Fantasy league week twelve

WEEK ELEVEN RESULTS: I can't believe it's almost over! Only a couple of more episodes to EVER appear on Bravo. It's so terrible I could cry. Suede followed the script that's been written for him and was sent packing this week, which was a surprise after seeing how much the judges disliked Kenley's outfit. But Kenley has impressed the judges much more than Suede, and she makes better TV! We can't wait to see more fireworks between her and the judges. It was a small field competing this week, so here are the tallies. Rachel and I both netted a perfect score of 30, and Andrea finished with 15 points. (These totals will be changed if this week's episode reveals that four designers do indeed go to fashion week). MY PICKS: This is a tough one, who goes home? The one with the bad attitude or the one who (I think) is the weakest designer. Kenley or Jerrell? Leanne could also be in trouble with several shaky weeks. And does Korto have enough of a voice to make it to the end? Would they really let it be an all-female finale? I think Jerrell is toast, and I think Leanne will take the win. But I think it will be very close! Only two picks this week, each worth 10 points. Our 10-point bonus question is: Will Leanne cry? The promos reveal everyone but her sobbing! I say no.

Fantasy league week eleven

WEEK TEN RESULTS: We're over Kenley. She's definitely talented, but she knows it, which is the real problem. And she doesn't mind reminding people of that. Since we're getting near the end it's time to do a point tally so far this season, only a few more weeks to go! Rachel is in the lead with 175, with me coming in second with 165. Kate and Andrea are just a hair behind with 160 points each. Bringing up the rear are Dave with 70, Mariah with 65 and Brad with 25. MY PICKS: I think Suede is done. I think he's been done for awhile, but this week it's official. I also think Kenley will finish in the bottom two. I think it's Korto's time to win, and I think Jerrell, against my better judgment, will also finish in the top two. I'm still loving Leanne though, but I don't think this is her week. Bonus question of the week: Will it be a final four going to Bryant Park for the finals or will it be a final three? I say no, it will be a final three, but I think it will be a tough call for the judges.

Fantasy league week nine

WEEK EIGHT RESULTS: Three of the designers are definitely pulling ahead of the pack. My prediction is Leanne, Kenley and Korto in the final three. I definitely think Leanne is coming up strong, her dress this week was drop-dead gorgeous, very reminiscent of the coral Michael Kors dress Charlize Theron wore to the Academy Awards a few years ago, except better! Korto's dress was also stunning with the flash of yellow at the leg. It was not Stella's week though, our poor New York rocker was sent back to her boyfriend Ratbones. As for scoring, Kate took the lead with 30 points, but not too far behind were Andrea, Rachel S. and Dave with 25 points each. I followed with 20 and Mariah came in with 15. There's still plenty of time, though. MY PICKS: I'm so over Blake. I just want him to go away. His clothes are just weird. But I think he has another week left in him. How does he keep squeaking by? I think Jerrell's bad taste will finally be exposed, and I think Terri will fall flat as well, with the shocker being Terri going home! I'm going to pick Korto for the win, with Leanne also finishing in the top. As for our bonus question this week: Will any of the designers cry? I vote yes!

Hula and happiness

WE'RE GETTING MAUIED: It's a week of fun in the sun for me, so I'm taking a much-needed break. But catch us back in two weeks for more from your favorite blog!

Fantasy league week eight

WEEK SEVEN RESULTS: They finally put Keith out of his misery this week and sent him home. Like no one could see that one coming. Leanne rocked what was one of the best challenges of the season with a beautiful dress straight off Gautier's runway. It was so beautiful. Korto also made a pretty coat from seatbelts, but we're glad Leanne took the win, she definitely deserved it. Is she the dark horse of the competition? Her creations always have an interesting architectural touch, and she's one of the nicest designers of the bunch. We did pretty well as a group last week, with Kate, Andrea and I netting 25 points, Rachel 20 and Mariah 15. MY PICKS: I really think, and hope, that Blayne is toast this week. The guy has a serious lack of taste. I'm also going to pick Joe for the bottoms two. The guy needs some camera time at some point, right? I think Kenley is going to impress Diane Von Furstenburg and take the win, and I think Terri will also finish in the top. As for our bonus question this week: Let's try it one last time, will Blayne mention his tanning? I'm going with yes, on his way out the door!

