淡路島オニオンキッチン オニオンブログ 

昨年度事業を支えて頂いた部会長会です!

 『淡路島産たまねぎ』を活用した軽食メニューを新たに作りだす為に!地元の皆様や、観光客の方々に愛される商品作りをする為にはどうすればよいのか?を昨年度はこの部会長会にて色々と検討して頂きました!

 コーディネーターは兵庫県立大学経営学部 池田教授に依頼し、進めていって頂きました。
 
《兵庫県立大学の池田教授をコーディネーターに部会長会メンバーとの協議風景 平成20年度部会長会のメンバーの方々です

《兵庫県立大学の池田教授をコーディネーターに部会長会メンバーとの協議風景◆
別角度から

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MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/06 08:21 AM
Если что, тут же разрывом помолвки пригрожу. http://legendxclan.ucoz.ru/mchat/ Я попыталась рулить, но метла не слушалась. Лишь бы подальше отсюда, от острой, как хорошо наточенный нож, вони, делающей тело и разум вялыми. http://wipos.ucoz.ru/forum/3-29170-1 Добраться туда можно недели за две, если купить быстрых и сильных коней и не встревать в неприятности на дорогах. Это отнимает много сил и времени.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/06 01:45 AM
М-да, я не ожидал такого от подруги, но совсем не против. Когда я смотрю на загадочные борозды, мое подсознание вызывает скверную фигуру колдуна-негра. http://playkillers.clan.su/mchat/ Камышов ждал, когда наконец оживет рация и даст сигнал к началу операции. http://oldschool.ucoz.com/mchat/ Ребят не учили бить вполсилы. От электроразрядов волосы на голове зашевелились.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/05 06:27 PM
Когда взводный сержант или тренер по бейсболу демонстрировали мне свой паршивыи характер, я молча выслушивал несправедливости и грубости и ждал, когда все это кончится. Среди голубого сияния внезапно появился и начал расти странный черный сгусток, поверхность которого бурлила и переливалась. http://display-anime.at.ua/forum/2-71343-1 Потом Ренейле помедлила, впрочем, лишь миг, затем опять продолжила быстрое перечисление. Он был достаточно хорош собою, чтобы привлечь внимание придворных кокеток, но, наверное, слишком молод, чтобы с успехом воспользоваться этим. http://dialogue.ucoz.ru/forum/2-10034-1 Надо ли говорить, что все названия блюд так или иначе были связаны с тамплиерской легендой. http://board.dignfight.de/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=125594 Снаружи кто-то приглушенно рыкнул.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/05 10:11 AM
Наконец он завершил трапезу и повернулся ко мне. http://vidocq.clan.su/forum/17-24022-1 Волен ли он вырваться на свободу? http://bbs.golf.womap.com.cn/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=300518&extra= Я не стану называть имени. Вам прекрасно известно, что я не лорд, принц Дьютифул. http://www.amasi1.com/vb/showthread.php?p=121390#post121390 А чего это вид у вас такой печальный?
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/05 01:51 AM
А еще квартира была наполнена молодыми девушками. http://forum.iron-club.ru/index.php?threads/16605/ Я предусмотрительно присел с самого удаленного от дейраны по диагонали края стола. Тогда тот сразу отключился. http://oldschool.ucoz.com/mchat/ Он выскочил в коридор, быстро добрался до своей персональной кабинки, заперся, достал сотовый, сделал несколько глубоких вдохов-выдохов. И это ощущение настолько сильно, что устоять попросту невозможно. http://scottish-fold.ucoz.ru/forum/12-4513-1 Вдруг свечи, при свете которых они сидели, до этого ровно горевшие, погасли все разом. Если сам не напорется, не трону.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/04 05:14 PM
И три дня и три ночи эти храбрецы удерживали проход в горах, не пропуская многотысячную армию врага. Как думаешь, чем все это закончится? http://undercode-rus.do.am/mchat/ Впервые в жизни вижу, как куры идут за лисом в его нору! Магия хаоса при этом вроде бы не задействуется, а хаос тем не менее нарастает. http://ron-ron-ron.ucoz.ru/mchat/ Тот факт, что мне учтиво не позволили обрести доступ к этим трубам, может указывать на то, что они имеют большое значение.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/04 09:57 AM
Название города вам ничего не скажет, а потом, в рукописях, его ничтоже сумящеся книжники обозначили как Вавилон. А потому все фальшивые, поддельные, прочие эрзац, псевдо, вроде и как бы, отныне и во веки вечные отменены и подлежат забвению в небытии. http://oficialniisait.ucoz.ru/mchat/ И не будем принижать Дрему. http://inquizicio.clan.su/mchat/ 'Егерь' остался спирт переваривать. Подьячий долго думал, никого похожего на моего ночного знакомца не вспомнил и отправился к себе в приказ, опрашивать других сотрудников. http://tampy.clan.su/mchat/ Язычки снова весело запрыгали по древесине, капли росы жизнерадостно шипели и испарялись с коры, а сталкеры, поспешно засунув в самую гущу раскалённых углей по банке консервов, снова протянули руки к костру. Материальной вознаграждение не в наших принципах.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/03 11:36 PM
'Светка' мягко но сильно толкнула в плечо, потом ещё раз и ещё, и ещё. http://www.kkkkk.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?p=28366#28366 Пленных взять не удалось. http://bf2vl.ucoz.ru/mchat/ " Неуверенно сбежав по лестнице и отодрав левую руку Федьки от перил, Лехин машинально глянул на нижнюю лестницу. Тяжелый шар Моргенштерна с характерным звуком раз за разом врезался в небольшой кожаный щит противника. http://jollyjumper.ru/forum/showthread.php?p=71832#post71832 В таком положении можно и станцевать. Придется, как она выразилась в прошлый раз, "утешаться полученным опытом", что я сразу и озвучила.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/03 03:39 PM
Положение рук и ног, меча, следы копыт в тонком налете грязи, покрывающем каменит. Тем удивительнее выглядел мертвый пес. http://goodmelody.at.ua/forum/22-12297-1 В апартаменты настоящей Габриэль я прошла безо всяких казусов. Выставив ствол, начинаю обходить машину. http://cruss.clan.su/forum/5-23166-1 Ан нет, все выгреб, варнак, до последней золотинки подчистил.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/03 08:33 AM
Меч синеглазки легко обошел нехитрую защиту ударника и прочертил большую царапину на открытом участке кожи. Они обойдутся и без эльфов. http://www.krovla-fasad.com.ua/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=240626 Встреча намечается в ресторане. Снизу донесся скрипучий, властный голос Дорбатая. http://uzumakifan.ucoz.ru/mchat/ Обитают в особой разновидности тумана, возникающей на пересечении Следа Буки и Садового Кольца. http://cqpig.cn/thread-2580680-1-1.html Потом они идут в атаку. Я его еще с той генобской кампании помню, ваша милость, под ним тогда герцог Тосколла ходил.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/03 01:18 AM
Корешки были вполне безобидны, ничем особенным не пахли, к тому же Глори откровенно осточертело кухарить изо дня в день. Ладно, прервал ничего не значащий разговор Вольво. http://www.adhdclub.org/forums/index.php?/topic/34382-gastritis-antibiotics/page-6#entry54654 Белоян провел Микулку через заставленный столами и лавками двор и там где они проходили, смолкали громкие разговоры и песни, большинство ратников еще не привыкли к необычному виду верховного волхва. http://djpuhliy.ucoz.ru/forum/2-31276-1 В этом царстве богов кружились вихри насекомых. Невыполнимое условие Королевы в сделки не вступают. http://student-04-x03.ucoz.ru/mchat/ Два бывших носителя, которые способны определить своих собратьев по несчастью при личной встрече. А когда ее очередное внеплановое появление в моей квартире совпало с одним из моих "романтических" вечеров при свечах с другой, разразился скандал.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/02 05:55 PM
А как же сигнальные ракеты? http://lavandamd.ru/forum/index.php?/topic/43163-%d1%81%d0%b2%d0%b0%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%b1%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%8c%d1%8f-%d0%b4%d0%bb%d1%8f-%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%bd%d1%8b%d1%85-%d0%ba%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b3-%d0%bc%d0%be%d1%81%d0%ba%d0%b2/ Они скрывали страх и стыд. В глубинке нашей посконной? http://ne-agent.ru/forum/opit-obraschenij-v-agentstva-nedvizhimosti?page=895#comment-70267 Обычно в тех промежутках, где есть возвышенности, дорога забирает вглубь футов на десять, а в остальных идет вровень с прилегающими полями.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/02 09:13 AM
Не удержавшись, Дедуля приоткрыл один глаз. http://support.depicus.com/wakeonlan/topic/your-first-topic/page/2/#post-3301 Дарман решил, что все началось с появлением внука Скираты. http://alones.my1.ru/mchat/ Нашел же ты мне досье на этого гада с пистолетом и шприцем. Нет лишь паролей доступа. http://suffycraft.gaming.multiplay.co.uk/SuffyForum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=365287 Раз улицы по-прежнему патрулируют бородатые здоровяки, стало быть, мэр дал им от ворот поворот.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/01 11:30 PM
Сделав быстрый круг над башенками, он устремился на северо-восток. http://lineage2db.3dn.ru/mchat/ Учитывая вражду между расами, можно сказать, что меры безопасности в складском помещении не соблюдаются. http://xsims.ucoz.ru/forum/2-22661-1 Ни узнать, ни догадаться, как скоро их станут разыскивать, нельзя. Кетриккен не сможет послать нам ответ. http://lm-team.3dn.ru/forum/11-31074-1 Ромка сел на краю дивана, зачем-то разглядывая свою правую руку и мучительно пытаясь вспомнить, что ему такое снилось.
MarishkaHauh | 2015/01/01 07:03 AM
Она приняла у подручницы кружку и кивком отправила подругу прочь, не хотелось, чтобы хоть кто-то стал свидетелем ее разговора с кузнецом. http://saraybeach.com/forum/index.php?threads/%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8F%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8F-2012-%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE-%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D0%B5.63232/ В свое время я высказался по этому поводу. http://vidocq.clan.su/forum/17-23233-1 И волноваться в вашем положении категорически нельзя.
MarishkaHauh | 2014/12/31 07:05 AM
Первые полгода она забрасывала императора письмами, но затем поняла (а может, кто-то подсказал), что лучше молить богов о том, чтобы Властитель людей просто забыл о ее существовании. http://cwrp.gtaserv.ru/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13245 Россия выиграла войну, но она отказалась от имперской идеи. Но какой прок Ранду от справедливого наказания, если он вдруг обнаружит, что и другие обратились против него, как Шайдо? http://clanfkz.clan.su/mchat/ А я уж кивала и в ноги ей кланялась.
Josephsn | 2014/11/16 08:59 PM
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<p>Looking for something to do this week? Check out our list of everything going on from 12/5-12/11.</p><p>MOVIES OPENING (Friday; subject to change)<br> New Year&rsquo;s Eve<br> The Sitter<br> <br> NOTABLE TV<br> <br> MONDAY<br> The Young Turks (series debut; 7 p.m.; Current)<br> Gossip Girl (midseason finale; 8 p.m.; )<br> The Sing-Off (christmas special; 8 p.m.; )<br> American Country Awards (special; 8 p.m.; )<br> (special; 8 p.m.; )<br> The Mortified Sessions (series debut; 8 p.m.; )<br> and : The Family Hustle (series debut; 9 p.m.; )<br> The Serial Killer (special; 9 p.m.; A&amp;E)<br> Hart of Dixie (goes on hiatus; 9 p.m.; The CW)<br> Candy Queen (series debut; 10 p.m.; )<br> Lizard Lick Towing (season premiere; 10 p.m.; truTV)<br> Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too (season premiere; 10 p.m.; )<br> Stolen Voices, Buried Secrets (season premiere; 10 p.m.; ID)<br> Stalked (season premiere; 10:30 p.m.; ID)<br> <br> TUESDAY<br> A Michael Bubl&eacute; Christmas (special; 8 p.m.; NBC)<br> Eureka (holiday episode; 8 p.m.; )<br> (holiday episode; 9 p.m.; Syfy)<br> Sons of Anarchy (season finale; 10 p.m.; )<br> Teen Mom 2 (season premiere; 10 p.m.; )<br> Hidden City (series debut; 10 p.m.; Travel)<br> Haven (holiday episode; 10 p.m.; Syfy)<br> Moonshiners (series debut; 10 p.m.; Discovery)<br> Texas (series debut; 10:30 p.m.; A&amp;E)<br> <br> WEDNESDAY<br> Up All Night (fall finale; 8 p.m.; NBC)<br> America&rsquo;s Next Top Model (season finale; 9 p.m.; The CW)<br> Harry&rsquo;s Law (fall finale; 9 p.m.; NBC)<br> Toddlers &amp; Tiaras (returns from hiatus; 10 p.m.; TLC)<br> State of Play (series debut; 10 p.m.; )<br> <br> THURSDAY<br> Community (fall finale; 8 p.m.; NBC)<br> Dawn of the Nazis (series debut; 8 p.m.,; NatGeo)<br> Parks and Recreation (fall finale; 8:30 p.m.; NBC)<br> College Football Awards (special; 9 p.m.; )<br> The First 48 (season premiere; 9 p.m.; A&amp;E)<br> The Office (fall finale; 9 p.m.; NBC)<br> Whitney (fall finale; 9:30 p.m.; NBC)<br> The Great Big American Auction (special; 10 p.m.; ABC)<br> Beyond Scared Straight (season premiere; 10 p.m.; A&amp;E)<br> Gigolos (season finale; 11 p.m.; )<br> Dave&rsquo;s Old Porn (season finale; 11:30 p.m.; Showtime)<br> <br> FRIDAY<br> Planet of the Ape Man (special; 7 p.m.; Science)<br> (special; 8 p.m.; )<br> Frost Returns (special; 8:30 p.m.; CBS)<br> Invention USA (series debit; 10 p.m.; )<br> Boss (season finale; 10 p.m,; Starz)<br> <br> SATURDAY<br> 2011 Presentation (special; 8 p.m.; ESPN)<br> 2011 Video Games Awards (special; 8 p.m.; Spike)<br> (special; 8 p.m.; CBS)<br> The American Giving Awards (special; 8 p.m.; NBC)<br> Extreme Christmas Trees (special; 9 p.m.; TLC)<br> Republican Presidential Candidate Debate in Iowa (special; 9 p.m.; ABC)<br> hosts Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m.; NBC)<br> <br> SUNDAY<br> (season finale; 8 p.m.; CBS)<br> Heroes: An All-Star Tribute (special; 8 p.m.; CNN)<br> Once Upon a Time (goes on hiatus; 8 p.m.; ABC)<br> Allen Gregory (season finale; 8:30 p.m.; Fox)<br> Boardwalk Empire (season finale; 9 p.m.; )<br> &rsquo;s Bag of Bones (miniseries debut; 9 p.m.; A&amp;E)<br> Luck (series debut; 10 p.m.; HBO)<br> <br> NEW ON DVD/BLU-RATY (Tuesday)<br> 24/7 Penguins/Capitals: Road to the Winter Classic<br> The Complete Fifth Season<br> Big Love: The Complete Series<br> Against the World<br> Cake Boss Season Four, Volume One<br> Colin Quinn: Long Story Short<br> Cowboys &amp; Aliens<br> The Debt<br> Designing Women: The Complete Fifth Season<br> The Game: The Fourth Season<br> Part II<br> The Help<br> Mission Impossible Giftset Collection<br> Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXII<br> Mr. Popper&rsquo;s <br> Season One<br> Shakira: En Vivo Desde Paris<br> The Fourteenth Season<br> Vietnam in HD ( edition)<br> <br> NEW ALBUMS (Tuesday; Subject to change)<br> , &ldquo;El Camino&rdquo;<br> Amber Bullock, &ldquo;Thank You&rdquo;<br> Chevelle, &ldquo;Harts Off to the Bull&rdquo;<br> The Cure, &ldquo;Bestival Live 2011&rdquo;<br> The Dead Milkmen, &ldquo;The King in Yellow&rdquo;<br> Dia Frampton, &ldquo;Red&rdquo;<br> &ldquo; The Music 7&rdquo;<br> Korn, &ldquo;The Path of Totality&rdquo;<br> Little River Band, &ldquo;A Little River Band Christmas&rdquo;<br> The Maine, &ldquo;Pioneer&rdquo;<br> Mighty Mighty Bosstones, &ldquo;The Magic of Youth&rdquo;<br> Nils Lofgren, &ldquo;Old School&rdquo;<br> , &ldquo;Dead Son Rising&rdquo;<br> The Roots, &ldquo;Undun&rdquo;<br> T-Pain, &ldquo;rEVOLVEr&rdquo;<br> , &ldquo;Love After War&rdquo;<br> Carl Thomas, &ldquo;Conquer&rdquo;<br> Volbeat, &ldquo;Live from Beyond Hell/Above Heaven&rdquo;<br> , &ldquo;Lioness: Hidden Treasures&rdquo;<br> <br> NEW BOOKS (Tuesday)<br> &ldquo;Red Mist,&rdquo; <br> &ldquo;The ,&rdquo; (Monday)<br> &ldquo;Ruthless, &ldquo;Sara Shepard&rdquo;<br> &ldquo;December 1941: 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World,&rdquo; Craig Shirley&rdquo;<br> &ldquo;Through My Eyes: A Quarterback&rsquo;s ,&rdquo; <br> &ldquo;The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1,&rdquo; <br> <br> NOTABLE LOCAL SHOWS<br> <br> RAMS HEAD LIVE: Kyuss Lives (Wednesday); Serial Attraction/Neverthought (Friday); Come Together 2011 (Saturday)<br> <br> BALTIMORE SOUNDSTAGE: Macklemore/Ryan Lewis (Monday); &rsquo;s annual Christmas Party (Tuesday); Graham Colton (Wednesday); Ximena Sarioana (Friday); Corey Taylor/Stone Sour (Saturday; sold out)<br> <br> TALKING HEAD @ SONAR: Obscura (Wednesday); Maylene and Sons of Disaster (Thursday); The Show With No Name (Thursday); We Wish You a Metal Christmas (Friday); Eva Jade Landon (Friday); Drive A (Saturday)<br> <br> SONAR: (Wednesday); Manifest presents: Introspect (Friday); Dir En Grey (Saturday)<br> <br> METRO GALLERY: Monteclair, Minimus the Poet, Sun Buffalo (Thursday); Yeveto (Friday); Squaaks, the Garnet Hearts, Rodney Henry, Swanage (Saturday)<br> <br> OTTOBAR: Life as a Ghost, American Womanhood, City Hall, Bandits (Monday); The Parlor Mob, Pandomania, the Stops, Save the Empire (Wednesday); White Rabbits, Sonoi, the Alkemists (Sunday)<br> <br> RECHER: David Nail (Wednesday); Fire in Elysium, et al (Thursday(; Second Self, et al (Friday); Endless Aftermath, et al (Saturday); A Blood Bath in Boston, et al (Sunday)<br> <br> 8x10: Freedom Enterprise, the Rez, Hunger Strike (Friday); Splintered Sunlight, Jordan August (Saturday)<br> <br> WINDUP SPACE: The Water, et al (Thursday); Tribute w/ White Lodge (Saturday)<br> <br> RAMS HEAD ON STAGE: Christmas With and his Quintet (Monday); Band (Tuesday); Emerson Hart (Wednesday); &rsquo;s Christmas (Thursday); Brown (Friday); Ximena Sarioana (Saturday); 1964 The Tribute (Sunday); (Sunday)<br> <br> MODELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT THE LYRIC: Vince Gill/Amy Grant (Wednesday)<br> <br> FILLMORE SILVER SPRING: (Wednesday); The Devil Wears (Friday); (Saturday)<br> <br> MEYERHOFF: Anthony Hamilton (Thursday)<br> <br> 9:30 CLUB: VNV Nation (Tuesday); Wiz Khalifa/Snoop Dogg (Wednesday; sold out); Beady Eye (Thursday); Scythian (Friday); (Saturday; sold out); (Sunday; sold out)<br> <br> DAR: (Monday)<br> <br> BLACK CAT: 1,2,3 (Wednesday); Les Nubians (Thursday); Oh Land (Friday)<br> <br> ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL: Grives and Budo, et al (Thursday); , grass giraffes (Friday)<br> <br> CREATIVE ALLIANCE: Victoria Vox/ellen cherry (Friday)<br> <br> PATRIOT CENTER: WMZQ Winter Fest w/ , Kellie Picker, et al<br> <br> NOTABLE AREA EVENTS<br> Levinson&rsquo;s Baltimore Film Series (&ldquo;Diner&rdquo; &mdash; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; &ldquo;Tin Men&rdquo; &mdash; Wednesday; the Charles)<br> African Drum and Dance Concert (Monday; Goucher College)<br> Camm Cine Salon (Monday; Creative Alliance)<br> MICA Art Market (Wednesday-Saturday; MICA)<br> &ldquo;Brooklyn: The Musical&rdquo; (Opens Wednesday, runs through Sunday; Theatre Project)<br> &ldquo;The Lion King&rdquo; (opens Wednesday, runs through Jan. 8; Hippodrome)<br> &ldquo;Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie&rdquo; (opens Wednesday, runs through Sunday; Meyerhoff)<br> (Thursday; Magooby&rsquo;s Joke House, Timonium)<br> Beer and Food tasting (Thursday; Baltimore museum of Industry)<br> Comedian (Thursday-Saturday; Baltimore Comedy Factory)<br> Microshow Series &mdash; INEVERYROOM (THURSDAY; Mobtown Studios)<br> Films From 1939 Series &mdash; &ldquo;Gone With the Wind&rdquo; (Friday-Sunday; )<br> Holiday Hop for the Animals benefit (Friday; Ottobar)<br> v. Missouri Comets (Friday; 1st Mariner)<br> &ldquo;Christmas at Cromwell&rdquo; concert (Friday-Sunday; Meyerhoff)<br> Baltimore Blast v. Syracuse Silver Knights (Saturday; 1st Mariner)<br> Burlesque-a-Pades, Holiday Inn (Saturday; Ottobar)<br> D20 Burlesque (Saturday: the Windup Space)<br> Baltimore Reads Hoiday Fair (Saturday; Baltimore Reads Book Bank)<br> &ldquo;Diner&rdquo; anniversary open conversation with (Saturday; Shriver Hall; JHU Homewood Campus)<br> (Saturday; Rams Head on Stage)<br> v. Colts (Sunday; M&amp;T Bank Stadium)<br> Christmas on the Court (Sunday; the )<br> Kal-ender Konversation with KAL (Sunday; the Walters Art Museum)<br> </p>?MOVIES OPENING (Friday)<br> I Don&rsquo;t Know How She Does It<br> Drive<br> The Lion King 3-D<br> Straw Dogs<br> <br> NOTABLE TV <br> <br> Monday:<br> Anderson (talk-show premiere; syndicated)<br> Monday Night Football: New England at Miami (season premiere; 7 p.m.; )<br> Bachelor Pad (season finale; 8 p.m.; )<br> Gaga by Gaultier (special; 8 p.m.; the )<br> 2011 Miss Universe Pageant (special; 9 p.m.; )<br> The Closer (mid-season finale; 9 p.m.; )<br> Design Star (season finale; 9 p.m.; HGTV)<br> Kate Plus 8 (series finale; 9 p.m.; )<br> The CW 2011 Preview Special (special; 9:15 p.m.; the CW)<br> The Best Thing I Ever Ate (season premiere; 10 p.m.; Food)<br> Killer Outbreaks (season finale; 10 p.m.; )<br> Rizzoli &amp; Isles (mid-season finale; 10 p.m.; TNT)<br>?For as long as megastores have been in business, bibliophiles have been debating the pros and cons of the giant Bs -- Borders and . On one side of the argument, the sprawling bookstores take business away from local shops and homogenize the book-buying experience. On the other side, they offer unmatched variety, air conditioning, full coffee bars and even some great discounts, all under one roof.<br><br>While the stores are seemingly all the same -- after all, personality and corporate identity don't often go hand-in-hand -- each of the six outposts in the Baltimore metropolitan area has managed to carve out a niche for itself. We visited the stores and noted their similarities, differences and random quirks.<br><br> Use this guide to find out about each store's atmosphere, layout, clientele, chair comfort, bathroom cleanliness, quality and cost for a single skim cafe mocha, and the staff's knowledge of the works of , as well as shop around for the best deal on a high-profile new release (in this case, "The Devil Wears Prada" by ). Our book crawl starts with the best and ends with the worst, on the scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best. Happy reading!<br><br><br>?BRASILIA (Reuters) - ruling Workers' Party clinched a runoff for the mayorship of the country's biggest city on Sunday in municipal elections marked by fraying relationships with coalition parties crucial to its grip on federal power since 2003.<br><br> Fernando Haddad, the left-leaning party's candidate, dodged defeat in Sao Paulo after trailing a popular evangelical candidate and a veteran centrist in most of the polls before the vote.<br><br> Haddad was hand-picked to be a candidate by former President and received support from current President , as their party, known by its Portuguese initials as the PT, seeks to begin transferring power to a younger generation of leaders.<br><br> The 49-year-old former education minister will now face Jose Serra, a centrist former minister and presidential candidate, in a runoff in three weeks.<br><br> The mayorship of Sao Paulo, like the top office in other big Brazilian cities, is considered a launching pad for national office. Top municipal offices are also lynchpins of regional power in a country, Latin America's biggest, where democracy is marked by noisy and constant multiparty negotiations.<br><br> Sunday's elections, for mayors and local council members in 5,500 cities across Brazil, took place with the backdrop of a historic corruption trial involving former aides to Lula, who is still considered Brazil's most popular politician.<br><br> Voters also cast their ballots amid the most sluggish economy in once-booming Brazil since the PT came to dominate its political landscape.<br><br> Brazil's Supreme Court is expected to convict Lula's former chief of staff, Jose Dirceu, this week for running a vote-buying scheme that used public funds to shore up support for the PT-led coalition in the first two years of Lula's 2003-2010 presidency.<br><br> Opposition politicians wielded the scandal around the "mensalao," or big monthly payment, against PT candidates throughout the campaign.<br><br> One party leader, Governor Tarso Genro of Rio Grande do Sul state, called the trial a "political lynching" of the PT by Brazilian media, which covered the trial constantly. Genro said it had no impact on local election results.<br><br> COALITION FRICTIONS<br><br> After 12 years in power, the PT's governing coalition is having disagreements with allied parties that are fielding their own candidates in many cities. The tensions with long-standing allies made it harder to clinch cities like Sao Paulo and producing cliffhangers of several races.<br><br> The PT only won one mayoral race in a state capital outright, in the south central city of Goiania. In 10 of Brazil's 26 state capitals, the election of mayor will be decided in runoffs.<br><br> In Salvador, Brazil's third-largest city and the capital of Bahia state, its candidate, Nelson Pelegrino, appeared headed for a runoff against Antonio Carlos Magalhaes Neto of the conservative DEM party.<br><br> Many of the new tensions played out in the country's northeast, where strong economic growth over the past decade has energized cities previously considered political backwaters.<br><br> The center-left Brazilian Socialist party (PSB) won the mayor's race in Recife, defeating a PT senator, after the two parties fell out over who should run. The two coalition allies also fielded rival candidates for mayor in Fortaleza who will go head to head in a second round vote on Oct 28.<br><br> The PSB's strong showing in northern Brazil has increased speculation that its leader, Senator Eduardo Campos, could run for president in 2018 or possibly challenge an expected Rousseff re-election bid in 2014.<br><br> Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second-largest city and a city rapidly preparing for the , re-elected Mayor Eduardo Paes of the PMDB party, a member of Rousseff's governing coalition.<br><br> About 140 million Brazilians voted in the first election under a new "clean record" law aimed at rooting out corruption by barring from elected office anyone convicted of murder, sexual assault, fraud, money-laundering or drug trafficking.<br><br> (Editing by Paulo Prada and Philip Barbara)<br><br>?<br> SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's Olympic Committee overwhelmingly re-elected Carlos Nuzman as president on Friday, overlooking a series of recent committee scandals and keeping him in the post until the 2016 summer Games in his home city of Rio de Janeiro.<br><br> Nuzman, after four previous four-year turns at the helm of the committee, ran unopposed and got 30 of the 31 available votes from committee members.<br><br> His continued dominance comes even as critics outside the committee's inner circle lambaste what they see as his authoritarian leadership style.<br><br> Nuzman's re-election also comes on the heels of two scandals surrounding the committee that, combined with recent controversies at the country's soccer confederation, have tarnished the glow ahead of two marquee events Brazil hopes will help to showcase its recent economic ascent. In addition to the , the first to be held in South America, Rio and 11 other Brazilian cities will host the 2014 .<br><br> Last month, Sebastian Coe, chairman of the organising committee for the recent London Olympics, called Nuzman after British officials discovered that employees of the Brazilian committee had secretly copied some of their files. The Brazilians were in England as guests of the London committee in order to gain experience ahead of the Rio Games.<br><br> Nuzman acknowledged the breach and fired 10 people.<br><br> That scandal was followed this week by revelations that Brazilian Olympic officials last December broke into the offices of the country's Winter Sports Confederation, on e of the groups that make up the committee. Committee officials wanted confederation documents for a court case against Eric Maleson, the confederation's head, whom they accuse of fraud and financial irregularities.<br><br> Maleson denies the charges and says the committee are after him because of his opposition to Nuzman. Maleson tried to run against Nuzman in Friday's vote but did not get enough support to formalize his candidacy.<br><br> "When you start invading people's offices there is no doubt there is a huge need for change," Maleson told Reuters.<br><br> The committee recently issued a statement saying it had legal authority to enter the office and take the documents, but Maleson produced a contract rebutting that. He also disclosed documents showing a decline in funding from the committee for his confederation.<br><br> Juca Kfouri, a prominent Brazilian sports journalist, compared the after-hours operation to Watergate and said Nuzman used "methods worthy of mafia organisations" to hold on to power.<br><br> Nuzman is also coming under scrutiny for refusing to relinquish a separate position as the head of the organising committee for the Rio Games. Opponents say the two positions are too important and the budgets too large to be controlled by the same person.<br><br> Former soccer player Romario, who is now in Brazil's Congress, recently called on the federal government to take a more active role in overseeing the activities of the committee as well as those of the Brazilian Football Confederation. The confederation has also endured a series of corruption scandals that earlier this year led its longtime head to step down.<br><br> "If there is no overseeing by either our president or a federal government organ then I can unfortunately state that we are going to suffer a great embarrassment," Romario said.<br><br> (Editing by Paulo Prada and Clare Fallon)<br><br>?<br> SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's Olympic Committee overwhelmingly re-elected Carlos Nuzman as president on Friday, overlooking a series of recent committee scandals and keeping him in the post until the 2016 summer Games in his home city of Rio de Janeiro.<br><br> Nuzman, after four previous four-year turns at the helm of the committee, ran unopposed and got 30 of the 31 available votes from committee members.<br><br> His continued dominance comes even as critics outside the committee's inner circle lambaste what they see as his authoritarian leadership style.<br><br> Nuzman's re-election also comes on the heels of two scandals surrounding the committee that, combined with recent controversies at the country's football confederation, have tarnished the glow ahead of two marquee events Brazil hopes will help to showcase its recent economic ascent. In addition to the , the first to be held in South America, Rio and 11 other Brazilian cities will host the 2014 .<br><br> Last month, Sebastian Coe, chairman of the organising committee for the recent London Olympics, called Nuzman after British officials discovered that employees of the Brazilian committee had secretly copied some of their files. The Brazilians were in England as guests of the London committee in order to gain experience ahead of the Rio Games.<br><br> Nuzman acknowledged the breach and fired 10 people.<br><br> That scandal was followed this week by revelations that Brazilian Olympic officials last December broke into the offices of the country's Winter Sports Confederation, one of the groups that make up the committee. Committee officials wanted confederation documents for a court case against Eric Maleson, the confederation's head, whom they accuse of fraud and financial irregularities.<br><br> Maleson denies the charges and says the committee are after him because of his opposition to Nuzman. Maleson tried to run against Nuzman in Friday's vote but did not get enough support to formalise his candidacy.<br><br> "When you start invading people's offices there is no doubt there is a huge need for change," Maleson told Reuters.<br><br> The committee recently issued a statement saying it had legal authority to enter the office and take the documents, but Maleson produced a contract rebutting that. He also disclosed documents showing a decline in funding from the committee for his confederation.<br><br> Juca Kfouri, a prominent Brazilian sports journalist, compared the after-hours operation to Watergate and said Nuzman used "methods worthy of mafia organisations" to hold on to power.<br><br> Nuzman is also coming under scrutiny for refusing to relinquish a separate position as the head of the organising committee for the Rio Games. Opponents say the two positions are too important and the budgets too large to be controlled by the same person.<br><br> Former football player Romario, who is now in Brazil's Congress, recently called on the federal government to take a more active role in overseeing the activities of the committee as well as those of the Brazilian Football Confederation. The confederation has also endured a series of corruption scandals that earlier this year led its longtime head to step down.<br><br> "If there is no overseeing by either our president or a federal government organ then I can unfortunately state that we are going to suffer a great embarrassment," Romario said.<br><br> (Editing by Paulo Prada and Clare Fallon)<br><br>?&quot;I'M NOT saying I'll never be with a prostitute again. But it's hard. Parts of it are soulless and parts of it are nourishing. It's always a roll of the dice.&quot;<br><br>That's our always candid friend, , talking to Playboy magazine for July/August (&quot;Massive Summer Double Issue&quot; it says, directly above cover girl .)<br><br> Charlie is Charlie. Don't try to make sense of anything he says, because mostly it doesn't. And he knows it. Is it malarkey or the real deal or some wild combination of the two, which seems to be working for him. (His new show, &quot;Anger Management&quot; is doing well.)<br><br>Yet at least he admits to being unfair to his longtime &quot;&quot; co-star , in the heat of Sheen's firing. &quot;I whaled on him unnecessarily ... he's a beautiful man and a fabulous dude and I miss him. I need to repair that relationship, and I will. I will reach out to do whatever is necessary.&quot;<br><br>As for the now-legendary tale of a suitcase full of cocaine being delivered to his house, in the midst of a wild party, Sheen insists it never happened. Nope. He was watching a Dave Chappell sketch on TV and laughed so hard it gave him a hernia. The hernia did not occur because of too much partying and illegal substances.<br><br>Look, that's his story and he's sticking to it. And even if he doesn't, it apparently won't make one bit of difference to the fans who support him.<br><br>WHICH LEADS us to the conundrum of . Tom doesn't smoke (anything) drink, or carouse with hookers. He has never assaulted a woman or been accused of such a thing. He takes care of himself, his popularity has not waned. He is still, according to Forbes magazine, the highest paid actor in the world. And yet, on the front pages of the newspapers, Tom is the devil, scaring poor so much that she has to have a ring of bodyguards surrounding her when she ventures out. What's Tom crime? He's a control freak who belongs to the mysterious and controversial Church of Scientology. OK, maybe that's not pleasant to live with, but the public seems to find his driven personality and religious/spiritual beliefs more unsavory than anything Charlie Sheen does.<br><br>I guess bad boys do, somehow, get more breaks.<br><br>As for Miss Holmes, she will be fine. She's made her point, with her bodyguard photos, and the bits of business that have slipped out; her fears for Suri, etc. Nobody is going to be kidnapped or forced to do anything they don't want to do. She's been clever. I suppose she's had to be.<br><br>Let's not forget, she knew exactly what she was getting into. It's not like Tom became a Scientologist during their marriage. There were plenty of warning signs. But Miss Holmes, apparently, was in love or lust or infatuated with his image and the attention he showered on her. And so it has come to this sorry state of affairs.<br><br>Tom? Another hit movie and people will probably go back to shrugging off his beliefs. Next time (if there is a next time) Tom should marry a nice, docile Scientology girl with whom he can share his religion.<br><br>I WAS chatting with a friend last week about how much Internet technology and computers, cellphones, iPads, etc., have taken over every part of our lives. Everything is controlled and connected it seems to one huge grid. What if everything blanked out one day, even for 24 hours? We've all become so dependant.<br><br>Well, just a day or two later, the had a story about a summer storm in Virginia that took out part of Amazon's &quot;cloud&quot; computing service, in which hundreds of companies store data. It wasn't as bad as it could have been, and Amazon responded pretty well, but this story gave me pause. The Times reported: &quot;The ability to deal with failures has long been a feature of any computing system, but like much else in the cloud, there are no common standards to guide how much protection against disaster is enough.&quot;<br><br>We are so concerned about our borders on the ground. Perhaps we should spend more time with our heads in the clouds. That's where I think the real storm of apocalyptic nightmares stores its &quot;data.&quot;<br><br>WELL, IT's beginning to look like all the fan-whining over is evaporating as &quot;&quot; continues to break records even before this all-important weekend. (But then these days, every weekend is &quot;all important.&quot;) The film, which co-stars , has, as of yesterday, made more than $35 million in the United States. In Asia, the take was more than $50 million and climbing.<br><br>So he was too tall, too gawky, too British, not ? Well, whatever he is or isn't, Mr. Garfield is probably set for two more installments, and set for life financially, as well. That skin-tight Spidey suit is no fun to get into for hours on end. (And it's impossible to wear anything under it.) But in-between films, he'll be able to devote himself to more comfortable Prada, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein or Burberry. (He wears Burberry in a deep blue shade on the cover of Teen Vogue. He's paired with Miss Stone, who is supposed to be his real-life girlfriend. Well, at least until the film hits the $500 million mark.)<br><br>NOW THAT has come out, will on be as much smirky, giggling fun as it has been? Oh, you know -- Anderson's friend, comedienne , would come on and tease him relentlessly, implying, but never saying, what everybody knew.<br><br>They've got to cook up a new act.<br><br>(E-mail at .)