Bachelor Pad 2: Vienna Girardi

I've been notoriously critical of The Bachelor franchise, but we all know it is my own fault for even watching the manipulative, scripted (UPDATED:  One of my Bachelor pals corrected me and she would know, there is no scripting whatsoever on The Bachelor franchise.) reality show.  After spending another Monday night wasted on the couch watching Bachelor Pad 2 with the immature shenanigans of Kasey and Vienna, I was reminded of an interview I did with Vienna Girardi in September 2010 during Emmys Week.  I spoke a bit about my interview in a post I did after the event.  Hmmm, after last night's episode, I am not sure my 2010 assessment was correct.  If she hated the manipulation of The Bachelor franchise so much, why is she appearing on Bachelor Pad 2?  If it was so bad, wouldn't you stay far away from ever participating in a reality show again?  Money talks and when Mike Fleiss calls, most former Bachelor contestants say "yes".  Watch my interview with Vienna Girardi and let me know what you think:

Mad Men Delayed

Photo courtesy of AMC.

It's very rare that I love a show to its core:  Sex and the City (SATC), Gilmore Girls (GG), and Mad Men. While I can watch SATC and GG in its entirety in reruns and from my DVD collection, I am left hanging from Season 4's finale with Mad Men. Yesterday, AMC and Matt Weiner announced that I have to wait until 2012. The rumor I heard from an inside source is that March 2012 is the earliest we will see the show.  So, they are telling me it's okay for fans to have to wait 12 months until a new episode is revealed and the answers to my questions are resolved.  Is anyone else worried about Don Draper?  He was in the middle of an alcoholic breakdown!  What about Peggy?  She's so strong, yet so secretly fragile.  And Sally Draper needs some guidance!  Heck, by the time they start filming Mad Men again, Kiernan Shipka (Sally) will have grown six inches. So, in the meantime, I am in mourning.  I guess I will Netflix Seasons 1-4 and milk every episode until Don Draper pours another drink and enters my living room with a swagger.

Here are a few Mad Men posts to tide you over until 2012....yeah, right.
1. Mad Men Withdrawal--you are going to suffering through a lot of this in 2011.

2. Mad Men Monday--some fun places you can find little Mad Men nuggets of information from QVC to my interview with Kiernan Shipka at the Saturn Awards.

3. Emmys, Part 2:  Photos with my favorite gal, Kiernan Shipka, at the Emmys gifting suite.  Maybe I will run into her again during the Kids' Choice Awards gifting suite?  I will keep you posted on any Mad Men sightings.

Now the big question is:  What are you going to do with your Sunday nights this summer/fall?

Chicago to LA and back........

Life couldn't be any more hectic right now.  I am in the midst of hosting Toyota Live at the Chicago Auto Show all while having to fly back to LA for 36 hours to host Live Connect for Toyota and their new Entune launch.  To add to the excitement, I had a bit of Oscar dress drama since Inside Edition scooped up two of my planned outfits for their hosts.  Remember I talked about that red carpet hierarchy?  Oh yeah, it exists and I experienced it. Everything was ironed out though and I appreciate all of the dresses that have been loaned to me for Oscar events.  So, I am off to set for the Live Connect show and then back to the airport to finish my gig in Chicago, but of course, home in time for Oscars Week on Monday. Phew!

Many thanks to Web Series Network for the feature on Mingle Media Network and our red carpet coverage.  I like the photo they chose because I look like a bad ass and it is from our last awards show outing, Emmys Week!

Article below:

JD Piche & Kristyn Burtt of Mingle Media TV To Cover 83rd Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet Ceremony February 27th

Mingle Media TV Network celebrated their 1st year anniversary on February 8th 2011 and over the past 12 months has covered industry events from the Daytime Emmy's (where one of their LIVE web show hosts won her 3rd National Emmy) to numerous film festivals, award shows, celebrity fundraisers, web series launches and gifting suites.

This year MMTVN was granted credentials for the Oscars and has started covering the event from the nominee announcement on January 25th. The MMTVN crew consist of Kristyn Burtt, well-known for her show 'The Web Files' and producer/videographer JD Piche.

