From Frump-tastic to Fantastic

06/19/2009

Amanda is an editor-in-chief? Shut up. She doesn’t LOOK like any of the editor-in-chief’s I’ve seen, but maybe they do things differently outside of NYC. It turns out that shapeless hoodies aren’t appropriate in Texas either. Fortunately Stacy and Clinton have a plan to turn Amanda homeless chic to glamorous cover girl. 

Amanda’s husband, Joshua, nominated her because he wants her to reclaim the spark she once had. He says she’s “stopped really caring about how she should present herself,” and that she has a lot of “inner beauty.” (It’s never good when your man only talks about your inner beauty.) Amanda’s co-worker, Ashley is even blunter. She worried that Amanda was making a first impression that was not an appropriate image for their website company. “When Amanda is out there representing us,” she said, “I don’t think she’s being professional. Sometimes, she just flat out shouldn’t dress that way.”

Stacy and Clinton headed off to ambush Amanda, who was working at a charity event for her company. Stacy said Amanda likes to wear more than one outfit at a time, such as jeans and a dress. Wait, according to my October ’07 Lucky Magazine, that’s OK to do! Once I see the secret footage, I realized that Lucky never advocated the look Amanda was rocking.

Amanda acknowledged that there’s something definitely wrong since she’s often asked if she is her husband’s mother, and she admitted to not owning a full-length mirror. Who over the age of 12 does not own a full-length mirror?!  That SO would’ve been on my wedding registry list.

Clinton told her she dresses like a teenager, and when a person dresses a lot younger than their real age, it makes them look older than they really are. (Exhibit A: Amanda is only 36). Stacy tells Amanda she needs to accept herself, starting with where she is realistically, what her body looks like, what her age is, etc., and work from there. Amanda confessed to not knowing how to feel beautiful. She knows who she is, but does not feel good about herself. Part of what is eating at her self-esteem is a failed business, which affected her profoundly.

I can tell that Amanda has spunk. She seems really gung-ho to try and not just change her outside, but also her inside. Plus she is video blogging her entire experience, which is pretty cool. Nothing like turning an experience into content for your job. Way to multi-task.

Good Lord! Her first outfit in the 360 degree mirror is atrocious. Full disclosure: I HATE Uggs and the camera started at her feet; not that the outfit got any better. I never knew a hoodie could be a dress. Clinton tells her that her weekend look makes her “look misshapen,” Stacy asks if she is trying to be invisible. Amanda confesses that she has not liked what she looks like for a long time. She also very sternly tells Stacy to not make her cry.

Outfit number two is her work outfit, and all I can think is, “Is she kidding me?! What the heck are those monstrosities on her feet? 'And are those actual cargo pants?” Geez Louise. There is a bit of a tussle over the gold sandal heels that go with the second mannequin, since Amanda isn't sure she can pull off a metallic. Stacy just gives her a very ‘Stacy’ look.

The last 360 degree outfit, an ankle-length, white sundress with a floral print, isn’t bad, it’s just not right for Amanda’s body because it is too long and it overwhelms her.

Why does the cameraman keep focusing on those God-awful black sandals? The things I endure in order to recap these episodes.

Amanda loves the yellow patent heels on the last mannequin.  She’s got me confused. It’s seems she likes shoes, but the shoes I’ve seen her in so far leave me aghast. We’ll see what happens when she goes off to shop.

When Stacy and Clinton go through Amanda’s wardrobe, Clinton says her reversible skirt “may have won the award for ugliest skirt in What Not To Wear history.” Stacy says, “just in case it wasn’t ugly enough on one side, there is needlepoint on the other.” The drawn bear shirt makes Clinton and Stacy laugh uncontrollably.

Cardigans that end at the hip are a much better fashion choice than long, shapeless hoodies, they tell her. Clinton is APPALLED by a drop-waist dress Amanda owns. “You can’t do drop-waist!” He is not mollified by her explanation of liking ‘40’s era clothing. Her polka-dot shirt is spared, but the muumuus aren’t. Where does anyone buy a muumuu anyway? Oh God Bless them. They threw out the patterned Uggs.

