From Wilted Flower to Blossoming Bouquet

05/29/2009

Stacy and Clinton ambushed former child star Mayim Bialik. She’s Blossom from the 1991-1995 TV hit “Blossom” for those of you old enough to remember -- the rest of you, Google it. My first thought before they revealed her identity was, ‘Why are people dressing like a worse version of Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall?”’ After I realized who it was, my thoughts turned to, ‘What happened to her?’

While the rest of the fashion world kept evolving, Mayim became a mother of two, earned her PH.D in neuroscience (!) and unfortunately continued to dress like her character from the TV show. At first it wasn’t easy going. It was obvious that Mayim had formed a very real and emotional attachment to her hodgepodge quirky wardrobe, which included an actual outfit she’d worn on the show! As a new mother, she also wanted clothes that could literally be tossed on with no care. She admitted to not having had a “big-girl haircut in about three years.” As Stacy put it, she was very “homeless-hippie” looking.

Stacy and Clinton showed Mayim the three mannequins, but I could tell that she wasn’t convinced those looks were really her. She really seemed to shy away from anything that was too slim-cut or showed off her body or had any real color to it. She looked overwhelmed and stated several times that she was the anti-sexy. How was this going to work out?

When they started to throw out all of her clothes, I thought Mayim would actually break down and cry. Although I have to admit that her performing her Blossom dance for a lilac cardigan was priceless. I personally would not have tapped a Jimmy Choo-clad foot for it, but everyone has different priorities. The belt, um, tie (or is it a scarf?) made out of what Clinton thought were coasters all sewn together left me agog. I could see the utility in carrying your own coaster set to a party after Clifton mentioned it. After they were done going through her wardrobe, I think three pieces were left.

The first day of shopping did not go too well. Some of the stuff she picked up make me rolls my eyes almost as much as Stacy and Clifton did. A green sweater with a beige mid-calf skirt, grey stockings and beige shoes? I think all three of us gasped aloud at the same moment.

I admit my heart melted when she confessed to being a new mom and not really making time for herself. She also said she still feels like she’s at her heaviest weight, even though that’s no longer true. I started feeling like the green-grey-beige mash-up outfit wasn’t that hideous.

I quickly snapped back into reality when she said she didn’t understand the outfit they picked out for her in the store. What is wrong with a perfectly lovely green print dress with a high belt? Why would you wear the belt low? That just makes you look like you have more of a tummy.

By the time Nick Arrojo shows up to work his magic on her hair, I’m feeling anxious right along with her. Will she allow him to cut her hair? Will she cry? How will it look? The answers are: Yes. No. And great! Carmindy does a wonderful job of giving her a clean, fresh, minimalist look that is easy to replicate and I can see the relief coursing through her body.

Her first outfit reveal to Stacy and Clinton is a very cute top and skirt with a boxy jacket and open-toed black polka-dot shoes. The next two outfits allow her to let her quirkiness show but in a very chic way. By the time she is ready to stride out and show off the “new” Mayim to family and friends, she’s rocking a beautiful pair of gold, strappy high heels and a yellow patterned dress that was making me do a search to see where I could find it.

All in all, Mayim learned: 1) to wear clothes that fit 2) being a mom doesn’t necessarily mean putting yourself in last place and 3) she can do quirky but in a chic way.

Total Haul:

$5,000.00 netted her clothes that can be combined to create over 30 outfits. 15 versatile tops at $58 each; 7 tasteful knee-length skirts; 9 pairs of shoes at a cost of $570 and the most expensive single item the unique green jacket at $275.00. Get Mayim's shopping list.

What did you think of her makeover? Leave a comment and discuss.

Comments

[Rose]

Did she recently gave birth? She looks pretty good if that's the case.

[Rose]

How did she get from a wilted flower to a blossoming bouquet? Was she kept in hot water of about 115-120 F temperature?

[flower]

A Hand Tied bouquet with vibrant coloured flowers, to brighten ones lives.

[Cherie]

Can anyone give any info on Mayim's lime green/grey dress? LOVE IT & NEED IT!! I just saw the episode with Mayim and was sad that it originally aired a year ago. Love the show!

