https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:25:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9644 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:35:22 +0000 Sarah 9644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. As I expected, I came out a cornet. The article was a good read too. I certainly don’t think this works for everybody, but the advice is good for me. Asymmetrical wrap tops give me curves. Fitted tops and fluttery skirts work great to balance out my broad shoulders and small everything else. I’m not so sure about the single button coats, and I don’t know what they mean by “angular dresses.” As far as the things to avoid, they are on target too. Shapeless dresses make me look shapeless. Scooped necklines show off the gaping hole I have between my tiny boobs; no cleavage for me. And shoulder pads make me look like a quarterback. I’m not sure about avoiding platform shoes, but I don’t like them because they make me trip anyway. I also don’t understand how ¾ length sleeves would do bad things for my silhouette. The cut-away sleeves are advised again, but my arms are thin enough that that I don’t mind emphasizing my shoulders some. I actually think it balances out my over all shape since my bust is so small.</p> <p>That said, I’ve never sat down and watched the show. I’ve seen bits and pieces of it several years ago, but that’s all. So have I got this straight, Clinton and Stacy are the US hosts on WNTW and Trinny and Susannah on the UK version? From what I’ve read here, my voice teacher and one girl at school must love the show, because they both follow the formula just about every day and wouldn’t be caught dead in any shoes without pointy toes.</p> <p>Congratulations on the raise Nicole! You are right, Inge. Flattering clothes can totally change that way I look at myself. Just the other night my husband and I were sitting at home and watching a movie. I got kind of depressed because the actress (Liv Tyler) looked so perfect and I don’t. Her skin is flawless, she has perfect pouty lips, and the perfect hour-glass body, etc. My husband was playing around with me and I wasn’t really playing back, so we talked about how I didn’t feel sexy at all, especially compared to perfect actresses on TV. We turned off the TV and after dinner I changed out of my boxy t-shirt and jeans into my new white skirt and one of my new tops and we went for a walk in the park. It’s amazing what that outfit did for me; by the end of the evening I actually felt alluring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9603 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:18:10 +0000 Inge 9603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's absolutely amazing Nicole, I'm so happy for you!<br /> And thank you Angie (virtual hug)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9502 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:55:44 +0000 Tanya 9502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, that's wonderful news. I am very touched as well. Big hug for you!<br /> ( my BF&#38;I call it "the bear hug". He provides the appropriate sound effects </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9498 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:41:04 +0000 Angie 9498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BRILLIANT, Nicole. I am extremely touched and very happy for you. I'm sending you three Dutch kisses (we kiss three times on the cheek in Holland) and a huge hug! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9445 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:48:08 +0000 Ana 9445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Nicole, this is great news! Congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9443 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:41:09 +0000 Nicole 9443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was happier about my confidence and courage in asking for one, than I was about the actual raise. I never had that kind of confidence before. And even better than the money, I will now be entitled to 17 days of sick/vacation paid leave. Since I'm P/T, that is actually more lucrative for me than the actual raise. I think I also raised awareness to my boss that he needs to review everyone's compensation packages. Which translates into happier coworkers. So, yeah, I felt pretty good about the whole thing! (and I owe it all to you and the YLF forum members!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9440 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:28:20 +0000 Angie 9440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole and Inge, my eyes are watering. Know that I look forward to seeing and feeling you shine in your “confidence-boosting-outfits” as much as you do. </p> <p>ps. brilliant news about your raise Nicole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9428 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:22:05 +0000 Inge 9428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I feel the same way, Nicole. When I know I look great, I just feel much more confident. And it shows; in the way I hold myself, in the way I approach people, in my mood (I tend to smile more), I feel like I can take on more and can achieve more and apparently that works (your raise being a very good example, big congratulations by the way!!). And all that because of the clothes... It's quite amazing actually, how something as 'superficial' as the right outfit can boost your confidence in such a way and can influence everything you do - and what's more, allows the real you to shine. (and I don't think I'm being overly dramatic here) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9427 