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Although I have increasingly less time for reality TV than I did this time last year, I still can’t miss Project Runway. It’s my Saturday morning nap, grab a cup of coffee guilty pleasure. Or, if Hub is at a football game or something, it’s the Friday night after bedtime, grab a glass of wine guilty pleasure.
Either way, a beverage if involved.
I love this show because the contestants have to rely so heavily on talent — real, honest to God talent — not pretty looks or hard abs. If you can’t sew, if you design something atrocious, you’re out. Sure, it’s subjective, but not American Idol subjective where a cute, sweet voiced teenage boy will always win because teenage girls have the time to dial a phone number 150 times every Tuesday.
I’ve learned so much from this show that can be applied to my life, but here are the top five:
1. I could design my own clothes
No, I really could. They make it look so easy. Now that I have Pinterest to search for easy patterns, the only thing that’s keeping me from stocking my closet with fashion forward clothing is that I don’t have a sewing machine.
And the ability to design something.
And I can’t sew.
Wait, maybe I can’t design my own clothes.
2. The words “Gather ‘Round” will never lead to something good
Every time Tim Gunn utters those two words, something bad is about to go down. Sometimes the designers are required to create a new outfit out of found items from a dumpster. Sometimes they have to trade in their models for a woman with – gasp! – a size D chest. Those words are like a virtual wrench into design plans.
So at work, next time your boss says “let’s all meet in my office”? It’s probably not going to be good.
3. I’m not fashion forward
Some of stuff the designers come up with is super cute and wearable, but I’m too old and frumpy to wear about 98% of it. I’m either too short, too lumpy in the middle or too old. Or the top would cover half my nipple and nobody wants to see that. For a girl whose idea of fashion is throwing a belt around a cardigan, most of these designer’s clothes are way too over the top for me.
(That doesn’t mean I can’t dream about being able to rock one of those cute cocktail dresses.)
4. Everything looks better with a great pair of shoes
I love shoes. LOVE. My dream, right after starting a gourmet sandwich shop, is to have a whole closet dedicated to high heeled shoes. (I have eclectic dreams.)
Tim Gunn always reminds the designers to make use of the Piperlime accessory wall, filled with gorgeous shoes, belts, bags and jewelry. I’m of the opinion that accessories are almost as important as the clothes themselves, which is why I buy basics and lots of fun earrings and shoes. This also explains my shoe closet dream.
5. Sometimes you just need to make it work
Tim Gunn’s famous catch phrase isn’t just for designers who have hit a wall — it applies to almost anything in life. Baby not napping? Pull everything out of your bag of tricks and then just let him play. Too many projects with looming deadlines and not enough time? Prioritize and get it done. Your blog is stalling and you don’t have money to hire a designer? Get creative with the resource you have.
Really, that’s what it’s all about — taking what you have and doing your best with it. There’s no use making excuses, or complaining about what you don’t have, because that’s energy you could be using to deal with whatever crap you’re dealing with. Use what you have and get it done. It’ll probably turn out better than you expected, and it’s going to make you feel so good in the long run.
Who says reality TV isn’t educational?
What’s the latest lesson you’ve learned from TV?
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I used to buy lots of shoes. But then I had a baby and quit work, and couldn’t justify any type of cute shoe expenditures.
Also?
I have a midget for a husband.
This puts a big damper on my choices.
liz recently posted..Butterfly Wings
yeah, that will do it. I’m lucky in that my husband is like 4000 feet tall, so I can wear 5 inch heels and still not come close.
So “Gather ‘Round” is the opposit of “So there I was”?
Its’ absolutely the opposite of “so there I was!” ah, those were the days.
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
I just love Tim Gunn, more than I love Project Runway.
I learned from Project Runway that I have better taste in clothes and design than Michael Kors.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Guest Star: Multitasking Mumma
Right? Why cant’ he be my life coach? Life is so unfair.
I LOVE Project Runway, and I wish Tim Gunn was my uncle. I agree that they have to survive on pure talent, and it amazes me what they create out of just nothing in just minutes. It is crazy. I’m practically in awe of everyone that has been on the show because, just, how do they do it?
Jennifer recently posted..Blingerz Review and Giveaway
Even the bad stuff is impressive to me because I can’t do any of it. The fact they come up with that stuff from nothing is so awesome to me.