Amanda takes all of their advice in stride and seems to really want to confront why she’s been trying to hide in her clothes. I can’t wait to see if this introspection works when it’s time for her to go shopping by herself.

Amanda’s rules: Stop wearing clothes that do not fit in terms of proportions.  She should try and elongate her legs and shorten her torso so that she appears taller and slimmer than she is. Her shirts should hit mid-hip. Also she should emphasize her waistline with banded waist so that she can use her curves to her advantage. She should also buy a couple of quality, expensive articles as opposed to a lot of things that may be cheaper or not fit as well.

On her own, Amanda seems to be doing well. Stacy and Clinton are approving many of her choices. Stacy just wants her to try more things on and to talk about them less. I start laughing when Amanda tries on the first pair of shoes. I almost bought that exact pair six weeks ago.

The orange Trina Turk dress she picks out looks amazing on her. She really does have the whole 40’s pinup girl thing going on. She feels so good in the dress that she starts to cry. I really like that Amanda is so open to the experience of changing herself. She has a really beautiful smile that we are seeing more and more of.

When Stacy and Clinton join her for the second day of shopping, Amanda picks out a dress that really looks great on her. She is doing a “modern twist on a vintage classic shape.” The dress they pick out for her is also lovely and she is beaming and standing up straighter every time she puts something else on.

I’m SO happy to get to the hair portion of the show. That darn barrette she’s had in her hair has been bothering me almost the whole episode. Nick cuts her hair with a razor to keep the ends soft which creates a lot more “sexiness and playfulness.”  She LOVES her haircut so much that she starts crying from happiness and talks about how she needed this change. I think it is a little too straight, but I’m also partial to wavy hair.

Carmindy comes in to do her makeup and tells her to do a “mirror mantra” everyday, to remind herself why she's beautiful. For her makeup, Carmindy concentrates on her eyes. She draws green eyeliner on the upper lashes and then goes over the line again with a flat brush and green eye shadow to really make them pop. She also applies a lip color two shades darker than her natural color.

Amanda’s first reveal outfit is really cute. I love her ruffle grey shoes and the blue cuff she is wearing. I also love that she feels empowered. “I want to go out into the world and kick ass.”  I absolutely love the teal shoes in the second reveal. The windowpane trousers are also adorable.

Personally, my favorite reveal outfit is the last one. The purple dress is a great color on her, the black and white shoe is stylish and she radiates confidence. Or in her words, “radiating joy.” Amanda is one VERY happy customer.

For her reveal to her friends and family, Amanda goes with the orange Trina Turk dress that she tried on in the store earlier. I understand why she went with a dress that made her feel like a million bucks, but I’m a little disappointed that I did not get to see another outfit.  Her friends seem very happy for her and her husband is truly touched by how wonderful she looks and how she is carrying herself. I absolutely loved the black dress with the ethnic print she wears in her home life outtakes. Must find and buy it now.

Total Haul:
$5000 got Amanda over 30 outfits. This includes four retro dresses; five blazers that easily transition from day to night; six pairs of adorable heels and five bags that can be easily paired with other staples in her wardrobe. Get Amanda’s shopping list, see photos from her makeover, and get all the details from her makeover in the Episode Guide.

Is this makeover a win?  Tell us what you thought.

Comments

[Allie]

my mother has frumpy wardrobe of sweats and sweatshirts jeans and a couple of tee shirts can you put her on your show

[Shelby Summers]

Clinton had a great leather jacket in that episode that looked lengthy enough to fit my husband. How do I find out what brand that was?

[manda]

My aunt is attempting to locate a pair of wedge heels that are multicolored (possibly three colors) that she saw in the DSW portion of Amanda's episode of What Not to Wear. Any ideas or advice on brand, style and/or where to purchase these shoes? Please help, it would make her soooooooooooo happy and she's awesome! Thanks so much.

[bettie]

Loved almost every outfit in this one - is there a breakdown of designers? I esp. love the purple dresses, and the 40s style red one...

