What Not To Wear Fashion Fantasy - YouLookFab Forum

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What Not To Wear Fashion Fantasy

Laurel Pederson

So, over the Christmas holidays I've had some time to watch many episodes of What Not To Wear. I may be addicted. I've always loved the show, but don't get to watch it much as we don't have a TV and it's the only show I like that can't easily be found on Hulu or some such online TV solution.

But I digress. I've been half joking for years that I'd like to buy a bunch of crappy clothes that don't fit (wait, do i have that already? Hmm...) at thrift stores and hope against hope that someone nominates me for the show... It always seems a bit ridiculous (although thinking back on my style about 5 or 6 years ago, I probably could have been nominated then... le sigh), but last night, in the wee hours of the morning as I watched yet another busty/curvy lass go through an amazing style transformation, it did seem like a slightly brilliant scheme...

17 replies

Latest reply was from Laurel Pederson

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

lol, I thought about doing this too ... but realized I may abhor the selections that Stacey and Clinton pick out for me... so I'd rather buy my own things

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

LOL Laurel, I felt the same way. I used to watch WNTW a lot even before I became interested in fashion and used to wish I could be on that show as well. It's so entertaining and the transformations can be amazing. I did learn a lot from the show.

My wardrobe was old and boring but I knew it wasn't shockingly bad enough to get me onto the show, it was just blah. Funny thing is, now that I've discovered YLF, I feel like I have gone through a similarly amazing WNTW-like transformation. It was more like three months rather than three days, but it was still a pretty rapid change. And it was done in a much more positive way. I don't think $5000 is worth getting humiliated on national TV. Angie knows fashion and styling inside and out and her advice is always spot on. And she doesn't insult or mock you the way Stacey and Clinton do. And having everyone else here to bounce ideas off of, ask questions and get feedback from is priceless. Also, having gone through this process, I feel like I know much more about how to shop now--sometimes I wonder if the people on WNTW really can change that quickly after one week and whether they just go back to their old ways. I'm so lucky to have found YLF--way better than WNTW!

PS--I still watch WNTW once in a while--guilty pleasure!

Lantana

Veteran

I agree with GP. The longer road I'm taking on YLF means I'm really learning and gaining confidence. And I'm not looking for a complete makeover, more like a style boost. Still and all, it would be fun to be "transformed". I just wouldn't want to be on show to the nation.

san

Veteran

I would never want to be caught by WNTW people. I have only seen the show a couple of times but it seems that they are quite rude to the ones they showcase. I might be confusing WNTW with another show where they see a woman at a mall and go up to her and tell her that she looks all wrong. Well either way it seems sort of tough love and I guess it makes for good TV these days, especially with the reality TV shows being what they are. I much prefer YLF.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

There have been some rumors on tv forums that some of the women chosen for the show do, do this on purpose. I remember a particular episode that feature a blonde girl who wore TONS of makeup really badly and outrageous things going through the whole episode like she didn't realize anything about herself. A lot of speculation started there.

But anyways, i still enjoy the show. Like you, we don't have cable so i haven't watched it recently and sometimes i get bored when they choose the same style for different people over and over and but in awhile they have someone who likes different things and they seem to try to appease them while still helping them out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Laurel, I think you are in love with the $5000 cheque. You are a very edgy gal, and I can't see the show's shopping process remotely satisfying your fashion persona.

Lets rob a bank instead.

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, Angie!!

I used to think it would be great to be on WNTW, except that I would actually, physically DIE of shame before the first scene (where S & C confront the subject and look at the "secret footage") was over.

Now I agree with Angie that they seem to be pretty formulaic and I can do better on my own! It's amazing how hanging out at YLF for a year or so can change one's perspective!

Anonymous

I can't rag on WNTW because that's what got me started being interested in style in the first place. I used to secretly wish to be nominated, too. BUT since I'm the type of person to make lemons out of lemonade I tried to come up with some good reasons for wanting to transform gradually and less expensively. Like Penny (Lantana) said, she's taking the long road. Like weight loss, style starts in your head. I'm hoping to get my head on straight so that I transform from the inside out. And like home-decor, I think style looks more interesting if everything has that "collected over time" look and not that "I just went out and redid my house/closet in a week" look. Or maybe that's just *sour grapes*, since I can't afford to do it all at once, lol!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

NIcole B - you mean that law student who was wearing like no clothes and +++++makeup? She was crazzzzy. Then again, there is someone in my class who dresses like that. LOL.

Parsley

Veteran

Oh, I want the $5000 check, too!
But I agree that the public humiliation is too high a price to pay.

Watching that show is one of my guilty pleasures, though...

Laurel Pederson

Aww, Shucks. I love you guys.

Angie, you know it. Well, that and the shopping in New York. Although looking at the shopping lists lately, we have most of the stores over here too.

Speaking of which, where is the nearest Zara?

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

*Lyn - I think NicoleB means the airline stewardess (Denise?) who looked like a Playboy bunny and seemed to have an even more extreme personality disorder than the law student you're thinking of - on a side note, am I the only one who feels like sometimes the WNTW candidates seem a little ... troubled? Like maybe their clothes are less of a reflection of bad style and more about just being, you know, crazy?

D'Ellen

Veteran

WNTW is one of my guilty pleasures. I enjoy seeing the transformations...and I adore Clinton. But it's definitely "made for TV". I would rather spend my own money and go shopping with Angie! Wish, wish, wish! Until my wish is granted, I'll get my inspiration from YLF.

Parsley

Veteran

blonda, you're so right! I was watching with my daughter the other day and we agreed that the woman didn't need a new wardrobe nearly as much as she needed psychotherapy!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I want to rob the bank with you two, lol.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Laurel, the nearest Zara is in Vancouver. One in the Metrotown mall and one downtown on Robinson Street.

Laurel Pederson

ANNA! Thank you! I suspected Vancouver was my best bet. A trip up there is in order I think...