Here's their first event video with Kristyn doing her standup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw0qJdTOxGs

Here's Kristyn and JD behind the scene's at the Nomination's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTzrH7PIXE8

Kristyn's blog - the Red Carpet Closet was even featured on the Oscar's Facebook Page for her awesome coverage of the Nominee Luncheon!! http://redcarpetcloset.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-would-like-to-thank-a...

Kristyn and JD are being treated like celebrities and are also getting outfitted by designers for the Big Day! Kristyn is being outfitted by Chagoury Couture where A-listers go for red carpet dresses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HQP7K2mVXs) and JD is getting fitted for a Tuxedo by a locally owned formal wear outfitter: Elite Tuxedo in Westwood.

Next week, Kristyn and JD will be covering events during the week such as the preview of the Governor's Ball, The Food and Beverage Preview, Gifting Suites, Director's Award Show, Makeup Symposium and MTVu Oscar Correspondent competition all leading up to the big day on Sunday the 27th of February.

Look for updates on coverage on the Mingle Media TV site www.minglemediatv.com and Kristyn's blog RedCarpetCloset.TV.

Weekly Wrap-Up

It's been such a fun first week here at the State Fair of Texas.  The weather has been beautiful and tomorrow is the big Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl, so it should be an action-packed weekend.  Here are a couple of photos from the week and a wrap-up of what you were reading this month at Red Carpet Closet.

I'm in a tornado with the Tundra!

The Top 5 Posts for the month of September.  If you missed one of them, catch up here over the weekend:

1.  Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet:  The Sequel:  It's hard to believe that this post was from July 2010, but I think it made a resurgence with the Emmys and the fact that it has a clip of Anna Torv from Fringe.  She's a lovely gal and a popular one too.  

2.  It's Giveaway Time:  Well, this giveaway is over.....today!  I am proud to announce the winner of two tickets to the Web TV Prom on October 20th.  Congratulations, David August!  In the meantime, head on over to read the comments about everyone's prom experiences.  Priceless.

3.  Emmys: Part 2:  A fun weekend was spent hanging out at the gifting suites with my favorite TV stars.  Check out the photos in this post, I bet you will recognize a face or two.

4.  Disneyland's Club 33:  Yes, it is here again. It's always in the Top 5.  If you have no idea what Club 33 is, then this post is for you.

5.  Web Series Wednesday:  This one snuck in at the last minute.  I posted this article earlier this week about some upcoming shows.  Sure, it has a whiff of nepotism, I am making cameos in a few of the shows.  Check out the on set photos from the shoots.

The Toyota Live team, Week 1 rocking the bumble bee wardrobe.

In parting, my fellow co-host departs tomorrow, so a big thank you for stepping in and making this week so much fun.  We danced, we sang, and he even did The Worm. (voluntarily!)  Thanks, Chris!

I hope your weekend is filled with laughter and fun, make sure to let me know what you are up to this weekend in the comments below.  See you on Monday at Red Carpet Closet.

Weekly Wrap-Up

I can't believe we are finally here.  It was a cranky week for me and I would love to tell you all of the reasons for wearing my grumpy pants all week.  Hhhhmmm, buy me a cupcake and I will tell you a story fit for the movies.  It's that juicy, but it makes me crabby.  Let's get to some of the good stuff instead!

We have the last of the Emmys Weekend interviews.  You can see the entire portfolio here, but here a few fun treats to take a look at and remember, you can find the behind the scenes stories of the shoot here and here.

Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race:


Whitney Port, The City:


Vienna Girardi, The Bachelor:


Michael Yo, host on E!:


Roxy Olin, The City: (Man, she looks SO much like her mother, Patricia Wettig, of Brothers and Sisters.  Beautiful!)


For my LA readers, tonight is Fashion's Night Out at Saks 5th Avenue sponsored by Girls in Tech LA.  I will be covering the event and hopefully, score a deal or two because I really want a pair of clogs for fall.  If you would like to purchase a ticket, remember that a portion of the proceeds go to Dress for Success.

