really hosts

another integral part of reality television are often the hosts. many times, they play the role of the protective older sibling or the parent that is cheering on their children from the sidelines. this is especially so when it comes to talent searches. at other times, hosts play guardian to the game rules and guard the 'integrity' of the programme. whatever the case may be, let's look at the hosts in reality.

1) the x-factor usa: mario lopez

mario lopez tops the list because he was mentioned over a couple of drinks. that's the fun part of being a blogger i guess. whatever is talked about will somehow end up in the writing. anyway, here's a look at mario lopez then and now.

big change, don't you agree. if i may even boldly claim, he looks like an older version of taylor lautner.

all these pictures, hopefully, inspire you to stick to your gym routines and strict diets.

2) so you think you can dance: cat deeley

i like her for her personality. for those unfamiliar with who cat deeley is, here are some quick details: catherine elizabeth 'cat' deeley is a british television presenter, actress, singer and model. since 2006, deeley has been the host of so you think you can dance in the united states. she is now host of fox's celebrity dating game show the choice. this is cat on and off-screen.

can't tell the difference? neither can i. at times, we like to think that a full face of make-up is what turns heads but the natural look can be pretty alluring as well. as for her style, cat plays the classic card. she hardly experiments with her style and her clothes often are a reflection of her personality.

3) survivor: jeff probst

i am a huge survivor fan for the drama it provides. politics are always fun to watch. as an added incentive, a goodlooking face fronting the series would help as well. growing up, it was always survivor or the amazing race for me but strangely, jeff probst never seems to age.

by the way, he was voted as one of the sexiest men alive in 2005. time for all of us to sign up for some 'island therapy'.

fash'on... BAM!

really trashy

trashy picture? Brittani from ANTM

if you were thrown a sewing machine, parts of a car, a bag of leaves, plastic bags and some paper wrappers, what would you do? many reality television series that revolve around dress-making and fashion often have such random challenges where seemingly insignificant or impossible materials (in other words, trash) are given to the contestants to re-create into wearable fashion. well, if you ask me, i think it brings couture to a whole new meaning. anyhow, here is a showcase of clothes which are handmade by contestants and handpicked by me for critique.

1) project runway: newspaper dress

the challenge? to make a dress using newspaper. 

i'm a tad divided when it comes to commenting on this group of dresses because should i credit the ones who made newspaper look un-newspaper or should honour be given to those who capitalise on the uniqueness of the material that they have been given. i guess in a competition setting, one always attempts to stand out and be different but my favourite would have to be christopher!

my favourite newspaper dress

i like how it brings out the white, black and greyness of newspaper and structurally, it combines the toughness of the corset with a juxtaposition against a skirt of fluidity and movement.

2) rupaul's drag race: rupocalypse now!

since the world is ending in a few days' time, might as well pull up some recycled fashion that has to do with the end of the world. for this particular episode, the contestants had to take articles of clothing off previous drag queens and the looks they presented? scary...

this episode was also the premiere of the season hence the looks were a little raw but the look that takes the cake, or rather, looks like a messed up cake goes to jiggly caliente.

yup, the end of all fashion!

the outfit is so bad that it lives up to the title of this post. really trashy. colours are off, the form off, the fit is off. if i didn't recall wrongly, bits of the 'dress' fell off during the runway walk. truly a dress for the end of the world.

3) project runway: car parts challenge

this is a tough one. taking parts of a car and stitching it into a dress. well, i must say that some of the dresses are very impressive.

so here's a little piece of advice before you toss out that bag of trash. maybe, hand it over to a contestant from some reality series and you might be able to save a heap on your next outfit.

fash'on... BAM!

really different

there are some series that you watch for the sheer entertainment value, for the drama, the laughs and the tears when contestants interact. then there are the shows that you watch for the fashion and the physical changes that occur. i remember the times when 'survivor' was the only reality television series around and the social dynamics were the only highlight. after the success of that series, a slew of reality series followed and some transformed normal civilians into stars, as long as you had the 'it factor' (which differs from show to show). one of my favourite parts of reality television was the multiple makeovers that one witnesses as the series progresses. it gives one hope that someday, if i work hard and last thirteen weeks of elimination, i can look like that.

Bae Yong Joon

so here are three picks that i feel look really different, thanks to their reality television makeovers!

1) america's next top model: ann ward

Ann Ward

this show needs no introduction or further description but what is evident about the makeovers is this: the hairstyles (or looks) that we select for ourselves are never 'fierce' enough. we always need the masters of makeover to aid us in going from drab to fab! anyway, my all-time favourite has to be ann ward from cycle 15 because her transformation was nothing short of a fairytale. from the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan, who does not love a lovely ending?

 

ann has since been signed to img models in new york city. her cover of beauty in vogue was published in may 2011 and her editorial in vogue italia was published in march 2011. instead of having a two-page spread, she received a five-page spread in vogue italia.

i say: never belittle the power of contact lenses and a new hairdo!

2) the biggest loser: ali vincent

Ali Vincent

the show she participates says it all. why ali vincent is one of my choices is because she is the first female to win the show and she went on to be a huge inspiration to many people who want to make changes in the lifestyles that they were leading. this is especially crucial in america since it is the country with the highest rate of obesity.

in september 2011, ali vincent began hosting her own show, live big with ali vincent, a half-hour series on the live well network. besides lifestyle and motivation, the show offers advice on shopping, cooking, working out, etc.

i say: the best workouts are still the ones that we actually commit to and do regularly.

3) rupaul's drag race: alexis mateo

Alexis Mateo

this is one show that will never make it to the screens of singapore television but thanks to technology (and a friend who is a downloading expert), i get my regular drag race fix. alexis mateo is probably not outstanding as a reality contestant but i loved the personality so much so that i've infused her signature phrase into my blog (unfortunately, i can't find a video online). 

this show has its fair share of critiques but from a viewer's standpoint, i think there is value in it when one observes beyond the hair, make-up and outfits. it is an industry and the careers of many. takes a performer to understand another and hence, the feature as one of my top three makeovers.

i say: big hair, long lashes and a whole lot of tucking... viola, you have yourself a queen!

fash'on... BAM!