<br><br>?BEST PICTURE<br>"Babel" <br> "The Departed" *Winner* <br>"The Queen" <br>"Letters From Iwo Jima" <br>"Little Miss Sunshine" <br><br>BEST ACTRESS<br>Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"<br>Helen Mirren, "The Queen" *Winner* <br>Penelope Cruz, "Volver"<br>Kate Winslet, "Little Children"<br>Judi Dench, "Notes on a Scandal" <br><br>BEST ACTOR<br>Leonardo DiCaprio, "Blood Diamond" <br>Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland" *Winner* <br>Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"<br>Peter O'Toole, "Venus" <br>Ryan Gosling, "Half Nelson"<br><br>BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS<br>Adriana Barraza, "Babel"<br>Cate Blanchett, "Notes on a Scandal"<br>Abigail Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine"<br>Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls" *Winner*<br>Rinko Kikuchi, "Babel"<br><br>BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR<br>Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine" *Winner*<br>Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"<br>Mark Wahlberg, "The Departed"<br>Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond"<br>Jackie Earle Haley, "Little Children"<br><br>BEST DIRECTOR<br>Clint Eastwood, "Letters From Iwo Jima" <br>Paul Greengrass, "United 93"<br>Martin Scorsese, "The Departed" *Winner* <br>Stephen Frears, "The Queen"<br>Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "Babel"<br><br>BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY<br>Guillermo Arriaga, "Babel" <br>Michael Arndt, "Little Miss Sunshine" *Winner*<br>Iris Yamashita & Paul Haggis, "Letters From Iwo Jima" <br>Guillermo del Toro, "Pan's Labyrinth"<br>Peter Morgan, "The Queen"<br><br>BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY<br>Patrick Marber , "Notes on a Scandal"<br>William Monahan, "The Departed" *Winner*<br>Sacha Baron Cohen & Anthony Hines & Peter Baynham & Dan MazerStory by Sacha Baron Cohen & Peter Baynham & Anthony Hines & Todd Phillips, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"<br>Todd Field & Tom Perrotta, "Little Children"<br>Alfonso Cuaron & Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby, "Children of Men"<br><br>BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM<br>"After the Wedding" (Denmark)<br>"Days of Glory (Indigenes)" (Algeria)<br>"Lives of Others" (Germany) *Winner*<br>"Pan's Labyrinth" (Mexico) <br>"Water" (Canada) <br><br>BEST ANIMATED FILM<br>"Cars" <br>"Happy Feet" *Winner* <br>"Monster House" <br><br>BEST ART DIRECTION<br>"Dreamgirls," Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh<br>"The Good Shepherd," Art Direction: Jeannine Oppewall; Set Decoration: Gretchen Rau and Leslie E. Rollins<br>"Pan's Labyrinth," Art Direction: Eugenio Caballero; Set Decoration: Pilar Revuelta *Winner*<br>"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Art Direction: Rick Heinrichs; Set Decoration: Cheryl A. Carasik <br>"The Prestige," Art Direction: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Julie Ochipinti<br><br>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY<br>"The Black Dahlia," Vilmos Zsigmond<br>"Children of Men," Emmanuel Lubezki<br>"The Illusionist," Dick Pope<br>"Pan's Labyrinth," Guillermo Navarro *Winner* <br>"The Prestige," Wally Pfister<br><br>BEST COSTUME DESIGN<br>"Curse of the Golden Flower," Yee Chung Man<br>"The Devil Wears Prada," Patricia Field <br>"Dreamgirls," Sharen Davis<br>"Marie Antoinette," Milena Canonero *Winner*<br>"The Queen," Consolata Boyle<br><br>BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE<br>"Deliver Us from Evil," Amy Berg and Frank Donner<br>"An Inconvenient Truth," Davis Guggenheim *Winner*<br>"Iraq in Fragments," James Longley and John Sinno <br>"Jesus Camp," Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady<br>"My Country, My Country," Laura Poitras and Jocelyn Glatzer<br><br>BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT<br>"The Blood of Yingzhou District," Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon *Winner*<br>"Recycled Life," Leslie Iwerks and Mike Glad<br>"Rehearsing a Dream," Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon<br>"Two Hands," Nathaniel Kahn and Susan Rose Behr <br><br>BEST FILM EDITING<br>"Babel," Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise<br>"Blood Diamond," Steven Rosenblum<br>"Children of Men," Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Cuaron <br>"The Departed," Thelma Schoonmaker *Winner* <br>"United 93," Clare Douglas, Christopher Rouse and Richard Pearson<br><br>BEST MAKEUP<br>"Apocalypto," Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano <br>"Click," Kazuhiro Tsuji and Bill Corso<br>"Pan's Labyrinth," David Marti and Montse Ribe *Winner*<br><br>BEST ORIGINAL SCORE<br>"Babel," Gustavo Santaolalla *Winner* <br>"The Good German," Thomas Newman<br>"Notes on a Scandal," Philip Glass<br>"Pan's Labyrinth," Javier Navarrete<br>"The Queen," Alexandre Desplat<br><br>BEST ORIGINAL SONG<br>"I Need to Wake Up" from "An Inconvenient Truth," Music and lyric by Melissa Etheridge *Winner*<br>"Listen" from "Dreamgirls," Music by Henry Krieger and Scott Cutler; lyric by Anne Preven <br>"Love You I Do" from "Dreamgirls," Music by Henry Krieger; lyric by Siedah Garrett<br>"Our Town" from "Cars," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman<br><br>"Patience" from "Dreamgirls," Music by Henry Krieger; lyric by Willie Reale<br><br>BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM<br>"The Danish Poet," Torill Kove *Winner* <br>"Lifted," Gary Rydstrom <br>"The Little Matchgirl," Roger Allers and Don Hahn<br>"Maestro," Geza M. Toth<br>"No Time for Nuts," Chris Renaud and Michael Thurmeier<br><br>BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM<br>"Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea)" Javier Fesser and Luis Manso<br>"Eramos Pocos (One Too Many)" Borja Cobeaga<br>"Helmer & Son," Soren Pilmark and Kim Magnusson<br>"The Saviour," Peter Templeman and Stuart Parkyn<br>"West Bank Story," Ari Sandel *Winner*<br><br>BEST SOUND EDITING<br>"Apocalypto," Sean McCormack and Kami Asgar <br>"Blood Diamond," Lon Bender<br>"Flags of Our Fathers," Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman<br>"Letters from Iwo Jima"," Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman *Winner*<br>"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Christopher Boyes and George Watters II<br><br>BEST SOUND MIXING<br>"Apocalypto," Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell and Fernando Camara<br>"Blood Diamond," Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer and Ivan Sharrock <br>"Dreamgirls," Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton *Winner*<br>"Flags of Our Fathers," John Reitz, Dave Campbell, Gregg Rudloff and Walt Martin<br>"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Paul Massey, Christopher Boyes and Lee Orloff<br><br>BEST VISUAL EFFECTS<br>"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and Allen Hall *Winner*<br>"Poseidon," Boyd Shermis, Kim Libreri, Chaz Jarrett and John Frazier<br> "Superman Returns," Mark Stetson, Neil Corbould, Richard R. Hoover and Jon Thum<br><br>HONORARY ACADEMY AWARD<br>Ennio Morricone<br><br>?Fox 2000 Pictures prexy Elizabeth Gabler has renewed her deal with Fox. Additonally, Fox 2000 has hired Jessica Goodman as exec VP of production and upped Marisa Paiva from creative exec to director of development. Among the movies Gabler has overseen at Fox 2000 are literary adaptations &quot;The Devil Wears Prada,&quot; &quot;Marley &amp; Me,&quot; &quot;Water For Elephants&quot; and &quot;Diary of a Wimpy Kid,&quot; as well as the upcoming films &quot;Life of Pi&quot; from , &quot;Guernsey&quot; from and sequel &quot;Percy Jackson &amp; The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters,&quot; in addition to &quot;Walk the Line&quot; and the billion-dollar grossing &quot;Alvin and the Chipmunks&quot; franchise. Her career at Fox also encompasses oversight of the hit pics &quot;Cast Away,&quot; &quot;Waiting to Exhale&quot; and &quot;Mrs. Doubtfire.&quot; Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos stated: &quot;For the past twelve years, Elizabeth's savvy, vision and taste has taken Fox 2000 Pictures to a level of success and accomplishment that exceeded our already high expectations. We couldn't be happier that she will continue to lead the division in the years ahead,&quot; said Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman in a joint statement. Goodman joins Fox 2000 from , where she has worked since 1998, most recently as exec VP of production. At WB, Goodman was responsible for overseeing projects such as &quot;Contagion,&quot; &quot;I Am Legend,&quot; &quot;,&quot; &quot;The Informant&quot; and the &quot;Oceans&quot; trilogy. &quot;It is with tremendous excitement that we welcome Jessica to and to the team at Fox 2000 Pictures,&quot; said Gabler. &quot;She has a tremendous wealth of experience and shares our passion and respect for wonderful material and filmmakers. Her fresh perspective and passion for her work will be inspirational to us all.&quot; Paiva, who was the creative executive on &quot;Water For Elephants,&quot; is is currently working &quot;Life of Pi.&quot;<br><br>Click for more articles on Variety.com.<br><br>?From the full-skirted polka-dot dresses of "I Love Lucy's" Lucy Ricardo to the cone bras and figure-hugging outfits worn by the women of " ," costumes have done as much as anything to make television memorable.<br><br>In recognition of the part clothes play, more than 75 outfits from contemporary shows, including some that are nominated this year for Emmys in costume design, are on display at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising's museum and galleries in downtown Los Angeles. It's the fifth consecutive year for the show, mounted in conjunction with the Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences. (The academy will bestow its costume awards Aug. 21 during the 2010 Creative Arts . The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards are to be telecast live on Aug. 29.)<br><br> The free exhibit, which opened July 27 and runs through Sept. 4, also includes last year's winner for outstanding costume design for a series, Robert Blackman for "Pushing Daisies."<br><br>We caught up with three of the designers FIDM is featuring this year who have been nominated in the series category (there is also an award for outstanding design for a miniseries, movie or special) to find out what inspires them and what it's like to work on their hit shows.<br><br>Joan Bergin, <br><br>Bergin won Emmys for the series in 2007 and 2008 and received Irish Film &amp; Television Academy awards in 2008 and 2009 as well. Her museum-quality costumes were featured in a Macy's display in on . Bergin has contributed to movies including "My Left Foot," "In the Name of the Father" and "The Prestige." She is currently working on the Network production of "Camelot," starring and .<br><br>Image: How many costumes did you create for the show?<br><br>JB: I kind of lost count! My workshop was actually quite small, but across the series we made about 500 costumes and rented and modified countless others.... The amount of clothes &#8212; when I look at it now, I laugh. The relevant note is that I drape onto a form like old-style couture with a goodly degree of skill. Every detail, from cloth to braid to button. The workshop [staff] tease me.... I should just put [cloth, etc.] on the actors, pins and all, without having to make it up.<br><br>Image: Which character did you design the most for?<br><br>Bergin: . let the show take its natural course. For example, Anne came as a young girl who had studied a bit of the court but was no princess. I was able to slowly build her to become this magnificent creature.<br><br>Image: The characters don't physically age much as time progresses. The costumes are key in portraying this progression. How did you plan this out?<br><br>Bergin: I'm a great believer in research. Especially the social history around these people &#8212; it can be quite arrogant to make decisions for them. I figured, as Henry ransacked more and more churches and monasteries, he spent a lot of it on his own back and the clothes at court. I made them more opulent. As a character came more into the king's favor, they would dress better. Not unlike nowadays, as if someone were in a rising corporate position.<br><br>Image: What a sexy set! Which male and female character was your favorite to dress?<br><br>Bergin: Well, one of the things about Jonathan Rhys-Meyers [Henry] is that he is a natural clothes horse. He was very interested in the costumes. If he hadn't liked what I was doing it would have been agonizing. He really enjoyed the fittings and contributed. With women, it was Anne and Catherine Parr. We did magnificent jewelry for her [Anne's] coronation scene that cost an absolute fortune. We had a bodyguard on set!<br><br>Image: But both [Charles Brandon] and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers are gorgeous. Did you have a favorite?<br><br>Bergin: Let's just say I always like things complex and difficult, and Henry [Rhys-Meyers] was more &#8230; complex.<br><br>Image: The jewelry was extraordinary. Did you create that?<br><br>Bergin: I have a lovely story &#8212; I got a letter from a company in Philadelphia called Sorrelli, huge fans of the show, who sent six pieces that were perfect for the costumes. The next two years they supplied "The Tudors" with most of the jewelry. They even have "The Tudors" collection on their website (). There was also an Italian vendor, Autore, who lent us a $40,000 pearl necklace that was used for the decapitation of Anne.<br><br>Image: Is it true that you were inspired by modern clothing for the Tudor look?<br><br>?Wedding Day: August 18, 2012<br><br>Her story: Nola Dobratz, 33, grew up in Chicago, Ill. She lives in and is marketing director for Radcliffe Jewelers. Her father, Walter Dobratz, is deceased. Her mother, Nola Dobratz, is a retired accountant.<br><br> His story: Christian Martin, 34, grew up in Reisterstown. He lives in Fells Point and is global category manager for DSM Nutritional Products. His father, Dave Martin, is a University of Maryland senior extension agent. His mother, Rose Martin, is a family and consumer science high-school teacher.<br><br>Their story: Even though Christian went to University of Maryland and Nola went to University, they met then through mutual friends. However, their relationship stayed on the "casual acquaintance" level, hanging out with the same group of friends, but not dating.<br><br>"Years passed and we would run into each other at Orioles games or a bar, and he would always try to pick me up," Nola says. "His first job out of college, he handed me his business card. He'd put the onus on me, but because I'm a girl, I would never call."<br><br>Five years ago, that changed.<br><br>"He finally got smart and asked for my number and called me," she says, with a laugh.<br><br>It was around the end of April, 2008, and Christian took Nola to the [now closed] restaurant, Bicycle, where the two met their first challenge as soon as they walked in.<br><br>"When we [walked in], my ex-girlfriend and her entire family were there," Christian says. "It was a very awkward situation."<br><br>"I had no idea," says Nola. "We walked up to the table and he introduced me. Then we sat down and he said that's my ex-girlfriend and her entire family. We just giggled about it; those awkward first date giggles."<br><br>"But, it turned out to be really great dinner," says Christian. "She handled a tough situation with unbelievable grace...By the end of the evening, I think we both were locked in."<br><br>It wasn't long before they were talking on the phone every day and seeing each other frequently. About six months later, they realized how attached they'd become when they each had previously scheduled vacations that kept them apart for about a month.<br><br>"He went to Italy for two weeks and I went to the Mediterranean for two weeks after that," Nola says. "During that time we were emailing each other back and forth."<br><br>"That was the time we were grew closer and realized [how much] we liked each other," says Christian. "We were trying to see whose trip was better."<br><br>"We were trying to upstage each other's trips," she says. Traveling is a mutual passion. And trips since &mdash; to places like California's Napa Valley, Norway, Bermuda, Switzerland, Vancouver, Vail and Park City &mdash; they now take together.<br><br>Their easy comfort with each other was obvious to everyone around them.<br><br>"At my work holiday dinner, the president of my company came up to say hi, and asked, 'What's your wife's name?' We've said since that he was true visionary," says Christian.<br><br>The Proposal, July 2, 2011: "We went with my father and mother, and my sister and her husband to Yellowstone [and Grand Teton] National Parks for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary the end of June, beginning of July, 2011," says Christian. "There was natural beauty everywhere."<br><br>"On the last day we headed back to Jackson, Wyoming," says Nola. "We were driving through Jackson Hole, the cute ski town &mdash; checking things out, sightseeing. This is all six of us in a Suburban. We pull up to [look at] the Four Seasons Hotel and we were all, 'Wow, we should've ended the trip here, this is amazing. Then the doorman starts walking to the car. So, I said, 'We should probably get going.' At that point, Christian hopped out of the car and opened my door and said, 'We're staying here for the night.' At this point, I'm so clueless and thinking this is part of the vacation."<br><br>?The lights are still on at the Eiffel Tower. They keep ringing up sales at in Rome, and is getting ready to start partying for about a year and a half, beginning with the April 29 of Prince William and at .<br><br> All in all, you wouldn't know that Europe has suffered through an economic crisis as brutal as ours, because strong social programs in the social democracies we love to visit &mdash; England, Italy and France &mdash; keep people at work, which is part of the problem. Governments that don't have the resources to pay for such programs &mdash; Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain &mdash; have needed bailouts from neighbors, generating ill will and doomsday scenarios about the impending collapse of the . If you think that's of marginal interest to tourists, you've forgotten what it was like to travel on the Continent before the advent of open borders and a single currency.<br><br> It's worth thinking about as you plan your trip, though nobody expects the EU to unravel this year. "Europe is an evolution, for 60 years going two steps forward and one step back," says Europe travel expert Rick Steves. "We always hear about the stumbles. But I can't imagine the euro zone falling apart."<br><br> Here's what you'll need to know about trips to Europe this year:<br><br>Priced to go<br><br> If you've always wanted to visit Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, Greece, Spain, Romania or Bulgaria, 2011 is the year to go. That's because these countries were hit hardest by the recession, forcing some travel providers to "try to create demand through value pricing," says Jerre Fuqua, president of Travcoa, based in El Segundo.<br><br> At the same time, the governments of these nations are increasing efforts to support tourism, creating new options and incentives for travelers. Iceland, laid low in recent times by a bank collapse and a , has set the standard, enticing travelers to a once extremely expensive destination by ramping up air and tour package deals, says Jan Rudomina, U.S. chairman of the European Travel Commission.<br><br> Hard times in the most economically distressed countries of Europe resulted in protests and strikes last year, which turned violent in Greece, though tourists were marginally affected. "I was just in Athens and didn't feel it was in crisis," Steves says. "For a visitor, I'd say the troubles are almost unnoticeable."<br><br> Hotel prices are rock bottom in Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; and Madrid, with southern European capitals such as Lisbon, Rome and Athens still somewhat below normal, according to Colliers PKF Consulting, a hotel industry research firm. On the other end of the spectrum, rates are sky high in Geneva, Stockholm, London, Moscow and Oslo, Norway.<br><br> In other words, hotel bargains are to be had where you least expect them, but not always where you most want to go. As ever, France is the world's favorite travel destination, visited by almost 99 million people in 2010, according to the U.N. World Tourism Organization; in second and third places were the U.S. and China, which bumped Spain off the list last year.<br><br>Fast trains<br><br> This year marks the 30th birthday of European high-speed trains, which debuted between Paris and Lyon, France, in September 1981. Since then, 1.5 billion people have traveled on fast TGV (Train &agrave; Grande Vitesse) trains in France, and high-speed lines have proliferated across the Continent.<br><br> Besides TGV, you'll find ICE in Germany; Eurostar connecting Britain, France and Belgium; Thalys between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne, Germany; AVE in Spain; X 2000 in Sweden; and Eurostar Italia and NTV, a new private rail company putting luxury, state-of-the-art, French-manufactured AGV (Automotrice &agrave; Grande Vitesse) trains on Italian government tracks.<br><br> Europe's super trains travel as fast as 200 mph and have the added money-saving convenience of embarkations and disembarkations in city-center stations, including London's gloriously renovated St. Pancras, with a 100-foot-high train shed that was the biggest enclosed space in the world when completed in 1868.<br><br> But Europe's railways aren't just for train buffs and speed demons. More and more, taking a fast train is a principal part of the European tourist experience, especially for Americans who think railroad travel is almost as bad as taking the bus.<br><br> Even if you book second class, there are roomy, reserved seats, clean restrooms and appealing buffet cars. If you go business or first class, amenities include light and full meal service, Wi-Fi and laptop plug-ins, special check-in counters and waiting lounges, complimentary newspapers and the opportunity to book a taxi that will be awaiting for you on arrival.<br><br> And then there are the views of lavender fields in Provence, the cliffs of Dover and Rome's ancient walls.<br><br> Recently completed routes include Paris-Stuttgart, Germany (31/2 hours), Madrid-Valencia, Spain (11/2 hours) and Perpignan, France-Figueres, Spain (11/4 hours). The most popular &mdash; and my favorite &mdash; line is Paris-Avignon, France (21/2 hours), which costs between $100 and $250 one way, depending on class and date of travel. To get the best rates, book early on the line's website (for instance, ) or at Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com).<br><br>In the euro zone<br><br>?Still thirsting for more couture? Twitter has set up #DayInTheLife of New York Fashion Week's VIPs.<br> <br> The following folks are live tweeting about their experiences during the event. Read about the best parties, what's sashaying down the runway, the mayhem of backstage and more. Enjoy!<br> <br> - PEOPLE Magazine editors Kate Hogan, Alex Apatoff, Catherine Dash, Zoe Ruderman, Andrea Lavinthal and Jennifer Cress<br><br> <br> - Famed red carpet designer duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka<br><br> <br> - Editorial Director &amp; Co-Founder Hillary Kerr <br><br> <br> - Editorial Director Katie Armour <br><br> <br> - A model who&rsquo;s walked 50+ shows in Milan, Paris and New York<br><br> <br> - Brazilian model who hit the big time after modeling for Rio Fashion Week<br><br> <br> - Forbes named this Canadian supermodel as one of the &ldquo;World&rsquo;s 15 Top-Earning Supermodels&rdquo; in 2007<br><br> <br> - British model known for her runway debut<br><br> <br> - Daria tweets about her adventures as a model, actress and photographer<br> <br> - Rap, swim and volleyball enthusiast Ginta shares her supermodel adventures?IPads, Nooks and Kindles may be topping wish lists this holiday season, but when it comes to reading about fashion, nothing beats the glossy, full-color grandeur of a coffee-table book.<br><br>This season's crop of oversized style tomes is especially alluring. Among them are memoir-esque reads, playfully pedantic books on how to hone personal style and a pair of opulent tomes focusing on men's fashion, encompassing styles from cowboy chic to Savile Row sleek.<br><br> Of course, you won't be packing these biceps-building books for your next red eye. But then not all reading has to be on the run. Curling up in front of the fire with a big juicy traditional book is a great way to take a break from the holiday season hubbub. Here are some of our picks for giving or for savoring yourself.<br><br>The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration From the Costume Designer of Mad Men<br><br>By Janie Bryant with Monica Corcoran Harel. $26.99<br><br>"Mad Men" costume designer Janie Bryant is a master of optimizing a woman's figure through wardrobe &#8212; just look at what she's done with curvy . And in "The Fashion File," co-written by veteran L.A. style writer Monica Corcoran Harel, she offers a bevy of helpful style tips that neither condescend nor confuse. Ideas include picking the right colors for your skin tone, adding drama to any outfit via strategic accessories such as opera-length gloves, and figuring out if you're a Betty [Draper] or a Joan [Holloway]; the book encourages women to find their inner leading ladies &#8212; and then festoon them with abandon.<br><br>Anna Sui<br><br>By Andrew Bolton. Chronicle Books. $60<br><br>Legendary New York designer Anna Sui has been melding girlish whimsy with rock 'n' roll attitude in her collections for more than 20 years. And in "Anna Sui," writer Andrew Bolton chronicles the inspiration behind every collection she's sent down the runway &#8212; starting with fall 1991, which featured then-baby-faced models Linda Evangelista and decked out in prep-school plaids. The book features a flattering forward by photographer Steven Meisel, along with vintage magazine spreads, ads and portraits of celebrities including , and . And while a few of Sui's vintage collections seem cringe-worthy today (fall '92's pirate-themed collection comes to mind), Meisel elucidates, "Anna will always gild the lily, and I'll be the one saying, 'Anna, does that outfit really need a birthday cake on the shoulder?'"<br><br>Isabella Blow<br><br>By Martina Rink. Thames &amp; Hudson. $50<br><br>Isabella Blow, the famous stylist, editor and muse who nurtured the considerable talents of and Philip Treacy, committed suicide in 2007. "Isabella Blow," written by her former personal assistant, says goodbye to the fashion provocateur through heartfelt letters written by industry and celebrity friends, including Paul Smith, Valentino Garavani, , Manolo Blahnik, and . A true original, she "had no time for anything humdrum, banal or mundane," writes Wintour, who hired Blow to be her assistant at Vogue in the 1980s, "to the extent that the task of cleaning her desk every night had to be done with a bottle of Perrier water and No.5."<br><br>The World's Most Influential Fashion Designers<br><br>By Noel Palomo-Lovinski. Barron's Educational Series Inc. $29.99<br><br>In fashion, what goes around inevitably comes around again. "The World's Most Influential Fashion Designers" shows us exactly how that ebb and flow works. Through linear graphs detailing 50 major designers &#8212; beginning with Parisian pioneer Paul Poiret &#8212; the author details who inspired, and was inspired by, each. Miuccia Prada, for example, was influenced by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, who also challenged the notion of femininity being "contingent on coquetry"; and labels she's inspired include Phillip Lim and Proenza Schouler. Exhaustively assembled by Palomo-Lovinski, an assistant fashion design professor at Kent State University, the book is full of "aha" moments (how did we ever miss the shared sensibilities between Stella McCartney and sharp-line-loving '80s designer Claude Montana?). And it connects the dots in a smart, style-savvy way.<br><br>Harper's Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style<br><br>By Lisa Armstrong. Hearst Books. $24.95<br><br>Fashion books on achieving personal style seem antithetical. After all, how can so many general rules apply to creating an individual wardrobe? Which is why "Your Guide to Personal Style," a metallic gold-covered tome written by fashion journalist Lisa Armstrong, doesn't delve too much into fashion do's and don'ts. Instead, it offers tips on how to choose the best looks for your shape (for instance, curvy girls shouldn't wear voluminous looks), how to buy accessories (invest in that Cartier Tank watch &#8212; it will gussy up every outfit, every day) and the kind of garb to don for a night out, a daytime party and even a backwoods cabin getaway.<br><br>Bespoke: The Men's Style of Savile Row<br><br>By James Sherwood. Rizzoli. $65<br><br>"Bespoke," a fully illustrated history of bespoke (or custom) tailoring, charts the ascendance of Savile Row, a small street in that's known globally as the epicenter of men's tailoring. Moving chronologically from the late 1700s onward, the book tells the story in part through profiles of 26 master tailors and tailoring firms from Savile Row &#8212; including stalwarts such as Gieves &amp; Hawkes and relative newbies including Ozwald Boateng. Chapters such as "Savile Row at War: Tailoring for Heroes" and "Savile Row in Hollywood" cover wide swaths of eras, adding richness to an already storied subject.<br><br>American Fashion Menswear<br><br>By Robert E. Bryan. Assouline. $50<br><br>The third volume in the Council of Fashion Designer's American Fashion series, "American Fashion Menswear" tackles men's fashion by movement, such as Ivy League style and Western wear, and by archetype, such as "the dandy" (think rock star Prince or Vogue's Andre Leon Talley). There are also lengthy chapters on Hollywood actors and musical artists, featuring a phenomenal collection of historic photographs of , , and (among others). The history of American menswear is told in short essay format in between the book's splashy photos, but the real story here is told visually.<br><br>Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks<br><br>By Pierre L&#233;onforte and &#201;ric Pujalet-Pla&#224;. Preface by Patrick-Louis Vuitton. Abrams Books. $125<br><br>It stands to reason that the first book about Louis Vuitton trunks would be sturdy-yet-luxurious, like the very luggage it chronicles. And despite its hyper-niche focus, the 496-page book is actually a delightful read, imparting short stories about very personal pieces of luggage. Standouts among the custom-made trunks (and other cases) include a suitcase especially made for the dolls of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of England in 1938; monogrammed trunks for the movie "The Darjeeling Limited," in 2007; a trunk that pops open into a cot-like bed made for Italian-French adventurer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza; and a trunk that turns into a shower, specially made by the company for an invention competition in 2004.<br><br>?<p>Sure, the London Olympics, barely a month away, will ultimately be about the feats of strength, speed and endurance of the participating athletes. But long before the first brow is beaded with sweat, the first real competition will take place the moment the nations enter the Olympic Stadium.</p><p>As soon as the athletes begin parading July 27, their opening ceremony outfits will be seen by billions worldwide and judged by legions of armchair critics. Italian luxury labels such as (Team Italy) and Ermanno Scervino (Team Azerbaijan) will walk the world's runway alongside North American brands including (Team USA) and Hudson's Bay Co. (Team Canada) in an arena where a standout piece of apparel can drive sales &mdash; becoming, for a clothing company, the equivalent of taking home the gold.</p><p>For proof, one need look no further than the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, when Team USA's blue fleece berets sold so briskly to fans that maker Roots Canada had to ramp up production and airlift more into Salt Lake City. One million hats were sold.</p> <p>So to honor what is perhaps the world's most-watched fashion moment, we've highlighted some of the clothes and countries worth paying attention to when the big moment arrives.</p><p>Azerbaijan</p><p>When was the last time the Republic of Azerbaijan was on the fashion map? Well, the Southwest Asian country &mdash; which on a world map borders the Caspian Sea to its east and neighbors Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran everywhere else &mdash; appears ready to make a memorable splash at the Olympics, having tapped European luxury brand Ermanno Scervino for the big event.</p><p>The Florence, Italy-based label, which routinely shows its collections during , has created formal and casual apparel for Azerbaijan's athletes that melds the blue, red and green colors and the crescent moon and eight-point star symbols of the republic's flag with the atelier's upscale vibe.</p><p>The result is a formal uniform consisting of a strong-shouldered, notch-lapel navy blue jacket made of a heavy stretch cotton jersey, teamed with pleat-front stretch cotton dress shirts and white chino trousers for the men and a white pencil skirt for women.</p><p>The guys' outfits are finished off with silk twill neckties and matching pocket squares in a tropical-looking blue, red and green print. The same print is rendered on a silk twill neck scarf for the women's uniform, which is finished with thin red belts. An embroidered patch on the left breast of the jackets bears the eight-point star from the republic's flag.</p><p>Germany</p><p>It looks like Bogner is marching in from the cold.</p><p>After kitting out the German athletes for 17 consecutive Winter , the Munich-based clothing label will dress the team for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Games this year.</p><p>The parade outfits consist of zippered jackets &mdash; bright pink weatherproof shells for the ladies and the same in baby blue for the men &mdash; along with white chinos and shirts and a lightweight pink or blue plaid scarf. The shoes are by German footwear brand Sioux.</p><p>With the bright colors and bold zipper accents (dark blue on the men's jackets, white on the women's), the only thing that keeps these clothes from looking like they just schussed off the slopes and into the wrong season are the summery white hipster fedoras that complete the look, each boasting a hatband in the black, red and yellow stripes of the German flag.</p><p>But there's a trick up Bogner's sleeve &mdash; the jackets are designed to be reversible, with the brightly colored nylon shells converting into navy blue blazers (complete with buttons) for evenings and more formal situations. "It is also important," the company explains in its press materials, "that athletes maintain a distinguished appearance, as they will be meeting a host of international diplomats and world class athletes and celebrities."</p><p>Italy</p><p>Giorgio Armani has something of a lock on the Italian national Olympic team which, according to the company, "will wear EA7 sportswear and formal wear every day and at all official events for the duration of the competition." (A notable exception is the Italian national sailing team, whose sponsorship deal with has that luxury brand supplying athletes' competition uniforms.)</p><p>Images will be made public Tuesday, an Armani representative says, but some hint at what Armani has in store for the brand's first Olympic opening ceremony wardrobe can be found in the company's description of the 50-piece kit that will be supplied to each athlete. Designed in a color palette of white and midnight blue, it includes a full wardrobe of mix-and-match pieces, a nylon jacket, Bermuda shorts, trousers, T-shirts, athletic shoes and two pieces of luggage.</p><p>To date, the standout piece is an official track suit (in midnight blue) with an asymmetrical zipper jacket that has the words to the Italian national anthem screen-printed in gold on an inside breast pocket, where they'll rest symbolically over the heart. A track suit that stylish sets the bar, so expect the Italian athletes' opening-day outfits to be nothing less than the understated elegance Giorgio Armani has made his signature.</p><p>Jamaica</p>?This season's beachwear will be dominated by retro pinup girl silhouettes, tribal prints, nautical stripes, flashy coverups &mdash; even rompers.<br><br>Step back, string bikinis. Swimwear this summer is more about modesty and style rather than skin.<br><br> Top designers such as , and are producing one-piece suits that are perfect for frolicking on the beach. And other designers have created stunning coverups, scarves and separates perfect to help beach-goers transition from the sun to evening fun.<br><br>Taylor Schlette, marketing coordinator for South Moon Under, says a major trend this summer will be fashionable coverups that allow beachgoers to transition easily from day to night.<br><br>"It's all about wearing something sheer and sexy over a bathing suit," she said. "Pair wide-leg pants with bathing suits. These coverups transition to going out. They are that cool."<br><br>Among Schlette's other must-haves of the season are swimsuits in neon, fringe and prints.<br><br>"I just bought the most amazing pinup-style bikini," Schlette said. "It has a high-waisted bottom with a bra top but in an updated neon pink and peach color block."<br><br>Tinsley Mortimer, handbag designer and author of the beach read "Southern Charm," suggests that beachgoers go with swimsuits that play to their strengths. That means lots of bold colors and those stylish retro suits that have dominated resort collections of the world's top designers.<br><br>"You want to feel the most confident," Mortimer said. "It's about enjoying yourself."<br><br>She advises women to gravitate toward bright colors &mdash; avoid black, she says &mdash; and wear accessories that shield skin from the sun.<br><br>"Do not be afraid of color," said the New York Fashion Week front-row fixture. ""Wear a cute, beachy coverup, short shorts, strapless sundresses, big sunglasses and big floppy hats. Wear sunscreen. Protect your skin."<br><br>Mortimer says she's a big fan of the popular retro swimsuits and nautical patterns this season.<br><br>"I think they are cute," she said. "I like the ones with the little skirts on them."<br><br>Hair and makeup are as important as the right summer swimsuit, according to experts.<br><br>Stephanie Chervenkov, Miss Maryland Teen USA 2012, knows a thing or two about wearing winning makeup.