Also, don't forget about the Web TV Prom on September 22nd benefitting LA's Our House.  I have my dress fitting today and I can't wait to share prom night all of you.  You can purchase your tickets here or enter to win two FREE tickets to the prom.  Winner will be announced on Thursday, September 16th.

More goodies from Fashion Forms to try.

I also want to thank Fashion Forms for reading my post and sending me a huge box of goodies.  My undergarments better not show ever again on the red carpet.  I will try out the new products and let you know what I think.

A different view of the red carpet for me.  I wasn't working tonight, so I caught the action from above!

Inside the Paley Center, Beverly Hills.

For those of you looking forward to the new TV season, I had the opportunity to attend the NBC Fall Premiere Party where I watched the pilots of several new shows.  Here's a quick recommendation:  skip Outsourced as it is nothing short of offensive and full of Indian stereotypes.  Check out The Event, if only for the dashing good looks of Jason Ritter.  He steals the show in this 24-type action/mystery series.

Finally, I am hosting a new 5-minute infomercial that should land on your TV sets soon.  I wasn't able to grab a photo on set, but I think many of you may recognize the product.  Oh yeah, that product.  It was a great day and I will let you know when it is up and running.

Have a lovely weekend.  I have a Pre-VMA party and the closing weekend of the Hollywood Bowl on the schedule, but make sure to take a moment to remember all those we lost on 9/11 nine years ago.  Never forget.

See you on Monday here at Red Carpet Closet!

How to be Red Carpet Ready: The Undergarments Edition

Ladies, we have to discuss something delicate today, your undergarments.  Please watch the 13 second video above to see what I am talking about.  The days of Madonna with her cone bra, Britney with her thong above her jeans, and Carrie Bradshaw with her black bra under her white tank are over.  I want you all to look classy and elegant from the moment you walk out the door; whether you are going to Whole Foods or hitting the red carpet.  Here are a couple of amazing and affordable tools to keep your undergarments in check:

Tape it up!  From L to R:  Fashion Forms, Hollywood Fashion Tape, TOPSTICK.

1.  Tape:  Whether it is the classic men's toupée tape called TOPSTICK (A favorite of Rachel Zoe.), Hollywood Fashion Tape, or Style Solutions by Fashion Forms (Dress Tape), it is time to tape it all up!  Use the double-sided tape on your DVF wrap dress close to the top of the slit so you aren't flashing your undies coming in and out of the car or tape that shirt to your bra, so we don't have to look at the lace on the latest Victoria's Secret fashion.  It's easy to use, easy to remove, and it's affordable at less than $10 for any of the three products mentioned above.  As an avid user of tape every time I am on-camera, I prefer TOPSTICK or Fashion Forms because their adhesive won't let you down.  For those of you who are SAG members, Naimie's sells TOPSTICK for a 30% discount with your membership card.

The absolute MUST-HAVE in your wardrobe:  Fashion Forms NuBra Ultralite.

2.  Adhesive Bras:  Oh, it sounds really weird, but once I discovered this genius invention, I haven't looked back.  Think of it as cups with adhesive, no straps, but they attach together at the center for additional support.  These bras are amazing with strapless, backless, or red carpet dresses.  They offer the support that pasties lack and they gently stick to your skin without a worry.  They are easy to wash, the adhesive lasts a long time, and I don't fuss with the adhesive bra the way I do with a regular strapless bra.    The best part?  They also work with chicken cutlets if you smaller-chested ladies (Like Moi!) want some additional cleavage.  Also, Fashion Forms has taken the chicken cutlet/adhesive bra one step further and combined it them into one amazing product.  Target carries Fashion Forms beginning at $24.99.

This little piece of plastic is all you need.  From L to R:  Strap Perfect in clear, black, and nude, and Fashion Forms in black.

3.  Strap Perfect: Okay, it's time to seriously put those bra straps away.  You've seen those commercials on TV.  Strap Perfect is affordable and a terrific solution to hiding those straps when you are wearing a tank top or a racer back shirt.  The pack includes clear, nude, and black pieces to accommodate the most common colors in your undergarment wardrobe.  It will pull and tighten those straps so you aren't pushing them up as they slide off of your shoulders and the ad is true, they give you a nice lift.  The ads on TV charge you $18.95 plus $7.95 shipping.  Skip that route and head to Bed, Bath, and Beyond armed with one of their 20% off coupons and get a smaller pack for under $10.

