I know this really isn't fashion-y, but a mistake like this can ruin anyone's style.

I was sitting around with my co-workers today and we got to talking about everyone's tattoos and how picking one can make or break you. Jenn said she has a daisy on her back--she has no complaints. She got it with her mom, who got a rose tat. A mother-daughter tattoo outting--so cool!

Pat recently inked the inside of his forearm with a key--it's the key to the house he grew up in ... Also a very cool concept.

I don't have a tattoo, and if I were to get one, I have no idea what I'd brand myself with. Any suggestions? Do you have a tattoo? If so, please share!

--Ysolt

I couldn't sleep the night before--I was a nervous wreck! My biggest fear: that I would do or say something so embarrassing that I would end up being mocked on The Soup. Luckily, neither happened. And--thank God for makeup.

Below, you'll see my befores and afters. I only have DEX New York to thank for my final TV segment look. It's amazing what a hair guru can do with a curling iron and what makeup can accomplish. Hello, confidence boost! After sitting in a chair with Naomi Porto, head hairstylist at DEX New York and the man behind the hair, I realized my mane is not as "yuck" as I once thought. I just need to learn the tricks of the curling trade.

Now, for my ode to John Henry, lead maekup artist at DEX New York... Not only did his fabulousness help calm my nerves, he did wonders to my face! I'm convinced--mineral makeup is the way to go. In the past, when I'd put eye makeup on, I'd always tear up (must've been the chemicals). DEX New York's lightweight, hypoallergenic and paraben-free makeup was so gentle on my skin, it felt like I wasn't wearing any at all! And, don't even get me started on the Mineral Illuminator. I'm going to buy a case of this stuff.

As for the TV segment that I did for WNBC on Kentucky Derby hats, I survived with flying colors. I couldn't have done it without Pat Sandora, producer of iVillage integration and "my person" for the day. Not too shabby for my first time on TV, I must say. Can't wait to do more!

--Ysolt

Despite some fans' and Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden's pleas that Susan Boyle never change, the unmarried "Hairy Angel" actually did go for a little bit of a makeover. And, we couldn't be happier for the budding star. She's dressing quite snazzy--sporting Burberry scarves and leather jackets like the rock star that she is. She even got a new 'do and her eyebrows finally met a set of tweezers!

But, what's next for the 47-year-old singing sensation? We can only guess.

So, we decided to make some predictions on where her singing career would go and what she may look like as a superstar using our Makeover-o-Matic tool (which was uber-fun, as you can imagine). Here are our hairstyle predictions:

If Susan decides to do R&B, she'll likely get divalicious locks like Beyonce and sing about being a female hustler. (Oooh, and maybe she'll marry a hip-hop tycoon and be half of a scorching power couple!)




Or, perhaps she'll be a little more soulful like Mary J. Blige and sing about family affairs and having no more drama.





If Susan decides to go funky like Gwen Stefani and have a posse of Harajuku girls dance around her as she sings about feeling yummy head to toe, she'll rock platinum blond curly tendrils.





Susan may want to turn back time and sport Cher hair. The pin-straight black strands and bangs actually suit her well, wouldn't you say?





Or, maybe she'd like to channel another '80s singing sensation, like Flock of Seagulls, by going new wave and be known as a one-hit wonder.





Maybe Rihanna's crop will work best on Susan should she decide to go really edgy with her music.





Which of these Susan Boyle star makeovers do you like best?

--Ysolt

I never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness for my shopping hiatus. I happened to take a gander at my checking account statement online and saw some sinister charges. I knew they weren't mine because--well--I haven't shopped in days (in the name of iVillage research as a forced "recessionista"). But, I had my card still ... Someone must've just used the number! Ack! I felt so violated.

I immediately called my bank and alerted them to the situation. They canceled my debit card right away, assigned the case to be investigated and advised me to go into my local branch in the morning to get a new one.

