I'm new to Livejournal.
I put up a layout and I'm always confused about flexible squares. It's not really good looking and I chose the black and white look becuase I figured that's least terrible.

Isn't there a way not to have to use one of those ugly presets along with a custom?

http://lapetitchaton.livejournal.com/

There's a link to what I mean...

Yes, there are plenty of better-looking LiveJournal layouts to be found in communities and layout journals. mintyapple is a big one; check the Flexible Squares tag for a bunch of FS ones. Smooth Sailing is another popular style. milou-veronica offers a ton of great layouts on her journal, so look through there too. I hope this helped.