Cathy's Makeover Challenge WINNER

At last, it's time to announce the winner of Cousin Cathy's Makeover Challenge!


I'll be presenting the awards since Cathy tends to break down at emotional moments like these.  Frankly, she hated having to make a choice at all; in her opinion, all the contestants deserve a prize.  But, alas, rules are rules and she had to choose.  Luckily, Cathy left me copious notes detailing her decision-making process.
 
Remember that winners were chosen based on the "most dramatic and successful makeovers."   And we certainly saw some wonderful transformations.

The Winner of the Bronze Medal is.....Jenny!

About her two looks, Jenny explains:
My before pic shows my rather bland style:  dark jeans, sweater hoodie, minimal accessories.  After meditating on what I want to look like, I realized, classic will probably always be my main style, but I do like a couple of exciting pieces, whether they be the clothes or accessories.  The second pic is "post-makeover."  I wore a sweater dress I've worn maybe twice in the two years I've owned it.  Before, I figured it was a summer dress, but I loved wearing it this way, with tights and flat boots.  I felt cute but still casual enough for the mommy lifestyle.
 

Cathy loves Jenny's makeover (and so do I).   Cathy notes, "I adore the baby blue cardigan paired with those sexy black boots.  Jenny is mild AND wild and will eventually let loose and join a rock band, but may have to wait until her baby is in high school."

Jenny also looks stunning in jeans and hoodie which, frankly, Cathy found a little incredible and probably cost Jenny some points.


Our Silver Medalist is......Karen!

Cathy lost a lot of sleep over assigning these medals.  Karen writes:  Nothing can be done with my “work look” as I am condemned privileged to wear an olive drab uniform.  My off duty look is the red sweater/black pants combo look. Safe and plain.  However, I am working toward this "after" look by learning to sew.

Cathy nearly fell off her chair when she saw Karen's before and after pics and you can understand why.  Karen's makeover shows how effectively she has harnessed not only the power of the polka dot, but also the potential of an elegant dress to transform.

Cathy says, "I cannot believe that the woman in that classic blue dress wears an olive drab uniform all day.  The outfit is perfect, and the white gloves and matching shoes make this "after" shot a winner.  Karen is spring incarnate.  Love it!


And finally, our Gold Medalist, the Winner of Cousin Cathy's Makeover Contest is.....Samantha!

Samantha, we are told, "has lost sight of what it means to dress age appropriately. She's maintained a fun loving, single lifestyle, but she's not exactly a twenty something anymore.  (She wanted) to have a look that was more elegant and classy, less young/trendy/slutty.

Well, as an aspiring model on the wrong side of twenty-nine with a questionable past, Cathy could certainly relate to Samantha's dilemma.

Samantha's before shot, described (vulgarly) as her Ridden Hard and Put Away Wet look (!), was apparently giving Samantha a bad reputation in her home state of New Hampshire.  (Of course, in New York City, she could wear that to work at J.P. Morgan/Chase.)

If truth be told, Cathy wasn't completely sold on this Samantha story at first.  This kind of Cinderella-like transformation is a little too "Pretty Woman" to be believed.  And let's face it, Samantha looks hot in that clingy black turtleneck dress even if there is a "4" in her age.

And yet, in contrast, how undeniably demure Samantha looks in her Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress.....so similar to Cathy's own.  Samantha had clearly done her homework and scored points for the obvious "kiss up."

Samantha was also nudged over the edge by her uncanny resemblance to Joan Rivers' daughter Melissa.

Winner or no, Cathy would like to see Samantha in a higher heel and may send some used gently worn Manolo Blahniks her way.

Congratulatons, Jenny, Karen, and Samantha!

Last but not least, the Didn't Even Send a Pic But What the Hell Award goes to Angel.  Angel wrote the following to Cathy last Friday:

Today's the day and I'm sorry to say that I didn't get very far with my wardrobe.  I thought you'd like to know what you have inspired though...

I started looking at my wardrobe and recognizing the things about it that make me unhappy.  Then I started looking around my house and realized that the house makes me more unhappy than my clothes, that led to a conversation with my husband who is just as unhappy with our house as I am.  Long story short, we're moving!  Next week we will begin getting our house ready to put on the market and looking for a new home... not a house, a HOME!  Someplace that fits our personalities and lifestyle, someplace that makes us smile when we walk through the front door and hopefully does the same for our guests.  So, while I didn't succeed at the makeover challenge I did succeed in starting a make over of our lives... and while I'm packing I'll be sure to throw out all those clothes that aren't working for me either!

The power of a makeover challenge knows no bounds!  Anyone interested in purchasing Angel's old house or selling her a new one can email me directly and I'll pass word along.

