Before we start, we have a very special personal message going out to Veronica Webb. Girl, what the hell is UP with your hair and makeup? You best be handing out the slaps this morning to whomever is responsible. The hair was way too severe and the makeup was Kabuki-level. You are GORGEOUS. It takes some real work to make you look as bad as you did last night. Take a tip from Naomi and beat someone with your cell phone over this.Now.
Aren't we all just a little relieved that it's not a What Not To Wear ripoff? Oh sure, the basic template is there, but props need to be handed out for configuring the show in such a way as to not immediately make one think of Stacey and Clinton. First off, neither Tim nor Veronica are as bitchy as those two, but more importantly, there seems to have been much more of a concerted effort to make this a more educational experience for the client and the viewer.
Of course, the educational aspect may have been just a bit overdone. Those full-body shots of Tim standing in front of way-too-busy graphics prissily lecturing to us about style do NOT play to his strengths. Tim is wonderful and warm in one-on-one situations and the show needs more of them and less of Professor Gunn. As we said, it's good that the show has an educational tone to it, but a weekly lecture is not going to keep the audience coming back.
Veronica on the other hand...kind of a disappointment. She came across surprisingly stiff and cold on camera. Surprising (to us anyway) because she has quite a bit of on-camera experience and she's always come across as funny, smart and articulate. It felt like she was "over-directed" last night. She and Tim need to find their footing and learn to play off each other better.
As for the format, it could also use a little tweaking. There's an awful lot going on in this process and if we have to watch the same thing week after week (The Optitex, the underwear fitting, the choosing of an icon, the weeding out of the closet, the shopping, the makeover, etc.) it's going to get old real quick. Also, Jared, the "Lifestylist?" Lose him. Now. We were cringing in our seats last night throughout his painful segment. You made a girl with low self esteem parade around in front of a camera wearing a trash bag? Come kneel in front of me so I don't have to get up to slap you.
One thing that we suppose we HAVE to put up with is the producer-enhanced "emotional" stuff. The engagement ring? Bleh. That was just nausea-inducing. Even moreso because she's all weepy and "Oh, honey!" as he's making his little speech to her about how special she is and we're sitting there thinking "Tim Gunn just took that ring out of the closet 5 minutes ago and handed it to you. What are you doing standing there and soaking up all the adoration for something you were told to do?"
Catherine Malandrino? Fabulous. Put her on every week, we say. Lorenzo was practically in tears at the sight of her. Actually, the designer segment is one of the best ideas out of the whole show. We look forward to seeing who else shows up during the season.
All in all, despite our reservations, it's a promising start and we're looking forward to seeing how the show evolves over time.
87 comments:
First, I totally agree about Veronica's make up. My though was that they must be trying to make her down so she doesn't intimidate the women she's helping to make-over.
And that computer game thingy: OY! Those jeans the computer tried to say were better actually looked (tto me, anyway) like the dreaded mom-jeans.
As for the overblown emotional stuff: It was way, way too much (but EVERY reality show - even game shows- go for this crap now). But even so, omigod, wasn't Tim so adorable when he got all ferklempt over the hubby's words?? It actually looked like his hands were trembling, he was so emotional. He is just too adorable for words, and again, someone needs to find him a nice guy. Seriously.
--Gotham Tomato
I do enjoy the educational aspect of the show. Albeit, the 1 on 1 interaction w/ Tim and the subject is what really has me glued. How about more of an amalgam of both? I do like VW's hair-- it's a bit Rosie w/out the severity. But the makeup-- makes her look 10 years older. Such a gorgeous woman-- maybe they thought the heavy makeup would lend to an aura of authority? And then decide to play the goth makeup w/that popsicle dress? Brilliant. That dress looked like something Isaac Mizrahi rejected for Target. The cardigan gave it that extra dowdy flair. Loved the jaunty blue jacket. And her LBD (w/ the patent belt). Gorge. That Lifestylist is 1 step from Gallagher and I. HATE. HIM. Make Catherine Malandrino the lifestylist. I could watch her all day.
I want more of this show. But I also want something more synonymous w/ Tim Gunn: Smart, refined, exciting, edifying.
Emma P.
I never thought the hilarious snark fest that was TLo would crumble under from invites to a couple of Bravo parties. You boys need to take a step back from the corporate teat and re-watch the episode because it was ass. Tim Gunn crying fake tears over gratuitous product placement staged as a "tender moment"?!! Please!!!!!
And you didn't even mention the one funny thing in the whole epi--a new one to throw on the pile with "little seamstress" and "struggli' with her updos," to wit: "the color is not clever."
Tom, Lorenzo and Tim, you should all be ashamed of yourselves!
"She and Tim need to find their footing and learn to play off each other better."
EXACTLY! Otherwise, what's the point of having her anyway?
I'm glad I held on but they very nearly lost me from the beginning with the whole "Tim Gunn's coming to my house! You must help me find an outfit to wear!!"
