What to Wear to the Emmys
Sep 16th 2007
Julia LondonOn Writing!
Remember me talking about writing a tie-in novel to the soap, The Guiding Light? It’s the story of what happened to popular bad-boy, Jonathan Randall, after he faked his death by driving off a cliff, as well as what happened to a couple of current stars of the show, Reva Shayne and Alan Spaulding. It goes on sale tomorrow!
It’s been a great trip—they are currently running a story line on the show that comes directly from the book, and it is such a blast to watch and hear stuff from a book I wrote come out of the actor’s mouths. It’s a clever idea, this book, and it was all Guiding Light’s idea. Maybe that’s why they won the daytime Emmy for best dramatic series and best writing. 
I watched the daytime Emmys a couple of months ago to see how the soap would fare. When they won, I was so excited—I actually worked with some of those people!
Okay, well…not really worked with them. They edited my book to make sure the characters were true to the show. I never actually met or had a convo with any of them—it was all done through my editor. But still, I felt like I knew them.
So last night, I am watching the Emmys thinking, wouldn’t it be a hoot if my book and Guiding Light got nominated again for best story line or some bogus category like that, and I got to go to the Emmys? I jumped into that fantasy feet first until I began to think of what I would wear…
What would I wear? Did you see some of the gowns from last night’s Emmys? My days of wearing sleek and form fitting are long gone. Empire waists, like the girl from Heroes wore, is out of the question. Or anything that accentuates the bottom area, like Catherine Heigel—no way, not this bottom. Halter, strapless, or sphagetti straps? I shudder to think of the consequences.
Yeah, I think its best for all if I just sit back in my shorts and flip flops on any Emmy night and fantasize.
But what about those Emmy gowns? Did you have a favorite? A pick for the worst? Was there a favorite show of yours that won or was cut out? And if you are Guiding Light fan, please don’t forget Jonathan’s Story on sale tomorrow!
31 Comments »
31 Responses to “What to Wear to the Emmys”
gannon on 17 Sep 2007 at 7:38 am #
I didn’t see the Emmys last night, but I checked out the best and worst dressed online. I thought that Catherine Heigl looked beautiful, as did America Ferrara from Ugly Betty–I love that show and the fact that she looks like a real woman and not a stick figure! Elizabeth Perkins dress was by far the ugliest–the fabric looked like some 70’s reject upholstery! Yuck.
What I want to know is, do these celebrities look in the mirror and think, “what a great dress.” Are they blind??? They should fire the stylists that pick out these hideous dresses.
Big congrats on The Guiding Light book, Julia! I used to watch that show all the time. My mom still does. Although I’m not familiar with the newer characters, I remember the oldies, but goodies like Reva and Alan (he would be a baddie)! I’ll keep an eye out for your book!
Ellen the addicted on 17 Sep 2007 at 7:40 am #
I swore I wouldn’t waste my time watching the Emmy’s this year. As a matter of fact, when that bunch of actors/high school drop outs, started making political speeches from the podium, I swore off all award shows.
True to my nature, I couldn’t keep my commitment to that goal. As someone who never makes it past Thursday on any diet, I should have known better than to swear off the opportunity to scorn the attire and attitude of these self indulgent puppets.
I miss Joan Rivers on the red carpet. Oh the hours and hours I laughed when she would mix up someone’s name or rudely push someone aside to get to a bigger star. Now they have some E! Chic asking the inevitable, “Who are you wearing,” while the glam camera bolted to the stage scans their bodies from toe to head. I kid you not. Can you image if Britney was there and the camera started the journey up her legs? >>
I found Ryan Seacrest to be as annoying as usual and cannot stand all his “am I gay or not,” jokes. He should pull the hanger out of his butt and come screaming out of the closet once and for all.
I did think Debra Messing looked lovely as usual, as did Felicity Hoffman.
OKAY…starting today, I swear off award shows, again…unless Julia wins one for her new book, The Guiding Light? Then my only words of advice would be, “Remember the glam cam and wear panties.”
lisa h on 17 Sep 2007 at 8:10 am #
I watched some of the Emmys but was talking on the phone during most of the night. I loved all the housewives, they are so beautiful and glamourous —so unlike many of the housewives I know and am!
I missed seeing if Anthony Shaloub won for Monk. That is one of my favorite shows and I just love that character.
I do love to watch all the award shows, only for the gowns as the actors and actresses seem to live on another planet if you listen to their political rhetoric.
A little off topic, Julia and Sabrina, I am reading your book, “The School for Heiresses”. I am on story #3 (Julia’s) and I love it! You ladies are such wonderful writers. I am enjoying it and looking forward to reading more from you both!
