This time last year, Sage and I were delighted to get an email from our friend Maggie in which she broke down every single look from the 2014 Emmys. We did not ask her for this email, she did it because she needed to talk to someone about all her fashion feels. Thus, a beautiful blogging friendship was born. Here we are a year later and for the first time, Maggie is recapping the awards show that started it all. We love you, Marshmallow. Thanks for gifting us with your presence. NOW GET TO WORK.
–Kim
BEST DRESSED
Laverne Cox
Look at this COLOR. It is gorgeous on her, and the fiiiiiiiiiiiit you guys. I don’t even like a cutout but I love this. I don’t even know what else to say. I just.
Kerry Washington
I think this is my favorite look of hers ever. I flailed so hard when I saw it. Metallic game strong, hair flawless, makeup great. She looks effortless. I was surprised to see it isn’t full length, but it works for me.
Kim: I have to butt in and say that Sage’s first reaction when Kerry hit the red carpet was to shout “OH MY GOD FINALLY”. I couldn’t agree more.
Viola Davis
LOOK AT THIS. I’m dying for the black laurel pattern on the white paired with my favorite, a red lip. It’s like she’s trying to hit all of my buttons.
Sarah Paulsen
Is it me or is this fairly unexpected for her? It’s more of a straightforward red carpet gown than she usually goes for? Anyway, it’s sleek and classy and I just want to stare at this forever. Is it black and black? Black and blue? (I know it’s not white and gold, ahahaha I’m hilarious.) Anyway, beautiful sparkles, great earrings, love the red lip.
Lady Gaga
YOU GUYS. LADY GAGA LOOKED CLASSY AS SHIT. In the words of Jimmy Fallon, she’s a glamorous gorgeous movie star from 50s.
Elisabeth Moss
Holy god do I love her in this hot pink. And that black detail at bust is love. There was a lot of pink last night and this is definitely one of my favorites.
Laura Prepon
I said out loud “oh my fucking god” when she showed up on the E! red carpet coverage. This metallic top over the most beautiful RED, I can’t. The red on its own is gorgeous but the gold top just kills me. And the earrings she chose were perfect to complement the metallic, not compete with it. I don’t know about you, but I’m not really about the raven hair on her? But her updo looks amazing and I barely even miss her ginger hair and have totally forgotten how cute she is blonde.
Aubrey Plaza
Kim texted me that she would fight me if I left Aubrey out and she was totally right. This is a clear personal best for her and I love it. If you asked me to describe her personal style, I don’t know if I would have said sexy sparkles but she’s totally slaying it in them. And the hair is ADORABLE.
Kim: This dress is everything. Maggie would have been fired if she hadn’t picked this for the post. I need it in my closet.
Kristen Schaal
Ahhhhhh she looks so CUTE, you guys! I love the color and the shape of this dress and it fits her like a dream. Also, if you want a primer on how to do less formal hair on the red carpet, look no further. And the simple accessories just clinch it for me. I don’t know, she may be an unexpected choice? But I wasn’t sure what to expect from her and I LOVE this. Just a lovely surprise.
Tina Fey
I know, I’m sorry I’m such a slut for black and white, but I straight up GASPED when I saw Tina on screen. To me, the blocking reads like a black tuxedo with white shirt and I am just incredibly down for it. I’m always into a tiny sleeve and eyeglasses on stage. Hair and makeup were subtle but on point, and I really liked the earrings.
WORST DRESSED
Jaimie Alexander
Oh no, Jaimie. First, I don’t get the hair. Why does she look like she just got out of the pool? Well, okay, maybe she did because everyone and their mother was talking about how hot it was in L.A. last night. But then why the long sleeve?? And I feel like I’m betraying my love of a horizontal stripe, but I just hate this pattern.
Kim: She told Seacrest (or Giuliana, I can’t remember which, they are basically the same) that the long sleeves were because she has a hard time getting all the tattoo make-up for Blindspot off, so the sleeves were covering it up. IDK maybe don’t sign up for a sure to be shitty series where you have to be tattooed then.