I'm sure there's a Bravo camera crew following you around, right?
thank you gay duo for your honesty-- love love you guys ! i was just at the bravo boards with my jaw dropped in disbelief at the responses there. I did like some elements of the show, but every single comment was positive on the episode. Rebecca was adorable-I knew she'd look like elaine-grace in the end. But the sappy stuff was too too much--veronica's look was off , even though she is stunning. She didn't add much sigh-- That little leggings dialogue played awkwardly too between tim and V could have been cute (bad editing?). Rebecca was adorable though, but her figure problems didn't seem that problematic to me lol. If only you two and Tim could have done the show!--btw i love the bitchery of stacey and clinton-- agreed on the life stylest -- huge huge eyeroll.
Oh TLo, you may have "opinions", but you've lost that edge of "ripping the shows [you] love to watch."
The "surprise" phone call in the beginning drives me crazy - how can you be surprised with 5 TV crew around you? At least Stacy & Clinton make that real.
The hokey endings are total treacle -- the ring was inappropriate coming from Tim to Augie to Rebecca -- and the 13-year old girl in her mother's dress was even more inappropriate.
And the "lifestyle coach" is the worst of them all.
I like Veronica - and love Tim - but this hokey format just doesn't play to his strengths.
I HATE the lifestylist. I saw the preview episode with the slutty lady on Wed. night (which, weirdly, Bravo is not repeating) and the lifestylist was even WORSE. HATE HIM. I would never take advice from that twit. I looked all over the Bravo site for a place to post my opinion of this idiot.
I actually wish we got more of the silhouette and fashion tips. The info about where hemlines should hit your body, etc. were great. I immediately started evaluting all my hemlines.
And speaking of lines. What is going on with Veronica's side part??? It makes it look like she's balding. Yeesh.
Why are people coming down on T&L for going soft? Did we all read the same review?
"Girl, what the hell is UP with your hair and makeup? "
"Those full-body shots of Tim standing in front of way-too-busy graphics prissily lecturing to us about style do NOT play to his strengths."
"She came across surprisingly stiff and cold on camera."
"It felt like she was "over-directed" last night."
"There's an awful lot going on in this process and if we have to watch the same thing week after week ... it's going to get old real quick."
"Also, Jared, the "Lifestylist?" Lose him. Now. We were cringing in our seats last night throughout his painful segment. "
"Come kneel in front of me so I don't have to get up to slap you."
"Bleh. That was just nausea-inducing."
"Anonymous said...
I'm glad I held on but they very nearly lost me from the beginning with the whole "Tim Gunn's coming to my house! You must help me find an outfit to wear!!"
I'm sure there's a Bravo camera crew following you around, right?"
Yeah, that was pretty dumb. Especially when you saw all the cuts where, on the way home, they'd obviously had to stop and reposition the camera to get the shot. But maybe she really was surprised. Maybe she was expecting to be hearing from Oprah.
And if you hadn't stuck with it, you would have missed the shot of Tim standing 10 paces back from the underwear drawer: Priceless!
--Gotham Tomato
--Is anyone else having trouble getting this site to load recently? I don't know if it's a Safari problem or what, but now it takes several minutes at least for this site to load.
The reason I'm "coming down" on TLo is because, not only did they soft-pedal the craptapulism, they weren't even funny while they were doing it. That made me think they are not being as objective as we have grown to expect.
Maybe it's just the move, and if so, I apologise. But boys, make it work! I didn't laugh once.
I agree with the comments about Veronica's hair and makeup. She's a beautiful woman but the makeup makes her look like a burn victim and the hairstyle makes her look balding (that severe side part was showing a whole lotta scalp). Girlfriend needs to to find someone competent and soon.
I thought the show about Rebecca was good but also a little dull. Did anyone beside myself watch Wednesday night's "sneak peak" Tim Gunn show? Now THAT was a train wreck they had to deal with. This 40-ish woman (who looked 50-ish, IMO) was still trying to dress like a 21-year-old and wondering why no one at the school PTA meetings would speak to her even though she was wearing her best low-cut cleavage "f*** me" top. Now THAT was a fun episode.
I thought the show about Rebecca was good but also a little dull. Did anyone beside myself watch Wednesday night's "sneak peak" Tim Gunn show? Now THAT was a train wreck they had to deal with. This 40-ish woman (who looked 50-ish, IMO) was still trying to dress like a 21-year-old and wondering why no one at the school PTA meetings would speak to her even though she was wearing her best low-cut cleavage "f*** me" top. Now THAT was a fun episode.
I gotta admit, watching that woman and her illusions melt like the polar ice caps was much more fun than seeing Elaine Bennes buy a buncha dresses. By the look of utter contempt her daughter favored her w/ the kid already has issues.
Emma P.
So... because they "weren't funny," according to you, they should "be ashamed" of themselves? My goodness, I've seen some entitlement in my time, but yours takes the cake, honey.
I agree with everything you guys said. Also the runway show got real old when she came out like five times and the family cheered every time.
I loved Catherine M, but hated that blue dress!
I read this blog for the humour, which is usually in generous supply. If expressing my view that it is missing makes me "entitled" then so be it.
Tim has said in interviews that he and V only met 3 days before production started. . . . that comes through on camera IMHO. I agree with all of Tom and Lorenzo's comments. . . and agree w/ the commenters that the set up is tres fake. Rebecca tries to address the set up in her "blog," that she really didn't know that TG was coming over. Whatever.
