Although the only time I’ve ever looked at an issue of Marie Claire was offhandedly in the doctor’s waiting area, I am totally enthralled by this fashion-soaked reality show. It’s an entertaining, if not accurate depiction of what it’s like to work as an intern at a mainstream glossy. This show has done for me what Stylista didn’t—instead of nonsensical challenges and novelty, weekly eliminations (that by the way took place on a made for TV set) we see three, couldn’t-be-more-different fashion industry hopefuls tackle real (?) assignments and frenetically run around NYC in their respective heels all in an effort to please the dry, yet endearing editor-in-chief Joanna Coles.

With four episodes down, the characters are well in place. Samantha, who is by far my favorite, is the small-town, doe-eyed optimist whose positive attitude more than makes up for her naiveté. Despite some seeming body image issues—an ill-fitting sample size garment results in a teary breakdown—her sweet and carefree nature makes her stand out amidst the I-take-myself-way-too-seriously ilk. Talita is the opportunistic diva who definitely rocks the best outfits, and speaks with a deep, self-assured cadence. With a degree from the eponymous FIDM, she’s a little tense, but driven. Then there’s the deplorable wretch that is Ashley, who’s “bring the other girls down to make myself look good” approach will really get her far in this industry (insert sarcastic tone here). Instead of letting her experience speak for itself, which she’s failed to do thus far, she flagrantly whines and complains about the other girls getting more glamorous assignments while she gets stuck running mundane errands. Um, hello…that’s what interns do. Secondly, a negative disposition will only perpetuate a less than desirable situation; you get what you put out and being a hater gets you nowhere.

If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s as mind-numbingly addictive as Top Model reruns on Oxygen, but better.

Thanks to Kristen May Anastasia for the tip. Can’t wait to see it…

Seems like Anne Slowey is no Nina Garcia.

Stylista continues to lose it’s audience with 30% fewer people (only 2.4 million) checking in this past week to see Elle’s editor stumble on her stilettos. Guess the magazines attempt at getting advertisers to care about their glossy since losing Project Runway’s Garcia isn’t turning out as well as they hoped.

Could Elle be the next mag to shutter it’s doors or scale down in the next few months? Will the winner of Stylista even have a job after all this?

I’ll probably watch “Stylista”. No, I will watch “Stylista”, then I’ll roll my eyes when one of the assistants get menacingly chided for bringing in tepid coffee or when a very costumed Ann Slowey does her best, albeit hackneyed, Devil Wears Prada impression. While rifling through this month’s Elle over the weekend, I couldn’t help but notice the less than modest mentions about their upcoming reality show/competition in which we’ll get to see how much contestants are willing to make utter fools of themselves for an “editor position” at said magazine. It’s an all too familiar scene these days—another reality show turning and otherwise esteemed profession into a glamorized joke. The trivialization of jobs in the fashion industry has become fodder for prime time entertainment, which really is nothing new. But now they’ve gone after fashion editors and I am, to say the least, vexed.

The truth is I like shows like this; Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, The Fashionista Diaries, etc. They give people a candid view to the inner workings of the fashion business, and for people like me, who actually plan to be a part of that business one day, it’s a little inspiring. Okay a lot. Equally, I can’t help but be turned off by how callous, sniveling and vacuous they make everyone seem (trust me, editing is a bitch). I’ve had my share of internships in fashion PR and publishing and it’s definitely not as theatrical (except when dealing with Mandie Erickson’s former pupil/bff). Yes, this industry can be superficial, shallow and silly, and yes you’ll come across more assholes more often than normal than in any other field, but these are people, highly skilled artisans if you will, that are true experts at what they do, all in the name of pleasing our senses.

Despite the common consensus, it takes real talent and vision to execute such imaginative spreads and layouts, which in turn makes everything look even more drool worthy and unattainable. I guess my main concern is being met with the absent-minded “oh really like who isnt” pshaw when divulging my aspirations. I refuse to be a dime a dozen.

So someone is really, really into The Devil Wears Prada. The new Stylista show is basically a shittier, faker version of the movie. The boss lady at Elle tries her best to emulate Miranda Priestly, but comes up short cause a) she lacks style, b) Botox doesn’t allow for much emotion, and c) she was nice to the fat girl with ugly glasses (after the jump). This show is in a desperate need of a Patricia Fields make-over. All the style is just so, blah.

Duly noted is the YSL necklace Miranda’s doppleganglers wearing. Very chic.

They have a token fat girl. Aw, how sweet. It’s obviously not Vogue.

The new Tyra Bankable show based around interning at a magazine is finally getting some legs. These promo shots just hit the web and we’re guessing the show will be about as interesting as trying to find real substance in an issue of Elle.

I’m gonna give this show two episodes before I fully blast is for being a final nail in the coffin for traditional press. Last time I checked careers in the magazine game are hard to come by so I’m guessing this is some final attempt to prove to fashion lovers that working at a magazine is a “fun, low income way of spending your time”. If you want to go into publishing get a blog, seriously. Also, must every guy on this show look like a fashion cliche?!? I know it was filmed a few months ago but this shit looks dated already. The bolla hat, the scarf, the business look. If any of these fashionistas were smart they would have realized that they should have been rocking Fall 2008 goods to look like they are current. Oh well.

Below is a snap from some challenge in which they have to bring someone lunch. You can cut the tension with a knife. Actually you can’t, this is lame. Hopefully no one does anything remotely interesting and I never have to talk about this again.

The Devil Wears Prada Reality Show