Yee-haw, boys and girls, "Project Runway" is back! After a long, dark period I will only refer to as "the unpleasantness," "Project Runway" saddled up and moved on over to Lifetime seamlessly. What a joy to have all the regulars on hand for what is one of the best episodes of “PR” I have seen in a long time. Tim’s here! Yay! Heidi, looking beautiful while dishing out huge helpings of schadenfreude (delight at other people’s misfortune). Michael Kors, the ever-glowing tangerine God of Fashion, and Nina Garcia, now at Marie Claire and sharpening her claws on a new crop of diverse designers.

Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, it is filmed in Los Angeles ... but so far that doesn’t seem to have affected a thing; in fact, the first challenge is pretty fabulous because of L.A.: The designers are taken to the red carpet of the Emmys, and given the challenge of designing a red-carpet gown of their choice with two days and $200. All the familiar fun ensues that makes us addicted to this stuff — sketching in the workroom (now at FIDM and bigger than ours!), a half hour to shop at Mood (yay! Mood!), and let the drama begin. All under the lilting tones of a certain Mr. Gunn, whom we have sorely missed.

Meet the designers: Ra’mon (the serious med student); Logan (the guy’s guy, letting us know in no uncertain terms that he is straight); Johnny (former drug addict who tried out for the show several times, but made it now that he is clean. Read: drama); Gordana (Yugoslavian tough-chick who will win even if she has to make her dress out of potatoes and corn); Malvin (one word: Sanjaya); Qristyl (oooh honey, step back, cuz Miss Q doesn’t mess around with skinny girls, she is size “plus-sexy”); Shirin (sweet to the point of diabetic coma); Nicolas (the self-acclaimed “Feather Prince” — Good Luck); Mitchell (every show has one, the all-American cutie); Ari (techno-chick who’s tragically into “Blade Runner” Chic); Louise (trapped-in-vintage-land Louise Brooks channeler); Irina (into leathah); Carol (this season’s Kenley? Pixie-couture airhead); Epperson (serious dreads and seems to be the oldest of the bunch); Althea (Cocky with a capital “C,” sure she is the next Christian, Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, blah blah blah); and finally, Christopher (self-taught and second runner-up in the cutie category). We met Christopher last — any predictions?

Some workroom fun that was music to my ears: Ari saying “I don’t sketch” ... Johnny having a drug-free meltdown with Tim coming to save the day and dry his tears ... Mitchell may be our new cryer ... Malvin claiming his garments are “ineffable” and beyond description (Oh, I can describe them alright). The best moment of the show? Qristyl can’t find anyone to cut her fabric at Mood, so she buys a pair of scissors and CUTS IT HERSELF! Way to make it work, Miss Q! Reality-show gold!

The dresses are coming along, and there’s a joyous visit from Saint Tim (do I hear angels when he enters the workroom?), and we begin to see what these designers are all about. Johnny says he will use “spit and gum” to finish his hideous dress if he has to. Tim calls Christopher’s work a “cruise-line cocktail waitress,” Ari is tragically channeling Blayne by making a halter diaper dress and Mitchell is making some sort of Victorian caftan out of coffin lining. Miss Q has completely missed with her quasi–Carmen Miranda wedding dress, and on the morning of the runway show, Mitchell has to start over from scratch and decides to go for a Lady Godiva look and send his model down the runway nude.

Oh Rapture! The Runway! Another byproduct of the L.A. location ... Lindsay Lohan is the guest judge! Here come the dresses!

