What Does the Oscars Red Carpet Really Look Like?

The express lane in the center of the red carpet.

This might be one of my favorite videos this year because we decided to give you a full walk through the red carpet.  Did you ever wonder how long that red carpet was?  Well, it's 500 feet filled with media, cameras, and reporters all waiting to interview the celebrities. Did you know there was an express lane on the red carpet due to the crowds and traffic jams?  That express lane leads right to Tim Gunn's spot for the ABC show. So, come join me on the walk from arrivals tent to the grand staircase up to the theatre.  It's a long way in five inch heels. (And I was wearing my super tall Jessica Simpson shoes that day.)  Take a look and let me know what surprised you the most on that red carpet walk:

The Friday Five

In my Holiday Giveaway form, I have asked what are your favorite posts on Red Carpet Closet?  I see a lot of "The Friday Five" as a response, so I need to remember to do this type of post more often.  Here's my Friday Five for this week.

This is a photo of a photo, but I love how holiday crazy we look.

1.  West Elm Party:  We finally have a West Elm store in LA proper and I was invited to join in the festivities.  The place was packed full of people enjoying the champagne, truffle h'orderves, and shopping around the well-designed store.  I tried to resist buying anything, but I failed.  I picked up a silver ice bucket, a pillow sham to match my new duvet from One Kings Lane, and the cutest bicycle lunch bag that you can see here.  Julie Tyler from Golden Goose Films tagged along as we both toted out a big bag of goodies last night.  Thanks for a fun night, West Elm!  

2.  Holiday Giving:  I've been trying to find a good organization in LA to adopt a family for Christmas, but I haven't found a good option yet.  A friend posted this link on Facebook about shoppers paying off other Kmart customers' layaway purchases.  It makes you believe in the spirit of Christmas, especially in these tough times. So, if you find me lurking in the Kmart aisles in Los Angeles, you know why.   Read the article here. 

3.  Variety:  I talked a bit about my nomination for the IAWTV Awards yesterday, but this got me giddy all over again. My name in Variety.  If you don't work in the industry, Variety is an entertainment trade magazine that updates the industry on the latest entertainment news in terms of production, Hollywood deals, etc.  I feel like a total dork, but it is kind of exciting to see my name there.  

4.  Mentoring:  Late last night I received a DM (direct message) on Twitter from a kid whose work I have covered in the past thanking me for the encouragement because he had been feeling a bit down.  Now this kid is on the fast track to fame, but it made me think of how important mentoring is in any industry.  I have also received a few messages from up and coming entertainment journalists who are still in school, but who are looking for a direction in their careers.  It seems to me that people are seeking an outlet for guidance.  I am always happy to help with advice and information, but I wonder if we have lost our way with training the next generation?  It just gave me a moment to pause and think about what I could do in the next year to help change this lack of direction.  Maybe I will do a segment from time to time on Red Carpet Closet or be more active in my local community with up and coming young entertainers and journalists.  Anyone else have any suggestions?

5.  Fashion:  It wouldn't be a Friday Five without one mention of fashion.  I received this ring for my birthday from my mom and everyone has been complimenting me on it.  I love big, chunky cocktail rings, so this one fits perfectly in my ring repetoire.  Guess who makes it?  Jessica Simpson.  Another winner from the Momma-to-be. Her fashion empire is growing rapidly, so I think she's found her calling.  Seriously, have you seen her shoes here or here.  To die for.

Have a great holiday weekend and remember to leave me any mentoring ideas in the comments below. Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway.  Entries close on Sunday, December 18th at 11:59PM PT and the winner will be announced on Monday.  

 

The Magic Castle

The crew before dinner.  Someone is mugging for the camera.

Last night, I had the opportunity to go visit The Magic Castle in Hollywood.  The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians that requires an invite from a member to go for dinner, drinks, and to attend the multiple shows that happen inside the club.  I had been once four years ago when a pal of mine worked as a server there, but last night, I was invited by Lee Allport of My Sentiment ExactLee (I appeared on her show post-Oscars/Tonys.)  She is in town from the East Coast covering Hollywood events, so I was happy to tag along for this part of her adventure.

Once you are invited to the Castle, there are several strict rules.  First, men must wear a suit and tie and ladies must wear cocktail attire. I happen to love this rule because it is rare to see a man in a suit in LA unless he's an agent (Think Ari Gold on Entourage.) or attending an awards ceremony. The other rule is NO photos inside the Castle. I think it adds to the mystery and allure to the club.  We were able to grab a photo inside the lobby, but once you go behind the walls, my camera stayed in my clutch.

The club is hidden behind the bookcase. "Open sesame!"

After a delicious dinner of Lobster Mac and Cheese! and a Sweet Tea Martini (I should have grown up in the South because I love Sweet Tea, but alas, I'm a Yankee.), we headed to the Close-Up Magic Theatre where Adam Wylie was performing.  Adam is familiar to TV audiences from his years on Picket Fences and Gilmore Girls and to theatre audiences who are fans of Into the Woods and Wicked.  The Close-Up Magic room is always my favorite because all the magic is done.....er, close-up. I love the sleight of hand and how it fools the brain into thinking that cards have moved or disappeared.  I sat directly in front of his table and I still didn't catch the tricks.  I tried especially when he used me for a few of the card tricks.  Last night, I proved that I am no David Copperfield.

My special card from the Close-Up Magic Theatre.

Either way, The Magic Castle is a great night out in LA and don't forget to say "Hi" to Irma on the piano. She's the life of the party by the downstairs bar.  If you can get yourself an invite, make sure to accept and enjoy a night of magic in the club hidden behind the bookcase!

 You've seen this dress here.  

Dress:  Laundry (from 1998)

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Cardigan: Victoria's Secret (from 2003)

I Ran Off And Joined The Circus

Last night was the premiere of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus' Fully Charged at the Staples Center.  The evening was also a benefit for the Starlight Foundation which "provides entertainment, education, and family activities for seriously ill children in the United States and their families."  It was an interesting mix of celebrities from the Disney Channel to Dancing With the Stars to The Office to the Real Housewives series.  The big question of the night was "If you joined the circus, what would your act be?"  We received some great answers, but no one topped Leah Remini who took three takes to get the answer done.  We included that whole hilarious sequences in our highlight video, so check it out and let me know what your circus act would be.  (By the way, no one ever mentioned being the ringmaster in the top hat!)

 Corbin Bleu of High School Musical was so much fun to interview. I'm seeing him in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl on August 7th.  

 Anything for a gag:  donning the clown nose.

 Kyle Richards of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  Her husband is pretty hot, they make a striking couple.

 Leah Remini of The Talk.  She's just badass fun.  

 This is the second or third time I've interviewed Melora Hardin of The Office.  She is always kind, sweet, and wearing cute hats.

Olivia Holt of Kickin' It on Disney XD.  Yep, you probably need to be 12 years old to know who she is, but I really like the current crop of Disney kids.  

My circus act:  tight rope walker in 5" Jessica Simpson shoes.