I’m all-too-aware of Stacy and my similarities. Over the course of my blogging career, I’ve endured multiple comparisons to this beast of a persona. Yes, we’re both Italian Jews; Yes, we both curse like truck drivers; Heck yes, we’re both sarcastic and slightly obnoxious. We both attended overpriced liberal arts institutions where we both majored in Literature, and we both embarked on fashion-related careers after graduation.
Only one of us worked at Conde Nasty for fourteen fucking years.
When you’re introduced to the world of Fashion through the skewed view of Vogue itself, you can’t help but lose your sense of Sartorial Reality: This is presumably why Stacy still refers to a straight-outta-college job that entailed procuring coffee for bitchy editrixes as one she was lucky to get. Gag me with a spoon.
Riddle me this: When you spend the bulk of your career reveling in the chic-ness of overpriced brand-name bullshit, how can you possibly relate to anyone who can’t afford what you deify? What right do you have to impose your warped standards on anyone outside of your world?
Stacy hails from a world beholden to one objective: To Make Women Spend Money. This is why a $5000 shopping spree accompanies her tutelage in What Not To Wear. She might improve the way her victims dress, but she doesn’t necessarily improve their self-esteem. Wearing something fab is supposed to make you feel good about yourself, but when the road to The Final Look is paved with snide comments and criticism, your confidence takes a serious hit.
Stacy’s currently hawking affordable products a la Woolite and Pantene, presumably to feign an ability to relate to real women. I’m not fooled, and you shouldn’t be either: This gal’s still as soulless as the mags she used to work for.
Once upon a time, I would have done anything for an editorial position at a fashion mag. It’s what I thought I wanted to do with my life. Maybe it would have been fabulous, but it wouldn’t have been fulfilling. Maybe it would have given me access to a closet full of designer samples, but it wouldn’t have given me access to something seriously priceless – all of you, reading this now. Fashion as something that connects instead of divides us is an idea I can’t fully wrap my mind around. But the fact that you’re all so different and yet, still here, makes me think it’s not all that crazy.
Okay, I have to go now, before I get any more verklempt!
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Not to mention, most of the outfits she picks out are so boring and matronly. Every time I have attempted to watch her show I couldn’t help but think I would have done a better job dressing the people via shopping at a thrift store. Thanks for the great rant!
FINALLY, a rant against Stacy. Seriously, all the women on WNTW end up looking exactly the same to me – there is no sense of individual style. They become followers of the gospel according to the Mall of America. BORING. I mean no disprespect to the gals who at times do not have a clue what looks good on them but Stacy (and Clinton) do not help these women find their inner beauty and individual sense of style.
Just love your blog. And, ps – good luck with all those side projects you have, sending you many well wishes.
Hmm, I realize that the point is to sometimes rile your readers, but seriously? Stacy doesn’t help people with style/self-esteem? I feel like I’ve been watching a different show, one where S and C are constantly making sure that their participants are working on the inside and the outside. And they also take their participants to Old Navy, DSW, Filene’s Basement, etc, and don’t advocate splurging on stupid faddish items, but on staples, things they’ll wear a lot. Anyhoo, opinions differ. It’ll always be one of my fav shows
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Well, I certainly understand your points and those who have commented, I feel the need to defend Stacy (and Clinton). Yes, the outfits can be a bit bland and yes, they do make fun of the participants a bit. However, in most cases, the end result is a vast improvement. These aren’t men and women out to be fashion plates but instead, in the need of a wardrobe that won’t embarrass them in the professional world. You dress in a fun, adventurous manner that can be a bit unconventional. That’s great but you are fully aware of how you dress affects how people look at you. These are people who have no concept of how going into the office in sweats can have an effect on their career. I might get bored if I was dressed by Stacy everyday but for an interview, I’d trust her completely.
Totally appreciate your comments. Stacy London does a great service to people who don’t realize that unfortunately we live in a society where appearance does matter. She helps folks dress to highlight their bodies best assets and try to incorporate personal style and interests- as well as affordable price points.I appreciate how she doesn’t tell people to chance their bodies, but rather work with what they have. That’s a radically different message than the fashion industry that wants us all to be stick thin, no?
so on the money re. WNTW– the same would also apply to “how do i look?”– the women always end up looking a good 10-15 years older post-makeover due to the hair and makeup alone, and the ghoulish ‘experts’ and ‘friends’ involved in the process enrage me with their crushing conformity and insulting behavior. there must be some huge amount of money or heavy brainwashing going toward getting these women to go on these shows. i do not understand it.