2016 Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge

It's that time of year again and YEAR 6 with this contest! I need help finding a dress for Oscar Nominations morning on January 14, 2016.  It's early again this year and we are going to have to do this over the Christmas break. Remember though, the winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. For those of you that are new to this challenge, YOU get to chose the dress that I wear for a one of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Here are some guidelines:

1.  It is not a red carpet event: I am looking for a dress that is simple, classic and understated.  Think of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O. sheath.  I am short (5' 3"), so I want to show off my legs versus lots of cleavage (which I don't have anyway) to give the illusion of height.  I love shoes, so I want to pick something hot and sassy from my shoe wardrobe.  One note:  Even though I want a dress to show off my legs, please no so-short-I-can-see-your-hoo-ha dresses.  The Oscar Nominations are a very conservative event, so I'd like to keep it that way.

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day: I want a dress that is easy, comfortable and not fussy.  I hate pulling and tugging at my dress while I am working. Also, I LOVE pockets!

3.  I like color: It looks great on camera and adds brightness to my face.  Please avoid red or crazy patterns because they have a tendency to moray on camera. I've done two blues, two purples and a hot pink, so maybe a green, orange or yellow this year?

4.  The budget is important.  Let's keep the dress under $250 and it has to be available online in sizes 0 or 2. 

Here are the winners from 2011-2015 to give you an idea of what has won in the past:

For more information on the winning dresses from 2011-2015 click here, here, here, here and here.


2015:  Dress by Eliza J


2014: Dress by Eliza J.


2013: Dress by ModCloth


2012:  Dress by Aqua


2011: Dress by Banana Republic


Are you up for the challenge? 

The Rules:

1. Find me a dress by Monday, January 4 at 11:59 p.m. PST. It must be available online. So post the link in the comments below with your contact info.

2.  The dress must be available in the U.S., but international contestants are welcome to join us for this contest. 

3.  Two finalists will be announced on Tuesday, January 5 and the winner will be announced on Thursday, January 14.

4.  Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.


If you have any questions, post in the comments below.  Ready, get set, shop!

Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge 2015

It's that time of year again! I need help finding a dress for Oscar Nominations morning on January 15, 2014.  It's early again this year and we are going to have to do this over the Christmas break. Remember though, the winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. For those of you that are new to this challenge, YOU get to chose the dress that I wear for a one of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Here are some guidelines:

1.  It is not a red carpet event: I am looking for a dress that is simple, classic and understated.  Think of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O. sheath.  I am short (5' 3"), so I want to show off my legs versus lots of cleavage (which I don't have anyway) to give the illusion of height.  I love shoes, so I want to pick something hot and sassy from my shoe wardrobe.  One note:  Even though I want a dress to show off my legs, please no so-short-I-can-see-your-hoo-ha dresses.  The Oscar Nominations are a very conservative event, so I'd like to keep it that way.

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day: I want a dress that is easy, comfortable and not fussy.  I hate pulling and tugging at my dress while I am working. Also, I LOVE pockets!

3.  I like color: It looks great on camera and adds brightness to my face.  Please avoid red or crazy patterns because they have a tendency to moray on camera. I've done blue, two purples, and a hot pink, so maybe a green or yellow this year?

4.  The budget is important.  Let's keep the dress under $250 and it has to be available online in sizes 0 or 2. 

Here are the winners from 2011-2014 to give you an idea of what has won in the past:

For more information on the winning dresses from 2011-2013, click here, here, here and here.

2011:  Dress by Banana Republic

2012:  Dress by Aqua

2013: Dress by ModCloth

2014: Dress by Eliza J.

Are you up for the challenge? 

The Rules:

1. Find me a dress by Monday, January 5 at 11:59 p.m. PST. It must be available online. So post the link in the comments below with your contact info.

2.  The dress must be available in the U.S., but international contestants are welcome to join us for this contest. 

3.  Two finalists will be announced on Thursday, January 8 and the winner will be announced on Thursday, January 15.

4.  Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.


If you have any questions, post in the comments below.  Ready, get set, shop!