I asked the man at the bank how this could happen and what I should do differently to prevent it from happening again (oh, did I mention this happened to me months ago already?). He told me to keep these tips in mind:

How to Protect Yourself from Debit/Credit Card Fraud

* Don't use an ATM machine that is not affiliated with a bank. You don't know who owns and operates these ATMs, and there's a chance your identity might be sold or stolen.

* Limit your spending online to sites that you are sure are super-secure.

* If a Web site looks questionable, but you absolutely have to make a purchase there, buy an American Express giftcard for a one-time use. Some banks, like TD Bank, also sell giftcards that you can use for gifts and online purchases.

* Always check your statements and balance your check books. Some debit/credit card fraudulent charges go unnoticed because small amounts are taken sporadically. Make it a habit to check what you spend on your cards and match them up to your statements.

I really hope you, fashionistas, don't fall victim to this. I was only taken for $150, but the bank manager told me some folks aren't so lucky--he's seen fraudulent charges in the thousands! I know you have to buy things online from time to time, and you need to hit up unfamiliar ATMs on emergencies, but please, please, please be careful!

--Ysolt

Who's twittering? Tweeting? Whatever ... I never thought this day would come. But since everyone else is doing it, I figured, why not?

Follow The Fashionator on Twitter to get the latest scoop on all things beauty, style, hair and everything fabulous in between. (I'll add you, too, of course. Can't wait to see your tweets!)

And, please don't hesitate to "direct message" me (Twitter-style) all of your style-related questions. I'll answer as many as I can on this blog.

Thanks!

--Ysolt

Hello, Valentines! You're but a day away and I haven't even had time to prepare for my lovely rendezvous. I still need to plan, pick out the perfect date outfit and groom. I know the new guy and I are doing something and it will involve alcohol so the first step on my agenda is to pick a stylish beverage.

I don't know about you, but I'm so over cosmos and lychee martinis. Not to mention, rum and cokes, beers and vodka tonics should probably only be served to folks who are not on dates. There's nothing romantic about those drinks--duh.

And beyond romance, if you're going to be out with your honey wearing a slinky LBD, your drink should probably match. Like fashion, you want to have the latest and hottest in hand when you're at that posh bar or swanky restaurant ... Wait, that goes for your date, too, might I add.

So what should you order? Here's my latest alcoholic find: Lovers Lemonade. If the lamo bartender doesn't know how to make it, this is what you tell him:

* 2 oz. of TY KU premium liqueur

* A splash of vodka

* A splash of fresh lemonade

* A splash of soda

* Served chilled

Calorie-counters, not to worry--this delicious drink is only 100 calories! (I wouldn't be surprised if you end up making this your new signature drink.) Also, if you're "recessioning" with your man and DIY'ing your romantical dinners and drinks at home these days, you can get TY KU at www.trytyku.com. Enjoy!

--Ysolt

What are your Valentine's Day plans this year?

Wow, 2007 was a whirlwind year of fashion, wasn't it? From leggings to ankle booties ... then tent dresses. Half of us were just one accessory away from being extras in Tron. But some flawless ladies were up on their game, and gave us the top three dresses of 2007.

Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars
Right off the bat in February, Reese made our list. Nina Ricci's Olivier Theyskens had a vision for Reese's award show season. First, in that yellow strapless dress, then in this purple chiffon number. The perfect contrast with the hair, the color's connotation of her as a reigning queen on the event, the pre-trendy ombre, and gentle cascading of the fabric—we're at a loss for further words to describe its beauty. Reese always looks classic, but this is one for the record books.





Katherine Heigl at the Emmys
Vintage-loving Katherine Heigl was sure to make a splash in this Zac Posen gown. With her classic looks at the 2007 Emmys, Katherine strolled the red carpet with her Mary Norton clutch and matching lips and nails. A nice prelude to her December nuptials, Katherine looked every way the hot new thing on the movie scene, after her whirlwind year going from supporting cast member of Grey's Anatomy to big-screen leading lady.