I thought last night was better than the cougar on Wed night -- I also thought V looked better last night that on Wed night. During the Wed night show when the cougar lady goes for her make over, I thought that V Web could use one as well -- stringy stringy hair. If she wasn't a super model on a fashion show, I'd give her a pass, but please, Klum would never have let that shot be televised!
Gotham Tomato said
"--Is anyone else having trouble getting this site to load recently? I don't know if it's a Safari problem or what, but now it takes several minutes at least for this site to load."
Me too. At first I thought it was because of TLo's move, but now that I think of it, that makes less than no sense.
Maybe it's the big increase in ads on the sidebars. The site's ads seem to have mushroomed.
I use Firefox, so it isn't your Safari.
I couldn't stand how they were being all nice to her face when they were cleaning out the closet, then they'd cut to that shot of the 2 of them alone being all bitchy and all "oh my God what the hell was she thinking??"
And we (we= the Project Runway crew who reunited for TG's premiere)all chimed in at the same time..."Whats wrong with her haaaaaaaair???" VW looked so......dated?
I still love Tim though and I have to agree with the "overdirected" observation. Especially when he was being mean behind that sweet girl's back.
I think the "sneak" episode was significantly more fun than the premier - perky, skinny brunette with bad posture but perfectly bleached teeth and a good attitude learns to wear a wrap dress? What fun was that? However, VW bluntly saying "you look like a slut" while Tim is trying to be tactful - now that was priceless.
AES
I couldn't figure out why they did the "sneak preview" Wednesday and made a big deal about the "premiere" being on Thursday. What's up with that? I adore Tim, but agree that Veronica looked terrible and added nothing to the show. It was alright, but I hope it improves in future episodes. It's just a little too formulaic and staged for me.
Boys, could you stick the Bravo videos on a separate page? I'm pretty sure that's where The New Drag is coming from. (BPR has the same problem). Everytime I come to the site, it's got to load every single video that's on the home page.
-- desertwind
It's a cross between Queer Eye and What Not to Wear, but not nearly as interesting or funny. Sorry Tim, I love you but...your show is about half an hour too long.
Veronica was a real mess in the make-up department - way too matte and over-blushed. And if ever a woman needed Botox, it's Ms Webb! Those forehead creases are so distracting, sometimes I didn't even notice the clown makeup.
"macasism said...
But boys, make it work! I didn't laugh once."
Perhaps you should request a refund if you are unhappy with the service.
GothamTomato said...
--Is anyone else having trouble getting this site to load recently? I don't know if it's a Safari problem or what, but now it takes several minutes at least for this site to load.
We moved most of the videos to the second page. Hope that helps.
XO
T&L
I absolutely positively love Tim Gunn, and thought I'd make it through this episode just for his sake, but I just couldn't (which is really saying something since I forced myself to sit through the ENTIRE first episode of "Top Design"... oooooh the pain....)
I thought the show was too reminiscent of a couple of older shows (What Not to Wear, Clean Sweep)...nothing terribly wrong with that, just felt a little "been there, done that".
What irritated me was that it also relied too heavily on reality show formulas (the "set up surprise" and the overdone dramatics, for example; what a freakin' assault on our intelligence..).
I didn't see the 'guy with a ring' portion to which many of you are referring...thank goodness.
Why don't they just: hand Tim Gunn a big ol' megaphone to scream out fashion advice; introduce a portion of the show where the victim-of-the-week is dropped off in a foreign city and has to navigate to the clothes store using only the sun and half an ancient map written in runes; is given a challenge to weave and construct an outfit from the fur the dog left on the couch; and must finally re-organize her neighbor's closet in 2 hours using only items found in the medicine cabinet. Yup, Bravo could just borrow a portion of EVERY other reality show, toss the whole thing in one giant "Style" blender, and just add Gunn! Think of the money they'd save in creative staffing!
Tim Gunn's too good for the same old formulas. Some of the reasons he's such a delight (besides good looks and humor!) are his forthright manner, and his pre-supposition that everyone is as intelligent as he and deserves to be addressed so. I think these qualities are why the same ol' formulas - most of which are painfully contrived and assume audience gullibility - seem so jarringly wrong here.
I'm dying to learn from the Guru Gunn, but don't know if I can sit through this show! (Don't even get me started on that waste-of-space 'life coach'....)
- Happy I Read Myself to Sleep on Thursday Night
YIKES, I wrote a freakin' TREATISE! Sorry for the length of the post, guys....
-Happy I Read Myself to Sleep
I TOTALLY agree with the comments about Veronica. My very first thought when I saw her, was "Girl, why did they ugly you up?" Her hair is way too short and way to schoolmarmish, and now that you mention it, I agree that she seemed a bit stiff and uncomfortable. Give the girl some extensions and decent makeup!
I was also surprised to see that Ben Affleck is now a "Life Stylist" whatever the hell that is. I also agree that it was painful to watch. We actually changed the channel and watched Duff work his cake magic on the Food Channel during the life stylist segment. As for the ring, I hated that part. Had they taken the husband and let him choose a ring, it would have been more meaningful, but handing him a ring and saying "here, give this to her" just didn't work for me. I LOVE Tim Gunn. I would watch him open his mail for a hour if I could, but like Project Runway, this could be SO much better.
I didn't mind the opti-thing, or pretty much anything else, but going through her underwear drawer was a bit much. do that off camera. I don't want that much information about ANYONE, thank you!