Fantasy league week seven

WEEK SIX RESULTS: It was a crazy challenge last week, and featured the greatest line every spoken in the show's history, when Tim Gunn told Blayne that his outfit looked like a pterodactyl in a gay Jurassic Park. Joe's outfit was pretty hot, and he deservedly one. Who doesn't love Ann-Margaret? But we have a bit of a bone to pick with the judges when it comes to the losers. Keith's outfit was a joke, much worse than the outfit Daniel created. But Daniel was inexplicably sent home, we imagine based on past failings. But at least he created an item of clothing that looked like more than a roll of a toilet paper my cat tore up. We didn't do much better than Keith with our picks this week, Andrea finished with 15, Kate, Rachel and I with 10, and Dave with 5. MY PICKS:I think the fat lady has sung for Keith this week, I'm predicting he'll be aufed. I think Blayne will also join him in the bottom two, isn't anyone else sick of him yet? I think it's time for Kenley to finish on top again, and I think Suede will be a runner-up for the win. For our bonus question this week: Will Michael Kors call something too mother-of-the-bride in a flashback to last season? I say no, but it would be so awesome if he did!

Fantasy League week six

WEEK FIVE RESULTS: I think Kenley is a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. The judges seem to love her, and she racked up another win this week with her joint effort with Keith. The skirt/blouse combo they made for Brooke Shields was totally wearable, and very cute. I'd love to wear it, and there are few outfits from the show I can say that about. Also finishing near the top were Jerrell (shudder) and Stella, who created a cute silhouette, albeit with tacky fabrics. Kelli was justifiably ousted for a hideous Betty Boop-gone-bad suit. Almost everyone pretty much nailed many of their picks this week, with Kate and Rachel finishing on top with 25 points apiece. I was not far behind with 20 points, Mariah and Andrea netted 15, and David got 5. As we approach the halfway point of the season, here's where everyone stands: Kate, 65; Me, 75; Rachel, 80; Brad, 25; David, 30; Andrea, 65; Mariah, 35. It's still anyone's game! MY PICKS: Blayne is toast this week. I definitely think he's going home, and not a week too soon. In the bottom with him is going to be Daniel, who the judges really seem to hate. As for the winner, I'm going to go with Suede, he of the annoying habit of referring to himself in the third person. I wouldn't want to hang out with him, but I'd wear what he made me. I'm also going to go with Korto finishing in the top. As for our bonus question this week: Will Blayne refer to his tanning? I say yes, after he's kicked out he's going to say at least he can go tan now!

Fantasy league week five

WEEK FOUR RESULTS: Well, I may not always be right, but when I am, I am soooo right. Jerrell confirmed my justification in hating him last week with his Little Bo Peep interpretation of an outfit suited for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. It was really beyond words. I have no idea what he was thinking. But he was saved by Jennifer's prim sweater set. Have these people never seen a sporting event before? Most of them really crashed and burned, with Terri, Korto and Joe being the exceptions to the rule. It was a small field of players this week, Andrea, Rachel and I all netted 20 points (holla!), and Kate was just behind with 15. MY PICKS: I'm gunning for Blayne, Stella and my man Jerrell to go home, however I think Jerrell will be spared once more, with the other two being in the bottom two. I think Blayne will be going home. I think Kelli and Kenley will be in the top two, with Kenley claiming the win once more. As for the bonus question this week: Let's go with, will someone cry? I say yes, there will be tears!