[Mary]

Plese cease the comments about old ladies! Some of the outfits you refer to as 'old lady' would never find their way to my body. I am 70 years old and enjoy my 'old lady' status. Quit using us as an example of "What not to wear". What is an older person of late 60 and early 70 supposed to wear?

[suelyn de castro]

please can someone tell me how and where to watch the what nto to wear mayim bialik full episode, thanks

[Elizabeth]

Does anyone know the makeup that they used on Mayim? I loved the eye illuminating makeup and would like to get some for myself.

[Cynthia]

I loved this episode! I thought Mayim was intelligent, asked great questions (as opposed to just nodding like most clients when they clearly don't understand the theory behind what they're being shown), was truly thankful for the opportunity (and paid for it herself!) and was a joy to watch.

As for all the complaints about Nick... no, every woman shouldn't have short hair but neither should every woman have long hair.

[Monica]

I enjoy wntw, I have to watch as much has possible. It does truly help me when I go shopping. It helps me to look for styles for myself that I wouldn't even think of buying. And Stacey, before I would never get my clothes hemmed but now I do. I find a pair of pants I like if they look good and are long, I will pay the money to get them hemmed. I still need help on the shoe part though, have a terrible bunyon on my foot and I can't wear high heels or boots for a long time. The pain starts afterwhile...Thanks for putting on a great show!!

[Aly]

Even in grandma's clothes, Mayim still looked cute which is hard to pull off in eccentric, oversized clothing. She's striking and pretty in a way that separates her from all the cookie-cutter types we've always seen & continue to see on TV. I saw the episode when if first aired and thought she looked beautiful at the end of the makeover--especially in the eggplant, v-neck dress. She's nice, witty, and educated and it's refreshing that she didn't spend her post-Blossom years in rehab or a plastic surgeon's office. Pretty girl, great makeover, nice to see her again.

[leli]

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[A Jewish Woman]

Mayim Bialik prefers to wear longer skirts for cultural and religious reasons. The show didn't seem particulary sensitive to them. What's next? Telling a Muslim woman to ditch her hijab because it is "sooo not sexy"?

[leli]

fashion???????? u should take a look at this web site!

http://www.cielfashion.com

[Fancy Girl Dress]

Adorable dress , Iconic artists prefer designer dresses ,they are considered as status symbol for the entire markets .

[Angelica]

pleaes TLS help my mom

[Meredith anne Choate]

plese email me plus i cant fit into plus sizes for kids can i go on your show email me

[Meredith anne Choate]

dear stacy and clinton i am 11 years old and 5ft. 2 or 3 I shop in the juniors i have seen 27 seven year olds who are shorter than me an wheigh less and look fat but im not plese send me info thank you if you reed this sincerly meredith anne

[KATHERINE]

plase tell me what happened to nick--i like -he was funny/interesting--
this new guy is boring

[Lore]

Ted is nice, but Nick is my favorite. I don't understand why he's gone. He can't please everyone. And Ted isn't either. Nick is the best.

[kelly Ah]

Nick Arrojo- LOSER.
I'm not going to feign my love for Ted just yet but, I must say Nick has let us down countless time, he stopped bringing creativity, he lost his passion (if he ever had any) & he chopped and razored everyone with uniform disregard for their lifestyle, looks and personal preferences. It'd make my blood boil when I'd see him slash his razor through someone's potential!
I would never let the man near my locks, in fact I walk right past his salon to get to my hairdresser (Soon Lab NYC).
Good riddance Nick!

[Barbara Knorr]

I do NOT like Ted Gibson, he has as much personality as a pancake! Nick Arrojo made that spot incredible interesting and gave me the desire to keep my look updated. Ted Gibson makes me want to take a nap.

I am really sorry you got rid of Nick, I was an incredibly bad decision.

[Catherine Berman]

I MISS NICK!!!

[Cathy]

I love that they chose Mayim and think they did a wonderful job.
Mayim seemed a little lost and they helped her find her way. I also love the fact that Mayim immediately said she would pay for it herself. I think that was very upstanding of her,

[Judy]

I'm a 69 year old widow just retired.I am only 5 ft tall with 38DDD bra size and sort of large hips. I do have a waist. What are the best clothes for me to wear? Also where do I get a good bra fit? How do I know what size shapers to buy?

