Clinton Kelly Is Freakin' Fabulous

Full disclosure: I love Stacy London and that's pretty much why I watch What Not To Wear.  Even though it's been a million years, it took me a while to warm up to Clinton Kelly, because I really liked the original host...the one who looked like Jesus and was way the heck out there. (Evidently, too far out there for prime time, as Clinton replaced him after only one season.) 

I caught Clinton at a book signing (Book Passage, San Francisco) last Wednesday and realized two things:

1.  He's drop-dead gorgeous in person...6'4, twinkly blue eyes and a non-stop smile

2.  He's underused on WNTW...this is a super smart (Boston College undergrad, Northwestern masters in journalism), former editor (more below) and charming guy who deserves much more air time.

Fortunately for us, he's jam packed some of these smarts into Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else.

Love the title and loved his presentation. Of course, he dished on WNTW and answered tons of  questions from the enthusiastic, standing room only, all-ages crowd of men and (mostly) women -- quite a feat, considering it was concurrent with the final presidential debate. 

I was amazed at how comfortable and candid he was, answering my first question, 'hey, you're a hottie -- what are YOU wearing??' with a laugh. Gucci jacket, Etro shirt (DogDad and I had guessed Paul Smith), Diesel jeans and Lambertson Truex shoes.  Guess his pre-loaded Visa card had a little more than $5k.  

Clinton had an interesting answer to the second question, "does anything surprise you?" Answer: "Not anymore...women who make the show are one of three types: Frumpy, Slutty, or Freaky." All have their challenges and he generally prefers the Freaky ones, although he and Stacy have no say about who gets picked for the show. Oh yeah -- their producers get 1,000 tapes/week.  Surprisingly, especially considering his schedule, Clinton keeps in touch with about 100 of the 240 women who've appeared on the show.  He reports that after WNTW, they often go on to get promotions, better jobs, new SOs, although some have the inevitable relapse.

He detailed the process for how the 42(!) shows/year are filmed, saying that there's an hour of tape for every minute of footage shown on TV. He also reports that only 3 women out of 240 have turned down the $5k post-ambush offer. Interesting note -- ambush crews spend about 2 weeks taping 'secret footage' and one producer got arrested hiding out in the buses on the grounds of a Federal building. Oopsie. 

Prior to WNTW, he was an editor at Marie Claire, Mademoiselle and Daily News Record (a menswear trade mag) and would love to do more shows with guy makeovers, but the ratings aren't there. He misses the discipline and process of publishing -- it's one of the reasons for the book. 

Freakin Fabulous is a great resource for anyone wanting to present their polished best -- think of it like Carmindy's ever-promoted White Strips...a mouthful of yellow teeth detracts from even the most gifted make-up job. The book covers a range of social skills from etiquette basics (where to place your napkin when stepping away from the table vs. finishing the meal) to the correct use of commonly mis-used words. Clinton's pet peeve is 'lie' and 'lay' (mine is 'tack' and 'tact'), so bone up here, and don't look like a bonehead when it counts.

Check out his official website for a list of book-related appearances and in-store visits for Macy's (he's one of their spokespersons). He'll literally be all over the country, from Hawaii to Florida, so catch him if you can. You can also see him promoting his denim line on QVC...one of the first styles sold out in 7 seconds.

Thanks, Clinton for a fantastic book, for graciously answering our hour-long barrage of questions and for introducing your darling 88 year-old grandmother...I see where you got your twinkly eyes and love of style. (-: 

Diva Deals pages: Etro, Gucci, Paul Smith

Comments

[Ivy Frozen]

Man! He was in SF and I missed it? ::cries:: Curse you school... I've always favored Clinton over Stacy. Stacy just gets on my nerves without Clinton. Looks like I missed the first season though since I don't remember the Jesus guy...

[Prêt à Porter P]

he's adorable. and i adore stacy too