Peep the Best and Worst Looks from the 2016 Critic’s Choice Awards

Nicole Briese
Dec 12, 2016

The Critic’s Choice Awards totally snuck up on us this year, coming a full month earlier than they did in years’ past (click here for the 2015 style recap), but boy, are we glad they did: Most of the red blue carpet looks were simply too good to wait for. While there were, to be sure, a few misses to boot, the sheer level of star power seen here tonight more than made up for them: We’re talking J. Biel and Justin, Emma Stone and Nicole Kidman, people! Cozy up and grab a cup a cup of hot cocoa, cause we’re walking you through all this year’s looks, from the good and the bad to even, yes, the ugly. Check out best and worst picks below.

1. Constance Wu: We love, love, LOVE not only the pops of color the floral print on this white gown afford, but its structural, draped sides that flow down in a fishtail train, as well. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

2. Evan Rachel Wood: Now THIS is a pantsuit done right. So well-tailored it might as well be custom fit for the Westworld star’s lithe frame (which it very well may be), the slimming black Altuzarra suit works just WORKS for Evan. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

3. Mandy Moore: The This Is Us star looked hot, hot, hot despite a shade of navy winter blue, thanks to a few well-place side cutouts and a deeeeep plunging neckline on her curve-hugging gown. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

4. Cynthia Nixon: While we’re not entirely sold on this color combo for Cynthia in particular (there are some who say that reds and pinks are the least flattering shades a redhead can wear), the dress itself is absolutely gorgeous, and could easily double as Valentine’s Day date-wear. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

5. Hailee Steinfeld: Hailee Steinfeld is quickly becoming one of our favorite fashion icons to watch. After NAILING it on the American Music Awards red carpet, girl does it again with ease at the Critic’s Choice Awads, owning the carpet in one of the night’s more colorful looks and keeping right on trend with its hint of sheer. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

6. Michelle Williams: Though not as flashy as some of the carpet’s other looks, Michelle always manages to look elegant and pulled together with her own, quiet and simplistic style. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

7. Sarah Hyland: While this Vera Wang look might have looked a bit too casual on anyone else, Sarah Hyland has some sort of effortless coolness about her that just makes it work. Perhaps it’s that killer choker pendant? (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

8. Lily Collins: In her winter gray Elie Saab lace with pale, pale skin, deep plum lips and super dark hair, Lily Collins is our personal snow queen. We’re bowing down Wayne’s World style, Lily: We’re not worthy! (Photo via )

9. Felicity Huffman & William H. Macy: Felicity Huffman may be 54 years old, but she appeared more full of life than women half her age on the red carpet, and for that alone, she makes our best dressed list (never mind the fact that she does, in fact, look fabulous, to boot): Happiness looks great on everyone! (Photo via Frazer Harrrison/Getty)

10. Janelle Monae: Janelle stepped out of her usual pantsuit box for this year’s Critics Choice Awards — we almost didn’t recognize her without her pompadour! — but boy, are we SO glad she did. Still keeping true to her quirky nature with a funky houndstooth frock, but girly-ing things up a bit from her typical digs, we think Janelle looks fierce AF. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

11. Jessica Biel: Motherhood (or eating in the shower) must be seriously agreeing with Jessica Biel, because in our opinion, this was the absolute BEST she’s ever looked on a red carpet. Maybe it’s the green of her Elie Saab gown that brings out her eyes or maybe it’s the plunging neckline, but whatever it was, girl looks AMAZE. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

12. Kate Beckinsale: Kate looks like a beautiful queen of a faraway ice land in her sheer-and-sequined flared Reem Acra gown. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

13. Nicole Kidman: We love the daring details of Nicole Kidman’s bow-top Brandon Maxwell gown, and the black hue really offsets her glowing winter complexion (the red lips don’t hurt at all, either). (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

14. Sarah Paulson: The AHS actress was one classy dame in this pearl-adorned peplum dress with a chic and tousled little side bob. It’s different, but that might be exactly what we like about it. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

15. Viola Davis: Simple though it may be, Viola Davis looked pretty as a picture thanks to the GORGEOUS hue of this mint bodycon Michael Kors collection gown that sets off her skin tone beyond beautifully. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

16. Emma Stone: Emma has been slaying her La La Land premiere looks all season, so we’re not surprised to see her slaying here too. Taking a cue from Nicole Kidman with her contrasting black gown and milky white skin/red lip combo, Emma adds interest with a uniquely twisted top and a bit of sequined shine. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

17. Kaley Cuoco: Kaley looked sweet-as-can-be in a fitted pair of pink cropped Noon by Noon pants and a strapless frilly lace top from the same designer with a flowing train. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

THE WORST

1. Bella Thorne: Bella’s brand of style typically comes off as crazysexycool, but this one, in our humble opinion, just comes off as crazy. Between the bold red hair, the wayyyyy too sheer side cutouts and the pageant style silver glitz, it’s making us a bit dizzy, TBH. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