Don't stop decorating

STYLING WONDERS: I'm in the middle of decorating my bedroom right now, and I've been inspired by '70s style, think "Three's Company" and Mrs. Roper. Or, a better way to put that, is Fleetwood Mac. I've gone with a wicker chair and plush white rugs for my bedroom, much like those seen here, and I've added a mix of textiles to add depth to the room. Working off this old band photo, I chose black and white graphic pillows, similar to Christie McVie's blouse, to contrast with the white rugs in the room. The World Market iron wall hanging, above, keeps with the natural vibe of the wicker and wool. Last but not least, yurdan.com sells beautiful Uzbeki suzanis that make great bed coverings or wall hangings. They add a bohemian vibe to the room while still keeping things pretty. If you're scared to go too '70s, you can forego the wicker for wood, but try to stick with natural furniture to keep an organic feeling.

Fantasy League week four

WEEK THREE RESULTS: Most of the designers really disappointed in last week's challenge. Just think back to Jay's Chrysler building dress, it was so much better than everything produced last week! Kenley's dress was creative, and Leanne's was classy, but nothing was mind-blowing. We were sad to see Emily go, because she seemed so nice, but her dress was definitively uninspired. As for the scores, Rachel and Brad rocked it with 25 points each, with Andrea, Mariah and David coming in a close second with 20 points. I finished with 15 and Kate finished with 10. As for the totals, Rachel and I are tied for first with 35 points, with David, Brad and Kate tied for second with 25 points each. Right behind them are Andrea and Mariah with 20 points. MY PICKS: I think Blayne might be in trouble. The guy has more than a few screws loose and his clothes aren't appealing at all. So I'm picking him to go home. I also think Stella will be in the bottom, the judges are going to want to see something different from her. Unfortunately I think Jerrell is safe for one more week, he's my least favorite at this point. As for the top, I'm going to pick Korto to win. Her jumpsuit was my favorite outfit last week. I also think Keith will finish in the top, as I totally loved his newspaper dress, despite the judges complaints! Our bonus question this week: Will Tim say holla? I'm going with yes!

Scent of a woman

I'm a sucker for perfume. I can't leave the house without it or else I feel naked. But my needs are very specific, not just any perfume will do. It has to smell like something naturally occurring in nature, and it can't be too strong. These don't sound like tough standards, but you'd be surprised. It's very hard to find a scent that doesn't seem synthetic. That's why i'm in love with Marc Jacobs' new perfumes that come in three scents: grapefruit, basil and pear. And being three of my favorite scents ever, I can't resist. The heart goes where the nose knows.

Fantasy league week three

WEEK TWO RESULTS: What is up with the judges? Once again I dispute their findings! Wesley did not make the worst dress! Korto's was by far the least attractive, as it seemed to be made for a fish. What was up with the gills? But they did pick right when it came to the winner, I hate to say. The loathsome Suede definitely rocked the challenge. As for the results, I nailed that someone would cry, but little else, which left me with 15 points. Kate and David finished with five points each, and Rachel had 10. MY PICKS: I have faith in Daniel, I think he's definitely got talent, so I'm going to pick him as my winner, and I'm going to go with Terri finishing in the top as well. She made a cute dress last time that got little praise. As for the bottom, I have a major bone to pick with Stella's fashion sense, so she's my pick. Although I'm targeting Jerell for the loss. That guy has made nothing that hasn't been hideous. Our bonus question this week will be: Does Tim repeat the phrase "hot mess"? Definitely the highlight of episode two. Though I'm going to go with no.

Cool Britannia

WHAT A PRETTY PUSSYCAT: I have a love affair with the '60s and '70s, as I'm sure most people my age do. Everything just seemed so much cooler back then, with the exception of mustard yellow kitchen appliances and fashion inspired by astronaut's wives. So it was with great excitement that I watched Woody Allen's "What's New Pussycat?", from 1965. The film starts slow and only picks up in the last 30 minutes, but it is a treasure of sixties style. From the Burt Bacharach-penned theme song sung by Tom Jones to the bevy of beautiful ladies outfitted in great get-ups, it's an aesthetic treat. Especially love the young Peter O'Toole and the always glamourous Capucine. Meow.

