I love the show Project Runway. For those who don't know, it is a show where aspiring fashion designers compete to win $100,000 to start their own clothing line. They also receive publicity in the form of magazine spreads, and tv appearances.

Most people watch reality shows for the drama. I watch this one for the inspiration. My first three jobs were at two different fabric stores, and I made some clothes that hung in the stores. I have always loved fashion, even though I am not your typical fashionista. I have read a fashion magazine only once in my life. I cannot tell you the intricacies of a Valentino vs. a Chanel. I cannot look at a gown and tell you what designer it looks like. BUT- I know my fashion. I began making a skirt six months ago. It is a light teal color, and has endless ruffles. Since I began making it, I have seen one on Kathy Griffin, one on the back of a home improvement magazine, and one on a Barbie doll. If I had just sewn it more quickly, I would have been the first person to ever display that design anywhere. I knew that ponchos were coming back, I saw the coming of the hobo bag, and I knew that shirtdresses were going to be HOT. I am a fashion crystal ball.

I attribute my good fashion sense with a recent bit of luck. As some of you may know, I won a contest. But until now, I wouldn't say what contest I won. Finally, I am ready to do so. It was the Project Runway Fashion Face-Off contest. I win a trip for two to NYC, hotel, a little spending money, and coolest of all, a dress designed by the winner of Project Runway 2, Chloe Dao.

For my win, I had to pick the winner and loser of Season 2, for each episode. My score was either the highest, or my name was drawn from among the highest scores. Either way, I won!

Chloe's style is excellent, and I could not be more thrilled. Of the three finalists, I am happy that she was the winner. Santino's style would not suit me personally, and Daniel's style, though he makes beautiful garments, would not suit a larger woman. He makes things that look fantastic on models, but I am larger than a model, so there was some trepidation there. Chloe is different. Her clothing has a simple profile, but when you focus on the details, it is overwhelmingly beautiful. She did the most amazing thing with seams on one of her winning gowns, and let me tell you as someone who knows how to sew, seams are just seams. They serve no purpose other than to hold the garment together. In that sense, she completely reinvented sewing. She has taken couture to the next level. Furthermore, I know we will be in sync, because one of her gowns that won was very similar to a gown that I made for my prom. It was classy, elegant, and refined then, and I would not be embarrassed to wear it even now. And the one that Chloe made, although similar, had enough differences and innovations that it looked fresh and beautiful, though it was basically the same style as one I wore quite a few years ago. And that is what fashion is.

There are only so many necklines. There are only a certain number of skirt lengths. You can only choose from a select few sleeve types. It is the combination of these type things that makes something new and innovative. And if she continues to come up with innovations such as the seams she did, she will have a long, glorious, outstanding career in fashion, and I will have one of the garments from the start of her career. And because it is being made for me, and ONLY me, it is definitely a treasure. In fact, considering I cannot play the violin, this is worth more to me than finding a Stradivarius in perfect condition sitting in my attic. Because I PERSONALLY would not be able to get as much use and enjoyment out of it.