Just when I was ready write off Season 10 of Top Model, the lovely Whitney was crowned belle of the ball last night. The 20-year-old Florida college student is the first "full-figured" gal to win the competition, which frankly still baffles me considering Tyra's crusade to redefine standards of beauty for young women. But no matter: It happened! Whitney won. She will grace the cover of Seventeen and assume her duties as a Cover Girl. I look forward to watching her career evolve and seeing whether this small step could be a giant step for healthy-sized women who want to dress as well as they feel about themselves. I'd love to see Whitney model swimsuits, actually, as her body is rocking and she would look hot in a bright two-piece.

Although we know the Met Gala is "the biggest night in fashion," sometimes it's a little hard to care when not only are you not invited but it's not even televised. No more of that: We learn from Fashion Week Daily that E! will be making the rounds this year, for a show "The E! Met Special," set to air on May 8 at 8pm (set those Tivos). Look for Audrey Tatou, Kate Bosworth, and Thandie Newton in Chanel, and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Peter Som.

Checking out the sneak peak of this week's 'Ugly Betty' episode on The Cut reminded us of when Christian came by the Bluefly office to discuss the possibility of creating a capsule collection just for us. The 'Ugly Betty' ep seems to pretty much nail him, especially on the "fierce" tip. He only said it once.

>Shop our Christian Siriano-inspired collection!

My So Called Life's Angela Chase has long dumped those flannel shirts and dyed magenta hair, but who knew she'd graduated to Gucci? Claire Danes was recently announced as the new celeb face of the label's Fine Jewelry line, replacing Drew Barrymore (who showcased some of those gems topless, btw). The ads will come out this fall.
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Sad ANTM news: My girl Claire was booted the other night for being too much of a "one note" model. I'm sorry, but really??? She has to go and Lauren, who Paulina says "walks like Frankenstein”, gets to stay? A few other revelations in last night's ep include: Lauren has a crazy temper, Fatima is a size O and Stacey Ann may just be the one to win the whole sha-bang. Oh, and from the Department of the Obvious, Whitney had an epiphany while on the models' go-see's: The industry discriminates against plus-size models (!!!) Good thing the same doesn't hold true for flirty spring dresses.

Christian Siriano stopped by the Bluefly offices today to discuss the possibility of creating a capsule collection exclusively for Bluefly -- remember the Season 4 winner had the "opportunity" to sell on Bluefly. Sketches were shared and there were ruffles, skinny pants, and dresses. All wearable and all ferosh. Of course.

Guess which pieces you might spot in a certain 'Gossip Girl's closet? These, and a laundry list more, were requested for an upcoming episode...

(l to r: Design History sweater, A.B.S. peacock dress, Miu Miu perforated pumps)

"Your strength is what makes you truly glamorous!" I believe this is the best quote by Tyra Banks yet. Check out the diva on Deal or No Deal. And while you're at it check out these diva dresses.

Oooh, this is good! I'd been wondering why Jay and Tyra haven't appeared in a single frame of this season's "Top Model" together and now it seems I have my answer: According to OK! magazine (via MSNBC) the show's style guru and "Top Model" creator have allegedly been feuding as of late, causing speculation that Banks may leave her post after the season wraps. Honestly, I can't see how or why that would affect the show. It's already a strong brand and really, hosting a show that gives false hope to freaky, immature chicks everywhere is hardly necessary for a woman who somehow recently lured Barack Obama to be on her own talk show. Tyra, I would actually respect you more if you left "Top Model," if only to avoid seeing you not have to squeeze your assets into those dresses at the end of each show.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Though I don't know how many die hard fashionistas are down to take tips from Lauren Conrad, what I am digging about LC is that she looks healthy, hips folks to vintage shopping in order to save money and look funky, and she shares with us some of the cutest wedge sandals.