Anna Chlumsky
Literally nothing about this works for me. We just. There must be no overlap in our tastes whatsoever, it pains me that I never like her red carpet looks because I love her.
Kathryn Hahn
Okay, but this is really the one that pains me. But I have to be honest and say I just hate this. It’s like she repurposed a carpet. Badly. And I LOVE HER. At least her hair looks amazing.
Tracee Ellis Ross
I’m so not into this. It just looks altogether phoned in to me.
Taylor Schilling
I don’t like the top and I hate the detail at the bottom and just call me Ron Swanson because I love nothing.
SUPERLATIVES
Best Yellow: Mindy Kaling
I will fully admit to not being objective about Mindy Kaling, she is MY PERSON. I love her. But I think everyone can agree she looks insane here. I love everything about this, from her hair and those earrings to the sparkles on her sleeves.
Worst Yellow: Heidi Klum
My notes, in full: “no.” Sorry, should I elaborate? How about ticky-tacky hot mess?
In a Class of Her Own: (National Treasure) Allison Janney
THERE ARE NO WORDS. LOOK AT THIS GODDESS.
The Julianna Margulies Arm Candy Award: Janney’s Hot Boyfriend
I’m lovin’ it too.
Best Red Carpet Couple: Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend
Okay, first of all she looked beautiful. Second of all, did he really coordinate his jacket to her lipstick because that, my friends, is love.
You Humble Me: Uzo Aduba
Uzo’s gown would have been beautiful without the pattern but that really takes it to the next level. And if you didn’t tear up a little during her acceptance speech, then I don’t want to know you because I don’t associate with liars.
I’ll Drink to That: Christine Baranski
Look at this classy broad, you guys. I would have to fact check, but I think she tends to choose jewel tones more often, which totally works for her, but LOOK. AT. THIS. PINK. I’m dying.
Best Accessory: David Oyelowo
This arrow lapel pin is hands down the best accessory I’ve seen on the red carpet since Naomi Watts’ snake necklace.
Worst Accessory: Edie Falco
So I was kind of into this pale pink and I really liked the pleating, but that jewel-y necklace-y detail just threw me completely off. I don’t think it goes well with the dress at all, and it’s a shame because otherwise Edie looked great.
Best Dressed Man: Don Cheadle
Men’s fashion is SO BORING. I didn’t have high hopes for this red carpet without Jared Leto to liven things up, but I freaked out when I saw Don Cheadle. The jacket is gorgeous and the tie is perfection. So unexpected and fresh. (Kim: TOO BAD THAT PICTURES OF HIM ARE INCREDIBLY ELUSIVE SO HERE IS A PICTURE OF JON HAMM HOLDING HIS EMMY.)
Why hat? Bradley Whitford

No, that’s all I had to say really. Why hat?
Best Hair: Jane Krakowski
This updo looks so fresh and so CUTE, which was a challenge in the heat that no one would stop talking about on the red carpet.
Worst Hair: Claire Danes
Why does Claire Danes insist on doing this to me every time?
Maternity Wear Be Dammed: Cat Deeley
Cat Deeley looked amazinggggg, you guys. I loved her hair, I loved her earrings, and this was one of my favorite metallics from the whole night. Head to toe, love, and the cut was so flattering for a mama to be!
So close, but no cigar: Joanne Froggatt
I love the idea behind this, but there’s just something missing in the execution, isn’t there? I love the pink and black but it’s just not coming together. And her hair really isn’t doing anything for her, is it?
Kim: HER HAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN UP.
Most Fierce: Taraji P. Henson
I am so here for her chain straps, you guys. The top of this is so flattering on her and that BOB. I’m a little undecided on the sheer skirt, but she is WORKING it.
Kim: I just have to add that you would be hard pressed to find someone enjoying themselves MORE last night than Taraji. All of her friends won and she LOVED it.
