Don't you love cooks who know how to turn last week's veggies and the end of the half-and-half into a meal good enough to serve to your mother-in-law? There are things the well-dressed woman can learn from these artists.

Consider, for example, the artichoke (stay with us here-it's a metaphor). Where the unadventurous see only a low-slung and vaguely sinister vegetable, art cooks see choices: whole, or hearts? Steamed, fried, or baked? An ingredient, a side dish, or The Main Attraction?

So it goes in the wardrobe. Is it just a blouse, or is it the centerpiece of an ensemble the likes of which has never been seen before? Will you serve it plain, with just a dash of bright silk scarf over the shoulder? Or will you concoct a more resonant combination of colors, layers and textures?

Afraid you might not be able to tell the difference between inspired artistry and wretched excess? Well, what the heck do you think we're here for?

Stop fretting. Drop in, and we'll do some cooking together. Between your taste and our pantry, we'll whip up an outfit that you can wear to a wedding or to work. Or the occasional artichoke festival.