Oh, Benny Ninja! How I love thee, especially when you're forcing a gaggle of awkward girls to battle each other on the streets of New York in that most elusive of competition: a posing contest. Following this display of epileptic proportions - Claire won because she didn't look like she was having a seizure - the girls had to battle some serious makeup. Once again, Claire proved she is the girl to beat this season. I hope the 23-year-old married mother goes all the way - Unlike sad-sack Marvita, who went bye-bye last night, Claire is a mature, fully-formed (happy?) adult who truly seems ready for a career in fashion. Oh, and there's the fact that she can look good in everything.

I'm not sure who they've recently bought on board in development over at ANTM this season, but fresh on the heels of their trash party comes the story of the girls being made to wear beef bras and panties! I'm trying to decide if this is the best or worst season thus far......and I've gotta agree with StyleCrunch, PETA is going to have a field day with this one. LOL. Tyra, are your ratings slipping love?
[Image courtesy of PopCrunch.com]

I can't say I was terribly surprised to read the NY Post's report that the current crop of "Top Modelers" allegedly trashed the gorgeous Tribeca loft where they lived during the show. Not only did the crew punch "hundreds of holes in the ceiling to hang lighting equipment," but there was apparently lipstick and ketchup stains on the owner's $20,000 white drapes. Gross! If true, Tyra has a lot of 'splaining to do. On the other hand, seeing as she's queen of her own proper media empire now, I'm sure she'll have plenty of help deflecting the bad buzz. She is a diva, after all, and a diva should be more concerned with her spring wardrobe.

Momma always told me: Humility goes a long way. Unfortunately, Allison's mom never shared this wisdom with her, and the self-proclaimed "most experienced model in the competition" went bye-bye. (I actually felt a little sorry for lil ol' Alli - her Jessica Alba-ish makeover was one of the most fierce.) Overall, it was a rockin' episode though. My favorite place in the world - the Brooklyn Bridge - loomed large, and a very sweet Elle Macpherson popped by to plug her slightly tacky lingerie. Personally, I'm more of a cotton-undies kind of gal, but can keep it interesting when needed.

Oh, the adventures the girls got into in NYC last night! It was a busy episode to say the least: A fashion show with Badgely-Mischka, Paulina Porizkova's hilariously harsh critiques ("You look like Robin Wright Penn...a drag-queen version of Robin Wright Penn") a homeless-themed photo shoot and ultimately the exit of two girls. Turns out Kimberly "wasn't really into fashion" and decided to go home - seriously - while Atalya, the judges agreed, was "pretty," but that's where it ended. Game is on girls! Was great, though, to see the Top Model girls shake that tired, skanky L.A. uniform and rock Manhattan-worthy duds.

I don't know what it is about the Oscars but we always have a tendency to think the worst dressed is actually the best dressed, the one actor/writer/director who goes their own way and actually takes a chance on the red carpet instead of sporting another Marchesa snore. This year they'll fry Juno screenwriter/ex-stripper Diablo Cody for daring to accessorize a Dior leopard-print gown with her sexy-lady tattoo and hefty turquoise jewelry, but we thought she looked fantastic. And interestingly enough, the big news here is not what she was but what she wasn't wearing--namely, the million-dollar diamond-encrusted Stuart Weitzman heel. AP reports that Cody wrote on her MySpace blog how she was upset to find out after trying on the shoe that there was a publicity push attached to it, and had no idea they cost a million dollars: "I'm actually really pissed about this, now that I think about it. They're using me to publicizie their stupid shoes and NOBODY ASKED ME." Ms. Cody chose to wear a subtle pair of gold flats instead.

I have to say, I was kinda proud to see Miss Tyra on the cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly (the first time ever for an erstwhile-model-turned-entertainment-mogul). So it was channeling this enthusiasm that I sat through the first episode of the new season of "Top Model," and with most of my expectations pleasantly blown away. For example, I didn't expect to hear about someone drinking her own breast milk, or a victim of female circumcision in Africa opening up; or rampant abdominal stretch marks. I gotta say, this batch of girls is the most damaged I've ever seen, and I kinda love it. Tune in next week when the final batch makes its way to NYC for the rest of the season, a fitting place to scope out the latest and greatest for spring.

