the caption "Bring back manly men." And, to that I say, we have no choice but to continue to stan. In movie news, Christopher Nolan's Tenet debuted to mixed reviews, but Robert Pattinson looked super hot the entire time so I didn't understand what the problem was. Some people just don't know how to appreciate art*, I guess. *Robert Pattinson's blond highlights. In music news, I accidentally listened to "Positions" by Ariana Grande on repeat too many times and made it my most-listened to song of the year on Spotify. WINTER 2020-21 It turns out folklore had a sister, and her name is evermore. This album is also still on repeat, and I'm not-so-patiently waiting for the second installment of the "long pond sessions" (a behind-the-scenes acoustic album she did for folklore) that I fear will never come. Until then, I'll continue to hype up the holy trinity of "champagne problems", "ivy" and "cowboy like me." You should've expected to see Harry Styles on this list more than once, and if you didn't then that's unfortunately on you. He dropped the black-and-white music video for his song "Treat People With Kindness" at the start of the new year, and seeing him as a modern-day Fred Astaire sweeping Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame off her feet isn't something I knew I needed to see, and yet... "Driver's License" by Olivia Rodrigo also dropped at the start of the new year, setting off her quick (and deserved) rise to fame. This is the type of song I know would've ruined my life in high school. SPRING 2021 The interview that shook the world. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially left the royal family and took to the nicest backyard I've ever seen to air out their family laundry with America's Queen, Oprah. The amount of tea spilled during this interview was enough to give Britain flashbacks to the Revolutionary War, and I'm so happy for Harry and Meghan that they are free to live their own lives. I also look forward to Prince Harry inevitably hosting Saturday Night Live next season. One for all and all for Bennifer. This iconic couple reunited after J.Lo realized she could do better than A-Rod and peaced out of there, leaving him with all the free time in the world to continue sliding into the DMs of Bravo stars. Even though I was a toddler the first time around, I am so here for this couple and encourage them to continue giving us all the PDA and paparazzi shots. Celebrity is theater, and they are the only Hollywood It Couple currently delivering on that note. Taylor Swift kicked off her upcoming re-records with Fearless (Taylor's Version) and instantly brought me back to 2008 with songs like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me." She also included six new songs from her vault of unreleased music ("Don't You" is my favorite), and they're all bops in their own right that I can't imagine how none of them ended up on the original cut of the album. KARDASHIAN KORNER At this point, I'm a certified Kardashian expert, so you can imagine my surprise when they announced that their current season would be their last without so much as a phone call. I guess I always just thought they'd be on my TV forever, but at least I have their re-runs to watch while I online shop. Unfortunately, I'm like a goldfish and I can't remember a single piece of celebrity gossip that happened last year - BUT, I do know that this year has been all about new "it couple" Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. In my opinion, they are the A-list version of Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, so may the best pretty-woman-and-tattooed-tall-man couple win. And, of course, this... oh, Kimye. The end of an era. Pouring one out for her nude wardrobe and mausoleum-style home that I'm sure she now has no idea what to do with. SUMMER 2021 Well! Now you're all caught up on me, and I'm so excited to get this blog back up and running again. And, it's just in time to close out the summer and prepare for Sad Girl Autumn, thanks in large part to Taylor Swift's "RED" re-record announcement: Stay tuned for more from me, and feel free to let me know of anything you'd like me to write about! (Within reason, I am not a court jester.) Something you may or may not know about me is that my favorite genre of television is pretty much anything written or produced by Mindy Kaling (The Office, The Mindy Project, Four Weddings and a Funeral... you get it), so it wasn't much of a surprise when I watched Never Have I Ever on Netflix and realized this comedy could potentially be her best show yet. Never Have I Ever follows an Indian-American teenager named Devi, who makes it her mission in life to improve her social status at school and establish a cool identity for herself. Over the course of ten episodes, we see moments of laughter and moments of full tears as Devi balances friendship troubles, unrequited love, cultural and familial expectations, and, most significantly, the death of her father. This show (which is based on Mindy Kaling's childhood) authentically tackles these themes and more, and it's one that everyone needs to be watching. I could think of a hundred