Love this! I heart Project Runway. I CANNOT wait for All-Stars!
I think Tim Gunn needs to come help me with my look.
Shell recently posted..What Doing a Detox Taught Me
ME NEITHER. I always get so sad when a season is over, so I’m glad there will be another one soon.
LOVE Project Runway! And here’s one lesson that can’t be applied to real life: The more drama you create, no matter how well you design a particular week… you’ll be kept around for ratings purposes. (Joshua, I’m looking at you and all your extra bling.)
What about when Joshua got out the “stud gun” for his latest? And the one guy was like, “you know you’re working with Joshua when those words are uttered”
Tim Gunn is awesome and I often say his line “Let’s make it work, people” around here! I do own a sewing machine, but I have yet to make any clothing. I’m not exactly trendy or fashionable myself. I wonder how hard it would be to sew yoga pants?
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Life’s Lessons: The Quiet Edition
I pinned something the other day for home made maxi skirts and I thought if I had that — I would never put anything else on. They looked so comfy.
Twitter: mytimeasmom
You could design the clothes and pay someone else to sew them. Then you would have more time for shoe shopping.
Jessica recently posted..Read This While I Cry In The Corner
Best idea ever! They can do the sewing, I can do the accessorizing
Twitter: kristinzas
My doctor laughed at me today when we were discussing about a possible induction (since I’m due around the holidays and apparently some women get antsy) and I said “eh, it’ll get done. I’m not worried about it.”
This is because I have learned to make it work.
I have to.
So, thank you Tim Gunn
KLZ recently posted..A Tale of Two Fishes
Right? The OBGYN who talked to my childbirth ed class said the reason he went into OB was because it’s a condition that is always going to end. Nobody stays pregnant forever. It’ll get done.
I LOVE Tim Gunn. (Side note: Have you seen his footage for the It Gets Better project? If not, it’s a must see.)
My favorite part about him is that when you strip away all the clothing and suggestions and design tips, he genuinely cares about the designers. Or not. And he doesn’t really hide how he feels.
My daughter and I watch every week to gauge his reaction to the person who is “out” and sometimes Tim can barely choke back tears, gushing “We’re gonna miss you so much. It won’t be the same without you”; but other times, he’s like “So I’m gonna have to send you to the work room to clear out your space…..”
And that’s it.
He can’t hide who he is.
And I love that about him.
Now. As for that gourmet sandwich shop idea….
How can we make it work?
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me racy
I totally agree. He’s real, and even when he doesn’t like something, he tries to give suggestions and be supportive. I don’t think there’s any other reality show that has a person who is there just to be a mentor to the contestants, and that’s kind of cool to me.
Only shows on our TV Are my sons so I will not share the wisdom that can be learned from Mighty machines. But I love your list!
Stasha recently posted..Monday Listicles
HA! I’m sure that eventually my days of Project Runway will be over and we’ll be watching Mighty Machines too
Thanks for stopping by!
Twitter: laurenweber84
I love PR, too. I don’t think there’s anything to be embarrassed about, because you’re right – TOTAL talent is involved!
From the Gather ‘Round to the Pepperlime accessories, you have this show down pat
The lesson I’ve learned from TV? That I really wish I had one hobby I was SUPER good at. These people make me jealous!
Mrs. Weber recently posted..Quick and Easy: Chicken Bruschetta Bake
If I had one hobby that I was super good at, I’d be trying to find a way to make money at it. Thus why I put so much time and energy into this blog (still trying to figure out how to “make it work”
)
I totally do not put Project Runway in the guilty pleasure category, as I do not believe there is any reason to feel guilty in watching it, mainly for all the reasons you listed in your introduction. This season though, it appears Anya is the exception to the sewing rule.
Tim Gunn does seem like the beloved uncle that is truly embrassed and respected by everyone.
You’re SO right…it isn’t somethign to feel guilty about! What bugs me about Anya is that — no matter how good she is, she still can’t sew. I mean, I get that she’s a good designer, but this isn’t just a show about design, right? It’s design and being able to put together the clothing you design, and fundamentally she can’t. *off my soapbox*
Twitter: HStayingAfloat!
I feel your pain. I think I would hurt myself if I even tried to sew on a button!!
I’m such a Fashion-not-sta! I don’t know what looks good on me anymore. Maybe I should start watching Project Runway!!