It’s a Motherf*cking Jumpsuit: January Jones
I don’t know, I don’t love it but I respect it?
Like Any Great Love, She Keeps You Guessing: Kiernan Shipka
I want to be Kiernan Shipka when I grow up. There, I said it. This was possibly the most unexpected look on a night full of surprises for me, and it’s just such a sophisticated, successful look.
Boss Bitch: Tatiana Maslany
(Duh-doy.) I wasn’t able to watch the red carpet or the awards show live but my friend Jaime texted me immediately about Tatiana because this look is just a thing everyone needs to know about. I think I can sum this boss bitch look up in three words: Pulling. It. Off.
Best Ginger: Amy Poehler
All I wrote in my notes was “Ginger Queen,” I swear to god.
Best Beading: Giuliana Rancic
This is mean, but Giuliana just always looks so brittle to me. But her gown was soft and romantic and the beading was gorgeous.
But I WANT to Love This: Emma Roberts
Something isn’t working for me here and it’s killing me. This gown is amazing, the necklace is great, the hairstyle is beautiful. Is it the makeup? Is it the color of the gown? I don’t know, this look just doesn’t add up the sum of its parts somehow.
Kim: Methinks it’s the color. IMAGINE THIS IN A JEWEL TONE, MAGGIE.
Biggest Disappointment: Gina Rodriguez
This one kind of makes me feel like I’m going to hell because she’s such a precious, inspiring sunflower, but I can’t not. There’s just something not flattering happening here, and as someone whose hair frizzes a lot in humidity, to me her ponytail just looks like a bad hair day.
Kim: I was just happy she FINALLY showed some skin. Perhaps this also would have worked better with a hint of color?
Hot Pockets: Maisie Williams
I want to steal this dress just for those pockets.
Kim: FEATHER SHOES.
Best Modern Family Cast Member: Ariel Winter
Their reign of terror may be coming to a close, but awards shows are still swarmed with these cast members and Ariel was the clear winner of this one in a beautifully fitted red dream.
Kim: I don’t want this to come off snarky, because I genuinely mean it: that breast reduction she got was EVERYTHING. She carries herself with so much more confidence now. Good for you, bb. (Also, I love that she still left herself with a generous rack. They look perfect.)
I Can’t With This Bitch No Matter What She Wears: Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting
Every time. Even when she doesn’t show up.
I Can’t With This Bitch No Matter What She Wears Runner-Up: Sofia Vergara
*shrugs aggressively*
And finally, we would also like to thank the girl who have Amy Schumer her smoky eye.
What were your favorite Emmy looks? Let us know in the comments! Maggie will return for The Golden Globes in January…until then, you can stare at this picture of the founding members of the Vagina Defense Squad.
I just couldn’t love Kiernan’s look. I tried and I’ve looked at it a lot but it’s just not for me at all. I will say though that I died over Sofia’s dress because the cut and fit is gorgeous and made me want to wear it! I loved Emma’s dress when she was on TV because of the flow of the fabric, and I really did like the color. I think maybe the dress was actually a little too big for her.
I love Kiernan so I was probably going to love whatever she wore, but I feel like that’s the right way to bring high fashion to the red carpet, if that makes sense. And I really, really want to love Emma but it’s just not all coming together for me and I’m SAD.
I love and would wear (HARD) Jaimie Alexander’s dress, but agree on the hair. I will NEVER understand that style. I work so hard to not let my hair look greasy. Do. Not. Get.
On the other side, Tracee Ross’s beautiful curly hair distracted me enough from her dress that I hadn’t even noticed how bad it was until I read this post and stared at the picture.
*shrugs aggressively* is my new favorite thing.
YOU are my favorite thing
Extensive notes that no one asked for from someone who is definitely going to be a TV star someday:
Laverne x the color was lovely but something about her dress was honestly a little dull for me? Maybe it’s just that it doesn’t live up to her as a person, since she was so engaging and eloquent in her interview that Seacrest literally forgot to ask her who she was wearing until she reminded him.