Just in case you were worried, only seven days remain before Tyra Banks reveals the latest gaggle of gals on the next installment of "America's Next Top Model." Normally I would take this time to lambast the newest crew of wannbes, but instead I will showcase some advance favorites: Fatima has all the attitude, Anya has the beauty; but mostly I'm excited that Paulina Porizkova will be replacing Twiggy as a judge. It's nice to get some new blood circulating, especially when it comes to preaching the gospel of spring fashion.

I knew from the heavy, "It's the new 'Sex & the City'" push that 'Lipstick Jungle' probably wouldn't be -- and it so was not -- but that's okay. Pilots often cram too much in, plus, who knew the first few eps of 'Sex' with Carrie speaking directly into the camera would morph into a cultural phenomenon? I caught up with 'Lipstick Jungle' star Lindsay Price just hours before her series' premiere at Cynthia Rowley's fall '08 fashion show and got her review of Rowley's collection. Take a look.

You've gotta love Tyra Banks, even if you hate Tyra Banks: The erstwhile Angel and current talk-show queen has just scored another major deal with the CW, this time to create a "Devil Wears Prada"-style reality show about the (now overexposed) world of fashion magazines. Hmmm. I'm trying to think what could possibly be new and different about Tyra's take on the genre. Having worked in the New York magazine world, I can tell you that boring editorial meetings, stale coffee and long hours are pretty much what make up the workday. That said, I'd love a show that depicts the monotonous duldrums of this brutal bizness. As long as all the girls are pretty, skinny and dressd to the nines, of course.

In this snarky clip about fashion in 1960's London, it truly highlights fashionistas who put 'living' before 'a living.' My favorite pieces include the smoking jacket, the blue bowler hat, the Prince jackets, purple lace up boots and the "Dickie" for the man who can't afford a clean shirt but won't admit it!

So I was all ready to miss tonight's "Make Me a Supermodel," but after reading this write-up about the show...well, I'm still set on missing it. From co-host Tyson Beckford's admittance there aren't really supermodels anymore, to co-host Nikki Taylor's Captain-Obvious tutorial on the state of the industry ("A supermodel is someone who has campaigns...not someone who gets one editorial or one catalog job." Um, really???), I'm already alseep at the mere mention of the show. Personally, I only have enough emotional and mental reserve for one satorially-themed show, especially when the end-products are unique-and-wearable art pieces and not more dim-bulb, flash-in-the-pan wannabe mannequins. You know?

The 36-year-old celebrity stylist has just confirmed her freshly inked deal with BRAVO for her own reality show. Viewers will follow the fashionista as she spruces up her celebrity clients, though she claims the show will not be invasive to their privacy. Intimate show details are not finalized, but it is set to air in either June or September and will be an hour long.

After her incredible catwalk showing in China and spot-on metamorphosis into a true-blue Cover Girl, 21-year-old California girl Saleisha seemed an apt choice to win "Top Model." I have to say though, if the judges were really looking for "top model" potential - and not cutesy, cover-of-Seventeen potential - they would have gone with Jenah, whose wounded honesty and consistently flawless photos, for me, scream high-fashion. I think Tyra should get real and repackage the show as "America's Next Top Cover Girl" because, let's face it, this franchise isn't turning out the next Naomi, Linda or Gisele. Come to think of it, "Top Model" cast-offs Adrianne Curry and nutbar Lisa D'Amato are way more famous (ok, infamous) than any previous cycle winners. Let's hope Saleisha makes the most of her 15 minutes.

Inspired by trips that span the globe, model Iman is gearing up to launch “Global Chic,” a new line of fashion accessories and jewelry exclusively on HSN and hsn.com. The collection will include a replica of her anniversary ring, her vintage engagement ring as well as her signature handbag, an oversized tote, and a leopard printed evening bag. I've had the pleasure to meet Iman and she is absolutely amazing. However, I must admit that I'm a bit surprised and a little disappointed that this collection isn't linked to a charity as she is known for speaking out against many global injustices/causes as well as an active spokesperson for the "Keep A Child Alive" organization.

