Now, we’re even more shocked. Why? It turns out that the magazine in question is not one of the less exciting books like everyone expected – it’s fashion giant ELLE.

WWD reports that Creative Director Joe Zee and Fashion News Director Anne Slowey are close to closing the deal to play the judges on the new show. The contestants will compete for a position at ELLE working under Zee.

Oh, and the working title for the soon-to-be TV addiction? Wait for it… “Fashionista”.

We kid you not.

–JAZZI McGILBERT

But there seems to be a little confusion on the Tyra front, or someone missed the memo.

Reuters now reports that the show is called Stylista, and the contestants will vie for the coveted ELLE position as well as two other prizes we haven’t heard before: a year’s paid lease on a Manhattan apartment and – perhaps the most covetable of all – a yearlong shopping allowance at H&M worth $100,000.

Hey, at least we don’t have to share our name anymore…

– JAZZI McGILBERT

Looks like the show is going to be as Tyrrific as well all feared and hoped.

The only thing faker than those “contestants” is the office this was shot in – believe us, readers, that is not ELLE.

Can’t wait to see who gets fired over bringing Anne Slowey the wrong lunch.

Oh wait, we totally can.

We knew the weekend would bring a zillion people with a zillion accounts of what happened – and of course it did – so here’s a handy guide to get you through the internet rumors and into a short conversation with everyone in your cubicle co-op:

What’s False: Everyone agreed that there wasn’t any kind of fight, there were no boxes packed in the hallway, or crying interns. In fact, most people used the same word: “quiet.”

What’s True: Everyone’s quick to say that Nina was never around, and rarely seen in her office. Project Runway was the reason to keep her on, which everyone thought would only be for one more season, but after Lifetime bought it, well, that was just a little too long to hang on.

So the big bad story? Nina was making too much money for not doing any actual work related to being a Fashion Director of a major magazine. Guess that’s the price of TV stardom.

And there you have it.

Now, more pressing: How will Heidi introduce her during Season 5? Or, will she be in Season 5?

1. We’re dying to know what Joe Zee’s current assistant has to say about all of this.

2. Here’s the notice:

“Can you identify the best designs from the top designers with a glance? Are Manolo, Prada and Gucci a few or your favorite words? Is one of the best things in your life your wardrobe and footwear? Do you spend hours lost in a copy of Elle Magazine, daydreaming about a career in fashion?

If so, the CW Television Network and the creators of “Project Runway” and “America’s Next Top Model” are about to offer you the opportunity of a lifetime!

No experience necessary. But style, intelligence and a great work ethic are a must.

We are now casting an untitled reality competition that will take viewers (and cast members) behind the fashion world’s velvet rope for a chance to work side-by-side with a who’s-who of high fashion and a chance at a career-launching grand prize.

Email us at FashionFabCasting@gmail.com In order to be considered you must tell us in one page or less who you are and why you stand out in the crowd. Include your name, age, city, occupation, and contact phone number and email address. Also, send two clear current photos of your choice: one full body, one closeup!

THE OPEN CALL WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY FEB. 9TH FROM 11AM TO 4PM!!! BE THERE!!

Park Central New York
870 Seventh Avenue at 56th Street
New York, NY 10019

Registration location: Manhattan Skyline”

Hmmm, one full body, one closeup… because Joe Zee’s assistant has to be pretty (duh).

Note to CW: PLEASE bring back Gossip Girl instead!

Meanwhile, on the ELLE blog, Pete wishes he knew the identity, and phone number and boxer-or-brief preference, of the woman at left.

We’re pretty sure it’s Zandra Rhodes, the legendary club kid designer of the ’70s who’s appeared in ELLE’s pages a few times, and dressed Bianca Jagger, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Marisa Berenson.

Can any of our British babes give us a confirmation?

And then send her digits to Pete so he can ask her out?

After myriad debates with friends and at the office, I knew I was at least going to try it out when I found myself in the midst of the 21-page application.

But when I arrived at the casting, one for s handpicked by the CW’s casting crew, I was confronted with about 100 girls (and about twenty boys) who could have stepped out of a ShopBop catalog. I got the sense that these were hopeful kids who had never actually worked in the industry, but were cute enough for primetime TV (In fact, it should be noted that when I was approached, although I was assured that it would be more Apprentice than ANTM, I was never asked about any actual experience.)

There was a blue screen, lights, and a camera set up in the middle of a converted hotel banquet room where CW staffers demanded, “Show me your personality! Show us crazy!”

I should have known when the application asked questions like “What character are you most like from The Devil Wears Prada? (Read some application highlights after the jump!)

I snuck out of the room before the camera could find me. I just can’t picture ever being a top editor with footage of trashy housemates (and me!) performing timed runs to showrooms in six-inch platforms re-playing on late-night MTV marathons.

And I wasn’t the only one – I caught a few other hopefuls leaving early, and I heard the CW is still casting. For a show that’s supposed to air this Spring, they’re going to have to find some good candidates fast – Trashy or not, I know I’ll be watching.

–JAZZI McGILBERT

What character in the move The Devil Wears Prada do you most relate to and why?

What have you done to prepare yourself for a future as a /o?

What celebrity to you hate? Why?

What do you think is the hardest part of being an assistant?

How do you act when you get drunk?

When was the last time you hit, punched, kicked, or threw something in anger? Please provide details.

Do you have a temper?

What would irritate you about living with nine to eleven other people?

Describe your relationship with your mother:

You look better than any of the Prada models did in those clothes.

No really, you do.

In fact, we thought they were kind of wretchedly doily until we saw your face pasted on top of them.

Now they’re kinda perfect.

Hope they give you a really good discount!

xoxo Fashionista

The magazine famous for its razor-sharp fashion coverage is launching its own celebrity news site, akin to People.com, and calling it Hollywood Up Close.

So far, the site’s homepage – which we think must be in soft launch – stars Kristy Yamaguchi, Britney Spears, and David from American Idol.

This isn’t ELLE’s first big foray into the entertainment world:

After their recent Project Runway scuffle, the magazine is launching Stylista, a reality show about a hellish editor starring the normally low-key Anne Slowey.