[Carla]

I also would like to agree that it would be nice to see fashion for older women (not my case, but I have a family :) )

[Carla]

Some of you people "demand" (like it was Stacy and Clinton's obligation) that they give you the specific information you want on your specific needs. This show is absolutely awesome, and it helps people feel better about themselves from the outside in. All these people gain self confidence they never had, and that alone is a GREAT job done by every one of the hosts of this show. The hair of Amanda DOES look 10 times better than it did before. It is stylish and fresh. It makes her look younger and free spirited; very approachable. It might not be of the taste approval of many people, but it is what she NEEDS for her specific body, and specific case. How can you be dissapointed with the show bc the outcome doesn't agree with what you forsee, if there is a reason non of us are fashion consultants. There is a reason things are done the way they are done in this show. If anyone wants other types of advice, you can NICELY ask for them to do that for you, and maybe they will, or maybe not, but this is THEIR show and it's not made to satisfy 100% of american's needs. Think about it. That would be impossible. Nonetheless, I do agree that it would be nice to hear some recommendations for items from regular department stores as well for the average american to be able to afford dressing fashionable. Keep up the great job giving people back their positive outlook on life with the boost from a new improved look! :)

[jakelia]

i love the hair and everything

[jakelia]

i love the hair and everything

[Cindy]

You should've covered up her arms, the tatoos take away from her dress!!!

[marisa]

Love everything on her she looks great !!!!!!

[Cathy]

Did not like the hair (again) but I enjoyed the total transformation. What blogging site does Amanda work for?

[jen86]

I am 66. I like to dress nice too.

I am tired of Stacy comments about old women clothes. Would like to see some fashions for seniors.

Seniors are people and have feelings
Please stop insulting us!!!

[pamela]

I would like to ask "What Not To Wear" group... can you show a show that one would shop at Macy's, J C Penny, Victoria Secret, Dillard stores of that caliber that would be in everyone's mall shopping, that way when these people go home they can have a clue what to do. Not everyone knows how to shop in New York, even though I would love to it is not in my budget. The people needs idea's to do their budget and find nice pieces to add to what they bought in NY. Love he show! I wach and play with the hair and make-up all the time along with looking my clothes to the TV show a lot.

[Tabitha]

I love this show! I am going to nominate my friend who desperately needs it. She says that if people try to get her to do it, she'll either punch them or run the other way. Oh, well, her mom will make her. Amanda looks great, I really like her dress she looks so young!

[Kate]

Being a 52 year old I once could relate to the long hair (not big). But as I approached 50 I found that men do actually like us better with the hair that looks best on each of us. Men are not shallow and only looking for one style.

This women started out look over 60 yrs old and frumpy. She looked so much younger after the cut and style. This women needs to get some self-esteem help from a therapist/ counselor. I was sorry to see her go back to big hair using extensions. It added at least 12 years back onto her age as I would put her over 60 with her big hair look.

Amanda definitely didn't look better after she redid herself. It's a shame.

[peggy]

Jessie you looked so much better after the haircut. It made you look younger. I know you'll be able to date some great guys now after this makeover, you just need some self esteem.

[John DeMarco]

I am so mad at the daughter and the show for hurtting Jessie!!!!! She was so happy before this!! Watching this I felt like crying with her!!!!!! The only person that heard what she said was the make-up woman.

[Peggy]

Jesse looked so much better after her makeover. She needed an update and she got an amazing transformation. Her hair looked SOOO much better and it really got old watching her pout about something that looked nice and fresh! She needed to let the experts do their job and stop thinking she knows better, that was why she was nominated in the first place, she looked
"not so new", but after the hair cut and clothes, she looked better than she had in along time, I think!!

[DifromSask]

I LOVE THIS EPISODE!!!! EVERYONE DID A FANTASTIC JOB....even Nick and I don't like Nick.

[lisa]

She looks so much better than before. I can't believe she didn't like the hair. Before she looked so dated and in a time warp. She needs to get over it. Let the pro's do their thing. Your hair will grow back, relax, have fun don't stress. you are so much more than your hair. Especially the horrible style you had before.