Upon the release of the Sex and the City flick, mass market lingerie company Cosabella will be licensing new underwear supposedly based on the personalities of the four divas. If this is correct, the line sounds like it will have an intimate piece for your every mood: from your lazy Sunday tee (Miranda) to your bootycall see-through thong (Samantha).

Director Ridley Scott will be directing a new film that follows the 30 year history of the Gucci family, who were well known for their power struggles and fighting among family members. The flick will focus on the life of Maurizio Gucci who took over the fashion empire in 1983 and was later murdered by his wife right before a Gucci fashion show that was hosted by Tom Ford. Personally, this sounds like the Sopranos with a whole lot of style thrown in the mix. Love it!

Hot out of the can comes another Candace Bushnell dramedy-Lipstick Jungle. Premiering in February on NBC, it's the story of three corporate climbers (a fashion designer, mag editor and movie exec) trying to balance the usual dish: work, love and personal style.

If you've missed any of 'Top Model's' recent hijinks in Shanghai, have no fear: For the first time in nine seasons, you can download full episodes of the show online, which is fab news for the TiVO-less among us. And now with only a few eps left in the season, the remaining four Tyras-in-training have been busy attempting to woo Chinese designers on "go-sees," been shot by an unimpressed Nigel Barker and, next week, are set to be photographed by Ms. Banks herself along the Great Wall. However, with the kooky/wonderful/gorgeous Heather gone, my interest has officially waned. Will I tune in to see how it all turns out? Of course. I'm utterly powerless against the mindlessness. *Sigh.

This beats it all. With today’s launch of the first-ever virtual supermodel search created by MTV, Elizabeth Arden and Ford Models beauty Web 2.0 has finally hit our doorstep-or fingertips. By simply submitting your own avator, one can not only enter to become the new face of MTV’s “Virtual Hills”, but receive virtual beauty and fashion tips from virtual experts at Ford Models. I really see the future of fashion. We’ll all shop for virtual shoes over at Second Life, while deciding the virtual fate of everything from models to food on our Blackberry’s. Personally, I just don’t have enough hours in the day to whittle away online. But for those of you who do, you might just end up with your own MTV commercial for Elizabeth Arden or at the very least 15 seconds of virtual fame.

Hmmmm, was it just a coincidence that the "Top Model" girls showed looks by student designers from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising on the same night as "Project Runway's" premiere? No matter, it was fun to see the best of bunch, namely Salisha, sell the cute, if amateur, frocks. (Hearing the models introduce themselves was quite another matter. Ugh.) Not surprisingly, pretty-but-dull-Ambreal was politely not asked back, which is a major bummer since the crew is headed for China. Ooh, I can't wait to see if Ms. J rocks her afro wig in Shanghai.

Related Links: International flights demand comfy pants.

Last night's "Top Model" was full of fun and surprising milestones. The girls lent their awkward and gawky bodies to an Enrique Iglesias music video; resident goth-chick Heather passed out from not eating; and - my favorite part - lovely Sarah was voted off the show for losing too much weight since the show started. Nigel Barker, whose hotness is nearly eclipsed by his dim wit, told her, "If you are going to be plus-sized, you have to be plus-sized." 'Tis a pity no one told Sarah that a healthy, slender, size-6 girl has no place in the modeling world.

Related Links: All sizes are welcome when the temperature drops.

Check out a sneak peek at Vera Wang's star turn on "Ugly Betty" where the designer finds a new bridal muse in Victoria Beckham (who also makes a special cameo). Wang gets all the good lines in the scene, telling herself, "Damn, I'm good." The episode shows this Thursday.

Related Links: Well, she is good. Why not flaunt it?

Some juicy tidbits on the upcoming "Project Runway" season are coming in from the New York Daily News, including special design challenges for an infamous clothes horse actress and a washed-up rock star. One of the contestants claims bias as he was kicked off the show. So if you don't want to ruin your fall viewing, don't click here.

