Stylista: Not Project Runway, but watchable

I like fashion, and I like some reality TV, so I've been excited for a few weeks about Stylista, in which 12 young hopefuls compete for a junior editor position at Elle Magazine. With Project Runway out of episodes until maybe mid-2009, I have to get my fashion TV fix, and while Stylista is missing the fascinating look at the creation of fashion trends and so far the over-the-top appeal of America's Next Top Model, I think once we get past some of the egos it might be a pretty interesting show.

What I'd like to see more of: Fashion creation challenges. I really liked the H&M give-yourself-a-makeover challenge not just because I shop at H&M, but because I like to see those competing for a somewhat prestigious position think on their feet. The teams had to work together to create office-appropriate looks that were also stylish in a short amount of time. I also liked that one editor called out the girl in the Chanel dress, saying that even though it was a top designer label, it wasn't the best look for her. One of my heroes, Tim Gunn, talks about this in his book, that how clothes look on you is always way more important than the label. The aspiring editors also had to show that their design skills went beyond clothes, putting together not just a breakfast tray for their would-be boss and head judge, but a page about themselves for Elle.

What I'd like to see less of: Whiny ego-tripping. Ego is something you earn, people. It gets built up and shot down and rebuilt as you work. But I suppose without the overinflated egos the show would be a lot less interesting.

I don't have anyone specific I'm rooting for yet. It's too early in the show to remember who's who.

Show reviews: BuzzSugar, New York Times, Washington Post