Fantasy league week two

WEEK ONE RESULTS: So, I have a bone to pick with the judges of my beloved "Project Runway." There is no way that Jerry deserved to be auf'd before Stella, she of the stitched-together garbage bags. So unfair! And we thought Joe's pasta skirt and top deserved to make the top two. My next mission is to figure out how I can be a judge! As for this week's results, it was a slow start, with Kate coming out on top by picking the winner. Kate netted 10 points, and I netted five, everyone else finished with zero, sorry to say. But to quote The Carpenters, we've only just begun. We'll play with the same rules as last week, but we'll add a bonus question this week worth 10 points: Will one of the designers cry? MY PICKS: So there are definitely a few designers who stood out week one. My picks for the top two are Daniel and Kenley, with Daniel winning. The bottom two will be Blayne and Suede, with Blayne going home. And I vote yes, someone will cry.

Bikinis or bust

TLC's new Friday night staple is yet another reality show about a C-list celebrity trying to make it big through the small screen. Ashley Paige is a mildly famous bikini designer who is struggling financially, trying to find a backer and, of course, a boyfriend. She's annoying, bitchy, opinionated and therefore, perfect for the medium. If you have nothing better to do it's worth a watch, but if not, definitely tune this one out.

Fantasy league week one

IT'S BACK: It's so sad that this is the last stand of "Project Runway" on Bravo. And the network has hardly previewed the new season at all, one can only assume it's their revenge on the series for picking up and leaving them for Lifetime. But their attempts to bury this summer season have failed, as we get set to launch our second fantasy league. Round one will be different from the other rounds, as we'll start with just a couple of questions. The first is to pick two of the top designers. Each correct pick will be worth five points, with a bonus five going if you pick the winner correctly. The second will be to pick two of the bottom two designers, with each pick worth five points, with the exact pick of the loser being worth a bonus five. Please note, your picks must be among the final groups standing on stage in the bottom and top to be correct. MY PICKS: I think Wesley and Emily have the strongest resumes. But I think Wesley will emerge as the winner of week one. Blayne and Keith seem to be the weakest, but I think Keith will be sent home first.

She's more than Johnny Depp's girlfriend

GIRL, INTERRUPTED: I've been trying to watch the movie "Cache," starring Daniel Auteuil for a couple of weeks, but keep falling asleep. That was definitely not the case with his film "Girl on the Bridge," which is also one of my all-time favorite movies. Also starring Vanessa Paradis, the film is about two down-on-their-luck souls whose chance meeting turns their lives around. Auteuil plays a knife-thrower, and Paradis his target. The two meet when she's about to throw herself off the Pont Neuf in Paris, at which point Auteuil offers her a job as his target, as he hasn't been an accurate shot lately. With killer songs by Marianne Faithfull, Auteiul is the only thing that misses in this French flick.

No Mexicali Blues here

ENDLESS SUMMER: I know, another trip! After only a few blogs. It's just that time of year I suppose, though it'll be a summer chock full of blog entries, so stay tuned. Isla Mujeres is the destination, and surf, sun and snorkeling are the attractions. Quintana Roo is famous for hammocks, so wish us good hammock hunting!

Short and sweet

Gwyneth is one of the most stylish stars around, but in the last few years she was stagnating. She wore her famous blonde locks long and, for the most part, stick straight, parted down the middle. It was cool at first, but we thought a new look would do her good. And voila! With the release of "Iron Man," which was undeniably awesome, the fashion plate has returned with newly shorn locks. Her hair hits just above her shoulders, and looks great worn wavy. She may not be the nicest girl on set, but she's once again the most stylish.

Wet and wild

It's been a wet spring, to say the least. The rainfall in May in these part has reached record sums. As much as I'm sick of the soggy stuff, it's given me a chance to wear my wellies all month. They are essential when the rain hits, and look awesome to boot.

Gone, but not forgotten

On the road again

OUT TO LUNCH: It's not summer yet, but I'm off on a road trip up north. Ain't no time like the present to get a new perspective on life, and of course to do some shopping in someone else's neighborhood.