Halle Berry in Versace
She may be preggers, but nothing could compromise fashion for the flawless Halle Berry. At the London premiere of her movie Things We Lost in the Fire, the mom-to-be looked stunning in her floor-length Versace gown with embroidered back and draped panels. It was so gorgeous, it's said that Halle felt she had no choice but to wear the gown despite the chilly weather. We say yes on all counts.

I can't believe I'm going to say this ... But, I'm really starting to like these chickies. Wait, let me rephrase -- I'm really starting to like their fashion ways. What's your take?

Let's talk TV — Myspace TV, that is.

Like the proverbial expression coined by Marshall McLuhan: The medium is the message. If it looks like Myspace and sounds like Myspace ... hey guess what? Yep, it's Myspace — one of our new favorite mediums.

Myspace TV recently upped its fashion status with the addition of its Fashion Video Channel. The Fit, they call it, follows aspiring fashion-conscious PYTs through a trial in their supposed everyday life. As the channel's friend/subscriber, he/she/you can embed videos on Myspace profiles — or elsewhere (hello, YouTube). Post, forward, comment — that's the Myspace way.

We get a great look at up-and-coming designers — Samantha Ronson, Benji and Joel Madden, Amanda Bynes — pick out outfits of their own, to wear to some event that isn't happening for awhile. (Ummm Benji and Joel Madden have already selected outfits for their DCMA store opening — ahem, the store is scurrently 80 percent under construction.)

In this episode of Myspace TV's The Fit, we were given a backstage look of Nicky Hilton's two fashion lines. First, her younger line, Chick, inspired by Disney fairytales. Think Snow White's poisoned apples and Cinderella's glass slippers. Then onto Nicholai, Nicky's more mature line (and her namesake as well. Side note?). For it, she was inspired by jewelry and lingerie. Think lots of gems and lots of jewel tones, a few ruffled hems here and there, a revamping of the LBD.

We were even granted backstage access at Nicky's fashion show. Cool? I'd say so.

I'm not even kidding.

Courtesy of my new best friend (a generous publicist who sent me free boots), I shopped for Christmas gifts in comfort and style this past weekend. I stepped into my ECCO Supreme High Boots not knowing what's to come. Behold, a revelation that I've been killing my feet in other pairs of shoes when I could've been wearing these.

Not to take anything away from the glorified Uggs and Crocs — yes, I know you're super-comfortable, too — but these boots are freakin' awesome. They're lightweight, provide excellent sole support and — best of all — easy on the eyes. They don't have holes in them and aren't colored bright green. They actually match outfits unlike some sheepskinned footwear I know. I rocked them with black leggings and a chunky, knit sweater and within minutes, there was a woman chasing and flagging me down at the mall to find out where these boots came from. I swear! True story.

So here it is, gals. If you want your heavenly pair (they come in both black and brown), they're $160 at www.eccousa.com and at ECCO stores worldwide. Enjoy!

Amy Dubois Barnett's "Get Yours! The Girlfriend's Guide to Having Everything You Dreamed of and More" (available on www.amazon.com) shows women how to harness fear and accessorize with empowerment.

Hey, you. Do you suffer from benchmark syndrome? Waiting for the Prince in Prada to jumpstart your life? Disregarding achievements so that you can comfortably dwell on what you have not knocked of your to do list?? Honing your self deprecation skills as if you were studying for the SATs? Women of all ethnicities and social standing are afraid to push through the roadblock of inner critics and take those first few steps out of the (dis) comfort zone. In search of some out-of-the-box tools to catapult me into the realm of self appreciation, I whipped through Amy Dubois Barnett's book with the zeal of a crack addict.

A dynamic, type A (Barnett is a currently deputy editor of Harper's Bazaar and was one of America's first African American female editors to helm a mainstream magazine, Teen People) working mom, Barnett weaves anecdotes from her own obstacle ridden life with inspirational tips designed to help women shut off the negative voices (fueled by anxiety, self consciousness and people pleasing) looped in their psyches. She also includes tales of empowerment from celebrities like India Arie, Venus Williams and Gabrielle Union. Her secret? A simple set of tools concocted by tapping into the very fear that many women find so paralyzing. Explains Barnett, "Fear is a sign of personal growth, it motivates adventure. When I accepted who I was, it was like a drug — empowering me to appreciate the world and how I ran my life."