Oh—what would I wear to the Emmy’s—anything after all if I was going to the Emmys I’d have full face and body plastic surgery!
Nicole Jordan on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:20 am #
I didn’t see the Emmy’s last night, but Julia, I just think it’s so COOOOL that you wrote the GL book!! I feel like I know a celebrity!
Oh, and I did see a pic of Kate Walsh on-line, and she looked gorgeous in a red gown…. or I guess that color is called cranberry, lol. I don’t have anywhere near the fashion sense you have, Julia.
What I want to know is, is there going to be special promo stuff going on for the book? I saw a great ad in TV guide for it a few weeks ago for it. And I jumped up and down on my couch, saying “I know her, I know her.”
Are you ever gonna get to go out on the set? Or meet the actors? Or do they just take your ideas and run with them? Can you tell us about the story line you worked on? I don’t watch GL so I don’t have a clue, but there are tons of passionate fans out there. Do the fans get involved in any of the stories?
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:21 am #
Gannon, the book would make a perfect gift for your mom :-).
Ellen — thanks for the tip! I think that should be my mantra always. Remember the glam cam and wear panties, LOLOLOL
Thanks, Lisa on the antho. I thought it was an excellent collection, if I do say so myself (she says, blushing self-consciously. okay, not really).
I was happy to see America Ferrera win. I love that show - its so campy! I would have loved to see more people from the Office win. I think that show is hilarious.
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:24 am #
Yes, Nicole, they are starting ads this week that will run at the end of the show. The cool thing is, the story line is sort of bending into the book. The two lead actors just came back from some place with a “secret.” That secret is what the book is about.
I don’t get to go to the set. They gave me a detailed outline of what they wanted–the story is all theirs. I just turned it into a novel. Even the big booksigning in New York will be with the characters.
And the fans! Oh my goodness, there are some very loyal and determined fans! I don’t know if they get involved in the story line, but they certainly let you know when they don’t like a story line, LOL. Based on that TV ad you saw, I got several emails from fans who were either outraged or intrigued. I can’t wait to see what they actually think of the book.
Nicole Jordan on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:36 am #
>>>They gave me a detailed outline of what they wanted–the story is all theirs. I just turned it into a novel. Even the big booksigning in New York will be with the characters.
That just amazes me that you could do that! Write an entire novel based on someone else’s ideas/story line. In your blog a couple of months ago, you said you had never even watched the show when your editor called and asked you to write the book. So did you work closely with the script writers? I would love to hear more about the process! I think I would go bonkers if I had to conform to someone else’s characters. Did you have fun doing it, or were there times you wanted to pull out your hair?
SuzyQ on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:44 am #
“He should pull the hanger out of his butt and come screaming out of the closet once and for all.” – Oh Ellen! You crack me up, as usual!!!
I did not see the Emmy’s last night but I saw red carpet pictures online. I did not like Vanessa Williams’ dress at all, but I think she is a beautiful woman. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Christina’s dress during her performance with Tony.
And Julia, just for the record, I think GL should send you to the Daytime Emmy’s anyway next year.
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:48 am #
Nicole, it wasn’t easy, writing another person’s ideas and characters. I don’t know if I would do it again. I didn’t work that closely with anyone. I would ask them questions during the writing which they would answer, but when I submitted the book, my editor took over. She wanted to make sure it was a good book, and there were so many hands in it, that was difficult to do. But they were most focused on the dialogue of their existing characters–they wanted to make sure they sounded very true to their creation.
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 9:49 am #
Suzy Q — I cannot believe Tony Bennet is 80 and still going strong. What a testament to wine and pasta!
Nicole Jordan on 17 Sep 2007 at 10:18 am #
Ah, Julia… thanks for the insight!
Ok, now what I want to know is, how much do those gowns cost? I’m sure it’s a huge deal for an actor, going to the Emmys or Oscars, but having to buy a dress like that would put a huge dent in anyone’s budget, I’ll bet! And is it true they rent a lot of the jewelry? Wonder what the insurance would be on something like that?
NicoleJ, who usually dresses in jogging pants, jeans, or riding breeches…
Suzanne Enoch on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:23 am #
I watched, and I thought everybody looked great - though I don’t know why Alec Baldwin wore a white tux. He looked like a lounge singer.
My favorite part was when Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert presented best actor in a comedy series. Ricky Gervais won, but he wasn’t there, so they decided to give it to their friend Steve Carell — who ran up on stage and they were all jumping around, celebrating. I was LAUGHING.