Did you know Louis Vuitton has a green thumb? Proud to be associated with The Climate Project and Al Gore's newly won Nobel, Louis Vuitton would like to shine a little light on its own greenery, presented in a lush 32-page pamphlet (don't print it out!) The company has been taking a carbon inventory of its business practices since 2004, they switched from air to sea transport because it's less polluting, and of course their handbags are made to last, which, we imagine originally had more to do with quality than "sustainability," but oh well. If that doesn't interest you, then watch the not-so-riveting Louis Vuitton channel on YouTube, where you can watch Annie Leibovitz shoot Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi. Yawn. [via Fashionphile]

Remember the good old days when we didn't know who was having plastic surgery, and didn't want to know? The self-proclaimed "world's first supermodel" and reality-show train wreck Janice Dickinson had herself a tummy-tuck and "mini neck-lift" on Monday in Los Angeles, reports US Weekly. I mean, admitting to a little Botox like Linda Evangelista did is one thing. Being so desperate for attention that you can't keep your plastic surgeries a private matter? Tacky. Personally, I'd rather just be under the delusion that it's possible to have the neck of a 14-year-old and nary a wrinkle in sight at age 52 than hear the brutal truth. Yuck.

Related Links: Speaking of exposed necks, it's getting cold out there.

While we're sad to see "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy wrapping up its last season, we're pleased to see both Carson Cressley and Jai Rodriguez get a pair of stylish shows to call their own. Carson's gig, "How to Look Good Naked," is a Lifetime reality show that shows women of all shapes how to dress well and look good without "Extreme Makeover"-type surgery. Jai joins former "House of Style" host Dasiy Fuentes in "Ultimate Style," another reality joint that covers everything from culture to fashion.

Related Links: Who needs surgery when you have Cynthia Vincent?

After only three episdoes, "Top Model" is boring viewers to tears. It's not that I don't love seeing skinny twits forced to wear straightjackets and rock-climb in heels, but the girls are so dull and dim, I can't truly revel in the campiness. Tyra said see-ya to Kimberly last night but I was more interested in checking out the latest, stunning portfolio of last season's winner, Jaslene. This season's girls have some very big shoes to fill.

Related Links: Speaking of shoes, these red suede pumps are must-haves for fall.

Meet the latest crop of folks set for heartbreak, triumph and creative challenges on season four of "Project Runway." The show returns to the tube November 14, so in the meantime meet the cast and handicap who you think will win. Could it be Chris March, far left, who's created costumes for Cirque du Soleil and dressed Madonna? How about Elisa Jimenez, center, whose work has appeared in the pages of Vogue, Harper's and within the photographs of artist Cindy Sherman? What about Christian Siriano, who at 21 has already worked for Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Place your bets now... [via Just Jared]

Related Links: Hard to resist McQueen.

After enjoying and actually respecting Petra Nemcova's "A Model Life" on TLC over the summer, last night's silly kickoff of "Top Model" on a cruise ship seemed an especially egregious exercise in stupidity. Yet somehow at the end, Miss Tyra -- looking quite slim and fit these days -- managed to engage me again with some of her final picks for the top 13: a sweet-faced exotic dancer from Jersey; a not-quite-Plus-Size beauty; and an openly nerdy fashion newbie from Yale. Hey, speaking of college, test your ANTM knowledge with this frivolous quiz!

Related Links: Smart and fashionable should not be mutually exclusive.

You've gotta hand it to the folks at E!. Picking up on the fact that we're totally oversaturated with designer gown and jewelry shout-outs, they broke out the "Stiletto Cam" for last night's Emmys so we could find out what brand name shoes television's finest were wearing. "House" co-star Jennifer Morrison, pictured here, wore Brian Atwood's Mattie shoe. I guess we can expect an "Undie Cam" for the Oscars? Yay.