ATK: What motivated you to write this book? Why is fulfillment so elusive to women?
ADB: I was motivated as a journalist by women who want to change but don't know how to take that first step forward. We spend so much time cutting ourselves down; trying to live the paradigms of loving wife, mother, caring daughter, that we ignore what we really need to be complete. My trick? To accept how we are and love the core. Then, map out a plan and begin to own your life. When I funneled my fear into ambition and spiritual generosity, the despair dripped away.

ATK: When was the turning point when you decided to make changes and get out of your rut? Why is this so hard for women??
ADB: I lost my mother in my twenties, became depressed, gained weight, hated my job in finance and couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with my life. It suddenly dawned on me that nobody was going to swoop in and take charge of me. This epitome was life altering. I began to accept the ups and downs. The highs and lows of life teach us values. I became grateful for the range of experiences. Happiness takes a lot of work.

ATK: How do you get rid of old messages which demonize?? Any tricks?
ADB: You must ignore everyone's opinion of who you should be and own your life. Accept yourself. Become productive. Start a journal. Express your goals, professional and spiritual and tackle them. If you feel heavy, get to the gym and make a plan to get in shape. If you want a better job, figure out what you are good at and where your passions lie. If you feel bored, sign up for cooking pr painting classes. Have faith in yourself. Take charge. Invite challenge. Success is a mindset

ATK: Did books like "The Secret and Creative Spiritualization" impact you at all?
ADB: Not really. I always embraced the notion of living a life with intention. You get from the universe what you put out. If you walk with your head down, depressed, you will not invite happiness. If you walk with authority, even when you are crumbling inside, you are more attractive physically and spiritually. You will invite positive experiences.

— Amy Tara Koch

The ABC's of holiday dressing? According to party dress guru Nanette Lepore, it's all about sparkle, shine and sexy. "You don't need to invest in a new wardrobe," explains Lepore. "You need a dress or shirt with sequins or paillettes, something with a satin sheen and a blouse or jacket in a bold, sexy color like turquoise or coral." Other must haves? Lepore is a big fan of sparkly jet costume jewelry (head to H&M or Target!) in the form of earrings, cocktail rings necklaces. A sweater accented with feathers or gold embellishments provides holiday verve. And, a great 3/4 length jacket with a shiny patina will amp up a basic dress. And, sparkle is not just for the holidays. This fall, I have been wearing sparkly clothing like satin and sequins for daywear. That embellished top can go to the office and straight out to dinner or holiday party. Perfect for the gal on the go.

Here are my faves:

Masquerade Dress

Pailette Tunic Dress

Sequin Block Dress

Feathered Sweater Jacket

Silk Knot Top

— Amy Tara Koch

We've all indulged in a little retail therapy for a "religious experience." But what if I told you one was closer than you thought -- maybe even at the local mall?

Forever 21 is the home of every fashion trend sold on the cheap. Sure it very well may be single-handedly supporting the world's polyester economy, but a bargain is a bargain. And I, like hoardes of others, am proud to say I'm guilty of buying such uber-trendy items. (Seriously, I just bought this dress. Black tights and a pair of hot kicks and I'm telling you, it's fierce!)

So the other day when I flipped over my happy yellow shopping bag, I was surprised to encounter the script on its underbelly. What stared back at me was simply "John 3:16," as in "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son..." As a former "well-versed kid," this was a mantra I'm familiar with. So why, after all of these years of dedicated consumerism, hadn't I noticed this in my baggy before? And for that matter, why is it there?

There's no official word on when the tradition began, except that the owners of the company have always done it as a demonstration of their faith. And since the mega-chain opened in 1984, as far as distribution goes, you do the math. John 3:16 is Forever 21's "bag," both literally and metaphorically. Theirs and, you know, um, God's.