2014 Dizzy Feet Gala: Courtney Galiano

The Dizzy Feet Gala is one of my favorite events each year. The only thing that rivals this red carpet for me is the Oscars. It's just such a great day to celebrate dance with all of your favorite stars from DWTS and SYTYCD. If you missed my interviews, you can watch the highlights here.

I was asked to post SYTYCD Season 4 contest and Hit the Floor star Courtney Galiano's full interview. I was happy to comply. It's unedited footage because I think it's always fun to see what happens right before and after our interview. Sometimes the pre-interview chit chat is more insightful than the questions asked on the red carpet. (Don't forget that she's on AfterBuzz TV with us on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. PT)

I have other full interviews with tWitch and Allison Holker, Emma Slater, Fabrice Calmels and Witney Carson. Let me know if you would like me to post any of their full interviews in the comments section below.

Chelsie Hightower's full interview is here.
Cyrus Spencer's full interview is here. 

Don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the upper right section of my page. I post one exclusive video each time for dance fans. Next newsletter goes out on Aug. 1.

Young Hollywood Awards: DWTS Round-Up with Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Amy Purdy

I've had a really fun weekend and this photo just about sums it up. I'm uploading the audio files as quickly as I can for you. First up is Derek Hough. I asked him about the ending of his tour, Season 19 of DWTS and what challenges are left for him on the show. This is RAW, UNEDITED audio footage, so understand it's noisy and it was a very chaotic red carpet. (In fact, he was trying to leave and I jumped in and badgered him with questions…I HAD TO GET THIS INTERVIEW!)

Mark Ballas:


Amy Purdy:

Hints of Oscars Red Carpet Fashions: Shoes

I've been hinting about what I might wear on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday, March 2. I teased two dresses on my Instagram account already. I won't decide until the week of the Oscars which dress I will wear, but the good news is that I can eat this year. No crazy diets, both dresses are going to allow me to eat a few cheeseburgers leading up to the big day. Hooray!

While I am going to wait until Oscars morning to reveal my outfit, I thought I would give you a sneak peek of my shoes. I haven't seen them in person yet, but designer Zul Mohd of EMMETT sent me a photo. I think they are gorgeous and I cannot wait to wear them! He even accessorized me with a clutch to go with the outfit. I cannot thank him enough. I've worked with Zul before when he designed  incredible shoes and a clutch for the Thirst Gala last June. To see more of his work, visit his website.

How are you gearing up for Oscars Sunday? Let me know in the comments below.

Who Are You Wearing?: 2014 WGA Awards Edition

My dress for the Writers Guild Awards was so incredibly comfortable. Yes, I do wear this silhouette a lot, but it works for my body type. If you were paying attention, you might know that it was the runner-up dress in the Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge. This was the one picked from Donette! What I love about the dress is that it has embroidery near the chest. It's hard to see in the top photo, but in the photo below, it's a little more visible.

Here are the details on the dress:

Dress: ModCloth: Grape Kelly Dress in Black: $79.99

Shoes: Sole Society (No longer available, but from the Julianne Hough Collection)

Bracelet: Marshalls

Earrings: New York City Jewelry District (Meaning super cheap! Look around 6th Avenue and 38th Street.)

 With my AfterBuzz TV SYTYCD co-host AJ Gibson

VIDEO: 2014 Writers Guild Awards Red Carpet

Last night was the final big awards show from the guilds as the Writers Guild handed out their honors. I honestly wasn't expecting to be on that red carpet until I got a last minute email on Friday night. I'm never one to say "no" to a red carpet, so I grabbed my new dress and hit downtown LA on Saturday afternoon.

I had a blast talking with Joe Manganiello and if you saw my Facebook photo, you know how I feel about him. Legendary writer and director Garry Marshall was honored and he greeted me with a big old hug and kiss. I will post the photos of that moment below.

Otherwise, enjoy my interviews with Joe, Garry, Alex Trebek, Oscar nominee June Squibb, Jennifer Tilly, Jane Espenson and Brad Bell.