Hopes@Staying Afloat! recently posted..The Only Girl’s Guilty Pleasures
If you watched PR you’d just realize how not a fashionionista you are
I can sew buttons but that’s the extent..and even then, it doesn’t look good, it’s just functional!
I love Tim Gunn and these are all great lessons! I’m a little annoyed with how they have drawn out the show to 1.5 hours. I’ll admit I usually get bored and fast forward to the fashion show!
Angie@MamaInsomnia recently posted..Fill in the Blank Friday
I record it and watch it and the commercial breaks are almost 5 minutes each!!! I mean, no wonder it’s 2 hours. Not necessary.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
I am SO not fashion forward, but I absolutely love shoes!
Kimberly recently posted..My Guilty Pleasures
Twitter: TheDanaK
Okay, PJ is my Reality TV guilty pleasure. LOVE IT! I want Tim Gunn to move in with me and help me get dressed every day. Even when he hates something, he’s so darn cute about it!
Dana K recently posted..Run a Marathon, Give Birth, Who Cares?
I know, I just love Tim Gunn. have you seen his guide to style? I live by his rule of, “if you haven’t worn it in over a year, get rid of it”…Well, I will be living by it when I clean out my closet
Twitter: chicktuition
I love Project Runway. And now that I’ve read this…I realize how much I’ve learned from it. I’m glad you pointed out its educational merits in case anyone ever asks me why I watch it.
jacqui recently posted..One Mysterious Chick…
Thanks for stopping by…and yes, don’t let anybody make you feel bad for PR…..it’s a learning experience!
Twitter: freefringes
Fun post! Thanks for linking up at lovelinks today. Your site is so cheery and professional looking! Who does your hair?
Erica M recently posted..hanging out with Monday listicles over at lovelinks
Thanks lady
Who does my hair? Me and my sock bun 
I’ve never actually watched the show, as it doesn’t seem like something that will appeal to me. However, it seems a requirement that every woman must own a ton of shoes, right?! I’m not even a big shopper and somehow I have accumulated more shoes than I have room for in my closet!
Kerry recently posted..Jump Starting on Improving Myself
There is just something about shoes that makes me feel pretty. I’m a sucker for heels although they hurt …clearly fashion is more important to me than comfort
Twitter: momwich
Haha, you’re right, everyone could make their own clothes!!!! And I think I could wear a couch cushion and pull off the look with a great pair of shoes!
Brandy @ MOMwich recently posted..I know you want me to hate you, but no.
Thanks for stopping by! I think I need to find a cheap sewing machine on Craigslist or something and at least try…it may not look good, but it would be cheap
Great post! I’m not a Project Runway watcher but I do agree with everything you said. At least you watch a reality show most aren’t embarrassed to admit. {Jersey Shore} Wait… What?… Did I say that?? I don’t watch that trash!! ;^)
I didn’t hear a thing
(I also watched some Jersey Shore 
)
Twitter: latorres
Oh, I do love to LOOK at shoes, but I’ve always been too frugal to splurge on the cute shoes and accessories if I can’t see myself wearing them with several things. I tend to buy “pieces,” and then can’t put an out fit together to save my life. #sigh
Leigh Ann recently posted..Week in My Life: Sunday
Tahts’ why I buy everything on the cheap!! Seriously, I buy accessories that cost less than $5 on clearance, that way I have them to match up with things.
Twitter: chosenchaos
I don’t watch TV that much but I have seen a few episodes (one of my former students was one of the finalists a few seasons ago!! So exciting!) I can’t sew and am also to old and frumpy to be fashion forward. But I do love a good shoe when I see it!
Jamie recently posted..i will not miss this part
Oh that’s awesome! What season??
Twitter: chosenchaos
It was Althea, maybe 2 years ago?
Jamie recently posted..runnin’ on empty
Twitter: xlmic
#5… is awesome.
I am too old and unhip to even know what Piperlime is. And belting a cardigan is way beyond my fashion abilities… you are the runway star in this relationship
Love this list
XLMIC recently posted..The Agenda
HA! Hilarious. Piperlime is a site that’s way too expensive for me, you and probably almost everyone who has commented on this post
After reading this I’m going to start using “Gather Round” with my kids before we have to have a family meeting. (-:
Ado recently posted..Mommy’s A Closet Hypochondriac
Twitter: troublesometots
What have I learned from TV? Never ever admit that you have the immunity idol. Wait…that wasn’t what you were looking for?
