Getting on the Fast Track to Success

06/05/2009

When I first laid eyes on Chelsea, I have to admit to doing a lot of stereotyping. She came across as a big, kick-your-butt roller-derby girl who apparently didn’t have any ambition or fashion sense. However, when her mother explained how Chelsea had dropped out of college when her grandfather had a stroke to take care of her grandparents and help them keep their house, I got teary-eyed. The 28-year-old had a big heart to go along with those big, baggy clothes and ripped up jeans. Fortunately Stacy and Clinton went to Dallas to help her outside reflect her inner beauty.

Stacy “Hell on Heels” and Clinton “The Argyle Assassin” ambushed Chelsea in the middle of her roller derby game. She seemed a bit defensive when they played back the hidden camera wardrobe video they’d been shooting for the past two weeks. Apparently denim shorts to the knees, on men or women, are Clinton’s number one pet peeve. Hmm, should I get rid of mine?

I was impressed by Chelsea’s self-confidence, which definitely did not stem from her clothes. “When people see me, they want to be me,” she said. Stacy wondered who would want to be her in that outfit, and Clinton thought she meant “beat me,” which he totally supports. I loved when Chelsea said that people should be judged by more than just their clothes and Stacy and Clinton rolled their eyes and said, “It’s your beautiful, magnificent, glorious soul that’s radiating through the crappy clothes and dirty cotton...that doesn’t even happen in fairy tales.”

Chelsea’s rules: Emphasize her narrowest part (right under her bustline) by looking for blouses with a band at the waist and an A-line shape beneath the band that floats away from her body. Use depth and layering create visual interest.

The first outfit Chelsea picked for herself in the 360-degree mirror is charitably described by Stacy as “modern Viking.” Clinton turned her around and added more commentary on the denim knee shorts, showing the viewers at home "What Not To Do On Your Ass." Maybe that'll be a spinoff.

There are SO many LOL moments when they go through Chelsea’s wardrobe, but my two favorites are: when Clinton literally rips up her Mr. Roger’s t-shirt and when he says of her spaghetti strap tank top, “That’s asking a lot of spaghetti.”

As fashionably stunted roller derby diva Chelsea headed out to shop for herself, would she be able to resist the lure of keg-party couture? As Chelsea tries out outfits in the dressing room, an alarm starts to ring. She wondered if that was a way of letting her know that the outfit she tried was totally wrong? I started fantasizing about a real-life alarm that could alleviate some of the fashion disasters I see walking around.

When Clinton and Stacy teamed up with Chelsea to help her shop, they pointed out a challenge she and many other women face: Buying an outfit to fit the largest part of your body -- in Chelsea’s case it’s her chest -- means buying something that fits big overall. The solution? A tailor.

Next up, Chelsea gets a face-framing haircut with bangs to bring more attention to her eyes. Nick explains that bangs also help fine hair look and feel thicker. He highlights her hair using three different tones to create dimension. I’m not sure I like the ‘do when he’s done, but once Carmindy steps in and does her makeup, the whole look falls into place perfectly. Carmindy concentrates on easy makeup without too many steps.

Chelsea’s first reveal outfit, an Anne Klein floral wrap dress with a camisole underneath, is so cute AND affordable. I plan to snag that turquoise clutch purse for myself. Chelsea looks amazing! The confidence she’s always had is really magnified on the outside, and I can totally see her fulfilling her dreams of finishing college and having a career in advertising.

Chelsea’s friends and family were totally blown away by her reveal. That black and tan dress looked great on her. I got teary-eyed all over again and realized that good fashion is like a fairy tale ending.

Total Haul:
$5000 netted Chelsea a mix and match wardrobe of over 50 outfits. This included 29 tops; 15 bottoms; 11 bags and 13 pairs of shoes. Get Chelsea's shopping list and get all the details from her makeover in the Episode Guide.

Is this makeover a win? Tell us your thoughts.

Comments

[jean]

There was a silver ring that she puts on at her Reveal party. Do you know the designer for that ring or where it is from?
Thanks!
She turned out beautifully!

[fan]

Dear Stacy, my daughter is 5 and has watched your show with me. At school she was to draw a picture of what she wants to be when she grows up. She drew you.

[tamara]

the is the sexy look but she's not playing the part at all

[monique]

You guys should make a + Size women what not to wear

[Cathy]

Love the self confidence and the total makeover. Chelsea was fun to watch and she looked beautiful at the end of the show.

[Lynne]

To poster "Debbie" - having only seen the show 3 times gives you the authority to critize Stacy and Clinton? Certainly you are entitled to your opinion and by all means watch whatever television shows you like - but stereotyping and insulting the hosts of this show is just immature. Why even bother to leave a comment if you hate the show so much? And your comment about Stacy and Clinton "getting a real job" is laughable. One can only imgaine what type of job you have.

[debbie]

what makes you two such "gurus" of fashion. I've seen this so-called show 3 times now and all I've seen you do is belittle women. Your comments are way out of line. Stacy is the girl in school that everyone hated( and no doubt still do) and Clinton...well...I bet you had your lunch money stolen on a regular basis. the most disturbing thing about all of this is that your still on!! Stacy, tell the truth, i bet you take home alot of the clothes you make fun of after they put them in that tacky trash can. come to think of it, I bet you do too Clinton. Get a real job.

