Note to Self: Get on TLC's "What Not to Wear"

So I've started campaigning to get the attention of What Not to Wear, the popular TLC makeover show featuring fabulous stylists Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. I watch this show religiously and I jot down the rules that I think fit my body type, all in hopes of someday using them on a shopping spree to replace the disgustingly gross wardrobe currently hanging in my closet.

I'll admit it. I'm a fashion victim. I'm still wearing clothes from when I weighed 314 pounds (I'm currently at 260 and shrinking daily). They do nothing for me. They're misshapen, faded, worn, and in some cases torn. I'm embarrassed to leave the house in my clothes. So I don't. Leave the house, that is. As little as possible, anyway (I'm currently working from home so that's not too difficult). And when I do leave, it's mostly not until the nighttime, when there are fewer people on the streets that will be subjected to my style-challenged ways.

At least I recognize the problem.

So I've emailed thirteen of the show's casting people (I don't know the technical term). I hope that's not considering spamming (yikes). But a sista is desperate. Beyond...actually.

I'll keep you posted. And if you're not already watching the show...watch the show! Maybe you'll see me on there someday as part of my Makeover-In-Action Project. Meanwhile, you can still catch my little web reality show on mylifetime.com (Lifetime TV's online community) as part of the SC Johnson-sponsored Clean Start Challenge. See you there!

Make Me Over, Eb!

Found this online show today (archived at blogtalkradio.com). I'm hoping that I'll be able to chat with the hostess, Ebony Looney, on her next episode, which broadcasts live Sundays on WOIC AM 1230 (Columbia, SC) . I'm sure she'll have lots of great tips that will help me navigate this makeover project of mine. I'll let you know if I make contact with her.

If you're in makeover-mode too, then check out her personal website for tips that may help you in your own journey.

Kimora Lee IS Fabulous!

I'm sitting here watching a Life in the Fab Lane mini-marathon, and I felt like I wanted to write a few lines about Kimora Lee. But as I was Googling her, I came across this post at BET.com, and I can't think of anything else that needs to be said that this blogger hasn't already said.

Project Runway

How I got into watching this particular show, I'll never know. I don't have a high interest in couture fashion (what with my most of the time just not "getting" it...and then there's the whole 'these garments were created for a size 0-2 model' thing). But I do like it. I'm down for anything that allows creative minds to run freely.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't learn anything from Reality TV. I learned, for instance, that I'm desperately in need of a head-to-toe makeover, especially since I lost all this weight. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9-1-1.

Anyway, if you haven't already, check it out!

"Nikki Parker" on "Ugly Betty"

At least that's what it felt like I was watching when I tuned in Thursday night.

Mo'Nique was the guest star on this particular episode. She played the role of L'Amanda, the crazed weekend security guard who develops an unrequited crush on Professor Oglevee, er, Betty's boyfriend, Henry. It was a role that could have been played by any random actress in her first prime-time role. I have to say, I was very much disappointed.

I wanted to see Mo'Nique appear on the show in a glam role, say, as the owner of a full-figure magazine, modeling agency or advertising firm that wants to do business with Mode. I wanted to see her enter dressed fabulously, with an entourage, and being led by a sleek black panther with a diamond-studded leash around its neck. I imagined a storyline that would have allowed her to share screen time (not to mention all the narrowed-eyed sharp-tongued catfight-like dialog two primadivas can deliver in a forty-two minute episode) with the deliciously evil Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Now that would have been memorable, and a testament to how far (not how full-circle) Mo'Nique's career has come since The Parkers.

More Girl Power

The words on this t-shirt (another personal quote of mine) fit my mission of empowerment:

I walk tall...and it has nothing to do

with the height of my heels

You can pick yours up today at WordCanvas.com. And don't worry, it's available in various colors and styles (pink just shows up best here).

Plus-Size Never Looked So Pretty

That's the title of an article I found on the AOL homepage today. The subtitle was "Tips to Hide That Pesky Bit of Pudge".

Cool.

So I read the article. And I gotta say, it says absolutely nothing about how to hide what I've got going on around my waistline! Yes, I've lost lots of weight (kudos to NutriSystem, Congestive Heart Failure, Type II Diabetes and the resulting threat on my life for the part they played in my choice to drop a few LB's...yeah!), but this spare tire I'm rockin' around my waist just doesn't factor in to the whole just accessorize with a super-wide belt philosophy.

Note to Mommy: my black clothes are my best friend because they are flattering and streamlining, according to this article. Okay, so I guess I can take their advice and venture beyond that one color and add more chocolatey browns, charcoal grays and olive greens this season. And more jackets like that camel-colored suede piece I picked up at the Avenue last year. You like that one, no?

Now if only I can find one good "strategically-placed oversized clutch purse" to "chicly camouflage" my quote-unquote tummy troubles as I get back in slimdown mode.

I Want This Tee

This is not one of my tees, but I'm diggin' it deeply because I HEART ?UESTLOVE too (if you don't know who he is then shame on you), so I'm street-teaming it (unofficially).

I stood behind him once at the 930 Club in DC. Floetry was onstage and my manager had brought me in through the back door. I was right next to the speakers and a guy with a big ol' afro was standing just below the stage. His hands were dug down deep in his pockets, and he was barely moving...except for the rhythmic bounce of his head. He turned at one point, I caught his profile, and it was then that I realized I was just feet away from a musical genius.

Ah...

Need A Stylish Way to Carry Your Rhymes To and From the Studio?

This messenger bag features a line ("you bring the beat, I'll bring the flow") from "The Micness", a little diddy I co-wrote and recorded with a local producer a couple of years ago. I think it's the perfect gift for the aspiring lyricist/songwriter in your life.

Buy it online at WordCanvas.com for just $29.99.

Think Pink When It Comes to Your Dreams

I've put my personal quote ("dreams only die when you let other people kill them") on a t-shirt! It's available for sale at WordCanvas.com. Stop by there today to cop yours for just $27.00.

Also available in Lemon, White and Light Blue

This Cape Is FIRE!

I'm diggin' this cape worn by Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia.