What Not to Wear...

[Etienne]

Does anyone ever tune into this program? If so, what are your thoughts on it? I always seem to see the same kind of outfits being promoted--jackets, long, slenderizing pants and very pointy-toed heels. I realize that the somewhat shorter jackets are in all the stores but not everyone looks good with them that short! And pointy-toed spike heels are not for everyone either. Do I just miss too many episodes or does this seem to be the rule of thumb? And last of all, how do you all feel about the use of a completely different color shoe with an outfit when nothing else goes with it at all? I've noticed a whole lot of that, too.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

I watch it just to see the 'before' and 'after' looks, but I agree that they tend to promote the same style of clothing (and hair and makeup too.) However, the 'before' looks are usually so terrible that any change for the better is good lol

I personally don't think pointy toe shoes are flattering on anyone, as they make your feet look huge (but their reasoning is that they make your legs look longer when paired with trousers [huh])

I will wear shoes in a contrasting color then the rest of my outfit, but I like to coordinate them with other accessories (for example, navy dress with red shoes, purse, and jewelry) to add overall interest and a pop of color.

I know they would have a field day with those of us who dress in vintage looks from head to toe

 

[Elaina]

Well it is a show and face it, they get the clothes donated.

I think the point is to get them trained to dress properly in a style versus THAT style.

 

[Tourbillion]

OK I don't really watch TV.

But, what is it with that show? I am 6' tall, would they put me in a bolero jacket, long pants and pointy heels too? I realize the average person on that show has no taste in clothes and needs help, but I hate pointy shoes.

I wear a size 10 1/2 or 11 shoe, when they are pointy they are about 13" long, I can't even walk in those poulaines.

I just know that people are going to look at that show in 20 years and laugh their heads off.

p.s. I hate Trading Spaces too, they take perfectly ordinary homes and trash them so that they look absolutely cheap and horrible. Yucky.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I used to watch this show fairly regularly -- I like Clinton OK, he seems like a nice guy, but Stacy with her hipper-than-thou smirk more often than not makes me want to throw a shoe (a *round toed* shoe) thru the screen.

I think there's some educational value in teaching the idea of choosing clothes to fit your proportions -- that's the most common Fashion Don't I tend to notice in the real world -- but I agree with the consensus that they're giving their students/victims a pretty narrow idea of what's acceptable. I have to wonder how many of these folks keep up with what they've been taught versus how many just go back to the way they were as soon as the camera's off.

And I'd go barefoot before I'd wear those needle-toed monstrosities they're always pushing. Ick.

 

[Sunny]

And I'd go barefoot before I'd wear those needle-toed monstrosities they're always pushing. Ick.

Come to think of it, barefoot's not a bad way to go either.

One tall long-footer round-toe-lover to another!

 

[texasgirl]

I LOVE this show. I watch it all the time. Stacy and Clinton crack me up. I have taken a few of their tips. If they have someone with my body shape on, I'll see what they suggest. And I think the suggestions I have tried have been flattering. BUT I still can't get into the pointy shoe. I'll try them on at the store, but I've yet to buy any. I don't think they always do the same thing. Saturday they had on this real tall girl 6'1" and they did some real different outfits with her. And I love the end when they have so much more confidence! It's inspiring to me

 

[Renee]

I enjoy this show when I manage to catch it on TV. I think the clothing style suggestions they make for the different body shapes are always flattering, and they seem to take the person's personality into consideration. I also like the fact that they don't mention losing weight (even when a person obviously needs to shed a few pounds), but focus on what's attractive about the person - i.e. they show a heavy woman how to camouflage her belly but emphasize her pretty bustline and shoulders. They always stress dressing the body you have right now.

One thing that I really appreciate is how they constantly repeat the fact that people should take more time and care with their appearance when they go out in public. Even if it's just a casual day in jeans, take the time to put on a flattering pair with a nice top and perhaps a little jacket. Wear a cute shoe and carry a nice purse. Comb your hair. In otherwords, they emphasize good grooming.

As far as the pointy-toe shoes, I think you see a lot of those because they're in style. I have seen some other types - some good boots and sandals, for example.

 

[lindylady]

I know they would have a field day with those of us who dress in vintage looks from head to toe

Oh, you KNOW they would trash our closets! lol We would be told to tone it down, resort to low-key glamour, whatever that is these days. They would throw out the beautifully cut dresses and replace them with shapeless shifts. (Or tell us to put jeans on beneath them to make them more trendy) Stacy would tell us that our high-waist pants are too "soccer mom" and would send us to the nearest Gap for the latest pair of ultra low rise jeans. Say goodbye to your round-toe pumps and Mary Janes. It's time for you to graduate to pointy 3-inch stilettos that cripple your walk (and your back, over time).