<br><br>"You don't have to follow your full makeup regimen, simply focus on SPF protection, minimal beauty steps and, most importantly, have fun with it," Chervenkov said. "Don't be afraid to try something new &mdash; after all, you are at the beach. If a basic lip tint is too boring, amp up your lips with cool pops of color in a fun, trendy hue of pretty pinks or even orange lipsticks, but overall, remember to make your makeup appear effortless."<br><br>Chervenkov also advises that beachgoers strive for a "fresh, luminous look" by adding a pearlized pink shadow or a shimmering gold shade with nude or pale matte lips. She also recommended using a coral eye shadow &mdash; her favorite.<br><br>"It captures the essence of a summer at the beach, accents most skin tones and is on-trend this season," she said.<br><br>When it comes to hair, it's important to keep it protected and looking moisturized, says Brian Oliver, a hairstylist at Salon Ipsa in Georgetown, whose clients have included , Emma Stone and Brook Shields.<br><br>"You should always use a protective, moisturizing cream before going in the sun or swimming in salt or chlorine water," Oliver said.<br><br>The stylist recommends using Keratase moisturizing cream for short to long hair and Hair Rules for extra curly, wavy hair.<br><br>"Always use a conditioner with sunscreen," he said. "It will protect you hair color and keep it from fading. If you have heavily highlighted hair, wear a hair cover or wide-brimmed hat. That gives you total protection. It will keep the hair moist and supple."<br><br><br><br>Beach essentials<br><br>A big hat and big sunglasses<br><br>Natural looking make-up<br><br>Scarf<br><br>Wedges<br><br>A light beach read <br><br>?Washing that gray right out of your hair (to borrow from the famous song) is no longer a mandatory part of getting older. So asserts a growing cadre of American women who are embracing their naturally silver hair tones.<br><br>Letting tresses go gray (or white or salt-and-pepper) may not be the way, but it's become a hot topic for real women all over the country. Seeds of a colossal shift in thinking &#8212; away from the arcane preconception that going gray means "letting yourself go" &#8212; have already taken root.<br><br> Going gray is the most commented-on theme on More magazine's website, which caters to women over 40. The "Today" show recently featured a seven-minute clip about whether it's "OK to go gray," and how to do so gracefully. And recently published books about ditching dye-jobs for good, including Diana Lewis Jewell's "Going Gray, Looking Great!" and Anne Kreamer's "Going Gray: What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Really Matters," continue to sell briskly, and (in the case of Jewell's book) have inspired the formation of online mini-communities based on a shared belief that going gray is more than OK.<br><br>Jewell's tome, a how-to guide to transitioning to silvery shades, inspired a of the same name that launched in 2008 and now boasts more than 2,000 registered members. The site &#8212; which covers topics including various ways to grow out the gray (the brave embrace a pixie haircut, while others suffer through a period of calico color) and how to find complementary makeup for the new hair hue &#8212; also includes a slew of first-person stories and photos from its members.<br><br>Jewell was a bottle-blond with highlights when she started the project but boasted 6 inches of gray roots by the time she finished it. "That first focus group I held inspired me to go gray," she said. "I interviewed all these women, and I thought there was really something really special going on with this community."<br><br>The site's spirit of camaraderie (regular users jauntily refer to themselves as "Silver Sisters") has even inspired some members to organize "mini-meets," social get-togethers held in different cities.<br><br>"They feel they know each other through the site," said Jewell, "and they organize these events by themselves." The last two mini-meets were in Cape Town, South Africa &#8212; evidence that the movement has, on a small or large scale, gone global.<br><br>Website member Suzanne Fleishman, a 42-year-old stay-at-home-mother who lives in and boasts a pretty pewter-toned bob, started going gray in her mid-20s and was soon regularly dying her hair its pre-gray shade of chocolate brown. Years later, she was still a slave to the salon&#8212; suffering fast-fading color treatments and botched dye jobs.<br><br>"I would leave the hairdresser and parts of my hair were shiny and glossy, but looking at it up close, I could see that other parts weren't even getting covered," she said. "And after a couple of weeks, it would fade to this orange-y dull color."<br><br>When she turned 40, "I thought, I feel good about who I am. Why am I doing this to myself? I'm the mother of three children and I have a nice life."<br><br>Feedback from friends and family has been overwhelmingly positive, said Fleishman. "People have said, 'I think it's really gutsy.'" She's also noticed more women letting themselves go gray at a younger age recently &#8212; but admits that she might be more attuned to it since doing so herself. "I'll be at Trader Joe's shopping, and I'll see several women with gray," she said. "Sometimes I think there's a little wink and a nod between us, like a 'You go, girl' sort of thing."<br><br>Considering how deeply ingrained the message of "gray equals grandma" is in American culture, not covering gray could be considered downright rebellious &#8212; a turning away from the 1950s Clairol generation, when women started home coloring en masse. "From that point on, women were brainwashed into thinking that to look young they have to color their hair," said Jewell. "Clairol did a fabulous job of it. We grew up seeing our mothers and grandmothers religiously dying their hair. We got that message."<br><br>Of course, the no-dye trend has yet to infiltrate the Hollywood sphere, which almost single-handedly sets the national tone on beauty issues. went white for her role in "The Devil Wears Prada," but she's always baby blond on the red carpet. And although we've glimpsed gray root on celebrities including and , it's unlikely they will be forgoing their coloring appointments any time soon.<br><br>A clutch of slightly older celebrities &#8212; including , and &#8212; carries the torch for chic silver styles.<br><br>But, oddly enough, gray has become a hot color among the young-and-trendy set recently. , Pixie Geldof, and 13-year-old fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson are among the fresh-faced notables who have dabbled in shades of silver as of late. It's an oddball trend &#8212; and one that's likely to burn out quickly &#8212; but could potentially lend support to a larger whiteout in popular culture.<br><br>Lynn Hyndman, co-owner of the Purple Circle salon in , which specializes in envelope-pushing cuts and color, said she's had younger clients request "gunmetal gray and sometimes lavender" locks recently.<br><br>And Jennifer Metzger, regional director of Fantastic Sams in California, said that while the salon chain hasn't been seeing an uptick in women embracing their silver roots, it has seen a surge in the popularity of gray highlights among the company's younger, more fashion-forward clientele. "They put in a blond color that's so blond that it's actually gray &#8212; it's very contrast-y," she said. "I was pretty shocked when I first saw it, but then the kids do a lot of different things."<br><br>As for more mature Angelenos going gray, Los Angeles-based hairdresser Neil George (whose eponymous salon has tended to the manes of , and ), said he hasn't seen an uptick in women embracing their true roots. "I have a few older women clients with gray hair, and they always get a lot of compliments &#8212; especially if they have a slightly olive-y skin tone," he said. "Women always come up to them, saying, 'I wish I could do that.'"<br><br>?Perky, open-minded and overweight teen Tracy Turnblad (likable newcomer Nikki Blonsky) dreams of shaking her stuff on local TV's Corny Collins show despite objections from her mom Edna ( in drag). When Tracy gets her wish, her presence sets off a dance craze as well as a movement to end the program's &quot;Negro Day&quot; and completely integrate the show's cast. The flick co-stars , , , , of &quot;High School Musical&quot; and James Marsden.<br><br>Big question: Owing more to the sassy Broadway version than the 1988 film, does this remake still have cultural relevance and a campy style?<br><br> Catch it: Piling on the songs and steering away from the Waters weirdness, &quot;Hairspray&quot; still sings and swings in all the right ways. Tracy's hips don't lie, and her undying commitment to the groove really seems like enough to move a town in the right direction.<br><br>Skip it: If you also have no idea why Travolta is in this movie. Since Edna is defined only by her weight&#8212;hurting the movie's message of equality&#8212;Travolta's phony baloney cross-dressing performance is lightly annoying and really weird.<br><br>Bottom line: Director Adam Shankman (&quot;Cheaper by the Dozen 2,&quot; &quot;Bringing Down the House,&quot; &quot;The Pacifier,&quot; &quot;A Walk to Remember&quot;) finally has a movie he can be proud of, and we have a feel-good musical that doesn't collapse halfway through like &quot;Dreamgirls.&quot; It's worth celebrating a story that doesn't ask its characters to slim down&#8212;unlike &quot;The Devil Wears Prada,&quot; for example&#8212;even if none of the messages connect too strongly when piled onto this much fluff.<br><br>Bonus: As Tracy's joke-shop-owning dad, Walken tells the evil TV station manager (Pfeiffer) that if his inventory can't put a smile on her face, &quot;Your skin's too tight.&quot; Listen for the awkward gasps in the theater from any plastic surgery vets!?With big-budget blockbusters &quot;&quot; and &quot;&quot; on the horizon, star may return to the dramatic fare that earned her nomination for &quot;,&quot; as she's in early talks to topline the indie &quot;Song One.&quot;<br><br>Project would reunite Hathaway with the producers of &quot;Rachel Getting Married,&quot; Marc Platt and , who will produce with Hathaway and her fiancee, Adam Shulman.<br><br> Kate Barker-Froyland will make her feature directorial debut with the romantic , which she also wrote. Helmer served as director 's assistant during the production of Hathaway's hit 2006 pic &quot;The Devil Wears Prada.&quot;<br><br>Hathaway would play a young woman who returns home after her brother is injured and romantically connects with his favorite musician, who draws inspiration from the siblings.<br><br>Several elements would have to fall into place in order for the project to come together, and while Hathaway is not officially committed to star in &quot;Song One,&quot; her filming schedule for the rest of the year seems fairly open for an actress of her stature: none of the development projects to which she's attached appear to have firm start dates.<br><br>CAA and Management 360-repped thesp has been fond of romantic dramas in past years, having recently starred in &quot;Love and Other Drugs&quot; and &quot;One Day,&quot; both of which were adapted from popular novels. &quot;Song One&quot; is an original script, which may be just what Hathaway is looking for coming off two films with pre-established fan bases.<br><br>Barker-Froyland, who has a trio of short films under her belt, is repped by ICM Partners.<br><br>Click for more articles on Variety.com.<br><br>?&quot;'s 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl&quot;NBCHighlights:** 's lame but topical birth certificate joke shows. White is beloved enough to get a cameo -- and that she's got a sharper wit and better timing at 90 than most politicians half her age.** 's own zinger-filled appearance on the show prompted the kind of enthralled applause usually reserved only for White herself.** Watching today's established comedy actresses and writers pay tribute to White's bawdy, ballsy work over the years just demonstrated how many doors this ninetysomething performer pushed open for them.<br><br>&quot;: Tired Hooker&quot;BravoHighlights:** Disagreeing with 's statement that marriage is one of the most difficult things in the world, Griffin offers substitute answers like fighting or &quot;me running into Oprah in a hallway.&quot;** After admitting she owns four pairs, Griffin impersonates an enthusiastic Pajama Jeans spokesperson, &quot;Have you ever woken up in your pajamas and thought 'I wish I could go horseback riding?' Well, now you can.&quot;** Griffin proves that even her A-list friends aren't safe when she assumes her best voice and recounts the famous singer stating, &quot;I'm Cher. I don't know how to order a fucking pizza!&quot;<br><br> &quot;The Kennedy Center Honors&quot;CBSHighlights:** An audience filled with formally attired luminaries rises in unison and sings 's &quot;Sweet Caroline,&quot; led by .** 's &quot;The Devil Wears &quot; co-stars , and perform a rendition &quot;She's Me Pal&quot; -- a twist on &quot;He's Me Pal,&quot; which Streep sang in &quot;Ironweed.&quot; Number includes Hathaway in a full-blown split.** 's belts out a beautiful rendition of &quot;Till There Was You&quot; in honor of .<br><br>&quot; and Together Again&quot;Highlights:** The art of conversation is never more alive than during the exchange between Brooks and colleague on the genesis of their co-creation of the &quot;2,000-Year-Old Man&quot;** Gifted raconteur Cavett recounts 's crude proposal to patrician , who responded, &quot;And so you shall, you old-fashioned boy.&quot;** Brooks reenacts his most embarrassing moment when he imitated host Bill Cullen's walk as the patient crossed the stage to greet him -- not realizing until too late that Cullen was really disabled.<br><br>&quot;: Duets II (Great Performances)&quot;PBSHighlights:** Bennett's &quot;Body and Soul&quot; duet with drew attention because it was her likely last recorded performance, but their duet stands out from the others due to Bennett and Winehouse's sheer artistry as jazz singers.** had turquoise hair and vamped it up, but her solid vocals and improvisational skills knocked out viewers, listeners and Bennett himself. The fun they had recording &quot;The Lady Is a Tramp&quot; comes through the screen -- especially when Bennett gets the giggles.** The interviews with Bennett and his duet partners underscore the tremendous impact he's had on generations of performers spanning all musical genres, and reflects Bennett's admiration of his fellow artists, young and old.<br><br>Road to the Emmys 2012: Variety, Music or ComedyCorrespondents cool Can anyone dethrone 'Daily?'And the nominees are:Series Specials><br><br>Click for more television news on Variety.com.<br><br>?<p>starring and , is an unusually intelligent cut at the relationship game. And considering the age of its stars, it's a rarity for the movies, which tend to favor youth in all things.</p><p>This well-considered look at a long marriage that has lost its spark proves that old love is as fraught as any teenage crush and sex never fades as a source of contention. Darker and coming nearly a decade after and 's middle-age flirtation in "Something's Gotta Give," Kay (Streep) and Arnold (Jones) are the conflicted couple. Their issue isn't how to date at this stage in their life, but how to reclaim what has been lost after more than three decades together.</p><p>Their therapist, Dr. Bernard Feld (), is about to become the bridge over those troubled waters. The question is whether they can, or will, make it to the other side. For a change, it's nice not knowing for sure how things will turn out.</p> <p>Regardless of age, these sorts of love stories so often stray into sappiness. Refreshingly, resists the temptation, directing his stars with a measured empathy that doesn't allow the sap to seep in. Screenwriter Vanessa Taylor's shrewd cultural take on an all too common, but little discussed, dilemma only adds to the film's distinctiveness. On occasion the movie stumbles, and the couple momentarily lose their footing, but those are minor quibbles.</p><p>Indeed, these Oscar winners turn out to make a pretty terrific couple; certainly they are well-matched sparring partners. Arnold, an implacable and impatient number-crunching partner in an accounting firm, is a character that fits Jones as perfectly as his tailored suits and starched white shirts. Arnold is the flip side of the actor's U.S. marshal injust as implacable but instead of hot pursuit, he's hiding out in his bunker, watching golf on TV.</p><p>In contrast, Kay is a homemaker who picks up pin money with a part-time job at a clothing store. She has spent a lifetime deferring and accommodating and is so unlike the strong women Streep typically plays, it is jarring at first. Streep creates a sense of unease and clings to it long enough that watching Kay at her weakest is almost unbearable. But it ultimately works for a film that is aiming at a certain level of discomfort.</p><p>"Hope Springs" has its share of comic moments, but the film opens on a downbeat. Kay is checking her hair in the bathroom mirror and adjusting a flowing nightgown that hints at her cleavage and curves. A few minutes later there's a hesitant knock on Arnold's bedroom door down the hall. A quick rebuff, and she's back in her own bed &mdash; alone. That sense of isolation, as much as the loss of intimacy, shapes their marriage and sets the film's bearing.</p><p>Frankel, who directed Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada," is patient in building the various tensions necessary for us to begin to understand this particular marriage, milking small moments for a thousand small truths. Director of photography Florian Ballhaus, another "Prada" alum, keeps a keen eye on the details.</p><p>Typical is the couple's morning routine. In it you can feel every one of their 31 years together. Kay is dressed and coiffed, apron on, cooking a slice of bacon and an egg just so. Arnold strides in, sits, and dispenses with the food and the morning paper in minutes. As he walks out the door he announces when he'll be home. She lets him know what's on tap for dinner. They do not touch; they barely make eye contact. It's all very civil, very sad.</p><p>That d&eacute;tente is about to crumble as Kay's unhappiness has reached a breaking point. A tentative first step at rebellion &mdash; picking up a marriage self-help book &mdash; becomes a line in the sand when she buys an intensive therapy package from its author, Dr. Feld. It entails a week of intensive couple's counseling in a lovely coastal town in Maine appropriately named Great Hope Springs. Arnold resists until it sinks in just how out of character this is for his normally passive wife. If he were to look at his feelings, he might see fear, but he doesn't.</p><p>Instead, Arnold goes to Maine with his wife, packing up his discontent and endless carping along with the vacation clothes. It takes a while, but on Dr. Feld's couch, grievances emerge, wounds are opened, psyches are exposed. Sometimes it comes in sharply constructed dialogue. At other times it is all body language, Kay and Arnold's positions on the couch speaking volumes. Carell has not been quite as effective at stripping his normally unflappable sensibility of any ironic undertones since he did so winningly in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."</p><p>When you are nearly as fed up with Arnold's bombast as Kay is, the storm breaks and moves toward a possible reconciliation. This is where comedy starts to find its way into the film as they struggle to implement Dr. Feld's "homework." Something as simple as holding each other seems insurmountable; actual sex, unthinkable.</p><p>There are fantasies to consider fulfilling and logistics to figure out &mdash; a banana comes into play. Equal parts funny and poignant, the groping in "Hope" is as awkward and unsure as any you'd find in a coming-of-age romance, and in Jones and Streep's fumbling hands, as believable.</p><p></p>?is a visual smorgasbord of a movie, a cast of hundreds dressed in everything from utilitarian garb with Depression-era grit to glam-gone-grotesque Gaga get-ups inspired by the latest haute couture. Then there's that dress worn by the young heroine Katniss () that goes up in flames.<br><br>It may seem as if it doesn't get much better than this for a costume designer. But the pressure is on to please fans of author Suzanne Collins' YA trilogy, who have purchased millions of copies of the books and have already broken the record previously held byfor advance ticket sales for the film, which opens March 23.<br><br> "I tried to stay as close to the descriptions in the book as I could," says costume designer Judianna Makovsky. "When I was doing ',' I changed to an unlisted phone number because I was so terrified I was going to disappoint people."<br><br>She needn't worry with this film, which depicts a dystopian universe of haves and have-nots, with a glittering Capitol that is the seat of "let them eat cake" power and the outlying districts, including the drab, impoverished District 12 that is Katniss and Peeta's home. The annual Hunger Games require 24 participants, a boy and a girl from each district who fight to the death until only one is left. And the "show" is broadcast live, watched by everyone in the land with the same fervor real-life viewers have for reality TV.<br><br>The costumes in the film are wonderful to look at, but they are also an interesting study because of how they reflect today's fashion world.<br><br>The simple beauty of the clothes in District 12, for example, recalls fashion's never-ending fascination with vintage work wear, authenticity and Americana, which is seen in "heritage" brands such as RRL and L.L. Bean. And the outrageous clothing in the Capitol brings to mind the see-and-be-photographed blogger culture that thrives on peacockish personal style and celebrates the kookiest among us, from Nicki Minaj to Bryan Boy.<br><br>There's also the legion of "Hunger Games" stylists &mdash; led by Cinna () &mdash; who help the Tributes, as the Hunger Games contestants are known, dress to impress. In the last decade, styling has become an industry unto itself.<br><br>Makovsky put as much thought and consideration into the low-key costumes for District 12 as she did for those in the Capitol.<br><br>She started her research by looking at photographs of working-class people from the turn-of-the-19th century to the 1960s in Appalachia and other places in America, particularly images by Lewis Hine and Mike Disfarmer. "We took the basics from that, the simple shapes of the clothes and the colors."<br><br>A pair of striped pants Katniss wears to hunt were made from an 1870s pattern. Her caramel-colored leather jacket was modeled after 1940s styles plucked from costume houses for inspiration. It's not oversized, as specified in the book, where it is described as a hand-me-down from her father.<br><br>"We tried that, but it didn't look good, and she couldn't move her arms to shoot," Makovsky explains.<br><br>The Sunday-best blue dress that Katniss wears at the Reaping, as the lottery for the Hunger Games is known, was also difficult to get right.<br><br>"We made dozens of different versions, some sheer, some not. Originally we thought it would be cotton, but rayon looked better. We found the fabric at the Western Costume fabric shop. And we bleached and dyed it to get just the right blue, and put some smocking at the top. It's supposed to be her mother's dress."<br><br>For inspiration for the Capitol costumes, Makovsky looked at Italian Fascist architecture and the work of 1930s and '40s fashion designer for her "sense of elegance and amusement."<br><br>Filmgoers get their first taste of the Capitol when Effie Trinket (), the ambassador to the Hunger Games, arrives for the Reaping dressed in a bum-hugging fuchsia dress and a pink wig with a vintage 1930s flower hat stuck on. Her gold booties are from , whose work comes to mind when looking at the Capitol dwellers.<br><br>Effie is one part Marie Antoinette and one part Isabella Blow, and she can barely walk in her shoes &mdash; which was intentional. "She is a fashion victim," Makovsky says.<br><br>The stylist Cinna, on the other hand, is more understated. "I wanted a simple elegance for him. I found the black Lurex sweater he wears, and we built on that."<br><br>Cinna, whom we meet in the Capitol, conceives of the outfits that Katniss and her partner Peeta () wear to represent District 12 in the parade that opens the Hunger Games, and help curry the public's favor. Their glossy patent jackets have flames that shoot out of the shoulders (added in postproduction using CG technology).<br><br>For the "girl on fire" dress Katniss wears when she's interviewed on TV on the eve of the games, Makovsky was inspired by Orry-Kelly's transformative gowns in the 1962 film "Gypsy," starring as an awkward tomboy who transforms into legendary burlesque stage performer .<br><br>"I wanted the dress to be red, but not so covered in stones that it would look like something out of'Dancing With the Stars,'" Makovsky says. The silk taffeta and organza dress has vertical pleats, so that it moves when Katniss twirls, and flame-like crystal embroidery. The dress is not really "engulfed" in flames, as the book describes, but the skirt does ignite (with the help of CG).<br><br>"I didn't want the clothes to overwhelm Katniss," Makovsky says. "We all wanted to go crazy with the costumes, but sometimes it was better to be subtle. It was important to be able to see the characters through the clothes."<br><br>?At first glance, Whitney Morris' second-floor walk-up resembles most bachelor pads. An office has been converted into a "man cave" filled with a keyboard, a couple of guitars and a computer. The kitchen looks virtually untouched. It isn't until you walk into his bedroom that you realize Morris has a serious addiction to shoes &#8212; Dunk SBs to be exact.<br><br>"One hundred sixty-something [pairs] the last time I checked," the 28-year-old resident said. "It's absurd."<br><br> Morris' bedroom has turned into a shrine to Nike Dunk SBs. Empty shoe boxes &#8212; they're needed when he resells a pair &#8212; are stacked to the ceiling in no apparent order. The collection of shoes includes nearly every color and design imaginable, from the cobalt-hued sneakers with a blue-checkered interior ("The Blue Lobster") to the light pink, yellow and black pair called the "Miss Piggy." All of them are arranged side by side on a mix of metal shelves, wooden planks and converted bookcases. Tape is used in certain areas to reinforce the weighted-down surfaces.<br><br>"I've had some friends come in and say: 'Oh, God!' Some people think they are cool," Morris said. "My aunt and uncle came over, and I didn't take them in my room. I told them that they would be disgusted."<br><br>Morris is just one of a growing number of sneaker fans &#8212; referred to as "sneaker heads" &#8212; with hundreds of pairs of shoes.<br><br>Sean Conway has a number of friends who have hundreds of pairs of Nike Dunks, and his own collection is around 500 pairs.<br><br>The resident has devoted his life to footwear. In fact, his main source of income is buying shoes and reselling them once they have appreciated in value. Conway has so many of the shoes that he converted his second bedroom into a storage room.<br><br>"I love the shoes &#8212; the material, colorways and collaborations," he said. "Some people think I'm crazy until I show them that there are shoes that sell online for $4,000. I think of it as a collection and an investment. The shoes are always going to be collectibles."<br><br>Morris, Conway and the cult culture of collectors like them buck the stereotype that extensive shoe-collecting is a women's pastime, according to Vasilios Christofilakos, chairman of the accessories design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in .<br><br>"There aren't that many of them, but they exist," Christofilakos said.<br><br>"Men who have an obsession with shoes are a totally different animal than the average man," he said. "The average man will have up to four pairs of shoes in their closet &#8212; a black oxford shoe, a brown shoe and an athletic shoe. They'll wear them until heels wear off."<br><br>While women tend to go for variety in their shoe collections (picture the heels, boots, sandals, flats and more filling the closets of the notorious Imelda Marcos and the fictitious Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City"), men tend to collect a certain type, according to Christofilakos.<br><br>"He'll be on the pulse on what is coming out and will be at the door waiting," Christofilakos said.<br><br>Conway sees a distinct difference between his sneaker-purchasing habits and a woman buying a new pair of designer peep-toe platforms to go with a new outfit.<br><br>"Those shoes those women buy have no story behind them," he said. "Women buying shoes and shoe collectors are much different. If I was buying , and Louboutins, that would be one thing, but I'm buying Nikes and Jordans. I don't think those other shoes have a retail value."<br><br>Men with large shoe collections fall under two categories: the obsessive fashionisto or the athletic footwear beast, according to Christofilakos. Nike Dunk SB collectors are considered the latter.<br><br>"They can have hundreds in their closet," Christofilakos explained. "Will they wear them? Maybe once or twice."<br><br>Morris and Conway acknowledge having shoes that they have never donned.<br><br>"My New Year's resolution was to sell some off that I haven't worn," Morris said with a chuckle.<br><br>?I'll state right away that Hawaii is one of my favorite places. I'm pretty much over the Caribbean, and although the Maldives and Fiji have beautiful beaches, getting there is expensive and time-consuming. So when it comes time for balmy weather, surf, sand, and relaxation, it's the Hawaiian Islands.<br> <br> I'm often asked by first-timers which island(s) one should visit. I say visit them all. They're all uniquely beautiful. If you're flying all that way, you might as well make the most of it, especially if it's your first visit. I love the Big Island with its varied ecosystems; peaceful Lanai (recently purchased by software billionaire and home to two outstanding Four Seasons Resorts, the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay); gorgeous Kauai, with some of the best hiking in the islands; and Maui, especially the idyllic town of Hana.<br> <br> But on my recent visit I confined myself to Oahu.<br> <br> Some Hawaii repeat visitors advise to shun Oahu, where Honolulu is located, because it's a bit too bustling and "urban." But if you haven't visited Honolulu lately, you might be in for a surprise.<br> <br> Sure, some things never change, such as the iconic Halekulani Resort. (Well, that's not exactly true: Oahu's best hotel has undergone a massive renovation and looks better than ever). As is true about all of Honolulu's top hotels, the Halekulani is all about relaxation. I had one of the best massages in my life at the spa, and I can't think of anything more relaxing than sipping a Mai Tai at the House Without a Key, listening to the sounds of Wayne Shishido and his Sunset Serenaders as waves lap against the shore. But you don't have to spend a lot to sleep comfortably. I also stayed at the budget-minded, centrally-located Holiday Inn Beachcomber, and was perfectly happy there as well, and was also impressed by glam and stylish Modern Hotel (originally developed by hotelier Ian Schrager but now under new management). Another fairly new entrant, the Trump Hotel Waikiki, is winning rave reviews over at TripAdvisor.com. (( http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60982-Honolulu(underscore)Oahu(underscore)Hawaii-Hotels.html )<br> <br> On my recent June week-long stay I also visited, but did not stay at, Aulani, the new Disney resort on Oahu. It's worth the trip even if only to admire the magical architecture, grounds, pools, and beachfront, and to sip a cocktail (they'll validate parking if you have a drink or meal - otherwise it's quite expensive, as are the room rates. Book well in advance because the resort is often sold out).<br> <br> Tourism is Hawaii's No. 1 industry, and two of the most popular tourist activities are (no surprise) shopping and eating. But here's news: the land of the lunch plate special has come a long way in the last decade. There are now several hip, locally-sourced restaurants serving up surprisingly ambitious and tasty cuisine. Among the newer places popular with locals in the know: Whole Ox Deli for breakfast and lunch; Prima (primahawaii.com), a new Italian in Kailua (worth the drive for menu items that won't remind you of anything you've had before); Town, where the menu changes daily based on local ingredient availability; Salt Kitchen and Tasting Bar, with its small but perfectly executed menu; and Side Street Inn, with two locations now, both serving deliciously fresh poke and insanely yummy spicy fried chicken among other temptations.<br> <br> Shopping has also taken a turn for the better on Oahu. When I first visited decades ago, Honolulu the retail experience was pretty much confined to mundane malls and the ubiquitous ABC convenience stores. No longer. There's been an explosion of luxury boutiques along Kalakaua Avenue, worthy of the Las Vegas Strip or Madison Avenue. And the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center now houses over 260 stores, everything from the everyday ( and ) to the upscale (Hermes, Prada, ).<br> <br> But Oahu isn't all sleeping, eating, and shopping. The newly-renovated and expanded USS Arizona Memorial/ WW II Valor in the Monument is, for many visitors, the highlight of their visit (be sure to make advance reservations). And I highly recommend spending a day driving around the entire island, stopping at various beaches and sites along the way, such as the Halona Blowhole and Halona Beach Cove, where and cavorted in "From Here to Eternity." But don't jump in the water here. Instead, head to Bellows Field Beach Park in Waimanalo, arguably Oahu's best beach. (Used by for military training during the week, it's available to the public on weekends; if it's closed when you visit, head for Lanikai Beach in Kailua).<br> <br> ---<br> <br> IF YOU GO:<br> <br> Getting there: Airfares to Hawaii fluctuate throughout the year, and we often see inexplicably low fare wars. This is especially true when, say, Delta, lowers fares from United's hubs by 50 percent or more, even for peak season travel. Then United returns the "favor" by slashing fares from Delta's hubs. And then and American jump in. So if you live near a major hub airport (Dallas, Houston, Newark, Denver, etc.) or can get to one cheaply you may be in luck. We saw that happen once already this year and several times last year. And with ' new nonstop service from New York JFK to Honolulu, additional new seasonal service from Alaska Airlines, plus five new routes from Allegiant Airlines launching in mid-November, fares should be kept in check.<br> <br> ---<br> <br> George Hobica is founder of the low-airfare listing site Airfarewatchdog.com.?We set off from the San Fernando Valley late one hazy Friday morning with only two notions about our destination: It was the flower seed capital of the nation, and the locals were drunk and dysfunctional. The first we learned in school, and the second we learned from "The Bank Dick."<br><br>' 1940 movie classic is set in Lompoc, and my wife, Bobbie, and I have seen it countless times (and, of course, know the depiction of locals is fictional). In October, we decided to walk in Fields' footsteps.<br><br> We took U.S. 101 north about 100 miles to Santa Rosa Road, just south of Buellton, and drove west through the green and gold Santa Rita Hills. After 20 minutes, we pulled into the Sanford La Rinconada Winery's long driveway, thinking of Fields' screenplay for "The Bank Dick." Fields had described Egbert Souse, the dissolute hero he played, as "a scholar, gentleman and judge of good grape."<br><br> At the tasting bar, we told the hostess, "We're here for the tour."<br><br>"Tour?" she asked. "What tour?"<br><br>We had made an appointment three weeks in advance, we told her. She rounded up Mike Chase, the general contractor who broke ground for the winery two years before. We sampled four wines, including a lush Pinot Noir, and then set off with Chase.<br><br>"No trees died to build this winery," Chase said, explaining that even the oak aging barrels were made from recycled materials. "This winery is certified organic."<br><br>Inspired, we drove 25 minutes more to Lompoc, in search of the less high-minded people. From three blocks away, we spotted the most striking building in town, the 1890 House, a tall Queen Anne bed-and-breakfast inn painted cream and yellow with cobalt and rust-colored trim. A white picket fence surrounds the inn, identical to the fence around Egbert Souse's house in Fields' film.<br><br>Chuck Arnold, our ebullient host, welcomed us warmly and introduced us to his cheerful wife, Barbara. They told us they bought the house in 1989 and spent more than a year restoring it. The radios, telephones and hand-cranked Victrola were working antiques. The house smelled as if Grandma had been baking.<br><br>Bobbie and I walked up the stairs to our guest room, one of two in the house. Ours was pink and cream, with a canary yellow comforter and heavy, dark wood furniture. A curio cabinet filled with miniature vases and apothecary jars decorated one wall, and Renoir prints hung on another. The queen bed looked a trifle snug and the bathroom was down the hall, but for $80 a night, the room was a steal.<br><br>Market and murals<br><br>Bobbie and I crossed the street to Lompoc's Friday farmers market, past smoking barbecue grills the size of Suburbans, past flourishes of peppers and pumpkins. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chuck Arnold at a fruit stall, painstakingly selecting the best strawberries for our breakfast.<br><br>We headed for Lompoc's walk of murals. Since 1988 artists have been painting murals depicting town history. The works total more than 60. Our favorite was "Temperance," showing Mrs. J.B. Pierce, ax in hand, leading a group of women using rope to tug a saloon off its foundation -- an event that took place in 1883. The women towed the saloon for a block, and the streets ran with whisky. Lompoc was founded in 1874 as a temperance colony, which is why Fields singled it out for ridicule.