Who Are You Wearing?: Oscars 2013

It always takes a village to get me together for big red carpets, so here is a list of my team for Oscars 2013.  Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get me to look my best at such an early hour. It isn't easy!

Here's a list of people I need to thank publicly:

Stylist: Roni B.

Dress by Chagoury Couture--Thanks to Gilbert and Marco for always taking such good care of me.

Jewelry by Charles Winston--Charles and I go back to my ShopNBC days!

Shoes by Stuart Weitzman--They were comfortable!

Hair by Melissa Malkasion from Lukaro

Makeup by Sara Hernandez

Skin Care by Marianne Kehoe Skin Studio

Mani/Pedi by Heather at Hands to Hold

Eyebrows by Sudi at Hands to Hold

Trainers: Monica and Chappell at Yogaworks

Chagoury Couture's Fall/Winter 2012 Sneak Peek

Love this dress, love this model who stuck a pose for me.

It's no secret that I love Chagoury Couture and you've seen me in their gowns here, here, and here.  So when I was invited to take a look at their Fall/Winter 2012 collection, I immediately called my stylist, Roni B. and told her she was going to come with me.  Yep, that was an order.  Gilbert Chagoury creates amazing silhouettes for women that drape and hug the body in such a flattering way.  Every time I put on one of his gowns, I feel good about what I am wearing and how my body looks.  That is a hard thing to accomplish since women are so notoriously critical of their figures.

The evening was all about "Philanthropy of Fashion" to create awareness for the Children of War Foundation where twenty percent of the evening's proceeds were donated to the charity. The keynote speaker was Dr. Mark Urata, the Chief of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.  He spoke of his work with children who had cleft palates and how they were often mistreated in their cultures because they different.  With simple procedures to correct the cleft palate, the children were able to go on to lead normal lives.  Small things can make a big difference.  Dr. Urata's work has also been seen on a bigger scale working with separating conjoined twins.  His work truly is a miracle.  To learn more about the foundation or to donate to the cause, click here.

Now, here is what you have been waiting for, a sneak peek at Chagoury Couture's Fall/Winter 2012 line.  I think my Oscar dress is in here, can you pick out which one it is?

 I love this color.  Perfect for the red carpet.

 The flowing lines of this dress is what captured my attention.

 Look at the incredible beading on this dress.  

 Every angle is consider with a Chagoury Couture gown. 

 Divine.......

 I love this shot from the window, very Toulouse-Lautrec inspired lighting.  You can see how packed the event was.

 Roni B!

Me in my new Ted Baker dress from this event. 

Many thanks to Gilbert Chagoury and Marco D'Angelo for the invite to the event and for always being so gracious in letting me wear their designs on the red carpet.  It's such an honor and privilege.  

Hollywood Secrets: Reality Show Edition

I always love demystifying Hollywood whether it is from the "days of yore" (Guess which show that quote is from) or taking current accepted practices in the entertainment industry and revealing the truth. Today's edition of Hollywood secrets is telling you the truth about reality shows.......they aren't real.  Here are three things to think about:

1. The Kardashian House:  Yes, I try to keep this site as Kardashian-free as possible, but this fact irks me.  The house that they show in Keeping Up With The Kardashians is not even in Calabasas.  It is in Studio City on a heavily-traveled street that not only counts George Clooney as a neighbor, but it is also the exit of a well-trafficked canyon and hiking trail in LA.  This house is so recognizable, I have no idea why the producers tried to pretend that it is their home. (I know the Kardashians want privacy, but this home is SO well-known.)  In fact, they need to figure out what they are going to do for next season because the house is for sale. I hope the new owners negotiate a fat fee to pass their home off as a Kardashian home.  Below are a few photos I took on my recent hike and check out a recent real estate article about this farce.

2.  Housewives:  Let's all just admit it, most of us watch one franchise or the other.  I am a huge fan of the Beverly Hills edition because it is so close to home.  The stories that have evolved from this series are dramatic and often tragic, but they are real.  It's is sometimes hard to remember that what we are watching on camera is a person's real life.  This fact hit me on Friday when I was at the GBK Productions MTV Movie Awards gifting suite when I interviewed Taylor Armstrong who has had a tough year.  In my mind, she is always crying, breaking down, and fighting demons in her life because that is what I have watched on the show the last two seasons.  Well, it was refreshing to see her happy and full of joy during our interview.  She couldn't confirm that they were currently filming the next season, but I can confirm they are.  Let's hope her story takes a turn towards happiness:



If you want to see the Chagoury Couture dress we both wore and mentioned in this interview, click here.


3.  The Bachelor:  This is probably one of the most fake shows on TV.  I used to watch it for the cheese factor, but it is amazing to me how many people buy into this fantasy. If you don't believe me, go visit my friend, Reality Steve.  He will give you the inside scoop on the smoke and mirrors of this franchise.  I honestly think this show needs to fade away, but y'all keep watching.  Stop it!  Anyway, here's a 2010 interview with Vienna Girardi, "winner" of Jake Pavelka's season.  She debunks the fancy food and timeline of the show.  You can see her comments at the 1:14 mark:



What do you think about the "reality" of reality television and why do you keep watching The Bachelor?

