There are some things that happen in life that you would probably be okay with never knowing. But what fun would that be? Here are a few highlights from recent fashion news, all of which are entertaining and non-important but would make for impressive random knowledge at a party.

Michael Phelps’s mom, Debbie, has become the unofficial spokeswoman for Chico’s and, apparently, a fashion inspiration to women nationwide. Before heading to Beijing, Debbie went shopping at Chico’s for everything that she could possibly need to wear while cheering on her medal-winning son. She had been seen in the stands wearing Chico’s head to toe, and, according to the brand’s president, people have been calling the sophisticated (read: expensive) store asking how to get Debbie’s look. Seems Ms. Phelps read “How to Be a Stage Mom 101: Getting Yourself Equal Time in the Spotlight.”

Christian Audigier is launching a new line of clothing with a very interesting muse - Evel Knievel. The line, called simply Evel Knievel, will be unveiled on August 25 at “When I Move You Move,” a Las Vegas trade show at Caesar’s Palace. With an icon known for being a daredevil, but also usually seen wearing a flame-retardant, red, white, and blue biker suit, I have no idea what to expect.

In 2007, $1.82 billion was spent on costumes. That is sad, and it is the most interesting fact surrounding the design your own costume contest sponsored by Duck brand duct tape. Stick or Treat wants you to create a costume using duct tape as a connector, the fabric, or just an accessory. $500 goes to the winning entry.

After Natalie Portman was featured as a guest judge on Project Runway two weeks ago, and hostess Heidi Klum reminded the contestants that Portman has her own line of vegan shoes, people have been searching on the Internet trying to find Natalie’s footwear line with Te Casan.

First, I feel inclined to point out that Natalie helped design a line, under her name, for shoe company Te Casan. Rather than, as Heidi mistakenly announced, Natalie’s line being called Te Casan.

Phew. Now that that’s cleared up …

In passing, Heidi made mention of Te Casan, which is pronounced “Tay Ka-saan.” TV viewers that had never seen it spelled out, tried their best to sound out what Heidi had said. Enter the best popular Internet search term of the week: “Natalie Portman’s Take Us On shoes.”

An easy auditory misinterpretation, but funny none the less.

Some of Natalie Portman’s shoes for Te Casan are currently on sale.

Harper Collins Publishers has an ongoing, monthly, online drawing - Book in a Bag - for five random readers to win three must-read new novels, packed into a designer bag courtesy of The SAK.

This month, you can enter to win the Ashbury Leather Shopper shown here (click on it to see more details at The SAK), stuffed with three new fiction novels courtesy of Avon A books em>(an “imprint” of Harper Collins): The Safety of Secrets (2008) by DeLauné Michel, The Flirt (2008) by Kathleen Tessaro, and The Godmother (2007) by Carrie Adams.

After the lucky five win, and the rest of us mope about not getting something for free, be sure to return each subsequent month to Harper Collins Book in a Bag online to enter to win a new bag, with new books. Up next month will be the California Classic Crossbody in Teak from The Sak, with three more must-read books: It Had To Be You (1994) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, The Smart One (2008) by Ellen Meister, and One in a Million (2008) by Kimberla Lawson Roby.

Good luck … but not too much, because I want to win, too!

The second episode of Project Runway Season 5 airs tonight, Wednesday July 23, at 9 p.m. Eastern on Bravo. If you missed last week’s season premiere, you can catch it before the new episode, at 8 p.m.

Last week, contestants were given one of the favorite challenges of past seasons: to make an unconventional design from material purchased at the grocery store. This week, the teaser ad has Tim Gunn taunting audiences by saying that something “is a Project Runway first.” Natalie Portman is the guest judge.

If you are itching with anticipation and excitement, how about creating your own sketch or outfit based on last week’s challenge? Do so, and you could win a complete hair product collection from TRESemme. Alison Kelly (shown here), from Season 3, will host an online competition related to each episode’s challenge given to the designers. Check it out: submit your work, or just rate your peers’ work.

Season 5 of Project Runway starts this Wednesday, July 16, at 9 EST, on the Bravo network.

To get ready for the new season, Bravo online created some memories and flashbacks for the first four seasons. There are top lists - 12 Greatest Moments, most controversial contestants, craziest challenges - unseen footage including the contestants’ audition tapes, and much more.

Would you like a free haircut and style this weekend? All you have to do is be lucky enough to live in one of the ten cities nationwide that will be visited by a Paul Mitchell Mobile Salon.

Oddly enough, this random promotion is for an upcoming movie release - go figure. Adam Sandler wrote, produced, and starred in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan that will be in theaters June 6.

The connection between an Adam Sandler movie and free haircuts? The movie is about an Israeli commando that fakes his own death in order to pursue his dream of doing hair. Apparently, he also makes extra dollars by performing “special services” for his clients, in a back room.

