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Down with Sweatsuits!

December 10, 2007

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Booty. I have heard the word, but there was never a context or capacity that caused me to use it – until this episode. It was Veronica who thrust the word towards me, and I believe that most people watching the show saw me sputtering. Being in the fashion industry where everyone (and I do mean everyone) believes that she – and he – are simply too fat, I was slightly stunned to learn that there are people who celebrate an ample rear end. I’m buoyed up by that fact; I believe it’s healthy. In fact, by the end of our taping, I was chanting it to the tune and cadence of the Yale fight song, “Boula, Boula!”

Booty Booty!, Booty Booty!

People have asked me whether working with Lori altered my view of fashion. Working with Lori raised my view of the human spirit, but regarding fashion, it served to underscore my belief that fashion dictums hold true: silhouette, proportion, fit. They’re always relevant.

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There are forty comments so far. Add yours! Permalink

Comments

JR wrote:

In the crassy populated landscape of reality TV, Tim Gunn is an elegant and dignified exception. (Anyone who quotes Edna St. Vincent Millay in a fashion blog has my enduring admiration and respect.) He is a grounding and riveting presence on both Guide to Style and Project Runway, managing somehow to mix popular appeal with no-nonsense advice and genuine empathy. What I wouldn't give for the Tim Gunn treatment! I wish him all the best.

Lilithcat wrote:

That was probably your best episode. Your empathy for Lori's issue, while remaining intent on making her address it, was a fine thing to see. But I must say that I was shocked that you were shocked at her desire to emphasize her "booty". Is the fashion industry really that blind to the fact that different cultures appreciate different body types? Knowing that you've lived in D.C. and NYC for years (your entire life?), it does boggle my mind that you've missed this.

I totally agree with you about plane travel. Perhaps it's because I grew up in the '50s and '60s, but my vision of the proper outfit to wear when traveling is what Eva Marie Saint wore on the train in North by Northwest. After all, you can't wear a sweatsuit and successfully seduce Cary Grant!

jodi wrote:

Tim you are a beautiful human being!! I love you man!! You are classy and elegant! keep up the good work. How can I be on the show??

Parker wrote:

I am so happy to hear from Tim that sweatpants have their place, but not outside the gym!

I live in San Francisco, and I do believe that almost everyone, everyday, wears jeans. I love my jeans as much as the next person, but when I see a sea of jeans around me, I wonder, where is the individuality? We all look the same and yet, we're trying so hard to be different.

Thank you, Mr. Gunn, for all you're doing...

debrarae wrote:

This show really resonated for me. As I think we all have scars (whether they be physical or emotional).

I truly admire both Tim Gunn and Veronica for going as far as they did in helping Lori. I also appreciate Padma for helping her as well.

Once again, this show outdid itself in class and tact (unlike SOME reality shows on other channels)

Michele Ferguson wrote:

I have cried at two episodes of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style and please believe me when I say, I never cry. The most recent was Lori, she is just so beautiful and sweet. One of the many things I love about the show is when women realized their potential and that they can be just as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Tim is so gracious and genuine and just the breath of fresh air that TV needs more of today. Thank you, Tim.

lainykai wrote:

Tim, you are delightful! I live in a town where I believe your show should be required viewing. Every episode has something I can implement into my own life or wardrobe.

Daniel wrote:

I personal dont like Tim Gunn style. It bleek and boring. Every single guy in the world looks good in a black sports jacket and a white shirt. The pink shirt he wears sometimes just goes to show how is trying to fit in. It might be in style now but that doesnt mean it looks good. Most people however cant wear the suit he has on a daily basis. He cant put together anything that looks new and original because he is too conservative in his style. Mostly anyone that goes outside the norm of style he trashes. Clothing design is an art. Tim Gunn is the critic that tells the painter to only paint fruit. It gets boring and is not true art. Really man wear something else on your show as you tell others what to wear. Be creative!