<br><br>Temperance was not the order of the evening at the 1890 House, where we joined the Arnolds and their collegian granddaughter, Nina, for Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. They served us cheese and fruitcake and told us funny stories about their travels around the world with the Air Force, in which Chuck made his career. Nina wound up the Victrola and played big-band favorites from a tall stack of old 78 rpm records.<br><br>We drove nine blocks north to Saletti's, a brightly lighted oasis on a chilly and windy night.<br><br>Sophie, our charming young French waitress, presented a wine list, well balanced and reasonable, and menus. We decided on a Qupe Syrah for $25. Bobbie ordered broccoli cauliflower soup and rack of New Zealand lamb with mango chutney, and I chose roasted red pepper soup and macadamia-crusted halibut. Our dinners were wonderful. Faith Saletti, who owns the restaurant with her husband, chef John, stopped by to apologize for keeping us waiting, though we had spent only 90 seconds in the lobby. Wes Hagen, winemaker at Clos Pepe Vineyards on the road out of Lompoc, dropped off glasses of his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for us to sample. The chef's mother stopped at our table twice to ask whether we were happy. Sophie told us her tale of coming to San Diego as an au pair and ending up in Lompoc.<br><br>This does not happen to us at home.<br><br>We woke the next morning to the strains of Mozart and the aroma of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. As we hurried downstairs, we saw Chuck spooning whipped cream and homemade boysenberry jam over thick sweet potato Belgian waffles and towers of fresh strawberries. Our lace tablecloth was set with candles, red and pink roses, fine china and elegant stemware.<br><br>After breakfast we crossed Cypress Avenue to check out Lompoc's Saturday morning Mexican market. Sprawled out over a city block were table after table of bargains, such as $5 Paulina Rubio CDs and $7.95 knockoffs of Ray-Ban and Versace sunglasses. There were pistachios and persimmons, dried chile peppers, Virgin Mary watches and Mexican flags. We found beautiful handbags labeled "Prada" and "Kate Spade" for $20 and $25. Bobbie bought a black leather "" wallet for $15.<br><br>We drove east on Highway 246, the road to Buellton, and stopped at the barn-like Babcock Winery tasting room. For $5 each, we got to taste 10 wines in their proper sequence, from Pinot Grigio to Gewurztraminer. Bobbie said I had to pour mine out after each sip because I was driving. When it came to the $40-a-bottle 2000 Syrah Black Label Cuvee, I felt compelled to cheat. It was as rich as German chocolate cake. We bought three bottles of a spicy $18 Sangiovese and headed into Buellton for picnic fixings.<br><br>Half an hour later we were picnicking at La Purisima Mission, just northeast of Lompoc. Under a huge oak tree, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, we feasted on pesto ravioli and cracked-pepper turkey breast slices on hunks of still-hot fresh sourdough. To my horror, I had forgotten to bring a corkscrew. Bobbie immediately paraphrased from a W.C. Fields monologue: "Reminds me of my expedition into the wilds of Afghanistan. We lost our corkscrew and were compelled to live on food and water for several days."<br><br>Saloon's shrine<br><br>After a good hike, we drove back to Lompoc and struck gold. Jasper's Saloon was a veritable Fields shrine. It had busts and statuettes, an oil painting and a whole wall of black-and-white stills from his movies. Fields' aphorisms were carved into plaques on the ceiling. A poster said, "W.C. Fields is alive and well and drinking at Jasper's." Well, close enough. It was still daylight, but Jasper's was packed with patrons who were alive and well and drinking.<br><br>In the evening, we took a tip from a nun we'd met at the mission and drove 10 blocks to a tiny restaurant called Thai Cuisine. We shared satay appetizers, halibut curry with coconut milk and sweet basil, sweet-and-sour shrimp with mushrooms in a hollowed-out pineapple, broccoli and zucchini in oyster sauce and a carafe of house Burgundy.<br><br>Our bed at the 1890 House seemed really tiny that night -- perhaps one of us had grown larger -- but we slept well. In the morning, quiche Lorraine was waiting downstairs.<br><br>W.C. Fields' character's reward for catching a pair of bank robbers in Lompoc was "a hearty handclasp" from the bank president and a 1940 calendar illustrated with a painting called "Spring in Lompoc." Our weekend reward was a little better. Barbara hugged us goodbye, and Chuck gave us a bag of Blue Mountain coffee and a loaf of 12-grain bread.<br><br>As we were leaving, we asked Chuck exactly what he did during his Air Force years that prepared him for all this living.<br><br>"Oh," he said, "I was a chaplain."?The morning people were out in force -- fishing, jogging, throwing pretzels to hungry sea gulls.<br><br>Pretzels?<br><br> "I usually have bread, but I ran out this morning," Oxnard resident Casey Schneberg said with a laugh as she tossed a handful of fat pretzels in the air, to the delight of about 30 Western gulls that screeched and flapped and bounded into the sky as they jockeyed for the crumbs.<br><br>It was 7:55 a.m. on a bright late-September Sunday. Saturday had dawned with a bad case of the drizzles, which made Sunday morning's clear golden sunrise all the more special. The beach had that fresh, washed-clean feeling that follows a rain.<br><br>Co-worker Gail Fisher and I were in taking advantage of fall discount rates at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort. We had arrived with plans for a weekend of heavy-duty shopping at Camarillo Premium Outlets, a 120-store mall along U.S. 101. On the side, we would visit a few of County's wine bars, do some sightseeing and probably catch some rays. It was a good thing rays ranked low on our priority list, given Saturday's gloomy skies.<br><br>No matter. , Ann Taylor and Kenneth Cole were waiting, and they didn't disappoint.<br><br>Our getaway had started Friday evening at the 284-room Mandalay Beach Resort, where weekend rates often exceed $200. We had planned to spend only one night there, but when I called for reservations I found the lowest rate, the $169 "suite retreat," required a two-night stay. At least it did on this particular weekend.<br><br>"Pricing varies," marketing and sales director Susan Koehler said a few days later when I asked about the shifting rules that seem to govern the hotel's rates. "If we begin to fill up, the price goes up. If bookings are soft, the price goes down. If you call early, you're more likely to get low rates. We're just like the airline industry.<br><br>"And you have to admit we have a very special property here."<br><br>She was right about that.<br><br>Southern California has few on-the-sand hotels. Some hotels call themselves beachfront but are actually across the highway from the beach or high on a bluff.<br><br>Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach is on the sand. If you're in an oceanfront room in Building 3 or 6, your door opens onto a lush patch of grass that melds into the beach. About 200 yards in front of you, waves are crashing, surfers are hanging ten and seabirds are soaring. Anacapa and islands hang lazily on the horizon.<br><br>That doesn't happen if you purchase the $169 fall special. In that case, your room may face an interior courtyard or another building or, in our case, a park-ing ramp.<br><br>Chino residents Jesse and Jennie Isom -- Building 6, Room 102 -- knew better.<br><br>"The first time we came, we tried the special rate and regretted it," Jennie said as she and her husband sat outside their ground-floor, oceanfront room Saturday night watching waves pound the shore. "Now we splurge. We don't come as often, but when we do, we're on the beach." Their room cost $279 per night that weekend, with a two-night minimum stay required. (In summer, the same room would cost $379 per night.)<br><br>The hotel, which opened in 1986, is Spanish Mission style: three floors of tan stucco, dark brown wood trim and red-tiled roofs. There are four waterfalls, two spas and a pool.<br><br>Our suite was comfortable and a big 800 square feet. It had two baths, two TVs, a refrigerator, a microwave and a queen-size fold-out bed in the living room. The wraparound veranda made it feel more spacious -- and allowed us to look down into the subterranean parking garage. The carpeting was a bit worn, and some of the wallpaper seemed mismatched, but everything was clean, and I thought the king bed in the master bedroom was comfortable. Gail wasn't quite as enthusiastic about the fold-out; she thought the mattress was lumpy and said it left her with a backache in the morning.<br><br>The size of the rooms can make the hotel a good deal for families. But perhaps the biggest boon for parents with kids, and other visitors too, is the complimentary receptions morning and night in the Surf Room next to the pool. A large breakfast buffet, with cooked-to-order eggs, start a guest's day, and mixed drinks, wine, beer and snacks are available for two hours each evening. Saturday night, I had a Cape Cod: vodka and cranberry juice. Or was it two? Probably two, because when Gail and I left the Surf Room we couldn't find our way back to our parking ramp-view room, getting lost in the extensive leafy gardens.<br><br>Hotel employees compare the grounds to a Hawaiian resort. That assessment is a bit inflated. While the central courtyard is verdant, it isn't tropical. But the hotel's circular, palapa-style dining room, Capistrano's, would fit in well at any Maui or Kauai resort. We tried it and were happy with the food and service. The tablecloths were crisp, the flowers fresh, the sourdough bread crusty. Gail's Chilean sea bass served with garlic-marinated scallops ($24.50) was a hit. My chicken Caesar salad ($9.75) was light and fresh.<br><br>?<p>Truthfully, I'm perplexed by Kreayshawn, an East Oakland rapper who's friends with Lil B, and Odd Future. Her image is almost too cool, like she's trying just a bit too hard (why is she wearing that Chicago Blackhawks chain?). She reps something called White Girl Mob. This is kind of entertaining, kind of irritating. She puts her support behind, um, . Basically, I'm on the fence ...</p><p>Yet I found myself tempering my resistance yesterday when Kreayshawn debuted her new single and video on The Fader's . " Gucci" is a real surprise, with its left-field lines, screwed sample and a hook so infectious and funny, it's a menace &mdash; "Gucci, Gucci, Louis, Louis, Fendi, Fendi, Prada / Basic bitches wear that s--- so I don't even bother." It reappropriates the swag back to the individual and not the high-price label adorning her, and that feels &mdash; not to mention, sounds &mdash; refreshing. (Maybe her image is just plain cool?) And how about this fantastic (Nicki Minaj?) diss: "Bitch you ain't no / I see you work at Arby's / No. 2, super-size / Hurry up, I'm starving." Yikes.</p><p><p><p><p>"Gucci Gucci" could be a one-off success and Kreayshawn's next song could fail without the wonderfully aligned aspects that make this song so deliriously fun. But there's no sense in worrying about that when we finally have someone rapping, "I got the swag and it's pumping out my ovaries." That's swag you can't deny.</p>?If there was a common thread running through the spring-summer 2011 menswear shows that ended last week it was the notion of light &#8212; in every sense of the word. There was a lightness of attitude &#8212; not the cautious, bet-hedging, whistle-past-the-graveyard sort seen last season, but what seemed to be a genuine sense of optimism.<br><br>It started the night before the official run of shows began, with Missoni's garden party presentation of patchwork knits, long-waisted grandfather shirts, cardigans and eye-popping acid greens, lemon yellows and vibrant-hued, color-blocked suede deck shoes against a palette of beige and khaki.<br><br> It ended on the last day of the shows when sent a fashion designer's version of a smiley face emoticon down the runway: slate gray suits paired with pale blue dress shirts and knit vests, a scattering of subtle microdot patterns, and punctuation marks of vivid yellow shoes, belts and pocket squares.<br><br>There was lightness in fabrication and construction too: lightweight washed silk, linen and hemp trousers with drawstring waistbands or rope belts at Dolce &amp; Gabbana's 20th anniversary menswear show, shown with shirts in poplin and muslin cotton, unlined jackets with raw seams and rope sandals that gave the luxury brand a rumpled, sun-drenched, post-beach feel.<br><br>There was also a kind of uncomfortable, intense light at times. Prada's collection was a preschool paint class full of bright colors, intense blues, bright orange suit jackets and sweaters with playful bold stripes. The show was staged on a raised metal grid-like runway sandwiched between banks of fluorescent tubes, creating a post-apocalyptic nuclear-powered assembly line, a notion underscored by the futuristic wraparound sunglasses the models had slung around their necks.<br><br>And then there was the eerie spotlight effect that was used on a handful of pieces in the presentation (the first menswear collection to be presented since the designer's death in February, under the direction of his longtime head of design, Sarah Burton). It used printed trompe l'oeil shadows beneath collars and pocket flaps and created the look of faux bright spots across the shoulders to create the distinct impression of a high-powered spotlight shining down on the wearers from directly overhead.<br><br>But this same collection also included a pair of military-inspired stretch trousers with utility pockets near the knee, a variation on the season's most noticeable trend, the entrenchment of the workingman's cargo pocket in luxury trousers and shorts, as well as its multi-pocketed up-torso cousin: the safari-inspired jacket, like those at . One silhouette or the other was present in nearly every collection in Milan.<br><br>Asked about the preponderance of cargo pocketry, Missoni's creative director Angela Missoni spoke of her customer, saying: "When you travel, you need lots of pockets for things, and these are my urban travelers &#8212; my tribe."<br><br>In past seasons, designers were all too happy to get strappy with shoulder-slung bags or to accessorize models with Santa-worthy satchels. This season they seemed to be jettisoning the man baggery in favor of blousy, technical-looking pockets. The man of 2011 is on the move, but he's unencumbered and pared back. He's got no baggage &#8212; of any kind.<br><br>There were some head-scratching moments: notably an Emporio Armani collection that was reptilian, dark and brooding, including crocodile scales and a music video clip cameo in advance of the jack-booted backup dancer costumes (everyone but the Lady G herself was dressed in Emporio Armani in her "Alejandro" video).<br><br>But even if you question the potential luxury consumer appetite for a rockabilly-themed Versace collection, or D&amp;G aloha-print shirts, it's hard not to look at those collections &#8212; metallic fringe and eye-bending optical prints among the former, picnic blanket prints and 's photo circa "Cry-Baby" among the latter &#8212; without thinking the designers are eager to inject a little fun back into men's fashion again.<br><br>And they're banking that by the time spring-summer 2011 comes around, guys will see the light too.<br><br>?<p>Ticket holders at this summer's will have something in common with non-sporting London visitors: At some point, they will want to flee the jam-packed capital. Luckily, escaping the madding crowds is as easy as hopping on a train. As a Brit who grew up near the city, here are my recommendations for 10 gold-medal-winning day trips.</p><p>Highclere Castle</p><p>The real-life is an ideal day out for fans of Violet, the dowager countess. Stroll elegant staterooms and peek into posh bedrooms before descending the handsome oak staircase to the arch-lined saloon &mdash; the dramatic heart of the house as well as the blockbuster TV series. Don't miss the Egyptian Exhibition tracing the fifth Earl of Carnarvon's 1922 discovery, along with Howard Carter, of King Tutankhamen's tomb. Save time for the expansive gardens before a swish meal at the nearby Carnarvon Arms, where Downton stars stayed during recent Season 3 filming. . From Paddington station to Newbury, 50 minutes plus a 15-minute cab ride.</p> <p>Cambridge</p><p>Prettier than larger rival Oxford, the cobbled center of this bike-loving university town bristles with castellated old colleges, creaky-floored Tudor pubs and tomb-quiet medieval churches. Photograph the Venetian-style Bridge of Sighs over the River Cam, then nose around the lavish Fitzwilliam Museum, which is like a mini British Museum. Highlights include filigree ceramics and Technicolor Egyptian sarcophagi. Fuel up at Fort &mdash; reputedly the city's oldest pub &mdash; before dropping into King's College for a choral service at one of 'smost beautiful chapels. . From King's Cross station, 45 minutes.</p><p>Brighton</p><p>Luring Londoners since the playboy Prince Regent began building his onion-turreted Royal Pavilion here in 1815, Brighton is the Britain's coolest seaside city. Start at the Pavilion &mdash; now a museum of gaudy palace interiors &mdash; then get lost in the labyrinthine Lanes and North Laine areas. Lined with indie shops, galleries and restaurants, this back-street tangle warrants an hour or two of on-foot retail therapy. Then hit the wind-whipped seafront: Eschew the ankle-breaking pebbly beach for Brighton Pier's slot machines, fish and chips and neon-pink, toothache-triggering peppermint rock. http://www.visitbrighton.com From Victoria or London Bridge stations, one hour.</p><p> Cathedral</p><p>This soaring Gothic confection in Kent &mdash; a World Heritage Site &mdash; is the Mother Church of the Anglican faith. Check out where Thomas Becket was martyred, duck underground to the multicolumned crypt and marvel at the breathtaking stained-glass windows, including one from 1176. Before jumping back on the London-bound train, explore the town's picture-perfect medieval center, stopping at the Roman Museum and Canterbury Heritage Museum. Great old pubs abound, including the wood-beamed Parrot where Bishops Finger ale is recommended. . From St. Pancras International station to Canterbury West, one hour.</p><p>Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter</p><p>Britain's hottest new family attraction isn't in London but in Hertfordshire. Although you won't be hopping the Hogwarts Express to get here, you'll soon be marveling at a magical array of real sets and props used to bring 's fantasy world to life on the big screen. Highlights include the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, the triple-decker Knight Bus and some scarily live-looking monsters, including a terrifying Aragog. Calm your nerves with some Butterbeer and Bertie Botts jelly beans &mdash; earwax flavor included. . From Euston to Watford Junction, 20 minutes plus a 10-minute shuttle bus ride.</p><p>Bicester Village</p><p>Swap overpriced Oxford Street for Oxfordshire's wildly popular designer outlet destination. Determinedly upscale, the outdoor "village" has 130 stores &mdash; think Prada, Paul Smith and Diane von Furstenberg &mdash; and its shoppers aren't your typical outlet mall rats. Peruse temporary pop-up shops, then take a break from all that credit-card action at the Fabulous Feasts caf&eacute; where the goat cheese and broccoli tart is recommended. . From Marylebone station to Bicester North, 50 minutes plus 10-minute shuttle bus.</p><p>Sissinghurst Castle</p><p>The residence ofVita Sackville-Westand Harold Nicolson is even more famous for its dreamy country garden, started in the 1930s. It's a romantic fusion of fragrant herb garden, riotously hued cottage garden and delightfully monochrome White Garden, dotted with creamy irises and dahlias. Protected by the National Trust, the highlight building is the 16th century tower where Sackville-West wrote &mdash; in a room that's preserved as if she's just stepped away. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle. From Charing Cross station to Staplehurst, one hour, then bus No. 5 to Sissinghurst village.</p><p>St. Albans</p><p>Arrive Wednesday or Saturday at this historic Hertfordshire city for the bustling St. Peter's Street market, then head to the cavernous cathedral. Built from 1077, it's a spectacular fusion of architectural styles from Norman to Victorian Neo-Gothic. Spot the slender bricks in its central tower: They were swiped from the ruined Roman settlement started here around 50 A.D. Head down the adjoining grassy slope toward the fascinating, Roman-focused Verulamium Museum, stopping for lunch at the wood-beamed Ye OldeFighting Cocks, reputedly England's oldest pub. http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/tourism. From St. Pancras International station, 25 minutes.</p><p>Hatfield House</p><p>Across from Hatfield station. This stately home's sweeping driveway entrance is a fitting drumroll to Britain's grandest Jacobean pile. It's lined with portrait-dotted oak paneling and centered on a magnificent wooden staircase studded with carved figures. Must-see areas include the recently restored Victorian kitchen and the sumptuous, tapestry-lined Great Hall. Pick up an audio-tour headset to learn all about the house's top-drawer history: This is where, in 1558, a young Princess Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne. . From King's Cross station to Hatfield, 30 minutes.</p><p>Culture Line</p><p>The Overground branch line weaving from East London to West Croydon is studded with small museum gems, providing a tranquil day's escape (with a handy London Travelcard transit pass) from all that Olympic mayhem. Places not to be missed include the Geffrye Museum's home interior displays; the Horniman Museum's natural history gallery; and the tiny Brunel Museum, relating the story of the first tunnel under the River Thames. The nearby Mayflower Pub is recommended for a pint and pie pit stop. And don't miss verdant Crystal Palace Park, complete with giant Victorian models of dinosaurs peeking from between its trees. . From Highbury &amp; Islington station.</p><p> </p>?<p>A 47-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after he was found guilty of selling counterfeit luxury apparel and accessories.</p><p>Marvin Johnson of Baltimore owned a store called "Prestigious Fashions" in the 500 block of Pennsylvania Ave. and two sales booths, "Marvin's Prestigious" at the North Point Flea Market in Baltimore County and Hunter's Sales Barn in Cecil County.</p><p>Federal prosecutor said Johnson sold clothing and accessories bearing trademarks identical to those used by Coach, Louis Vuitton, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, , , , Polo and .</p> <p>He sold numerous items at all three of these locations between July and Sept. 3, 2010, when police arrested him after searching his properties and cars. Prosecutors said they found 3,600 counterfeit items and $23,957 in cash.</p><p>"Counterfeiters like Mr. Johnson rip off customers by selling substandard products," William Winter, the special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Baltimore office, said in a statement.</p><p>Prosecutors estimated that the total retail value lost by the legitimate companies in relation to Johnson's sales was between $400,000 and $1 million.</p><p></p>?is having a moment.<br><br>Last month, the Italian luxury label's Missoni for collaboration was so hotly sought after that it caused the retailer's website to crash. EBay was flooded with resales of the stuff &#8212; some 21,000 items at one point &#8212; at inflated prices, including a pair of boots a Tulsa, Okla., woman posted for $31,000, in hopes, she wrote in the auction listing, of funding her daughter's college tuition.<br><br> Orders for the Missoni spring 2012 ready-to-wear line got a post-frenzy boost, and the company is pondering a mid-priced line. Copycat zigzags are turning up on everything from scarves to sweater dresses.<br><br>Last Sunday, three generations of Missonis gathered in Beverly Hills to accept the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award &#8212; the first fashion house to be honored as an entire family.<br><br>Could it be that Missoni is on its way to becoming a household name?<br><br>Before the ceremony, the family gathered to talk about the business at Mr. C in Beverly Hills. But what was supposed to be a small gathering turned into a full-blown family reunion, with wine flowing and three generations speaking in and Italian &#8212; often at the same time.<br><br>There was outspoken patriarch Ottavio "Tai" Missoni, 90, who recently won a gold medal in a track and field event for nonagenarian athletes. He and wife Rosita founded the company nearly 60 years ago, after meeting at the 1948 London , by combining resources from her family's shawl-making business and his sports and lounge wear startup. On this day, he was wearing a soft, pilly sweater vest that looked like it could be an antique but was actually from the fall collection.<br><br>Seated across from him was Rosita, 80, who stepped down from designing clothing in 1997 and now oversees Missoni Home. She was garbed in clashing Missoni patterns and giant plastic sailboat earrings, with a skinny braid dangling down from the back of her otherwise short coif. She was still wearing a sticker from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where she had viewed the exhibition earlier in the day.<br><br>Next to Ottavio was daughter Angela, 52, creative director of the brand, who exuded a hint of 1960s artistic flower child in a crochet skirt, in contrast with her brothers Vittorio, 57, and Luca, 55, who run the business. (Luca was in a Missoni baseball cap, and Vittorio wore a toned-down sweater.)<br><br>Across the table from Angela was her daughter, Margherita Missoni, 28, who starred in the Target ad campaign, collaborated on the collection with her mother and is quickly emerging as the next-generation face of the brand.<br><br>Dressed in cutoff jeans shorts and a 1970s vintage jersey Missoni top scored on EBay, Margherita appeared to be a free spirit like her mom, recounting tales of trips to the Burning Man festival and looking at photos of her race-car driver boyfriend in an Italian newspaper. She once had aspirations to be an actress but gave them up to join the family business, where she heads up accessory design and collaborations (including recent projects with Havaianas and Converse).<br><br>Over the course of the three-hour lunch, the Missonis interacted in a manner that conforms to an idyllic picture of familial harmony. (They often use family portraits as part of their advertising campaigns.) They held forth on many topics &#8212; the label's history, the origin of those trademark zigzag patterns that are the brand's under-the-radar logo, the dynamics of a family business &#8212; but often returned to the Target deal and the new opportunities it is creating.<br><br>"Honestly, we didn't expect it," Angela Missoni said of the Sept. 13 frenzy. "I kept getting calls from friends all over America saying, 'Do you know what's happening here? There are lines outside the store. The shelves are empty!'"<br><br>The Missoni for Target collection was the discount retailer's biggest high-low collaboration to date, with 400 pieces, including a $4.99 martini glass, $49.99 cardigan sweater, $399.99 bike and $599.99 patio set &#8212; all in Missoni's graphic patterns, and all significantly less expensive than Missoni's main line, which sells at and other high-end department stores at $1,000 or more for a dress.<br><br>Target first came calling five years ago. "But I wasn't sure they were ready," Angela said. "Then, after what they did with Liberty of London, I saw it was working very well. And we were attracted to what they could bring to the awareness of the label."<br><br>Colleen Sherin, senior fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue, characterized the collaboration with Target as "brilliant." (Saks carries the runway and lower-priced M Missoni collections.) "I don't think anyone realized how incredibly successful it would be," Sherin said in an email. "It was very smart in terms of developing further brand awareness across the country and bringing iconic Missoni designs to a broader audience."<br><br>Founded as a small knitwear label in 1953, Missoni gained prominence in the fashion world in the late 1960s and early 1970s for using knitwear as a canvas for kaleidoscopic flame, zigzag and space dye designs, and fashioning a new kind of informal, soft wardrobe.<br><br>It has since grown into an international lifestyle brand with 40 stand-alone boutiques (including the one on Rodeo Drive) selling women's and men's ready-to-wear, and a number of licensed divisions, including M Missoni, eyewear and fragrance. (The women's runway collections have been more conceptual over the last couple of years, sometimes dividing critics. But the fall 2011 collection in stores now &#8212; with its cozy crocheted sweaters, some trimmed in marabou feathers, and maxi skirts in cotton candy colors &#8212; was well received.) Missoni has opened its first hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland and Kuwait, and three more are planned for Oman, Brazil and Turkey.<br><br>Nonetheless, in many ways it has been a niche brand in the United States &#8212; until now. In the online coverage of the Target deal, Angela remembered one commentator posting: "Am I the only one who doesn't know Missoni?"<br><br>Missoni is privately held. In 2010, the company had annual sales of about $45 million. (In 2010, Italian luxury brand had $2.75 billion in annual sales, including the Prada, , Church's and Car Shoe labels.)<br><br>Some industry watchers estimate the collaboration with Target was worth as much as $100 million in advertising for Missoni. And the family is already feeling the halo effect, with orders for the spring 2012 women's ready-to-wear line increasing 10% over last season, Margherita said. The family said they are hoping to continue to leverage the success by launching their own more affordable line.<br><br>"We can't waste too much time," Margherita said. "We have a lot of options because everyone is interested, but it has to be something that touches different categories.... The fact that you can put a zigzag on anything was part of the success at Target. People who wouldn't wear a top would have a glass or a blanket."<br><br>The new line probably wouldn't be priced as low as Missoni for Target, she said, and probably would be international. "Maybe it's a partnership with in the U.S. and someone else in Europe."<br><br>Margherita gives the impression that she is growing into her role, just as her mother did when she took the reins from her parents at age 31. The first time the two worked together was on the Target line. And generally, Angela seems to be in awe of what Margherita can accomplish.<br><br>"She entered the business with such gentleness," Angela said. "I am proud."<br><br>When family friend Quincy Jones presented the Walk of Style Award to what he dubbed the "Sumirago posse" &#8212; a reference to the family's hometown about an hour northwest of , Italy &#8212; he said the colors and patterns of Missoni designs "are like the notes of a beautiful love song."<br><br>Soon, we'll see how the next generation carries the tune.<br><br>?women's-only label has stepped into film production with a series of festival-friendly shorts called &quot;The Miu Miu Women's Tales,&quot; that will become a fixture.<br><br>The series, which opened the Lido's Venice Days section Thursday, comprises four experimental shorts exploring the female universe by Zoe Cassavetes, , Giada Colagrande and Massy Tadjedin.<br><br> Project, which aims to support women filmmakers in their quest for creative freedom, is the brainchild of topper Miuccia Prada and producer Max Brun.<br><br>&quot;A couple of years ago Mrs. Prada called me and asked me to suggest some women directors from which to pick one short to represent Miu Miu, which is a purely feminine brand,&quot; Brun said.<br><br>When Brun suggested four names, she told him to commission works from all four.<br><br>&quot;Women's Tales&quot; reps an innovative intersection of fashion and film, in that the idea is &quot;the films must be inspired by the latest Miu Miu collection, but there are no other constraints on the directors.&quot;<br><br>&quot;These are cult art projects; not promotional clips. Even the use of Miu Miu clothes is not imposed, it's up to them,&quot; he said.<br><br>Venice Days topper Giorgio Gosetti subsequently approached Prada to form a collaboration. Together they will pick another woman director for a short that will bow in Venice next year. Another &quot;Woman's Tales&quot; short, which was already in the pipeline, will start shooting shortly. The director's name is being kept under wraps.<br><br>As for distribution, these shorts go viral via a Miu Miu website and , but they also screen in some arthouse movie theaters, such as Milan's Anteo, ahead of the main feature.<br><br>In a separate production initiative, Prada also recently financed the short &quot;Therapy&quot; starring a Prada-draped and . &quot;Therapy&quot; bowed earlier this year in Cannes.<br><br>Prada's more conventional product placement activities include the costumes for 's &quot;The Great Gatsby,&quot; which follows its collaboration with the helmer on &quot;Romeo and Juliet.&quot;<br><br>Click for more international news on Variety.com.<br><br>?<br><br><br> Who doesn't long for the good old days when awards shows were full of "what was she thinking" fashion moments? Alas, there were very few at the , where, amazingly, good taste and restraint were the rules of the red carpet game. "Ladylike" has been a buzzword on 7th Avenue for the last few seasons, and it seemed finally to have arrived on the flesh-loving coast Sunday, where modesty and basic black and white made more than a passing appearance.<br><br> Emmy Rossum was the picture of girlish femininity in a strapless gown covered in delicate cream tulle. Virginia Madsen showed off just the right amount of d&#233;colletage in a smoky gray Calvin Klein gown with a flattering sweetheart neckline. And Joely Richardson looked like a goddess in a pearl gray Grecian gown with Fortuny-like pleating, a dress that she asked British designer Catherine Walker to copy from an earlier style Walker made for .<br><br> can always be counted on to be well dressed, this time in an Isaac Mizrahi couture confection comprised of a white wrap front shirt with a sweetheart neckline over a beaded black column skirt. glowed in one of Valentino's famous red dresses with a ruffle cascading down the front and a bustle in back.<br><br> She may not have been nominated, but "Desperate Housewife" 's classic short black cocktail dress with a poufy taffeta skirt was a winner, while Laura Linney's black, scoop-neck Prada sheath with a rosette on the strap was pretty and simple. Ren&#233;e Zellweger passed on color too, opting for a strapless Carolina Herrera gown to match her new brunet coif.<br><br> On the other hand, took her small-screen siren role a little too seriously in an overdone silver dress knotted at the neck, with hand cut embroidery on the skirt and braided detail in back. And 's periwinkle one-shoulder Jean Paul Gaultier creation was dizzying, with frayed flower accents and a train that looped around her finger.<br><br> A few celebs made fashion news. Over the years, has often appeared in creations by Tom Ford, who left his design post at last year. On Sunday, she showed her faith in the house's new designer, Alessandra Facchinetti, by choosing her teal stretch satin dress with embroidered seaming and feather detail. paid homage Geoffrey Beene, who died late last year; she wore one of his gowns from her own wardrobe (can you imagine?) with black lace sleeves, bodice and scalloped neckline.<br><br> It was a good night for West Coast fashion talent too. Marcia Cross opted for a basic black beaded column gown by Richard Tyler. Madsen chose shoulder-skimming earrings by her friend jeweler Loree Rodkin. And "ER's" wore a black tuxedo with wide satin lapels and a lavender striped shirt by L.A. menswear designer Waraire Boswell.<br><br> The men were infinitely more interesting to watch because they were all over the map. embraced the hot 1980s rocker look in a black tux by Hedi Slimane for Dior with skinny lapels and an even skinnier tie. chose the tuxedo with grosgrain lapels that made for him to wear in the film "De-Lovely." also wore Armani, but a simple tux is never his style. Instead, he sported an offbeat blue double-breasted suit and strange, Colonel Sanders-like facial hair. From now on, perhaps the real red carpet highlights will be the "What was he thinking" fashion moments.?From the lava-like raw-linen tunic inspired by avant-garde Japanese design in to the Rodarte-designed twisted tutus in the fashion in this holiday season's "prestige" films is notable for historical references and inventive approaches to traditional costuming.<br><br>Here we talk to costume designers about the inspirations ( and Comme des Gar&#231;ons), (1930s vintage styles and dense, 32-ounce wools) and triumphs (delicate wings and illumination technology) of working on six stylish new films.<br><br> <br><br>"True Grit," opening Wednesday, is Joel and 's take on Charles Portis' 1968 novel about a headstrong young girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) who sets out to avenge her father's murder in 1870s-era Arkansas and Indian Territory. She hires one-eyed U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn ( ) and, much to his chagrin, joins him on the trail.<br><br>Cutting a wide swath through the wild frontier, they cross paths with outlaws, snakes and a cocksure Texas Ranger named La Boeuf ( ). Thanks to costume designer Mary Zophres, the look of the characters along the dusty trail is intoxicating. She spent two months researching the project at Western Costume in North Hollywood, studying original photographs, diaries and books such as "Calico Chronicle: Texas Women and Their Fashions 1830-1910."