So is heaven a place on earth? It very well may be if Forever 21 has anything to say about it -- and it's got cute shoes to boot. It's a win-win!

Why is Kim Kardashian famous? I mean, I know why she's famous, but why?

She did manage to swing a sex tape into a hit music video cameo, fashion show runway walks, and her new "reality" show Keeping Up with the Kardashians (poor Bruce Jenner). The girl who once was famous as Paris Hilton's BFF is now potentially more in the public spotlight than Ms. Hilton herself.

But being famous for being famous means you have to look good 24/7. Kim's formula: Wear it tight, wear it low.

But her real style secret? Hello, eBay! And what’s even better: She has 100% positive feedback.

Among her last eBay purchases were designer dresses, GROM Christian Louboutins (Loubs, for those of you in the know), and a red Chanel bag. If you're lucky, you may even be able to buy some of Kim's duds. Sadly, the princess of eBay has no current auctions, but you might want to keep an eye out. Hard to imagine it, but eBay could be the new designer shopping frontier.

And we'd all have Kimmy to thank!

I love me some Shia LaBeouf. He's come a long way from being bratty Louis on Disney's Even Stevens. Anyone see Bobby? Kid has got himself some acting chops.

Everyone who knows him swears he's a stand-up guy. He's best friends with one of my friend's best friends. His friend calls him Shi. My friend calls him Beef. (Uhhh, no friends are telling why.) She's talked to Beef on the phone, and apparently, he's pretty cool. Heck, he even apparently is dating Rhianna ... or was, until that whole she-met-Josh-Hartnett thing. Apparently, for Rihanna, Beef is no longer what's for dinner.

Poor Beef's prob? He's in that awkward "Do I need a stylist?/Do I not?" phase -- celebrity career middle school, if you will. This was more apparent at a recent award show appearance.

Since he's playing Indiana Jones' son in the upcoming movie, he presented the Spike TV Scream 2007 Award for Best Hero to Harrison Ford. And, I get it, Shi: You're hip. You're young. You've got a good bod. But acid-wash jeans went out for a reason! Or if you’re going to rock them in a they're-so-uncool-that-they're-ironically-cool kind of way, at least gets ones that, er, fit.

So while I applaud your courageous fashion effort, go ahead and spring for the stylist -- I'm sure you'll have America's full support. Because we love Beef!

"Is this the line?" "This can't be the line!" So went the gripes of hundreds of women who filed along New York's 37th street for nearly an hour in the pouring rain on October 25. All in the name of Shecky's? That's right — Shecky's. With the right mix of Midori, music, make-up and mega discounts, the shopping extravaganza — held on multiple levels of a warehouse — was a guaranteed good time for women in search of beauty booty. Though long waits for the overcrowded elevators and bruised ribs from girls who weren't afraid to throw 'bows to score giveaway bags were par for the course, this was a can't miss event. The evening even included your very own virtual makeover, courtesy of iVillage.com, of course. (Shameless plug, we know.)

For decades, the fashion capitals of the world have been bringing the best and brightest designers to enthrall the masses. It's cities like New York, Paris and Milan that usually set the bar for the rest of the world.

And then there's L.A.

The brands at L.A. Fashion Week are more likely to be seen on Paris Hilton or in shops (Kitson, Intuition, et al) prominently featuring celebrities coming and going in Us Weekly. The designers who show at L.A. Fashion Week are smaller, perhaps even local, yet with a major media-driven clientele.

Yet, no one can compete with L.A. Fashion Week for its sheer amount of celebrity attendees. After all, if you're not there ... you're somewhere else, and no one cares. And who can argue with a scene?

Perhaps it's the exposure, and not the fashion itself, that lends itself to L.A. Fashion Week. Like knowing both sides of the story, maybe it takes club kids' tulle creations being modeled by a former porn star to hone our fashion tastes. There's more to the fashion world than the Tom Fords, Nicolas Ghesquières and Karl Lagerfelds (or is there?). After all, when you see a celebrity wearing something, it makes you want it more ... just a little bit ... c'mon, admit it.