Natasha Lubin wrote:

I enjoy all the shows and gain a different type of information from each one. Find myself wondering if this style looks good or would Tim approve. I would love to see Tim tackle a senior citizen age 70 or over. Travel, exercise, fun, all part of their perspective as well and probably need help in looking good as everything goes South.

Keep up the good work and bring as much joy as you can to others.
Natasha


Graham wrote:

I hadn't watched your show before this episode, Tim, and I have to say...what a great episode to start off with! I was supposed to be writing a paper for one of my classes and I just had the TV on for background noise....
Yeah, so that didn't work out quite the way I had planned....

Anyways, it was phenomenal. That's all. I'm supposed to be writing a paper so you're distracting me again. My professors are going to hate you soon. :P

McKate wrote:

This was my favorite episode (so far!). It had both the touching heartwarming moments with Lori, and funny moments. Tim, I adore you - for your grace, charm, and humor, and for the fact that you make it so clear when you are trashing the fashion that it's the CLOTHES you don't approve of, not the person.

My vote for "line of the century" still goes to "I've been living in a fool's paradise of small rear-end wannabes." HEE! Oh, Tim.

The only thing I'd like to see done differently is a bit more showing people not only how to choose the right proportions and fits, but also how to wear clothes they already own PROPERLY - get something hemmed, tailored, pair it with a different item, etc. Not all of us can go out and buy whole new wardrobes tomorrow!

Cindy wrote:

I will admit I am a realtive newcomer to this fantabulous show. I was hooked from the first few minutes and am quite smitten with Tim. Grace, charm, tact and TASTE! I'm sad that the recent seaon of Guide to Style has wrapped, but consoled we can still see Tim on PR, PHEW! I need more Tim..well I mean we need more ...the world needs more...umm well you get my drift!! Am anxiously awaiting the next season!

David wrote:

I hardly ever read blogs, but I watch Tim's show--and have read his book--and I was wondering what people thought of him. I was so pleased and relieved that MOST people have said incredibly nice things. I'm so sick of blogs where people trash others anonymously. I agree with so many of you who have said that Tim is a genuinely nice, smart, articulate, interesting, and delightful person. Can you imagine having him as a close personal friend? How wonderful. I'm sure his family and friends treasure him. Rightfully so.

Nancy Shell wrote:

Tim : I enjoyed your show. I used to model when I was younger and was trim and fit until back injury changed that. One hundred and fifty pounds later I don't know what to do. Its hard to look good carrying around all that excess weight as well as having celluar memories of when looking good was effortless. Besides that , clothes for larger women are made out of the worst fabric, they don't hold up in washing and they are expensive. I am being forced to sew. Can't clothing designs come with figure suggestions? Like the cautions on drug containers . If you have big breast avoid wide stripes across that area. Please tell the design industry that solid beautiful colors for larger women is like water in the desert,I am sure the Salvation Army looks forward to recieve my buying mistakes.

Katie wrote:

Tim, I sincerely wish I knew you personally. You sound and seem so incredibly intelligent and your style is impeccable. And you made my day when you quoted Edna St. Vincent Millay. I didn't mean for that to rhyme- sorry. :D
My mother, sister and I were watching this episode of your show together one night when I was very sick. What you did for Lori touched all of us, and made me feel so much better. Your family, friends, and this industry are very lucky to have you. Keep it up.

Theo wrote:

Hello all.
So far, the sweatsuit episode is my favorite. Two reasons make it so: the "average-Joe" body type of the woman and the seeming "imperfection" to her body (later viewed as a sort of survival/badge of honor).
Real folks living real lives (and sometimes bearing the marks); moving through the world in bodies that are perfectly "imperfect" in curve, line, and stature. Take this and meld with fashion's art and function...seems it can bring out a natural beauty that no 24/7 model can touch. And, that's fun to see.


Thevail wrote:

Thank You, thank you, thank you Professor Gunn!