<br><br>Zophres wanted Cogburn to look "iconic without being fancy. "One thing that bothers me about some westerns is that they are too slick," she says. His shirt was a replica of a Union Army issue, and his coat was designed to look like a Civil War blanket. (Zophres sourced wool from Europe, because she wanted a 32-ounce fabric that was produced in the U.S. in the second half of the 19th century but is not available in the U.S. now.) With his signature fringed buckskin jacket, La Boeuf is the dandy of the bunch, but it is Mattie's trail outfit that really inspires. Her oversized green coat cinched with a rough-hewn belt and Stetson "Boss of the Plains" hat is Prada fall/winter 2009 meets Herm&#232;s spring 2011.<br><br>"Men were not wearing belts in those days," Zophres says, "but they had belts that tied their saddle rolls together. So that's how I pitched it, that she could have wrapped that around the waist. It was really cute. I kind of want that outfit."<br><br> <br><br>The backdrop for this 1930s story is the relationship between speech therapist Lionel Logue ( ) and the reluctant Albert, Duke of York, who must deal with a debilitating stammer in the years before he becomes King George VI.<br><br>Costume designer Jenny Beavan commissioned bespoke suits for Albert and "off-the-peg" tweeds for Logue. Albert's wife, Elizabeth ( ), wears the charming, softly colored&#160;tie-front blouses, long skirts, fur-trimmed coats and feathered hats of the day.&#160;(It's easier to find 1930s vintage in the U.S. than in Europe, Beavan says, because America did not experience the devastating bombings that ruined much of the European landscape during .)<br><br>But the biggest fashionista in the film appears only briefly: ( ), the controversial&#160;American divorcee who captures the heart of&#160;Albert's brother, Edward VIII, and costs him&#160;the throne. She is dressed for a dinner party at Balmoral Castle in an aubergine off-the-shoulder&#160;gown&#160;and a necklace with a zipper pendant worn over her bare back. The piece was borrowed from Van Cleef &amp; Arpels and is similar to one Simpson commissioned from the jeweler in the 1930s.<br><br> <br><br>At its best, "The Tourist" recalls elegant 1950s-era films with Kelly, such as "To Catch a Thief." At its worst, it's reminiscent of the kind of slick perfume commercials you see on TV this time of year. But there's no denying that the costumes, in the hands of Colleen Atwood, are resplendent.<br><br>The film follows Frank Tupelo ( ), an American tourist in Italy caught up in a web of mistaken identity and international espionage. He's a hapless math teacher from the Midwest, and Elise Clifton-Ward ( ) is his glamorous heroine, who first appears on screen in a camel cashmere stole, long gloves and a tight skirt accented with an orange sash in back that swishes as she walks.<br><br>Jolie's sleek look, all neutral colors and rich fabrics, was inspired by Kelly's elegance, says Atwood, as well as the fashion photographs of and Louise Dahl-Wolfe. The sash was pure seduction. "It reminded me of wild animals, how they have a flash of color."<br><br>All of Jolie's costumes were designed and made by hand, except for a 1950s Charles James dress Atwood found at the Los Angeles vintage store the Paper Bag Princess. ("I couldn't resist," Atwood says.) The costume designer collaborated with Salvatore Ferragamo on Jolie's shoe wardrobe, including a pair of gold heels ($750) that were produced for Ferragamo boutiques. And that antique diamond choker Jolie wears with her Belle &#201;poque-inspired black tulle ball gown was adapted from a tiara from Robert Procop's private collection.<br><br>A former Asprey executive, Procop has been making pieces for Jolie for years. And it was Asprey, of course, that tapped Jolie to design a line of fine jewelry last year, so it should come as no surprise that there are several Asprey clutches and jewels in the film as well. That's synergy for you.<br><br>'The Tempest'<br><br>In 's version of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," the lead character Prospero has been transformed into a woman (Prospera), a queen who is banished to a deserted island with her daughter Miranda, where she uses her sorceress powers to shipwreck the members of court who sent her there.<br><br>?, the Mt. St. Helens of City Hall, is spouting off-again-on every topic imaginable, from politics to pantyhose. The tiny, blond dynamo always has an opinion. It might not be the same as yesterday's opinion, but . . .<br><br>THAT'S THE GIST of the media coverage Jane Byrne received after she beat the Democratic machine to become the first-and only-woman mayor in history. Reporters and editors didn't know quite what to make of her. She wasn't like . She wasn't a ward boss. She wasn't . . . a man.<br><br> At various times, accounts called her petty, vindictive, erratic, arrogant and . Around City Hall it was said she ruled with "a whim of iron," and that her husband, Jay McMullen, was calling the shots.<br><br>That was a long 25 years ago. Now there's an entire generation of Chicago voters who, if they've heard of Byrne at all, think of her as an oddity, a quaint historical footnote.<br><br>These voters weren't around that electric primary election night in 1979 when Byrne trounced the vaunted Democratic machine. It wasn't just a 10 on the political Richter scale. It was as if the earth had opened up and swallowed the Picasso sculpture in one gulp.<br><br>For a town where politics has always been entertainment, it was a rollicking time. It seemed as though you couldn't turn on the television or pick up a newspaper without being smacked by another wild tale from the Byrne administration.<br><br>One day it might be a controversy over her expensive office redecoration, another day her surprise decision to move into an apartment in Cabrini-Green, one of the city's most notorious public housing developments.<br><br>Now, a quarter century since Byrne took office, is an opportune moment to assess how fairly she was treated by a political establishment that, for the first time, had to answer to a woman in the city's most powerful job.<br><br>Byrne says she knew she would win in her very first try for elected office. If so, she had to be the only one who thought so. To City Hall, she was no threat-"only Jane Byrne," in the words of a memo from her rival's files. At the time, women were still something of a novelty in public office and there were few female business executives.<br><br>The mostly male crowd of reporters who jammed into the small room at her Gold Coast apartment building on April 24, 1978, to hear her announce her candidacy were-to put it mildly-unimpressed.<br><br>In overheated rhetoric that became a Byrne trademark, she promised to take on the Democratic machine candidate and the "cabal of evil men" who were running the city.<br><br>She was good TV, agreed the journalists, who had known no mayors except Daley and his colorless successor, . And they agreed on one other thing: She didn't stand a chance.<br><br>Byrne today is as outspoken, candid and unforgiving of her critics as she was back then. Yes, let history record she's still tiny, feisty-and blond.<br><br>She's 70 years old ("Don't remind me!") and most of her time is devoted to being a grandmother to 7-year-old Willy. He is the precocious only child of Byrne's only child, Kathy, a personal-injury lawyer with the Loop firm Cooney and Conway. Kathy was a college student when Byrne was elected mayor and now, at 46, is two years older than her mother was on 1979.<br><br>Byrne still has the occasional speaking engagement-at $5,000 to $10,000 per, she says-which she works around Willy's schedule. Her 1992 book, "My Chicago," was reissued this year, and she recently filmed a commercial for the Weather Channel, a pitch about how the weather can change your life.<br><br>She, of all people, should know.<br><br>On , 1978, Byrne knelt, as was her custom, to say a prayer for the coming year. When 1979 dawned, there were 22 inches of fresh snow. For most people, it was just another wicked Chicago blizzard. For Byrne, it turned out to be an answered prayer.<br><br>The series of snowstorms that began that night is the first thing most people bring up when recalling Byrne's defeat of Daley's heir, Bilandic. A record total of 90 inches of snow, falling in just a few weeks, paralyzed the city. Trains and buses, those that could move, were hours late. Side streets were impassable for months. Fights broke out over parking spots, and the unplowed snow-mounds of filthy gray, frozen misery-turned voters from inconvenienced, to angry, to outraged.<br><br>Chicagoans could overlook many of the Democratic machine's sins as long as it delivered the basic services. Now that fragile pact was kaput.<br><br>?BIRTHDAY GUY: Actor was born in Santa Fe, N.M., on this date in 1976. This birthday guy starred as Vincent Chase on the hit series "Entourage" from 2004-10. Grenier has also appeared in films such as "The Devil Wears Prada," "Hart's War" and "Drive Me Crazy." Grenier appeared as himself on a 2010 episode of "90210."<br><br>ARIES (March 21-April 19): Adopt a wait-and-see attitude this week. While your instincts may tell you that immediate action is required, having a little patience will reveal a much simpler solution later on. Don't let the little things get to you.<br><br> TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don't settle for the silver. You shouldn't lower the bar just for the sake of convenience in the week ahead. It may be more difficult, but go for the gold. Factor in that your judgment in financial matters may be slightly off today.<br><br>GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Plan on making a good first impression. You may fall into the sights of someone's romantic attention if you stay on your best behavior today. Test the waters, but you're not quite ready to swim just yet in the week to come.<br><br>CANCER (June 21-July 22): Roll with the punches. Minor adversities are nothing to fret over. What may seem like a dire emergency today will be insignificant tomorrow. Avoid making major decisions this week.<br><br>LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Walk with your head held high. You have much to be proud of and today you should show it. Romantic interests will be drawn to your confidence. Carefully maneuver around making commitments until later in the week.<br><br>VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make the most of it. No matter what your situation, you can have a satisfying and fulfilling day right where you're at if you just use a little imagination. Opening up to a confidant may yield a startling revelation in the week ahead.<br><br>LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every rose has its thorns. You may not exactly be experiencing romantic bliss today. If you find yourself becoming irritated or out of sorts, go take a walk and cool off. All will be forgotten later this week.<br><br>SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Weigh your options carefully this week. You'll be far happier in the long run if you take a little more time to make a well-informed, calculated decision rather than just flip a coin. A little research wouldn't hurt.<br><br>SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don't make a bad situation worse this week. Flying off the handle will merely fan the flames while keeping a cool head will diffuse the problem. If others in your group are dragging their feet, take charge.<br><br>CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Fools and their money are soon parted. In the week ahead, you may feel that the latest fad is something worth spending your hard-earned cash on. However, once this fad passes, you'll find that you've wasted your money on junk.<br><br>AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A differing opinion is not a declaration of war. Everyone has ideas and opinions and sometimes these views differ with yours. This is not an excuse to fight. As the week unfolds, find common ground to share.<br><br>PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Lend an ear to a friend in need this week. Offering some objective advice to someone mired in turmoil could brighten his or her day a little. Indulge your fantasies today, even if it's just some time off daydreaming.<br><br>IF JULY 10 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: August and September are months when you should maintain a low profile and avoid making any irrevocable decisions, as your judgment is out of kilter and you could be easily deceived. Wait until October or November to make your move by accepting a new job or implementing crucial financial decisions such as changing banks or making major purchases. Next March is a time when your judgment and luck is at its best and when you can push forward with major endeavors.<br><br>(c) 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.?<p>BIRTHDAY GUY: Actor was born in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, on this date in 1969. This birthday guy has drawn Emmy and nominations for his portrayal of Patrick Jane on the highly rated TV series "The Mentalist." Baker's film work includes the films "The Devil Wears Prada," "Land Of The Dead" and "Red Planet." Baker officially gained U.S. citizenship in the summer of 2010.</p><p>ARIES (March 21-April 19): You can look, but don't touch. There is a difference between love and friendship. The person who is lighting the fire in your heart this weekend might have only brotherly or sisterly ideas and motives.</p><p>TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Out with the old, in with the new. Someone or something outlandishly different or attractively foreign gets attention. If you meet someone new online, safely test the waters in public first before proceding.</p> <p>GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your time will come. You might feel you are simply sitting on the sidelines. While to others it might appear you are doing nothing, you are gathering creative ideas and forming plans for the future.</p><p>CANCER (June 21-July 22): The new moon starts a month long cycle in which the ups and downs of your bank balance give you cause for reflection. You might be motivated to take an inventory of your belongings and savings.</p><p>LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A new moon in your sign marks a month ahead that centers, at least in your eyes, all the attention on you. In the coming weeks you might decide to improve your appearance or cater to your passing whims.</p><p>VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Climb into a cradle of creativity and you can rock all weekend long. New surroundings might help you rediscover latent talents or instill a fresh sense of adventure. Cash in on your original ideas.</p><p>LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Old dogs learn new tricks. You may have plenty of enthusiasm but could lack concrete experience and solid know-how. Pay heed to your betters and investigate a new hobby or sideline today.</p><p>SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Treat a loved one like your best friend. Kind actions can speak louder than words with your special someone. Get out of your rut; try an entertainment that is something entirely different and unique.</p><p>SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You can't string someone along if there are no strings attached. A romantic fling might only capture your heart for one evening, but it will enrich your life if you don't take it too seriously.</p><p>CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Go ahead and indulge your senses. Sharing your innermost thoughts may put everything back into proportion. You may be attracted to a unique antique or the latest import from an exotic location.</p><p>AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Today's new moon might serve to shift your attention to relationships during the coming month. You may become attuned to how others fit into the puzzle that is your life or more aware of your feelings.</p><p>PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Don't put labels on people, but enjoy their individuality. You may be feeling amorous just when Romeo or Juliet has a downturn in romantic energies.</p><p>IF JULY 30 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You may become an important person in the business community as your ambitions and desire for material success grow. In October, people may hold you up as a role model, so be sure to honor any promises you make. Avoid a wild-goose chase in November when you are somewhat gullible in the eyes of a prospective romantic partner. If hoping to start a new job or career, or if there are investment decisions to make, wait until late January and early February to put the wheels into motion. To interview for a new position or to meet your soul mate, wait until March when your attractiveness is at a high point and permanent commitment is possible.</p><br>(c) 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.?Almost every worker has a story to tell about a bad boss.<br><br>Here's one from a colleague who recalled this scenario from a past survey: A secretary whose boss wanted her to pop his pimple. Now, that's just gross!<br><br> Always a fodder for watercooler talk and happy-hour venting sessions, badbosses are getting some extra attention lately.<br><br>The movie "The Devil Wears Prada," released Friday, centers on a lowlyassistant dealing with a high-powered fashion magazine editor, who isbeyond demanding. This boss more or less terrorizes her assistants.<br><br>According to a recent Internet poll conducted by monster.com, 70 percentof more than 21,000 workers said they have a "toxic boss."<br><br>Then there's the My Bad Boss contest sponsored by Working America, anaffiliate of the . The summerlong competition is seeking the worstboss in America. (Don't worry, your name will not be posted for all theworld to see.)<br><br>"If you've had a job, somewhere along the way, you've had a bad boss,"says Karen Nussbaum, executive director of Working America.<br><br>Workers can submit their stories at andreaders will choose a weekly semi-finalist winner until Aug. 10. The grandprize winner will receive a seven-night vacation at selected North Americancities.<br><br>The competition includes several local entries, including Klueless in, who says her boss told her to plan a relative's funeral. So, go ahead and vent.<br><br>As long as it's anonymous, it can be healthy, says Clay Parcells, aworkplace consultant for outplacement firm Right Management's market inMaryland, Virginia and Washington.<br><br>"It could be demoralizing working for a bad boss," he says. "People need away to vent their frustrations."<br><br>Still, all this talk about tyrant bosses begs the question: Where are thegood ones?<br><br>Sharon Seal, a career coach in Pasadena, says most bosses can learn to bebetter. Managers usually lack certain management skills in part because oflittle or no training. Poor communication tops the list of complaintsfollowed by managers who can't delegate well and those who are indecisive.<br><br>With that in mind, experts say the best thing to do is be direct andconfront the boss. Have a professional conversation about what is expectedfrom both sides. Also, see what you could learn from your boss, aschallenging as that could be.<br><br>"You're never going to have a perfect boss," Seal says.<br><br>Send your comments and questions to working@baltsun.com. Please includeyour first name and the town or city where you live.?<p>1. Open Ravens Practice<br>So that 18-day summer training camp that was to be open to the public? Yeah, the Ravens want to make it up to you. They&rsquo;re hosting an open practice Saturday, with gates open at 9 a.m. followed by practice at 10 (early-ish tailgating?). Ravens execs say the team will be doing what they usually do at training camp. And you don&rsquo;t have to drive to Westminster. Consider yourselves forgiven, Ravens. M&amp;T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St., Downtown. <br><br>2. &lsquo;Jersey Shore&rsquo; season premiere<br>Italy gave us , gladiators, pizza and Prada. We give them . Fair trade. 10 p.m. Thursday, .<br><br>3. International Festival<br>The catch-all drawer of the city&rsquo;s Showcase of Nations summer. Translation: music (headliners: Ledisi, War and Third World), arts from West Africa and Asia, a round-the-world food tour and soccer &mdash; crazy-popular everywhere but Noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Poly/Western High School, Falls Road and Cold Spring Lane. Free. <br><br>4. Bobblehead Night<br>Just because he&rsquo;s now in the minors doesn&rsquo;t mean Matusz can&rsquo;t be transformed into a bobblehead and given to the first 20,000 fans. Oh, and the O&rsquo;s play the Blue Jays. 7:05 p.m. Saturday. , 333 W. Camden St., Downtown. <br><br>5. The Gathering: Take 2 food truck rally<br>I went to the first Gathering, which was pretty cool. There was beer, good food and people asking you to sign up to donate bone marrow. But the lines were a bit too long. So maybe this expanded second event (bigger parking lot this time, with live music) will please the palate even more. Lot across from Red Star, 906 S. Wolfe St., . <br><br>6. and , Watch the Throne<br>Get a preview for the overly dynamic duo&rsquo;s Nov. 1 Baltimore show with their long-awaited collabo (b&rsquo;s Wesley Case is guardedly optimistic). Look out for additional assists from Frank Ocean, Mr. Hudson and Beyonc&eacute;. And a song called &ldquo;N----s in Paris,&rdquo; which is probably not about Marie and Pierre Curie. Out on iTunes Monday, in stores Aug. 12.<br><br>7. Emotions With <br>He&rsquo;s all frowns and drunk on &ldquo;,&rdquo; but Hamm can make faces that suggest other feelings. Aloof, shocked, bug-eyed, flattered, mischievous &mdash; they&rsquo;re all hilariously compiled here. <br><br>8. Scavenger Hunt<br>Time for a road trip! For some reason, I pictured this event involving sand castles and overweight tourists, but it&rsquo;s mostly bar-tastic. Drink up! Plus you can win stuff such as neon signs and coolers for your not-quite-out-of-college abode. Starts at noon at The Starboard, 2009 Highway One. Runs through 8 p.m. $40 team registration at lindypromo.com; $50 walk-up. <br><br>9. WTMD&rsquo;s First Thursdays<br>The hot weather shouldn&rsquo;t prevent you from taking in this ever-popular free outdoor concert series. Up this week: the Bridge, the Dirty Guv&rsquo;nahs and Nicole Atkins. Shows start at 5:30 p.m. and run until about 8:45. West Park, North Charles and Monument streets. <br><br>10. Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week<br>By now, you know the drill. At participating city restaurants (correction: many, many restaurants), there&rsquo;s prix-fixe dinners for $35.11, with some offering special lunches for $20.11. The only question: Who&rsquo;s up for taking me out? All week. Runs Friday through Aug. 14. <br><br>Jordan Bartel is assistant editor at b. Email him at jordan@bthesite.com or follow him on Twitter, <br><br></p>?The idea of orange makeup may conjure up images of circus clowns or overly tanned women sporting neon coral lipstick on a sweltering day. But this spring, orange and coral hues are looking fresh, modern and totally wearable.<br><br>From highly pigmented poppy lip lacquer to sheer and lightly sparkled coral blush, orange and coral beauty products are everywhere. Bobbi Brown has a coral collection that includes numerous variations of the hue, from earthy to ultra-feminine sheer with a pink cast. Make Up Forever's orange lip gloss and lipstick are an extreme take on the trend but can be diluted with softer shades or used as is to make a real statement.<br><br> For an example of how orange is making a splash this spring, just peek inside the front pages of a fashion magazine and you can't miss the electric orange pouts on the models in Prada's current advertisements. With the season's minimalist nude and white clothing trend, a vibrant orange lip or nail polish provides a nice balance between subtle and strong color.<br><br>But slapping on some opaque orange gloss and coral highlighter isn't going to get you the right look. It's about picking the right shade and applying it sparingly when choosing to wear these juicy colors.<br><br>Chanel celebrity makeup artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua breaks down the tricks and techniques for wearing the season's hottest makeup shades.<br><br>"The easiest way to work with orange and coral tones is by using it as blush," she says, noting that she likes the way coral can bring out blue eyes and also flatter olive and tan skin. "Corals on the lips are also really nice to brighten the skin, but make sure the gloss is more sheer and not something with too much shimmer."<br><br>Focusing on the cheeks and lips, Bua gave a step-by-step lesson on how to wear coral in a soft and everyday way and also how to pump up the lip color to a bolder shade if you're looking for more impact.<br><br>For a peachy-coral glow, Bua starts with a clean face consisting of natural, "everyday" foundation, a light application of brown eyeliner in the outer corners of the eye for definition and brown mascara applied sparingly to lashes for a clean look.<br><br>Using a nude lip liner pencil, she defines the outer rim of the lip and then fills in the entire lip with the pencil to create a base that makes lipstick and gloss last longer.<br><br>Bua is a big fan of mixing colors. "I'm an artist. I like to mix things like paint," she says, combining two colors of lip gloss &#8212; a sheer pink-peach and coral &#8212; to get the right shade. Bua uses the back of her hand as a palette and dabs the combined colors in the center of the lip, patting and working the gloss onto the lips lightly with her finger. "You want the color to start from the center and work out to the edges of the mouth," she says. "This way, excess gloss doesn't gather at the edge of the lips."<br><br>On the cheeks, Bua first contours with an earth-toned bronzer that contains no shine or shimmer. She hits the cheekbone area but also swipes the bronze hue across the eyelids and down the nose to add more warmth to the face. Then, using a coral blush with hints of gold flecks, Bua brushes the apples of the cheeks to get a pop of coral that complements the lips and gives an overall sheer coral glow.<br><br>To pump up the lip color to a juicy orange stain, Bua mixes two lip colors, using a strong coral-pink Rouge Allure lipstick in Genial and a Gloss Fluo de Chanel in Pop. Again using the back of her hand to get a perfect shade, she dips a lip brush into the color and applies it directly to the center of the mouth. Patting the color out from the center to edges of the lips works especially well with a brighter color to ensure the lips aren't just one solid block of orange. Instead, the technique gives them a glowing, romantic stain that stands out much more than the average lip color.<br><br>?Racetrack odds on Oscar winners were drafted by David Scott of America's Line based upon the opinions of the experts at TheEnvelope.com. The odds are issued for entertainment purposes only and should not be used for gambling.<br><br>ODDS<br>BEST PICTURE"Babel" 2/1"The Departed" 8/5"The Queen" 50/1"Little Miss Sunshine" 3/2"Letters From Iwo Jima" 15/1BEST ACTORForest Whitaker, &quot;The Last King of Scotland&quot; 4/5Ryan Gosling, &quot;Half Nelson&quot; 100/1Peter O'Toole, &quot;Venus&quot; EvenWill Smith, &quot;The Pursuit of Happyness&quot; 50/1Leonardo DiCaprio, &quot;Blood Diamond&quot; 10/1BEST ACTRESS Helen Mirren, &quot;The Queen&quot; 1/9Judi Dench, &quot;Notes on a Scandal&quot; 10/1Kate Winslet, &quot;Little Children&quot; 12/1Penelope Cruz, &quot;Volver&quot; 50/1Meryl Streep, &quot;The Devil Wears Prada&quot; 8/1BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY &quot;Little Miss Sunshine&quot; 2/1 &quot;The Queen&quot; 7/3&quot;Babel&quot; 5/2&quot;Pan's Labyrinth&quot; 3/1&quot;Letters From Iwo Jima&quot; 50/1BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY &quot;The Departed&quot; 7/5 &quot;Little Children&quot; 5/2&quot;Borat&quot; 3/1&quot;Notes on a Scandal&quot; 8/1&quot;Children of Men&quot; 50/1BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Eddie Murphy, &quot;Dreamgirls&quot; 4/5 Alan Arkin, &quot;Little Miss Sunshine&quot; EvenJackie Earle Haley, &quot;Little Children&quot; 20/1Mark Wahlberg, &quot;The Departed&quot; 30/1Djimon Hounsou, &quot;Blood Diamond&quot; 40/1BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Jennifer Hudson, &quot;Dreamgirls&quot; 7/5 Abigail Breslin, &quot;Little Miss Sunshine&quot; 2/1Adriana Barraza, &quot;Babel&quot; 5/2Cate Blanchett &quot;Notes on a Scandal&quot; 20/1Rinko Kikuchi, &quot;Babel&quot; 40/1BEST DIRECTORMartin Scorsese, &quot;The Departed&quot; 3/5Clint Eastwood, &quot;Letters From Iwo Jima&quot; 6/5Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, &quot;Babel&quot; 15/1Stephen Frears, &quot;The Queen&quot; 40/1Paul Greengrass, &quot;United 93&quot; 50/1?An African-American actor nominated for his portrayal of a Ugandan madman. A best-picture category that includes a movie filmed in Berber, Arabic, Spanish and Japanese (and another shot almost exclusively in Japanese). A Mexican director whose work could win seven awards.<br><br> After frequently being dubbed too-white and too-clubby, this year enthusiastically embraced diversity: The list of nominees for the 79th Academy Awards, announced yesterday, is the most diverse in its history. Favorites in three of the four acting categories are African-American. Three of the year's most nominated films are the work of Mexican directors. Of the 20 acting nominations, eight were given to actors who are either black, Asian or who hail from Spanish-speaking countries. And, in another form of diversity, three of the five nominees in the best-actress category - including the favorites - are over 50.<br><br> "Having almost half the acting nominations go to minority-group members is clearly a sign of change, and an enormously welcome one," says David Sterritt, chairman of the National Society of Film Critics. "There have always been huge amounts of talent in these communities, but most of it was automatically passed over for far too many years."<br><br> The news yesterday morning that the most nominated film - 's musical Dreamgirls, with eight - did not make the cut for either best picture or best director, created a flurry of buzz. But Dreamgirls' failure was quickly overshadowed by the success of other films from groups traditionally ignored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has been handing out Oscars since 1929.<br><br> Mexican writer-director 's Babel, a film of global interconnectedness where a in one part of the world leads to similar tragedies in another, was the second most-nominated film, with seven, including best picture. (The Last King of Scotland), (The Pursuit of Happyness), (Dreamgirls), (Blood Diamond) and (Dreamgirls) all received acting nominations. So did and Rinko Kikuchi (both for Babel), as well as (Volver).<br><br> Even got into the act; his Letters From Iwo Jima, which tells the story of the pivotal battle not only from the Japanese point of view, but in Japanese, was among the best picture nominees. Also in the running are 's drama of honor and intrigue among the Boston mob, The Departed; the dysfunctional family comedy Little Miss Sunshine (whose 10-year-old star, , is up for supporting actress); and ' look at , struggling to understand her subjects' emotional reaction to the death of in The Queen.<br><br> Inarritu, Eastwood, Scorsese and Frears all were nominated for best director, along with for United 93, a chilling dramatization of the flight that crashed into a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11, 2001.<br><br> Hard to believe it was only four years ago that (Monster's Ball) was grabbing headlines for being the first African-American to win the best actress Oscar. She and (Training Day), who was named best actor that same year, brought the total number of Oscars given to African-Americans since the first statues were awarded in 1929 to eight. The number rose to 10 two years ago, when () was named best actor and (Million Dollar Baby) won for best supporting actor.<br><br> Come Oscar night Feb. 25, that number could easily leap to 13. Whitaker is the early favorite to win for best actor, thanks to his charismatically terrifying turn as Ugandan strongman in The Last King of Scotland. The other actor nominees are as a South African mercenary with a developing conscience in Blood Diamond; as an inspirational but drug-addicted teacher in Half Nelson; as a lecherous stage actor lusting after a teenager in Venus; and Will Smith as a struggling single father in The Pursuit of Happyness.<br><br> In the supporting categories, two actors from Dreamgirls - Murphy and Hudson - are near-prohibitive favorites. Both actors, along with Whitaker, were awarded earlier this month by the , an often-reliable bellwether of Oscar gold.<br><br> "It looks like the academy is rethinking the way it looks at performances," says , author of Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black . "For a long time, the Oscars have been lily-white. Now, not only do we get African-American nominees, but we get the other nominees as well."<br><br> Paul Heyde, archivist for the Black Film Center/Archive at , praised yesterday's nominations as "continuing to build on the success that African-American actors have been achieving over the past several years. I'm glad to see the academy recognizing their achievement."<br><br> The academy also embraced actresses of a certain age, at least partially dispelling the notion that good movie parts do not exist for women over 40. , 61, is favored for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen. Her competition includes , 72, as a conniving schoolteacher in Notes on a Scandal, and , 57, as a fashion editor from Hades in The Devil Wears Prada. The other nominees are relative youngsters: 32-year-old Penelope Cruz, as an abused woman helped along by her dead mother in Volver, and , 31, as an impetuously frisky wife and mother in Little Children.<br><br> This year's nominations list also has a distinctly south-of-the-border flavor. In addition to the best picture and best director nods for Inarritu's Babel, the film was singled out for its editing, musical score and original screenplay. It also earned supporting actress nominations for two members of its international cast: Barraza, as an immigrant Mexican nanny torn between loyalty to her boss and her family, and Kikuchi as a deaf Japanese teenager who mistakenly sees her blossoming sexuality as a way to finally communicate with the rest of the world.<br><br> The work of two other Mexican writer-directors also figures prominently in this year's competition. 's Pan's Labyrinth received six nominations, including best foreign language film, while 's Children of Men earned three. Though neither earned directing nods, both were nominated for their screenplays.<br><br> "This is an unimaginable experience for me," del Toro said in a press release. "It is specially beautiful to share this moment with my dear friends Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. This is an unprecedented representation of Spanish-language filmmakers and actors."<br><br>?From a sports standpoint at Southern, senior Kim Wayson has things covered from every angle. As a four-year varsity player on the soccer team, she played forward and scored plenty of goals. In lacrosse, her favorite sport and the one she will play next year at York (Pa.) College, Wayson does a little of everything. She has played midfield on varsity since her freshman year. Now, her attention is on basketball, and she specializes on defense at her guard spot. After reaching the state tournament in her sophomore season, she would like nothing better than a return trip to close out her career. By the time Wayson ends her three-sport career, she will likely have earned 10 varsity letters.<br><br>Maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, she plans to study business management at York and wants to become a hotel manager. One thing she enjoys most about playing sports is the teammates and friends she has met. She enjoys hanging out with her friends - shopping and going to the movies. Her favorite movie is The Devil Wears Prada.<br><br> How has the basketball season been going so far?<br><br> <br> It's really fun. I like basketball, it's a sport where I'm not the best skill-wise, but it's really great getting the chance to start. We're just working together as a team and learning to win in different ways because we had two really good shooters - the Schenk twins [Heather and Kim] - that graduated, so we're having to find new ways.<br><br>What is your role on the team as a guard?<br><br>I'm not a really big scorer, so I try to play good defense and help get the ball to our main scoring guard, Jasmine [Wills].<br><br>What has been the key to the basketball team's winning tradition?<br><br>We've always been really good at basketball, forever. I think it's our coach [Linda Kilpatrick], she's been there and she knows everything. So we count on her to help us.<br><br>What have you learned from playing sports?<br><br>I think you learn a lot from playing sports and being with different people. From all my teams, I'm with just about completely different people. Only one girl on the basketball team plays all three sports with me. But everybody else usually just plays basketball, so it's really cool to be around different people.<br><br>How is it different being a senior?<br><br>It's really different because I was on varsity as a freshman for soccer and lacrosse, and I was always looking up to people. My sister [Kristine] went here, and I played soccer and lacrosse with her for two years. So I would always follow her, but now, it's nice to be a senior, you're the leader of the team.<br><br>Why is lacrosse your favorite sport to play?<br><br>I like it because it's kind of a sport that you can do more stuff on your own. In soccer, you have to pass the ball all the way up the field. I like lacrosse a little more because you can do more things on your own in games.<br><br>What is the best advice you've ever received?<br><br>To not listen to what people say and to do the things you want to do and not worry about what other people may think.<br><br>What has been your best high school sports moment?<br><br>When I scored this year in soccer on a corner kick. I took the corner kick. It's something I've always wanted to do since I was a freshman - I always took the corner kicks, and I finally did it this year, so that was very exciting.<br><br>What was it about York College?