Q: A "project runway" challenge was to design a cocktail dress using these 2 colors, maybe to go to a Truman Capote ball
(see answer below)

Idol Chatter
American Idol hasn't exactly been the kind of show where you'd expect to find great fashion. Contestants are encouraged to express themselves and even get help from professional stylists, but it's entertainment we're looking for, not style ideas. Nonetheless, we look forward to what everyone with be wearing each week, from how they'll do their hair (Sanjaya), to how they'll accessorize and do their makeup...

OK, so maybe we're paying just a little too much attention to the looks on American Idol, but so what?! We can't help it! In fact, our interest was peeked further when last week, we think we spotted a Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty necklace dangling around the neck of Idol hopeful Jordan Sparks as she belted out a song by No Doubt. We hope it was a gift (or a faux) since this similar looking Simply Kitty Necklace costs a staggering $4,250 at neimanmarcus.com.

If we had that kind of money, we'd find better things to spend it on. But because we've always loved Hello Kitty and her friends when we were growing up, here are some fashionable, less expensive alternatives to show your affection for the curious white cat:

Hello Kitty Pink Head Glass Pearl and Crystal Bead Necklace with Vintage Style Collage Pendant.
$170.00
jestjewels.com



Avon Hello Kitty Rhinestone Necklace
$9.99
avon.com


Keep your true feelings about Hello Kitty under wraps and display this unique Hello Kitty decorative object in the privacy of your own home. Definitely kitsch.
Hello Kitty Tangerine Deco
$34.99
dreamkitty.com




A: black & white

Today we're talking about the dos and donts of summer dressing, despite the fact that tomorrow's weather forecast calls for snow. (That's right, snow.)

Summer means sandals, and certain styles work for certain occasions. Don't wear flip-flops to work unless you're a lifeguard. And don't wear them if you're going to be on your feet all day either. Although comfortable, it's been shown that flip-flops don't provide your feet with the support they need.

Another don't is short shorts. We're here to tell you what your best friends won't: short shorts rarely look flattering on any of us. Even if you've got the figure to pull them off, there's a chance you'll end up lookin' like a hoochie. Flattering and temperature-wise alternatives include capris, bermuda shorts and cropped pants as well as dresses and skirts.

Speaking of which, the dress is still a must-have item for everyone's summer wardrobe. We're partial to the ever stylish and versatile shirt dresses which have been cropping up in stores everywhere. Dresses keep you cool and look fabulous on any woman. The best part: you toss on one garment and you're good to go.

This rave is long overdue. Simply stated, we adore Anthropologie. The store, not the study of mankind. We love the look, the feel, the flavor, the mood. The moodiness. The creativity. The originality. We'd never pay for or even wear the clothes, heaven forbid, but we love it nonetheless. We especially love their catalogs, fashion stylists and photography. Gorgeous, luscious, intelligent, chic, smart, exotic, well-mannered, poetic, artistic. All these adjectives gush to mind (and if that's not a phrase...now it is.)

We think the success of the brand reflects the consumer's ever-growing desire for a sense of exclusivity, originality, whimsy, and personality, whether the items are mass manufactured and sold or not. The average consumer is willing to take more risks, more chances and create their own style. The possibilities are endless—and now, they're within reach, with costs of clothes going down and new trends coming out with increased frequency. (We didn't say they were cheap—just within reach.) Anthropologie taps into that, from accessories to home decor.

This anthropologie is the science of good taste.

For one week only, order shoes at Urbanoutfitters.com, get free shipping. Enter FREESHIP at checkout for free shipping on any order that includes regular priced shoes. Offer expires April 8th at midnight, EST. Web only.


Exclusive Online Offer from Nordstrom.com
With your online beauty or fragrance purchase of $95 or more, you'll receive an assortment of deluxe beauty product samples, including Bare Escentuals® RareMinerals™, Caudalie Cabernet Sauvignon Scrub, Clarins Smoothing Comfort Cream SPF 20, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, Ferragamo Incanto Shine Body Lotion, H2O Plus Exfoliating Body Butter, Kinerase Lotion with SPF 15, Lacoste Shower Gel, Lancôme Définicils Mascara, Laura Mercier mini Eye Basics, N.V. Perricone, M.D. Concentrated Restorative Cream, Origins No Puffery, philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Serum and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15.

Online only. One per person, while supply lasts. Gift will be added automatically in Checkout and can only be shipped to the same destination as your order.

Be they electric or icy, blues are one of this spring's coolest trends.

Bright blue dazzles on these Chailyn heels with a wood platform from Ninewest.com. $89.00.



C&C California's blue cotton dress will have you feeling anything but. Perfect for seaside strolling, shopping or a day in the park. Tip: Layer over a supportive tank and proper undergarments to avoid any unsightly squeezing and/or clinging. $68.00 at Shopbop.com

Energize that little black dress (or black top, black bottom combo we so often rely on for a night out) with this Xhilaration® Faux Patent Clutch in cobalt. You'll be blue-skyin' in no time.