That '70s feeling

LADIES OF THE CANYON: In my mind the greatest decade for fashion in the last 50 years is the '70s. There were a lot of bad moments, for sure, think platforms for men and hot pants. But the evolution of the late '60s hippie look was a success with natural hair, denim and peasant blouses. And the early '70s were a great time for singer-songwriters, especially women like Carly Simon, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. A recent issue of "Vanity Fair" featured a lengthy article on the three groundbreaking singers, as excerpted from a recent book. With spring finally here it's a perfect time to take fashion inspiration from that time. Think maxi-dresses, floral prints and moccasin boots. And what with jacked-up gas prices and an unpopular war, it's almost like we're really back there!

What dreams may come

One of my favorite movies ever is the early '90s flick "Until the End of the World." Directed by Wim Wenders and starring William Hurt and Sam Neill, the movie is a worldwide trek that ends in the Australian Outback with an invention that allows people to watch their own dreams, which is dangerously intoxicating for all involved. It's such a beautiful film words don't do it justice. Also brilliant is the soundtrack, which is one of the Top 10 film soundtracks ever. Check it out for great R.E.M and Talking Heads, and for the standout title track by U2. The best track though is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' "I Love You Until the End of the World." Who else can write a lyric about a blind pencil seller shouting for his dog that lay dead on the side of the road?

For the birds

HITCHCOCK REVISITED: The recent Hollywood edition of Vanity Fair featured one of their best photo portfolios ever, stars in famous Hitchcock scenes. Jodie Foster playing Tippi Hedron in "The Birds" is my favorite, but also great are Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem as Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window."

The Hills are alive with the sound of backstabbing

IT'S BACK! Twenty-seven hours and counting! "The Hills" makes it's much-anticipated return tomorrow night. Will Kristen really make an appearance in the coming episodes? Is it really kaput between Spencer and Heidi, Lauren and Brody? Whitney and Teen Vogue? We can't wait to see how it all unfolds!

On target

The latest designer line to come to Target is Jojovich-Hawk, a line helmed by actress/model/singer Milla Jojovich and model Carmen Hawk. Truth be told, I haven't been a huge fan of Target's designer collections. Heresy, I know, but I always feel like I can tell that the collections are pale imitations of the original. I was so excited about Temperley's line last year, and was sorely disappointed in the results, a mish-mash of trendy hippie looks with no compelling standout piece. But Jojovich-Hawk's collection is one of the strongest of the Go lines. It's also perfect for spring, as the looks are heavy on florals and flounces. The dresses are very cute, with forgiving silhouettes that would be perfect for a backyard barbecue or just hanging out in a hammock. They definitely make me yearn for Sundays full of badminton, lemonade and farmers markets. And what could be better than that?

Welcome to the jungle

With only one episode remaining in Candice Bushnell's new series "Lipstick Jungle," I can safely say that it's really not that good. It's improved from being stupid enough to offend to being utterly non-offensive in every way, which is a good thing, I guess, but which has rendered the show totally unremarkable. It's not as wildly unbelievable or smugly self-satisfied as "Cashmere Mafia," but it's just as far-fetched. Lindsay Price plays a likable young designer who's swept off her feet by - no kidding here - Andrew McCarthy, who has enough money to drop $50 million on a painting. I meet those kinds of guys everyday, don't you? Brooke Shields plays a film producer who is trying to balance her family and career - yawn. And Kim Raver plays a magazine editor having an affair that began as sexual harassment. It's all very "Unfaithful," but not nearly as well-acted. So, all in all, if you haven't caught an episode yet, don't worry, you haven't missed much. You're safe sticking to "Sex and the City" reruns.

Cute and cropped

This time of year can be tricky wardrobe wise, it's too cool to go jacket-less and too warm for a heavy coat. Last year marked the inauguration of the cropped jacket, a stylish take on the traditional light coat. If you didn't pick one up last year luckily they're still in this year, and J.Crew has the cutest of the bunch. This white jaquard jacket is perfect with jeans or with a summer dress. We like the white best, but try one of their khaki cropped jackets for a more casual look.