[sam]

and i soo want the hair dresser to do my hair, bc i can't do anything with it to make it look good

[sam]

hey i love this show, but i can't change my sytle to look better because i can't afford to, so when i get enough money i am so buying the stuff that that i herd from this show

[Mehrasax]

They should have given her some etiquette lessons to go with the makeover. A really fantastic makeover!
www.navare.etsy.com

[LO]

I think this was a great episode to watch especially after the Jessie disaster... Chelsea has a big heart, too, and needed the makeover!!

[Amanda]

I also want to mention that I'm thrilled that they've started showing full figured women - we're not all a size 2 or 6!

[Amanda]

Chelsea is a beautiful person on the inside and outside. I loved her "go with it" Now she just needs to work on the smoking!!

[FreeSpirit]

I just loved Chelsea, she was so much fun to watch. It was clear she loved her makeover, and so did I. This episode was a good antidote for the Jessie fiasco--very upbeat and a pleasure to watch.

[Renee]

What a great episode!!! Great candidate! Great results! Loved it!!!

[Lbug]

THAT gal has SUCH a big heart!! The WNTW crew really did a great job for Chelsea!! Love it!! Really enjoying the new season!!!!

[Jackie Brown]

P.S. I also love the way you now show the outfits at the end of the show and provide an overview of the person's new wardrobe.

[Jackie Brown]

After Clinton made that comment about the denim shorts, I put on the pair that I bought from the Gap two years ago. I rock those shorts! Those shorts do something for my legs that I could never describe. I know Clinton could not have been talking about my shorts.

[Vee]

One of the best makeovers ever! I had tears in my eyes too when they spoke about her grandparents. She had the confidence & great personality, she just needed the look. Great Job! (Although I personally didn't like the way Nick first styled her hair with the bangs).

[Cheryl]

One of my favorite episodes - spouse even watched most of it with me, and commented on how proud he was of Chelsea's open-mindedness and willingness to embrace the whole experience. She wasn't whiny or weepy about giving up her old stuff, and she looked FABULOUS afterwards. Made us BOTH proud to be Texans! (and please God she hasn't gone and gotten long blonde extensions like Jessie!)

[LittleBecky]

First off, I love Stacy's style and her willingness to take caculated risks. I think she looks great.
Second, I frequently love a piece that is purchased or that Clinton/Stacy is wearing. Could TLC list some of the key items after the episode with the store on the website? Pretty please...

[c payne]

I think the hair style on Jessie looked great. It does take a little while to get use to if you were expecting a cut, but hair will grow back. I think she now looks 50ish, before she looked 60ish

[Pilar]

P.S. My seven year old daughter has better taste and common sense to dress ! please give me a break !!!

[Rae]

I just love the fact you list the entire shopping list - what the contributor bought and where.

It would be nice to post a picture of the reveal outfits along with the list of items bought.

[Brieanna]

hi i love this show but i cant figure out how to enter my aunt on the show she really needs it!!!!! hope to find out!!!!!!

[MBlake]

I really think this girl was fun and what a dramatic change. She looks beautiful! Her bangs did look a lot better off to the side than straight down.

[Susan]

I am wearing a pair of knee length shorts by Clinton Kelly that I purchased from QVC. Hmm does he really hate knee length denim shorts

[Bev]

Great episode. I'm really enjoying this new season! Great job guys! I also would second the above post about showing where we can buy pieces from the mannequin outfits.

[Anna]

can you post a picture of each outfit and then where to purchase the items. Thanks!!

[Carol]

She did great! But when are you going to do something about Stacy's hair? Stacy looks ridiculous at her age with that hair-D0.

[Stacy]

I loved Stacy's shoes in this episode! Where can I find them?

[Allie]

I agree with Vertassie that the floral shirt with the beige jacket was not that great.

However, I love the way you give the shopping list with sources and prices now! That will help us that want to try to find a solution we see on the show.

[Vertassie]

I loved this lady and also had tears in my eyes becuase of her big heart. This was a fun one because she really deserved the help and attention.

Bad news: hated that goofy floral shirt and very ugly beige jacket with the pockets!! But loved the jeans, shoes and purse! Just weird that that is the best they came up with since there is so much to choose from out there. And I was very disappointed with the haircut! Another wierd thing because she seemed very open to anything and all he came up with is cut some length off and give her bangs!! The could have given her a body perm or more layers for fullness. It looked to little girlish.

Good news: whoever styled it when she wore the dresses styled the bangs slightly to the side instead of straight down and it instantly softened her face and made her look gorgeous. And also the skirt and chiffon blouse combo was so beautiful. I would have tailored the top to take out a little of the extra fabric so where it looked less maternity blouse though.

And they didn't show Chelsea in any casual shorts or ultra casual which would have been fun to see how they suggest she dress during the hot Texas days.

[Fiverki]

I think this gal had self confidence anyone would envy and much deserved. She looked great with her new wardrobe and your guidance.