It's too much... too many things happening. Start at the apartment, going through the closet, looking at underwear, going to the underwear store, hair, make-up, "Lifestlist (who I loathe).
I also thought it was wierd that Tim is going to offer different little graphic lectures for each episode. Tim should be doing conversational instruction... not lecture. Since his tips were specific to the girl, they aren't general tips... so they shouldn't set them up like they are info for everyone.
It's like they stuck Tim in a cheesy formula reality show, rather than elevating the genre to his level (which is what we were ALL hoping would happen).
The show needs work. And I agree that T/Lo seem to have lost a bit of bite. Not all, but some.
OMG! is tim gunn going to be coming to my house?! i hope he points that pistol at me!
bang bang you needs you some fashion cents. and here's a few big words to trip over as you find that in reality if you need someone like tim gunn to tell you that you look like crap.....then BRAVO has really brain washed us all into believing that anything is possible.
sniff sniff i loves me a happie ending.
The definition of genius, we all know, is someone whose opinions are 100% identical to our own. Thus: your entire review: GENIUS>
AMEN to everything you said!!! I hope Tim sees this post (does he regularly check the blog out?) I'm still going to watch though, just because Tim's amazing. And wasn't that final Catherine Malandrino dress beautiful?
Okay, I haven't read the other comments, because quite frankly, I've been caught up with the Phil Spector murder trial today.
But, just let me say that this bugged me for 2 DAYS! About Veronica Webb...
Is she not rockin the Jaye Davidson look circa "The Crying Game"?...
i'm just sayin...
I was quite disappointed with this first episode. I found myself missing the Trinny and Susannah brand of tough love.
If I could've, I would have fast-forwarded through the fake surprise, cloying emotional blather, totally ridiculous lifestyle coach (WTF is that?), and especially the shameless-product-placement-ring-giveaway. The ring really annoyed the crap out of me. Serious breach of etiquette there (shame on you, Tim).
I certainly hope they can 'make it work' in the future.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE that Catherine Malandrino dress. It's so beautiful. It looked great on her.
Boys, you summed it up for me almost exactly! I was actually pretty 'meh' towards the show after tonight. And Veronica is so gorge but she looks positively heinous in that hair and makeup.
The coach has got to go. It's like they are trying too hard to emulate Queer Eye, but without the hilarity of that team. Catherine Malandrino? Puts the purr in perfect. But that blue dress? Ick! It made her look like she was wearing a muu muu.
Love love love Tim Gunn. Did not love the show. He is too smart for that show. Hated Veronica. Stiff and boring. Saw the preview and premiere and thought the only thing missing from the underwear segment was the dramatic music- dum-de-dum-dum-- "Now I need for you to show me your underwear drawer". Veronica's part was too weird for words. That wasn't a part- that was a crater on the side of her head. And while she is beautifully tall, she is so much taller than everyone else that the cameraman can hardly get her and normal height people in the same frame. The designer segment is neat, but what will they do when they have to make over a woman who is size 14? That's a plus size in designer land but its also half of American women. What designer will have clothes big enough?
BTW- you guys are the best!
I'm sorry; I could think of nothing but Stacey and Clinton and how much better they do this type of show.
As delightful as Tim Gunn is I just don't see this show lasting for too long if they don't find something about it that sets it apart from What Not To Wear and How Do I Look?. The formula has been established and the producers are dutifully following it; not enhancing or even putting a twist on it.
This grieves me as I really want anything that Tim Gunn touches to turn to gold.
Love Tim (and you guys!), but you're right - this is better than expected and worse than it should be. It shows that this is coming from the people who brought us "Top Design". :-( Tim deserves better.
My friend walked in the room, saw Veronica Webb and asked, "Is that a dude?". Not good. I told her who it was and she was shocked. That haircut, the makeup, those ugly-ass clothes...the hell? Those two have absolutely no chemistry either. And trying to champion leggings and a luau dress? Just get rid of her. It's not working. I would not want to look like her and she gives poor advice. Every time they make her say, "I need to go through your underwear drawer" it comes across as just plain creepy. The only thing more boring than bra shopping is watching someone else do it.
I agree about the other stuff. HATE the life stylist. Like the designer segment (but I thought that blue dress was hideous). I like that next week there's a plus-sized woman, so far these women have had pretty nice bodies.
The staged interactions are painful. Are we supposed to believe these ladies are surprised that Tim's coming over? Please.
The show really feels like it drags on. The lectures make it feel like an infomercial. The makeover would've been better if they had actually changed her hair and make-up - not that she really needed it, but it would be something to break up the clothing monotony. They don't make clear where they're getting the money to buy the clothes either. I'd like them to address cost, because a lot of women don't dress nice because they just can't afford it.
I miss Project Runway! If the crazy Weinstein brothers had any sense, they would take good care of Tim and give him their producers and let him do what he wants. I know he can't be responsible for a lot of this.
Love Tim and Veronica. Unlike most I was not bothered by V's hair and her make-up was fine. I expected Tim to carry the show not his side kick. In any case the show is a complete bore from start to finish. I only forced myself to watch the entire show because it's Tim Gunn. However if there isn't dramatic improvement in next week's show, I'm through with torturing myself. Read Tim's book for fashion insight, it's much more informative and entertaining than the show.