Who Are You Wearing: Oscars 2012

I have always said "it takes a village" to put me together for big awards shows and the 84th Annual Academy Awards were no exception. My team did an incredible job pulling together clothing, jewelry, and the right lip color for last Sunday.  Without them, I would have been on that red carpet in my yoga pants and Ugg Boots.  So, thank you to Team KB for making me look WAY better than I do in real life. Your early morning efforts were beyond appreciated.

Let's give kudos to them:

Stylist : Roni B 

- (http://www.RoniB.com)

Hair : Lisa Cavalone

- (http://www.Lukaro.com)

Make-Up : Carolina Groppa 

- (http://www.CarolinaGroppa.com)

Dress : Chagoury Couture (And an article about who they dressed this year!)

- (http://www.ChagouryCouture.com)

Jewelry : Charles Winston (Rings, Bracelets)

- (http://www.CharlesWinston.com)

Earrings: Swarovski Crystal

Shoes:  Guess (I've worn these a million times.)

Yes, my toes were blue to match my dress. 

On The Red Carpet at the 84th Annual Academy Awards: The Interviews

Can you tell I am excited to be there?

I was covering Hollywood's biggest night for Starpulse this year and you can read the article here. I am very excited by the interviews we were able to secure this year thanks to the new online media section on the red carpet.  It was the perfect place for us to be and you will see with our interviews with Tony Bennett, Demian Bechir, Meryl Streep, Berenice Bejo, and more that this red carpet was a hot one.  So, watch our interviews and let me know what you think.  Who was your favorite at the Oscars this year?

The Wrap's Pre-Oscars Party

Dress by V.Mora. (Details to come next week!)

We hit a hot red carpet on Wednesday night thanks to TheWrap.com who hosted a fantastic Pre-Oscars party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.  If you have seen any of my recent press junkets, they also usually happen at the Four Seasons, so yeah, the doormen know me at that hotel.  I am officially a part of the regular press circuit now.  That's pretty cool.

But, back to that red carpet!  How does Oscar Nominee, Demian Bechir in a custom cut suit sound to you?  So hot and so nice.  I also had the opportunity to speak with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close nominee, Max von Sydow, who is just such a lovely man.  While I was not a huge fan of the movie, I must say his nomination is well-deserved.  Other celebs included Missi Pyle from The Artist who bonded with me over our love for Chagoury Couture as well as Jane Seymour, and Dennis Haysbert.  

Check out our night of interviews and my custom dress from V. Mora Designs. I will talk more about the dress next week and give you the inside scoop on the charity we are donating it to.

   

Oscars Friday Five

Here's an Oscars Friday Five to help kick off what is going to be a very exciting week in Hollywood.  It will be filled with interviews, multiple wardrobe changes in my car (which I am getting quite good at.) and meals on the run.  I can't think of a better way to spend my week...

1. News Talk 690:  Tim Lewis labeled me a "red carpet diva"-the best compliment ever.  Listen to our interview and see the article.  Tim asked incredibly insightful questions and I really enjoyed my time on air with him.

2.  Red Carpet Report:  My insider's look at the Best Actor and Actress Oscar race. Who did I pick?  Find out:


3.  Kodak Theatre:  If you heard the news this week, the Kodak Theatre name is coming down due to Kodak's bankruptcy issues.  I am going to refer you to this post I did in 2009 and I mentioned my love of this theatre in my recent feature in The Gold Knight Blog.  The theatre has a significant role in my career and I will be sorry to see the name go away.......

4.  Chagoury Couture:  I'm not ready to reveal my Oscars dress until February 26th (Trust me, it's gorgeous!), but I want to give a little love to Marco D'Angelo and Gilbert Chagoury for continually dressing me every time I have a big event.  My Oscars dress last year was executed divinely and my Tonys dress was probably my favorite dress of 2011.  Go visit their site and see what everyone is raving about.

5. Reese Witherspoon:  Check out my iVillage interview with the 2006 Oscar winner, Reese Witherspoon, about her new film, This Means War.  The movie is a fun ride and if you are looking for a fun romp at the movie theatre this weekend, buy a ticket to this flick. (And after seeing her in person, she's definitely not pregnant.)

It's Showtime: The Tony Awards

All of my videos will be posted over on Starpulse as soon as I finish editing!  It was such an incredible night to celebrate the tradition of the American theatre.  I really hope all of you support a show at some point whether it is your local community show or a production on the Great White Way.  Nothing gives back more in art than an electrifying performance surrounded by an audience witnessing the same incredible energy and inspiration.