reasons why you should watch this show, but I'll limit them to a few; you can thank me later: 1. Devi is a complex and flawed lead character ...which makes her relatable and someone to root for. From her struggles with insecurity and grief to her boldness and desire to go after what she wants, Devi represents an average teenager just trying to figure out her life. We see her act selfishly and project her problems and emotions onto other people; but, we also see her in her most honest moments, revealing to us that she's just a 15-year-old girl who misses her dad and has no idea who she is or what her place is in the world. She's been dealt her fair share of bad cards, so it would be weird if she was some perfectly adjusted high-schooler (which only exist on the CW.) Instead, we watch her make mistakes, learn from them, make more mistakes (and so on) in a thoughtful way. Also, she's hilarious and her comebacks are unmatched. 2. The family dynamic will make you laugh and also cry uncontrollably Devi's intensity and quick wit doesn't fall far from the tree. Her mom, Nalini, must hold their family together after her husband dies, but she struggles to remain strong as we watch her complicated relationship with Devi unfold. In her lighter concerned parent moments, however, we see she actually has a smart sense of humor with incredible timing. Meanwhile, Devi can't help but compare herself to Kamala, her seemingly perfect cousin from India who's studying for her Ph.d. while deciding if an arranged marriage is what she's meant for; we also see her discover Riverdale, which is hilarious in and of itself. Through good times and bad, these three women depict a family in their most vulnerable times in a genuinely heartfelt way. 3. Devi's dad will make you fall in love with him and then break your heart into a million pieces It's an emotional rollercoaster. The relationship that Devi has with her father, Mohan, is so emotional and sweet, and every time I see them together I start crying. Even when we see just a glimpse of him in a flashback, it makes me feel similar emotions to when I see flashbacks of Jack in This Is Us, aka a complete punch to the stomach. He's also very handsome, and will change the way you view mopeds and tennis forever; those are specific references, I know, but they'll make sense when you watch. 4. PAXTON HALL-YOSHIDA Enough said! Except that I have many more words to say about this character. As the object of Devi's affection (and sometimes obsession), Paxton is your typical misunderstood star athlete with a heart of gold (occasionally) and abs of steel (always.) Devi is determined to get Paxton to be her boyfriend, but her plan to get there doesn't exactly go according to plan. Anyone who's seen this show already knows that Paxton is the real deal; I just know that Noah Centineo is off somewhere clutching onto his Netflix Boyfriend title, and he better hold on tight. 5. It will remind you how great the frenemies trope is Devi and her arch nemesis, Ben, have such great banter as frenemies that you almost don't want them to become actual friends. They're in constant competition to one-up each other, but as the show progresses it becomes clear that they might have more in common than they think (and that Ben has his own problems and is also super funny in his own right.) Their relationship really begins to evolve on an overnight school trip for Model U.N, which gives us a glimpse into their connection and also Devi's perfect delivery of the line: "What now, Mr. Chairman? I'm all nuked up!" 6. It will also remind how you true friendship isn't perfect Devi is part of a friendship trio that, at the start, seems unbreakable. Eleanor, an aspiring actress with a flair for the dramatics, and Fabiola, a reserved tech nerd who's coming to terms with her sexuality, both prove to be great friends to Devi; but, when Devi takes on her new journey, she often fails to be a great friend in return and quickly learns that the term BFF isn't always literal. Through their ups and downs, we're reminded that friendship requires effort and appreciation to be truly great, and no one is worth ignoring the people who truly matter. Also, their Tik Tok video of them dancing to "My Fit" by Mad Circuit is Emmy-worthy. 7. It's being recognized for breaking stereotypes and paving the way for more South Asian representation in Hollywood Both Mindy Kaling and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (the actress who plays Devi) have made a point to acknowledge that this is just one story out of so many others that exist and deserve to be told. There is still so much progress to be made in terms of authentic representation and diversity in Hollywood - and, considering Never Have I Ever received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (which is basically unheard of) and ranked as the #1 show on Netflix in TEN (10) countries, I think it's safe to say that stories like Devi's are exactly the kind of stories that people want to watch and that Hollywood should be making! After writing this blog, I've convinced myself to watch Never Have I Ever (again) and I encourage you to do the same!