<br><br>I really liked the campus - I went up to visit twice. And the coach, I love her, she's really nice, and I feel like I could really get along with her well. The facilities are great, too, and it's a really pretty campus.<br><br>Next year, when you come back home from college for a visit, what will be the first thing you ask your mother to make for dinner?<br><br>Ham and macaroni and cheese - it's just delicious.<br><br><br><br><br><br>?From the Midnight Sun blog:<br><br>In response to an inquiry from the federal government trade czar, the released Monday a filing itemizing "notorious markets" across the globe.<br><br> Notorious markets are physical places and websites "driven by the illegal sales or downloads of unauthorized music."<br><br>Unfortunately for them, the filing inadvertently doubles as a primer on the best websites for stealing music. If you didn't know what The Pirate Bay was, you will now thanks to the geniuses at the RIAA.<br><br>"This is an important and new opportunity to shine a spotlight on notorious markets and websites that provide unauthorized access to U.S. content," said Neil Turkewitz, EVP, International in the association's statement.<br><br>Of course, music piracy has a deep impact not just on content providers, but on artists selling their music independently and non-corporate music stores.<br><br>Highlighted in the filing are physical markets in Asia, Europe and America. And, file-sharing websites like The Pirate Bay, Rapidshare, and Isohunt.(via p2pnet)<br><br>From the RIAA (emphasis mine):<br><br>Please find the submission of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in response to the federal register notice in the above-captioned matter. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Our members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.<br><br>In both the physical and online environments, there are pirate ?destinations? where piracy is both open and notorious, and where consumers go to acquire infringing materials. In both settings, there are businesses who either directly profit from the sale or other distribution of infringing materials, or who profit from facilitating such theft?in many cases through the sale of advertising space. We greatly welcome this Federal Register notice designed to shine light on these businesses. We highlight that being a ?notorious pirate market? doesn?t mean that everything that is done in that market is connected with infringement.<br><br>For example, there are vendors in ?s Tepito market, or in ?s La Salada, who sell legal merchandise. But the fact that some vendors may be selling legitimate materials doesn?t change the responsibility of the state, or the relevant market owners, to take responsible action. Similarly, many of the online sites that we identify may conduct some legitimate activities, but they fail to address their own conduct in facilitating the theft of intellectual property and therefore deserve to be identified as notorious pirate markets. Some of these sites wear that badge intentionally?see for example The Pirate Bay. Others like Baidu or vKontakte operate network services that include features that intentionally and effectively induce infringement. These services deliberately gain market share by providing access to infringing materials?launching music services without any form of licensing.<br><br>RIAA members are excited about the potential of the internet and other communication technologies to provide an efficient means of distribution to music lovers globally. Regrettably, this potential remains largely unrealized?mired in a morass of piracy. We hope that the information provided herein will be helpful in illuminating the practices of some of the worst actors in global markets, and that by addressing these markets, we can take a big step towards creating greater accountability that will expand opportunities for legitimate commerce.<br><br>Respectfully submitted,<br><br>Neil Turkewitz Executive President, Intermational Recording Industry Association of America<br><br>Physical Markets<br><br>La Salada Market - Buenos Aires - Argentina<br><br>?La Salada? fair is a huge market located in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and well known for its diverse pirating activities that include retail sales, wholesale distribution and replication labs. La Salada is made up of four markets ? Punta Mogotes, Urkupina, Ocean (indoor fairs) and La Ribera (open-air fair)? built up on the Riachuelo shore. It is a sprawling area with about over 30,000 stands selling everything from music to bags, and it provides pirate and counterfeit merchandise to retailers and re-sellers from Argentina and neighboring countries.<br><br>La Salada is a worldwide emblem of the commerce and production of illegal merchandise. Sold products are mostly illegal copies of European or American brands (as reported by the EC) shoes, Prada bags, Puma jackets, at less than one-fifth their original price. But illegal CD?s are the products consumers most look for when visiting the fair.<br><br>This market opens twice a week ?on Wednesdays and Sundays? at changing times but mostly at midnight, and is visited by approximately 1 million people each day. The total volume of sales in 2009 amounted to U$D125million, of which around 10% came from counterfeit music CDs and film .<br><br>?Red was a distinct note on the fall runways, and plenty of red accessories are turning up in stores this season, adding a punch of color to wardrobe staples.<br><br>It's a longtime "power" color (remember the power tie? red?) and is traditionally believed to be stimulating and energizing. It's a hue associated with anger, sin, sex and virility. (Red-blooded anyone?)<br><br> Red is especially complementary to all of the camel hues and leopard prints seen in stores at almost every price this season. Try winding a skinny red belt around dark blue jeans and pairing both with a leopard print blouse. Or slip on some red ballet flats with a leopard print cashmere sweater and cropped black pants.<br><br>Need specifics? For daytime, Tod's red suede slip-on oxfords ($525) look good with dark cuffed jeans, a charcoal cashmere sweater and some layered gold necklaces.<br><br>A new pair of eyeglasses can incorporate red into a daily routine as well. Square frames from Prada ($220) are much more sleek and sexy than they are and could become a signature accessory. If eyeglasses are too much of a commitment, there are plenty of red sunglass frames that add warmth to the face in addition to being a nice, unexpected pop of color. Ray-Ban's new twist on its classic aviator is a red-piped frame called the "Road Spirit" ($149.95). For something more va-va-voom, try Chanel's oversized red frames with smoky lenses ($320).<br><br>Jewelry designers are using red in interesting and exotic ways. Kara Ross' "Eclipse" red python pendant ($360) could add a little 1970s glam to an outfit, and Isharya's red turquoise ($180) ring can be worn every day or donned to spice up a special look.<br><br>For those who really want to make a statement, fall offerings include the head-turning Sigerson Morrison two-piece buckled suede pumps ($595). They're pointy and sexy without looking over the top. Another strong red accessory is the felt Trilby hat from Reiss ($90). And for evening, try a pleated leather clutch from Tiffany &amp; Co. ($995).<br><br>Finally, what's more classic than a good red lipstick? Chanel's new Rouge Allure shade titled "Excessive" ($32) is a true pop of red that will put a feminine spin on the season's military trend and camo colors or bring drama to an all-black evening look.<br><br>Red catches our attention, whether it takes the form of a stop sign or a scarlet letter or a Kardinal rose. It's the color of Valentine's Day and the color associated with heat. Who knows what will happen when you make it your own?<br><br>?&quot;When shook my hand I could only think that this was the hand that once cupped the breasts of ,&quot; says , the comic Dame Edna.<br><br>SIT BACK, reader, especially if you're a curiosity seeker, minor historian, and lover of gossip. I am going to tell you about a book coming in August from Simon and Schuster and compiled by Craig Brown. He is the &quot;Private Eye&quot; columnist for the Daily Mail and has been called &quot;the wittiest writer in Britain today.&quot;<br><br> The work is titled &quot;Hello Goodbye Hello: A Circle of 101 Remarkable Meetings.&quot;<br><br>Sound complicated? Believe me, it's not. It is entirely divine, delicious and delectable -- like eavesdropping on the gods' forbidden observances of VIPs at play, gossip and anecdotes to the max.<br><br>NOW, would you care to know what and had to say when they met? What they thought, said and did? How they traded places?<br><br>How about and the dance genius after the Big M went to take lessons? You think you don't really like or approve of Madonna? After this anecdote you might change your mind.<br><br>You probably haven't heard of the hapless Eton failure John Scott-Ellis, self-described as having an &quot;ingrained laziness or lack of will.&quot; He is the man who, in 1931, almost killed Hitler in Munich. He met Hitler later on in life and Hitler recalled the incident.<br><br>These are just a few of the anecdotes and, though some are so British to the core that I did not recognize the people or care about them, 99 percent are first rate.<br><br>You can read these brief encounters written in 101 words each -- the meetings of and , of Marilyn Monroe and , of Princess Margaret and Kenneth Tynan, of J. D. Salinger and , of Rasputin and Czar Nicholas II, of Oscar Wilde and , of and , of Elvis and Nixon, of Paul McCartney and -- and on and on, 101 of them.<br><br>HERE is the remarkable thing the Duchess of Windsor said after meeting Hitler in 1937. &quot;I decided Hitler did not like women.&quot;<br><br>After the Duchess remarked to Hitler on the incredible architecture of the new Germany, Hitler is reported to have said, &quot;Our buildings will make more magnificent ruins than the Greeks.&quot; (He turned out to be wrong.)<br><br>Kipling was entranced by Mark Twain, wondering if there'd ever be a sequel to &quot;Tom Sawyer.&quot; He denied Twain the right to Tom, saying, &quot;he belongs to us!&quot; He longed to steal Twain's corncob pipe. Twain left the meeting venerating his fan and became a fan of Kipling's, reading him every day.<br><br>Madonna ends up by giving Martha Graham the money to keep her school going. (Graham burst into tears of gratitude.)<br><br>J. D. Salinger, after meeting , comes to detest the actor and says his performing was on a par with in &quot;The Shootist.&quot;<br><br>I haven't told you the half of this wonderful book. And it's all documented. Where there are varying versions, author Brown says he selected the more credible.<br><br>(This book reminds me a bit of the current fashion hit at the where the works of and Schiaparelli are being offered under the title &quot;Impossible Conversations.&quot; This show of contrasting design generations runs until Aug. 19. Don't miss it!)<br><br>But, listen, whatever you do, don't fail to pick up &quot;Hello Goodbye Hello.&quot; It is a masterpiece of style, form and splendid efficiency in writing. Not a wasted word, not a pointless adjective.<br><br>It's a great book to flip through just before dining with friends. If certain famous names come up, you can astound them with your knowledge!<br><br>(E-mail Liz Smith at .)<br><br>?has joined Gallic stars and Cecile de in Eric Rochant's spy &quot;Mobius.&quot; Roth is in Cannes as prexy of Un Certain Regard jury and to promote Rufus Norris' Critics Week-preeming &quot;Broken,&quot; in which he stars. &quot;Mobius&quot; revolves around the world of high finance. Roth plays a Russian oligarch suspected of laundering money through his bank. Pic is produced by Mathias Rubin and Eric Juherian at Recifilms and Christophe Cervoni at Axel Films, in co-production with Alain Attal at Les productions du Tresor and 's EuropaCorp, which also reps the film worldwide and will release it in France. EuropaCorp's sales team, headed by Marie-Laure Montironi, has inked pre-sales on the film to (MG Paradise), Indonesia (Parkit Films PT) and Scandinavia (Scanbox). Montironi said EuropaCorp was in negotiations with German, Japanese and Canadian buyers. &quot;Mobius&quot; will shoot in Belgium, Luxembourg, Ukrania, Russia and Monaco. The pic is skedded for delivery in early 2013. Pic is Rochant's bigscreen comeback. Although he's best known for directing in &quot;The Patriots&quot; in 1994, Rochant has been focusing on &quot;Mafiosa&quot; a hit series, for the past few years. The Cannes lineup of EuropaCorp, which recently tapped former Paramount Pictures France exec Fabrice Denizot as head of marketing, includes David Marconi's English-language thriller &quot;Intersection&quot; starring , and . Pic is in post and has sold to various territories, notably Universum and Scandinavia's Scanbox. Other Cannes pics are Olivier Megaton's starrer &quot;Taken 2&quot; and David Moreau's &quot;It Girl,&quot; a French twist on &quot;The Devil Wears Prada,&quot; starring Virginie Efira and Pierre Niney.<br><br>Click for more film news on Variety.com.<br><br>?Shopping in Philadelphia can be a cultural experience. From the downtown counter-culture of South Street to the elegant refinement of Rittenhouse Square District, whatever your taste, you'll find something to satisfy it somewhere in Philadelphia.<br><br>Whether you're buying or browsing, you'll want to hit the major shopping areas: South Street; Chestnut Street and Walnut Street in the Rittenhouse Square District; and Market East Shopping, Jeweler's Row and Antiques Row in the Washington Square District. The Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market are ideal stops for food and food-related selections. And if you head up to Manayunk or Chestnut Hill, you'll find some one-of-a-kind shops.<br><br> On Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square, you can find virtually any luxury you want. The name designers are here, along with some specialty shops that carry more affordable items.<br><br> Design offers high-end jewelry by Philadelphia's Steven Lagos. If you take advantage of the "Heart of Philadelphia" hotel packages on offer this summer, you can even pick up one of the store's architectural heart pendants at no charge as part of the deal.<br><br>You can indulge your skin and your senses at . Bluemercury carries such red-hot makeup and skin-care lines as Bliss, Nars, Darphin and more. You can find a new lipstick or a complete skin-care regimen here, or indulge in a facial or other spa treatment.<br><br>If it's high fashion you're craving, try , where you'll find Prada, Gaultier and more. offers elegant crafts and small but distinctive gift items. And is a great choice for gourmet gifts and food to go.<br><br>If you prefer an indoor concentration of shops, you've got several choices. is a collection of more than 70 stores.<br><br> is the nation's biggest indoor city shopping center, with more than 170 stores.<br><br>If you happen to be in the market for home fabrics, offers thousands of yards of designer home fabrics, trims and designs.<br><br>The Reading Terminal Market (12th and Arch streets) and the Italian Market (Ninth and Christian streets) are must-see destinations if food is your thing. Not only can you find almost anything you want to eat immediately, you can get exotic ingredients at the markets. There are hundreds of vendors selling cheese, meat, herbs and produce, as well as gourmet condiments, cookware, kitchen items, cookbooks, flowers and more.<br><br>From jewelry to jam, Philadelphia has plenty of what you want to buy. So indulge yourself in a little something, or a lot. After all, that's what a vacation is for.?CITY -- Mexico media giant Televisa is formally launching Televisa USA this week, a Los Angeles-based studio assigned to produce and develop original content for U.S. Spanish-speaking audiences. The new studio is the latest move by the conglom, known around the world for its hit telenovelas, in the U.S. In September 2010, Televisa pacted with Lionsgate to form Pantelion Films, which was aimed at Hispanic auds, and has since produced &quot;From Prada to Nada&quot; and the Will Farrell-vehicle &quot;Casa de mi Padre.&quot; In January, Televisa and Lionsgate furthered the Pantelion relationship to include developing projects for the smallscreen. The company established a major partnership with in October 2010, including a $1.2 billion recapitalization in the U.S. net, buying Televisa a 5% stake in the company and the option to buy 5% more in 2015. Televisa USA is independent from the web's arrangement with Univision. Televisa has expanded Pantelion prexy Paul Presburger's duties to include running Televisa USA and recruited former HBO exec Michael Garcia, who oversaw projects including &quot;The Sopranos&quot; and &quot;The Wire,&quot; to head creative at the studio. Televisa USA is currently in production on Lifetime's &quot;Devious Maids,&quot; co-produced with Studios and Oasis Media Group and written by Marc Cherry, as well as &quot;Hollywood Heights&quot; for , co-produced with Television, and based on hit telenovela &quot;Alcanzar una estrella.&quot;<br><br>Click for more articles on Variety.com.<br><br>?&quot;HEY, SLUTS!&quot; was comedian 's greeting to his TV audience recently and the comedian-commentator has been roundly criticized for this.<br><br>But it was for laughs. His is a act without sponsors who have to consider whether or not he is abusing First Amendment speech. (Calling an agreeable gang of applauding, screaming young men and women &quot;sluts&quot; is pretty mild, especially considering some of the stuff that appears on network TV and certainly on the web.)<br><br> I don't see being addressed as an audience of free-wheeling &quot;sluts&quot; as being insulting, not compared to 's singling out an authentic female person by name and accusing her of being a prostitute. And inviting her to film her sex life and show it to him. (Bill's critics have pointed out that he has used some pretty strong language about real women such as and Mrs. . Words that are unnecessary to make a satiric point.)<br><br>But I am on Bill's side in this. I have almost always been on his side. Even more, now, because he has urged everybody to accept Rush Limbaugh's apology: &quot;Hate to defend Rush, but he apologized. Liberals look bad for not accepting it. Also, I hate intimidation by sponsor pullout.&quot;<br><br>Of course, the Rush Limbaugh transgression will be forgotten, if not forgiven, before we know it. In the new movie &quot;Game Change,&quot; 's real-life chief adviser Steve Schmidt tells Sarah Palin not to answer her detractors because, &quot;there is a 48-hour news cycle&quot; and it's just theater. Everybody forgets it and moves on to the next news cycle. We'll see what comes next?<br><br> maintains that Bill Maher has given $1 million dollars to a pro-Obama super PAC in an effort to &quot;Wake up Hollywood because 'Obama could lose!'&quot;<br><br>I was in Michael's famous New York media cafe last week and entered into a din of loud talk, shouts, VIP air kisses and &quot;heys.&quot; Wednesday is the most exotic day of the week at this media haunt. And when a lot of folks who count in the book business, newspapers, magazines, TV production and commentary, charitable organizing and even moviemaking all get together -- well, it gets loud.<br><br>The grandly bedizened PR maven, Peggy Siegal, was running a lunch in the back room for the advent of the new Films movie, which opened just moments ago. This one is titled &quot;Salmon Fishing in the Yemen&quot; and the word of mouth has been good.<br><br>Simon Beaufoy, the man who wrote this movie, was there. He already has for his &quot;.&quot; It was wonderful to meet, in person, two &quot;someones&quot; I admire. There was the beautiful, creamy-faced, very good actress , who was so great in &quot;The Devil Wears &quot; and &quot;Young Victoria.&quot; She has made lots of movies since, and has four more in the can. And, ta-da! There was , who most recently worked with Oscar winner in &quot;Beginners.&quot;<br><br> came in and plenty of people are still talking about his recent book &quot;.&quot; Gayle King, co-anchor of &quot;CBS This Morning,&quot; was sitting with 's Terry McDonell. They were arguing about how much body space has been uncovered by bikini models, because next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first &quot;swimsuit model&quot; on the cover of SI. This was a big controversy way back when and I know, because I wrote the very first article to go with the very first such cover. Lots of people cancelled their subscriptions -- imagine that! I am proud I did it but my prediction of nudity on U.S. beaches really didn't come true because total nudity is -- sorry, not that attractive.<br><br> and her wonderful PR rep Cindi Berger took up a middle table. Katie said she'd stopped eating and she did look trim and slim. I have known both these young ladies for dog's years and they look better now than when I first met them. (Everybody looks better these days, unless they've &quot;done too much.&quot;)<br><br> and I managed to exchange our e-mail and telephones and I do see why ladies want to exchange numbers with this good-looking TV personality. I was told that &quot;The View's&quot; was in residence but I didn't hear laughter, so I missed her.<br><br>Sitting with literary agent Michael Carlisle and Wow's Joni Evans who both used to search, edit, publish and promote best-sellers for , we had a pointed conversation -- in loud voices -- about the future of real books, books on tape, and literature. Yes, I believe literature will persevere and someday there'll be a real Renaissance for reading and learning. I hope.<br><br>I asked Michael's &quot;Mayor&quot; Joe Armstrong, the king of veteran media, why he now does only charity work and never seems to be earning a salary. He said, &quot;I am very, very rich!&quot; Well, I'll let that one go so long as he keeps picking up the tab.<br><br>It was all a &quot;Michael's Lunch Moment&quot; and, although I am sure I missed a lot of VIPs, maybe even and , I'll never know. You can't see everyone, everywhere, all at once.<br><br>RUMOR: There's a move to make a movie about the butler and chef who spent 50 years at the . There are lots of great African-American actors suggested to portray this interesting character, but what about the gossip that his wife would be played by -- ? OK, just a rumor and you know how those are.<br><br>(E-mail at , or write to her c/o Tribune Media Services, 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038.)<br><br>?You might call a triple-triple threat: The Baltimore native sings, dances and acts, and her career encompasses film, television and theater.<br><br>Introduced to acting and television at an early age &#8212; her father, Donald Thoms, is a Maryland Public Television host and cable TV executive &#8212; she further honed her craft at the . Thoms went on earn degrees from and the Juilliard School in .<br><br> Since that time, the 37-year-old has become a rising star among a new generation of American actors. Thoms has appeared on Broadway in such productions as "Stick Fly" and "Rent," reprising her role in the film version of the musical.<br><br>She was a series regular on and had a recurring role on with . Her films have included the thriller 's "Grindhouse: Death Proof," "The Devil Wears Prada" and the indie flick "Good Hair."<br><br>Thoms has also performed her cabaret act locally at and around the country.<br><br>We caught up with the bicoastal entertainer, who recently shot opposite , to talk travel, good eats and more.<br><br>How often do you travel? Is it mostly for work or pleasure?<br><br>I travel at least once a month, sometimes twice a month. It's almost always for work. But I'm not complaining. It's an awesome perk of my job.<br><br>What are your favorite destinations?<br><br>, , was amazing. I was shooting "Safe House" there, and it's an absolutely beautiful town. [It's] so rich and diverse in history, with a young, progressive government and gorgeous landscape &#8212; I took a thousand pictures.<br><br>In addition to Cape Town, Cannes has to be one of the most beautiful destinations I've ever been to. I was in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof," which played at the . So again, an awesome perk of my job. Another place I love is Barbados. I went there for vacation several years ago. Just incredible! My favorite European city, though, has to be Florence, Italy. It just feels good. Every day feels like I'm in some film. And the food &#8230; don't even get me started.<br><br>What are some of your favorite American cities?<br><br>New Orleans has to be one of my favorite cities. Do I really have to explain why? It's the Big Easy. Another fave is San Francisco. I shot "Rent," there so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the closest thing to New York I can get out here on the West Coast. And, of course, New York for the energy, the pizza, the theater and the creepy people on the subway [chuckles].<br><br>Do you have any favorite hotels?<br><br>I really loved the Sofitel in Philly. We went to Philly to shoot "Cold Case," and we always stayed in the same hotel. So it was like my home away from home. And I love the Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town. They have a whiskey bar which is, hands down, the best I've ever seen. I enjoy a good whiskey.<br><br>Besides a stiff drink, what type of food do you enjoy? Any favorite restaurants?<br><br>Generally speaking, I love food. I'll try anything once. Well &#8230; almost anything. In San Francisco, I was obsessed with [the restaurant] Blowfish Sushi. I'm not even huge on sushi, but I just loved it! My favorite Philly cheese steak is surprisingly not Pat's or Geno's, although they are both incredible. My favorite was from Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough. It changed my life.<br><br>My favorite slice of pizza was from Pizza in Chicago. Stop. It. Deep dish. It's like a pizza layer cake of goodness. Stop it. I'm cheating on my love of N.Y. pizza with that one but, hey, what can you do?<br><br>In New Orleans, I can't choose. Every meal is spectacular every time I go. Recently I had the charbroiled oysters from Drago's and I almost punched the waiter because they were so good. Amazing food can sometimes cause violence &#8212; oops! And of course, no trip is complete without a beignet from Cafe Du Monde. It's touristy, but with good reason.<br><br>?&quot;I JUST despise books, movies and TV series about !&quot; says that amateur movie critic .<br><br>But I'll make an exception for the 1931 movie &quot;Dracula,&quot; which is a masterpiece in black and white. (After all, my longtime pal, the actress , toured with Lugosi all across the country back in the '50s in a stage version of the drama. She says he was terrific, even if he was a addict in real life!)<br><br> BUT, speaking of vampires, I had avoided Seth Grahame-Smith's popular novels -- &quot;Pride and Prejudice and Zombies&quot; -- as well as &quot;.&quot; If those titles weren't stretching it, what was? But despite my disapproval, I had to admit that they were best-sellers.<br><br>Then, I happened to lay my hands on something called &quot;Unholy Night&quot; from Grand Central Publishing, which asked who the three wise men really were and both questioned and affirmed the virgin birth of the Messiah in that tiny stable in Bethlehem. So, I gave up and started it just for the heck of it.<br><br>Wow! What a read. If adapted Mr. Grahame-Smith's version of Mary and Joseph in the manger and of the first of the Herods, who tried to kill all of the firstborn males, maybe they could get away each year without having to fight to keep Christ in Christmas, which seems to come up over and over. (A fight that has always seemed silly to me in that, other religions seem to get their day in the limelight. Why be so all-fired &quot;politically correct&quot; about everything? Plus, there is no question that whether you're a Jew or a Muslim or a Mormon -- Christianity seems to be here to stay!)<br><br>My talented &quot;cousin&quot; -- Seth Grahame-Smith, can really write and he has cooked up such a tale, but I'm not going to give away who the wise men were. No, you have to read it for yourself. And avoid critics who give away plots. One hint; and this won't be telling, but they do have the right names and they were laden down with frankincense and myrrh and precious metals.<br><br>Whether you are for or against the story of the beginning of Christianity in the Middle East, you'll still get a kick out of meeting the youthful John the Baptist and Pontius Pilate, angels and mystics and everybody else in Actors' Equity, chasing, killing, torturing, running through, running from and running into the spiritual and the profane all mixed together. I highly recommend this novel.<br><br>And now I am going back to take a slightly ashamed look at the other two Grahame-Smith books. Because, after all, he adapted the coming &quot;Dark Shadows&quot; for director and it has one of the most amusing movie trailers I've ever seen. returns with another mysterious hairdo!<br><br>I'll give author Grahame-Smith another chance. I was really taken with his babe in the manger. According to &quot;Unholy Night,&quot; he had beautiful blue eyes.<br><br>You may not care about the Costume Institute's exhibition of and Miuccia and their proposed &quot;Impossible Conversations&quot; opening at the Metropolitan Museum this very night. (It runs into the summer!) But if you'd like the great Metropolitan to keep functioning as a bastion of culture in the United States, you'd better accept &quot;fashion&quot; as part of it all. (The fashion industry is 's second-largest moneymaker and it's also the reason the Metropolitan Museum is still flourishing and able to give us art through the ages.)<br><br>Since the late PR doyenne Eleanor Lambert invented the silly &quot;Best-Dressed List&quot; back in the '40s, the Metropolitan has leaned toward frivolous fashion as art and the Costume Institute has made millions for high culture.<br><br>And this faction of the museum has had plenty of famous, beautifully dressed people backing it. (Offhand, I recall , Pat Buckley, Blaine Trump, Nan Kempner and now -- tada! -- the queen of all surveyed, of Vogue.)<br><br>Carpers are saying that Anna has taken the Costume Institute to such monied heights that she has killed the spontaneity of past after-dinner hi-jinks when the &quot;unmonied&quot; trooped in after dinner to bop around, go nude and take off their &quot;costumes&quot; and generally deport themselves for the paparazzi. Nonsense! Just be glad that Anna is running things now and selling those seats to old and new money at $100,000 for a table for 10. (This means rich friends can bring their unemployed friends and everybody will have a high old time.) Of course, you have to be among the chosen, but it was ever thus.<br><br> and his Amazon.com are co-hosting with help from and curators Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton of the Met have done the exhibition work. You can see the red carpet stuff by using ImpossibleConversations and (HASHTAG)MetGala on Twitter and . My old pal Billy is overseeing some of this for we of the hoi polloi.<br><br>Personally, I am grateful for an event too rich for most of us to attend. This effort is now what helps keep the Metropolitan Museum in all its up-culture inventive glory, opening its doors almost every day so that anyone can go and see what real art is for the minimum price of $25. (And plenty of people sneak in for much less.)<br><br>And again I say, fashion is modern art, just as popular art is becoming too expensive for most folks to even think of buying. As for rank having its privileges; it always has had, it always will have. Even communism and fascism couldn't defeat privilege.<br><br>Also, haut couture is alive and doing quite well in Paris and Milan because of the nouveau riche of today. There are even a few Russian oligarchs who overcame the international collapse of money buying too.<br><br>And remember, Louis XIV controlled his court by making his courtiers and VIPs keep up with his fashion edicts (like red heels on their shoes). They spent their money recklessly and fostered a revolution.<br><br>But revolutions come and go, too.<br><br>(E-mail Liz Smith at , or write to her c/o Tribune Media Services, 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038.)<br><br>?ROME -- The 's independently run Venice Days, modeled on Cannes Directors' Fortnight, has unveiled its lineup of 10 pics, including nine world preems.<br><br>Buzz titles by auteur and new discoveries at the 9th edition include 's docu &quot;Stories We Tell,&quot; an exploration by the Canadian multi-hyphenate of the nature of memory and storytelling; quirky bereavement dramedy &quot;Queen of Montreuil,&quot; by France-based Icelandic helmer Solveig Anspach (&quot;Back Soon&quot;); and &quot;Inheritance,&quot; the helming debut of Palestinian actress Hiam Abbas (&quot;Lemon Tree&quot;). &quot;Inheritance,&quot; which features an all-star Arab cast including Hafsia Herzi (&quot;The Secret of the Grain&quot;) and Abbas, is about a Palestinian family whose internal conflicts mirror external warfare in the area.<br><br> The strong Italian presence in Days includes Naples jail docu &quot;Il Gemello,&quot; by cinema verite specialist Vincenzo Marra (&quot;Vento di terra&quot;), and Stefano Mordini's teen romancer &quot;Acciao&quot; (Steel).<br><br>Venice Days artistic topper Giorgio Gosetti noted that this year the Lido is shaping up to have a prevalence of female helmers, spearheaded by the main competish opener, Mira Mair's &quot;The Reluctant Fundamentalist.&quot;<br><br>In this spirit, Gosetti has pacted with Prada label Miu Miu on a small sidebar titled Women's Tales that will feature shorts by Zoe Cassavetes, Lucretia Martel and Massy Tadjedin, among others.<br><br>Venice Days will also screen the three finalists for the 's Lux prize, which finances subtitles in 23 European languages and EU-wide distribution. They are Hungarian auteur Bence Fliegauf's gritty &quot;Just the Wind,&quot; Italian helmer Andrea Segre's lyrical &quot;Shun Li and the Poet&quot; and Portuguese helmer Miguel Gomes' black-and-white &quot;Tabu.&quot;<br><br>VENICE DAYS LINEUP<br><br>&quot;Inheritance,&quot; Hiam Abbas (France, Israel, Turkey)<br><br>&quot;Queen of Montreuil,&quot; Solveig Anspach (France)<br><br>&quot;Keep Smiling,&quot; Rusudan Chkonia (France, Georgia, Luxembourg)<br><br>&quot;Blondie,&quot; Jesper Ganslandt (Sweden)<br><br>&quot;The Weight,&quot; Jeon Kyu-hwan (South Korea)<br><br>&quot;Epilogue,&quot; Amir Manor (Israel)<br><br>&quot;Il Gemello,&quot; Vincenzo Marra (Italy)<br><br>&quot;Acciaio,&quot; Stefano Mordini (Italy)<br><br>&quot;Stories We Tell,&quot; Sarah Polley (Canada)<br><br>&quot;Kinshasa Kids,&quot; Marc-Henri Wajnberg (Belgium/France)<br><br>SPECIAL EVENTS<br><br>&quot;Bob Wilson's Life and Death of Marina Abramovic,&quot; Giada Colagrande (Italy)<br><br>&quot;Terramatta -- Il Novecento Italiano di Vincenzo Rabito Analfabeta Siciliano,&quot; Costanza Quatriglio (Italy)<br><br>&quot;L'uomo che amava il cinema,&quot; Marco Segato (Italy)<br><br>&quot;Non mi avete convinto,&quot; Filippo Vendemmiati (Italy)<br><br>&quot;6 sull'autobus,&quot; Simone Dante Antonelli, Giacomo Bisordi, Rita de Donato, Irene di Lelio, Antonio Ligas, Emiliano Russo (Italy)<br><br>Click for more international news on Variety.com.<br><br>?<p>With Cypress Bay and Miramar still ahead on the schedule, Western needed a win Friday night to have any realistic hope of making the playoffs.</p><p>Good thing Everglades was in a giving mood.</p><p>The host Wildcats took advantage of four first-half turnovers and got a pair of rushing touchdowns from quarterback Wade Freebeck in the third quarter to beat Everglades 34-13 in a key District 12-8A contest.</p> <p>Thanks to the Everglades miscues, Western (3-0, 1-0 12-8A) took a 14-0 lead into halftime off a pair of scoring runs by Brayon Parrish.</p><p>Everglades (3-1, 0-1) was completely undone by its miscues in the opening half. The Gators outgained Western 164-92 in the first 24 minutes yet had nothing to show for it.</p><p>All told, Everglades turned the ball over six times and was flagged 15 times for 140 yards. The Gators outgained Western 368-190.</p><p>-- Cypress Bay 28, Flanagan 10: You would've never known the by the look on coach Mark Guandolo's face that his Cypress Bay Lightning had just walked off the field a winner over Flanagan at Flanagan High in a District 11-8A opener for both teams.</p><p>Well known in his drive for perfection, Guandolo watched as his team struggled all night with fumbles, penalties and overall lackluster play but still managed to hold off a determined Falcons team and a hot quarterback in Ryan Stanley.</p><p>"Amazing that you could come out in your first district game of the year and be so flat and listless," said Guandolo, who watched his team fall behind 7-0 after the first quarter. "Obviously, we're going to need to get things cleaned up quickly with us traveling to Miramar next week because we won't get away with what we got away with [Friday night]."</p><p>The Lightning (3-1, 1-0), thanks to a big night from running back Matt Dayes (145 yards on 20 carries), rallied for three touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-7 halftime lead and didn't put things away until an early fourth quarter touchdown on quarterback Jaranta Lewis' 1-yard sneak.</p><p>Stanley had a huge night, as he led a Flanagan aerial assault that saw him complete 25-of-48 passes for 295 yards, with 11 of those completions going to Dylan Malson for 122 yards. But two turnovers in the red zone hurt the Falcons (2-2, 0-1) and kept them from tightening the score in the third quarter.</p><p>BILL DALEY</p><p>-- University School-Treasure Coat (canceled): After being swamped with heavy rains and lightning, officials decided to cancel Friday night's high school football game between University School and Treasure Coast High School.</p><p>Threatening skies in the St. Lucie area began to show during the pregame but were not severe enough to delay the game's 7 p.m. start. Before weather moved in, University struck first after linebacker Kaylan Striggles recovered a fumble from Treasure Coast punt returner Chris Mcallister to score the game's first touchdown.</p><p>The persistent storm was too much though, and officials chose to cancel the game shortly after 8:15 p.m. The game will not be made up.