Tim Gunn can do no wrong. He is simply perfect. What's wrong here is that Bravo is trying to mold what he knows (mentoring fashion) into a reality show format and it doesn't work. Bravo needs to design a show around Tim's talents and then let the Tim naturally evolve, like he did on PR.
I thought VW was revolting. She added nothing and they had no chemistry. The computerized version of both women was awful! Hips and a half. They both looked better in real life. What was with the life coach? How dare he take screen time away from Tim!
By far the best part of the show was the trip to see the designers (although I too wondered about the sizing issue). Catherine Malandrino's dresses were TO. DIE. FOR.
A better venue for Tim would be an area that focuses on his current connections in the industry. He knows everybody, has the inside everywhere, and even just holding sit-down conversations with designers, tours of how a garmet is conceived, designed, made en masse, and eventually marketed and delivered would be interesting. If Tim journeyed us through the behind-the-scenes fashion arena, that would be fascintating. And it's a comfort zone for him already.
In fact, if Tim would actually just teach what he already has been teaching for all these years, I'd be glued in. That's what he knows, that's what he does flawlessly, and we would be eyes and ears. Even a show that would show us, the at-home wanna-be's, the how-to on basic garmet design, would be fabu. Watching PR makes me want to go get a dress form and give dressmaking a try, you know? Bravo should capitalize on expanding this type of PR interest and Tim's talents in that direction. Tim is a teacher at his deepest level. Sharing his passion for fashion is what he loves.
I think it was Gotham who said it's time for Tim to find a nice guy. I agree. He's so adorable and sweet and deserving. I'd love to see Tim laugh more.
As for the show, I'll continue to watch because Tim's there. But Stacy and Clinton are already the masters at this format. Shame on Bravo for making such a sloppy, ill thought out choice for Tim's talents.
...I liked it. But I did watch the sneek preview of the older mom on Wednesday too, which seemed to be less cheesey. She was really resistant to change and that's what made the show better. The girl on thursday[young, pretty, smiley] didn't really show any growth, she just put on a new outfit. So I think what will make or break the show are the women they try to help.
-Tricia
Lima Bean: Veronica Webb was REVOLTING?
That's strong language and a bit dramatic.
Yes the chemistry between them wasn't great, but from my understanding Tim Gunn and her were basically thrown together last minute and they had to "make it work" and frankly I kinda liked the "we dont really know each other" chemistry. Alot better than the fakey crap on every other make over show.
And I agree with Tricia that the sneak preview after Top Chef was a better episode. I wrote this on another entry but Tim Gunn trying to be diplomatic about the older Mom's outfit and Veronica Webb just flat out saying "You look like a slut" was the realist thing on reality televsion ever.
The educational stuff is ok for now, makes me realize that i need a trench coat, NOW.
But what was up with the trench on the show? looked wrinkly and too small...how did that get by Tim?
I completely agree. The life coach just takes us away from the one reason we watch this show - TIM. The blue screen professor Tim stuff was straight out of his guidebook.
What I would like them to do with the show is actually explain why Tim has chosen the items on the list. Some of it is obvious (ie a cute white dress is cuter than the lame sweatsuits people wear to go grab a quick coffe), but a bit more explaination would be helpful. It just seems like, whammo, you have no clothes now, so go buy a white shirt / black pants etc. Nothing about different ways to pair them or accessorize them. I am sure that the book goes into more detail -- but there isn't a lot of guide in the Guide to Style.
I liked the show, but please get rid of the underwear segment and that loser, I mean, life coach.
OK, why has no one--T Lo included--commented on the incredible woman working in the underwear store?? The look, the voice, everything was perfect! She was by far the most entertaining part of the show. She looked like she would have preferred to be lounging on a chaise, smoking and saying things like,"honey, I'm gonna make your tits look great."
so glad to see that all my thoughts and comments already posted for me here on this site.
Dont think I can watch the show again. Too stagey. Too ridiculously emotional.
Several thoughts that have not yet been mentioned:
1. thank god she didnt go for the 1/2 of a giant blue exploding vagina dress (malandrino)
2. the mom is actually there? And she missed the whole fashion show? They had her in the other room? She was presented with such fanfare - it was as if Rebecca was a gold medalist or nobel peace prize winner or something (as opposed to a reality show victim). It's just a makeover show! So are all the tears and drama really called for or necessary? Too over the top. Nobody has died.
3. I'm watching a group of adults applaud for a trench coat?
4. please give the life-stylist his own insane show IMMEDIATELY. He's a train wreck. Trash bags, circus mirrors and voila! I solve your lifelong emotional baggage in an hour!
5. the dad: "There was not a dry tear in the house."
6. a DRY - TEAR.
7. The dad's nose is also worthy of it's own programme.
8. is anybody else worried about Project Runway season 4 based on those two contestants? Are they starting with the worst?
I agree, the underwear therapist was GREAT.
Despite its flaws, if this show gets even one person to stop wearing sweatsuits outside the gym or off the running trail, it will have earned its keep. I can't wait until he gets to someone who has Crocs in her closet.