I've donated 14 bags of stuff that made me feel bad and traded up for two cashmere sweaters!

Still looking for the perfect little black dress, but I have the rest of the basics. Before I told anyone that I purged my closet, they just kept asking if I'd lost weight or gotten a haircut.

I do think that fashion standards must be a bit higher in Manhattan than they are in the rest of the country if you can run your errands in a day dress. Polar fleece is practically mandatory out here in the Pacific Northwest (north of Seattle), mind you it is cold and raining almost all the time.

I have found, however that a plain black cashmere sweater and a nice pair of darkwash jeans makes a really great "sweatsuit alternative" for walking the dog and doing the shopping.

Once again, thank you, now I finally know what to wear at 40!

gigi wrote:

yeh not the everyday wear....can someone tell me the 10 items ...the basics to sart with? little black dress, trench coat, nice black slacks, white shirt/blouse...3 pairs of shoes.(different heights....what else???????

Luanne wrote:

Tim Gunn is a remarkable illustration of the idea that even observing an act of kindness uplifts everyone who sees it. I know I feel wonderful after watching him treat people so well. The special moments--the"I just got foundation garments that make me look so much better or "the new bra look". The first spilling over of Joy when a woman feels beautiful for the first time. Then there is the look of excitement and confidence when she presents her family and her lover with the new her. These are wonderful moments and to see then constructed with such wisdom, tenderness and concern is magic. Is Tim the only one who understands that seeing people "fired", told to "pack your things and leave" or "you are out" is a barbarous pastime, and degrades everyone involved.

Hillary wrote:

I love the show, and I am a big fan of Tim's. However, despite how promising your show is, how helpful it is... there are just some of us who don't have a style or cut of any type that can fit our bodies. I remember Tim said there are plenty of wonderful styles out there, but not all styles are for everyone, and to find the one that works for you. I have yet to find one.

The word booty doesn't fit to describe my body, I'm "booty-less." I look like a potato on a stick... what do can you do for someone like me? So far I haven't seen anything that has been 'helpful.' I dread shopping because things just don't fit. I suppose that is what happens when you've had two children. Even if you're close to your prepregnancy weight, you lose whatever shape you might have had once upon a time. So for anyone who has a booty. Be glad what your mama gave you! It's better than looking like a muffin is over flowing... underwear hanging out of your pants, or showing off rear cleavage, or needing to wear suspenders to keep your pants up.

Janet wrote:

I missed the episode on sweatsuits. Will someone please share Tim's suggestions for sweatsuit alternatives?
Thanks.

janet wrote:

Gigi, I had a difficult time locating the 10 essentials as well. I believe they were; trenchcoat, little black dress, dress black slacks, skirt, white blouse, dark jeans, cashmere sweater, day dress, blazer, and sweatsuit alternative-still looking for clarification on that. I don't think a black suit with 4% Lycra that was mentioned as his attire in the airport is what was being advocated. I haven't found the 3 heights of heels recommended yet, but have noticed that ballet flats also seem to be mentioned as a comfort change from heels. If anyone has any specifics about figure considerations as it relates to proportion, style and fit- I'd love to read about it. Thanks!

Kellie wrote:

I love this show!! I've been a big fan of Project Runway, and when I saw that Tim Gunn had a show on style I put it on my TIVO Season Pass immediately.

I really try to soak up the information on fashion. My problem is I'm tall, and I live in area that requires travel or shopping online to get clothing and even shoes in my size.

I wish I didn't have to wear so many jeans, but at least I can buy those in tall sizes.

Keep up the good work!

mari wrote:

tim gunn is one of the most intelligent and articulate personalities on television--bravo is blessed to have found him for both "project runway" and his own show, "tim gunn's guide to style". as a 50 year old woman, i have loved reaping all his advice via television, and his book.

i recently lost 157lbs and felt lost as to what to war now . . . tim gunn has helped me create my own style and own it. my question for bravo is, when are you going to celebrate the older woman and put us on tim's show? i would be the first to volunteer.

blessings.