I’m still going back and forth on Kerry. I think it’s a dress that changes drastically depending on the angle from which it’s photographed. The photo in this post puts it in the “yes” category.
The next few were all fine for me but I didn’t have any HOT DAMN moments until Aubrey. I have a really complicated relationship with sparkles so that is saying something.
Am I alone in liking Chlumsky’s dress? I was a little iffy on the whole layering deal at the bottom, but god do I love texture on the red carpet.
I knew all along I would be alone in liking Hahn so I can’t even be mad at you for that.
Mindy Kaling is a girl who fucking knows her colors. As a person of very specific complexion myself, she gets all my respect.
My tweet for Heidi was “Heidi, no” in its entirety, so I guess Maggie and I live in each other’s brains sometimes.
I feel like Allison Janney is a moment away from becoming television’s own Emma Thompson w/r/t levels of “IDGAF, I’m awesome” and it’s a glorious time to be alive.
Hendricks’ dress is not my favorite but it’s also definitely not my least favorite and I want to know how her hair does that.
May the fashion gods bless us all with a fraction of Christine Baranski’s fierceness.
On the other hand, I feel like Edie Falco is far too fierce for this dress that looks like something I would have picked to wear on Easter Sunday in like 1997.
Kim I am firmly on board with you w/r/t Froggat’s hair. I actually think the dress is great, if not something I would pick for myself, but the look is ruined by the fact that we can’t see any of the best detail.
I saw the first shot of January arriving and it was only from the waist up and I was like “who is this pod person who showed up in a flattering and traditional gown” and then I saw the bottom later and I was like “okay I guess she’s still January.” Like I realize that when you’re just that fucking stunning you can get away with wearing weird shit (and you’re almost required to if you don’t want to be just another pretty face) but why with the weird starfish at the hip? Why?
Kiernan is another I saw from the waist up at first. I thought it was a gown. I was ready to get down on my knees and worship her. Then I saw the bottom. Again, if anyone can get away with it it’s her, but Kiernan bb, just because January played your mom on TV doesn’t mean you can’t choose your own path.
At this point in the post I was like “WHY HAVE I NOT SEEN TATIANA YET,” never make me sweat like that again. (Side note: a few weeks ago I decided Tatiana plays all versions of female Tony Stark in fanfiction I read, and then this suit happened and it was like the universe was singing to me.)
I honestly think that the problem with Emma Roberts’ look was Emma Roberts. Like I feel like she tries really hard to do this Old Hollywood Glamor thing that she just doesn’t understand and doesn’t have the maturity or gravitas to pull off. Her interview didn’t help (and she certainly wasn’t served well by having to talk to Giuliana when girlfriend was starting to fade from the heat), particularly when she heavily gave the impression that she believed the line “what fresh hell is this” to be a Ryan Murphy original.
Thank you for sharing my feelings on Sofia Vergara, friends.
Shanleigh OUT (I’d drop the mic but they’re expensive)
This is everything. Perhaps you should point/counterpoint for the Golden Globes.
I take your point on Laverne, but to me the color was so FRESH and I really responded to the understated elegance of it.
Kerry just looked so effortless. There is like a winged? detail in the back that I’m less crazy about, but so much of it is expectations and she surpassed mine like whoa.
I’m not opposed to texture, but I just HATED Anna Chlumsky’s dress and paired with that updo? no.
Mindy x color is the real ship of my life.
Looking back at Edie Falco, I remember it being more fitted? But it’s more blah in photos and it just makes me sad.
I don’t like January’s bust line or starfish at alllllllll. I think she could find a balance of pretty and edgy if she tried, but I guess I’d be paranoid about being boring if I were her too.
“I honestly think that the problem with Emma Roberts’ look was Emma Roberts. Like I feel like she tries really hard to do this Old Hollywood Glamor thing that she just doesn’t understand and doesn’t have the maturity or gravitas to pull off.” UM, NAILED IT.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo