I Die!

The Rachel Zoe Project returned this week for another heaping helping of L.A. fashion stylist bitchery.

Last season when the show premiered, it won rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for its realistic portrayal of the cut-throat world of styling. Viewers--and me!--fell in love with Rachel's go-to-gal Taylor and new styling assistant (complete with bowtie) Brad, and the catch phrases "Ba-Na-Nas!", "I die!" and "Shut. It. Down." But did the show suffer the same fate as most second-year reality shows, trading its realism for higher production values, its organic moments for discussion panel driven set-ups.

A little of column A, a little of column B. Rachel was dressing the Golden Globes and her stress was making the furrows in her face even deeper. I didn't know that was possible, so the show is educational too. The recession is affecting stylists too! Designers don't want to send couture around the world on an express airplane with just a chance of having the turn up on the red carpet. And why wouldn't they when Brad shows up trouncing around in their dresses.

Taylor, having been promised a greater role in styling this year, seems to still be schlepping it on the phones and in the garment room. Brad, meanwhile, gets to go shopping with Rachel for jewelry. On top of this, Rachel won't let Taylor try on the dresses because her boobs are too big. Instead, another assistant (someone obviously placed into the limelight by Bravo as an additional foil this season) steps in. This chick looks like Madonna and Angela Basset had an arm baby and it is not cute. When Rachel repeatedly tells Taylor that she must be jealous of how hot this chicky's body is I want to punch her in her face. I get it. You're Rachel Zoe and you look like a skin hanger, but that doesn't mean that you have to be rude to people who have normal bodies. And why exactly couldn't Taylor try on Anne Hathaway's dress? Have you seen the bazungas on that girl?

Anywho, at the end of the day I got to see lots of pretty clothes and die a little myself over the vintage jewelry Rachel scored. I'll stay tuned for additional fashion and drama.