My favorite girls Mary and Leah from Fabulous on a Budget which I spotted on Myspace are now about to be the hosts for a show I have loved since Elisabeth Hasselbeck hosted, "The Look for Less." Here's an inside chat with the girls to find out more about the new, and improved "The Look for Less." The Style Network is repeating the same episode, so make sure to just DVR and catch it, they are playing early in the morning usually. And, if you are as happy with the show as I am, reach out to the site and let them know you want to see more.
How did you all get involved with "The Look for Less?"
Mary: We have been HUGE fans of the show in previous incarnations, and it’s all sorta serendipitous.
Leah: Our site was featured on a daily email from Trendcentral which tracks up and coming trends. Because of that, a casting company called us. We went in for an audition for another show. We didn't get that show but executives in NY saw our tape. Then when the casting director moved to Style in LA, she remembered us. We got a call for a meeting with Style about a year later. TV was always the big dream. When Style told us that they wanted us to be the new hosts of The Look For Less, we totally teared up because we knew that one of our dreams had come true. Plus, we used to LOVE that show!
Did you always know you wanted to take Fabulous on a Budget to a national level?
Mary: International, yes! We want everyone to be Fabulous!
Leah: "Everyone can be Fabulous", has always been our slogan. And we really mean it. We want to show the world that no matter who you wear or what you drive, everyone can be fabulous!
What will happen with Fabulous on a Budget?
Mary: We will continue to share our philosophy with even more people. Hopefully the show will allow us to do that on an even greater level.
Leah: We will continue with the blog and we are working on a book. We would like to expand the brand to include Fabulous On A Budget corespondents in every major city! So, if you are planning a trip to Miami, or live in Chicago, you can log on and see how to be Fabulous On A Budget in your neck of the woods!
School background for fashionistas that would want to do what you are doing one day:
Mary: Follow your dreams and don’t ever, ever give up. Just focus on your vision and surround yourself with supportive, inspirational people. Somebody has to do it, might as well be you.
Leah: Mary is right. We have been through it all with concept and following our dreams. But we started at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles. You meet a lot of people that have the same interests as you do when you go to a specialized school like that. That is where Mary and I met and where this all began.
What did you all do to get to where you are today: school, internships, jobs.
Mary: Well, Leah and I met while at FIDM. We immediately started cultivating what is now Fabulous on a Budget as a project that “if we put energy into this everyday, something is bound to come of it.” That’s what did, and we just never stopped.
Leah: We like to call ourselves "hustlers". And we mean that in the most endearing way! Some of the previous jobs I have had were an assistant to a bridal gown designer, personal assistant to one of the country's leading interior designers and many more other little odd jobs just to pay the bills and fund our dream. But now that we get to work together full time, we feel SO blessed. We feel like we are the luckiest girls in the world!!
I love the change of the show going to stores like Intermix to get the idea for what you LOVE that is pricey and getting a similar look on a budget, what other changes can we expect on the show?
Mary: Well, for one thing we are both the hosts and the stylists, which makes it really fun!
Leah: Yup, this is the first time that this host is also the stylist. And of course there are two of us which makes for some fun banter and even some head butting!
What stores will the Look for Less be partnering with? I LOVE that you all are working with Buffalo Exchange! That is one of my favorite stores!
Mary: We heart Buffalo Exchange ! It’s also a great way to make a little cash on your un-wanteds or swap out last season’s duds for a brand new look. We’re excited to showcase unexpected spots that everyone has access, like army navy surplus and uniform stores.
Leah: We want to try and hit stores that you wouldn't necessarily think of when putting together an outfit. But, we also love our favorites like Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx!
I would love to see more DIY how-to's, do you think you all will do those on the site or the show? (i.e. the bracelet or going to see the alterations being done--tips)
Mary: Definitely, we want to show the audience how easy it can be!
Leah: And you really do save money that way! Not to mention it makes us feel like domestic goddesses!
When will the show start taking off? After talking to people they are all waiting for the next episode, what are the steps to get that started?
Mary: We’re not sure yet. We’re still awaiting the final verdict, but if you love it, let ‘em know at mystyle.com. Power to the people.
Leah: Fingers and toes crossed.
What are your must-haves for fall?
Mary: Still into highwaisted everything paired with American Apparel Crop Tops and pearls. Oooh, and Brazilian Keratin straightening!
Leah: Rock n' roll chic booties, animal prints, overs sized menswear pieces, cuffed trousers with sexy heels, lots of cardigans in every length and color, and of course my cowboy boots!
Where are your fave stores to shop for deals?
Mary: I’m a sucker for Loehman’s. Beautiful clothes, footwear, and accessories, PLUS there’s always a 60 percent off already reduced items… Amazing!
Leah: Ross is where I go for shoes. TJ MAXX for sweaters and cardigans . Local flea markets for furniture. Thrift stores for fun and fabulous jewelry. And of course, Mary's closet for FREE!
What are some great ideas for budget friendly Christmas gifts this year?
Mary: I always keep my eyes peeled for vintage bowls, silver dishware and old trophies at thrift stores and estate sales. Then I fill with their favorite things: candy, tea, or wildflowers. They add a little whimsy to any room.
Leah: I love giving pictures in frames. My parents LOVE it when they unwrap a great picture of the family and it goes immediately on the mantle. I also like to wrap gifts in simple brown paper bags (think the inside of a grocery store bag) and use natural twine.
What are your fave blogs?
Mary: We love Who What Wear. They’re kind of our dream.
Leah: This is Glamorous. I'm obsessed with every post. So pretty and of course FABULOUS!
What are your fave fashion based shows?
Mary: All of them! Project Runway may be my fav though… Tim Gunn and Heidi are magic.
Leah: I'm dying over the Rachel Zoe project! She kills me! But I told mary to slap me if I ever start to talk like her..
Do you all have a motto, what is it?
Mary: “No matter who you wear or what you drive…
Leah: ...... everyone can be FABULOUS!"
What type of girls/guys are you looking for with this show?
Mary: Anyone who wants to pimp out their personal style for pennies.
Leah: We are suckers for a good story. The more dramatic the better! We loved working with Nishi on the first episode who was trying to wow her ex! Let's just say "Mission Accomplished!"
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