• Althea: Silver, pretty, nice and safe.
• Gordana: Short blue-green dress with origami floating device around the bust.
• Malvin: Beige burlap scaly ugly boring dress fit for a prison wedding.
• Mitchell: Sheer (butt cheeks on parade) caftan that would make a great maternity dress for JLo.
• Louise: Dress made of drapes with a flowered growth on the shoulder.
• Christopher: ’80s prom dress made of garbage bags and Kleenex.
• Ra’mon: Fabulous eggplant taffeta gown that you could see on the most fabulous star on the Oscars red carpet.
  Shirin: Cutesy, short, safe.
• Epperson: More purple, but this one is the wrong way to do it.
• Irina: Literally drapes that the model keeps tripping over.
• Ari: Ridiculous space suit that wouldn’t pass for fashion in any year in the future.
• Johnny: This tragedy looks like a piece of fabric blew onto the model in a windstorm and was held in place by pieces of chewing gum.
• Qristyl: Ouch. I love Q, but this is hideous. How hideous? Kenley would love it.
• Logan: Silver, boring and monotone like his voice.
• Nicolas: Short, black plastic/rubber body condom. No feathers, go figure.

 

The decisions are made, the delicious drama spills forth in classic PR fashion. Did I agree with their decisions on who they kept on the runway? Yes. But I seriously disagree with their commentary on the top and the bottom looks ... but that’s what makes the show addictive. You want to scream at Nina, pull Heidi’s hair out, wipe the orange off of Michael Kors, and force-feed Lindsay Lohan. We all agreed Miss Q was a wreck, but she’s too fun to get rid of: In. Johnny: In. Are you serious? This same dress has gotten many designers eliminated, but they obviously keep him for what they hope will be more drug-free drama. Ra’mon: In. They called this dress “safe,” even though it was obviously the most beautifully realized piece on the show. Mitchell: In. They gave him a break. Plus they know all the gay men watching the show would be mad if they eliminate the cutest designer. Ari: OUT. What glee to hear Michael Kors call this ugly piece of garbage a “disco soccer ball.” I am swooning with delight. The winner? Christopher. Oh my God. This dress is one pair of fingerless gloves away from the prom scene in any John Hughes movie. (See photo.)They would normally rake this thing over the coals, but to keep us talking about the controversy, they chose to reward the self-taught naive boy who now thinks he’s got a shot at winning. But that’s why we love the show. “Project Runway” is back in all its glory. We can’t get enough of the delicious punishment, drama, hopes and dashed dreams of “Project Runway.”

And, ultimately, of life. See ya soon, Chris

Chris Weeks/WireImage

Recreate Jennifer's "Valentine's Day" 'do with this step-by-step guide, courtesy of her stylist Adir Abergel: Step One: Lift Your Locks First, prep the hair by applying Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray at the roots. Next, blow dry the whole head with your hands to create texture and bring out the natural wave. Step Two: Create Curls Follow by taking a round brush and blow dry the bangs forward and to one side. Continue with a 1’’ curling iron, curling hair away from the face but leaving the ends alone. Step Three: Texture Your Tresses After curling the hair, mix Fekkai Coiff Océanique Tousled Wave Spray with Fekkai Coiff Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Crème, and apply to the ends to create a tousled look. Finally, to hold the look for the entire evening, finish with the Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray all through the hair. For additional product information, or to purchase any of the styling aids mentioned above, visit Fekkai.com. Will you be experimenting with Jennifer's latest look?