So it stands to reason that L.A. Fashion Week, as much as it pains me to say, may have just as great a relevance as other major shows. After all, there are more choices out there — and the people should know.

So zombie brides on the runway? Check.

Let's step away from the topic of fashion for a second. Let's talk about hair. The other day, my now-favorite hairstylist, Paul Cucinello, gave my tresses a fab color makeover. Although I endured a bad-bangs episode a few months ago (and that hairstylist shall remain nameless, for now anyways, because I refuse to be bitter at the fact that he had a Nelly Furtado-vision gone wrong), I knew I was in good hands — Paul Cucinello was recently voted "Best Colorist" by New York Magazine.

Anyway, we all can attest to hair's importance. You can be wearing the most amazing ensemble, but if your hair is a sloppy affair, no one's going to even notice your fashion fabulosity. Right? They'll only notice the bad dye job, awful cut or weird hairstyle.

Admit it, you've had bad hair episodes yourself. Please take this opportunity to vent about your mane mishaps (and other salon scares) at our Beauty Gone Bad: Salon Horror Stories board. You'll feel better, I promise! (A friend once told me her big toe nail fell off from a fungus outbreak at her nail place. Yikes!)

Tomorrow, we'll get right back to fashion.

Who knew?! And to think, I thought the only thing this rocker had going for him was his great music -- I love that this Fall Out Boy is exercising his creativity in other ways.

The best part is, he was motivated by something I know we can all relate to. In a recent In Touch interview, he said "I feel like a lot of times, girls are overdressed. I'm like, 'We're going to the zoo and you're wearing five-inch stripper heels?' It's a bit of a bummer." (Ha! I was thinking just that the other day when I was walking down Seventh Avenue on a breezy almost-autumn day and I saw a chickadee crossing the street sporting a micro-mini and clear heels -- yes, clear. For a split second I thought she may have been a hooker, but it was 9:30 a.m. so probably not.)

Anywhooo ... Here are the deets: Pete Wentz's new line is called Clandestine Industries (for DKNY Jeans) and it's available at www.dknyjeans.com. Most tops and bottoms are under $80 (not too bad).

And as if this venture of his couldn't get any cuter, it just did -- he said his super adorable GF Ashlee Simpson (love her) tries on the clothes he designs. It's how they decide if "something is going to work or not." (Sigh! So jealous!) What do you fashionistas think of the line? You going to sport it or no?

Last week, the Wicked Witch of the East Village (a.k.a. Mandie) and her flying monkey assistant continued to spread the hate, making fun of the new girl Laurie and her last-last season Gucci mules. That lady has watched Mean Girls one too many times!

This week, with Jane mag dead and gone, Rachel and Andrew interview and land new jobs at CosmoGIRL! all in the same day. Believe me, it's not that easy folks! And for her first assignment, Rachel got to oil down some hunky "Eye Candy" during a photo shoot. Lucky girl!

At the store opening for celeb-fave Charlotte Ronson ("don't ever call her C. Ronson"), the FLIRT! gals teamed up with the Seventh House chicas. Who didn't love watching Bridget and her new BFF Laurie clean the storefront -- while wearing trash bags?? Would Mandie approve?!

Coming up: The gang heads to the Hamptons… and the claws come out between Bridget and Janjay. Did you tune in? What'da ya think?

Lindsay Lohan.

Chanel.

What do these two names have in common? They both went to rehab in spring 2007.

Behold Emma Watson, 17, crisp of Harry Potter stardom at the movie's U.S. premiere in July. Cute girl, pretty smile, lots of pills on dress. Hmmm, one of these things is not like the others. And she's not alone: Both Natalie Imbruglia, who formerly suffered from depression, and Fergie, who was formerly addicted to crystal meth, have worn similar versions of the offbeat dress less than two weeks apart.

