MOM-ME wrote:

Thank you for this show!! I love that you chose real women of all shapes and sizes and don't ask them to go on some ridiculous diet, exercise, plastic surgery,etc.... program, but just to feel good about being the best that they are! Your tips really help and I have to say, as a stay at home mom, make me realize that I should make the effort! I feel better about myself and find that I am more willing to get out of the house (even with all five, yes 5, children). Thanks. :)

posted on November 15, 2007 at 11:38 PM

Bob Eskridge wrote:

Tim,

I have enjoyed watching your show. I am sure your asked this question often but how can someone find a person locally to assist them like you and Veronica do for your guests?

I have been married to the most beautiful lady for going on 25 years. I am planning to take her to Italy for a 12 day cruise, two days in Rome and three in Venice. I would love to give my wife the gift of a consultation to help update her wardrobe.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Bob Eskridge
Round Rock, TX

posted on November 16, 2007 at 1:57 AM

Christi wrote:

Great to see a show where the makeover candidate actually ends up looking and feeling better about themselves. This show was an excellent example of how taste can be learned.

posted on November 16, 2007 at 2:19 AM

Kathleen wrote:

The subject of taste is indeed tricky and problematic. Simply stated taste is the product of an education on culturally specific aesthetic judgments of beauty. Aesthetic judgments are socially constructed and often emulate the values of elite culture. In the US we have constructed aesthetics based on euro-centric ideas of beauty. If taste is the product of education and awareness of elite cultural values then are women who do not wear "tasteful" clothes judged negatively? And how does this judgment translate to treatment? The idea that Asian cultures (a highly diverse collection) do not have words to describe western concepts of taste or culturally specific concepts of taste is inaccurate. The development of non-Western discourses on taste have many different philosophical, artistic, cultural, social and political trajectories. The construction of taste is most likely based on a mutually constitutive knowledge of what taste is to another culture or social strata. That being said I think that Tim Gunn's work is a product of modern era aesthetic universals. However, these aesthetics are only as universal as they are accepted socially and culturally here and in other parts of the world. Therefore taste is always a subjective matter. But in fashion (and arguably society) women are always the objectified subject. And I want my objectified subjective self to look good! Thank you Tim for inspiring my intellect as well as my wardrobe.

posted on November 16, 2007 at 3:56 AM

Caroline wrote:

I truly LOVE this show; Tim is absolutely fabulous; i wish he would come here to my house!
I wish him "lots of Luck!, great health, and even more money$, for his future." That episode hit home with me, I have 4 children an the last one, started school this year. I trying to re-create myself and capture my life again! One question: How would you (me) find someone to help get the whole "style thing" or go about starting this on your own?
thanks again for this show! You ROCK!!
Sincerely Caroline

posted on November 16, 2007 at 9:08 AM

anne wrote:

the show was wonderful....i went out this morning and even looked around but i still need help..i couldnt do it on my own
i have written to you before and was hopeing i can find out if you can help me too...im 33 living in fla and 5f 2 and 190
i had just gotten married to a wonderful husband ,but my close well lets say it..it stinks...help

posted on November 16, 2007 at 11:39 AM

Jill Beck wrote:

Your show is a definite help for those of us that are fashion challenged. I am a slightly over fifty petite lady who rarely shops - ususally out of necessity. I work in a medical center so scrubs are my daily clothing. I too have items from my high school and college days that I should have gotten rid of a long time ago. I am hoping your show will help me make good choices so that I wil be more willing to go out into the outside world. l look forward to your future shows!

posted on November 16, 2007 at 12:00 PM

Elizabeth wrote:

I do wish Tim and Veronica wouldn't laugh at the people. That's so hurtful!

And I wish they'd have someone who's really overweight. It's great that they helped JeAnne after she lost the weight, but what about those of us who haven't? I really have no concept what to put on my body.

posted on November 16, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Jody Brown wrote:

Your show is irresistable - I'm happy to see a cultural influence that encourages women to dress, and dress well. Everyone seems to want to look like either a schlub, a streetwalker or a college kid; Currently, I'm trying hard to get my generally stylish 40something husband to renounce ball caps and T shirts emblazoned with logos, "been there" identification and ridiculous sayings. Wish me luck!

I grew up with Depression era parents, for whom issues like quality and cut of garments were thought to be only for the supremely spoiled. Ain't so! Your show illustrates that one doesn't need a lot of things to look great; the knowledge of what to look for is the key thing. A savvy shopper with a good tailor can turn Goodwill into gold - oops, gave away my secret!

