I became aware of the Impostor Syndrome eight or nine years ago, when I was working for a failing start-up. Watching our staff whittle to half its size every few weeks was starting to take a toll on the remaining employees. I was grateful to still be working, but I wondered whether I should start looking into another job -- something more secure.

Still wondering who these people think is going to buy their clothes?

I love Project Runway. I realize that this doesn’t make me terribly unique, but I’m human and I cannot resist its charms: I love the drama, I love the clothes and, like all of America, I love Tim Gunn. But what I love the most about the show is that beneath the cattiness and the glitz there are lessons to be learned if you're willing to listen to Tim, Heidi, Nina and Michael.

Are you an apple shape? Apples carry their weight through their mid section, primarily in their tummies; apples often have slim arms and legs. What's the most flattering silhouette for an apple?Let's start with what not to wear: If you're an apple (or if you're anyone who is carrying a little extra weight through the middle) skip pleats entirely, avoid wrap dresses and blouses, and beware of belts that sit at your "natural" waist. All of these will add bulk and width to your middle -- which is not what you want.

Fashion Delivers Foundation was created in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita with a goal to organize the collection and distribution of new clothing and home items to hurricane victims.The group was able to collect and give over $4.5 million dollars worth of men's and women's clothing directly to people in the devastated areas.  

My name is Kristen, and I have big calves. Are they shapely? Yes. Are they strong? Absolutely? Do I love them? I can honestly say that I do.But can I fit my big ol' calves into most boots I find in stores? Not a chance. And with the fabulous styles women are wearing lately, that is utterly unacceptable.

Or, really, make that Cross-Design, if I leave off trying to be all provocative with my headline. This week's episode finds our designers at the Met, where there is a wonderful exhibition of couture fashion. Their challenge is to be inspired by that fashion to create their own signature high-end look. In order to deliver something high-end, they are giving the designers $500 and two days to complete the challenge. Of course, they're also saddling them with a team member. If you watch this show, you know that means there is drama ahead.

Thousands of tourists flock Santa Monica every year to enjoy the pretty beach, go on a solar-powered ferris wheel ride on the pier, and of course, shop. But while most shoppers head straight to the mostly-chain stores on Third Street Promenade and Main Street, Santa Monica's home to a bevy of pre-loved fashion stores that offer cute, eco-friendly shopping opportunities for every budget.

I'm a big fan of skinny jeans, but not because I am particularly skinny; I'm pear shaped, with a flat chest and very small waist and less-small hips and thighs. But I love the slim line of skinny jeans, and their cousin, the Audrey Pants; the look is sleek and classic and grown up. But I'm always hearing from women who say, "I wish I could wear skinny jeans, but I'm too curvy -- I look like an idiot." Anyone can make skinny jeans work, I promise. The key is fit and proportion.

Project Runway is back in NYC, and all is right with the world. Or at least, so far, these designers seem to have talent; they seem to put well-constructed garments down the runway, and Michael Kors and Nina Garcia seem to be firmly ensconced in their judge's chairs ... as it oughta be. And Tim Gunn is nowhere near a pair of flip-flops. And you know he must be happy about that.

Is 2010 the Year of Not Shopping? Not at my house, no, but for other women bloggers, the answer is yes, and they're finding creative ways to go about giving up their retail therapy.

Confidence has always been an elusive thing for me. I try to project it, but it is more a fabrication than a true reflection of my state of mind. In all things, I care too much what other people think of me. The smallest of criticisms is often enough to send me reeling for days. I aim to please, even as I try not to. It's a constant battle between the self-assuredness I wish I had and the occasionally crippling insecurity that grips me.