But then again, Hollywood glam has always been intertwined with excess -- one that almost-always seems to involve bottles of something (and any viewer of E!'s "True Hollywood Story" can attest). I just don't know if medication should be worn like so. In a world where Nicole Ritchie and Kate Moss are revered as style icons, it almost seems natural for a fashion line to follow suit.

Who knew?? OK, so I always thought of Lela Rose as clothing for ladies who lunch. Her velvet low-back dress which goes for $1,850 at Neiman Marcus is something my wardrobe strives for. Dream on, Fashionator, dream on. (FYI, I'm watching what I spend these days as I just moved into a new apartment that I must furnish. Last night, I ate on the floor, "picnic" style.)

Anyway, I just discovered I can snag a look from Lela Rose (in shoe form) for $20 (maybe less). The fancy footwear arrive at Payless ShoeSource tomorrow. I'll be the first in line for these T-strap heels (which I presume will go fab with my black, wide-leg trousers). Lela Rose's affordable shoe line pairs tweed materials with patent accents (so classic but with a funky twist, don't you think?).

Besides this one, other Lela Rose shoe styles at Payless include another pair of pumps, a pair of flats, T-strap sandals and ankle-boots (coordinating handbag sold separately). For more info, surf www.payless.com. Check them out and let me know what you think!

You're probably familiar with leasing cars -- you pay monthly to use a vehicle of your choice (keeping track of your miles and all). Then when your contract is up, you give it back (or you pay more money if you want to keep it). Well, I found a service in which you can do just that ... only it's not a car you'll be sporting, you'll be leasing a handbag.

It sounds silly, I know. Paying monthly for a carry-all seems a tad desperate. But in the name of fashion, we all make sacrifices. See this Fendi B bag in all of its glossy-white-patent-leather glory with oversized logo buckles and exquisite topstitching (fine craftsmanship that I just gotta have)? Don't you love it? Well, I don't have $2,000 to shell out for one at this very moment. So I'm going to pay $315 a month to borrow it at www.bagborroworsteal.com. And, if I love it as much as I think I will, I'll "steal" it (as in, pay extra and own it for life).

When Vanessa Hudgens graced my TV screen last night during the 2007 Teen Choice Awards, I had mixed thoughts. My first thought: I love the maxi dress! It's so ladylike and sophisticated; the pattern and colors are divine. My second thought: Where does this girl think she's going? When you have Hilary Duff, Megan Fox and Jordin Sparks in leggings at the same event, this far-from-casual ensemble just doesn't translate "teeny bopper affair."


See more outfits from the 2007 Teen Choice Awards here

Although I'm not remotely green with envy (not even a hint, an ounce, a smidgen) that my once-favorite Hills co-star is marrying Steve Sanders, I couldn't help but become obsessed with that rock.

After all, Spence did make a big fuss over it -- J. Lo this, tracking device that. So what's the deal then? There's no way this engagement ring (though he never actually uttered words resembling a proposal, did he?) is $100,000 (what he asked BFF Brody Jenner for moments before the probably-scripted purchase).

So what do sources say? The token of the fame whore's affection is said to be from the Ice Accessory store located at a mall in Brentwood, CA. It's not the Bennifer 1 pink diamond indeed -- not even close! In fact, it's really a lavender, lemon amethyst and retails for under $3,000.

OK, so $3,000 is nothing to sneeze at. But Spencer -- geez -- don't go boasting high-roller status when you're still merely clawing to get there.

So my latest guilty pleasure is SOAPnet’s most recent attempt at original programming, "The Fashionista Diaries." The reality show follows a group of 20-somethings as they try to break into the fickle fashion industry in NYC. Over the last few weeks the fledglings have seen their fair share of drama, including the resignation of (drag) Queens, Juicy Couture-loving Nicole, who lacked the tough skin (and style sense) to make it in the cutthroat PR biz. The saying is true, kids: If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

During last night’s episode, Jane mag (R.I.P.) assistants Rachel and Andrew were assigned to pull different looks for an upcoming photo shoot with Stacey Bendet, designer for Alice + Olivia. Aspiring designer Andrew even snagged some career advice from super cute Cynthia Rowley in the process.