The Met Gala is one of my favorite events of the year, because if there's one thing I love it's critiquing celebrities in extravagant outfits while I sit on my couch in leggings and an oversized T-shirt. This year's theme, "About Time: Fashion and Duration", was meant to be, according to Vogue, a "reimagining of fashion history that’s fragmented, discontinuous, and heterogeneous." It was partly inspired by Virginia Woolf's novel (and the film adaptation of the same name), Orlando, which is a story about time-traveling. Basically, time is a continuum and fashion is constantly pulling from everywhere. Deep, I know. While the Met Gala was canceled this year for obvious reasons, this theme about time presents the perfect opportunity for me to revisit some of my favorite looks from last year and share them with you: Harry Styles in Gucci If you've read this blog before or just know me personally, then this choice should not be a shock to you. When I watched Harry Styles step onto the pink carpet last year in this all-black look, my shriek set off my Alexa. From the sheer top revealing all his tattoos to the black nail polish and accent rings to the DANGLY PEARL EARRING, there's no way this wasn't making the list. Harry Styles is constantly proving to us that there's a fine line between masculinity and femininity in fashion, and it's a border that he so effortlessly balances on. Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell If anyone knows Camp it's Lady Gaga, and she didn't disappoint last year. Working her way through not one but FOUR looks on the pink carpet, Miss Stefani Germanotta gave us a full performance - as true stars like her do. I debated writing a pun based on a A Star Is Born, but I couldn't decide on "We'll always remember her this way" or "A star was already born before Bradley Cooper decided she was one." Either way, it's true! Kacey Musgraves in Moschino When country superstar Kacey Musgraves pulled up to the Met last year in a pink Corvette dressed as classic Barbie, I was already floored. Then, I saw her hair-dryer bag and almost passed out. Camp is already an eccentric theme in and of itself, so her decision to show up as an iconic pop culture figure was just icing on the cake. Also, can we talk about how that blonde wig makes her look like a young Dolly Parton?? Elle Fanning in Miu Miu Also inspired by Barbie but a '70s version, Elle Fanning looked like a modern-day I Dream of Jeannie on the pink carpet last year. From the high ponytail and coral color scheme to the colorful jewelry and bedazzled manicure, I'm tempted to wear this exact outfit for Halloween this year. (If anyone knows where I can get a version of this look for $20, please text me.) Zendaya in Tommy Hilfilger Just when I thought I'd seen all there was to see last year, Zendaya showed up as a better version of Cinderella (I said what I said.) I'm a sucker for gowns that are all tricked out to light up, and this was also a softer look for Zendaya than she usually goes for (even though she can and does pull off everything.) She's become a major source of style envy for me over the years, so she was the perfect choice to close the night (also, who would try to top this?) If there were any looks I missed (I didn't), feel free to let me know. Also, if anyone from E! News is reading this, please bring back Fashion Police; we need it now more than ever.