</p><p>ALEJANDRO PRADA</p><p>-- Blanche Ely 55, Coconut Creek 6: The visiting Tigers (3-1, 1-0) cruised into halftime at Don Conkel Stadium with a 49-6 lead behind Nelson Ervin's four first-half touchdown passes, including a 20-yard strike to Devonte Peete as the clock ran out on the first half.</p><p>Senior running back added a pair of touchdown runs, and Terrance Blands added another as the offense scored on each possession in the first half.</p><p>The Cougars (0-3, 0-1) were done in early and often by miscues and mistakes, including five bad snaps and three first-half turnovers. The second half provided no relief, as Ely's stingy defense held Coconut Creek to 40 total yards and five first downs.</p><p>JON MELTON</p>?Call it the Forever 21 effect, or fast fashion. Americans are buying, and discarding, clothes more quickly than ever. The average American throws 54 pounds of clothes and into the trash each year. That adds up to about 9 million tons of wearables that are sent into the waste stream, according to the &#8212; a 27% increase in a mere eight years.<br><br>Although resale shops are a good option for clothes that still have some fashion value, and charities will take items that are well past their prime, there are still an awful lot of ink-stained shirts and moth-eaten sweaters that find their way to the dump.<br><br> What to do with that favorite old shirt you ruined by inadvertently spilling a glass of red wine down its front, or that well-worn pair of slacks that finally split at the seams, or that dress you loved last year but now wouldn't wear to save your life?<br><br>There are a wide variety of options that are better than the trash bag, including charities (such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army), resale shops (Buffalo Exchange, Give + Take) and the retailers that first sold them to you.<br><br>Goodwill and the Salvation Army will not sell defective clothes or shoes, but they do offload them to textile recyclers, who either ship them to Third World countries where they may have a chance of a second life, or sort and resell them to textile "de-manufacturers" who can turn them into materials that can be worked into new materials, whether it's cleaning rags, carpet padding or rubberized playgrounds.<br><br>Forty-five percent of recycled clothes are sold to other countries, 30% are turned into cleaning rags and 25% are turned into fibers for stuffing or insulation, according to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textile Assn.<br><br>Recycling awareness among clothing manufacturers seems to be on the rise. Goodwill, which in Southern California alone sold 14.6 million pounds of textiles to recyclers last year, recently joined with San Francisco-based &amp; Co. to educate jeans owners in how to care for their pants so they stand a better chance of reuse through the charity.<br><br>The partnership evolved out of a Levi's study of the environmental effect of a pair of 501s, which found that the amount of water used to grow the cotton was rivaled by the amount owners used to wash their jeans. That finding led to Care Tag for Our Planet, which started showing up on Levi's late last year, instructing owners to wash their jeans in cold water, to wash them less often, to air dry them rather than use a clothes dryer and, when they no longer want them, to donate them instead of throwing them away.<br><br> , which last weekend concluded a 10-day blue jean recycling event, collected about a quarter-million jeans that will be turned into insulation.<br><br>Patagonia, a pioneer in using recycled materials in its active wear since the '90s, has been running a garment recycling program since 1995 called Common Threads. The program has collected 13,000 pounds of clothes, which are shipped off to Japan, broken down and turned in to new Patagonia items such as rain parkas. Despite their long journey, Patagonia spokeswoman Jen Rapp says that recycling clothes, rather than making them from raw material, saves 72% in energy costs and 76% in CO2 emissions.<br><br>Recycling plastic that is used in textiles saves 57% of the energy used to make them from virgin materials, or about 1 ton of CO2 emissions for every ton that is recycled, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Patagonia's goal: that 100% of its clothing either be made from recycled material or be recyclable. Right now, the company says 70% of its offerings are recyclable.<br><br>Customers who want to recycle their Patagonia gear can do so by returning items to Patagonia retailers and dealers such as REI, or by mailing items to the company's Nevada-based service center.<br><br>Dora Copperthite is doing her own form of clothing recycling. Her Give + Take Boutique in Playa del Rey is like a large public clothing swap that lets people trade their clothes for others. For a $20 monthly membership fee, women who've tired of their Prada handbag or H&amp;M romper can have them valued for points that are then traded for other items.<br><br>Open since November, Give + Take has about 124 members and 1,000 items, the latter of which are divided into three categories: designer, cheapies and free.<br><br>"For me, it's an environmental cause. We have so much excess," said Copperthite, who donates whatever isn't swapped to Goodwill. "The green movement is big on shopping in your own closet. What I'm doing, you're not only shopping in your own closet but the closets of hundreds of ladies."<br><br>?<p></p><p>This week, the with JP Morgan Chase. And we, the taxpayers - more aptly known as their oxygen supply - have nothing much to show for it.<br> <br> The bank agreed to fork over a paltry $153.6 million to the government to settle civil charges that "...it misled investors in a complex mortgage-bond" deal. Its sin was a failure to disclose to these investors that a hedge fund helped to construct the portfolio it sold, and that it "stood to profit" if the debt instruments cratered.<br> <br> The deal was for over a billion dollars. But the settlement was so tiny that JP Morgan's reserves were able to absorb it, and there will be no impact on second-quarter earnings.<br> <br> Goldman Sachs made a similar settlement with the SEC for their ill-fated "Abacus" fund. Their penalty was $550 million. And like JP Morgan, Goldman neither "admitted nor denied wrong-doing" although Lloyd Blankfein admitted to "making mistakes."<br> <br> In announcing the settlement, JP Morgan was positively - and understandably - chirpy about the salutary outcome, noting proudly that they "weren't charged with intentional or reckless misconduct." <br> <br> The deal in question was called Squared CDO 2007-1. Investors lost it all, the hedge fund made a "windfall," and JP Morgan pocketed around $19 million for its efforts in gift-wrapping the garbage in a shiny box.<br> <br> The SEC's behavior has been spineless. Both Goldman's and JP Morgan's actions rose to - and met - the level of "wrong-doing" and they were let off the hook by a compliant bunch of regulators who desperately needed to teach a lesson, not give a hall pass.<br> <br> How could withholding information about the fact that JP Morgan worked with a hedge fund to package their junk NOT be intentional? Or - put even more convincingly - how could this have happened unintentionally? What about it wasn't reckless - given both the bank's awareness of the content of the CDO, and the consequences of its actions?<br> <br> The American people need strong, gutsy regulators. (I write this as the Obama administration continues to have a backbone of custard in the Congressional fight over the appointment of Elizabeth Warren to run the new Consumer Protection Agency.) <br> <br> Far more than JP Morgan's lousy $153 million, we need to see those responsible for the financial crisis get more than a slap on the wrist. Some should face criminal charges, and a Prada perp walk. And the institutions themselves should be forced to admit - as part of any settlement - that more than mistakes were made. Intentional misconduct - much of it reckless - was an everyday fact of life. <br> <br> Wall Street's systemic corruption has never been adequately recognized, punished and resolved. The Financial Inquiry Commission was tougher in its language than the enforcement response. Big deal, small comfort - someone can point to strong words on a page. But such fulminations, published years later and largely ignored beyond a single news cycle - are useless husks. And the contrast between those words and business-as-usual on Wall Street is another tranche (to use one of their favorite words) of frustration.<br> <br> Without the public declaration that the SEC failed to insist upon, Goldman, JP Morgan and others will forever be able to hide behind the protective, weasely cover of "we didn't admit any wrong-doing - and the government agreed." <br> <br> That's bad for America, bad for history, and bad for the culture of Wall Street. Jamie Dimon recently scolded Ben Bernanke for the increased capital requirements that Dodd-Frank is putting on banks, claiming they are suppressing lending, and arguing against the 3% increase (from 7% to 10%) for so-called SiFis (Systemtically Important Financial Institutions.)<br> <br> Do you think that if JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs had not been permitted to deny wrong-doing, these institutions would be so shameless in advocating against modest increases in their capital requirements? Their freedom to complain says everything. <br> <br> After all, it wasn't that long ago when they rushed frantically to the discount window - opened to non-banks for the first time in more than half a century - because their "non-reckless" actions had nearly bankrupted the global financial system. Wall Street wants us to forget that, and the SEC is helping them create the forgiving amnesia.<br> <br> The reforms that came about as a result of the Great Depression really changed things. The creation of the SEC itself, Glass-Steagal, these were game-changers that created a regulatory framework that lasted for generations.<br> <br> Sadly, the worst financial crisis since the Depression will leave no such lasting legacy. We've refused to use bold and muscular enforcement, and whatever new meaningful regulatory mechanisms that were included in the general language of Dodd-Frank are being challenged or simply eviscerated in the rule-making process.<br> <br> We've let the fox return to the hen-house, smug and emboldened, and have given the hens nothing to defend themselves, other than some limp fox-protection promises and a shot gun with no bullets.<br> <br> The public knows something is wrong. They know it, live it, and watch it every day in the morally indefensible chasm that continues to separate the unemployment and foreclosure numbers - and the health of small business - from buoyant bank profits. This profound and visceral ooze of dissatisfaction, the repressed fury at the power fraternity that is still seen as running the country - which is lodged deep in the wounded psyches of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, is what's behind Obama's treacherous poll numbers. That shared climate of betrayal is what defines the real post-partisan America.<br> <br> "Without admission of wrong-doing" is a startling but not unexpected example of regulatory incompetence and flaccidity. It reminds me of what my wife Flora has always said about all this: "It's a matter of the crooks versus the schnooks."</p>?<p>Fashion and architecture have experienced an unrivalled period of growth, with star architects and major fashion brands working closely to build architectural wonders around the world.</p><p>But is this simply a classic commercial act or a romantic matter based on a natural affinity from both sides?</p><p>Clearly, architecture is one of the most powerful tools for achieving corporate identity in the fashion world and, on the flipside, these buildings are the perfect catwalk for promoting architectural creativity at its most extreme.</p><p>But while this partnership has been able to keep both parties commercially satisfied and conquering new territories, I see a more important social and cultural impact here. </p><p> collection of shows how fashion and architecture are in fact capable of enhancing each other's relevance in the world we inhabit; architecture and fashion&rsquo;s shared understanding of space, structure and composition means the two art forms have a lot of common creative ground as a starting point for evolution.</p><p>OMA/AMO's prolific collaboration with Prada is a great example of how architecture&mdash;having recently reached its conscious state of context-awareness and social sensitivity&mdash;is affecting the world of fashion.<br>On the other hand, modern architecture has long since departed from its beauty-bound origins in pursuit of higher conceptual grounds, often preferring substance over style.</p><p>But looking at the lineup of elegant flagship stores in Omotesand? street in Tokyo affirms a certain faith in fashion's possible contribution to architecture restoring its long-lost relationship with the classical notion of beauty. </p><p>What do you think? Does this mutually-challenging relationship keep both parties evolving or do you see this return to style and beauty as a step backwards?</p>?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=4fd2374485b5826237000026&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?Follow 10 Things Before the Opening Bell and never miss an update! <p> Please Note: Business Insider will never share your information with any other companies. You also have the ability to unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time simply by following the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of each email </p>?<p>Here are some things I have learned about successfully living the studio life:<br><br>1.Storage is the key to happiness<br>As much as possible, keep items concealed and out of view for an uncluttered look.<br><br>Closet storage is best. To maximize it, be careful of closet organizers. These can actually take up more space if not planned properly. Regular shoeboxes, meanwhile, take up a minimal amount in a closet and can be stacked tighter for better use of space.<br><br>Consolidate all of your travel items into your suitcase and store in there -- this makes packing faster and easier when you are ready for a quick getaway (see Tip 10).<br><br>I also recommend tote bags fromor, which hold tons of stuff and can be monogrammed or labeled for easy identification. These are also easy to move for cleaning, and since they&rsquo;re made of fabric, they give more flexibility in tighter space. This is a great way to store magazines or books.<br><br>When you don&rsquo;t cook, use your stove as a storage area &ndash; it has shelves that are adjustable and can provide much-needed space (just remember to take your stuff out again before preheating!).</p><p>A vanity cabinet instead of a pedestal sink provides added storage in a bathroom.</p><p><br>2. Chic, clean &amp; stylish design<br>Be sure that your apartment has an aesthetic. Play with color and accessories; don&rsquo;t be afraid to use them. <br><br>Design elements aren&rsquo;t just for mansions. If you&rsquo;re lacking closets or cabinets, create a storage/display making your space both decorative and functional. <br><br>So many couture items such as vintage handbags, shoes, ties, and scarves are actually pieces of usable art. A smaller space can be a more opulent space.<br><br>3. Buy multifunctional furniture<br>My twin bed is a platform with two storage drawers underneath.<br><br>When helping a friend with her first New York apartment, I suggested the same bed but in a double size. She found that the 4 drawers on the bottom actually had more space than a dresser, and freed up a ton of floor space for her. <br><br>Ottomans and stools can convert from storage cubes to tables to additional seating.<br><br>4. Forget about room dividers, go for artwork instead<br>Use art to section off areas of the room instead of room dividers.<br><br>These dividers often make the room look much more cramped and disrupt the flow of good energy through the apartment. Using art to differentiate spaces makes your apartment feel bigger and more open.<br><br>5. Be obsessively organized<br>When closets and cabinets are overflowing, it&rsquo;s time to clean and reorganize. <br><br>Many times you&rsquo;ll find a treasure buried inside, like that great Prada handbag that you&rsquo;d forgotten about. <br><br>In a small apartment, you often find that you don&rsquo;t have that catchall space that you do with a larger apartment. <br><br>Mail must be sorted each day and laundry must be done of a regular basis. <br><br>Once a routine is established, you&rsquo;ll find that -- just like your space -- your time becomes more efficient.<br><br>6. Live in aconvenient neighborhood, so you can purchase food/supplies as needed<br>When shopping for an apartment, the more conveniences your neighborhood has, the better.<br><br>It&rsquo;s best if you have a grocery store, drug store and, of course, liquor store within a five-minute walk. Then you can purchase only as needed.<br><br>If the 8oz bottle is going to last for 6 months, why buy the 32oz?<br><br>Every time I visit any store, I check my cabinets and make a list. I never double buy items. I&rsquo;d rather walk two blocks in a week when I need a replacement.<br><br>7. Buy only what you love and purge often<br>After living for a few years with less space, you tend to buy only what you really need or really love, eliminating trends or donating them when the trend is over. <br><br>I&rsquo;ve found that since I live in one room, buying quality instead of quantity makes the dollar stretch further in the long run.<br><br>And being on your fashion game in one of the most stylish cities in the world is a bonus. <br><br>Owning one pair of Manolos is better than having 12 pairs of mediocre shoes that take up valuable real estate.<br><br>8. Use every square inch<br>It&rsquo;s not the amount of space, but how the space functions that matters. Make use of every square inch.<br><br>Most people actually use 20% of the house most of the time. I use 80% of the space in my apartment on a daily basis.<br><br>I use my entire living room every day. I sleep on one side and watch television on the other.<br><br>Many people have a guest room and they use it once a year when that friend comes to town. Or they have an extra room filled with belongings that they never use, and ultimately don&rsquo;t need. I believe in living simpler.<br><br>9. Do cost comparisons<br>When I start to get apartment envy and consider moving to a larger space, I talk to my friends with bigger apartments and quickly realize their rent and utility bills are much higher than mine.<br><br>Living in a smaller space, the costs are lower. I don&rsquo;t dread opening that Con Edison bill.<br><br>10. Travel as often as your schedule and budget permits<br>I go out of town at least five times per year, and often one or two weeks at a time as my schedule permits.This is a nice break and change of scenery.<br><br>Friends LOVE to stay in my apartment. I know people in other parts of the country with 2-3 guest rooms, and no one ever stays there. <br><br>People stay in my apartment 4-7 times a year; so many look at my single-room studio with more sentiment than their own homes, considering my apartment their NYC pied a terre. It&rsquo;s a quick reminder that my little piece of heaven in Manhattan is a sanctuary no matter the size.</p><p>Related posts:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>?<br><br>It&rsquo;s a bit odd seeing the names Hyundai and Prada in the same title but it&rsquo;s certainly not the first time. About two years ago Hyundai , a special edition of the then new luxury sedan designed and built in collaboration with Italian fashion label Prada.<br><br>Now, with the unveiling of the , a new version of the Genesis Prada has been developed, and like the original this one will only be sold in South Korea in a limited batch of 1,200 cars.<br><br>So what kind of special features do we miss out on?<br><br>The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada comes in three special colors--Black Nero, Blue Baltico and Brown Moro--that are applied with a three-layer coat technology with stereoscopic gold pearl. Dark chrome is applied to the radiator grille, emblem and door handles to reflect the unique palladium-coated buckles on Prada's bags.<br><br>The innovations introduced by Prada also include 19-inch alloy wheels and an outer antenna with a wedge shape. A final special touch for the exterior is the Genesis Prada badge and GP500 emblem, which together emphasize the car&rsquo;s uniqueness.<br><br><br><br>For the interior, the dashboard and the upholstery have been revised and artisan-crafted in "saffiano" leather--Prada's signature top quality leather--to obtain a luxurious and sophisticated finish.<br><br>Under the hood is Hyundai&rsquo;s award-winning Tau V-8, which in its latest application displaces 5.0-liters, develops 430 horsepower and is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.<br><br>Sadly, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada isn&rsquo;t coming to the U.S. but if you&rsquo;d like to read up on the plebeian version that is, .<br><br>----------<br><br>Stay up to date by following us onand.This story originally appeared at <p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>April 3, 2012<br> Hong Kong</p><p>Six centuries ago, when London and Paris were irrelevant,plague-infested backwaters, and New York City wasn&rsquo;t even on the map,the greatest city in the world was Nanjing&ndash; the capital of the GreatMing.</p><p>At the time, Nanjing was not only the most populous city on the planet,it was also the pinnacle of civilization. Art, science, technology, andcommerce flourished in the Ming Dynasty&rsquo;s liberalized economy, whichconstituted a full 31% of global GDP at the time.</p><p>(By comparison, the US economy is roughly 25% of global GDP today&hellip;)</p><p>Taxes were low, the currency was strong, and overseas trade thrived. Fora time, Nanjing truly was the center of the world.</p><p>Over the next several hundred years, the tide shifted. The Ming Dynastyfell, and power was transferred further west to the Ottoman Empire, andeventually to Europe which had finally emerged from the Dark Ages as themost advanced civilization on Earth.</p><p>Pointless crusades and inquisitions gave way to a surge in medical,technological, and scientific breakthroughs. By the late 17th century,western civilization had asserted its primacy in the global peckingorder.</p><p>This phenomenon has lasted for several hundred years now&hellip; but ashistory has shown repeatedly, power centers frequently shift. The worldis now witnessing yet another transition of power, this time from westto east, as the US-led western hierarchy suffocates within its owndebt-laden Keynesian fiat bubble.</p><p>Most westerners refuse to believe it. They can&rsquo;t envision an era inwhich the west doesn&rsquo;t lead the world&hellip; in everything. And yet, thattime is already upon us. Perhaps nowhere is this more pronounced than infinance:</p><p>1) Hong Kong, from whence I write this missive, has been home to themost public offerings in the world ever since overtaking New York in2009. In 2010, more than $57 billion was raised in Hong Kong IPOs,roughly twice as much as New York.</p><p>From Italian luxury house Prada to the luggage maker Samsonite to Swissmetals house Glencore to the US handbag maker Coach, big names have beenattracted to Hong Kong. , the creator of the popular Angry Birdsgame, is expected to list in Hong Kong as well.</p><p>Whereas it was once the obvious choice to list in the US (or London),Hong Kong has now become the best option for most businesses seekingpublic capital.</p><p>2) According to the Financial Times&rsquo; Banker intelligence unit, Singaporeleads every other major financial center in the world in financialsector foreign investment.</p><p>The top three, in fact, are Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Singaporereceives more financial sector foreign investment than New York, London,Frankfurt, and Switzerland combined.</p><p>Money goes where it is treated best&hellip; and the market is telling us thatSingapore is the right destination.</p><p>3) According to a , China isnow dominating emerging market development finance, especially in LatinAmerica.</p><p>In the past, countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela went to the and IMF when they needed money. But now these vestigialorganizations of the old western hierarchy are becoming a sideshow toChinese financial muscle.</p><p>The study shows that, since 2005, Chinese banks have loaned more moneyand made more loan commitments to Latin America than the World Bank andInternational Development Bank combined&hellip; and they&rsquo;re doing it athigher interest rates.</p><p>Why? Because developing nations have figured out that when you take theWorld Bank&rsquo;s money, you have to put up with them telling you how to runyour government. Chinese bank loans don&rsquo;t come with political stringsattached.</p><p>It&rsquo;s extraordinary that this is happening in the US&rsquo;s backyard.</p><p>4) The most obvious sign of Asia&rsquo;s rise is the perhaps now forgoneconclusion of China&rsquo;s currency becoming a new global reserve option tocompete with the dollar and euro.</p><p>Every month it seems, there is a new move to loosen China&rsquo;s once-strictcurrency controls and open up&ndash; new central bank currency swaps,renminbi (RMB)-denominated futures contracts in Chinese exchanges, theintroduction of RMB accounts at non-Chinese banks, non-Chinese companiesissuing bonds in RMB, etc.</p><p>In fact, if you want to mark your calendar on the day the West concedesto Asia, it will be when the US government begins issuing Treasurysecurities denominated in renminbi.</p><p>None of this means that North America and Europe are falling off theedge of the earth. What it does mean is that the old system is beingreset, and the rules being rewritten.</p><p>It&rsquo;s not the first time in history that such a shift has occurred, andit won&rsquo;t be the last. This change is nothing to fear&hellip; merely somethingto accept, embrace, and prepare for.</p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>You’re loveable, capable, and goshdarnit, people like you. Except for maybe your boss, who secretly wishes you were just a little bit better.</p><p>If you’re a young and hungry professional, don’t expect to stay relevant resting on your diploma. Even if you have a handful of years of on-the-job experience under your pretty Prada belt, it’s probably not enough.</p><p>With jobs getting cut faster than the fat off Heidi Montag’s bum, members of the currently-employed elite need to upgrade their professional cred ? and now. It’s too easy for an employer to say “no” ? to a raise, promotion, or renewing your contract. So give ‘em every reason to green-light your professional success with a few career upgrades. Here’s how:</p>1. Do-it-yourself<p>Sometimes you’ve got take educational matters into your own hands and exercise all the “can-do” enthusiasm you can muster. Living in a world where anything you’d ever want to know is a click of a mouse away makes it easy to pick and choose new skills to learn.</p><p>Someone who’s doing it: 22-year old recently transitioned from a position as a business analyst at a major retail company to a new role running marketing, communication and digital projects for an after-school provider.</p><p>In her new role, Egner has had to brush up on graphic design, public relations and web development skills. She also began following key thought leaders, curators and commentators in her industry, and reads absolutely everything she could get her hands on ? blog posts, books, white papers, you name it. “The internet is really my best friend for learning new skills,” she says. “It turns out, if you know where to look or how to search, it&#8217;s very easy to to teach yourself just about anything related to web development and programming.”</p><p>You don’t need a new job, of course, to teach yourself new skills. In fact, it’s best to do this before you transition, to help yourself land the job you want.</p>2. Get an internship<p>Let’s face it ? nobody really wants to schlep coffee and work for free. But all signs and trends indicate that if you put in hands-on hours at an internship (in your field of interest, of course), it may improve your resume and increase your job-finding odds.</p><p>And since many companies downsized during the recession, plenty of employers want interns to complete important tasks rather than refilling the decaf drawer.</p><p>Someone who’s doing it: Sara Covich was working retail when she decided to apply for an internship at , a monthly newsmagazine in the Pacific Northwest. She knew she wanted to wander down the career path of writing and editing and needed some experience. Cycling is also the 31-year-old Seattleite’s favorite sport, so it was a great fit for many reasons. Covich worked as an editorial intern for three months, which didn’t immediately segue into her current position (she first paid her professional dues as a Safety Analyst), but gave her an advantage when the Consent Form Editor position opened up.</p>3. Create smart alliances<p>Go out of your way to or make friends with someone who’s just slightly more accomplished than you. Sometimes simply having a trusted sounding board and the right connections can help boost your career.</p><p>Someone who’s doing it: Before the ink dried on Julie Webb’s college diploma, the 22-year old intern had snagged an in-house copywriter position at . Within six months, she moved to a full-time Assistant Account Executive position.</p><p>“This is a great career move for me because I can work closely with my Account Executive, Aljolynn Sperber (a.k.a. “Jojo”), and learn from her as I grow and develop in the company,” says Webb. She believes that by having a mentor, she can learn more about the industry in a hand-on environment with people who care about her success.</p>4. Go back to school<p>Sometimes you can fake it ‘til you make it or work with what you’ve got. But in some professional instances, you may have to commit to additional coursework, or , to take your career to the next level.</p><p>Someone who’s doing it: When Katie Allegretto first decided to get her B.S. in Education at Central Michigan University, she was smitten by the promise of summers and holidays off. (Hello, who wouldn’t be?)</p><p>But five years into her career, the 29-year old Bellows Spring Elementary School teacher loves the diversity of her job. “It truly is rewarding when you see everything ‘click’ for a child and you know played an integral part in helping them gain knowledge,” says Allegretto. Now she’s expanding her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Reading, which will help her fine-tune her teaching skills to diagnose reading difficulties.</p><p>How else are you learning skills that will make you a catch in the workplace?</p><p> is a food, travel and lifestyle writer and journalist based in Seattle. She can be found on Twitter at .</p><p>Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. </p><p> is a lifestyle and career blog for ambitious young professionals. Hosted by Brazen Careerist, we offer edgy and fun ideas for navigating the changing world of work -- this isn't your parents' career-advice blog. Be Brazen.</p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p><p></p>Does your credit card get you free Ritz-Carlton upgrades, spa credits, free breakfast buffets, all-you-can-eat sandwiches and salads, afternoon tea, and a personal assistant?</p><p>Probably not.</p><p>Welcome to the high life of. Flaunting annual fees north of $350, ultra-premium rewards cards pack a lifetime of luxury into a small rectangle that fits inside a Prada wallet.</p><p>Holding one makes you part of a special club of cardholders.</p><p>Exactly how exclusive? Barclays' Black Card is limited to only 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to its website.</p><p>RELATED:</p><p>And it's rumored only 17,000 people carry the card of cards, the Centurion Card, which is informally known as the "black card."</p><p>"These cardholders have a higher level of income, higher credit rating and higher spending," says Thomas Hobbs, director of Discover Network product management, which includes the issuer's Premium and Premium Plus cards.</p><p>"Most of the time, the issuer acquires the customer through a traditional rewards (card) and based on the behavior on that card, the issuer may offer a premium (card)," he says.</p><p>So what does it feel like to hold one of these cards? dives into the high-class world of elite credit cards and charge cards.</p><p>1. Travel<br>You know those well-dressed individuals who bypass long security lines at the airport and breeze through the fast lanes? They are probably carrying a premium credit card. You'll also see them kicking back in the airport lounge.</p><p>Many of these rewards credit cards, such as Barclays' Visa Black Card and the American Express Platinum Card, provide access to airport lounges worldwide. Others feature access to certain carrier's lounges such as the Continental Presidential Plus card by Chase. A layover doesn't sound so bad now, does it?</p><p>That's not all. Many of these premium rewards credit cards grant cardholders priority boarding and waive certain airline fees.</p><p>The perks keep coming at the hotel. For example, American Express Platinum charge card holders receive room upgrades (depending on room availability), free breakfast, a spa credit, or complimentary food and beverages at participating hotels and resorts worldwide, according to Leah Gerstner, a spokeswoman for American Express.</p><p>Those carrying a Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card from Chase can expect similar high-end benefits. Additionally, cardholders get three Ritz-Carlton Club upgrades each year, says company spokeswoman Laura Rossi.</p><p>A signature of the Ritz-Carlton experience, Club services include living-room type lounges that offer a hot breakfast buffet, lunchtime sandwiches and salads, afternoon tea with scones and small bites, predinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and late-evening cordials and chocolates.</p><p>2. Service<br>Premium rewards credit cards also come with personal assistants, or something very close to it. Most issuers offer customer service representatives 24/7 to help cardholders with such mundane tasks as procuring hard-to-get tickets, booking a table at Gordon Ramsay's newest restaurant or coordinating one-of-a-kind travel experiences, such as a cruise with the , says Thomas Hobbs, director of Discover Network product management, which includes the issuer's Premium and Premium Plus cards.</p><p>Other unique customer services include emergency translation services, weather forecasts, ATM locations, referrals for specialty services such as dog groomers and tailors, or locating rare books or other items for purchase.</p><p>One Discover Premium Plus cardholder sought help after a tree demolished half his house the night before a big vacation.</p><p>"The cardholder called, and the concierge helped track down the cardholder's insurance company and helped them rearrange their upcoming vacation," Hobbs says.</p><p>This past holiday season, American Express expanded its concierge services to include holiday shopping for its Platinum cardholders. Those lucky enough to hold the silver card could submit their Christmas (or Hanukkah) lists to the concierge gift-buying service, which would research gift options, compare prices, buy the presents and ship them. The only caveats: The purchases had to go on the Platinum card at a retailer that takes American Express.</p><p>3. Rewards<br>Top-tier credit cards make it easier to earn rewards. For example, if you sign up for an online account and paperless statement, you score 600 extra rewards points if you're a ThankYou Prestige cardholder. American Express Delta Reserve cardholders receive 30,000 Medallion miles in the first year that count toward Delta's elite frequent-flier status. Other premium rewards cards offer simple ways to earn points faster than the conventional 1-for-1 rate, such as travel or purchase bonuses.</p><p>Issuers also work overtime to create elite rewards events available only to their premium cardholders. For example, American Express offers "by invitation only" events. Past events included a cookout on the Cayman Islands catered by some of the world's most renowned chefs and an inside experience at the Wimbledon Championship last year.</p><p>For only $2,650 per person, or 331,250 rewards points, the upscale cookout at the Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands included food and wine tastings from the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres, Charlie Trotter, Susur Lee, Gail Simmons, Cakebread Cellars and Screaming Eagle.</p><p>The Wimbledon event offered center-court tickets along with two days of activities, including meals, transportation and hotel accommodations, hosted by former Wimbledon champion Stan Smith. Platinum and Centurion cardholders also got to meet former tennis star John McEnroe along with other former Wimbledon competitors. The price tag? A cool $7,980 per person or 997,500 rewards points.</p><p>4. Status Symbols<br>Some of the highest-end credit cards even differentiate themselves by card material. The J.P. Morgan Palladium Credit Card is named after the metal from which it's created. Palladium is a natural white metal that is light and durable -- similar to platinum, but less expensive. Barclays' Visa Black Card is made from carbon, according to the card's website. And the American Express Centurion Card is rumored to be made from graphite.</p><p>Both the Palladium and American Express Platinum cards also offer private jet rentals. The service starts at $600 for American Express cardholders. And Barclays' Visa Black Card offers posh gifts from some of the world's top brands, according to the website.</p><p>"We don't actually disclose the items that are gifted to card members in advance as they are meant to be surprising, luxury gifts," says Jesse Parker Stowell, a spokesman for Barclays' Visa Black Card.</p><p>However, rumored gifts on the Internet include a Cross pen set, Ray-Ban aviator glasses and a Swatch chronograph watch.