"Tim Gunn can do no wrong. He is simply perfect. What's wrong here is that Bravo is trying to mold what he knows (mentoring fashion) into a reality show format and it doesn't work. Bravo needs to design a show around Tim's talents and then let the Tim naturally evolve, like he did on PR."
Right on, Lima Bean!
And thanks T Lo for your laser sharp take on Tim's new show, which is way too much like every other makeover show I watch.
If Bravo wants to freshen it up, lose the staged "Tim's coming over" beginning and the forced "we have one more surprise for you" tear jerker ending. Redo "the reveal" by limiting the runway shots to a couple of outfits we haven't seen. Let the behind-the-scenes make-up and hair team do their things off camera. Hire a life coach instead of a life stylist. And go back in a month to see how the styling advice is sticking.
Sorry, VW, but you're an unnecessary prop. Plus, Tim is too timid around VW. I would've paired Tim with Rebecca's sister. Tim could've taught both of them about styling Rebecca AND we could've gotten "real" emotions/opinions/dirt from someone who knows Rebecca as she takes her transformational journey from her closet to the runway.
I agree 100% about the underwear lady. More of her.
Hell, give her a show of her own. I would totally watch that instead of TGGTS.
I thought the Malandrino blue dress made her look like the Mayflower in full sail - VERY full around midship. It would have been nice if the show's format had allowed Tim or the other person to comment that maybe that was not a totally good look on her, instead of insistent oooh-ing and ah-ing (because they don't want to piss off the designer). Although the color was good.
THe show is going to lose all credibility very very quickly if they insist on shoving stuff at us (like the makeup and hairdo) that we can SEE looks like shit, and then trying to tell us that this is what to aspire to.
The underwear lady looked like she was totally mashed into her own underwear. Not a good advertisement for what she was pushing - well-fitted bra's - but she was a hoot to watch for a bit. I wonder how many packs a day she smokes.
I can't watch makeover shows; they nauseate me. I love when the so-called fashion victims get all teary after their makeovers. (By love, of course, I mean "utterly abhor".) So many fashion shows seem to feature such over-dramatic dénouements, and it doesn't suit the subject matter. The person isn't getting a new house after their last one was destroyed by a hurricane, for God's sake. I just want to yell, "There's no crying in fashion!!" at the screen.
Because I adore Tim Gunn I was tempted to make his show my exception, but from what I've seen of the previews and read on this blog and elsewhere, even with Saint Tim this show is a must-miss. I can’t in all good conscience condemn the show wholesale without watching it, but since it appears that “Guide to Style” incorporates many of the elements that put me off in similar shows, I can’t bring myself to devote any time to it (I know, the good folks at Bravo must be tearing their hair at the loss). But I am eagerly awaiting the return of Tim on PR4!
I wanted the show to be more educational, not less so. I watch these types of shows because I want to learn how to dress better -- but I didn't feel like I learned much of anything by watching. I would like to hear why they kept certain items from her closet, and why the choices she made were best for her figure. Overall I was disappointed. I will keep watching, but I hope it gets better.
The designer segment is my favorite. Catherine Malandrino is fabulous! I love her store.
BTW, I agree with everything you boys said, especially about Veronica. Her clown makeup is scary.
Dear Lads,
I'm a devoted reader and admirer of you guys, but I have to say I think you're being too kind. This show bites.
Besides the terrible lighting (how does anyone manage to make Veronica W. look bad? Poor Tim has never been more pink), and the laughable "lifestyle coach" (that very title should be the first clue), the show is a terrible misuse of Tim Gunn's talents.
Why do we love Tim? Because he's an authority, that's why. He's a professional with years of experience as the dean of a college and as a professor. He's also a mensch. It was so refreshing to see a gay man on television who wasn't just being bitchy about someone's bad taste. He's a natural mentor, not some fly-by-night charlatan fobbing himself off as a "lifestyle coach" and making insecure women trot around in garbage bags while America cringes. I don't want Tim Gunn rooting through my closet like Stacey and Clinton (warning sign: defining a show by what it isn't, as in, we're not Stacey and Clinton), I want him to show me how to have a career, or how to get people to do better work.
Sorry, loves. But that's the truth.
"Sorry, loves. But that's the truth."
Yes it is, which is why the boys said it first.
Veronica looks like crap? Check.
Terrible waste of Tim's talents? Check.
Lifestyle coach a complete knob? Check.
It's amazing how people are taking the boys to task for not being hard enough on the show -- and then repeating the boys' exact criticisms.
I like Tim alot. I found it a pretty close take on What not to Wear and all the other makeover shows. The premiere episode, I didn't care for much. Too many gifts for what I don't know.
The "one of the guys" turned into a fashion plate, well, I don't know, but I found it a bit far fetched. The dresses were great for events in New York but, I think you would look like an overdressed nut on the Islands.
The blue dress...yikes. Even I know that looked ridiculous on her.
After watching the first episodes of this show, I was eager to see what TLo thought. I think the refresh button was all tuckered out. I was very meh about it. Glad to see everyone's on the same page!