A huge thanks to everyone who helped me get on the red carpet last night.  First, the village that gets me gussied up to look like a better version of myself:

Dress:  Chagoury Couture (Who also kindly dressed me for the Oscars this year!)
Shoes:  Guess (You've seen these before.)
Jewelry:  Downtown LA (Yep, I went the affordable route.)
Stylist:  Roni B.
Hair and Makeup:  Ellen Zolezzi

To my camerawoman and encyclopedia of musical theatre geek knowledge...thank you!  This adventure would not have been as fun without you!

Camerawoman/Musical Theatre Geek, Anne Mureau.

Finally, here is some unedited footage, but this explains it all.  Why I love the theatre, why I love it when dreams come true, and why I was so happy to be on the red carpet.  My interview with Tony and Academy Award winner, Joel Grey and the story of how he made a huge impact on my life back when I was 16-years old.  

More photos, stories, and videos will be up later on Starpulse. (I have to fly home to LA first!)

All About The Dress

Aryeh designed this dress and also THIS one that I wore to ITVFest 2010.

I received so many inquiries about this dress from the ElfQuest fan trailer premiere, so I figured that it merited its own post.  Many thanks to Roni B. for styling me and to her mom, Sonia, for making sure the dress fit just right. (I actually picked up the dress an hour before hair/makeup in a grocery store parking lot!)  If you haven't read my post about The Undergarments Edition, now would be a good time to do so.  I was taped and pastied within every inch of my décolletage.  It wasn't the night for wardrobe malfunctions when you are broadcasting live.

Here is all of the scoop on my outfit:

Dress:   Aryeh, $65, available at Roni B.
Shoes:  Guess, from 6 years ago!
Jewelry:  Bracelet, ring:  Aldo, from 4 years ago!
               Garnet Necklace:  Gift from Prague
               Earrings: Gifted from Charles Winston, 14K White Gold 8mm Moissanite studs

Makeup:  Carolina Groppa

If you played along with my tongue-in-cheek poll last week of Who Wore It Best?  Here are the results:

I think you guys were just being nice because it is my site, but I love, love, love those who voted for "This poll is lame".  I'm glad someone has a sense of humor.  I honestly think the real winner is Chagoury Couture, they get free publicity any time someone wears their dress on the red carpet.  It's a no-lose situation.

Who Wore It Best?

Okay, I've never had this happen, but it finally did!  Someone wore the same dress that I did, different events, but the exact dress from Chagoury Couture.  You've seen the this feature in US Weekly and People, it's time we do it here at Red Carpet Closet!  In this corner, the tall and lithe, Taylor Armstrong, from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a true champion of Chagoury Couture wearing the dress to the Bravo upfronts.  In this corner, KB (me!), also a lover of Chagoury Couture, noticeably shorter than Ms. Armstrong, but rockin' the curves of the dress at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills after the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.  (You may have seen the dress in this post.)

It's time to vote!  You have 4 options to choose from and the winning response will be announced on Monday, April 11th.  That means you have until Sunday, April 10th at 11:59PM PST to vote.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Just as a reminder, this dress was kindly loaned to me from Chagoury Couture for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. This poll is just for fun. I am okay if I lose this poll, I already won by having the privilege of wearing this beautiful design.

Who Are You Wearing?

I received so many questions about my outfit and my overall look, so here is the entire rundown.  I joked that it took a village to put me together, but I wasn't kidding.  I am so grateful to the team that assisted me, not only for their time and patience, but for really helping me shine on Oscar Sunday.

Stylist:  Roni Binshtock:  You know I talk about her all of the time, but her talents are immense and she was with me every step of the way.  She even made a last minute decision to bring me a stunning gray Sans Souci wrap that I wore through most of my red carpet interviews. (It was cold!)

Hair: Ozlem Dalgic:  She has done my hair now for two Academy Award shows and the DGA Awards.  No one does it better.

Makeup:  Carolina Groppa:  This gal has held me together for the last month and I don't know what I would do without her.  (Thanks, Bonnie Gillespie!)  My makeup and lashes held for a marathon 14 hours and that is impressive in my book.

Dress #2 outside of the after-Oscar party at the Polo Lounge.

Dress:  Chagoury Couture:  Gilbert Chagoury and Marco D'Angelo loaned me the most beautiful gown with such delicate beadwork on the flower.  It fit me like a glove, I felt like a million bucks, and it had two front pockets that added to the comfort of the gown.  After the show, I was able to change into a short dress with draping and incredible trimming on the sleeve and strap.  Thank you, gentlemen!

Even in a goofy iPhone shot, that Charles Winston ring is divine.

  My beautiful Charles Winston bracelet to accessorize my gown.

And don't forget my Charles Winston earrings!

Jewelry:  Charles Winston: I worked with Charles Winston on air back in my ShopNBC days.  I emailed him asking to borrow jewelry.  He immediately said "yes' and he and his partner, Sandy McMillan, made sure I had everything I needed and more.  The cocktail ring alone drew so many compliments, I knew I made the right choice in contacting Charles.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the entire team because I could not have done it without you.  Your contributions to my big night were immeasurable.

Just a few more photos that show the incredible beadwork on my Chagoury Couture gown.....