Judy

[taylor hodges]

my mom needs a make over badly

[Artist]

I thought I was through.. oops.. After watching WNTW, almost since the first show, I feel I should thank Stacy and Clinton, for ongoing assistance in getting older with style, More wemon should learn this, age appropriete, don't compete with anyone,...and always look your best. Thank you WNTW,looking forward to many more years!

[Artist]

Love WNTW! I wanted to make a comment about long hair, and its getting cut. I'm 51, I've had long hair since my sophmore year in high school, (my mother always had it cut short up until 5th grade) I hated it short. I had black hair, until I was 28 and it started graying. I always associated short hair with old. especially graying, I quit coloring my hair at age 46. I really do like the gray, its heavily streaked white in the front and graduated to a little black/steel in the back. However, I tripped and hurt my shoulder over a year ago. and the long hair was continually hurting my shoulder, so I had it cut. MUCH to my amazement, this cut is great, I look younger, much to my shock. haha!! My hair grows fast, and in Nicks' defense, the comment about hair being an accessory, was much needed in my case. Thanks Nick, will miss you. Change is sometimes a good thing.. in the case of hair, it does grow!. And the biggest surprise, its easier to manage,wow. and that is with blow drying..vs.. ponytail.

[Mara]

Wow, what is with all the comments about Stacy's appearance? She may not be absolutely gorgeous, but come on. Why is it that in the entertainment business, men can get away with being only semi-attractive, but when women are any less than absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, they're picked at and called hideous?

The show isn't about rivaling the stars. It's about how to present yourself attractively and dress to accent the body that you have to show your best assets. Star-like beauty is not required. While Stacy is not a perfect beauty, she is a naturally attractive woman who knows how to use her clothing, hair, and makeup to accent her body and face.

I'm also one of the few who is disappointed that Nick will no longer be in the new episodes. He may have liked to chop hair off and give similar haircuts, but they did look good on the women/men, and he was the one on the show who didn't always comment how horrifying the woman/man's style was. I hope that the new hairstylist is as sweet as Nick was.

[Ruth]

I have an interesting idea, but one that the execs might wince at (even if they understand it). Could you do a show helping transgendered people select the right clothing and makeup? I'm not a trans myself, but I have met many, and their identity issues can be greatly relieved with a bit of compassion and fashion advice. I'm certain Clinton must know trans people and I HOPE would advocate for this episode suggestion. You would break barriers and correct stereotypes - or at least lead the way. It takes courage, I realize. But this is a chance you have the power to take.

[Pam]

I can't watch this show because that lady Stacey is like the most annoying, unattractive, hag on TV. What in the world are they thinking putting her on a show giving fashion advice?! And Pantene? Well, Pantene is horrible shampoo but why would P & G use someone like her to advertise shampoo? Don't they want to increase their sales?

[lea]

I am wondering what they so with the clothes they "throw away" Some of the stuff is pretty nice coming from a girl who don't really have any clothes!

[Tami]

Just watched a repeat of Lynn, the nanny who did not cut her hair and probably didn't keep up with the make-up either. It is unfortunate as her hair is so unattractive. I do not understand why women think that long, stringy,hair with damaged ends and nothing flattering around their faces is a good choice. In my opinion, it's called no style. I think the make-over was wasted on her even though she may dress a little better. Stacy and Clinton say that part of the deal is that you have to follow their rules before the participant accepts the credit card. I think if they want to opt out of hair/make-up, the clothes should go back and someone else should have the money to spend.

[tom]

jennifer c. i think you are really pretty. if you would like to chat send me an e-mail. my name is tom...bye

[Carol]

It was nice to see Mayim have an inner transformation as well as the outer one. She looked great and there's no reason why a woman can't blend the "quirky"/intellectual with looking great. Good on you Mayim and WNTW.

