Tangoed Kimberley and milk bottle Nicola go shopping

They do most things in unison, such as singing, dancing and holidaying. But not, it seems, tanning.

Girls Aloud members Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh made a rather startling contrast in the U.S. Monday.

Miss Roberts, 22, shone ghostly white in the glare of the flashbulbs, with just a touch of pink where the sun had kissed her shoulders.

Miss Walsh, 26, on the other hand, was the colour of a well polished Chippendale sideboard.

Colour contrast: Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh in LA yesterday

The pair seemed keen to accentuate their differences, standing close together holding hands. Their appearance certainly drew much attention in Los Angeles, where their music is not particularly well known.

The girls are on their way back from a break in Thailand, where they have been consoling bandmate Cheryl Cole.

Girls day out: the pair hit Melrose Avenue in Beverly Hills for a shopping spree

Different shades: the duo have just returned from Thailand, where they were holidaying with fellow Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole

Miss Cole, 24, has had to deal with allegations that her footballer husband Ashley Cole cheated on her with a blonde hairdresser last year.

The winter break seems to have helped take her mind off the Chelsea star.

On their night out in LA she wore a tight peach-coloured dress - and no wedding ring.

Girls Aloud will be back in the UK for Wednesday's Brit Awards, where they are up for best British group.

Girls abroad: In Thailand with Cheryl Cole, left