DebMarlowe on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:33 am #
LOL–I would wear whatever Claudia told me to wear! She’s my official fashion consultant!
Someday soon my website will be updated and you guys can see how she decked me out for the Rita/Golden Heart ceremony in Dallas.
Freshechelle on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:37 am #
Sandra Oh’s and Debra Messing’s dresses - gorgeous, elegant. Tina Fey - great head to toe. Jamie Pressly’s hair, make up and dress - bafffling. Her dress was better on stage than on the red carpet. Helen Mirren showed skin finally but too much strap work going on. Kate Walsh - what’s with the hair? The dude from Lost who wore a pink shirt with his tux - ooh, honey, get a mirror please, we have to look at that. Stephen Colbert’s classic tux with a slim bow tie was very polished. But I’m really not that into awards shows. Oh this high horse I’m on is starting to smell.
Julia - best of luck with your GL venture. It was my soap of choice back when I could watch. I’ll have to start DVRing to see your related story line. Can’t wait to see you at the Emmy’s next year wearing a little Narciso R. or Monique L. number that is loaned to you with heaps of jewels from Fred. Don’t forget us when you’re in the rarefied air of Emmy-land.
Freshechelle on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:45 am #
Nicole, I once got a thrill by escorting a famous singer around while she was wearing $750,000 of loaned jewelry. It was a really special experience. She had lost her luggage and my colleagues scrambled to find her a gown and jewels that were all loaned - a challenge because she’s rather full figured. Retailers were happy to loan product that was going to be photographed on her. The singer was charming, expained to me that diamonds break when she refused to wear the earrings offered. She was worried if they fell and broke, she’d be responsible for them. And then … she sang like a nightengale!
It was incredible to see that folks who make or sell high end gowns and jewels are more interested in getting their product out there when it comes to celebs than in make a sale. Sales are made to the little people to paraphrase Leona Helmsley. Oh to be a person who received such jewels … as a gift of course.
Ellen as Blackwell on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:48 am #
Vanessa Williams is actually a local girl. Her father, who sadly passed away, last year, taught music to thousands of children in our school district…my son included. He was truly a saint. (Not my son, Mr. Milton Williams!)
Back to Vanessa. I swear to you, that as beautiful as she looks in photos, TV and film, it doesn’t come close to her true beauty. Her coloring is so unique (golden brown skin, light brown hair and SEA FOAM green/grey eyes!) that she could wear a dead ostrich and still look beautiful.
Hey wait a minute…I just looked at her Emmy dress. She DID wear a dead ostrich!
twolilhahas on 17 Sep 2007 at 11:55 am #
I didn’t watch, but I’m checking out people.com looking at dresses. I really like Debra Messing’s black and white dress! It’s very pretty.
I like the way Heidi Klum’s red dress looks on her. I wouldn’t wear it, but I enjoy looking at it on her! lol
Teri Hatcher’s dress is lovely.
I’m really short, so a lot of dresses that are gorgeous just won’t do for me. I hate shopping for dresses because they’re not made for us shorties! lol And while strapless dresses are pretty, I could never wear one without being terrified of a nip slip or worse!
Kay on 17 Sep 2007 at 12:48 pm #
I didn’t watch the Emmys last night, and I’m sooo sorry I missed Stephan Colbert in his tux. That guy knows how to dress!
I looked online to see the best and worst dressed. What fun! Next year, I HAVE TO WATCH the red carpet. It’s hard to believe you can have that much fun for free–OK, cable isn’t free, but you know what I mean.
Julia, what is with the ? JUST TURNED IT INTO A NOVEL! Honey, YOU WROTE A NOVEL, AND PEOPLE PAYED FOR IT. THEY ASKED FOR YOU——-GIVE YOURSELF SOME CREDIT FOR YOUR CREATIVITY AND TALENT!!!!!!! LOL
You goddesses don’t know how amazing you are. Obviously we need to tell all of you more often how great you are.
Nicole Jordan on 17 Sep 2007 at 12:56 pm #
>>> she could wear a dead ostrich and still look beautiful. Hey wait a minute…I just looked at her Emmy dress. She DID wear a dead ostrich!
Ellen, you are just too hilarious! And that’s so cool about VW and her father. I LOVE her on Ugly Betty. Just thinks she’s fab, pulling that ‘over the top’ role with such flair and ease.
And Fresh, what a fun experience with that singer! I can’t imaging wearing 3/4 of a million bucks in jewels, but it might be great once in a lifetime.