[jlt]

This woman needs a makeover after the makeover...The hair is horrid just like the interior designer from Dallas...Ditch the short cuts and the stylist...small head ---shows off wide hips...The hort chop style might work in NYC but not in the real world where it takes 30 minutes to correct the birdsnest..She had some zest before she now looks like a grandma with a bad cut and coloured hair...Ugly on a pretty woman>>. NYC is definately not the end all...You need a new hair person.. It was my second time watchng ..This program could use some work..

[tasia]

i'm in love with every outfit from this episode. is there a way to find out where she got all her clothes from. the red dress with the crazy neckline is just amazing. i NEED to have it! HELP!

[Viv R.]

I loved this episode with Amanda! I, too, recently lost my dream; a martial arts school. I know the pain of losing something so passionate and the opportunity to help a community. I am so happy you were able to help her get past her mourning period. She looks fabulous and she totally earned it! Everyone needs to remember that Failure is an Event, Never a Person.

[Dianne]

I loved the program about Amanda. You did a great job! What I really really liked was the shopping list that was posted at the website, showing the items, stores, and price of each item. It makes the make over process for home audience a possible reality rather than waiting to win a lottery.
Keep us the good work, I am a fan!

[Anna]

How do you nominate someone? I have someone i would love to nominate, but i dont know hwo! Someone help!

[Wanda]

This was one totally awesome makeover. You could watch the change in her mind as she began to stand straighter, walk taller, and speak more confidently! Keep up the good work!

[Jeanette Uffman]

Why don't you get some one (like Dr. Scholls) to make (thin) press-on fabric insoles, to put in shoes, now that you are showing makeovers without stockings on the ladies. The bare feet just stick to the shoes. Self-stick liners would be great.

[Mimi]

Wow - this was one of the best episodes of What Not to Wear in a long time. I was out of my seat cheering for Amanda as she came out of that dressing room. What an awesome individual. All the stylists did a terrific job this week and best of all, the client took the advice and ran with it. More like this!!!

[khumsu]

I found the red shoes with tan straps! they are Maxstudio! YAY

[Giselle]

This has to be one of the most feel-good episodes of the show. I was just SO happy for Amanda.

[Marcia]

I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I watched this episode. Amanda was such a welcome participant after last week's "drama" with Jessie. I just felt so happy for Amanda...and I think she will keep up the attention to her look that is required for her career and personal lives.

[Debbie]

I am searching for those teal shoes too! Brief Couture is not listed anywhere -- Any help anyone can give would be great! Glad we all have such good taste!

[SW]

Great episode. Once again, GREAT job by Nick!!! I wonder how Stacy & Clinton feel about tatoos. Please spare us the "everyone has the right to blah blah blah blah blah" speech. IMO, tatoos look HIDEOUS!!! Unless you're in the circus or belong to some Polynesian tribe, tatoos look stupid. If you're mad at your parents, get over it. If you're trying to show the world that you're not a right-wing conservative, please find another way to express it.

[Erin]

I love this episode! I need those teal shoes in her second outfit! Anyone know where I can get them?? Can't find them? They are by "Brief Couture."??? HELP!

[Jill]

This woman is so adorable! This was the best episode so far this season. It is so refreshing to see someone so grateful get that opportunity.

[Gabriele]

Yes! Amanda's transformation was great. She TOTALLY ROCKS the vintage-with-a-modern-twist vibe and can also step out of that look as well. It's just that the vintage vibe suited her nature and personality, so double-dipping-fun!!!

THE HUSBAND... BJ Teresi was spot-on to bring him up. I missed the beginning of the show and only saw him briefly at the end and I thought he was some high-school babysitter! Get a haircut, wear clothes that fit and the two of you can replace the WNTW couple in the opening video!! Love ya!

[kurnu]

Loved the teal shoes from the second look. Anybody knows the brand??

[Fashion Victim]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE RED PATENT HEELS WHITH THE WOOD HEEL - WHERE CAN I FIND/BUY THEM ON LINE???