Who Are You Wearing?: 2014 IAWTV Awards

I have barely come up for air in the past week: IAWTV Awards, Golden Globes, TCAs with Oscar nominations, SAG Awards and more TCAs looming ahead. I wanted to make sure that I posted about my outfit from the IAWTV Awards since two people worked really hard to put me together. My Las Vegas glam squad never fails me each time we work together. They are amazing. Here's a breakdown of my IAWTV Awards look:

 With my co-presenter John Basedow

Dress: Kensie ($86 on sale at Macys)
I love this silhouette on my body. I wear it a lot! It hides my flaws and lets me eat whatever I want. I also got it shortened a few inches to give the illusion of height and show off a little leg.

Shoes: Nine West (from 2010)
It's been a long time since I've worn these, but they are incredibly comfortable and they were the perfect accessory to the outfit.

Hair: Candace Campbell
Makeup: Aurora Nerone
2012 and 2013 looks here and here.

Photos courtesy of Brenda White 

INTERVIEW: Pretty Little Liars star Keegan Allen

Keegan Allen and Sasha Pieterse at the Insidious: Chapter 2 premiere 

This interview was conducted in early September at the premiere of Insidious: Chapter 2. I didn't wind up using it for my red carpet article, but I thought a few of you Pretty Little Liars fans might enjoy hearing more from Keegan Allen.

We talked briefly about what life is like in the spotlight on a hit show and his upcoming Off-Broadway show, Small Engine Repair, which begins previews on Oct. 30. I love that he's using his acting chops in the theatre. It's one of the best training grounds for a young actor. It's what I call a smart career move.

Enjoy my short interview with Keegan Allen:

VIDEO: My Interview with Stan Lee: 1st Annual Geekie Awards

I know many of you saw my photos from the Geekie Awards, but here's my official interview with the legendary Stan Lee and actor Seth Green who presented the very first Geekie award ever to him. It was an honor to interview the Marvel icon. I hope I'm as virile at 90. See our interview below...and let me know if my geek cred went up a notch in the comments below.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Who Are You Wearing?: 1st Annual Geekie Awards Edition

I guess I need to wear the color blue more often...I received so many comments on this dress. Thank you!

Here are the details on the entire outfit:

Dress:  Taylor Petites (Nordstrom on sale for $82.80!)
Shoes: Guess (Winter 2007 at $110, You've seen them before here and here.)
Bracelet: Secret of Treasures, New York ($2.99, If you haven't checked this place out, look here.)
Ring: Alexander Kalifano ($20)
Necklace: Sorrelli (Compliments of Sorrelli.)

Hair: Elizabeth H. at DryBar
Makeup: Blushington

A Look Back at the 53rd Annual Academy Awards

This gem was just posted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences yesterday. It shows the opening of the 53rd Annual Academy Awards and the red carpet looks downright quaint. The ceremony was delayed by a day due to the assassination attempt the day before on President Ronald Reagan, so the stars showed up the next day on March 31, 1981. (I wish the show was still in late March, that red carpet would be a lot warmer for ladies in evening gowns.)

Robert De Niro, Best Actor, Raging Bull

Watch the eight-minute video because it really showcases an era of entertainment and red carpet that we will never see again. With an announcer describing celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore as "popular" and a healthy and vibrant-looking Michael Jackson escorting Diana Ross to the show, you might get a bit wistful.

Take a look back at 1981 Academy Awards.

Robert Redford, Best Director, Ordinary People

Bet you didn't know Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters were an item back in the day.

Johnny Carson hosted the show in his tux and tails, elegant, reverent and classy. I doubt we will ever see the ceremony helmed the way Carson and Bob Hope did the show, but then again, I actually was entertained by Seth MacFarlane's "We Saw Your Boobs" this year. 

If you've missed my other posts on the Oscars, take a look back at 1989, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Timothy Hutton, Best Supporting Actor, Ordinary People

Who Wore It Best?: Anne Heche, Cheryl Burke or...

It's time for another round of Who Wore It Best? Again, it's with the amazing creations of Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Couture who has designed my Oscar dress for the last three years. His work is incredible especially when it comes to the beadwork on the gowns.

