Mama — aka Lynell Kollar, North Brunswick resident and New Brunswick business owner — recently received an updated look on Fine Living Network's upcoming series "Closet Cases" courtesy of the host: her son, style expert Lloyd Boston.

"It took (my mom) years to let go and just listen to my advice," explained New Brunswick native Boston, a fashion correspondent for the "Today" show who has appeared on "Oprah" and "The View." "She's got a great body, great hair and a great face. But she doesn't use it as often as I think she should."

About 25 crew members descended on Kollar's home on Thursday, Oct. 30, for the approximately 15-hour shoot, which also included a visit to Bloomingdale's in Bridgewater Commons. In the end, all of the footage will be whittled down to a 30-minute show, minus commercials. The show is set to debut in early 2009.

While some fashion makeover shows divest participants completely of their wardrobe, "Closet Cases" is more lenient. The show employs pieces from the subject's wardrobe and mixes and matches them with one another, as well as new items. In addition, the program surprises the participant by revamping their closet.

Boston doesn't consider "Closet Cases" a makeover show, per se.

"It's real lifestyle upgrades," he explained. "We're not pushing people out of their own style, but updating it (instead)."

While having a film crew take over her home inside and out was a new experience for Kollar, she isn't totally unfamiliar with being in front of the camera. She's been a model on the "Today" show five times.

"I'm getting to be an old pro," she said. "(But) this is the biggest."

Although she was excited about her new look and trusted her son's fashion sense, Kollar wondered which pieces in her closet he would single out to criticize.

"(Is it) embarrassing? Yes. Damaging? No," she said with a laugh.

In addition to introducing the television-viewing audience to his mother, Boston is thrilled to be hosting his very own show.

"I'm excited," he said. "It's going to look so good."

The 13-episode series updates the looks of men and women of all ages, all of whom reside in the tri-state area. There is no formal script, and comments and tips by Boston are spontaneous.

"That's the most exhausting part," Boston admitted. "I want to give fresh tips every episode."

Boston's passion for fashion and dedication to helping boost people's self-esteem was much admired on set.

"Lloyd is amazing to work with," said executive producer Marla Puccetti. "He's a real professional. He's a class act, and he's knowledgeable and funny and smart. (He's) everything you want in a host."