Once again, thank you to all our contestants, beautiful -- and courageous -- people, all.

A big round of applause for all our winners!

Peter's 1972 undershirt

I'm back!

Thank you all so much for the support and kindness you showed to my cousin Cathy last week, folks.

She wasn't sure she'd be embraced by my readers and we were both delighted to discover that with each passing day, readership actually increased.  (Unfortunately she's now obsessed with Google Analytics.)
If Cathy weren't so busy building her modeling career I think she'd start a blog of her own, but in the meantime she's happy to be a celebrity guest at MPB.  Today she's reviewing entries for Cousin Cathy's Makeover Challenge and we should have results on Sunday so stay tuned.


When I wasn't trying on new outfits or being styled for our photo shoots, I did a little sewing.  Do you like the V-neck tee I'm wearing above?  I just finished it.

It's from McCall's 3438, a wonderful vintage mens underwear pattern from 1972.  This pattern comes up frequently on eBay and Etsy and I highly recommend it.  It's one of the few patterns I've found -- vintage or otherwise -- for Y-front mens briefs (Style "B").

I bought this pattern last summer but never took the time to try it, partially due to a fear of knits and partially to not having a serger.  Thankfully, I have conquered my fears while also discovering that my simple straight stitch Singer Spartan does a lovely job on knits without any need for special needles, thread, or techniques (like stretching while I stitch).   No serger necessary.

This little black Singer --which can be had for a song on eBay -- is a jewel, and mechanically identical to the 99K (just no lamp).  It's a 3/4-size machine, like the Featherweight, so it's cute and takes up very little room.  It's my go-to machine for almost everything, especially topstitching.

I made the tee shirt out of the stretch cotton knit I'd bought on my Pattern Review shopping excursion two Mondays ago.  The neckband is a little stretched out due to excessive handling (mainly starching and pressing) but after a washing and drying should shrink back to normal.  The neckband is made from the same fabric as the shirt.  It's super-comfy and light.  I'm eager to have another go at this pattern with similar weight knits.

Luckily, this rose pink fits into my new palette -- otherwise there'd be hell to pay with you know who.

Little Willy fits into my new palette as well, fortunately, and seems to be as fond of my new tee shirt as I am!

 

Whether you're digging yourself out of two feet of snow or sunning yourself on the beach in Miami (grr....)  have a great day everybody and Happy Sewing!

UPDATE: 

Fresh from the dryer and looking much better -- the tee shirt, I mean.

DAY 4: Peter's NEW LOOK revealed!

Ta da!

Peter now has a look he can call his own!

First, a reminder of how it all began.  Peter wrote this post only last week and it caused quite a stir in the blogosphere.  Obviously this was a cry for help, and as a fashion professional and family member -- his identical cousin, no less -- I immediately intervened.

But back to Peter's new look:

Peter is a "summer" and looks best in colors that have gray undertones.  Black is a little harsh on him unless paired with softer grays or pinks.

Remarkably, most of what comprises Peter's new look he owned already.  Here's what I dug out of his wardrobe once we'd decided on a palette:

Crimson knit short sleeve shirt

Dark gray waffle weave long-sleeve tee

Jeans (sewn by Peter)

Gray vintage leather jacket

Black leather jacket

Blue gingham short sleeve shirt (sewn by Peter) 

Off-white Indian print scarf

Pink Indian print scarf

Plaid gray, blue and rust wool scarf

Gray zipper cardigan

Flowered warp print suit (sewn by Peter)
Medium gray linen H&M suit 

Crimson tank top

White linen pants

White Converse High tops

Pendleton wool Vans

Black wing tip shoes

Black leather belt

Rope sandals (www.gurkeesandals.com)

Crimson wool beret

Rayon scarf (from leftover wrap dress fabric)

Sheet shirt (sewn by Peter)

Black Nike swimsuit

Blue square cut swimsuit

Here's what we added (all from the Salvation Army unless otherwise noted).  With the exception of the sunglasses, nothing cost more than $6.99:

Gray nylon polyfill vest

Black and gray striped merino wool cardigan

Gray, red, and white Argyle plaid vest

Pale gray ski cap with red and black stripe

Liver-red wool pullover sweater

Black felt fedora

Gray fedora

Denim-blue heavy wool shirt

Geek glasses (from Reminiscence)

Oversize Gertie glasses (from Reminiscence)

Gunmetal gray sunglasses (from Rite Aid Pharmacy!)

 

That's it.

We found the gray fedora after we already had the black one and we both prefer the gray: it's softer.