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:10:51 +0000 Inge 9427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly Ana! I had the same problem last week. Also with a post that would have appeared first on page two of a thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9426 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:09:20 +0000 Inge 9426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So this is the answer Nicole posted at 18.04u (Brussels time):</p> <p>Inge, you really touched on something personal for me. I have always considered myself a happy, well adjusted person. I don't brood and I always try to see the light side of things. So, I wouldn't go so far to say, I was depressed or anything. But now I look forward to my day much more. I get excited about picking out my outfit, I have much more confidence at work (actually asked for and got a raise this past month!), and I am just generally a happier person because I feel so much better about myself. And it's not like I felt bad about myself before--I thought I looked good.' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9425 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:08:50 +0000 Inge 9425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No problem Nicole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9424 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:08:31 +0000 Ana 9424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been having that problem here as well. The first person to post on page two--their stuff isn't showing up anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9423 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:00:19 +0000 Nicole 9423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Inge, that would be great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9422 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:55:24 +0000 Inge 9422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is strange. According to my blog aggregator Nicole posted an answer here about 48 minutes ago. I can read it there, but it hasn't appeared on the forum apparently.</p> <p>Can anybody else see it?</p> <p>(Don't start crying Nicole, I copied your text because you had the same problem yesterday or this morning and had to type everything again - would you like me to copy/paste it for you below?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9421 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:54:27 +0000 Angie 9421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw T&#38;S's episode with the 70 year olds, Inge. It was my favourite episode. Mind blowing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor/page/2#post-9418 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:04:32 +0000 Nicole 9418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, you really touched on something personal for me. I have always considered myself a happy, well adjusted person. I don't brood and I always try to see the light side of things. So, I wouldn't go so far to say, I was depressed or anything. But now I look forward to my day much more. I get excited about picking out my outfit, I have much more confidence at work (actually asked for and got a raise this past month!), and I am just generally a happier person because I feel so much better about myself. And it's not like I felt bad about myself before--I thought I looked good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9413 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:15:37 +0000 Inge 9413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grin, Nicole I think you must be;-)))<br /> And don't you just love that dry British wit?!</p> <p>I like Trinny and Susannah actually and I don't mind their language one bit. I know they can be a bit sarcastisc at times but I've never found them actually rude and they just overdo it a bit for show methinks. And more then once I've seen them 'bare all' themselves to put the candidates at ease/to show them that some clothing 'tricks' really work, and that takes courage. I do admire them for that.</p> <p>I'm not saying their advice is always spot on, and sometimes I wonder if the real transformation is not more in the hair and make-up than in the clothes (I've never seen the American version with Clinton and Stacy, so can't comment on that). Then again, I happened to see a T&#38;S yesterday with two ladies over 70, and their new wardrobe made a world of difference! (It was touching to see how they felt younger and more attractive, and maybe even more important, they regained some self-confidence and seemed genuinely to look forward to the future again -while they were really down at first).</p> <p>And maybe that's the whole point of this type of shows: being a 'general' source of inspiration to build on and making you realise that wearing clothes that suit and fit you well, can change the way you feel about yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9379 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:57:48 +0000 shiny 9379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few years back, I got to meet Clinton! He was giving a talk here at his alma mater. He is just as genuine and sweetly charming and gracious in person as on the t.v. show!</p> <p>But I was very disappointed when he said during his talk that the show does not choose anyone over 40!!! </p> <p>However, it seems they've changed that rule because recently I have noticed women over 40 on the show. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9367 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:19:34 +0000 Dana 9367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, you do a wonderful job of conveying your sense of humor via your posts. I LOVE the British sense of humor and can be sarcastic and dry in person, but I'm not as talented when typing my sentiments. You guys all crack me up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9356 Sat, 31 May 2008 23:24:27 +0000 Ana 9356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you know what's funny is that while I was writing that about British humor, I was thinking, "Nicole is sort of this way," LOL. That must be why you're always making me laugh--I think you and my husband are hilarious and you both have similar senses of humor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9353 Sat, 31 May 2008 23:02:36 +0000 Tanya 9353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL Nicole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9344 Sat, 31 May 2008 22:21:25 +0000 Nicole 9344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG I must be British! That explains A LOT! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9331 Sat, 31 May 2008 21:23:07 +0000 Angie 9331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicely put, Ana. I can commiserate with hubby. I've landed myself in a spot of trouble on this site when things got lost in translation and culture. If you go to the “dressing your age” post and read the comments, I retaliate in my third response. People seemed offended with my term ”mutton dressed like lamb” and others missed the point entirely. VERY interesting. </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2007/01/12/dressing-your-age/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2007/01/.....-your-age/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9326 Sat, 31 May 2008 21:00:03 +0000 Ana 9326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been out all morning and just got caught up with this conversation--very interesting! </p> <p>I totally agree that What Not to Wear follows the same old formula, and so I've sort of gone off on watching it, because I know exactly how it's going to turn out at the end--dark denim or black trousers, fitted blazer, some sort of "embellished" cami, pointy toed shoes. Not a bad look, but not that interesting either. I agree with all of your opinions that this is because they are sort of starting from square one and don't want to overwhelm the participants. But they do get rid of any sort of uniqueness or personality the person might have, and I'd be MUCH more interested if they could assess the person's personality (rather than do a psychological evaluation of why they are dressing the way they do) and work some of those elements into the style. I mean, they'll take someone who is OBVIOUSLY a crunchy granola boho earth mother type, and put them in a suit, or dress them modern classic, even if they have no work restrictions on their wardrobe. Then they ask, "Do you like this?" and most of the time the women say yes because really, at that point almost ANYTHING would look 20 times better than what they were wearing. And I agree with Maya--a swiss dot tie shirt and a denim pencil skirt is not funky. Add an animal print belt and some brightly colored shoes and now we're starting to get somewhere, but you never really see that. </p> <p>As far as the hosts being rude--it does make the show more interesting and this is probably why they do it. But I've seen Stacy appear on multiple shows in multiple situations, and I think she's just the sort of person who speaks her mind in a very "in your face" sort of way. Clinton seems like he doesn't naturally do this as much. I like their chemistry because they balance eachother out. </p> <p>Re: Trinny and Susannah--I've never been to England personally, but I have been around some British people (I'm married to one). I think in British culture, it's more acceptable to be very blunt and (what we in the US would consider) rather insulting. I've watched British parliament on television, and they say things to each other that would cause fist fights in our Congress. But in the British parliament, everyone laughs, it's no big deal. It's almost like a form of bonding or something. They are also very sarcastic, which is not really a form of humor that is "appreciated" as much over here. My husband had a rather rough time when he first moved here because he'd try this with people here and of course, we were offended. I had to explain to him that it's not the same as it is in England and to tone it down. He's gotten a lot better, thankfully, but every once in a while he'll say something and I have to explain to people that he's just joking, which depresses him because in England he sort of prided himself on the fact that he always made people laugh and here in the US, he's fallen flat on more than one occasion. Poor guy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9313 Sat, 31 May 2008 20:14:26 +0000 Maya 9313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that they do kind of suck the personality out of a lot of their participants. I did NOT like at all how they made over that 18 year old girl on the mother's day episode. She's a teenager for crying out loud. This is the time for her to be having fun and experimenting with styles and statements she might not be able to make when she's 25. Instead she went from skulls and animal print to corporate casual. They could have at least thrown her a skull necklace. I dressed a lot like that when I was 16, and I came out fine. That was the first time a participant really didn't seem all that happy with the results, and I don't think I can blame her. Those clothes were just too old for her and had nothing to do with her style or personality. I also did not appreciate the psychological evaluation that she's trying to "scare people off" with those clothes. It just made them sound kind of old. I loved dressing like that in high school and I wouldn't change a thing. I had so much fun wearing my plaid minis and big combat boots. I even had my lip pierced for the first year in college. If I wasn't able to go crazy like that as a teen, I would have probably ended up doing it now, which is just not the right time for it.