The 2013 Emmys were broadcast live this past Sunday. You’re forgiven if you were watching better TV – the penultimate episode of “Breaking Bad,” for example – because the jokes, program, and awards ranged from boring to dismal. (15% of the night was dedicated to ‘In Memoriam,’ which is fitting since this seems to signal the death of Emmy relevance.) On the other hand, Emmy fashion was fabulous, and this week at Accessory Apiary, we’re picking ooh-la-la baubles to accompany our favorite looks. (That means they’re a little pricier than usual, but if you’re attending the Emmys, go big or stay at home.)
Piece #1: Posies and Punk
(Photo: Getty Images)
Lena Dunham’s gorgeous sea green Prada gown – dotted with red-orange flowers and black leaves – was the perfect accompaniment to her pixie haircut and general edgy attitude. Her decision to stick with minimal over indulgent is to be applauded, and all I’d add would be these sunburst drop earrings from House of Harlow. The black center of the earring is made of leather (punk points), and the spiked tops (more punk points) would suit the look perfectly.
Details
- Drop earring
- 1” drop
- Post backing
- Leather and gold-tone metal
- Buy online at piperlime.com
Piece #2: Cardeli-cious!
(Photo: Getty Images)
My jaw dropped when I saw Linda Cardellini. The ‘Freaks and Geeks’ star was nominated this year for her guest turn on ‘Mad Men,’ and heads went into a 360-degree spiral when she arrived. The magenta Donna Karan Atelier gown hugged her demurely – not skin-tight, not baggy – and the rippling waves made her seem like she was floating among rose petals. I’d love to see this geo pave bracelet from Banana Republic on her wrist. It’s slim, matches her Jimmy Choo clutch, and doesn’t distract from her (gorgeous) gold dangly earrings by Irene Neuwirth.
Details
- Imported
- Base metal setting.
- Imitation gold plated.
- Glass stones.
- Hinge closure.
- Buy online at bananarepublic.com
Piece #3: Mirrored Glamour
(Photo: Getty Images)
Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus generally has a pretty low profile when it comes to Emmy fashion; she rarely makes a splash but she’s definitely not on anyone’s worst-dressed list. This year, however, the ‘Veep’ star donned a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown bedecked with sequins, which made her shimmer all evening. The silhouette is flattering, and there’s no train/fear of tripping (which is important, since Louis-Dreyfus had to go onstage to collect her ‘Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy’ Emmy). But the monochromatic nature of this look bothers me: why not take the opportunity to dollop some color, perhaps in the clutch department? I like this candy pink clutch from Ted Baker because it’d be a relaxed addition to a formal outfit. (Plus, you can always spot it in the dark, a feature Elaine Bennis would appreciate.)
Details
- Imported
- Clasp closure
- Interior wall and card pockets
- Material: leather
- Buy online at nordstrom.com
Piece #4: No Grey for This Edie
(Photo: Getty Images)
Best known for playing Carmela, Tony’s frustrated wife on ‘The Sopranos,’ actress Edie Falco also rang in with a show-stopping electric blue gown by Escada. This isn’t an easy color to pull off – if the color is left of electric, in ice blue territory, it can make an actress appear washed out, and the if the color is right of electric, in navy land, it can create a straight-laced military effect. But Falco’s dress only sets off her even skin tone (no tanning bed for Nurse Jackie) and golden brown highlights. I’d actually subtract the silver-blue bracelets on both her wrists, and replace them with this textured knot bead bracelet from Brooks Brothers. It helps create a seaside effect, and the texture of the bracelet helps it stand out from a single-shade gown.
Details
- Imported
- Material: 12k gold-plated metal
- 8” length
- Buy online at brooksbrothers.com
Piece #5: But There’s Always a Perfectionist
(Photo: Getty Images)
Oh, Christina Hendricks, how you slay me. With your gorgeous red hair in retro 1930s waves, your red-carpet-red lipstick, your green chandelier earrings, your green-accented formal clutch, your grey bangles, you are a sight to behold. Also, your fitted Christian Siriano gown is beautiful. The beaded “sleeves” echo the accessories, and unlike most ladies at the Emmys, Hendricks is mindful of the power of color. Her earrings are Fred Leighton danglers in green and gold, and no one, absolutely no one, goes wrong with Fred Leighton. Congratulations, Ms. Hendricks, for being the one Emmy guest whose attire is, well, perfect. 10/10.
About Nandini Balial: I grew up in India, with an arty theatrical hippie mum who used to make her own jewelry, and vibrant patterns and materials – always on display at any relative’s wedding – quickly caught my attention. Once I moved to Texas, I had to reconcile the ornate silks, mirrored scarves and silver hoops with glittery Coco Chanel earrings and Ralph Lauren polos. I’m still most comfortable in a vegetable/fruit-dye print cotton shirt and jeans, but my accessories will always vary. I proudly maintain that clothes are expensive and can’t always be mixed n’matched, but accessories are (on average) a bit cheaper, and can always move across your wardrobe (with/without irony). If you ever run across a fun accessory find, e-mail me with the details (and a photo, if possible), and I’ll try to include it in a future column.