Related Links: We're head over heels with these designer shoes

Where has the time gone? Could Cycle 9 of "Top Model" be on next Wednesday? Could it really be that I'm still watching this nutty show? Okay, so I admit I'm excited to meet the latest crop of contenders, most of whom, once again, are white faces. After hearing ANTM's runway coach, Jay Alexander, sound off about lack of racial diversity at Fashion Week, this all seems particularly ironic. Here's hoping Miss Tyra -- who talks about "the future" of modeling in this preview -- throws enough drama and cattiness our way to make up for what seems like another missed opportunity to make a statement.

Related Links: Speaking of diversity, you can never have too many accessories for fall.

Last night's, Fashion Rocks event at New York's Radio City Music Hall was the usual awards show fare except instead of handing out trophies, models posed or catwalked every now and then. Celebrities delivered wooden cue-card jokes and intros and an A-List group of performers tossed their hair (JLo, Steven Tyler), glittered in sequins (Mary J. Blige), or wiggled their hips (Maroon 5). But the hottest moment of the night was when host Jeremy Piven related his awkward high-waisted jeans and feathered Jewfro-sporting phase (via embarrassing childhood photos) to current designer trends. The show airs on CBS tonight. Check your local listings for show time.

Beloved fashion mentor Tim Gunn deserves better than what we saw in last night's premiere of "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style." The basic premise of the show -- Gunn and co-host Veronica Webb raid scary closets and teach the fashion-challenged how to better use their wardrobe -- is good enough. But Gunn seemed uninspired, Webb looked bored and the show tended toward overly-saccharine "Extreme Makeover" territory that just isn't on par with the genius we've seen from the head of Parsons on "Project Runway." Here's hoping "Guide to Style" smooths its wrinkles so Gunn is able to do what he does best: make it work.

Related Links: Out with the old, in with the new for fall.

Last weekend I finally caught up on TLC's "A Model Life" -- hosted by the adorable Petra Nemcova -- and saw why it has earned glowing reviews. Eschewing the cheesy, elimination-style format of "Top Model," Petra's show centers on six teenage hopefuls over the course of six weeks in New York as the international bunch faces its first fashion week and tough scrutiny from the agency, Next Models. Tune in Friday, August 31 at 10 p.m. for the finale where Next selects its favorites and we cross our fingers that Petra gets renewed for next year.

Related Links: Petra, may I suggest this dress for next year's Emmys?

The first season of "Ugly Betty" is out today, joy of joys, with deleted scenes and a blooper reel added in for all you die-hard fans out there. Apparently America Ferrara has a hard time keeping a straight face. "I am the worst," she said. "I make them do like 50 takes." Pics from the release party at Just Jared.

New York magazine checks up on "Project Runway" alumni to find they are a miserable bunch. "My hands have been creatively crippled for two years," moans season one winner Jay McCarroll. You'd rather model than design, you say? Well, Jezebel exposes the trauma behind the latest "America's Next Top Model" audition in Manhattan.

Does this image of four well-heeled, thirty-something New Yorkers with varying hair colors, click-clacking on the Upper East Side look familiar? I have high hopes for ABC's upcoming fashion-industry drama "Cashmere Mafia" as SATC's Darren Star and Patricia Field are both on board. Field says her approach to dressing our heroines again lies between "reality and fantasy," though this preview suggests there won't be a tutu in sight. Whew.

Related Links: Fall into your own cashmere state of mind.

Two fascinating fashion documentaries from Loic Prigent are on the rise, the first of which, "Signe Chanel," is now available on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. The doc, which premiered on the Sundance Channel last year, chronicles Chanel's fall 2004 collection from conception to runway in five episodes. Prigent's other highly-anticipated project, "Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton," will be released on DVD during fashion week. [via Fashionologie]

Related Links: More about Marc.

With the new "Sex and the City" movie in the works, we are all left wondering how the ladies have fared over the last few years. Will they be older? Wiser? More fashionable? You won't have to wait long to find out -- the folks over at TV Land have imagined how things might look in Carrie Bradshaw's future. We'll give you a hint -- it ain't too pretty, but it sure is funny.

Related Links: The girls loved them some Choos.

