To sum up the women in Season 2 of She's Got The Look: STUNNING.
From L.A. to Dallas, the turnout in each city was great, and the women that auditioned this past fall were nothing short of spectacular. We had the quirky Ernestine. The unique Vicky, a petite, plus-size Asian woman, who certainly did create her own category. And there was, of course, the drop-dead gorgeous Angela, who sped through auditions but fell seriously short during the first challenge.
There is one thing to understand about women over 35: Life's experiences have made them less concerned about their flaws, more secure about their assets, and that's really captivating. Of course, Shelly is the exception to this as she wears her insecurities on her sleeve -- but this spectacular beauty does change her stripes over the season. And Dolores is case in point -- the 72-year-old grandmother was an instant success. The judges were all in love with her, especially me.
We were introduced to some unbelievable women, and it was certainly hard for Robert, Sean and me to eliminate several -- but what viewers saw in the beginning is that any one tiny thing can get a contestant instantly eliminated, no matter how much we loved them during castings. That's why it's so important to do what the judges ask and really meet any challenge head on.
What we saw in the first "Leg-Up Challenge" quickly pointed to those that would stay the course throughout this competition. Their task - to be sexy with just the addition of a few choice accessories - was a lot harder than the ladies initially thought.
A lack of experience with modeling, of being in front of the camera, does make it hard to be sexy. We clearly saw some frontrunners... hello, Rachel! Cutting that shirt was the right thing to do; if only she rocked it like the superstar that she is. Then there were the low points. Goodbye, Angela. A scarf and coat are not the accessories that sell sex appeal.
What we also saw in the first challenge was fledgling modeling versatility. Who could reinvent themselves? Who could redefine beauty? Who had the style to make heads turn?
While the other judges might have disagreed, I loved, loved, loved Raquel's style - hot jeans, great big hat - all the makings of a future J-Lo. The fact that she's in the military and a mom made her even hotter.
Jamie had the right idea, too. She understood that style and presentation had a lot to do with one's air of sexuality. And Sandy has brought a whole new personality to this season: The Cool Chick. I instantly loved her.
Can't wait for more? This season has some frights, fights and falls, but all in good fun. This is a journey of self-discovery that can't be missed.