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.

What do you think of Mariska Hargitay’s new, lighter hair coloring?

I just really wish Katie would snip the tag off of her scarf! I understand that it is probably a designer label, but having a stiff white tag dangling from any accessory detracts from your look as a whole. Cut it off, Kate, cut it off.

Click on the picture to see it full size.

It’s a younger - almost realistically aged for starting in the modeling world - crowd. There are two 18-year-olds, eight 19-year-olds, and not one above 23. This should make for some good drama!

There’s a go-go dancer, a career which makes Tyra cringe. There are two Europeans. Oh yea, and there’s Isis. She used to be a he.

Isis, 22, has GLAAD shouting for joy over her acceptance onto the show. Isis describes her situation as having been born physically a male, but mentally a female. She also says that, while she loves helping others, her focus on the show is to compete and win, not be a spokesperson or role model.

The international destination is Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, and the prize is: a contract with Elite Model Management, a contract with CoverGirl cosmetics, and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

It seems to me like there is an unspoken battle going on over which model show can be the most inclusive.

1. ANTM featured Heather Kuzmich, who has Asperger Syndrome, in September 2007.

2. The U.K. raised the betting field with the July 2008 debut of Britain’s Missing Top Model which, although it may sound like a search for kidnapped catwalkers, was a show where all of the contestants were “missing” something … like their hearing, a leg, an arm, the ability to move …

3. ANTM responds with a transgendered woman. Top that Britain.

Check out all of these stores that currently have a denim sale going on:

* GAP: Take 25% off all Men’s, Women’s, and Maternity jeans GAP stores and online. Shop online, or click on and print the coupon shown here to save in stores. Discount only lasts until this Sunday, August 17.

* LUCKY: Buy any pair of jeans online through Lucky Brand and receive free shipping. While your there, sign up for the e-mail list and be entered to win seven pairs of Lucky jeans … seven free pairs of Luckys? I’d be in heaven!

* OLD NAVY: Prices on jeans are cheap to begin with, starting at $25 per pair. Plus, Old Navy just added petite and tall cuts. Check it out.

* BARNEYS: They just want you to know that they sell jeans. That’s all. View Barneys latest mailer which is all about denim online.

Now, I am no crazy, necklace-wearing fan of Marc Jacobs, but (if I had the loot and was feeling frivolous) I could see myself with a Marc Jacobs bag.

The first one here is one that easily caught my eye. It’s the Quilted Colorblock Soft Pouch in Lemon, and was originally $695, but is now going for $419 at eLuxury.

The second, well, I really like the frog clasp … the cut and style of the bag is just too reminiscent of the mini backpack I carried in middle school. Plus, if I’m going to have an amphibian on my purse, it’s going to be a bargain buy not a $400 splurge. This Evening Rana Pouch is regularly $795, but is on sale at eLuxury for $479.

It’s hit or miss with Marc Jacobs for me. Check out the Marc Jacobs sale at eLuxury to decide for yourself.

Head to any Lucky Brand or Lucky Kids retail store (outlets not included), with your valid student I.D. in hand, and you will receive $25 off any purchase of at least $100.

Now there’s the leverage you need to convince mom to let you do your back to school shopping at Lucky!

After careful analysis, I believe her secret to lie somewhere in the combination of these factors:

1. Her hair’s got style. Any cut looks fabulous on her. The texture of her hair and the shape of her face allow long locks or a short shave; short bangs, thick bangs, long layers, or a straight cut; blond or brunette.

2. She’s all smiles. Her smile is genuine and constant. Her cheeks put parentheses around her grin that accent it in a cute way.

3. Girl got moves. She could beat any model in a pose off. She “knows her angles,” as Tyra would say.

4. She’s hot. Let’s face it, good looks boost your confidence. She manages to pull it off without being conceited or snobby, too. She’s very approachable.

5. She’s got the quirk factor. Nobody likes someone who is perfect. Mena’s got just enough quirkiness to be fun and different.

I used to think that label lust couldn’t get much worse than paying $50 or even $100 for a plain white tee bearing nothing but a name, but I was wrong. It apparently goes much further and gets much worse.

For $128, Marc Jacobs addicts can don his lower label’s moniker - Marc by Marc Jacobs, around their neck. What better way to say “I love you” to Marc, and “I’m crazy and want you to know it” to friends and passers-by.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Fan Necklace, which stakes no claims on what kind of precious metal it is made out of, shown here can be purchased from Shop Bop for $128. It can be mocked for free, anytime, anywhere. And remember, “happiness is wearing a little something Marc every day.”

So I commend the Bag Lady on her fun way of pointing out that starlets at the Teen Choice Awards loved their accessories, without destroying their ego: a fun matching game of teen-to-20 celebs’ faces and their award-night accessories. Go check it out!