Curious how this plot comes together, but also super jealous of people that live in one of these ten locales and can take advantage of a free Paul Mitchell ‘do:

* Belmar, NJ at D’Jais on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

* Boston at EarthFest on Saturday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

* Miami at South Beach, 12th and Collins, on Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

* San Francisco in Golden Gate Park on Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

* Las Vegas at the Freemont St. Experience on Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

* St. Louis at the Rib America Festival on Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

* Los Angeles at the Venice Beach boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

* Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Motorway on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, time TBA

* Seattle at the NW Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center on Saturday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

* Chicago at North St. Beach on Monday, time TBA

With an opening day of Friday, May 30, the Sex and the City movie has just 10 days to go until it’s premiere. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get your tickets today!

Movie Web site Fandango is now offering pre-sale tickets to see Sex and the City next weekend at your local cinema center.

While you wait out the week and a half left, Fandango also has an entire Sex and the City page with pictures from the red carpet premiere of the movie, screen shots of the movie, related gossip and news, synopsis, critic and fan reviews, cast and crew info, and a contest!

At Fandango, you can enter to win a trip to New York City for you and three friends, including airfare, hotel stay, and a tour of all the Sex and the City hot spots around NYC.

I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when the new reality-based series She’s Got the Look was proposed as an “original reality series.”

Yes, I admit, a Top Model replacement was needed as Tyra has continued to spiral into the realm of insanity … which is why I was pleased to watch Tyson Beckford and Nikki Taylor on the new reality-based show about becoming a model called Make Me a Supermodel after Rachel Hunter’s British show of the same name and M.O. … which was completely different from Tyra’s ANTM because it had dudes, too.

But really, TV executives, another show that will pick a supposed model above other pretty faces? When was the last time Top Model actually produced a top model? And what was the point of Make Me’s winner Holly Kiser’s prize of a contract with New York Model Management when they also signed runner-ups (losers) Stephanie, Shannon, Ben, Casey, Ronnie and Perry? It could have just been called “Meet the New Faces of New York Model Management.”

So, TV Land, regretting your decision yet? I will begin watching your measly six episode series when it starts on June 4; but I hold little hope for it holding my interest.

Oh. Wait. This one is about old people?

I will definitely be in front of my screen then, because unknown 40-year-old women being discovered is exactly what I would consider “reality” when it comes to the modeling world.

Check out an intro to the ten finalists - six of whom are from California, one from NYC, one from Vegas, and only two from normal life locales. The winner will receive a contract (with Wilhelmina) and a magazine spread (with Self), of course.

Bluefly - the site that brings you high fashion for less, supports Project Runway, and shows naked women in their “that’s why I Bluefly” TV ads - is proud to introduce a new boutique within the Bluefly budding empire.

B*Fly offers savings up to 40 percent off and targets teens, college students, and 20-somethings with funky tee shirts, designer denim, flirtier cuts, and - much to my delight - many pretty colors and patterns! B*Fly offers “a new way to B.”

Bluefly is also currently hosting a shopping spree sweepstakes with New York magazine. Click on the banner here to enter to win $10,000 towards a spring wardrobe and other great prizes in the Spring in the City Giveaway.

Can you figure out what year this British Vogue magazine cover is from?

Click “read more” below for a few hints, and then to find out the answer …

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It is with bittersweet tenacity that I watched the season finale of Project Runway this last hour. Of course this is the moment that I have been waiting for all season - to find out who would win and to see the top three fabulous catwalk collections - but as it comes to an end I am reminded that this is the last Wednesday evening where I can enjoy new episodes of both America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway.

But enough stalling (and whining) already.

CHRISTIAN WON!

Christian, with his mere 21 years, will receive a grand prize package that begins with an editorial feature in an issue of ELLE magazine. He will also walk away with a cash prize of $100,000 from TRESemmé professional hair care to start his own line, and will have the opportunity to sell a fashion line on Bluefly.com. Saturn gave him a 2008 three-door, Saturn Astra, too.

The biggest prize of all, however, was probably guest judge Victoria Beckham - who he all but declared his love for - saying that she was “such a huge fan” and would be honored to wear anything that he made anytime.

There was foreshadowing to Christian as the winner including: his being the headlining designer; his collection had voiceover and backstage footage during the episode, and the others had none; and photographs of his fashions were leaked onto the Internet before tonight’s airing. Even though, I never gave up hope that Rami had a chance … that is until Heidi said:

“The winner of Project Runway
season four is … CHRISTIAN!”

Click on the photo of Christian here to read his bio on the show’s home page.

Season 4 of Project Runway is moving along quickly! From 15 designer-contestants in the beginning, to 6 in the episode coming up, down to just 2 who will get to show their stuff in Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

With a rerun on TV this week, (and an assignment for Project Blog!) I’ve been inspired to work up a full recap of the season thus far, and a tiny peek into next week.

Episode 1: Sew Us What You Got

Taken into the open air of Bryant Park, the shows begins where it will later end. Almost immediately after they arrive in New York, the 15 designer-contestants must race to collect their material from three tents decked out with $50,000 worth of fabric. With no guidelines but to “wow the judges,� Rami first showed off his twist-and-drape skills for an early win. Despite kooky Elisa’s colorful butt train, forgettable Simone was the first to go.