The observations are dead-on, I agree with all the posters, but was I the only one who had a problem with the 2 person interview set up with Tim and Veronica? I work in video production, and anyone who's ever done interviews knows that a 2 person interview is DEADLY unless you can coach your subjects. In this show, it's deadly. While one is talking, the other is staring off into space. They're not engaged in what the other is saying. We'll ignore the fact that they're looking nowhere near the camera when actually speaking. I understand they're probably trying to avoid the "confessional" look we've come to expect from Runway, Top Chef, and the subject confessionals from WNTW, but they're there for a reason- the audience needs to engage with either the subjects or the hosts. And that's just not happening here. It's so frustrating to watch!
Hopefully they can tweak the formula, lose most of those segment graphics, and improve the double interview segments. Hopefully.
I agree that the underwear lady was awesome - she should have her own show.
I so agree about that "lifestyle coach". Of all the idiotic professions . . .
I'm sorry, but this show needs a makeover. Tim is delightfully erudite, as always, but I don't think I can take all these scripted little moments every week. "Oh, shock! Tim Gunn is coming!" followed by "I have to look at your underwear" (please, don't let's go underwear shopping every week, PLEASE?) followed by surprise gift (a/k/a product placement), etc. Variety is the spice of life, people!
However, I did love Tim's utterly spontaneous and heartfelt gasp of shock when Veronica suggested leggings!
Imagine the show hosted by Tim Gunn and Catherine Malandrino.
And instead of the actual rifling through of the underwear drawer, there would be a summation of the changes needed with the woman's unmentionables and the visit to the underwear lady would be in every episode. The woman was amusing and knows her business.
Dear anonymouses (anonymice?):
Those criticizing T & L's critique are not saying that they don't agree with the boys' assessment of the show -- only that the show was so bad that it deserved a more scathing review. Not enough snark, seems to be the main complaint.
So relax, oh anonymice my friends. We all love TLo. You needn't go into attack mode every time someone has a slight criticism of one of their blog entries. Can't we all just get along? We are supposed to be ripping apart all things PR, not each other.
Sincerely,
Another anonymous
What I find absurd is that much of the criticism is simply because the boys didn't think the show was that bad (as some of you did). Aren't they entitled to their own opinion?
A simply "I disagree with you boys" or "I'm surprised you boys feel that way because I hated the show..." would've been much better than "shame on you, Tom and Lorenzo" and the like. Shame on you for not HATING the show? Are you people serious?
And if you read the post again, you will see that they did criticize the show. True, they didn't call the show "ass" as some here would've preferred; they were more eloquent and effective in their expression.
"The T Lo verdict: Better than we thought it would be; not nearly as good as it could be."
This pretty much sums up my opinion about the show.
Oh dear! I just saw the announcement on the right column that Macy's, Mabelline and Garnier have inked deals as sponsors. The most horrifying of these is the Macy's choice. In the words of Mr. Gunn, "Aaaaah! Sorry, I was startled." How awful that Bravo once again is dumbing down its shows by choosing the utterly pedestrian Macy's as the wardrobe provider, and cutting out the fabulous Catherine Malandrino.
I would have expected better than that.
In my opinion:
The Pros:
The casting of the "contestants"--I really liked both women and I'm so happy to see that the 3rd is a woman who's lost a lot of weight but is still plus sized.
Tim--he's just a natural, so sweet and warm and you know he's genuine when he says "I want you to succeed". When can he come to my house? He's stiff when they make him do the scripted stuff, but perhaps that will become more natural over time.
The celebrity stylists and designers. I love going into the Bill Blass workroom and everyone seems to be such a character. Good move.
The Cons:
Veronica Webb. I think she's a really bad fit as Tim's sidekick. She doesn't seem to understand him or know how to react off of him. I feel like she's dead weight and less interesting than the contestants. Daniel V would be better to cast in this part, but I find myself asking why does Tim need a sidekick anyway?
The style guy (I can't even remember his name). Why, why, why? There's no reason to have this guy on the show--axe him tout suite.
Pretending Tim has some office where he has a big screen and consults with these women. Just feels cheesy to me.
The BLATANT product placement in the "gifts". Awful, tacky and so below Tim.
Middle of the road:
The reveal to the family. I like it that they do this in New York and not in the person's living room. I could do without the manufactured emotion but sometimes it works (that little girl in the copy of her mom's dress--come on, that was cute!)
I'll keep watching but this show should be a whole lot better than it is. I hope they make some changes.
"A better venue for Tim would be an area that focuses on his current connections in the industry. He knows everybody, has the inside everywhere, and even just holding sit-down conversations with designers, tours of how a garmet is conceived, designed, made en masse, and eventually marketed and delivered would be interesting. If Tim journeyed us through the behind-the-scenes fashion arena, that would be fascintating. And it's a comfort zone for him already.
In fact, if Tim would actually just teach what he already has been teaching for all these years, I'd be glued in. That's what he knows, that's what he does flawlessly, and we would be eyes and ears. Even a show that would show us, the at-home wanna-be's, the how-to on basic garmet design, would be fabu. Watching PR makes me want to go get a dress form and give dressmaking a try, you know? Bravo should capitalize on expanding this type of PR interest and Tim's talents in that direction. Tim is a teacher at his deepest level. Sharing his passion for fashion is what he loves."
I completely agree.
I actually enjoyed the educational segments of the show the most-- that is what kept me watching. I wish this wasn't a reality-makeover show (because I've already seen What Not to Wear and even that hardly keeps my interest), but something that was more design-focused.
ifeelambitious said...