It's in the bag

IT'S EASY BEING GREEN: Plastic bags may be convenient and cheap, but they're going to be around a lot longer than the groceries you put in them, and will outlive you as well. Starting April 22, Earth Day, Whole Foods is going to stop offering the bags to shoppers, and many other retailers are curbing their addiction to the Earth-unfriendly bags as well. So now is the perfect time to pick up some canvas bags that are strong enough for your groceries yet stylish enough to tote around town. Keep one in your car and one folded up in your purse and you're good to go, and everyone else will be green with envy.

Fantasy League results

SISTER CHRISTIAN: All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately "Project Runway" is now a memory, as well as our first fantasy league. Christian claimed victory, thanks in no small part to Posh Spice's vote. I'm all for adding some credibility to the show with famous fashionista's like Posh, but it would be nice if the designers were judged, for the final, by the three judges who know them best and have seen their triumphs and tragedies throughout the season. Truth be told, I wasn't fully crazy about any of the last three collections, but I thought Jillian's was the strongest overall. It was contemporary, wearable and covetable, all things Christian's collection was not. Christian is a good designer, no doubt, but he excels at costumes, not clothes for everyday living. And I'm all for the Viktor & Rolf's and Alexander McQueen's succeeding in the business, but if I'm going to pick the next great designer it's the Miuccia Pradas and Marc Jacobs who have the greater impact on people's lives. The clothes you see at the mall are inspired by their collections, not by those of the avant-garde artists. Jillian was robbed! FANTASY LEAGUE RESULTS: In the end I couldn't be caught, thanks to a few early wins, but it was close! Brad and Julia tied for second, and were only one win behind me. Kate and Angy finished in third with four wins, and Rachel was in fourth place with three wins. Unfortunately Andrea finished last with one win, but there's always next season!

Enchanted

The ever ubiquitous Amy Adams has made it to the Vogue best dressed list. And she looks great in the color of the season (almost) past: grey. She's reminiscent of Nicole Kidman in her redhead years. For a classic look at Adams, check her out in a couple of early episodes of "The Office," which she appeared in a couple of years ago before her star really rose. She played Jim's short-lived girlfriend, who was almost as dumb as Dwight, but a lot better looking.

Dressed to impress

AND THE AWARD GOES TO: Well it's a bit late for my favorite Oscar looks, but better late than never! The dresses this year were really great overall, with few misses and a lot of people looking much better than in recent outings, including the Jennifers: Garner and Hudson. And the best dressed ladies were all about the accessories, from baby bumps to jewels to die for. Among the best were Helen Mirren in a ruby red dress, Penelope Cruz in sapphire blue and Anne Hathaway in stunning scarlet. But the best looks of the night? Check out a pregnant Jessica Alba, Marion Cotillard in a fishtail white gown, Jennifer Hudson in a look reminiscent of "Dreamgirls" and Nicole Kidman dripping diamonds while also pregnant.

Fantasy League week twelve

MY PICK FOR WEEK TWELVE: Well this is it, the end of another season, and the onset of Runway withdrawal. I think Jillian is going to win it all, and I think it's well deserved. I would be OK with any of the three finalists winning, but disappointed, absolutely, if Jillian doesn't get the recognition she has deserved all season. She's a great designer of clothes for women. They're drool-inducing and fashion forward without being over-the-top. Christian's clothing is too costume-y, which is why I think he got along so well with Chris. It's all collars and darts and Flock of Seagulls looking. Rami makes beautiful dresses, no doubt, but that's it, and the next great designer has to do more than dress a starlet.

Get on the bus

THE TIME OF THE SEASON: I've always loved these old VW buses. If only my parents had one so I could've inherited it and drove it until it died, I would've been thrilled! But I have another chance, as Volkswagen is releasing a new bus later this year. At just $20,000, it's not exactly cheap, but totally reasonable for an amazing slice of the past.

If the shoe fits

If you're going to buy one new shoe this year, it should definitely be a gladiator sandal. Flat sandals are great, very practical for weekends and cool with short skirts. But if you're like me and you like a little boost for your 5'2" frame, these Nine West heels are perfect. They elevate the classic style by adding a platform heel, and will work with jeans, pants or longer skirts. And at only $89, they're a great investment. But hurry, they're already beginning to sell out!