[Hayley]

It was interesting to see a (somewhat) celebrity being made over. Mayam looked great afterward. However, I think a better celebrity to make over is Whoopie Goldberg. I've been watching a few episodes of the View these past couple weeks (I have time off before starting a new job), and Whoopie's sloppy style does NOTHING for her! Today she's wearing some version of a horrible high-necked gunny sack dress with a sloppy white dress shirt underneath.

[Pixie]

I just can't get into this show. No matter what the subject wears it doesn't seem to change their figure. I think dieting and exercise should come before the clothes. I try to find something else to watch when the show is on, because the after doesn't look any better than the before All of the drama makes it worse..

[Bob]

As usual, the arrogant Nick cut way too much hair. At least he left Mayim with normal long length. It's easy to make a style look good with curlers. The test comes when it's just washed and worn. We don't get to see the drastically shortened hair worn in everyday life. All I know is that the woman looking at clothes on the rack had AWESOME LONG hair. Can't this stylist pretender do anything else with hair but chop away? Her clothes were dumpy, and now much improved, but the hair looked phenomenal before it was cut.

[Jane A. Snook]

Nick,

The gal from Texas looked much better with your hair style than all those awful gaudy, blonde extensions. If she wants to continue to like like an aging __, let her go at it.

[fashion lover]

heeeeeyyy stacy and clition i just adore ur show. i am only in jr.high but i still love it. i barley miss an epoisod.i would one day love to go shopping with u guys then get my hair done and make up.u guys r like soooo kool

[Peggy]

The show often refers to "Home Ec" a name that has been changed to "FACS" Family and Consumer Science for about 15 years now.

[Brenda Oldham]

I have a skirt that I have no idea what to put with it. Could you create a thiry minute show for people like me that's lost. I think the show would be a hit. Let me know at btoldham@yahoo.com I think this show is the bomb. I love you Stacy.
Brenda Oldham (270)904-1430

[Andrea]

I think Stacy and Clinton look great and are fun to watch. About Nick? He's good, but all the hairstyles are the same.

[Kim B]

While I love "what not to wear" and I think Nick is great with a pair sissors, I have yet to see him do anything great with an African Americans hair. You need someone on the show who can handle a couple pair of curling irons. As my mother would say "bump that hair". Nick's style are always spiked.

[Mehrasax]

This is the show that got me interested in watching WNTW again! I hope they keep featuring the occasional celebrity.
www.navare.etsy.com

[LO]

Clinton is sooo funny! (that outfit doesn't go w/ itself)

[Rachel]

I know the conversation has shifted to Jessie, as it should,, since that is more recent. My post will explain why I'm a bit late. My hubbie DVRs the show so I can watch it while I pump breastmilk!! I have been meaning to write to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the Mayim show. I feel like it was the closest thing to being nominated myself (except I didn't get any new duds ;)) We have tons in common. A friend of mine has, like Clinton had to for Mayim, kindly told me that if it is old and "hippy" enough to ring [with Indian bells], it is time for it to go. My mom called me up to tell me that she noticed that I actually own one of the skirts Mayim was wearing in the secret footage. The differences between us are only these: I am only HALF Jewish, and I got my masters during pregnancy number one, instead of a doctorate while carrying the second!! My new baby is only a month younger than Mayim's. Like her I struggle with finding balance. Fashion is not the most important thing in the world, but there should be room for it without hurting the bank,the Earth, or my ability to be a good parent. Like her I struggle with defining myself as an adult. I am making a commitment this summer (if I can find some cash!) to find the best way to express myself fashionably without sacrificing my ideals or feeling like I am playing "dress up".

[Linda]

Everybody from Texas has been a 'pig'. A real 'pig', and they don't change. Jessie was the biggest, phoniest pig you've had on this show.
Don't even try with any Texas woman!!
They don't deserve your help.

[Mrs. Griffin]

Nick plucked Jessie the same way that he handles all of the female guests on this show! He is always wanting to cut off all of the women's hair! It is painful to watch the hair make-over segment. Unlike Stacey and Clinton, Nick does not listen to the client. The makeover should be a cooperative effort (blend fashion sense while maintaining the personality of the guest). Instead, he comes across as arrogant and insensitive by making statements like, "it's only hair...it's just an accessory"... Furthermore, as a healthcare professional at a cancer hospital...trust me...a women's hair is a BIG deal. From what I have seen, Nick should look into another arena of fashion and style that does not involve working with women's hair.