If only fashion could always be this funny - Harper's has set aside the seriousness and created a Simpson's fashion spread, featuring even Marge's dour twin sisters in Viktor & Rolf, Lisa in Lanvin, and the whole Simpson family in the front row at the Louis Vuitton show, waving to Marc Jacobs. We like Homer's new turn as Karl's long-lost twin (pre-Lagerfeld diet twin, of course. [via Fashionista]

Related Links: Marge is wearing Chanel, and so can you.

Does the world need another reality show about models? Probably not, but why let that stop The Learning Channel from launching "A Model Life," their own version of "America's Next Top Model"? The models will be evaluated by execs over at Next, a step above Wilhelmina, whose scouts ripped new models to shreds on that other modeling series, "The Agency." While new shows rip off Tyra's "Top Model" concept, Tyra herself is coming up with brand new ideas of her own. [via Perez Hilton]

Will the real Ugly Betty please stand up? A new reality series that puts less-than-model-perfect folks in the hands of the catty world of fashion is in the works at VH1. "America The Ugly" features the same Wilhelmina exec from "The Agency" who told every woman over a size 2 she was too fat. The pilot's been shot, but it sounds absolutely painful to watch. [via Radar]

In one of the great reality-show upsets, Latina beauty Jaslene was crowned America's Next Top Model in last night's surprising finale. My girl Renee was booted for simply looking too old at age 20 (ouch), leaving Natasha and Jaslene to fight for the finish. Between her Cover Girl shoot and a fierce showing at the Sass & Bide show in Australia, Jaslene showed that "America" is officially much more than blue eyes and blonde hair.

Related Links: How cute would Jaslene look in this red cotton summer dress?

Folks can't seem to get enough fashion on the tube. To meet demand for popular style programming such as "Project Runway" and "ANTM," The Learning Channel will unveil a web-only show called "Makeover Train," in which two stylists ride Boston's public transit in search of fashion victims to restyle. Boston's got a lot going on, but it sure isn't known for being fashion-forward, so those ladies have their work cut out for them.

Related Links: Defend yourself from surprise makeovers.

Is it me or has "Top Model" morphed into a kooky theater camp for skinny people? Last night's awkward but ultimately beautiful dance routine with Australian aboriginals was a strange twist in the competition -- though not as shocking as the un-manageable Natasha making it to next week's finale. My money is on Renee, pictured. Just look how far she's come!

Related Links: Go natural in a silky flax Elie Tahari frock.

My self-imposed hiatus from "Top Model" has paid off -- in the meantime, these girls have gotten fierce! Shooting in Australia, the finalists did two beach shoots, one for a men's mag and one for a women's. Dionne's perma mean-face aside, the girls blew the judges away, forcing them to send Brittany packing for lacking social skills. Well, at least none of the models had their breasts escape from their dresses.

Related Links: Prepare to be drooled over in this yellow beach wrap.

Designer and jetsetter Cynthia Rowley has logged so many airplane rides from New York To Los Angeles to film episodes of "Design Star" that an airport cashier mistook her for a stewardess, reports the New York Post. But the cashier's question makes us wonder -- what kind of outfit was she wearing that made her look like an airline employee? Must have been something tailored in navy, but we're not sure. However, if Rowley ever pulls a Christian Lacroix or Julian Macdonald and designs some haute stewardess outfits, here are our picks from her fall 2007 collection to go higher.

Related Links: This one is cute, too.

If you can't get enough of Tim Gunn's wry musings on fashion, never fear, his book is here. "Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style" is out, with a companion Bravo TV show ("Tim Gunn's Guide to Style,") in the works. If you don't want to commit, the first chapter of the book is available online. We love this piece of advice on shopping: "The most important part of your expedition should take place before you leave home. The salient question to ask is: 'Why am I shopping today?'"

Related Links: I shop, therefore I shop.

