by Marcus Brooks

Created on: December 08, 2008

Why are fashion shows on television?

After the age of 15, guys and girls should know how to dress themselves. As youngsters, we allowed our parents buy us clothes from outlets, like Dollar General (if you came from middle-class) or Macy's (if you lived like the rich). No matter where you bought your wares, you still styled better than your budget.

Regardless of the wardrobe, there are some occasions where you must dress appropiately. To dress appropiately, there are teachers to guide us. Luckily, we have shows that provide that guidance. Welcome to Fashion 101.

What Not to Wear: (American version 2003-present)

Have you ever wanted to shop in New York City? It is a different animal. Imagine a beautiful woman about 5'8" and a neatly groomed gentleman about 6'4" scaring the bejesus out of you! Here you are on your daily routine of work, walking the dog or out at a Starbucks. You're going about your business. And then, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly ambush you. With them, are your friends and family and a camera crew from The Learning Channel (TLC). Welcome to TLC's What Not to Wear!

On this show, you have two opportunities. You have the opportunity to receive a $5,000 Bank of America VISA card. You also have the opportunity to earn an all-expense trip to New York City to spend that VISA on a whole, new wardrobe.

BUT, yes there is always a BUT.

You have to allow them to embarrass you on national television. You have to accept that your present wardrobe will be bashed, and most of it given to charity. Your clothes s* so much that they must give them away! You have to shop with that $5,000 by their rules. Ever heard of a gift with "strings attached"? What Not to Wear has a gift with a chain link. Don't fret too much. Since its beginnings in 2003, only two "contributors" (people picked for wardrobe makeovers) turned down the offer.

London and Kelly are two things; confident and honest. They are confident at being the best dressed individuals around. They are honest your wardrobe is in need of an intervention. Their fashion show has humor and innuendo. Expect a four-letter word or two to be dropped by the contributors and the hosts. Also expect an emotional breakthrough. There are some stories with contributors whose fashion "decisions" had troubled beginnings. This season, one woman confessed to battling an eating disorder. Another talked about being bullied in school as a child. Sometimes, the clothes we wear are part of a shell used to mask our vulnerability. Program your Tivo for 9 pm Eastern on TLC. Reruns are on five days a week from 12 to 2 Eastern also on TLC.

How Do I Look?

From ABC's General Hospital, we have a fashion show dedicated to building a wardrobe and someone's character. Soap opera fans know, Fiona Hughes, the former wife of spy/adventurer, Robert Scorpio. She and her team of fashion consultants are there to provide hope to ones stuck in an emotional rut. Friends and family invite Hughes to provide fashion therapy. The show has a more healing approach to it. While TLC's example is a self-proclaimed "fashion boot camp", How Do I Look has a softer approach. Consider it similar to helping an elderly person across the street. Some people are more accepting of having their hands held; instead of put close to the fire. Hughes has compassion for her guests. If you watch this program, it is guaranteed you're end up rooting for the people involved. Check it out on the Style channel on 235 (2 pm. Eastern five days a week)

Some other shows to watch are "America's Next Top Model" (MTV, KCWB), "Rock the Runaway" (BET), "Tyra Banks Show" (OXYGEN, KCWB) and "What Not to Wear: BBC (264 BBC Network). Now, if you want to dress to impress, use that clicker!

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