How Do I Look?: Barbara

Barbara is stuck in the ’80s…big time. This California native is hellbent on sequins, acid wash jeans, and bright, bright colors. Her daughter Christine nominated Barbara for the show because of a recent divorce and her mother’s self-esteem. She feels Barbara dresses the same as she did when Christine was a child, which was over 18 years ago.

Accomplice one is Barbara’s daughter, accomplice two is Devon, who is Barbara’s son’s girlfriend, and accomplice three is Nola, a professional stylist who wants to take Barbara into the 21st century in style. The three are sent to dig through Barbara’s wardrobe to pull pieces that will work best at a costume party. Even Barbara’s hairstyle is dated. We’re all for vintage here at Style-television.com, but you’ve got to rock it in a modern way. Her fluffy bands cover a severe scar on Barbara’s forehead, the result of an accident she was in at age 10.

Barbara loves fashion. It just might be the right fashion for her…in this era. She proudly states she loves bright colors, micro-minis, and matchy-matchy shoes. Fierce. She has a fantastic figure, and as Nola says, she’s been wasting it on bad clothing. Christine tears up as she tells her mother that she feels Barbara needs to dress her age and evolve with the times. Although Barbara’s clothes are a real disaster, I do feel a little bad for her as she watches the girls toss her prize clothing. I know they’re bad, but understand this woman has probably had these clothes for 20 some odd years. It’s like losing a pet…OK maybe not, but it is an emotional experience. I am genuinely excited to see how this makeover turns out!

The first look the accomplices will look for is Rocking the New You, a fresh look for Barbara. In the Now will be an updated, dressy look that is modern and hip, and of course, the Wildcard, which is just a look that the accomplices feel would look fantastic on Barbara. She finally looks like she might come around, and I’m really curious what they’re going to do with her hair.

One thing I really love about Barbara is that she knows her clothes. She’s very in tune with fabrics, fit and silhouettes…even if she doesn’t know how to pick what works best for her. Christine is adorable as she shops for her mom, and keeps in mind her mother’s own style as she chooses pieces. Devon doesn’t do quite as well, and Barbara deems some of the things “matronly.” Nola’s picks work for Barbara, and Nola (though she’s a professional) also uses Christine’s tactic of sticking to things Barbara knows and loves: sparkles and sequins.

Collection one has a lot of matchy-matchy, and a great haircut for Barbara that would also mask her scar. The second collection has a lot of ruffles, jewel tones and great accessories. Barbara seems to like this collection a bit more, but isn’t digging the ruffles. The hair is a honey color, which I think would take years off of Barbara. I also want to note Barbara’s fierce dress as she goes through the looks. Collection three is the worst yet, and the hair is swept off the forehead, which Barbara seems unsure about. Remember she has to choose on collection in its entirety including hair and makeup.

The first collection looks good on her, but Barbara isn’t digging anything in particular. Barbara hits the nail on the head when she says Nola chose this first set of clothes. Collection two looks great, and the fit is what’s working with most of the pieces (something the first collection lacked). The teal asymmetrical dress is amazing on Barbara, as is the bright magenta ruffled top. Barbara isn’t have it, but it does suit her well. Here she gets it wrong. Barbara thinks Christine chose this set. The last set of looks are amazing on her as well, especially the belted look over a satin top. This last set are actually Christine picks.

Off to hair and makeup! The makeup artist sweeps soft golds and browns across Barbara’s eyes, and while they don’t let us see her quite yet, you can already see how this is opening up her eyes and giving them a real wow factor. The hairstylist looks as if he’s going for the honey color, so I’m guessing Barbara chose Collection two…we’ll have to wait for the big reveal to find out!

Barbara chose Collection three and looks beyond amazing! Christine breaks down in tears, as Barbara walks out with the dark hair and soft bangs that take eons off of her! She easily looks a solid 10 years younger, and even her son Robby, who is out in the audience cries. So sweet! Barbara looks like a mom…a stylish, hip mom, of course! Barbara describes her old hairstyle as “ridiculous!” Obviously progress has been made!