There's a new modeling-agency reality show in town, and it doesn't look much prettier than "The Agency." The new show, "Models NYC," brings us inside the cutthroat world of -- get ready -- catalog modeling. But of course the quality of the models has little to do with the success of the show. After all, Wilhelmena of "The Agency" is not exactly chopped liver, and "Top Model" doesn't exactly feature the Gisele Bundchens and Jessica Stams of the modeling world, and they're in their 8th season. [via Fashionista]

Related Links: P.S. Anyone out there remember that old Melrose Place spinoff "Models, Inc."? I'm having a horrible mid-90s flashback.

Finally the "Top Model" contestants excelled at the same challenge: playing dead! The ladies all rocked the corpse look, with Renee (pictured) winning the most praise for her take on posthumous beauty. Mini-Tyra Felicia couldn't rein in her vibrancy and was booted for "not looking dead" enough. Watch next week when someone is eliminated for breathing!

Related Links: Live it up in pleated teal chiffon.

Our spies tell us a runway scene will be shot for the new show "Lipstick Jungle" this Wednesday in New York, where they have been filming the pilot over the past few weeks. The show, based on a novel by "Sex in the City" creator Candace Bushnell, chronicles a group of powerful New York women willing to do anything to stay on top.

Related Links: What would Candace wear?

Last night's "Top Model" makeovers were great fun. Making the already homely Sarah go dirty brown was genius! I could have done without the creepy soft-core-porn-candy-store shoot though. And what's up with the judges saying Cassandra "isn't model-pretty" enough? Oh that's right: they like their models a bit more tranny this season.

Related Links: What is pretty without a red dress for spring?

With the launch of Bluefly's latest ad, "The Catch," we at Flypaper have taken it upon ourselves to find out what exactly the modern woman does when she finds herself in a post-hook-up fashion predicament. In order to find out, we have created a poll to get to the bottom of this. What do you say, ladies? Take our poll (right) and let's find out!

Brutally honest modeling agent Becky Southwick has been described as the Simon Cowell of "The Agency," VH1's reality TV show about the Wilhelmenia modeling agency, making the show a guilty pleasure full of insults masked as professional advice. "You're like the Pillsbury doughboy," Ms. Southwick told one model, whose waistline had grown to an unforgivable 36.5 inches. "Her chin looks like a canoe," she said of another model, whom she compared to Jay Leno. "Hi, you’re too old and you’re too short," says her associate, Pink, a large man covered with tattoos who's not short on unkind words himself. "Your face is asymmetrical, your eyes are too close together, your nose is off at an angle," Pink told another unfortunate aspiring model. "Do you want me to keep going?" [via the New York Times]

Between Miss Jay rocking the school-girl look and Sarah's breasts escaping from her dress during the prom-themed fashion show, I give the last "Top Model" a well-deserved A. Heck, even Detroit rocker-chick Jael (pictured) got totally into being back in school. Or maybe she was just having a nic-fit. Yah, that's actually more likely.

Related Links: Get schooled in affordable elegance.

Bizarre moments popped up everywhere in last night's "Top Model" premiere. Aside from the girl who said her favorite Hepburn movie is "Dinner at Tiffany's," it was the amazing dimness of booted Brooklyn hairdresser Kathleen, pictured, that had me rolling. Poor kid thought fur coats came only from animals already dead from "fighting each other in the jungle." Somewhere a PETA activist is crying all over her mod-acrylic leg warmers.

Related Links: Just in time for spring, stupidity-free outerwear.

The second model to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" after season one's Rachel Hunter is Paulina Porizkova, a high-cheekboned Czech supermodel you might not remember if you were born anytime after 1985. Porizkova graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazzar and Elle and was the face of Estee Lauder for a time. We hope she gets paired with 'N Sync's Joey Fatone.

There are just six days left until the eighth-season premiere of "America's Next Top Model," but you can indulge your obsession now by watching this preview. My early favorite is 20-year-old blonde pixie Sarah, who says, "I'm very different from the other girls because I'm very intelligent." Aw, that's adorable -- a model who thinks being smart will advance her career! Maybe she'll inspire other geniuses to apply for Season 9.

Related Links: Being smart