After 27 years as a flight attendant (I've developed a deep aversion to navy blue) I've transitioned into real estate, so getting dressed for work is kid-in-the-candy-store time. It's been a delightful journey discovering my style, and learning what looks good (and not so good) on me. Dressing well gives a professional advantage, and is a most enjoyable form of self expression. Thanks for the guidance & keep up the good work! Jody Brown

posted on November 16, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Collette wrote:

Tim and Veronica
I get what you are saying about taste and style. I also appreciate the way you choose real women you "makeover". I also appreciate the list of ten essential items for a wardrobe. I am trying to find them. But here is my problem. I am a size 18, pear shaped woman. I work for a major discount retailer where I shop. My budget does not allow me to shop at a Macy's type of retailer. Is it possible to find your ten items at a Wal-Mart type of retailer and still be stylish? Please don't grimace but (and I'm just guessing) there are a lot of real woman who feel the same way.

posted on November 16, 2007 at 2:50 PM

Nancy wrote:

Tim,
I am very touched by your kindness. I always felt that people in the fashion/design industry were elitists who wanted to see their clothes worn only by tall, svelte and young women. It is relatively recent that designers have begun making tailored, attractive clothing for those of us who are large.

Your message is positive - dress for the body you have. Your criticism is always constructive, your concern is obvious and your desire that the person you are working with is the best that they can be seems very sincere.

You have put a different face on your industry, at least for me.
Thank you and I hope for your continued success - it is well deserved.

posted on November 16, 2007 at 8:46 PM

Carla Lander wrote:

Your shows have been very interesting and helpful. I was trying to find info on the "Optitech"? program that you use to see body form.
Are you aware of how a person could find that service either locally or on-line?
I do hope that your show will be permanent, My only critique is I feel uncomfortable when the person is being laughed at by the two of you. I think that your audience probably identifies with that experience and feels like it is happening to them personally.

posted on November 17, 2007 at 7:39 AM

Leenie wrote:

Tim,
The show with Elena is the first episode I had the chance to watch. I can't believe I didn't start watching sooner. looking in her closet it was like looking in my own closet. I have been holding onto so many useless articles of clothing. You have inspired me. I already when through just my closet and got rid of more then 40 pieces. Next I am heading down to the basement to go through my 6 huge utility tubs of clothes. I saved the show on my DVR I need to go back and watch it again and take notes. I am a stay at home mom so I have a very small budget to work with but I want to start to build my wardrobe with quality items that will work with my age and body.
THANK YOU!

posted on November 17, 2007 at 1:18 PM

Nancy wrote:

Tim,

I absolutely adore you! I usually can't see your shows at the original broadcast slot, but thank god Bravo repeats them!
Your sense of style and taste is impecable. I know you'll never come to my house, but I am getting some ideas from your show. Your book is on my Christmas list.
Thanks for being you!

Nancy

posted on November 17, 2007 at 4:16 PM

Steph wrote:

There are so many "Tim-isms" that stick with me when I get dressed!
(1) Don't be lazy (jeans + top as a daily cop-out). Look like you made an effort.
(2) We tend to buy the same things over and over. (Remember the episode w/the lady who had a thousand pairs of capris?!)
(3) Don't shop--head into your closet and MAKE IT WORK!
(4) Edit, edit, edit!
(5) You should wear your clothes--they should not wear you. (i.e. Get rid of anything that makes you tug or tuck all day)

I cleaned out my closet and kept only the things that made me feel like a million bucks (the soul-stirrers and the ten basics). Now it's a joy to walk into my closet, and every day, someone tells me I look great--even if I've chosen to wear my jeans.

I'll have to admit--I still need to work on that underwear drawer, though.

If you haven't read Tim Gunn's book--you should. It takes the show to another level.

I've discovered we really don't need as much as we think we do--in fact, having too much stuff in your closet is the biggest enemy to looking fabulous.

It's the holidays, ladies! Clean out those closets and make the day for someone less fortunate!

posted on November 17, 2007 at 6:31 PM

Vegas Jones wrote:

This is the kind of blog I expected to see for PR. Where is it? Did I miss it? Send me a link.
TIM, BE BLUNT! It's what we crave!

posted on November 17, 2007 at 7:02 PM

andres wrote:

Aloha Tim,

I am a German living far away from home in sunny Hawaii. I love you and your shows – there is just very little people with class, taste and grace on TV around anymore (love Heidi too). Here my problem my wife - who I adore - can not find clothing to fit into – she has a Triple D problem combined with a 28 waist and no but. My wife hates shopping so when we got together I schlep her everywhere to buy her things to wear. That was the beginning now we live now in Hawaii – and my wife has every 3 weeks a total meltdown as she has not matching Top and bottom or I dried her shirts to hot and she can not wear them anymore – TIM I need your help – how would you feel to come to Hawaii and help my wife - I am willing to give up whatever is needed – to see my wife open her drawers in morning and smile instead of cry!!!!!!!!!!!
Aloha & Mahalo
Andres
PS: Sorry that I did not reply to the blog but I have no idea how else to get a hold of you!!!

posted on November 17, 2007 at 9:06 PM

Jeanna Morris wrote:

Great show - I've been looking for the "ten essential wardrobe items" on the site, but haven't been able to find the list. Would you mind posting it out there for those of us who weren't taking notes? Also, is there a "ten essentials" for men's wardrobes as well? Thanks for the show, it's more educational than "What Not to Wear", although I enjoy that show too. Yours has more "take-aways" for people watching, for which I'm grateful! :)

posted on November 17, 2007 at 10:38 PM

beth wrote:

Dear Tim,
I think it would be nice to help someone who does not have a gorgeous apartment in Manhattan...perhaps someone who cannot afford luxurious earrings and fancy belts. There are plenty of deserving low-income women to help...

posted on November 18, 2007 at 10:49 AM

Theresa wrote:

I've been meaning to update my style for the past 20 years, if you can call my current mode of dress "style", so I tuned in on the 15th. You used a program called OptiTech -- where can I get that????? It is sooooo time consuming when you have to try on all of the different styles to see what they look like on you...it'd be just as fun to play Dress Up on the computer :-)

posted on November 18, 2007 at 11:06 AM

Jeannie wrote:

This show is great - it inspires me to throw away those items lingering in my closet from high school and/or another decade. I agree that there is sentiment involved but sometimes it is a kind of determination that I WILL make this piece work. I have several single items - like the shirt that is great alone but goes with nothing else in my closet - I definitely forgot the big picture when I bought that. Guess it is time to move on, accept the loss and toss.

I LOVE to shop but I have trouble picking the most fashionable items - just because it fits well doesnt mean it's the best choice... the look may be wrong for who you are. There are so many elements to fashion and I like how Tim looks at the whole person instead of just their closet.

posted on November 18, 2007 at 2:47 PM

claudio wrote:

me encanta el programa, en mi pais igual se quiere hacer una version y estan en busqueda de una modelo que lo haga tan bien como heidy, bueno en cuanto a tim encuentro que es una formidable persona, una figura paternal para todos los concursantes y muy educado, es genial!!! bueno saludos !!viva chile!!

posted on November 18, 2007 at 3:20 PM

semisweetchick wrote:

I echo the others who would like to see you choose some "real women" who do not have basically thin, athletic physiques. How about someone pear-shaped, who's 30 lbs overweight? How about someone very tall (like, over 6'), who (like me) has a terrible time finding proportional clothes?

What I would really love to see on this show is the inclusion of MALE makeover subjects. Like many American women, I buy most of my husband's clothes. He is very handsome, 6'3", and athletically built, yet I have no idea how to dress him. Despite my best efforts, he never looks quite put-together. Would love to see Tim and Veronica do a male makeover that involves the wife!

posted on November 18, 2007 at 3:28 PM

Samantha wrote:

I would like to hear Tim's opinions about the deeper issues the women present. Why does a slim, beautiful woman with a washboard stomach and small breasts talk about how she has had to hide her "curves" since she was an adolescent? Exactly what constitutes a curve these days?

And wht do grown women say that they have never worn make-up, never had their hair styled, never worn a pair of heels? Why do they nervouslyrun their hands through their hair, and rub their faces incessantly?

What in heaven's name has made women so ignorant, self-concious and tense?

Hell, I'm a too-tall, flat-chested, pockmarked woman who looks in the mirror every morning and says, "Hello, Samantha, you doo, you!"

Physical flaws are merely physical flaws - not felonies. A person can feel any way she wants about herself.

If a thin woman can convince herself that she is fat, ugly and unaceptable, why can't I convince myself that I'm just fine, and worth any effort I choose to put into my appearance?

What is missing in the backgrounds of these women that makes them unable to enjoy acceptance of and kindness toward themselves?

And where were their mothers? Where was the training to have one's hair trimmed every six weeks? Haircuts can be inexpensive. Make-up can be inexpensive. A coat of clear nail polish and a white pencil under the nails is the cheapest, easiest, classiest look in the world.