2. Carly Chaikin: We’re all for a break from the parade of gowns that tend to take over the carpet, but this is a bit…much. The non-flattering cut of this top gives off a lax maternity-wear look that we’re just not digging. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

3. Bryce Dallas Howard: We can’t put our finger on exactly what it is we dislike about this Grecian-style getup (other than perhaps the color, which isn’t doing her skin tone ANY favors), but this Topshop number just may be our least favorite look of the night. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

4. Allison Williams: While we can certainly appreciate a unique pattern or pop of color, Allison Williams missed the mark by quite a bit with the uber-loud print of this Balmain design. (Photo via Jonathan Leibson/Getty)

5. Ariel Winter: It’s largely the fit of this dress that lands Ariel on our worst dress list. It looks slightly either too big or lopsided, hanging in all the wrong spots and hugging none of the right ones. Girl has a bangin’ body, so we would’ve loved to see her in something more akin to Mandy Moore’s ensemble. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

6. Busy Phillips: This dress needs SOMETHING. Lace is nice and all, but without a flattering neckline or cutout or any type of leg slit, this comes off as being a bit… frumpy. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

7. Judith Light: Judith is far too dignified a lady for this latex-looking fabric that is giving us majorly (ill-fitting) Hefty vibes. (Photo via Jonathan Leibson/Getty)

8. Tracee Ellis Ross: Mayyyybeee Tracee didn’t the memo that winter is more or less knocking on our doors, but this look is totally out of season. We know Santa Monica is warmer than say, Chicago, and all, but this crochet Zuhair Murad with its spaghetti straps is a look far better suited for summer days. (Photo via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty)

9. Lili Taylor: We typically love us a pantsuit — when it’s done right (see: Evan Rachel Wood). This one needed a trip to the tailor to shorten the ill-fitting bottoms before ever making it’s public debut. What could have been great just ends up looking like a too-big man’s ensemble, all courtesy of the poor fit. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

10. Amanda Peete: While Amanda’s dress would have been PERFECT for stomping divots at the racetrack a la Pretty Woman, it’s a wee bit too casual for a red (or, in this case, blue) carpet. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

11. Robin Tunney: Robin will forever live in our hearts as our favorite ‘90s witch, so it pains us to say this, but we’re just not feeling this black capelet dress or the red ankle-strap pumps that would be better suited for the office. (Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

Which were your fave and least loved looks? Cast your vote @BritandCo!

(Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

Costco Shoppers Are Raving Over This New Bakery Treat: "I ate one as soon as I got home.”

Everyone who knows me knows that I truly cannot resist a little sweet treat. I’m a huge fan of baked goods in particular, and I’m lucky to live by so many local bakeries that whip up some insanely tasty goodies, from chocolate-loaded brownies to mascarpone-stuffed croissants. Unfortunately, a single sweet treat often comes out to $6, which doesn’t necessarily favor my bank account.

Luckily, Costco’s been baking up a very delicious solution to my pastry cravings at just $2 a serving, and shoppers are saying they’re a total “10/10.”

Scroll on to discover the sheer greatness of Costco’s latest baked good that’s got little treat lovers (like me) fired up.

Reddit

The pastry in question is none other than the Almond Croissants. Costco’s Almond Croissants resemble a Kouign-amann in shape, but are totally croissant-y by nature with lots of flaky lil’ layers of butter and dough.

Each croissant is filled with frangipane (AKA almond-flavored custard) then topped off with slivered almonds and powdered sugar, all of which add a most delightful texture and sweetness. Shoppers have described them as “quite dense,”“a little doughy,” and “deceptively huge.”

Reddit

Die-hard shoppers were quick to compare the new treat to an OG favorite, Costco Almond Danishes. The danishes seem to have been phased out from stores in the past year, though, meaning this new pastry is fulfilling its absence in the most delectable way. Here’s what shoppers are saying:

“I bought these yesterday and I've already eaten 3,” one person said. “They are seriously great!!!!!”

“I just ate one as soon as I got home from Costco,” another noted. “It was delicious! I can’t wait to have one in the morning heated up with my coffee.✨”

“They are extremely good,” one more person confirmed.

Reddit

The Costco Almond Croissants are sold in quantities of 6 for $11.99, totaling out each one to about $2. A few sleuth-y shoppers report that each croissant contains about 750 calories, and since they’re so dense, they’re more easily palatable if you eat half of one at a time.

The Costco Almond Croissants are simply perfect for pairing with your morning coffee, snacking on alongside some berries, or topping desserts like a good post-dinner ice cream!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more beloved Costco finds!

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Hilary Duff Is Housing Mandy Moore & Family During LA Fires: "Altadena Strong."

Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

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A post shared by Dawes (@dawestheband)

After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

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A post shared by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm)

The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.

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30 Easy & Low-Carb Dinner Recipes For Your Whole30 Month

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

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