We had a lot of back and forth over eyeglasses.   Good quality vintage style frames are expensive ($200+).  The frames you'll see in his photo shoot are essentially props.  Since he doesn't wear glasses, Peter is reluctant to wear frames with clear glass; that's his choice.  The sunglasses are real and will be worn, however.  

People with a look accessorize carefully.  Scarves, hats, shoes and eyecatching patterns make an otherwise ordinary outfit look unique.  Fit, especially for a short person, is critical.  We went for some interesting shapes and patterns that wouldn't overpower him.

Consider the photos in the album below like a fashion show: some outfits are more dramatic and merely show what is possible.  We tried to stay away from the overly costume-y, but that's very much in the eye of the beholder.

I invite you to view our entire photoshoot here.


I think you'll agree that most of Peter's new look is entirely wearable.  We included some summer outfits, including swimsuits -- de riguer for any spring fashion show.

Peter's lifestyle is casual, hence there are no formal clothes in this album, though it does include two suits, one of which Peter made himself.  (A white shirt and tie could dress up either one.)  He walks a lot so there is no style-over-comfort footwear.

I'd define Peter's look as urban preppy with a twist of nerd, a splash of jock, and a peacock chaser.

One of the best aspects of the look concept is that it gives Peter direction for new sewing projects: he's not just picking colors willy-nilly.  Most of us work better when we have some structure to steer our creativity.  Otherwise we're often overwhelmed by limitless possibilities.

So, which outfit is your favorite?  Any combination we've missed that you'd like to see?

I'd love to hear your feedback!

In closing, I'd like to thank my cousin Peter for the opportunity to re-make his wardrobe, re-style him, and imho give him a look worthy of the creator of Male Pattern Boldness.  I know this is going to open doors for me professionally, too!

Tootles, all, and don't forget to get your Cousin Cathy's Makeover Challenge entries in by midnight tonight.  Peter will be back tomorrow. 

Love ya!

Cathy
 

Peter's Makeover: DAY 3 - approaching the finish line

Cousin Cathy here, and at long last I have good news to report.  Peter and I are finally on the same page with regard to his makeover.  

Sure, we had our mini-meltdowns and ugly words, but it only brought us closer.

We're in the home stretch, girls!

First, let's talk color.

Peter's indiscriminate choice of clothing over the years meant that he had a little of everything: flattering colors and unflattering colors, patterns that complemented his proportions and others that were pure Lollipop Guild.

I decided that the best way to address this was to create -- with Peter's input of course -- a basic color palette.  This doesn't mean Peter can never wear a garment that isn't in this color scheme, but rather it is a guideline.  This way, when I've long since moved up on, Peter can continue our work without me.  (I'm counting on all of you to help keep him on track of course.)

We chose colors that Peter likes, that flatter him, and that complement each other.  

After a long day of shopping-on-a-dime (We never made it to Bergdorf's, alas) aided by some judicious shoplifting, we assembled the basics (click to supersize):

Included are items Peter has sewn himself, like that abstract floral warp print blazer and his blue jeans; a few new (to him) classic items like the argyle plaid sweater vest and denim-blue wool shirt; and many things Peter already owned but forgot he even had, like the vintage gray leather jacket and pink printed Indian scarf. 

Knowing what we had, we filled out the rest with some late-afternoon additions:

Would you believe those white Converse high tops and like-new Vans in Pendleton wool that totally work with his new palette, were already in his closet?  He hardly remembered he owned them!



I spent the rest of the day coordinating outfits and styling photoshoots till my ankles started to swell but it was worth it.

Tomorrow we reveal the final results.

I also eagerly await your makeover entries. 

Exhilarating, isn't it?  

Don't forget to breathe!

photo collection 16 december 2009

etv bangla shompa

Two Girl

Peter's Makeover: DAY 2 - the naked truth

Cousin Cathy here and I've no time for niceties.  Let's get started.

What a day I had yesterday!  Feeling somewhat defeated after Monday's underwear power struggle, I was determined that Tuesday I would put my foot down.  You don't ask a New York model to create your new look and then quibble over a pair of holey Hanes.  

I decided it was time to act like adults.  As soon as I arrived at Peter's apartment, I stripped the man down to his threadbare Jockeys and got to work.

We started with basic grooming (fans of large pores can supersize these by clicking on them). 

 

Right off the bat, I told him it was me or that third eyebrow under his nose.  My first victory of the day.

Next, I archived each and every thrift store orphan in his wardrobe -- on Peter himself -- under the harsh glare of flash photography. 

Look, I know many of you are fond of Peter -- we all are -- and I am not suggesting that every item in his wardrobe is a ratty old castoff just one loose button shy of the rag bag.  But the reason Peter does not have a look is because he picks up stray clothes the way other people pick up stray cats: impulsively and without any thought to his own long-term needs.  He has relied on his own charm and good looks long enough!  