Eric wrote:

hate to say it, but i think Tim sucks. no personality on TV.. very dull and boring... i'm probably not the only one who thinks this. although he may a great person inside, we don't see what's inside on national television.

he has great fashion knowledge, but you would think that with such good fashion sense he would have a better haircut?!?

but hey. i'm just one opinion ^_^

Janea wrote:

I wanted to commend Tim Gunn, Veronica Webb and Bravo for airing a genuine and insightful show on women overcoming their physical insecurities. This particular show resonated with me for I too have a similar scar on one of my legs which has caused many emotional and fashion dilemmas when chosing an outfit. Although my accident happened over 20 years ago, everyday I am reminded about it when I get dressed. I am 31 and just now beginning to overcome this insecurity of mine. Watching this episode has given me even more confidence knowing that I do not have to hide in blue jeans and long dresses every fashion season. Thank You so much!

MA wrote:

How do you find out who the designers were on the episodes? Episode with Lori.

Brent wrote:

At first I have to say I usually try not to watch too much reality TV. After watching TIm Gunn on project runway and then in the Macy's commercails I have to say I became a self claimed devotee. One day while filling out resumes online and other errands that you can do in the freedom of one's bathrobe, I left the tv on Bravo after a rerun of Proeject Runway. I was very impressed with how they didn't just tell people waht clothes to wear, but actually why they should wear them. The attitude coaching was great too. I was very touched with Lori's issue of the scar. I had brain surgery when I was five, which is about 20 years ago. The surgery left a small hard bump called an external shunt on the top of the head and a scar aout 4 inches on the back of my neck. I was fortunate that both of the features werein the hariline. Also I had wonderful family and healthcare profeesionals that helped. When I went away for college I had the experience of finding a new place to get my hair ( small town boy here, the same lady cut my hair for almost 10 years). This was also the first time I realized that my scars were a reason for worry. The hairdressor went at my hair with a comb and the first thing she did was whack the shunt wih her comb. I hold no hard feelings since she had no way of knowing it was there. The only problem I had was that she notcied the scare on my neck and would shave the back of my neck funny to hide the scar. I tried to reason that the scare wasn't a big deal, but she wouldn't hear it. After the first couple of times getting a haircut in which the back of my neck had a tooth-like quality with roots and everything, I decided to go elsewhere. I have gone through so many hair professionals this way.
Well to csum it all up i applaud Tim's actions to help this young lady over her situation.

Randi wrote:

Thank you, thank you to Michael Kors for creating pieces for the everyday-woman. I'm buying his tan satchel after much thought and research. While LV and Blue Fly make interesting things, they are not for the everyday-woman. They seem more like items for ppl on the show "housewives of OC", and that is not a compliment in my book. They're items for spoiled, wasteful ppl, while Michael Kors creates fashions that are investments. Also, I love your show about helping women understand their bodies to learn how to dress :-)

Carol Esposito wrote:

Tim, I can't believe you made fun of Ava Gabor's attire in Green Acres..I wish woman still dressed so feminine and elegant...and a little fluffy. I am so sick of jeans, tennis shoes, sweats..UGH! It's almost like woman are afraid to look feminine.

Colbi Campbell wrote:

Dear Tim and Veronica,

You two do so much for the people that are on your show and I thank you so much for that. It is really amazing to witness the transformation that the participants go through from the beginning to the end (of course I am only witness to what was not edited), but to see each person become confident in themselves and who they is so great!!

I think if everyone can find themselves and be absolutely confident and comfortable about their individuality, the world would be a better place. I am a practicing architect and adjunct professor here in Tucson, Arizona and I try to instill these same beliefs in my students as well as my clients. Design is everything (in my world), whether it's in architecture or fashion. It can lift the spirit of an individual, and hopefully can allow for a better way of life in so many ways.