I just loved this makeover episode. It is nice to see someone open to the process. As a viewer I could tell that Amanda was going through an extended grieving process over her losses & had succumbed to deep depression.

[juliebelle]

Please, please tell us the brand of the red patent leather heels! They were BEYOND!

[BJ Teresi]

Loved the show, but I'd like to see someone offer help for the husband with his 1970's John Denver haircut. He needs help also to make him look MORE mature and help her feel younger. He is rahter immature in this episode.

[Debora]

Did not like the hair cut but this show was a HUGE improvement over Jessie's show. I teared up, too, at the discoveries she was making in herself. Sometimes it is hard for women to see themselves as beautiful, especially when life gives you a few too many kicks. It was nice to see someone that was grateful for what they did.

Suggestion for TLC: why not let us know where the clothes & accessories come from? I saw quite a few things I'd love to have. Now whether I could afford them or not is another story all together.

And didn't you love her quirky style for retro clothes? Darling individual!

[Jen]

Love the red shoe with the tan strap. Have been searching all over dsw and can't find them. What brand are they?

[Ev]

I thought she looked adorable! I'm not much for tattoos on women, but I thought hers were beautiful. Her tattoos, the clothes, the hair, everything came together to show what a beautiful person she was!

[Rachel]

ok so amanda looks amazing now!
but does anyone know where stacy got that amazing black dress with the beading at the top? i want it SO BAD!!

[Julie]

This show takes the fun out of people's lives and makes them dress like stuck up snobs!!!!!

[catfan]

Amanda looks amazing... come on folks... Nick knows what he's doing and her new haircut was great!!! It was so nice to see her feeling so good about herself... that is what this show is all about (or should be)!!!!

[Helen]

What about women with problems other then just bad taste. I have gained wgt because of meds I need to take and also have a dowenger hump. It is really hard to find a good looking style due to this. I am 5' 1 1/2" and weigh in at 185 lbs. Help????

[Denise]

I thought she was cute as a bug til I saw those horrible tattoos! What was she thinking?

[mnerva]

Well this episode just about brought me to tears. Amanda was so friggin' cute, even underneath those awful, frumpy, HUGE clothes. So when she started shining, I loved it. Also it didn't help that Stacy was tearing up. Was SO great to see someone's self esteem restored! And I loved the fashion on top of it all--bonus!

[Dee]

luv luv the red/tan shoe and the green ones too. Been searching for 2 hours and can't find them. please help! I need those shoes!

[Kris10]

ok, LOVE the red peep toes with the tan strap. have scoured the dsw site and can't find. what brand are they? c'mon, don't leave us shoe lovers hangin'!

[April]

I love love loved this episode. Amanda is so cute and I hope she continues to see that. Her new outfits were incredible. I want them all for myself! Especially that blue dress with the wide belt!

[eindenver]

I've never posted to a blog in my life but when I saw Amanda tonight, I saw in her the struggle that so many women go through in trying integrate the "inside" with the "outside" - Amanda is an absolutely adorable person!

[sue]

I just adored the platform type red heels with a tan? Strap that she tried on..they were shown several times. I know they came from dsw, but does anyone know the designer or details of those shoes? Must have!

[Carol]

Such an improvement over last week's show! I've always wondered why hair and makeup isn't done first. Wouldn't the contestants do better shopping if they already had part of their new look? I liked the summary of what they bought at the end.

[Holly]

I really think the hair cut did not do her justice when straight. It was a nice look when it was curly, but when straight it was horrid! It gave me almost a mullet type feel because of the short front. I think she just needs to keep the more natural style. I have been really disappointed in Nick's hair styles lately. I hope he can start giving out good styles again soon.

[Melissa]

Once again Nick, bad haircut. She would have looked better and younger with more hair around the front of her falling toward her face. It looked frumpy on her.

[Delores Fraga-Carvalho]

Awesome transformation!!! I like how you showed her wardrobe behind her at the end of the show. Hopefully she'll keep up the change. When I lose my 135+lbs, I hope you can help me with a new look. Don't worry, it'll take me at least a year or so. Wish me luck...