Two weeks ago, Netflix released a new original series called Outer Banks, which is simultaneously a cross between The Goonies/Dawson's Creek and also the only thing keeping me going. The show follows main character, John B (who I fell in love with .5 seconds into the pilot)... ...as he pursues a treasure hunt linked to the disappearance of his father. With help from his best friends - JJ (our sweet prince who must be protected at all costs)... ...Pope (the voice of reason)... ...and Kiara aka Kie (the queen bee)... ...they embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure throughout the Outer Banks over the course of ten episodes. If you need some convincing to watch this show, then you're in luck because I have no problem listing reasons why you should listen to me: 1. You will immediately want to become a Pogue In this show, the island is socially classified into two groups: the Kooks (the haves) and the Pogues (the have-nots.) John B and his friends proudly refer to themselves as Pogues, and I'm patiently waiting for my invitation in the mail to join their group; I'm not joking, this would be on the same level as getting an acceptance letter from Hogwarts if I cared about Harry Potter. 2. It will remind you of summer and simpler times The story happens over the course of the summer, and the ambience ranges in hue from golden yellow to soft blues and pinks - making it difficult not to think back on warm summer days while you watch. You'll also be reminded of when you used to spend your summers outside all day and long for when it was acceptable to end the day looking like you'd been lost in the wilderness for weeks. *A side effect, however, is that it will definitely make you wish you spent your summers as a teenager hanging out on a boat with these characters and driving around town in a retro van, all the while dealing with unrequited love and trying to solve a high-stakes treasure hunt. One can dream, right? (Netflix, please call me.) 3. JJ will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of character development Like I mentioned, JJ must be protected at all costs and I am willing to join the fight. Not only does he provide much-needed comic relief for the show, he also serves intense moments of emotion that make me fully sob (when you get to the Hot Tub Scene TM, you will understand my pain.) To put it simply, our boy has ~range~ and we must all put respect on his name. 4. You will show up for the adventure and stay for the classic teen drama As if the constant adventures and plot twists aren't enough, all of the characters in this show are basically caught up in one big love hexagon - aka the foundation of any good teen drama. When the element of Pogues vs. Kooks comes into play, it only makes things that much complicated for everyone involved and, therefore, that much more interesting for me. 5. It includes a classic makeover scene that's basically an adventure within the adventure When John B and the queen of the Kooks, Sarah Cameron, end up on an undercover mission, we're treated to a makeover montage that lets us know she's got money and he's got abs. Everyone knows that any great teen show includes at least one (1) rags-to-riches montage, and Outer Banks definitely delivers (I wouldn't expect anything less from these creative geniuses.) 6. I cannot overstate the perfection of this cast If Netflix is looking for someone to join the cast for season two, then I'm available. Even if they aren't looking, I'm still available. I may not have any acting experience, but I'm already pretending like I'm part of this friend group, anyway, so they might as well just let me audition. A simple request, I know. 7. It's an original idea and we need to support original ideas in TV and film If I have to see one more derivative of the same shows and movies I've already seen, I'm going to lose it. Outer Banks, however, feels completely fresh and stands out among a saturated market of reboots and remakes. I, personally, will be heartbroken if this show doesn't get renewed for a second season, so I think you can all take one for the team (me) and watch this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go rewatch this show and figure out how to become an honorary Pogue.
While we all know that practicing social distancing and only going out in public for things like essential groceries is the right thing to do right now, that doesn't mean we aren't all allowed to feel disappointed in the things we're missing out on. Trust me, I'm not one to complain about staying home, but even I get moments where I feel down about it and need a good laugh. If you're like me, then you're in luck (for many reasons), but specifically because I've compiled a list of my favorite TV comedies to help get you through this time (you can thank me later): 1. New Girl I've probably watched enough of this show for the both of us, but you should still watch. New Girl follows a group of roommates as they navigate life, love, and friendship against all odds (and by "odds" I mean getting in their own way through crazy antics and the occasional self-sabotage.) Not only is each character hysterical in their own right (I quote Schmidt on a daily basis), but their honest portrayal of the dynamic between true friends is what makes the show so special. If you love Friends but don't have $100 million to get it put back on Netflix for another year, this show is for you. Where To Watch: Netflix 2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine Following a group of detectives working in the 99th precinct of the NYPD, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is my go-to right now (and always.) Not only does it star comedy royalty (and my celebrity crush) Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, but it also has six seasons and counting of hilarious moments from an equally hilarious ensemble (aside from Jake, the iconic Gina Linetti and incomparable Captain Holt are my favorite characters.) Some of the best episodes are ones with the Halloween Heist or appearances from the Pontiac Bandit, and once you