Meanwhile FLIRT! assistants, Tina and Janjay, channeling the Sex and the City gals and looking every bit ladies-who-lunch in their oversized sunglasses and bold jewelry, commiserated over their non-existent dating life during a picnic in Central Park.

At Seventh House PR, Bridget’s witchy boss interviewed candidates to replace Nicole. Experienced Kristin is clearly the frontrunner (although there wasn’t much competition), but we’ll have to wait until next week to see who’s the chosen “Fashionista.”

Whiny Bridget (a.k.a. “little Nicole Richie”) and uber-flirt Andrew continued to play cat and mouse throughout the entire episode, with Bridget rejecting his kiss in the end. Such a tease!

Coming up next week: Tina attends church with Janjay and discovers it’s “B.Y.O.B” (Bring Your Own Bible). Love her! She’s climbing the charts as my new fav reality star, right after Whitney from MTV’s The Hills. For those of you who tuned in, what'd ya think??

Readers, what are your stats? Let's go with the age/sex/location format. I'm 27/F/sometimes NY, sometimes NJ (and proud). How reminiscent is this of AOL chatrooms? Oh c'mon, you know you chatted! Anyway, shout out your age/sex/location here along with anything else you want to add. Just keep it clean, folks, keep it clean. Thanks!

Did anyone catch "Tori & Dean: Inn Love" last night? I totally love them together! Not to mention, Tori Spelling's fabulousness. 90210 forever!

I caught up with the sassy new mom and she told me about what she's been digging in fashion lately (as well as what she's not so into -- can we say paisley?). Love her! Read more here.

After watching the reality series, I got to thinking about the mom of the millenium. I was at Wholefoods today and saw a "super mom." I give her superhero status because she was pushing a stroller, carrying her rambunctious baby boy and still stylin.' Where do y'all find the time to keep up with the trends? Riddle me this, mommies/Fashionator devotees: Tell me how you stay so sassy amidst your various mama duties, careers and a personal life. Any tricks of the trade to pass down to us, aspiring moms? Comment away!

I did, honest! Only, it's not an actual human being -- it's the StyleFeeder Personal Shopper, an interactive shopping assistant.

The online tool helps you narrow down your potential purchases. Think of it as the super-organized gal's shopping buddy. You can even connect live with your real friends and other fellow fashion mavens to help you make your shopping decisions. It's as if you're shopping with your girlfriends, only they're not really there. (Wait, that sounds a little pathetic. Ha!)

Eh, whatever -- the StyleFeeder Personal Shopper is a great resource nonetheless. Sometimes I just don't have it in me to make certain decisions. A second opinion comes a long way. And when you're online, it's sort of hard to describe to your trusted fashionista friends what you're planning to wear to the venue in question. With this shopping godsend, you can poll your buds about ensemble options if you're not sure if it'll fly at that next event of yours.

I heard Mary-Kate and Ashley connect with their fashion-obsessed fans on StyleFeeder, too. The Olsen twins are sharing their personal taste with users. Supposedly, Lauren Conrad (love love love her) and Kelly Rowland are StyleFeeder users, too.

So want to jump on the personal shopping bandwagon? Just log onto www.stylefeeder.com, click on "Get your Personal Shopper," and just follow the simple instructions to incorporate the Personal Shopper sidebar on your Web browser. When you're ready to shop, just access your cyber shopping buddy, and it will explore the Web with you.

Test it out and let me know what'cha think! Happy shopping!

... a photo shoot with Nylon for their August cover. And boy, did I love the clothes?! The rack roster included the latest creations from Something Else, Calvin Klein, Dinosaur Designs and Chronicles of Never. I don't know about you chickies, but give me layered necklaces, skinny pants (high-waisted or not) and gold pumps, and you can call it a day (and a well-dressed day, at that).

NYLON TV + NICOLE RICHIE

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