Every show makes me wonder where on earth these women come from.

posted on November 18, 2007 at 5:02 PM

gina wrote:

I love it. Browing on a Saturday, and to my surprise I happened onto Bravo and Tim's program.. I love Sat marathons :). It was so refreshing to see real woman getting style help. NOw my only question, is your demographics.. Is it only whitebred mid to high income females???? I would love to see you helping a man find his interstyle on the show

Peace and God Bless
g

posted on November 19, 2007 at 12:59 PM

Anne wrote:

I like the show! Really great ideas! I know Tim recently became the creative director for Liz Claiborne Inc. I have a question related to that and the recommendations on this show.

I used to shop almost exclusively at Elizabeth, a Liz Clairborne specialty shop. The stores had wonderful quality merchandise that was well made and figure flattering. Those stores have disappeared and Liz Clairborne’s replacements for plus-size women are horrible, matronly, unflattering clothes.

You make great recommendations for women of all sizes on the show – can you bring some of that back to Liz Claiborne?

posted on November 19, 2007 at 2:28 PM

Mona wrote:

I think my taste is unorthodox, edgy, and wild. I like all kinds of art though, and so I thought taste was subjective. It's like when they put too many of the green candy in the Mike & Ike's box. It makes me so mad because I think they do know that people like the red ones. Strawwwwberry.

This show is so helpful. When Bravo didn't have a new episode for 2 weeks, I think I did something weird to my hair. It was a rat's nest. So, I had to cut the knots out.

Maybe wigs are a good idea for the show. They could teach us how to dress our hair.

I wear lots of hats. Also, I don't know the names of the different kinds of hats. Tim please explain.

posted on November 19, 2007 at 4:33 PM

Cathy wrote:

Tim,

I'm a big fan! Keep up the wonderful work. Thank goodness PR is back on, so we can all get our "fix" of Tim and Heidi, too!

Hope you and yours have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Cathy in Ohio

posted on November 19, 2007 at 4:38 PM

janie robinson wrote:

I am sorry, but I do not feel that rudness and cockiness and just down right mean should allow someone to win. I do not feel that Jeff should have won. I do not feel that all that he did was real. All that he made was stuff that people with alot of money would uy. Not anyone in the real working class would buy or want to buy.

posted on November 19, 2007 at 7:11 PM

Allison wrote:

Tim Gunn is just as dashing in person as he is on tv. He stopped into Target today where I am a fashion exec and was so easy to talk to and friendly. Made us all feel great and was more than willing to talk and take pictures. Thank you for your time and the fabulous things you continue to do for us "fashion junkies"

posted on November 20, 2007 at 9:46 PM

Landon wrote:

Hi Tim, im a young "gay" Architect living in asia.
I have to say that I'm a big fan of yours, and i adore your elaborate concepts of beauty and ofcourse your criticisms. I do agree that there is a big bias when it comes to popularity and influence of tastes in this world... and the biggest contributor, i would have to admit, would be the western world. But i believe the word taste in itself can only be attributed to individuals or groups sharing a specific sentiment and a longing, and isnt that what art's all about? Furthermore, i also dont believe that the western principles of beauty and art were invented in the first place.. the renaissance, the baroque, rococo, Gothic.., theyre just era's of studying and "discovering" human inclinations, inclinations that we all share or might have shared given the same socio-cultural environment. So i guess there's something wrong when people epitomizes the idea of Western Beauty and taste.
p.s. i hope i didnt over react on this one, and also, id love to hear from you..

posted on November 21, 2007 at 12:21 AM

Lancelot wrote:

Tim,
I am so hook on the show and you. Will there ever be a challenge that the designers have to do men's clothes. Men's clothes are very high fashion these days and are on runways world wide.

posted on November 21, 2007 at 6:16 AM

Kamran wrote:

Good god, man... please talk about men's fashion!!! I very highly respect your candor and opinion when it comes to fashion, but it's all about the ladies. There are very many gentlemen out there (me included) who would love to gain from your experience and knowledge in this arena. Please...

posted on November 22, 2007 at 10:35 PM

rebecca wrote:

my dearest tim,

this is just a short note to express my appreciation of and devotion to your wisdom on both of the bravo shows you're involved in.

even having gone through a fashion epiphany before your book's arrival, i am constantly spurred onward and inspired by you and your ideas. i always insisted that fashion wasn't frivolous, but tied to our very beings, and you were one of the first people to publicly voice that! it's amazing how much what we wear influences how we feel and act, and the philosophical aspect of this topic entrances me. your book is full of such truth and insight, and i have committed to being as true to myself as possible because of it.

i am a musician, and your analogy of hammerstein and kern tickled me fuschia! now every time i leave the house, i check myself: am i dressed as the other? or am i "all the things i am?" hee hee.

