Wearing White

In the email, the production assistant instructed me not to wear white, “We want you to look great on camera!” she enthused.

I typed back, “I was hoping to wear my chef’s jacket. Is that okay?”

“Sure!” She was so nice. And I was so foolish not to heed her initial warning: Avoid Wearing White.

I arrived at the television station yesterday right on time. I was sitting in the lobby across from a very tall man with a shaved head, tattoos and earrings. He was wearing all black. We were both waiting self consciously for the producer to come escort us back to the studio.

I broke the silence.

“Are you here to be on Charlotte Today?” I asked.

“Yes! I do a segment on cocktails,” He said. In spite of his tough-guy tats and stature he was friendly and kind. We chatted for a few minutes until the production assistant came to get us.

In the studio I was given space to set up, (cutting boards, small dishes filled with various ingredients) and was told when the cameras would be focused on me– when my segment would be live. I felt the slightest twinge of nerves, but not too bad, considering this was my first appearance on the show. In the ladies room, I changed into my chef’s white, pulled my hair back into a ponytail, then headed back into the studio; it was getting close to my segment time.

Standing off to the side was the kind, tall cocktail man, now wearing a smart, black chef’s jacket. I looked at him and asked, “Why a black chef’s jacket?”

“It’s very slimming,” He replied and continued, “White is… not so good. It’s what I wore for my first appearance on this show, but never again. I’ve lost 15 pounds since then.”

I swallowed hard. I had not choice but to carry on in my fat chef’s whites.

The show’s host moved into the kitchen as the floor director pointed at us to begin the segment.  Colleen, the host was so friendly and casual and lovely– she put me at ease and the time flew by. I actually relaxed and enjoyed myself.

On my way out, the co-producer said that they’d like to have me on again.

I returned home, full of energy and confidence– I couldn’t wait to watch the segment on the tv station’s website.

You know the old saying, when a camera’s pointed at you it adds 15 pounds? Well, there were four cameras pointed at me. And it’s true, white does not work well on television. I looked positively obese. Not like my chubby-self, but really fat.

It was disappointing.

And motivating.

I went on a 1 hour power walk and promised myself that I would eat more sensibly.

And I ordered a black chef’s jacket, just in case they want me on the show again.