UPDATE: LookGirl beauty here, just chiming in to let you about my recent Gladiator-inspired purchases. (Please ignore the horrible photos I took trying to bend over and point the camera in the vicinity of my feet and my desperate need for a pedicure!) Last weekend I was browsing Target's shoe racks and came out with a great pair of sandals from Issac Mizrahi for $24.99. They're not real leather clearly, but for that price they seemed like a steal. Plus, they're very comfortable. Then, this weekend, while consignment shopping with a pal, I found the most amazing pair of like-new Coach Gladiator heels (they're higher and cuter than they look in the pic) in gold. They are fantastic! But you haven't heard the best part: They were only $28. Yeah.

Eastern promise

My favorite store in New York City, and there are a lot of great ones to choose from, is Pearl River Mart. It is an Asian-goods emporium, with everything from silk pajamas to tea pots to paper lanterns. Everything is super affordable too, much less than you'd pay for comparable items at other stores. Check out their Web site whether you're furnishing your home or your closet. Our favorites are the wall fans and the embroidered tops. And you don't even have to fly to Hong Kong to snag them.

Week eleven results are in...

Oh Chris, poor Chris. He seems like such a nice guy, and we all know what happens to nice guys. They finish last, and deservedly so in this case. Chris made a truly frightening collection, complete with jackets and dresses trimmed in human hair. It was more macabre than masterful, and he paid the price. Not that Rami's collection was anything special. It looked straight out of the mall, although the craftsmanship on the gown was impressive, although the dress itself wasn't terrible original. FANTASY LEAGUE RESULTS: It was almost a complete sweep, with all but Andrea and Rachel picking Chris to go home. All in all I'm still in the lead with seven wins, Brad, Julia, Kate and Angy all have four wins, and Andrea and Rachel have one.

Fantasy League week eleven

MY PICK FOR WEEK ELEVEN: Now that we're in the home stretch, it seems only fitting to tweak the rules. This week you have only one vote: Who will be sent home, Rami or Chris? Those who pick correctly will score a win that's equivalent to two wins in previous weeks. The same will be true for the finale, too. Since the stakes are raised for the designers, it's only fair that they're raised for us, too, and it opens it up so it's still anyone's game! I am going to vote that Chris is sent home, bon voyage!

Week ten results are in...

I loved this week's challenge, I think it was the most true to how artists seek, and find, inspiration. And the clothes, overall, were really great. I even have a soft spot in my heart for Sweet Pea's peacock dress, although it was no doubt the weakest look. I thought Chris and Rami did retreads of looks they've already showed us before, although I thought Rami's craftsmanship was really great. I would love to own the purple goddess dress he created. I have to say that I thought Jillian was robbed. She created a cute, wearable outfit, whereas Christian created a costume taken straight from the canvas. Over-the-top? Yes. Original? No. FANTASY LEAGUE RESULTS: Angy nailed it by getting every category right. Julia was a close second, and everyone else was in the bottom for not picking Christian as the winner. Overall, I'm still in the lead with five wins. Brad, Julia, Angy and Kate all have two wins. Andrea and Rachel have one.

Joe lies when he cries

I GAVE HER MY HEART AND SHE GAVE ME A PEN: When I was in high school there was no movie couple cooler than Ione Skye and John Cusack in "Say Anything." Every girl I knew had a major crush on Lloyd Dobler, and I still always look for that bit of Lloyd in the men I know. And Ione Skye, in real life, was the girl you wanted to be. She's Donovan's daughter, went out with Ad Rock, started a clothing label and was in "River's Edge," a great '80s movie. It didn't get much better than that. But "Say Anything" is still the pinnacle of both their careers. Watch for the best Red Hot Chili Peppers song ever, "Taste the Pain," Eric Stoltz dressed as a chicken, a lovelorn Lili Taylor and a very young Jeremy Piven.

