Meghan is a big hit.

She didn't win a Grammy, Golden Globe or Oscar, and she was never a Miss America or American Idol.

She's the wedding dress created by Pittsburgh-based designer Jeannette Russell, and she was named Bridal Gown of the Week last month on WeddingChannel.com.

The contrasting-texture, silk duchess satin white gown, part of Russell's 2005 collection, appeared in an ad in a magazine published by the Web site before being named gown of the week. Russell, owner of Jeannette Russell Bridal Couture in Sewickley, has sold several of the styles and even received a serious inquiry from a woman in Sweden.

The unsolicited recognition from WeddingChannel.com meant more to Russell than a mention in a national bridal magazine. It affirmed her decision several years ago to stop selling wholesale.

"People are more comfortable now with buying things in more progressive ways," she said.

"The Internet has really changed the bridal business. We get to meet people direct from so far away. More people now want interaction with the designer, and a relationship. They're willing to come to Pittsburgh to the salon to meet us and get a more personal experience. It seems brides want more of an adventure."

Wanted: fashion advisers

The Mall at Robinson has created a Fashion Advisory Board and is looking for style-loving teens and young adults to participate. Organizers promise continual exposure to the retail fashion industry, the potential for employment through mall retailers and fashion industry professionals and participation in mall fashion shows. Slots are limited. Interested males and females ages 16 to 21 should call 412-788-0816.

Anthony Sport launched

It's hard to predict the extent of the fallout resulting from the merger of two giants, Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores. Among all the certain losers, there is at least one likely winner.

Anthony Sosnick, who launched Anthony Logistics for Men personal care line in October 2000 at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, has just introduced Anthony Sport for Men, a lower-priced line, in 450 May stores. Now, about 500 Federated stores may also pick up the line since it's all one big family.

"We see a very good thing," Sosnick said.

Anthony Sport includes 18 products compared to nearly 50 in the Logistics core line. With sleek red and black packaging, Sport is simpler and more streamlined with products such as all-over shampoo and a two-sided exfoliating and moisturizing body bar. Grapefruit is the basis of a fresh citrus scent that dissipates quickly after application and doesn't overpower a fellow's cologne.

Anthony Sport products range from $12 to $30 at Kaufmann's stores Downtown and at South Hills Village, Ross Park Mall and The Mall at Robinson; also, at anthonysport.com. A portion of each sale will be donated to research into developing more reliable methods of early prostate cancer detection.

Picking the right shoe

You might have a closet full of shoes, but are they the right ones?

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, creators of the original British version of "What Not to Wear," offer advice on which shoe styles will do the most for your wardrobe, wallet and body type in their new book "What You Wear Can Change Your Life" (Riverhead Books).

According to Woodall and Constantine, women with thick ankles should steer clear of flats with thin toes, high ankle straps and low kitten heels. They said a chunky loafer, clogs and thong sandals would be more flattering to thick ankles.

Also, a pump should have a heel that comes straight down from the base of the shoe, and a slingback with a high, sturdy heel or a wedge mule would look good.

Women with thin ankles should opt for a pointy-toe flat, a shoe with subtle detail like a small bow or a slender high heel. Anything with a chunky heel will exaggerate the skinniness of the ankle, the duo warn.

Thin legs can look like sticks in pull-on boots that are loose around the calf, and slim legs look better in heel-free boots. Try to avoid having a gap between the top of the boot and the hem of the skirt -- and if you do, fill it with playful tights, like fishnets. -- Associated Press