I was super excited to see the dress was worn by two celebs including Anne Heche of NBC's Save Me and Cheryl Burke of DWTS. I like seeing the contrast of blondes versus a brunette wearing the gown. It shows you that a well-designed dress looks good on many different complexions, body types and hair color.

Time for the big survey! It's just for fun, so vote away.

Who Wore It Best?

Anne Heche of NBC's Save Me

Cheryl Burke of ABC's DWTS

Kristyn Burtt of ABTV's DWTS

Who Cares?

View results

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PHOTOS: The Hangover III Premiere

Yep, I was on the red carpet for the premiere of The Hangover III for Press Pass LA on Monday night. My article will be up shortly, but I thought you might enjoy a few fun personal photos from the evening.  (Also, check out my Facebook page for my mug right before the action began!)

Will you be seeing The Hangover III or are you already tired of the franchise?

 Just wanted to show you the back of Jamie Chung's dress...gorgeous!

 Mmmbop, mmmbop...what the heck comes next?

 Bradley Cooper drank his coffee all the way down the red carpet in his pumpkin suit. Maybe it was a pumpkin latte?

Bradley Cooper chatting with director Todd Phillips...discussing pumpkin lattes?

 The cast!

 Heather Graham looked gorgeous in emerald green.

Ed Helms looking a little like Hugh Grant in profile.

Zach Galiafinakis...finally learned to spell his last name correctly for this caption.

2013 White House Correspondents Dinner: The Good and Bad Red Carpet Fashions

#NerdProm is here!  Yes, the annual White House Correspondents Dinner has become one of the coveted red carpets to cover and one of the biggest parties of the year. I want in! Alas, I am not there, but I am happy to weigh in on a few of the fashions that marched down the red carpet on Saturday.

Let's take a glance at what everyone wore:

1. Hayden Panettiere:  Too prom?  The hair and the side draping on her hips scream, "I'm a Southern Belle or Disney's Belle or I just want to be Belle!" Dress: Katharine Kidd

2. Julie Bowen:  I've asked her to eat a meal or two in the past and I think she looks fit and healthy now. However, she has too much Botox on the forehead and it's actually making one of her eyes droop. Look for yourself. Injectables are fine, as long as you don't overdo it. Oh, and the Laura Bush hair ages her. Just a no. Dress: Monique Lhuillier

3. Katy Perry:  I love it when she dresses up and shows off a more feminine side. She's very pretty...but is that a white panty line I spot? Dress: Giambattista Valli

4. Olivia Munn:  This is the best I have ever seen her look on a red carpet. Gorgeous! That statement necklace is to die for. Dress: Marchesa

5. Sofia Vergara:  This woman's body is amazing...fit, curvy, and she showcases her shape. She always wears her hair down, but I think with this outfit, it's the perfect choice. I also love the teal dress and magenta jewelry color contrast.  Dress: Karen Caldwell

 6. Amy Poehler: She's been looking smashing since her split with Will Arnett, but this dress isn't doing much for her. I think the cap sleeves bug me even though the detailing at the waist is pretty. Dress: Basler

7. Claire Danes:  This color is stunning on her and I don't think we have seen her in blue in ages.  I think the Farrah 'do is wrong for this dress and I want a little more tailoring of the outfit on her slight frame. Dress: Prada

8. Kerry Washington:  She's become quite the red carpet fashionista. I love this look on her petite figure. I don't love the bangs. There was a lot of weird hair at the Correspondents Dinner. I have a feeling a lot of first lady hairstylists in DC were hired for this event. It's not Hollywood hair.

9. Kate Mara:  This is very simple and elegant, but I love the splash of color with the lime clutch. The clean hair and makeup look really enhance the whole statement. 

10. Patricia Arquette:  Oh dear. That is all.

Take a look at last year's fashions at the 2012 White House Correspondents Dinner. I feel like last year was a bit more A-list. 

What are your thoughts on this year's fashions? Let me know in the comments below. (I will add the dress designers as I get more info.)