Okay, those are just a few quick and affordable solutions to pulling yourself together for a big night out without pulling a Britney.  I just want you to look your best and I prefer not to know the color of your underwear.  If you don't believe me, check out my interview with lovely CEO and founder of Fashion Forms, Ann Deal, at the Reality Cares gifting suite.  Not only is she a hoot, but she understands the importance of dressing from the inside out:


Finally, we have to announce our winner of the Emmys Weekend Gift Bag Giveaway.  Using Random.org, our winner was selected and it is Lisa Cafiero!  Congratulations!  Please make sure to contact me (Contact Tab is at the top of the page.) so I can make sure you get your gift bag this week.

See you all tomorrow at Red Carpet Closet!

Emmys 2010: The Videos

I wasn't planning on posting today due to the holiday, but so many of you have been asking when the interviews would post.  My producer finished most of them over the weekend, so have fun and check out some of your favorite stars from TV.  Remember, all of the juicy stories behind this shoot are here. These interviews are from the GBK Gifting Lounge.

Also, today is the final day to enter our Emmy Event Weekend Gift Bag.  Enter here before 11:59 PM PST.  Winner will be announced tomorrow at 9 AM PST.  Good luck!

Be sure to let me know who your favorite interview was in the comment section below.  I have two favorites and one not-so-favorite from the group below.  You comment, and I will reveal my choices in the comment section too.

1.  Kieran Shipka:  Mad Men:


2.  Melora Hardin:  The Office:


3.  Joe Mantenga:  Criminal Minds:


4.  Kathryn Joosten:  Desperate Housewives:


5.  Scott Adsit:  30 Rock:


6.  Sara Rue:  Eastwick:

Emmys 2010: Part 1

Oh, what a weekend!  I have a lot of photos to share with you and hopefully a few stories behind some of the interviews.  The interviews from Mingle Media TV will be posted in the next few days, but here's a head start on what happened this weekend at some of the pre-Emmys gifting suites, parties, and events. I was trying to put them all in one post, but it was too overwhelming, so here is the start of my Emmys weekend:

Reality Cares Benefit: Friday night I was at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive for the Love Hope & Healing Cancer Benefit.

With the band, Honor Society, who played that night.  They are cute, sweet, very Disney, and friends with the Jonas Brothers.

Max Adler from Glee.  Even though he plays a non-singing role in the show, Max revealed he was a member of show choir back in high school....sequins and all!

Patrick Gallagher of True Blood and Glee.  Is he looking at my boobs?

Guillermo Diaz from Weeds told me his favorite TV character is Mork from Mork and Mindy.  Here we are doing a little  "Nanu Nanu" on the red carpet.

Lots of web series fans will recognize Lauren Mayhew from Private High Musical.  She  couldn't remember who created her dress.  We had to do a little tag checking during the interview.

Okay, here we go.  Vienna Girardi from The Bachelor.  She was the host of the evening and I have to say, she is sweet and much prettier and softer in person.  I don't know what her career plans are in LA, but I think she got screwed with a little Mike Fleiss editing on the show.  I am glad she is away from Jake because I think he is crazy.  Yep, I said it.  Crazy.

Lots of goofing around on the red carpet with my producer, JD Piche, behind the camera.

The wardrobe rundown:

Dress by:  Born Crucial

Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman, Winter 2007 Collection

Necklace/Earrings/Floral Ring:  Roni B.

Smoky Quartz Ring: Rachel Zoe, QVC

Nails:  "Suzi Says Da!", OPI

Clutch:  Target Clearance Sale! $7.98

I will be back with more photos tomorrow and I have lots of good stories from the GBK Gifting Suite with your favorite celebs from The Office, 30 Rock, Mad Men, and Desperate Housewives.  I will also be doing an Emmys event gift bag giveaway, so come back and join me at Red Carpet Closet tomorrow!                          

                                  

   Photos Courtesy of Mingle Media TV and Kristyn Burtt.  May not be used without linking back to the proper sites.