</p> <p>My assumption is just that they anticipate their participants will fall back on their old style, so they might go a bit over the top. It's like a style negotiation--reach for more than what you really want. </p> <p>Sometimes I have to laugh at what they consider "funky." Yesterday they pulled out this swiss dot tie-neck blouse off the rack and paired it with a denim pencil skirt and a black cardigan as their "funky" example. It was definitely cute but I don't see what was so funktastic about it. It looked pretty conservative to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9311 Sat, 31 May 2008 19:51:10 +0000 Angie 9311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd like to see more bloke makeovers too. Nick is superb and I’m with Nicole as far as Carmindy is concerned. Often too much makeup. But the participants always look better after hair and make-up so it works for the show. </p> <p>As with my clients, all participants start off on a different level on the style continuum, yet the S&#38;C formula assumes they all start off at the same level. Some of the participants are quite funky, just need a little “cleaning up”; but applying “the formula” sort of kills the edge they’ve made their own. Not to worry Maya, I see your point and I think it’s a good one. I’m merely offering an alternative POV! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9296 Sat, 31 May 2008 18:51:56 +0000 Maya 9296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I hadn't started watching the show when Wayne Scott Lucas was still the host. He seems VERY unpopular though. I only saw one male makeover. I read somewhere that they stopped doing men because they weren't as enthusiastic or appreciative as the women were. I think a father-daughter episode would be cute for father's day though...especially if it's a girl who lost her mom before she really had a chance to learn about clothes and makeup. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9295 Sat, 31 May 2008 18:45:38 +0000 Maya 9295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Carmindy. I think there's a lot that goes into the hair and makeup session that we don't see, which results in the ultimate decision. Sometimes the makeup is dramatic and heavy for my taste, but other times it looks pretty natural. I feel like she's a lot more heavy now than she used to be. She and Nick seem to go through phases. For a while Nick's big thing was sideswept bangs. Now it's the bob.</p> <p> I have looked through her book and I enjoyed it and thought the models looked great...but then, they ARE models. It's a very thorough book though. I love the ERA spray foundation she uses. They recently came up with a less expensive, everyday version that I would consider using if I knew what color to get. I currently don't wear anything other than lip balm, but an even skintone can go a long way.</p> <p>One of the things I like about her is that she is more concerned with highlighting a woman's best features than concealing what might not be so great. Most of the women she talks to immediately start telling her what they want to hide, but she always goes straight to what she wants to bring out and emphasize. And I have to say no matter what happens, the women always look better after Nick and Carmindy than before.</p> <p>As for Nick, I would love to have $500 for a session with him. He's a genius with color and has an accent that could melt carbon steel. I did not, however, appreciate that greasy ponytail he used to sport. Ick. Glad he chopped it off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9289 Sat, 31 May 2008 17:36:13 +0000 Nicole 9289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yeah, I wanted to start a discussion on Carmandie, the make up lady. What do you all think of her? I think she's a little heavy with the makeup (both on her clients and herself). I get annoyed when she takes a person who says they don't like to wear makeup, and then she gives them a 10 minute make up routine that involves foundation, blush, intricate eye shadow application, lip liner, lip color, lip gloss....It's just too much and not how women wear makeup anymore. But I love Nick--I just wish he'd cut his hair--he looks like Richard Simmons when he lets his hair get long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trinny-and-susannah-shape-advisor#post-9288 Sat, 31 May 2008 17:33:12 +0000 Nicole 9288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, You brought up a great point that WNTW is really just a starting point to help the clueless begin to think of fashion as a tool, not torture. When you teach a child to read, you start by teaching them the alphabet, right? You don't give them War and Peace and let them have at it. If S&#38;C's approach is formulaic, then it's a formula intended to speark some interest in one's appearance. What they do with it from there is up to the individual person.</p> <p>I too love Clinton--remember the previous guy? He had long ugly hair and wore too tight, ripped jeans with a big belt buckle? My husband used to say "Oh yeah, who's going to take fashion advice from YOU??" I wish they do start doing men makeovers again. They used to, but I can't remember the last time I saw a man on the show. I'm completely unfamiliar with the British version though. </p>