You asked for it... Here are all the outfit details on everything I wore on Food Network Star.
A couple preliminary notes:
When possible, I linked directly to the item. However, some of these items were purchased years ago and are no longer available. In those cases, I link to similar pieces.
For safety reasons, I always changed into closed-toe flats for cooking. I suppose you could cook in closed-toe heels, but I never did.
Everything listed and linked is part of my personal wardrobe.
EPISODE 1 - Are You A Main Attraction?
Jumpsuit: Mara Hoffman (similar as a mini dress, maxi dress, or jumpsuit)
I had no idea we would be cooking on the beach, but this jumpsuit worked out perfectly for the setting.
Dress: Karen Millen (For UK readers, get it here. For US: similar); Earrings: Baublebar (similar); Shoes: Fendi
This isn't the first dress I'd reach for, but it just screamed "TELEVISION DRESS" to me. The simple face-framing lines, the rich colors... this was a clear pick for the first elimination ceremony dress.
I wore those Fendi cage sandals a lot during the season because I didn't bring that many shoes. Shoes take up a lot of luggage space... space I thought would be better served holding clothes.
EPISODE 2: Destination Videos
Jumpsuit: Lou & Grey (similar here and here); Sash: Suno (similar here and here); Shoes: Marni
This jumpsuit is made of super-soft T-shirt material and perfectly encapsulates my off-camera style: comfortable with a little quirk.
I originally got those sequined Marni sandals for my bachelorette party. You've heard of jolie laide, ugly yet pretty? These are glam laide, which is just the way I like it.
Dress: Halston Heritage; Shoes: Fendi; Earrings: Elizabeth Cole
This was also what I wore for the commercial. I like this bronze color because it gives you an instant tan.
The earrings are fish skeletons and are part of my very tightly edited fish skeleton earring collection.
EPISODE 3: Summer Bite Bash
Shirt: Alice & Olivia; Jeans: AYR; Shoes: Allbirds
I have short legs and a long torso, so you'll often find me in high-waisted pants/skirts and cropped/tucked-in tops, just so my proportions look more even.
Dress: Reiss (similar here and here); Earrings: Charming Charlie (similar here and here)
This is a true day-to-night dress. The sheath cut means you can wear it to work with a blazer. The shine and elegant draping of the neckline easily transition it to evening.
EPISODE 4: Panic on the Panel
Shirt: LOFT (similar here and here); Pants: Lou & Grey (similar); Shoes: Marni
Again with the criss-cross halter neckline! I'm just drawn to them. And after days of skinny jeans and leggings, it feels nice to wear some roomy billowy pants.
EPISODE 5: Take This Title & Run With It
Shirt: Lou & Grey (similar); Skirt: GAP (similar here and here); Shoes: Seavees (similar); Necklace: The Knot House
This outfit isn't the showiest, but it's most similar to what I wear off-camera. Comfy, a little clingy, and most of all -- machine washable!
Shirt: Thakoon (I got this at a sample sale and as far as I can tell, it's one-of-a-kind and was never mass-produced and sold in stores. I can't find anything quite like it -- sorry!); Brooch: Vintage (similar)
When packing clothes for filming, I knew I didn't want to bring anything too conceptual -- clothes that look fashion-y but cold. I think this origami Thakoon shirt makes the cut though. It's fun and simple in its own unique way.
Dress: Self-Portrait; Earrings: don't remember (similar here and here); Bracelet: Valentino (similar)
I actually loved this dress coming in, but now I don't really care for it anymore. Maybe because it carries bad memories of being eliminated :P.
I think the big story here is my hair, which originally was swept vertically into a pompadour, but quickly fell to the side. Oh well, all the better to show my earrings (and tears)!
Any my interview look...
Shirt: Zara; Earrings: don't remember (similar)
I knew I wanted a solid color with clean, but interesting, lines. Bonus points for mustard, a great color and condiment.
So... as you can tell it's not easy for me to answer the question, "Where do you shop?". I dress like I eat and cook -- eclectically, experimentally, joyfully.
And just because I'm writing a retrospective of my outfits doesn't mean I'm outta the game.
I'm still in the running on Star Salvation. There's just ONE MORE COOK until the winner re-joins the finalists on the quest to become the next Food Network Star. Catch episodes online here and watch all four Star Salvation challenges on July 29th at 8pm EST on Food Network, right before the winner re-joins Food Network Star at 9pm.