'Plain Jane': Louise Roe takes women from frump to fab

Louise Roe is the best friend every woman needs.

The host, fairy godmother and life coach of The CW's "Plain Jane," premiering Wednesday, July 28, is a force of fabulousness who transforms women's lives.

Much of her advice sounds like the blurbs in women's magazines or a combination from self-help reality shows, and yes, we have seen this oh, so many times before. But what makes this fun, and as honest as a reality show can feel, is Roe.

The fashion journalist and TV personality comes across as a great pal, the sort who will say, "Dump him; you deserve better!" Or, "Yes, it does make you look fat. Let's go shopping."

The premise is that a woman, a plain Jane, needs intensive girlfriend help. The plain Jane can be transformed once she conquers her biggest fear, changes her looks and gains confidence.

"With regard to the show, they end up becoming a friend of mine in a way we really bond," Roe says. "I don't see it as a hosting gig. This is a chance to step into someone's life and mix it all up. It's not just a shopping trip, which I had to say to one of the girls last week."

A plain Jane is not necessarily someone in need of tons of makeup and surgery. Rather, it's often an adjustment in how they see themselves.

"I think a plain Jane is a wallflower," Roe says. "The girl who sits in the shadows … who doesn't want to be in the limelight, very low in self-esteem."

Cristen Penn, subject of the first episode, fits that definition. A native of Los Angeles, Penn is adorable but walks with her shoulders hunched and her head down, as if she were trying to blend into the air. She has long had a deep crush on Ty, a buddy, and though she has family and friends and is successful at her job, she wants to break out of her rut.

Roe tells her on-screen, "I will make you over from top to bottom, inside and out."

Looking back on her transformation during the show, Penn says, "I just wanted to have a lot of fun and have new experiences and learn as much as I can, and learn how to dress well and do makeup. Ty was definitely a good prize at the end."

She reaches her goal, which is not giving away anything because anyone who has seen a reality show or leafed through one magazine knows that, of course, Penn can be molded and a happy ending can be crafted.

"I definitely learned how to pick out some more girlie outfits," Penn says. "I learned some makeup tips and some more confidence tips. I was thrown into a lot of situations I would not normally be in."