Imagine the show hosted by Tim Gunn and Catherine Malandrino.
HELLO!
Sign me up for that show.
STAT!
Emma P.
Life Coach = Bill of Goods. Let's lose him faster than the little sister from the first few episodes of "Family Matters".
Whoever is to blame for casting this person is either looking for a new job or fetching a lot of coffee for folks. Big BIG mistake,
I have to agree with many of the posters here - the show is bad.
Sorry, I love Tim Gunn too, but it's just bad! And so forced. Giving Rebecca three pairs of shoes? She doesn't get to try any on? What if they hurt her? How is this helping her? Giving her hubbie a ring rather than allowing him to pick it out? The product placement was insane.
Also, I hate to say it, but I think Tim was mean in the Rebecca episode. Yeah, we know her clothes aren't fabulous, but really, saying all these things behind her back?
The lecture format was also dull - I love the idea of tips from Tim, but those cut-away scenes where he lectured us just didn't do it for me. And I don't want to hear how every woman needs a style icon and 10 "core" pieces every week.
All in all... I was disappointed. And bored.
I could listen to Catherine all day and night. She is so damn hot. Tim and Catherine together? It's almost too much...
For all of the reasons all of you have pointed out, this show is not a keeper.
Gorgeous things said: choosing the utterly pedestrian Macy's as the wardrobe provider
I hate Macy's. I will never shop at Macy's.
"Give the lady what she wants" and the lady wants Marshall Field's back!
~we now return you to your regularly scheduled topic~
Veronica's a bit cold, sure, but I think they're going for a "good cop, bad cop" vibe between the two hosts. Plus she has some awesome one-liners.
And is he going to make every woman buy the exact same 10 items every show? Boring!
" jlp said...
Gorgeous things said: choosing the utterly pedestrian Macy's as the wardrobe provider
I hate Macy's. I will never shop at Macy's.
"Give the lady what she wants" and the lady wants Marshall Field's back!
~we now return you to your regularly scheduled topic~ "
I hate Macy's too. Couldn't they get anything better?
I don't know if this thread has died but I'll chime in anyway. I just got around to watching (thank God for DVR) and have to agree that this thing is a turkey. Neither Tim nor Veronica were very good but I believe that in time they could "make it work." But the fault lies with Bravo for burdening them with a wholly unoriginal pastiche of What Not to Wear and Queer Eye. From WNTW they've got the entire basic format of the show, from the "surprise visit" to the culling of the wardrobe to the shopping to the reveal for the family and friends. The problem is, Stacy and Clinton (and Trinny and Susannah) do it so much better - they're livelier and snarkier and the show is faster-paced and just plain more fun. Even the WNTW hair and make-up stylists are more interesting. From the post-shark Queer Eye they've taken the excessive product placement and the smarmy manufactured emotional moments. (The whole bit with the diamond ring? Gag-inducing.) And while Rebecca seemed like a lovely person who deserved all the good things that came her way, she was just way too boring - her affect ranged from a constant giant smile to her mouth hanging open in OMG amazement. The casting of the fashion victims is going to have to be a lot better.
Tim is a unique person with very special talents and he is the undisputed break-out star of Project Runway. There are so many things he could do on television that would probably be fascinating but it may take some creativity and thinking out of the box and perhaps some risk-taking to come up with the right thing. Bravo should be ashamed of themselves for sticking him in such a down and dirty rip-off. Tim is one of their greatest assets and I hope they haven't permanently damaged his marketability and credibility. Note to Tim: Get a better agent. Note to Bravo: The Stone Company should never, ever be allowed to produce for television again.
The show is OK. It's just like any other makeover show, nothing special about it. I do like the designer segment, but that's pretty much it. Stacey and Clinton do a much better job. Sorry, Tim...I still love you, though.
It WAS a lot like What Not To Wear, come on! But I really liked Rebecca & Augie -- I thought they were adorable. And what she said was not, "Oh, honey," but "Oh, mio, mio" which, if you're Italian (or married into an Italian family -- I confess), was THE moment of the show. I agree with a lot of the criticisms, though, starting with Veronica Webb. There's definitely more there there, though I enjoyed her coolness, and her, "Let her get the damn brunch dress if she wants it."
But what was disappointing was that fixing the wardrobe = uniform. White blouse - check. Black dress - check. Structured jacket - check. WNTW is finally figuring out that they need to tailor their rules to each person; some women are just not going to wear dresses or "cammies" (a word I need never to hear again), and a Q-tip is the closest they'll ever come to a make up brush. The Tim & Veronica show needs to do the same thing. Not every woman = ballet flats, pointy toes, classic white shirt variation, black trouser, etc. I'd like to see these shows get more creative with how they approach teaching these women how to dress.
macasism said...
"That made me think they are not being as objective as we have grown to expect."
Objective? I don't think this blog has ever objective. It's not supposed to be!
It's going to take a lot more than our love for Tim Gunn to impress a larger audience. I give it a season.
Can we say, ITA?
I heart you guys. ;D
One more thing: is it really such an offense to throw on sweats & a t shirt to walk the dog? I mean, honestly, a white sun dress and dainty flats, plus a coordinating little handbag, to take the dog out for a crap? Come on, people, am I off base thinking that's a little. . . uh, off base?
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