So thank you again for who you are and what you represent. You are inspirations and role models and we certainly are in need of more people like you in the world.

Sincerely,

Colbi Campbell

P.S. I am also a transgendered female which has a whole bunch of issues to contend with but I know who I am and not afraid of it (and the risks associated to it). I can still dress well which doesn't hurt. :)

Alice wrote:

I have a hair situation. I think I might be a little bit bald. I don't want to go into detail but it involves some hair removal stuff. I'm thinking about shaving half of my hair off. So it can look like some kind of style,but I think it might send a gay vibe. I'm insecure about sending a gay vibe partly because I'm not gay. I've been in some situations before. Also, I can't button my pants anymore so if your show isn't coming back I'm just going to wear sweatpants with dress shoes.

Debbie wrote:

Hi Tim!
I haven't figured out how to contact you other than through the blogs. I need your fashion guidance! My mother passed away when I was eight and since I was a little girl, I've struggled with weight. I was forced to wear dresses as a child and since then, I've blossomed into an artistic tom boy.

The idea of shopping and choosing clothes for myself perplexes me to the point of frustration and tears. I cannot seem to find anything that fits my body's shape (probably because I have no clue as to what I'm looking for).

I would love to be able to feel comfortable and happy about the clothes I choose. I want the clothes to fit well and enhance my good features while hiding the ones that aren't so good.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my message and if your show ever comes to Maryland, please contact me. Thank you.

Shelly Yaroch wrote:

A dear friend of mine starting a baseball league for the disabled children of Michigan.(She receives no salary for this work.) She has the kindest heart but is so misunderstood because she dresses inapproriately. It is hurting her career and her personal life. She is so kind but many people can't get past her clothing. How can I nominate her for Tim's show?

tahoegirl wrote:

Tim PLEASE do some Show for Guys. My husband dresses like Shaggy Doo! I have been home sick recently and have watched The What not to Wear and your show, Rich loved your style and stopped to watch a few episodes with me.Rich is very slim and could look good in most clothes he just needs some confidence and tips from a great dresser such as yourself. Please give some tips for all the husbands out here! Thanks.

Kelli Cooper wrote:

Has anyone considered a course for young children to take, using the "project runway" formatt. Talk about training young minds to think outside the box!!! They are being stripped of creativity in public schools.

m morgan wrote:

Have only seen segments of 2 of this weeks airings, but I love all you do. You really need to make yourself internet 'help man for all'. I know I would love to get my measurements to you and put in your computer program so I could know what to do. You couldn't even put a price on what that would do for me. 48yo former operating room worker, been home now for 14 years. An absolute non-knowledge of fashion how to, but a so-want to go through my second half-century with fashion sense and a great new sense of power, that YOU seem to give to all the people you help. Loved your work with the Biggest Loser people. Will get out to the bookstore to look for your book. Well wishes to you, and mountains of applause for the lives you are enhancing. What a wonderful legacy you're providing!!

manjaree wrote:

could you tell me the name of the designer that gifted lori that gorgeous gold dress, i just thought she was absolutely fabulous, was it leela rose or was it lis rose...or ....

Belledandy wrote:

Hello Mr. Tim Gunn!!!I am a big fan of yours and your show. I really admire how you transform one woman's mismatched style (or lack thereof) to an age-appropiate,sophisticated, and classy wardrobe.
I would like to work for the fashion industry and aspires to be a fashion designer and stylist someday.I watch your shows to get pointers on what cuts and colors look on women of different body types.I've been learning a lot from the show.I even use what I learned to build a classy wardrobe of my own.I hope I get to work with you someday, Mr. Tim.More Power to you and your show!

jen wrote:

Tim,

I need a "huge" change!! My 20th reunion is coming and I recently had twins and never dress up or wear makeup anymore...just started working out but I need help. I feel like such a loser, my hair is the same as 20 years ago.....love your show!!

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