Okay, Rachel must be dying, literally, right now.

Her loyal, often sullen, but always, always hard-working styling associate Taylor Jacobson is finally leaving Rachel Zoe Inc. We’ve kind of seen this coming for a while, but the season ender showed Taylor getting a new role (well, sort of) handling aspects of RZ’s growing merchandise business.

But we guess things didn’t get any better. In an email to contacts today, Taylor said: “After four amazing years at Rachel Zoe Corporation, I’m saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take the challenging leap to go off and style on my own.”

Who will make Brad and Rach stay focused now? Who will keep Rodg up to speed on Rachel’s vertigo issues? Who will handle all those returns? We hope there’s a season 3 so we can find out.

Whatever happens, we wish Taylor lots of luck in her solo styling career!

“I am a complete alcoholic. It used to be so easy to say to someone, ‘Get me a bottle of vodka,’ and they’d run and get it. Going to rehab was the best decision I ever made. The last six months have been the best of my life.” —Lara Stone to Vogue UK (via Fashionologie) We’re happy she’s so happy.

We realized when looking through our newest issue of Russh that in all the talk over these many months about the widespread trend of pantslessness, and even the emerging “jock” fashions of S/S10, that one inspiration had been overlooked. Until now. Thank you Russh editors for remembering.

And who might this trendsetter be? Jamie Lee Curtis in the awesome 1985 “drama”, Perfect. The film is a hip-thrusting romp following the relationship of aerobics instructor Jessie and John Travolta’s reporter Adam. If you haven’t had the pleasure, we highly recommend it for its ridiculous workout scenes and brilliant use of leotards and headbands. (Be forewarned that Travolta wears loose-fitting short shorts that are more revealing than one might like.)

We feel terrible for overlooking Jamie Lee when watching collections like Charlotte Ronson’s come down the runway. We were consumed by visions of Olivia Newton-John and “Let’s Get Physical”, but we’re trying to make amends by giving props now. Because really, no one’s ever looked hotter sans pants.

Please forgive us, Mrs. Christopher Guest. We won’t forget you again.

Things have gotten so glum over at 4 Times Square that S.I. has hired Michael Sheehan, a crisis manager to try to turn around not only the press on the beleaguered publishing house, but also the spirits of those who still work there, according to the NY Post’s Keith Kelly.

Just to put this in context, Sheehan was the guy AIG went to during its troubled times, and he’s even coached presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

The idea apparently came from Lucky publisher Gina Sanders, who also happens to be married to a Newhouse (Steven) after she noticed that morale was at an all-time low. Well, obviously. I mean they’ve laid off almost 500 people and closed six magazines. Everyone knows the glory days are gone and there’s nothing fun about that.

We’re just wondering what Sheehan will bring to the table to make the media, advertisers and employees change their doomsday mentalities. We hope it’s more akin to the re-positioning of Barack or Bill, because we still don’t have many warm and fuzzy feelings for AIG.

Back in June, we started hearing rumors that makeup artist Tom Pecheux would be getting his very own makeup line at a major cosmetics company.

According to this morning’s WWD, that company is Estée Lauder. Pecheux will not be designing an eponymous line, but instead has been given the newly created title of creative makeup director.

The last superstar makeup artist to work with the Estée Lauder brand was the still dearly missed Paul Starr. His role as leader of the national makeup team, however, was not one with much product input. Pecheux will have his hands in everything going on at the flagship brand. We think this is a very good thing.

In the worst season of the show ever, we finally know who’s showing (or sorry, already showed) at Bryant Park…last February. And now, on to the questions:

1. Seriously, Michael’s not involved in choosing who’s going to Fashion Week? No offense to Cynthia Rowley, who was lovely, but that’s just infuriating. Lifetime, please realize you cannot film this show in LA and still have it be relevant.

2. Cindy! Um, what’s your secret and how do you still look that damn amazing? Can we please get the number of your derm? Thanks much.

3. Mayor Villaraigosa, don’t you have a budget crisis to deal with? Also, if you think Los Angeles is the “creative capital of the nation” and “leading the way in fashion”, we cordially invite you to visit New York. Bring on the hate, west coast, we can take it.

4. Did anyone else think this Getty challenge would have been better suited for an early round where we could have seen a wider range of viewpoints? It really is one of the most culturally sound places in LA (and the views are ridiculous), making it the perfect place to get an early glimpse into everyone’s vision.

Well, not exactly. But that’s what this behind-the-scenes video feels like, in the best way. Freja’s shooting for the just-launched this week British hardcover magazine Twin, which currently has the fashion world buzzing. We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy.

The Boo George shoot looks hot. We loved the song, “Into the Dark” by Sister. And we have no problem admitting that we were not musically cool enough to recognize it without the credits.

Enjoy two-plus of Freja goodness on this Thursday afternoon!

Back in August we got our hands on an early copy of Miss J Alexander’s book, Follow the Model: Miss J’s guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise and Power.

Now you can meet the man, the myth, the legend himself when he hits up Barnes & Noble for a book signing next week.

WHEN: November 10th, 7pm
WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren Street, NYC

We can only imagine the amazing people-watching at such an event. You just know that many a girl is going to arrive ready and willing to show her “amazing” runway strut to the ANTM judge.

And his outfit is sure to be major. If you go, let us know what sort of over-the-top message he writes in the front of your book.

“I’m a very brave woman. I’m not going to be scared and no one’s going to judge me.” —Sonya Battla, the first designer to show in this season’s Fashion Pakistan, an event that’s been delayed three weeks due to militant Taliban attacks. Rock on, Sonya.

Anthropologie is really just cranking out the projects right now. Last night we stopped by the launch party for their new site, The Anthropologist which asks the question, “What is inspiration?” and then answers it with the works of its first three chosen artists: David Eustace, Andrew Zuckerman, and Jane Campion.

Basically it’s an online gallery that will showcase different pieces of art. We like anything that provides a showcase for art and photography, though we’re still not quite sure what this has to do with the clothes.

This morning brings another collaboration announcement from the company—this time with Koi Suwannagate. The line will be called Lawan (Thai for “beautiful) and include four pieces (a gown, two cardigans, and a top). I’ve been a fan of the designer and her amazing appliques since I first became aware of her when Gwyneth donned one of her amazing sweaters many, many years ago. My budget has not been a fan of her prices, so needless to say I’m psyched for more affordable options.

Also, we like seeing anyone’s business expanding. Yay for economic turnaround!