[gay]

Jessie was out right beautiful. She needs to feel like some one care. Men say they like long hair, but when it comes down to it they want their women to look good, Jessie looked good.

Jessie wake up we all get old. Just be happy that you are alive for men to look at and admire.

[christina]

I'd love to know if Mayim is keeping up with her new look? My guess is that she has slipped back to her old ways. Maybe they should do a 6 months later update on how she's doing. I just don't see her teetering around in heels carrying a baby. But, maybe she kept wearing the great clothes she got withe the flats. I thought she was really great to watch.

[shellys73a]

I usually enjoy WNTW, but I have to say I hated Jessie's show. Although her makeover was nice overall, the way Stacey and Clinton behaved toward her was disrespectful and hurtful. I felt that they kept throwing in her face that she was old. Couldn't they see they were crushing her? I thought the show was supposed to make people feel better about themselves, not worse. I'm surprised they were so rude to her, specially knowing she was in a emotionally vulnerable situation, with her daughter feeling threatened by her. By the way, I think Jessie was a lot more atractive than her crazy haired daughter. Talk about too much hair. I think Stacey needs to remember that individuality is the ONE thing that makes a person really look beautiful and they took Jessie's individuality away from her, not bothering to notice how unhappy she was until it was too late.

[Julia]

OMG i love Stacy and Clinton! They are my heroes! (Fashion Heroes at that!) My friends ask do you dream of being on that show and I said "Well, Hosting the show DUH!" And to all you fashion diva's... SHUT UP! You're sooo fashion forward!

~JEWLZ~

[Tracy]

I have a general suggestion for the WNTW - how about ebay-ing the participant's old clothing items for funds towards a charity of their choice? I watch the show quite regularly and I can certainly see people shelling out some dough for the crazy items that Stacy and Clinton showcase as particularly bizarre. The appeal may be even greater for items formally belonging your various celebrity participants.

[MBlake]

Are you people serious? What is with all this hate towards Stacy? She is beautiful, funny, seems to have a sense of humor and she knows what she is talking about when it comes to the clothes. Is that just too much for some of you to deal with or what?

[Denise]

Doesn't that hair cutter know any other hair cuts or styles? He does the
same thing on everyone!

[Wendy]

I don't quite understand why these two people have to be SO incredibly insulting to the people on the show. It seems as though guests have to sell their soul to the devil and agree to total degredation to be on the show. I say get rid of snobs Stacy and Clinton(DEFINATELY Stacy though!) and get some real professionals (with TACT) on the show. Their "tough love" bit is over the top... no pun intended!

[Christina]

For Katie, 5/29 post asking about who makes the red shirt from the reveal? It's Marc by Marc Jacobs link print shirt at Neiman Marcus online or Bergdorf Goodman online for $138. Hope helps.

[James]

Although Stacy may be the host of "What NOT to wear," she is also the icon of "How NOT to look." Stacy is unbelievably UGLY and she tells others about themselves? Maybe Stacy should look in the mirror before judging members of society. Stacy, you make TLC lose money. I was flipping through channels and "What NOT to wear" came up. I watched 2 minutes of it and became enraged. Why would TLC sign up such an UGLY heffer? How is she going to critique others when the only thing that needs some CRITIQUING is her nose. Oh yeah and her face. Don't forget her body. Just take her off the show.

[michelle]

What is with Stacey's face? She is normally a beautiful woman with her fair skin, but orange? I'm only hoping she had a bad experience with some self tanning and that this is not a permanant look for her. I understand the desire to look tan but come on, no one naturlly looks this color. It's very distracting to the show. I keep looking at her trying to figure out what happened. She looks 10 years older and very unnatural. Like she's trying so hard to maintain her youth. She looked great before! I'm confused. What look is she going for? Very odd. Clinton is tanned and doesn't look normal but isn't as bad as Stacey. Really, she does not look exotic, she looks orange. Carmendy- help her!!!

[Hanna]

I love Stacy's outfit and accesories and I think she is the best host on TV. Episode was great to though as always