Mariah Carey $3,000-a-night suite 4600 at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, New York. Cristal champagne. New lavatory seat, gold taps and French mineral water for bathing. Box of bendy straws. Attendant to dispose of used chewing gum. Tea service for eight. Specified brand of honey. Two air purifiers. Puppy. Kittens

Naysayers critical of a massive and expensive cleanup effort now underway at Utah Lake have said that the lake is too far gone to save native species on the brink of extinction, and should be left for the many introduced species that now populate the waters.

But the forthcoming report shows that even the now-dominate non-native fish may be facing deadly challenges as the lake's ecosystem veers further off course.

But my version of reality television practically turned to the sci-fi channel's horror night. I actually saw a grown woman swaddled in a full-size fleece blanket. She wasn't the only atrocity. I should have been passing out those funny black bars fashion magazines use when they take a snapshot of a real person on the street that's a dreaded "fashion don't." (One of my fears in life is to open one of those magazines and see the black bar over my eyes. I'm fortunate my life allows these trivial concerns.) I realize comfort is a concern when we're all packed in planes like bargain basement bins. But, really. Must we literally roll out of bed? Here's where this savvy shopper can help.

Comfort does not equal giving up style. Let's start with your feet. This spring flats are everywhere. You don't have to smoosh your foot into a pointed toe shoe (though that's what this savvy shopper will be wearing). Ballet flats are big. If you can't imagine hoofing through the airport in those shoes, there are stylish sneakers on the market. Please don't bring your dirty, smelly old basketball shoes. No one wants to watch you take them off when you it's time to go through security.

Comfy pants are essential. Pajamas are not pants. Sweatpants don't count. Actual pants. Even a pair of nice jeans get a thumbs up from this frequent flyer. Plan for the changing temperatures. Your plane may actually feel like your destination the sweaty beaches of the Caribbean or the snowy mountains of Colorado. Pair a top with a blazer or jacket for a pulled together look that will help you no matter what the climate.

Why does this matter? It's no secret people who look nice and, above all, act nice get better treatment. Maybe that means getting bumped up to first class. Who doesn't want to fly through life with extra leg room?