What Not to Wear

You’ve all seen them: people wearing clothes so hideous that it’s almost embarrassing to mention them here. Tights with holes and combat boots, tube tops in summer and winter, jeans so tight they seem almost painted on, and the dreaded “muffin top” (for those who don’t know it’s when your pants are too tight and your sides ooze out the sides) are scene on an almost daily basis.

Don’t you wish there was someone, just ONE person, who could help these lost souls of fashion and transform them into the inner fashionistas they all want to be?

TLC (Channel 38 on cable) has come to the rescue with “What Not to Wear.” Hosted by the infamous Stacy and Clinton, this show caters to those who are clueless when it comes to fashion. Relatives or friends refer the fashion victims to the show, and they are chosen based on who dresses the worst.

Fashion faux-pas on the show include overalls, sweats (worn ALL the time), skimpy club wear worn to the workplace as well as everywhere else, and jeans so high-waisted that it’s amazing that those who wear them can even see over the waist. Too-baggy clothes are also another common fashion misdemeanor, as well as prints of every color under the sun.

After having to deal with scrutiny and a wardrobe throw-away session from Stacy and Clinton, guests are given 5,000 dollars on a Visa card and are sent forth to the streets of NYC to find new clothes and shoes that, with advice from the co-hosts, will fit and flatter them like a cashmere glove.

Without their knowledge, Stacy and Clinton are spying, making sure the rules are being followed. If the advice is not being followed (and even if it is, to some degree), the dynamic duo will come to the rescue of their guest, helping her to find clothing that flatters.

A makeover is also in store, with a haircut and makeup lesson. The show ends with Stacy and Clinton viewing their handywork, and the guest on the show reveals their new look to their friends and family. It truly is a show of growth and metamorphosis.

Check TLC’s website for show times.

The new Project Runway

“Make it work!”

These famous words uttered by Project Runway judge Timothy Gunn can be once again enjoyed by viewers nationwide, for the fourth season of the popular Bravo show is back to showcase more designers, creations and drama.

With the third episode already underway (the show airs every Wednesday at 10 pm on Bravo/Channel 66 on cable), the designers have already made their debutes. My favorite designer is Victorya: her outfits, which are so far a pretty black dress with a metallic bow and an outfit featured with Sarah Jessica Parker’s clothing line Bitten, are very modern and chic, definitely something that any girl on the street could wear.

The celebrity judges include fashion designer Michael Kors, whose straight-talking criticism with a twist makes the show very engaging, Nina Garcia, the elite fashion editor/mogul at Elle Magazine, super model Heidi Klum, who’s famous last words “Aufiedezen” (meaning “see you later” in German) a common household phrase around the world, and of course, Timothy Gunn, who’s prim and proper attitude is the punch line that “makes the show work!”

Even those who don’t appreciate fashion can appreciate Project Runway. A barrel-full of girls and wanna-be girls create beautiful clothes and, admit it we love it, beautiful drama. And the suspenseful music before an elimination makes this reality TV show a hit amongst all.

As far as who is to become eliminated, the only way to find out is to watch. So block out 10 pm Wednesday night, and you can see you will be “Auf’d” next.