Everywhere – on social media, NYC billboards, in conversations – two words have us obsessed: Queer Eye.
If you don’t know what the show is about, it’s about five men dubbed the Fab Five – Tan France, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, and Jonathan van Ness – who specialize in fashion, culture, food and drink, interior design, and grooming respectively and give a nominated person a full-on makeover in one week. Whether or not you’ve actually seen it, everyone’s at least heard of this show. It’s heartwrenching, uplifting, and inspiring all at the same time. In particular, it makes us want the Fab Five to come into our lives for a week and fix what needs to be worked on.
It’s a magical idea to have five beautiful men remake your life – especially because it seems like there’s no work on your part. Despite the appeal, I think we can all agree that our lives probably aren’t that messy. There may be a few less shiny spots in our lives, but they are things we can work on ourselves. Who needs the Fab Five when you can Queer Eye your own life? It’s not like it’s news to us when we see an area of our lives that could use some brushing up. It’s essential to recognize what we need to work on the same way the Fab Five do: in our space, in our wardrobe, in our self-care, in our health, and in ourselves.
Everyone should have a space they call their own. Whether that’s half a dorm room or a full-blown house, we reside in our little shelters that serve to protect us and provide solitude for those days. It’s important for these spaces to be accessible and useful to us as possible! Really start to wonder if you’re using the space to best suit your needs. If there’s something lacking, see what you can do. Maybe you need more light in your room. Perhaps the shelves you have actually create more clutter and you’d do better to donate the items you don’t need. Look at examples of other people’s interiors. While you don’t have Bobby and his crew with you to rebuild your place, you yourself can sit down and evaluate how you can rearrange and tidy your space to fit you.
Next, in wardrobe, it can seem impossible to get the style you want for an affordable price. Luckily, there are solutions. Take a day for yourself to visit a local thrift shop, secondhand boutique, and/or other affordable retailers. Just as Tan brought one of the men, Bobby, to a Target to find fashion, you can bring yourself to one or all of these places. Bring a Pinterest board or an album of outfits that truly resonate the style you want to see for yourself, and match the finds at the clothing stores with that style. With so many options for those who don’t want to use their paycheck on clothes, there’s no excuse as to why you cannot revamp your wardrobe if you really want to.
Jonathan regularly emphasizes that grooming has loads to do with self-care, not just vanity. It’s a plus that you look better at the end of a facial, but it doesn’t hold a candle to feeling better. Youtube has an abundance of beauty vloggers who share their skincare routines, especially those on a low budget. As for hair, throw out the 3-in-1 and bring in an inexpensive but quality shampoo that actually takes care of your head. Styling-wise, look up local places that cut hair for cheaper than high-end ones. While you may not get a Brazilian blowout, you will get a fresh cut that can make you feel fresh on the inside too.
Health is integral to wellness. It can be difficult to eat healthy and well… like it. It’s so satisfying to eat Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar chips, but your bowels disagree. Instead, opt for a mini cheese place or some Greek yogurt dip with sliced veggies. You know how Antoni loves his Greek yogurt. Once you throw out the junk food and incorporate produce into your diet, the habit of healthy eating will carry on. (Don’t be afraid to indulge every once in a while though.)
Finally, some soul healing. This is probably the hardest part of the makeover and something I’m afraid only Karamo and licensed therapists can advise you on. I can’t exactly offer advice on how to fix an emotional ailment, but I can say you are capable of overcoming whatever obstacle you’re faced with. Trust when I say you’re a baddie NO ONE can mess with. If there are deeply personal troubles you struggle with, however, never be afraid to ask for help and reach out to your support system. Queer Eye-ing your own life doesn’t mean you have to do it on your own.
These steps aren’t perfect, but they’re a place to start. Anybody can reinvent themselves at any time they feel is fit for them. Especially you. Go get ’em, tiger.
Image credit: chic!, karamo being his best self, FIERCEDOM HONEY