Fash-Eccentric!

A few days ago, I blogged about Mio TV and their fashionable TV shows lineup for this month and the next. Today, I finally got around watching ‘Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style’ – thanks to Angeline from SPE Networks who kindly couriered a DVD to my house!

If you’ve read Tim Gunn’s book - ‘A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style‘: You know this man has sophistication, immaculate taste and credibility to become the Mr. Fashion-Know-How. Now, the man has his own show together with his ‘fashion accomplice‘, Veronica Webb, they take X-chromosome ‘rocks’ from across America and polish them into ‘diamonds’! Some draw comparisons to TLC’s What Not to Wear (also airing on Mio TV) - but I think if you’ve been religiously watching Project Runway, you’ll love Tim Gunn playing from fashion mentor to style guru (minus the pretty German).

In this episode, Tim and Veronica meet Karen Vito, a 41-year old suburban mother who works at a salon. Her style is like a cross between hoochie-mama, and a slutty, cleavage-baring biker chick. Trust me, it’s horrendous. She’s like a 21-year old trapped in a 41-year old body.

Karen said that cleavage is important to her. Uh-hum, we can SEE that! Veronica gasped and quipped, “If you’re 40, and you’re dressing like a 20 - you look like a desperate old cougar”. You hardly sense any positive remarks from Veronica, she’s one tough cookie. But with those puppies hanging out at a PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), no wonder none of the mums want to talk to Karen!

I like this section of the show. This is where Tim and Veronica dig through Karen’s wardrobe and she’ll decide what to keep and what to trash. The unique thing, and prolly the most reasonable aspect of this show is that Tim and Veronica only lend their knowledge, opinions and expertise - then, Karen has to decide whether she’s willing to change or not. As you can see, she’s one stubborn mule who refused to let go of that fugly road-kill fur coat.

What makes good reality TV? Drama. Of course, it’s never easy when someone critiques your style and calls you a “slut”. Karen realised how hard it is to change for the better, and let go of the 21-year old in her. As you watch her transformation journey, you start to emphatise with her and of course, anticipate her final look.

Finally! Doesn’t Karen look smashing in the red wrapped dress? Her hair is straightened out, and beautifully dyed. She downsize on her accessories. She looks classy, sophisticated and radiant! The best thing is that she MADE the clothing choices, she PICKED the clothes - all based on Tim’s advice and list of basic items needed for every woman. She was quoted saying, “This is really about people, and it’s about changing their lives”. In the end, it was all smiles and pretty clothes (and freebies from Bill Blass and Coach!).

Fash-E’s Verdict: It’s definitely refreshing to have Tim Gunn on any makeover shows. I find his fashion wisdom and style advice very appealing and applicable to almost all women. I do learn alot from this episode and it makes me wanna watch more! Whatever it is, Tim Gunn will “make it work” for you

Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style airing on mio TV Channel 20, every Wednesday and Thursday, from 26 March, 10pm