Shelli Segal

Shelli Segal stands behind a huge granite and stainless-steel kitchen counter with built-in refrigerated drawers, others for storage, a trash compactor and a second sink deep enough to reel in the catch of the day. But the 46-year-old head designer of Laundry, a $100-million contemporary women's line, isn't cooking. There are no pots and pans dangling from a rack, no small appliances plugged into walls, not even a salt or pepper shaker in sight.

Shelli Segal stands behind a huge granite and stainless-steel kitchen counter with built-in refrigerated drawers, others for storage, a trash compactor and a second sink deep enough to reel in the catch of the day. But the 46-year-old head designer of Laundry, a $100-million contemporary women's line, isn't cooking. There are no pots and pans dangling from a rack, no small appliances plugged into walls, not even a salt or pepper shaker in sight.

Rayon dresses make great warm-weather wear. They can be casual, comfortable and incredibly cool on even the hottest Southern California day. These dresses are being collected by women who used to wear only shorts or jeans for casual wear. So how do you guarantee that you won't look too frumpy or too sweet? Here are a few guideline: Avoid large floral prints; flowers are fine, but keep them tiny. Also, make sure that the sleeves aren't puffy and, by all means, stay away from shoulder pads.

Tim Gunn, whose fashion know-how on the television reality show "Project Runway" has made him a household name among fledgling designers, will become the chief creative director of Liz Claiborne Inc., the company said Thursday. Gunn, 53, will be responsible for attracting and developing creative talent at Liz Claiborne, whose brands include Ellen Tracy, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Liz Claiborne itself.

Your invitation is in the mail, but don't worry. We've cracked the case of how to dress for holiday parties, with three ways you might be asked to appear: cocktail, black tie and the ever-elusive California casual. Black Tie--Neiman Marcus Hers: Fire-engine red ball gown in Duchess satin from Richard Tyler, $2,000. Matching stole, about 8 feet long, for a mere $750. Classic satin pump dyed to match. His: Single-breasted, one-button wool tuxedo from Le Collezioni by Giorgio Armani, $1,495.

The Look: Wild-animal prints on dresses, pants, skirts and accessories. Designers around the world have brought back leopards and zebras this season, but the newest species on the scene is the giraffe, usually done in black and white. The trend, as seen on runways in Europe, New York and Los Angeles, will continue for spring.

* Alfred Mann, the founder, chairman and chief executive of MiniMed Inc., has tapped company President and Chief Operating Officer Terrance Gregg to share the executive leadership of the Sylmar-based medical devices maker as co-CEO in the newly formed office of the chief executive. * MGM Distribution Co., a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., has named Ian Sutherland senior vice president, international theatrical distribution and marketing.

Stylists at the Platinum Salon will be working overtime and charging half-price Sunday to help save a life. They will be taking part in a bone-marrow testing drive and cut-a-thon to benefit a longtime customer's brother who is suffering from leukemia. Gerald Benson, 47, brother of salon client Ann Benson and uncle of actor-director Robbie Benson, was found to have leukemia in July and is in need of a bone-marrow transplant. Each of Gerald Benson's three sisters were tested, but none was a match.

Actress Emma Roberts, the niece of superstar Julia Roberts, has blossomed into a fashion chameleon, but she wasn't always so glamorous. The young star started out on the red carpet for her aunt's movies in screen print shirts and cargo pants. She's since starred in her own impressive list of films and adopted the roll of fashionable socialite, hitting parties in outfits that range from androgynous and daring to ultra femme and dainty. Roberts, who can next be seen with Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston in the upcoming film "We're the Millers," slated to open August 2013, recently made an appearance at the second a nnual Sean Penn and Friends Help Haiti Home Gala at the Montage Hotel in Los Angeles.

Liz Claiborne, intent on clothing women up and down the fashion spectrum, said Thursday that it has agreed to buy the Los Angeles-area maker of Laundry clothing, a high-end label of trendy dresses and sportswear. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Laundry, led by designer Shelli Segal, joins an expanding collection of brands at Claiborne aimed at garnering younger shoppers who are willing to pay handsomely for their clothing.