Episode 2: I Started Crying

Also titled “Money Changes Everything,â€? this episode introduced us to Sarah Jessica Parker’s line Bitten. Working in teams of two the designers had to create a look for SJP using only $15. Victorya, partnered with Kevin, won, and got to see her jacket in Steve & Barry’s stores. Marion, leader of partner Steven, and the other contestant that I completely forgot about, created a hot mess and was told “ick. See you later … not!â€? by SJP (in politer words, of course).

Episode 3: Fashion Giant

*Ominous doom noise* Footballer twin Tiki Barber guest stars for the dreaded menswear challenge. Although most are pleased by the gender change of models, most struggle to complete a three-piece look. Jack won after ripping apart what he was wearing to use as a pattern. Faux-hawker Carmen finally gets off the show and thus off my nerves for sending her poor model out with just a scarf for a shirt.

Episode 4: Trendsetter

They each have to pick an out-of-date style (Jillian took overalls because she had a pair on), then team up with two others to collaboratively make a cohesive collection of three updated versions of their chosen looks. It was a hard judging week because even though Sweet p, Elisa, and Victorya were favorites, their teams did not work well together. In the end, Jillian won (whose laughing now?) and costumer Chris (temporarily) went home for his insane shoulder pads.

Episode 5: What’s the Skinny?

Women who have recently lost around 100 lbs. were this week’s models - and their pre-weight loss fave outfit was the material (plus $10 spending cash). Back in the workroom, Jack announced that he has a serious infection and must step down. Welcome back, gigglemaster Chris! Steven spends too much time pitying himself for getting the woman who brought her wedding dress that he never gets the creative juices going. He lost (even though Chris made his woman look like a sailor). Youthful Christian nabs his first win with a rocker-chic, cropped, short-sleeve jacket, and perfectly fit pants.

Episode 6: Eye Candy

Dumbest episode ever. Hershey’s was mega advertised, Elisa lost, Rami won, and I actually liked Chris (second picture).

Episode 7: What a Girl Wants

Ah, the prom dress one: this is definitely one to catch if you missed it. High school girls were brought in - uniforms, Jersey attitudes, and all - and given the chance to select whom would work on their dream prom getup. Christian is on the verge of strangling his diva-in-training by the end, Kevin gets nixed after deciding to leave the edges unfinished, and snobby Victorya won with a dress necklaced in chunky jewels (first picture shown here). Miraculously, for the second week in a row, Chris is my fave.

Episode 8: En Garde!

The task at hand: with a partner, create an avant-garde outfit inspired by a crazy hairstyle, and a ready-to-wear version. Drama! Sweet P rocked it, but the judges couldn’t give it to her because her partnership with Rami was a flop. Kit lost for finding inspiration in Little House on the Prairie. Ricky cried. Victorya and Jillian worked terribly together, but ended up with a killer jacket. Christian led Chris to a victory and a photo shoot with TRESemme featuring their ruffled layers.

Episode 9: Even Designers Get the Blues

Levi’s 501 asked the remaining seven to fashion an iconic look using only denim pants and jackets, and some white cotton. They had to run to grab as much material as they could, again. Victorya and Jillian made jackets, again (Vic went home for her cut-and-paste number). Ricky cried, again (though this time he won). Christian made perfectly fit pants, again. The only thing new was that Rami didn’t twist and drape fabric (but really, how could he with denim?).

This was my Project Blog entry. Will you vote for me? Please?

Want that episode teaser I mentioned? Click below for a tiny peek into next week …

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Did anyone else cry last night when realizing that Project Runway was a rerun? I retreated to the fetal position, sucking my thumb, crying out “why, oh Bravo!, why?”

But then I remembered that at least we’d still be having a Project Blog competition starting up today, and that it is down to the final three contestants!

The overall Project Blog winner gets a prize pack of awesome stuff, which includes:
An autographed picture of Jackie Warner, courtesy of Sky Sport and Spa

In the final weeks of Project Runway, I am still in Project Blog with fellow top three finalists Mark and Winnie.

It’s getting tense! So much so that Stress Less wants to help you calm down and relieve that end-of-competition tension with a few prizes including a squeezey ball and herbal tea (because it’s more relaxing than coffee) mug. As an added bonus, the winning commenter and writer this week will each receive a copy of The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook.

Hmm … the more that I think about it, I know someone who could really use these prizes. Maybe we should all cede the stress relievers to Runway designer Ricky (shown here).

Allison at BCSFrenzy tells you exactly how to win, plus she will dole out my next, and hopefully not last, writing topic for Project Blog on Thursday.

Stay tuned - I’m going to need your votes!

Here’s just a small taste of the Haute Couture that Christian Dior has been serving up in Paris, France this week. (Click for full-size hotness.)

Now this is what the Project Runway judges were hoping for when they challenged contestants to create something inspired and innovative last week! Hopefully, my faves Sweet P and Rami will step it up tomorrow evening.

Speaking of Project Runway … I am still going strong in Project Blog! Voting ends momentarily for this week, so we should know a winner soon. Last week, I came in second with my two-part picture slideshow.

Maybe I would have come in first had I used Smilebox which lets you create free slideshows with your photos and video, and has dozens of other cool features like e-cards, scrapbooks, and more!