Fantasy League week ten

MY PICKS FOR WEEK TEN: It's a double elimination week, which means we're only one week from the finale. It's so sad, I don't want it to end! Although I am ready for the judges to finally trim the fat. I am absolutely certain that Chris will be eliminated this week, and I'm also going to pick Sweet Pea. It's possible Rami could be eliminated, but I think he has more talent, which I think will carry him through. I'm going to go with Jillian to win again, I really think she's had a lot of strong looks and is due. I'm going to say yes to mother-of-the-bride, Michael Kors doesn't have many chances left to say it, so he'll return to his roots this week. I also think there will be tears, I'll pick Sweet Pea to cry, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are tears of happiness as well.

I spy ikat

If you've been keeping up with fashion at all you know that ikat is the big print for spring. What is ikat? It's a way of dying or embroidering fabric that results in a patterned, sometimes tie-dyed look. It's popular in Eastern Europe, think Uzbekistan, and also parts of Africa, Asia and South America. You definitely don't want to dress head-to-toe in the pattern, but this Urban Outfitters scarf is a great, subtle way to incorporate the look into your wardrobe. If you're looking for something for your home, you can get a one-of-a-kind throw to put over a sofa or to hang on your wall. It's a great way to add a splash of color and culture to a room.

Week nine results are in...

The designers had to dress female wrestling stars this week, much to their shock. It was a great episode, with its fair share of highs and abysmal lows, but I do miss them doing pretty dresses and tailored pants. Isn't this a fashion show? Anyway, Chris won with a very cute leopard-print hoodie, but Jillian was robbed. She created a gorgeous blue satin boxer-inspired outfit that was a knockout. On the other end, Ricky was finally sent packing for creating nothing more than a trampy bathing suit. The nightmare has ended! FANTASY LEAGUE RESULTS: It was a good week, with many people making good picks. Angy and I finished with 14 for picking Ricky to go home, but were bested by Julia and Brad, who scored 18 with the winning pick. Andrea and Kate totaled 7 points and Rachel Sheedy rounded out the bottom with 3. For the grand total, I'm still in the lead with five wins, but Kate, Brad and Julia are tied for second with two, and everyone else has one.

Red, hot and not-so-blue

Marriage may not agree with Katie Holmes' career, but it definitely agrees with her fashion sense. Ever since she chopped her hair she looks great, albeit a little Victoria Beckham-esque. Like an American Posh Spice, without the implants. Check her out in this stunning red dress, which made Vogue's 10 Best Dressed this week. Now if only her career would take off as successfully as her style. Remember "The Ice Storm," "The Gift" and "The Wonder Boys"? She can be a good actress if given a shot.

I heart New York

CLOSING TIME: New York Fashion Week wrapped up with a host of big names, including Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang. Marc Jacob's collection featured sober colors and simple clothes, quite a departure for him, and a telling look at the fashions come fall, as he's one of the most influential designers working today. But the looks I liked best were at Vera Wang, Anna Sui and Zac Posen. Sui's style never changes, but her luxe hippie look is always a winner. From left, check out Wang's beautiful jewel-tone gowns, Sui's bohemian styles, and, far right, Posen's feminine frock.

Fashion week fever

IT'S BACK! New York Fashion week kicked off in earnest this week, with some big shows coming early. Many of the looks were similar to seasons past; there was a lot of '80s influence and painterly patterns. But the week is still young, so hopefully someone will break out with something new and fresh. Check out the look from Halston as well, which is enjoying another renaissance with the backing of Rachel Zoe, Tamara Mellon and Harvey Weinstein. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Tracy Reese, Rodarte, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Halston, Matthew Williamson, Matthew Williamson and Tracy Reese. Our favorite collection so far? Matthew Williamson!

The Rachel papers

OH, ZOE: This page appeared in The Examiner on Dec. 12, 2006, in the midst of the Rachel Zoe hype. Pre-Nicole Richie pregnancy and pre-Lindsay Lohan total meltdown, Zoe was the style maven to be reckoned with. Looking back, the trends she ushered in are still going strong. It was a glamourous look reminiscent of the '70s: large sunglasses, purses, long patterned dresses and bohemian costume jewelry. And perfectly fitting, she's part of the team trying to bring Halston back. We still think she could stand to gain some weight though.