I wish I knew Tim Gunn. He gives such great advice but in such a kind gentle way that even, “this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen” feels like a warm hug.
Alexis@TroublesomeTots recently posted..Mommy Loves You Best. Not You, the Other One.
Twitter: joneseskeeper
Girl, you are fashion forward. As long as you have a style, you make it work. And I’ve read your blog long enough to know that.
But I’m going to start telling my students to “Gather ‘Round”. Maybe it will make them quake.
Angela recently posted..Getting to Know Me…For Reals
For me it’s America’s Next Top Model (or Australia, or Britain, or Canada…). I’ve not been able to watch them since moving to Hong Kong, but it’s the ridiculous reality tv show that I make time for.
Carina recently posted..Fall Decor
I love Project Runway, but haven’t made time to watch during the past couple of seasons. I really must get back to it. So fun!
Kimberly at Rubber Chicken Madness recently posted..I’m a Delinquent
Right now Project Runway all-stars is on…LOVE IT! Thanks for stopping by!
Happy SITS DAY!!!
I have to disagree with you. Don’t you remember the WINNER of the last season couldn’t sew. There was one episode where everyone jumped in and sewed for her.
I figure I can take some cloth, drap it around a tall, skinny woman, give her some fab accessories and big hair, and I’m a Designer!
No authographs please! I’m exhausted!
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog recently posted..Photography Challenge | Build a $200 Home Photography Studio
I was just poking around your site last night on my phone!!! I’m definitely a designer, too. One time I turned a tank top into a nursing tank top. BOOM. I think I also sewed more than good old what’s her name!
Anything staring the Kardashian fam is always a good lesson in exactly how not to act…ever. I love American Idol. I learn nothing from it except for maybe that I’m not nearly as untalented as I feel sometimes!
tori nelson recently posted..A Very Bloggy Wedding Cake: Too Tall? Yes. Too Sweet? NEVER!
I’m also a big AI fan, although I haven’t had time lately to watch it. SEcretly, I just love Ryan Seacrest — for his work ethic, of course.
Twitter: sheri_silver
Oh my god – I LOVED this! Especially #2 – “gather round” indeed. Great blog, happy to have found you through SITS!
Totally educational…I’m with you! Love Project Runway? Have you been watching all stars? It’s not as good as the original, because there’s no Heidi and no Tim, but it’s still good. Thanks for sharing your blog today. Off to get more education!
jamie@[kreyv] recently posted..[kreyv of the day]
Ohhh, I have lots of shoes, but then I became a teacher and stopped wearing all of them, because it hurts to stand in them for a long time. I’m a secretary now, so I guess I could wear them again, but now my pants are all too short! You’ve inspired me to wear some cute heels out tonight. And some really great accessories too!
Katie recently posted..My New Haircut
Twitter: Rosesdaughter
I love Project Runway!! Happy SITS Day!
Twitter: balancingmama
I love this show! Happy SITS day!
Twitter: classicnycgirl
Use what you have and get it done. It’ll probably turn out better than you expected, and it’s going to make you feel so good in the long run.
Not just better than expected… on occasion, better than you could have done if everything had gone as planned. That’s happened to me more than once, I gotta say…
Oh, and happy belated SITS day!
Classic NYer recently posted..On being a grown up
Twitter: secretsofamom
I watched many a season but think my last was Christian Siriano’s (sorry if mispelled). Love, love, love Tim Gunn. Love Heidi even though she makes me feel bad for not having a flat stomach after 2 kids, let alone 4!
I have to say- they are really spot on about shoes. In the past, I would have a great outfit but couldnt pull it together because I didnt have the right shoes. Now, every season, I buy shoes first and kind of work around them. Its been so much easier getting dressed this way and shopping for clothes. Note- this is NOT because of Project Runway…just wisened up a bit over the years!
Tara @ secretsofamomaholic.com recently posted..Mama je ne sais quio
All so very true!
Thank you! and thanks for stopping by
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
Thanks for linking this up Amanda – I loved it the first time!
I also want to add to my 1st comment – that I love, love, love Tim Gunn because he uses the word ‘caucus’ like no one else can.
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