"How Do I Look?" (2004) TV series 2004-????

Directors:

Marci Klein
Renee G. Simon

Seasons:

1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | unknown

Release Date:

16 January 2004 (USA)

Plot:

A style-impaired guest gets a new wardrobe and makeover. New looks are chosen by a professional stylist and two friends of the guest...

Cast

Clare Devereux	...	On-Air Stylist (5 episodes, 2004-2007)
Finola Hughes	...	Hostess / ... (5 episodes, 2005-2007)
Jennifer Dorogi	...	Style Expert / ... (4 episodes, 2005-2007)
Sam Saboura	...	Himself / ... (3 episodes, 2007-2008)
Darcy Gilmore	...	Herself (2 episodes, 2004-2005)
Marcellas Reynolds	...	Himself / ... (2 episodes, 2005-2006)
Nellie Sciutto	...	Fashion Expert / ... (2 episodes, 2005-2006)
Mar Yvette	...	Fashion Editor / ... (2 episodes, 2006-2008)
Lawrence Zarian	...	Correspondent - Himself / ... (2 episodes, 2007)
Jeannie Mai	...	Herself - Host (2 episodes, 2009)

Runtime:

USA:60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

Style Network

Potentially Harmful?

Sometimes, on a down weekday afternoon, my roommate and I will sit and watch this show. Going to a pretty forward thinking school we talk a lot about the issues facing society and gender today, and with those points swimming around in our heads, How Do I Look proves a pretty absorbing watch from time to time. The premise is that Finola Hughes, a generally pleasant, ex-soap opera Brit, takes a young woman (once in a blue moon there will be a man on the show) and helps make her over with three accomplices--a stylist, and two of the girl's friends or family members. Before the trashing begins Finola has a chat with the girl and tries to pry into the psychology of why she dresses like she does. The girl usually opens up some deep reason for not really caring about her clothes, all the while not knowing that the accomplices are making fun of her wardrobe and pulling everything out of her closet. Then they confront her about her style, trash everything she owns (regardless of heirlooms or special sentimental value) and go by her three outfits a piece. She has to choose her favorite set of three plus a new hairstyle and makeup plan. There's something special about watching someone or something get made over. Whether it's this or Pimp My Ride or Antique Roadshow or Sabrina, we always hope for a complete transformation from the old and peripheral to the new and in your face. How Do I Look is supposed to make the girl feel good about her new style, but more often than not, I find it pretty revolting. Finola is non-threatening and alright to watch, but I am shocked by some of the things the girl's friends or family has to say. One girl told her sister that she tells people she is her cousin, because she's embarrassed to be associated with her. Another friend told her fashion victim, Ivy League, cute sweatpants wearing friend that she isn't confident, because she doesn't wear tight clothes or a lot of make up. In fact there was only one episode really worth redeeming--a girl's sister and best guy friend told the girl they wanted the makeover for her only if it would make her feel good; not because they care what anyone else thinks. Why the hell else would you get a makeover, anyway? Because of the argument they always use that people judge you not just on your intellect or personality, but on how you look? Who CARES? People that judge another one their appearance are rarely worth a person's time, anyway. The worst thing about this show is that they make over the girls for other people, for the most part, and not for themselves. When I wear make up and clothes that I feel beautiful in, it's for me, not other people. And that's what shows like this I feel SHOULD be perpetuating. Yes, people will judge others on how they look, but only because we're continually reinforcing that action ourselves. These fun, vapid, bubbly shows have a bigger responsibility then they realize, because they are constantly adding to our self-worth; how we see ourselves and others, and what we end up finding important in our lives. There is no need to attack a perfectly happy girl because she wears sweatpants and scrunchies. If she's truly content, and has bigger dreams, leave well enough alone. I am all for makeovers, but only if the girl really wants it for herself. These shows need to teach this.