Winterizing my Wardrobe with Nate Berkus

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to appear in a Nate Berkus show segment with Dannielle Kyrillos called “Instant Wardrobe Updates”.

The producer called me the week before and asked me to arrive at the CBS studios in very specific attire: Cardigan and shell set, pencil skirt and pumps. I quickly agreed (because YAY! Nate Berkus!) even though those items have never, ever been in my repertoire. I rushed out to SoHo and picked up a few of these items and braced myself for the following day. I didn’t know what exactly I would be doing on the show, but the idea was that they would be pulling me “randomly” from the audience and giving me a make over.

I was legitimately nervous, but mostly excited when the driver picked me up. I didn’t really know what I was in for, but it was too neat of an opportunity to pass up.

When we arrived, I was ushered into a room with the other two girls that would be in the segment with me. One of the highlights of the day was meeting Dannielle, who is the editor over at Daily Candy and a judge on Top Chef Just Desserts.

I went immediately to the hair and makeup room where they glammed me up a bit (fortunately for me, this was supposed to happen AFTER the “makeover”). It didn’t take long for the producers to decide that what I came to the studio wearing was not suitable, so they sent someone over to Daffy’s to find something nice and drab, and snatched the pashmina off of one of the poor, freezing stage hands.

The segment itself went much better than I anticipated. Lets just say I was much more comfortable on camera than I ever expected. My heart was beating out of my chest and I felt as though I might vomit-until it was my turn to take the mic. I may or may not have raised the roof when the audience hollered at my “California girl” reference. Lucky for me- you’ll never know! This clip only shows the second half of the segment.

From dumpy to chic in nothing flat.

Yes, I almost fell walking down the stairs in those God-forsaken heels. The producer gave me a high five and a nice vote of confidence as I made my way back stage “You totally almost bailed on the stairs! I totally saw that. HAHA!”. Nice.

Anyway, all in all it was a fun experience. It was neat for my kids and extended family around the country to see me on television, and I even watched it one time through parted fingers.

Another New York moment that’ll be in my mental rolodex forever.