Lester Cohen/WireImage

This Valentine's Day, shower your love with a selection of simple, straightforward grooming gifts: 20s: (Luxe) Daily Essentials Introduce your guy to the pleasures of a proper grooming ritual with these modern must-haves. Malin+Goetz Essential Kit A brilliant starter kit that includes: Face Cleanser, Face Moisturizer, Body Cleanser Bergamot, Body Moisturizer, Shampoo and Conditioner, packaged in a hand-made gift box (upon request). ($30, Malinandgoetz.com.) Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Starter Kit Simple yet effective, this kit comes complete with Kiehl's classic Ultra Facial Cleanser, Toner and Cream. ($24.50, Kiehls.com.) Clinique Deluxe Great Shave Kit Includes both a full and travel size of Clinique's beloved M Shave Aloe Gel, Face Scrub and Post-Shave Healer, as well as a signature black toiletry bag. ($45, Sephora.com.) 30s: The Perfect Shave Spoil your man with a collection of luxurious shaving aids. Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere Create a customized shaving kit with a selection of Acqua di Parma classics, including: Colonia Talcum Powder, After Shave Lotion or Balm, Shaving Gel or Cream, and top it off with their signature Shaving Brush and/or Razor for a Valentine's Day they'll never forget. ($40- $349, Saks.com.) The Art of Shaving Travel Kit Perfect for the guy on-the-go, this gift set comes complete with an elegant Fusion Razor, Pure Badger Travel Shaving Brush, and convenient travel pumps of Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, and After-Shave Balm. ($150, Theartofshaving.com.) 40s to 50s+: Classic Grooming Services An old-fashioned steam, shave and shine is always a welcomed treat. John Allan's The Full Service Available in NYC and Chicago, this indulgent package includes a scalp massage, cleanse and condition, hot towel shave, hair cut, manicure and shoe shine. ($65, Johnallans.com.) Grooming Lounge The Congressman Available in D.C. and Virginia, this committee of services includes a hot lather shave, massage therapy, manicure, foot treatment and shoe shine. ($260, Groominglounge.com.)

I was not expecting this sponge-colored Christian Siriano dress to show up again on the red carpet so quickly (primarily because it's just so distinctive), so when I saw it on Rihanna at the Pepsi Refresh Project Kickoff Party in Miami Beach just weeks after it was worn by Kat DeLuna to the Scott Barnes book launch, I felt a tad giddy.

Both leading ladies manage to pack a lot of personality into the already playful dress, but I prefer Rihanna's nude, strappy sandals over Kat's bowed peep-toes. I'm also falling for her jumbo earrings.

Photos (left to right): Jerome Davis/London Entertainment/Splash News; Joe Kohen/WireImage

 

How well do you know your favorite celebrities' baby pics?

We'll give you three hints as to who this chubby-cheeked cutie grew up to be. First, she's a triple threat: She can act, sing and dance. Also, she's rumored to be dating one of her former costars (from a movie). And finally, not only does she have a hit movie in theaters now, but she's also on a mega-popular TV show!

Can you name that baby?

Are you ready for "Valentine's Day" -- the movie? At the star-studded premiere of the celeb-packed new film, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel showed off their dress picks for the big night.

Garner glowed in a sexy Valentino strapless style that oozed sex appeal (the mommy to two still has it!), while Hathaway went even shorter with her sassy Marchesa mini. And Biel revealed a more over-the-top gown (in V-Day red) by red carpet dress master Oscar de la Renta.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty

Jordan Strauss/WireImage, Lester Cohen/WireImage, Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The stars were shining bright at Monday's premiere of "Valentine's Day," with waves— of every length, texture and style— ruling the red carpet.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Chloe Sevigny rocks a bright, poppy-red lip at the 23rd annual Second Stage Theatre All-Star Bowling Classic.

Dr. Conrad Murray was charged today with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of music star Michael Jackson, reports Radar Online.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, the charges allege that Dr. Murray "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson ... in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony; and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection."

Meanwhile, TMZ.com says that they've received the full coroner's report on Michael Jackson. They say the report includes a list of items found in the home: "a green oxygen tank, prescription meds, medical supplies, a box of catheters, disposable needles and alcohol pads." Among the prescription medications, they reportedly found 11 vials of Propofol, none of which had prescription directions, a patient name or a doctor name on them.

Photos by Eamonn McCormack/WireImage (left) and EBLV/Splash News (right)

Every day this week, one lucky user will score a sexy Samantha chemise from Affinitas Intimates, the intimate apparel brand known for its flirty French designs, feminine details and comfortable styles.

For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question "What is your favorite Affinitas intimate?" (find inspiration at affinitasintimates.com) in the comment section below through Feb.14, 2010. Once you've commented your answer, you can continue to leave more comment entries as long as you include your answer in BOLD in each additional comment (and make sure to leave a new comment every day for another chance to win). See the official Valentine-a-Day Giveaway Part II rules.

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Photo: Courtesy of Affinitas Intimates