You can view the highlights of Peter's old look (or NON-look) archive here, or simply view the slideshow below.  (Fans of paper dolls should really enjoy this.)



Next, inspired by all of your marvelous comments yesterday and feeling a little peckish, I sent Peter out for bagels and coffee while I created a nice little bundle destined for the trash thrift store.  I'm hoping he never notices.

Next, we explored the cluttered and confused world that is my cousin's accessories collection: sunglasses, hats, watches, etc.  It's not unlike the underwear: a few gold nuggets but mainly dross.  It's all too tedious to go into here but I'll share some highlights:

How would you like to see your man walk around in these, which for some reason Peter cannot bring himself to either discard or have repaired -- after ten years.

 

And then there's these.  I don't care if they were designed by a Issey Miyake, they scare me.

Can you see why by the end of the day I was experiencing severe abdominal cramping which turned out to be only bad cream cheese, thank God?  The stress of having to pare down -- and then chic-ify on a shoestring -- Peter's wardrobe into something approaching a look is starting to show up on my complexion. 

The hats, well, I think I can work with these.

Of course it might be easier if they actually matched the scarves, but that would be too much to ask.

Look, I'm running late, darlings.  There's a lot more to tell but I must get started.  Today Peter and I go shopping!

Oh, before I forget, about Peter's old-look wardrobe:

Would you keep the striped Land's End polo?  Could anybody's look include a striped Land's End polo? Readers, I already dumped it.  Heaven forsake me!

So have any of you ever tried to make over a man or does the very prospect of it keep you in bed with the cats, the remote, and a Whitman's sampler?

Can it be done in less than one week?

Tell me it's possible and that I'm not the crazy one!  It's him, right?

Heeeeeere's CATHY! (Peter's Makeover: DAY 1)

Greetings, all!  Cathy Lane here.

Cousin Peter has told me so much about you and I am tickled to death to get to speak to you directly.  

Frankly, isn't it more fun to share some girl talk for a change?  What's that?  There are boys here too? Prove it!

Yesterday I started Peter's makeover.  What a challenge I have before me! Peter may be a quick study when it comes to sewing, but as far as assembling a wardrobe... Well, let's just say my cousin isn't quite the prodigy you might think.  It's no wonder he's never had a look.

I decided to approach Peter's makeover from the inside out.  That's right, girls: Take me to the underwear drawer! 

Well, actually the underwear shelf.  Peter doesn't keep his clothes in a piece of furniture like the rest of us, but rather piles it up wherever he can find the space.  And there's not much of that.

To look at Peter's collection of underwear is to know everything you need to know about my cousin's approach to fashion.  Feast your eyes on this -- and please click on photo to supersize for maximum impact!

What you are looking at is Peter's more than forty pairs of underwear.  Did you get that?  Four-zero.  And that doesn't even include "sports briefs." (He's quite the athlete, don't you know.)

This profusion of panties is not the result of too many trips to Lord & Taylor's mens department -- if only!  This collection, assembled over more than a decade, includes thrift store finds (appalling), others' laundry room discards (pass the smelling salts), and even a few souvenirs from assignations past(ugh).  

Peter's problem with underwear is representative of his approach to his entire wardrobe: He simply has too much stuff, has owned most of it far too long, and badly needs to edit.  

That's where I come in.  After laying it all out and archiving, I set to work sorting the wheat from the chaff.  

What, pray tell, is this?

Can someone -- perhaps one of you male readers -- explain why a man with more than forty pairs of underwear still holds on to this bleach-stained travesty?

This pair of discolored Calvin's nearly sent me into apoplexy.

I wanted to dump two-thirds of it.  But let me tell you, Peter is very protective of his underwear and it was like pulling teeth to get him to surrender any of it.  Luckily, he was willing to let me make a small pile of discards in exchange for my buying him lunch.

Later, he let me sort the rest (an honor).

Briefs...

Boxers...

 

Boxer briefs...

 "Other."

 

By the end of the afternoon I was exhausted and badly in need of some fresh air.

We accomplished a lot today, but there's so much more work to be done.  Today we tackle accessories -- shoes, hats, scarves, etc. -- and we may move into basic skincare if there's time. 

Ladies, do the men in your lives hoard their old underwear?  Are they resistant to throwing away anything that still has an identifiable waistband -- though not necessarily functional elastic?

If so, however do you handle it?

Peter has handed off blog duties to me this week, so don't mince words: it's just between us.  (This is the time to ask those indiscreet questions!)

Have at it!