Kara DioGuardi isn’t letting an economic recession crush her dreams of looking like a million bucks. National Enquirer tattles claim the veteran songwriter, who is enjoying her freshmen year as a judge on the hit FOX series American Idol, has been complaining to show producers that “she looks drab and unglamorous” next to loopy longtimer Paula Abdul.

Kara reportedly wants the $50,000 wardrobe budget she shares with Paula increased.