Claudia Dain on 17 Sep 2007 at 12:57 pm #
I can’t believe I missed the Emmy’s!!! I’d rather watch it than the Oscars since I see more TV than movies.
I miss Joan Rivers, too. She was so snarky, but so funny. I think she offended so many people that no one would talk to her anymore. Go figure!
Julia, I’m with you—no clingy, no strappy. What’s left? I’m thinking a really cute sweat shirt and sweat pants, glitterized with hot glue and bugle beads. Ooooh, scrumptious, like a frosted puff pastry.
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 2:41 pm #
Kay, thank you — that’s really sweet.
Claudia, you didn’t miss much. The best was what Suzanne said — when they gave the award to Steve Carrel when Ricky Gervais didn’t show up. I thought that was hilarious.
And I loved the Tony Bennet number with Christine. It was so good!
Julia London on 17 Sep 2007 at 3:06 pm #
I’m so excited — I just saw the TV ad for my book at the end of the soap today. Its very dramatic and ends with a picture of the book and you can actually read my name!
Karen Rose on 17 Sep 2007 at 3:24 pm #
You know, I’d wear a burlap sack if I had the body some of those gals do… Nah. If I had a body like theirs, I’d be angling for a designer dress too.
Oh, the woe!!!!!!!!
colinfirthfan on 17 Sep 2007 at 3:49 pm #
I saw about 10 mis of the Emmy’s and then I turned it off so that I could finish Suzanne E’s book. I loved it!! I loved Connoll and Evangaline and I always love anything to do with Sam and Rick. Sigh!!
I was laughing so much during Connoll and Evangaline’s story that I was getting strange looks from the other Mums at the park.
twolilhahas on 17 Sep 2007 at 4:34 pm #
Karen Rose, I almost got a free copy of your “Die for Me” book yesterday! I bought it along with a wrist brace and the total came up at the price for the wrist brace only. I just figured the wrist brace was on sale and I left the store. On second thought, I looked at my receipt and saw they hadn’t charged me for it. lol I was tempted to be very naughty indeed and go on to my car, but the ‘I’m not a thief’ in me won out, and I went back inside and had her re-ring up the book. She scanned it again and it was no cost again. Very odd. She had to hand-type the barcode into her system to get the book to ring up. I hope all books at our Walgreens aren’t like that or you may miss out on some sales!the
twolilhahas on 17 Sep 2007 at 4:35 pm #
Ok, that last sentence really wacked up when I highlighted THE. It should read: I hope all THE books at our Walgreens…sales!” Oops!
colinfirthfan on 17 Sep 2007 at 5:02 pm #
The only part of the Emmy’s I watched was when they were giving out the award for best Stnd up comedy or whatever…
My favourite was Blii Mahr’s, Jon Stewarts, Dave Letterman’s and Conan’s.
Oh wait - I only left out Stephen Colbert. His was funny but Bill Mahr’s killed me.!!
Suzanne Enoch on 17 Sep 2007 at 5:05 pm #
Thanks, Colinfirthfan! That’s so nice to hear. I’m gearing up for the next Sam & Rick book, coming out on Sept 25th!
colinfirthfan on 17 Sep 2007 at 5:09 pm #
I read the excerpt and I can’t wait!! I love their relationship!
zambonigirl on 17 Sep 2007 at 10:17 pm #
I was just looking at the Emmy dresses. Wow! The strapless ones are throwing me into fits of envy while anything with a strap is making me cringe. What is it with the Emmys (Emmies?) every year that there’s a theme that everyone goes with (last year it seemed to be white unless your name is Reese Witherspoon, where the theme was “Fabulous, take that philandering husband even though he kind of looked like my idea of Simon Tremaine, Duke Foxmoore and I’m digressing”), and if they deviate from that theme, it spells disaster? Even Vanessa L Williams, Diva At Large And Rocking It, Boo To The Ya Baby looks fab in her feathers. Hayden Panittiere, Ingenue In The Making, Heck To The Yeah in her little empire waist number? Not so much. She needs to go find Reese for some lessons in fab.
Sherri Erwin on 18 Sep 2007 at 3:24 pm #
Gannon, what was Elizabeth Perkins thinking? Yipes! Heidi Klum had my favorite look, but it seems so unfair with what she has to work with compared to average, everyday women. Julia Louis-Dreyfus was good, too. It was so great to see color! Zambonigirl, Hayden could definitely use Reese’s help.
And Kay, don’t worry about Julia London. I had a dream about her dancing with all the men of Guiding Light. She seemed to be doing okay. LOL!