keep on keepin' on, master. my only request: could you find time to meet with some non-fashion disasters? what you do on your show is wonderful, but us fashionistas sometimes get looked over just because we know what a dolman sleeve is.

all my love and respect,
rebecca.

posted on November 22, 2007 at 11:12 PM

Jane V Wilson wrote:

Watched your show you seem like a very nice person. But this show still has the same problem I have seen in other shows. You are working with able bodied fit people, or at least on the shows I have seen. How about having one or two shows with someone who is heavy and not going to lose weight and/or can't wear heels. I am 5' 7", 215 lbs and wear a leg brace, buy clothes from Walmarts or Kmarts. There are many women who are heavy, and/or disabled and/or poor and/or limited income. Blaze some new territority, have such a person on your show and help them. Maybe at least once a season?

posted on November 22, 2007 at 11:17 PM

Don Hulbert wrote:

I really enjoy your show. I saw the episode with Gina, and was struck that while you and Veronica stated clearly what did and did not work for her fashion-wise, you didn't make snarky comments to her face on air at her expense. You obviously appreciate that a make-over is about more than just the clothing one chooses and wears; it is inseperable from one's self-image. You helped her to create a new persona for the next "act" of her life. BRAVO!

posted on November 27, 2007 at 2:42 PM

gretchen wrote:

Tim, great advice!! you rarely get education on taste and style nowadays, most shows just give fashion or trend reports. I was brought up by my mom to dress depending on the occasion, venue and weather. Though it was a pain during adolescent years, where you wanted to be like everyone else, my mom was right about sticking to the classics. Tim, you remind me of my mom (minus the nag!), who is one of the few people who emphasize on working with what God has given you. Also, that good taste and style doesn't have to break your budget!

Like everyone else here, I'm a big fan, and I wish you all the best! Keep on doing what you do.. my only wish is that your show would reach the Philippines!!

posted on November 28, 2007 at 9:58 AM

Stephen wrote:

I have just one question - when are you going to start helping men?!?!? I am a CEO of a growing consulting company based outside of LA. I work with top Execs in f500 companies and desparately need wardrobe help.

The Queer Eye guys can help you may say ... not in my book! They are sweet guys but too hokey. I need style with substance. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted on November 30, 2007 at 1:05 AM

Robin wrote:

I enjoy the show, but it drives me crazy that in every single show Veronica seems to go out of her way to wear the exact thing that Tim tells the client NOT to wear, as if to say "I'm a super model, I can wear anything!" Tim says "No horizontal stripes," she shows up in horizontal stripes. No capris, she wears capris. No "too young" clothes, she shows up the next time looking like Raggedy Ann. Seriously, it has happened so many times that it seems intentional on her part. And the choices are not always flattering, either! I think Veronica needs her own makeover if the show is to retain credibility.

posted on November 30, 2007 at 1:16 AM

Nicole M. M. Rahall wrote:

Greetings Mr. Gunn:

I think that you are a gem. I have a great amount of respect for you and the relationships that you have been able to foster with your television guests. Carry on!

Nicole M. M. Rahall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

posted on December 7, 2007 at 11:50 AM

Maharani wrote:

I found this discussion interesting. I am Indian but was brought up in the UK. Consequently I have to manage 2 entirely different wardrobes. I aspire to elegance in both. I do tend to agree that the good taste Tim describes is a Western concept. However, what I would like to say is that with Indian clothes there is a very strong esthetic, and that when shopping for one style of clothing I have to switch off the other esthetic. For example, Tim's condemnation of bare midriffs is not applicable to saris. With a sari the midriff is bare of necessity, though to varying amounts, and covered up by the sari pallu. My mother-who was always extremely elegant, always told me that the beauty of a sari is that it reveals the form beneath, like the Nike of Samothrace-thus a really skinny woman does not look good in a sari as there's nothing to drape it on. I once saw Goldie Hawn wear one-a valiant effort, but she looked awful as she was far too skinny. I often feel trapped between these 2 very different esthetics but hey-its fun to try and deal with both with the same size 12-14 body!!

posted on January 17, 2008 at 10:37 PM

Katy wrote:

I NEED YOU!!! I am opening a hair salon w/ my husband (he's the hair designer). I NEED A NEW LOOK!!! I am trapped in a body I don't know what to do with!! I need to look professional, fashion forward & fabulous. We meet w/ so many people, I have got to get it together, I'm in a panic, I never know what to wear. I feel like my body is turning on me & I don't know how to tame it....HELP ME PLEASE!!!

posted on May 5, 2008 at 1:18 PM