 

[Etienne]

I enjoy this show when I manage to catch it on TV. I think the clothing style suggestions they make for the different body shapes are always flattering, and they seem to take the person's personality into consideration. I also like the fact that they don't mention losing weight (even when a person obviously needs to shed a few pounds), but focus on what's attractive about the person - i.e. they show a heavy woman how to camouflage her belly but emphasize her pretty bustline and shoulders. They always stress dressing the body you have right now.

One thing that I really appreciate is how they constantly repeat the fact that people should take more time and care with their appearance when they go out in public. Even if it's just a casual day in jeans, take the time to put on a flattering pair with a nice top and perhaps a little jacket. Wear a cute shoe and carry a nice purse. Comb your hair. In otherwords, they emphasize good grooming.

As far as the pointy-toe shoes, I think you see a lot of those because they're in style. I have seen some other types - some good boots and sandals, for example.

You bring up some good points, Renee. I have only watched the show a few times and each time it seemed to be the same; maybe I'll have to tune in more often and learn what it's all about!

 

[Lauren]

I LOVE the British version of the show, even though sometimes what they're wearing I kind of do this :eusa_doh: this go like this when they critique other people.... hmmm... but I think it's funny how brutally honest they are. I'd hate to have people do that to me, though.

 

[Miss Dottie]

One thing that I really appreciate is how they constantly repeat the fact that people should take more time and care with their appearance when they go out in public. Even if it's just a casual day in jeans, take the time to put on a flattering pair with a nice top and perhaps a little jacket. Wear a cute shoe and carry a nice purse. Comb your hair. In otherwords, they emphasize good grooming.

I can appreciate that side of it--it's always good to take the time to wear something nice, so you feel nice. I think perhaps the people they often chose are women that are focusing on other people so much, that they forget to take time to make themselves look nice. And that helps raise their esteem.

But yeah, I myself am not always the biggest lover of their fashion. I went to school with Stacy. Heh! I don't remember her being a huge fashionista, but that was a while ago.

I remember two funky sisters who were on the show who were very SF-hipster in their style and they just shredded them and made them dress 15 years older. Kinda sad. I say--let people wear what they want.

 

[Elaina]

I catch the british version more on BBC America. Personally I think if they walked into one of our closets they would probably leave the majority of it alone. Modernize it a bit with accessories, but if it looks good on you, and you're wearing the right proportions: they can't complain.

Am I the only one who likes pointy toes? I never have liked round or square toes.

 

[olive bleu]

hallejuah! i watch that show all the time because i am a reality tv junkie, not that i take any of it seriously, i am just naturally nosey...I never understood the attraction to pointy toe shoes either.. i have tried them on in stores but i always look like i have alligators clamped to the ends of my legs.I would never let stacey & clinton into my closet they would throw out everything,and someone would have to die.

 

[BettyValentine]

I *hate* this show sooo much. At least the American version, I am told the original is far nicer and more stylish. The American version stomps on any idea of style at all, dresses every single person like they fell backwards out of a Liz Claiborne ad, and the host is a word I can't say on the Fedora Lounge. And I don't understand why anyone would ever listen to the hosts at all. They're all matched up to look like a musical theater couple, and if I *EVER* take fashion advice from a woman who dresses like The Nanny, just shoot me.


BV

 

[lindylady]

:eusa_clap You said it right!

But, yeah, the British version is much better. Definitely more entertaining and style savvy.

 

[RaasAlHayya]

Another thumbs up for the British WNTW. Trinny and Suzanne are brutally honest, but not insulting. They are very good at showing what is flattering for each woman's body type and what matches her personality.

That said, I would not want to be one of their targets! lol

--Leslie

 

[Renee]

Am I the only one who likes pointy toes? I never have liked round or square toes.

I like a little point on some shoes - more of a classic, not too sharp point. I think a classic black pump looks better with a little point than a round toe. But then again, I define my style as Classic with a Vintage Twist. I certainly don't dress all vintage like many here do.

I do like round toes for some shoe styles. My favorite shoes of all time look just like little ballerina slippers, but with a kitten heel. I bought them in Italy last year.

I don't like square toes at all.

 

[Elaina]

Eh my toes are naturally pointy, so I think for me it's a comfort issue. I have a large pointy big toe and the rest just slants to the side. Of course, I wear peep toes, and all you see if my big toe.

I think when I mean pointed I don't mean the witchy "this-may-kill-a-man-if-I-kick-him" point.

 

[Tourbillion]

I'm okay with an almond toe, or even a little pointy toe. But, seriously I ordered a pair of pumps from Banana Republic once that had 2" of point after the end of my big toe.

I looked ridiculous, when I tried them on at work my co-workers laughed. They went back.

You need to be able to walk in your shoes, and when there is 2" or 3" of extra toe, I am liable to trip.