The $150K makeover

The Republican National Committee apparently spent $150,000 on clothes, makeup and hair appointments for vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. It probably could have been done for less, and it's definitely a PR nightmare for Josephine Six-pack.

It's an amount unfathomable to most of us "real Americans," who buy jeans at Old Navy and sweaters at Target. But most of us "real Americans" aren't jet-setting across multiple states making multiple public appearances in one day.

Which is why, in a way, it's money well spent, especially when you look at what Palin wore in the first days after her nomination -- those boxy jackets that did nothing for her. Her new look is much more classy, stylish and flattering to her figure, which is incredible when you consider she gave birth to her fifth child about six months ago. (Maybe moose hunting will become the new It workout.)

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If you missed the premiere of "Stylista" on the CW last night, be sure to check it out next week at 9 p.m. Wednesday. It's a reality show that pits 11 fashion enthusiasts against each other as they compete for a one-year slot as an editor at Elle magazine. They have to impress real Elle staffers and one in particular -- Anne Slowey, Elle's fashion news director. Think "The Devil Wears Prada" becomes a competition.

Last night's premiere combined a little bit of fashion with a hilarious amount of drama. As a page designer, I particuarly enjoyed watching them struggle to create a Contributor's page, but no matter what you do, you'll get a kick out of the drama, the tears and the just plain odd ideas.

For the record: My money's on 22-year-old Ashlie, a fashion production assistant for Calvin Klein Dresses. She's the real deal.