watch you'll understand why. Where To Watch: Hulu, nbc.com 3. The Mindy Project I'm currently watching this show from the beginning (again) and it's just as good as I remember. You probably know Mindy Kaling as the pop-culture-obsessed Kelly Kapoor from The Office, but her role as still-pop-culture-obsessed-but-more-complex-and-multi-dimensional Mindy Lahiri is even better. In The Mindy Project, Mindy plays a doctor who tries her best to navigate life without the romantic comedy expectations she's held onto for so long. With help from her co-workers (especially Danny, her will-they-or-won't-they counterpart, and Morgan, who is so hysterically weird), Mindy embraces everything that comes her way and asserts herself as the star of her own life. Where To Watch: Hulu 4. Superstore I discovered this show recently and wondered how I made it this long without knowing it existed. Superstore follows a group of employees who work in a big-box store and the daily situations they get themselves into. For anyone who loves the funny workplace antics of shows like The Office and Parks and Rec but have already watched those shows too many times, Superstore is the perfect addition to that category. Not only does it have a diverse cast of great actors, but it also has the classic will-they-or-won't-they trope between main characters Amy and Jonah (above) that rivals that of Jim and Pam (I said what I said.) Where To Watch: Hulu, nbc.com 5. 30 Rock Anyone who knows me knows that I love Tina Fey, so this choice shouldn't be a surprise. Loosely based on Tina Fey's time at Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock follows Liz Lemon (Fey) as the head writer of a comedy sketch show in New York. When her new boss (Alec Baldwin) orders her to hire a famous (and unpredictable) movie star (Tracy Morgan), it throws a wrench into the show as she knows it and chaos ensues for seven great seasons. Not only was 30 Rock critically-acclaimed throughout its entire run, but it's also considered to be one of the best TV shows of all time (by people other than me who are in the industry and actually have the authority to say that.) Where To Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video While these may be my favorite TV comedies to watch, any show that brings you laughs and comfort during this time will do! (But seriously, at least consider my suggestions, I put time into this.)
Spring is officially here, which you might not know considering we're all practicing social distancing and spending much of our time trying to entertain ourselves within the confines of our own homes. Despite the fact that we can't really spend much time outside right now, we can all still celebrate the fact that winter is over (even if we can't really tell the difference from our temperature-controlled homes.) If you need some help getting into the spring spirit (is that a thing? I'm making it a thing), here are a few ways to embrace the new season: 1. Watch movies and TV shows that take place in warm climates and try to remember what that weather feels like. I usually do this anyway because I love to watch things that take place in California and wish I was there. If you're going to be spending an indefinite amount of time inside with your TV while spring blooms outside, I recommend watching a show like The O.C. or a movie like Clueless to remind you that warm weather does, in fact, exist, and we'll all get to go outside and enjoy it again eventually. 2. Make a playlist of your dream Coachella lineup that you would get to see if Coachella didn't get cancelled and also if you could ever afford to go to Coachella. I've spent a lot of time listening to music considering there's not much else to do, and I love making playlists to share with people even though no one wants them. A lot of people who were planning on going to Coachella (must be nice) were upset to hear that the famous music festival that they go to just to get pictures for Instagram and/or alcohol poisoning was cancelled, so my advice is to make a playlist of all the songs and artists that you'd like to see live from the California desert if you ever had the chance. Mine would probably just be a One Direction reunion every night for both weekends, but yours can be whatever you want! 3. Eat as much candy as you want in the name of Easter even if you don't celebrate Easter. Whether you're celebrating the life of Jesus or you're just someone who likes discounted candy and pastel colors, now's your chance to celebrate this holiday a few weeks early. I'm pretty sure there's protein or something in chocolate and that it's actually good for you (don't fact-check me), so feel free to add it to every meal. Even if you want some of the more sugary candies like Starbursts and Skittles (yes, please), is there really going to be a better time than right now to treat yourself? That's what I thought. 4. If you're at home with your family, turn up the heat and then blame it on your sibling when you get caught. If you're really in need of that warm spring weather, just slowly turn the heat up in increments throughout the day until you get the temperature you want. I do this all the time and never get away with it, but it's the effort that counts. 5. Draw a picture of springtime to hold you over until you can enjoy the real thing outside. This is basically a rock-bottom type of boredom, but taking crayon to paper could be a fun distraction. It might also remind you of simpler times when your biggest worry was finding the right shade of blue for the sky and deciding whether or not to draw sunglasses on the sun (the answer is always yes, it's what makes the sun cool, duh.) Either way, drawing a field of flowers might be just what you need to get in the spring spirit (see, I told you I was making that a thing!) These are just a few ways to get excited for spring until we can enjoy the real thing - and just remember that the sooner we all follow directions to social distance, the sooner we can all enjoy this new season and return to our daily lives!
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