</p><p>5. Secrecy<br>No roundup of elite credit card perks would be complete without the ghost orchid of rewards cards. The credit card issuer keeps the American Express Centurion card, informally known as the "black card," tightly under wraps. No details are disclosed on the American Express website, and company contacts politely remain hush-hush about the card.</p><p> has it that, until recently, the credit card was only available by invitation to select individuals worldwide. The blogosphere now reports individuals can now call American Express to apply, instead of waiting for that exclusive invite. But that remains unconfirmed.</p><p>The website BlackCardSource.com provides a running list of celebrities who allegedly possess the famed card. Among them: Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, Jerry Seinfeld and the Olsen twins.</p><p>One juicy detail emerged last year. American Express confirmed to it was offering Centurion cardholders car rental upgrades to the world's priciest rides. Think Ferrari, Bentley and Lamborghini. Centurion cardholders can even rent a Formula 1 car, according to the report.</p><p>So how much does this kind of luxury cost? A $5,000 initiation fee plus a $2,500 annual fee, according to its online card agreement. That isn't chump change.</p><p>This originally appeared on .</p><p>This story was originally published by.</p>?<p>There are few startups that are more the product of one man's vision and imagination than Twitter and Square.</p><p>Jack Dorsey, the inventor of both, is clearly a "vision" entrepreneur. Much has been written about his original, brilliant idea for Twitter and how it came from working in dispatch and, even earlier, from a childhood fascination with cities and computers.</p><p>And it's fascinating to look at what the two startups have different and have in common, and how Square learned from Twitter's successes and setbacks. It's like reading two books by the same novelist that have completely different subject matters, and yet are eerily similar. In many ways, Square is like Twitter's mirror universe twin.</p><p>Here's what's similar about them:</p><p>Here's what's different about them:</p>?<p>Bomoda, a , has raised $1.4 million from a prestigious list of angel investors.</p><p>, the New York-based startup's CEO, told us he's trying to establish Bomoda as a trusted brand for the increasing numbers of wealthy Chinese women who have disposable income and want real luxury goods, not the knockoffs which flood their home market.</p><p>Buchwald shared a bunch of eye-popping statistics about Chinese luxury-good consumption. The country will soon overtake Japan as the largest market for luxury goods worldwide.</p><p>The one that really stuck with us: , Chinese women who buy luxury goods spend an average of 11% of their annual disposable income on handbags.</p><p>Because of high import duties on luxury goods in China, they're also disposed to take shopping trips to New York, Paris, and other Western cities. So Bomoda's going to dish out travel and luxury-lifestyle advice, too. Bomoda will offer fashion advice and feature hand-selected deals.</p><p>"What they&rsquo;re going through from the consumption perspective is like what we went through in the Industrial Revolution," Buchwald told .</p><p>They may know Louis Vuitton and Prada, but they don't know how to do the kind of high-low mixing and pairing that's au courant in Milan and New York.</p><p>The move into international e-commerce might seem unusual for Buchwald, who's one of the few Bomoda staffers who doesn't speak Mandarin. What he does have is an impeccable media resume: Most famously, he spearheaded the creation of for NBCUniversal.</p><p>(Full disclosure: I previously worked for Buchwald when he ran NBC's Local Interactive Media division. And I have a degree in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from the . Both of those may color my enthusiasm for Bomoda's concept.)</p><p>But it makes sense that the same kind of trendspotting that had him working on online video in 2006 has led him to this burgeoning, untapped market.</p><p>"There's no for China, no ," Buchwald pointed out.</p><p>Chief among Bomoda's backers is former CEO Terry Semel. Other investors include , a Canadian venture firm; Ed Goodman of Milestone , whose family previously owned Bergdorf Goodman; and Peter Georgescu, the chairman emeritus of Young &amp; Rubicam.</p><p></p>?<p>Hopefully, about quitting i-banking because she had kids won't set the women on Wall Street back ten years.</p><p>Hessler worked in i-banking for 11 years and then when she had kids, she quit. And she readily admits that she quit because she had kids.</p><p>"I found everything just had changed for me. It was so much harder. I didn't want to do the longer hours. I didn't want to do the travel. I wanted to be a whole person with a balanced life. Even as exciting as it was, 80-hour weeks are just ridiculous. That's not a life."</p><p>Hessler's story gets a meager hooray for honesty, everything else about it is terrible PR for the women on Wall Street.</p><p>At least lie about why you quit, or fudge it a little, and do women like, who has a family and was just named Partner at Goldman, and , who has a family, a , and is the of JPMorgan's Asset Management business, a favor.</p><p>Instead, Hessler talks about how she still enjoys fashion (the area she covered when she was an i-banker) in her daily life. And what she means by that is she wears it.</p><p>She still follows fashion and enjoys being current as one could see form her designer clothes. She was wearing a fitted, white Anne Fontaine blouse, Seven For All Mankind jeans and a pair of Prada shoes with extremely narrow, pointed toe triangles that would impress Isosceles.</p><p>And then she talks about her new hand-made greeting card and poster business. Starting her own company would be impressive, except that she didn't mention the company (Seriously, a businesswoman who's and doesn't use it to promote her company?) and, instead of showing off a card with an original design or tag-line she came up with, she does this:</p><p>"My greeting cards are a little edgy and express what I think of contemporary society,&rdquo; she said.</p><p>She held up one that read, &ldquo;I kiss better than I cook.&rdquo;</p><p>"That's one of my messages."</p><p>Oof. The real message she's sending is, I quit finance to be a stay-at-home mom who makes crafts and in her spare time, day dreams about pop-Philosophy:</p><p>&ldquo;In Eastern philosophy, this time is referred to as the opening up of your second life. I think of this time as stepping into work that really helps me become a whole person who can function with balance."</p>?<p>At around 5 p.m. today two women who looked like professional models showed up at the Hunch office. They had a delivery and said &ldquo;we don&rsquo;t know who this is from but it&rsquo;s someone who likes the Taste Graph.&rdquo;</p><p>Presumably this is an allusion to the taste graph we&rsquo;ve built at Hunch and that I&rsquo;ve talked about in various talks about graphs.</p><p>They hurried away without saying anything more. </p><p>In the box was:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A left worn Prada shoe:</p><p></p><p></p><p>A right shoe from Nike:</p><p></p><p>A USB drive containing the Dave Matthew&rsquo;s song &ldquo;you might die trying&rdquo;:</p><p></p><p>Three books that were shut with magnets that made them almost impossible to open and mostly destroyed them once we did. The books were Guns, Germs and Steel; All The Money in The World; and The Grand Design:</p><p></p><p>Finally, there was an invitation to a fancy restaurant with the inviting people being two stars from Terminator 2:</p><p></p><p>Notice who it is from! I tried calling the restaurant but no one answered.</p><p>Reminder that John Connor in T2 is the future leader of human rebels:</p><p></p><p>And Miles Dyson is a computer scientist who sacrifices himself to save humanity:</p><p></p><p>Now I see at least three possible explanations for this very strange delivery today:</p><p>1) it&rsquo;s some company trying to pull a gig to raise money since they know I am a small-time investor</p><p>2) it&rsquo;s some kind of weird practical joke</p><p>3) Although Hunch&rsquo;s technology is only semi-sophisticated today, it will become so sophisticated in the future that people in, say, 2050 will feel compelled to go back in time and reward/punish us.</p><p>At any rate, I hereby proclaim today the day for time travelers to bring it on. If this blog post gets picked up by bigger blogs or even newspapers then I hope in the future they will remember to read those and know that April 4, 2011 was the day to make it happen. </p><p>I&rsquo;m talking to you future robot motherf&mdash;ers who send weird deliveries.</p><p></p>?<p> is , and CEO is already making some bold statements. This morning on , Charney said that American Apparel's "gross margins are as high as a luxury brand like Prada's."</p><p>That's hard to believe since American Apparel sells hipster trendy clothes and Prada's a high-markup luxury brand. Is it really true?</p><p>According to the most recent data from the and SEHK, American Apparel's gross margin each quarter over the past few years has hovered between, whereas Prada's has been around.</p><p>[After we posted this article, Dov Charney and an American Apparel fund manager called us with some data, which the manager later sent via email:</p><p>"American Apparel's gross margins at retail are around 70 percent while Prada's blended average are roughly 65 percent, so we stand behind the statement made by Dov on CNBC this morning. The bigger story should be how a company that sells basic apparel is able to command a premium that is markedly higher than its 'competitors' such as (30 percent) and that is due to the strength of the brand with consumers and the vertical integration of the business model."] </p><p>Last month, the company got an from George Soros' Chrystal Financial to help return the company to profitability.</p><p>When asked about the nine lawsuits he's dealt with in the past few years, including claims of sexual misconduct &mdash; which played a huge role in jeopardizing the company's bottom line &mdash; Charney said, "Nine lawsuits &mdash; that's a testimony to success."</p><p>CNBC host also pressed him on if he's inappropriate or, at the least, weird.</p><p>Charney responded with: "Weird? I like weird."</p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p></p>?<p>Update: As commenters have pointed out, the image is actually : this Samsung phone came out after the iPhone.</p><p>Still, we stand by the bigger point of the piece, which is that neither this lawsuit, nor the consumer electronics industry in general, is helped by wondering "who copied who". As frequent SAI commenter Tim Hobbes point out, the LG Prada was unveiled in 2006 and also looked like the iPhone. .</p><p>Previously:</p><p> is suing alleging that it has been copying Apple's designs, but , a Francophone blog, has a nice image that seems to suggest the reverse.</p><p>Samsung's F700 phone, shown in 2006 or before the original was announced, looks eerily similar to the iPhone.</p><p>The point here isn't to settle who "copied" whom: that's just childish.</p><p>The point is the opposite: to show that in every industry, particularly a fast-moving and highly competitive one like consumer electronics, everyone copies everyone. It's the name of the game, and rightly: that spurs competition and helps get innovations into the hands of consumers faster.</p><p>It highlights the silliness of Apple's lawsuit, which isn't about copying at all but . Perhaps now we can talk about what's really going on.</p><p>Here's 's image:</p><p></p><p>Don't Miss:</p>?RBC Apple analyst Mike Abramsky is stoked about (AAPL). He's also so excited by the iPhone's European debut that he's raised his 2008 global iPhone unit-sales estimate to 12.5 million (vs. the 10 million target Steve Jobs threw out at the iPhone launch).<br><br>From :<p>iPhone subscriptions in the U.K., Germany, and France are all doingstrong business and are outselling competitors smartphones, includingthe Nokia N95 and E-Series, Samsung BlackJack and LG Prada. More than 4million iPhones should move off European shelves by the end of nextyear.</p><p>Although there&#8217;s still no word when the iPhone will be released inCanada, the device should be launched in the first quarter of 2008along with launches in Italy and Spain.</p>In light of the success across the pond, Mr. Abramsky is raising hisiPhone sales outlook to 12.5 million units at the end of 2008. RBCCapital Markets currently has an &#8220;outperform&#8221; rating on Apple with a price target of $205?<p><p></p>This originally appeared at .</p><p>It's an old question, one that is more discussed in Europe than America. But the juxtaposition of two articles in today's Guardian makes me ask it again.</p><p>The, is more a press release than an article, and demonstrates how in certain realms of artistic expression there is no longer much difference between the ad industry and "art."</p><p>The story tells of someone I had never heard of previously, Francesco Vezzoli, who has, according to the headline, planned a "24-hour museum to vainglorious decadence" and managed to "charm" Helen Mirren into a toga.</p><p>Links embedded in the piece take you to the website where we learn that our artist does work for Versace and Prada etc. I am mindful that by mentioning this and the names of the designers I am doing precisely what they hoped - keeping their brands in the global conversation in a time when austerity might just be making people question why they were obsessed with their products in the first place. Most ordinary folks can no longer even dream of buying their clothes, except maybe the pret-a-porter stuff sold used online at .</p><p>The, is a call from Ian Rankin, creator of the Inspector Rebus novels and one of Britain's most financially successful authors, for tax breaks for writers.</p><p>Rankin says the British tax authorities should emulate the long-standing scheme in Ireland that allows a writer's first 40,000 euros ($51,000) of income derived from writing to be tax free.</p><p>Speaking from experience, I don't think most published authors come close to earning that much annually. Since the downturn began in earnest, advances for new books have been reduced by 50 to 70 percent - if you can even get offered one.</p><p>That anecdotal fact is backed up by research from the Society of Authors showing that 75% of British writers earn less than &pound;20,000 ($30.7 thousand) a year and 46% less than &pound;5,000 ($7.7) and have to earn their money doing other things. That income is taxed as usual.</p><p>The Guardian quotes the Society's Kate Pool, "I would have thought that incentives that encourage diversity of the marketplace might be a better way of ensuring that good writers have a chance to flourish."</p><p>But do those incentives mean hanging out with brand executives from Versace and Prada and agreeing to write stories about the lifestyles of those who can still afford to pay retail for their clothes and accessories?</p><p>That almost seems to be theof British Prime Minister . A couple of days ago he got into hot water when he said that any government subsidy of the perpetually ailing British film industry should be steered towards blockbusters rather than supporting young filmmakers or non-mainstream directors.</p><p>The dilemma is an old one, as I said at the start, and I've reported andabout it throughout my career but it is now framed in a very contemporary way. Like so many other industries in the first world, it seems that culture has less and less need of workers.</p><p>The difference is that there is a compulsion beyond the need to earn a living in choosing a writing or artistic career (unless you're basically an advertising art director claiming to be an artist). So there is an ever-growing pool of writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers - culture workers - for whom the prospect of even minimal livelihoods, something that was available pre-crash, is a receding memory.</p><p>What to do with this human capital? Should they all be put in the service of products? Something to think about.</p><p>This story was originally published by</p>?Forexpros ? Asian stock markets were broadly lower on Tuesday, as growing fears over the possibility of a mass downgrade of euro zone sovereign debt prompted investors to shun riskier assets.<br><br>During late Asian trade, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slumped 0.8%, Australia’s S&amp;P/ASX200 tumbled 1.4%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.2%. <br><br>Optimism over last week’s European Union summit faded after Moody’s said the meetings failed to deliver “decisive policy measures” to end the region’s debt crisis and added that it would revisit ratings of all euro zone member states in the first quarter of 2012.<br><br>Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings said the inability by European Union leaders to devise a “comprehensive” fix to the region’s debt crisis had intensified pressure on debt ratings of euro zone nations.<br><br>Shares in the financial sector led losses in Japan. Investment banks Nomura Holdings and Daiwa Securities, which have large exposure to European sovereign debt, slumped 1.5% and 1.95% respectively, while the nation’s largest lender Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group lost 2.9%.<br><br>Technology sector stocks performed poorly after U.S. chip-maker Intel lowered its sales forecast on Monday, citing supply constraints due to flooding in Thailand. <br><br>Japan’s largest manufacturer of chip-making gear Tokyo Electron fell 1.3%, chip-testing equipment maker Advantest dropped 2.55%, while Renesas Electronics tumbled 3%.<br><br>Elsewhere, in Hong Kong, shares in lenders and insurers declined, tracking their global counterparts lower. Life insurer Ping An saw shares drop 1.85%, while Hong Kong-listed shares of Bank of China and HSBC Holdings retreated 1.1% and 1.15% respectively.<br><br>Property developers were lower after industry data showed that housing sales fell in 27 out 35 Chinese cities from December 5 through December 11. Hang Lung Properties saw shares fall 2.2%, Agile Property Holdings slumped 1.1%, while property investment firm New World Development tumbled 2.45%.<br><br>Hong Kong-based retailers with high exposure to Europe also contributed to losses, with Esprit Holdings dropping 2.85% and Prada shares down 1.1%. <br><br>Meanwhile, the outlook for European stock markets was modestly higher. The EURO STOXX 50 futures pointed to a gain of 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 futures added 0.15%, the FTSE 100 futures eased up 0.15%, while Germany's DAX futures rose 0.2%. <br><br>Later in the day, Germany was to publish a report on economic sentiment. In addition, the Federal Reserve was to announce its federal funds rate, while the U.S. was also to release official data on retail sales.<br><br><br>Forexpros - Forexpros offers a diverse set of professional tools for Forex, Futures and CFDs. These include real-time data streams, technical and fundamental analysis by in-house experts, and a widely used economic calendar and .<p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>If the shoppers can make it to Aspen they still have money. But it looks like they won't spend it unless there's a huge discount.</p><p>: Many luxury goods in high-end retail stores in downtown Aspen were on sale on Christmas Eve, reflecting the global slowdown in spending by the wealthy.</p><p>Prada was featuring 50 percent off on clothing on the first floor of its starkly luxurious Galena Street store. </p><p>Bulgari had selected jewelry items marked 20 percent off. Handbags along one wall of the Gucci store were 50 percent off. A scarf in Fendi was marked down from $176 to $70.</p><p>The Aspen Art Museum this week offered it members a fifty percent discount on their annual fundraising event over the holidays that features models parading on the runway in furs from Dennis Basso.<br><br> General admission tickets to the Dec. 28 at the St. Regis hotel event are now $150 instead of $300. A table for four with champagne and hors d&rsquo;oeuvers is $1,500 instead of $3,000.<br> <br> But the sidewalks of Aspen were still bustling with consumers out Christmas shopping yesterday afternoon and you couldn&rsquo;t really tell there was a global economic meltdown underway. <br> <br> Gayle Dickie from Los Angeles was on the street and ready to shop Wednesday along with her 16-year-old daughter Kylie O&rsquo;Brien.<br> <br> &ldquo;I had a really good end of year,&rdquo; Dickie said, smiling. <br> <br> But she was still looking for discounts.<br> <br> &ldquo;I care very much about discount signs,&rdquo; Dickie said. &ldquo;If there isn&rsquo;t a discount sign, I probably won&rsquo;t go in.&rdquo;</p><p>See also: </p>?<p>Location: Frank Gehry's meringue-shaped building, headquarters of IAC. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Baron, founder of).<br> </p><p>Featured drink: Martinis.</p><p>Sponsors: The Corcoran Group, Greenhill SAVP</p><p>People: Founders of New York's three latest exit success stories, Howard Lindzon of the then nine-month old (&quot;a CBS company,&quot; as Howard's new business cards proudly proclaim), Laurel Touby, flush from selling to , and Graham Hill of Discovery's newest division, Brooklyn-based (below). Howard was in from Phoenix for his contractual week-a-month forCBS, but is finding time to make other investments. </p><p>Andrew Weinreich of (location-based dating) defended some well-located real estate near the bar while giving live demos. Emcee Dina Kaplan, formerly an Emmy winning TV reporter, now of eased through the room. Joel Smernoff of concluded the evening by lounging on what many assumed was a cardboard couch but may have been art.</p><p>News: Sorry, boys, Wallstrip host Lindsay Campbell (not there,sadly) is taken. And, sorry, girls, so isAndrew Ross Sorkin of the New York Times, the brains behind DealBook, who just got married. </p><p>David Kidder from (funded by Fred Wilson and Brad Burnham at Union Square Ventures) is sharing3,600 feet of Alley office space with the striking (and strikinglynamed) Ariane de Bonvoison of The FirstThirty Days; Stephen Paternot, formerly of theglobe.com, and Loriel Gabel of a stealth _____-killer named Ping (sorry, can't say who they're going to kill). In a throwback to the 90s, the folks at this mini-incubator have a Nerf hoops ball and net, but in a sign of different times, don't use it. David also has an unopened iPhone that he bought to flip and is now wondering what to do with.</p><p> had a photographer in tow and kindly provided the slide show below. Jim Lanzone of IAC's Ask, in town from Oakland, suggested, politely, that overlooked its impressive absolute growth. Peter Stern, of, is building an email client with social-networking capabilities and says the alpha is a few weeks away (and apologizes for his crappy web site). Toby Daniels of Mint Digital reports that the UK social-media development and production firm is now alive and well in New York.<br> </p><p></p><p>Alexis Maybank, once of AOL and eBay, now of fashion-related e-commerce start-up First Look, took refuge from bankers by huddling with partner Kevin Ryan, formerly of DoubleClick, now of , First Look, and too many New York companies to list--including the one that owns this site. Daniel Klaus and Lucas Mannof , along with Adam Granite of Epic Records, planted the digital music flag, and Adam explainedthat, contrary to popular conception, music labels do more than stamp disks. (Adam also explained that that AC/DC-Verizon deal was about media coverage, not music--unlike the labels, Verizon will spend $20 million on TV ads at the drop of a hat--and noted that &quot;Back in Black&quot; still sells 5,000-10,000 copies a week).</p><p></p><p>Roger Jehenson of red-hot was deep in conversation with HilaryRowland of and other ventures (left). Hilary has been in theindustry long enough to remember the annoying aspects of the Netscapebeta (but not, oddly, Jason Calacanis, whose name was rolling off otherpeople's lips, despite his having defected to Los Angeles). Roger posited that Hilary was wearing MiuMiu, by Prada, which she confirmed, and she was wearing it well.</p><p>Spotted: Saul Hansell, technology editor of the New York Times, Jeff Jarvis of , looking tall and dignified, and Esther Dysonof EDventure, looking not-so-tall but dignified and smart, and, as ever, flashing thatradiant smile.</p><p>Plenty of money and deal folks, too, anchored by Alan Patricof of Greycroft, Anthony Noto of Goldman Sachs, and Ross Goldstein of DFJ Gotham. Saar Gur of Charles River Ventures' Menlo Park office flew in, as did John DeLoche of new Sand Hill Road late-stage VC bridgescale. Jason Rapp, of IAC's M&amp;A, is not as busy as he once was, given the high prices in the sector, but was at home in the airy lobby. Brian Hirsch and Steve Brotman of Greenhill SAVP are glad to see New York tech/media finally getting some much-deserved attention.<br> </p><p> </p><p>Thanks, Dina!</p>?<p></p><p>With Domino shuttered, Portfolio.com stripped bare and layoffs at Wired, there's a recession at Cond&eacute; Nast, too. It just looks different. For example, when the rest of us brown bag we use leftover grocery bags and paper towels for napkins. . There it's ziplocked sandwiches and tupperware in Prada and Louis Vutton bags with napkins from St. Regis.</p>?<p>A British advertising watchdog has refused to starring dutch model Lara Stone.</p><p>A member of London's Orthodox that the ads &mdash; which show Stone posing in a bra and briefs &mdash; not be allowed on the sides of buses that pass through Stamford Hill.</p><p>The neighborhood has a large Orthodox community "whose religious beliefs require them not to see images of women wearing only underwear," the ASA noted.<br><br>The ASA has the power to ban entire campaigns in the U.K. based on a single complaint. It recently nixed an ad featuring that failed to show Israel; featuring True Grit's Hailee Steinfeld because it appeared to show a child in a hazardous situation (sitting on a rail track); and ads for that featured "sexually provocative content and was degrading to women." <br><br>Interestingly the model in the Lynx ad was dressed similarly to the Calvin Klein ad, only the poses were different.</p><p>Calvin Klein argued &mdash; somewhat disingenuously &mdash; that "the ad was neither sexually suggestive nor overtly sexual." The ASA ultimately concluded that "although we recognised that some people with strongly held religious views may find the ad distasteful, we did not consider that the ad was likely to cause widespread offence or serious offence to those with religious views."<br><br>The bus ads were part of a series of ads for Naked Glamor, which included a web video (see following slides).</p>?<p>Speaking at Merrill Lynch's fall media conference, News Corp's Peter Chernin said he was glad the outside financing for movies was drying up.</p><p>That's an odd statement from an exec whose film studio had arguably the most successful film-financing pacts in its three deals with the George Soros-affiliated hedge fund Dune Capital Management. Nearly every film covered by each agreement was a hit: The Devil Wears Prada, Borat, Live Free or Die Hard, and even Fox's only summer 2008 success What Happens in Vegas.</p><p>Granted, other outside partners did help finance some of Fox's disastrous summer offerings. We bet Chernin will be glad someone's offsetting those losses.</p><p>: News Corp. president and COO Peter Chernin said Tuesday that the drying up of outside financing for movies is a good thing for Hollywood.<br> <br> In recent years, too much "dumb money" has helped produce too much bad product, leading to a cluttered market, he argued at the Merrill Lynch Media Fall Preview conference in Los Angeles. Wall Street -- including private-equity groups and other investors -- has bankrolled films produced by News Corp. and many other entertainment industry players in recent years.</p><p>See Also: </p>?<p>Prada recently released a new 80-second promotional video for its fall and winter women's fashion lines that's stirring up some controversy (via ).</p><p>It features underage models eerily trying to be seductive -- one was only 13 years old when she shot the ad; the others were 17 and 18.</p><p>What do you think? Is advertising like this acceptable, or does it go over the line?</p><p></p>Some ads more blatantly cross the line. <br>?<p>Fox execs were already that Eddie Murphy blew off Meet Dave's premiere, and now they really have something to be upset about. Moviegoers don't want to see the film, either.</p><p>The sort-of tentpole flick only made this weekend, with a per-screen average of $1,760 from more than 3,000 theaters. Ouch!</p><p>The film cost $60 million to make, not counting how much it cost to drive a giant sculpture of Eddie Murphy's head around the country with $4-a-gallon gas prices.</p><p>Fortunately, Fox shared the cost of the movie with the hedge fund Dune Capital Management, which co-financed the film. And Dune should be able to handle losing money on Meet Dave since practically every other movie they've co-financed for Fox has been a hit, including Borat, Live Free or Die Hard and The Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>See Also: </p><p></p><p></p>?<p>It's not surprising that high-end department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks are slashing prices to get people in the doors, but as elite services like "wardrobe consultants" and boutique retailers are feeling the pinch of the recession, they're desperately seeking shoppers.</p><p> &ldquo;Things are a little slow,&rdquo; said wardrobe consultant Julie Biandi while hunting for clients at Barneys with a friend. &ldquo;A lot of them are relying on me to shop more methodically. Before, people would call me to shop for them at stores, but now they are doing more shopping in their closet.&rdquo;</p><p>Rather then buy a new party dress this season, she is helping clients scour their wardrobes for a great black dress and accessorizing it with costume jewelry, like a Vera Wang bangle...</p><p>Meanwhile, boutique jewelry stores are guilt-tripping potential customers into shopping at their stores instead of at Tiffany's.</p><p>Luxury brands that a year ago would never deign to put &ldquo;Sale&rdquo; signs in their windows before the New Year are now in &ldquo;survival mode,&rdquo; according to Renee Kopel, the marketing director for the 122-year-old William Barthman Jewelers in the Financial District. Walk-in traffic has plummeted since September and, for the second year in a row, their corporate gift gallery is competing against an iconic blue box: Tiffany&rsquo;s opened an 11,000-square-foot Wall Street branch in October 2007.</p><p>Ms. Kopel began circulating an e-mail urging long-time clients&mdash;many of them from the shrinking financial services sector&mdash;to buy gifts from William Barthman during what will likely be the most ascetic winter in years and advertising 20 to 40 percent off most merchandise. &ldquo;We are extremely mindful of the state of the economy and we want to try and help,&rdquo; Ms. Kopel wrote in the e-mail. &ldquo;Gift giving will be inevitable regardless of the state of the economy, so it might as well be as affordable and as painless as possible.&rdquo;</p><p>Last Wednesday, Ms. Kopel had successfully wooed back the head of a Lower Manhattan dental practice who defected to Tiffany&rsquo;s last year, and was busy preparing the order. &ldquo;I called him and said, &lsquo;[Tiffany&rsquo;s] is a big chain and they don&rsquo;t need your help. I do,&rsquo;&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;And he came back.&rdquo;</p><p>Still, some stores refuse to cut prices...</p><p>Eugene Venanzi, a bespoke tailor who owns the eponymous boutique on West 56th Street, believes in &ldquo;holding true to your standard&rdquo; whatever the climate.</p><p>&ldquo;We never do a sale,&rdquo; Mr. Venanzi said from what he called the Swedish, neo-classical boutique he opened three years ago. &ldquo;You have to look at things from your focus. If you open a shop like this, you&rsquo;re saying your long-range is based on quality and exclusivity and the classicism of exclusivity. Our approach is classic. We&rsquo;re not a Prada. We&rsquo;re not coming out with a new design every four to six months&hellip;. For me to take a navy pinstripe suit that, let&rsquo;s say, is $4,000 and make it available for $2,500, then replace it two months later and put it out for $4,500, doesn&rsquo;t prove anything.&rdquo;...</p><p>And some shoppers wouldn't dream of buying merchandise on sale. Quelle horreur!</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never seen it like this with so many sales and the department stores are in shambles,&rdquo; said Betsy Reynolds, a visitor from Alabama who strolled through Barneys with the air of a native New Yorker. Ms. Reynolds, 57, makes two trips a year to Manhattan with her 19-year-old daughter Lauren.</p><p>Both mother and daughter agreed that this has been their most &ldquo;frustrating&rdquo; retail expedition yet and they prefer to shop when &ldquo;everything in the world is [not] on sale.&rdquo; &ldquo;Going to Bergdorf, which to me is the classic department store that there ever was, you know we went up there and the whole store was in shambles like a low-class department store.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;I would rather buy at regular price than to go through all this,&rdquo; her daughter chimed in.</p><p>Perhaps you should call up that wardrobe consultant and get her to buy you some expensive stuff.</p>?<p><p>Vintage Seekers</p><p>A Prada ad from the Fall/Winter 1988 collection.</p>Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo were just twinkles in their fathers&rsquo; dark Florentine eyes in 1861 when the various Duchies and Kingdoms of the Italian peninsula became one nation.</p><p>Yet it was in this new, united Italy that some of the most inspiring fashion creations and most visionary couturiers emerged.</p><p>With their origins often in leather ware, saddlery, and luxury luggage, the great Italian fashion brands seeded their foundations in fine craftsmanship and, staying true to this, went on to scale the heights of sartorial innovation.</p><p>Now Peroni Nastro Azzurro has united six legendary names in Italian fashion to mark the 150th anniversary of the unification.</p><p>The exhibition sees Armani, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo select some of their favorite images from past ad campaigns, which they feel best reflect the ethos and aesthetic of their own brand.</p><p>For Dolce &amp; Gabbana it&rsquo;s very much about the dark heart of Italy: intense black and white images of women clad in black lace, crucifix pendants and corsets.</p><p>, Stefano Dolce refers to &ldquo;the passion of Sicilian women: the emotion of a look, the play on lights and shadows&rdquo; as having a significant bearing on his sensual yet structured designs.</p><p></p><p>One of the earliest images on display dates from 1922, a Gucci advertisement that was placed in a local newspaper to announce the opening of their first store in Florence. The Tuscan city and its heritage is a continual influence through the brand&rsquo;s evolution: fast-forward to 1967 and you have a scene in which a Gucci handbag stands against the classically Florentine backdrop of the Arno River and Duomo.</p><p>Then, to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2001, Gucci turns to Italian film and the legendary cinecitta studios for inspiration, with a shot of a 50s-styled model in the Aquariva by Gucci boat.</p><p></p><p>&ldquo;This picture was inspirational for me as I wanted the Aquariva by Gucci to celebrate the era of La Dolce Vita, when glamour and elegance defined an attitude and a lifestyle,&rdquo; says Frida Giannini, Gucci&rsquo;s creative director.</p><p>Pattern and colour define the Ferragamo pavilion, with beautiful shots of their trademark printed silk scarves and bright leather pumps, whilst the Prada collection showcases understated luxury and elegant femininity with clean, dark silhouettes&mdash;sometimes exposing a voluptuous Italian d&eacute;colletage, as in the mysterious dining table scene from their S/S 1988/89 campaign (see above).</p><p></p><p>It&rsquo;s a rare insight into the inspirations and motivations behind some of the most memorable images that have graced fashion magazines and billboards through the decades. Each label has its own pavilion designed by London design firm Carmody Groarke (who will also design this year&rsquo;s Frieze Art Fair), spread across the Mezzanine level of Somerset House&rsquo;s Embankment Gallery, supplementing the photographs with reflections and anecdotes from the designers themselves.</p><p></p><p>Downstairs, quotations from some of the world&rsquo;s leading taste makers (such as Net-A-Porter's Natalie Massenet and Darke ofSunday Times Style) remind us how Italy remains the jewel in the crown of the fashion industry, practically unrivaled in terms of passion, heritage and craftsmanship.</p><p>Along with the designers&rsquo; own reflections, many of the photographs feature commentaries from the renowned style critic Colin McDowell. &ldquo;The expression &lsquo;Made in Italy&rsquo; has become a global codeword for an embodiment of style,&rdquo; McDowell enthuses, &ldquo;When it comes to self expression, effortless style and flair, nobody does it better or more naturally than the Italians.&rdquo;</p><p>This isn&rsquo;t Peroni Nastro Azzurro&rsquo;s first foray into the fashion and art spheres; over the past few years they&rsquo;ve collaborated with the Italian Hollywood filmmaker Gabriele Muccino, and instigated the exhibitionThe Peroni Collection: Italian Style on the Silver Screenco-curated by renowned photographer Rankin and fashion writer Anna Battista.</p><p>These six photographic time capsules remind us of the creative crosscurrents between cinema, architecture and design in this European style capital, and how fashion, at its highest point, becomes interwoven with art.</p>?<p>Do three listings make it a trend?</p><p>Yesterday, are preparing for IPOs on the Hong Kong exchange. While it isn&rsquo;t heading to Asia to do so, Italian fashion company .<br><br>Ferragamo is planning to offer 25 percent of the company, according to the , in an IPO on the Milan Stock Exchange later this month. The company&rsquo;s value is estimated to be $3.28 bn. <br><br>Meanwhile, another fashion company, Moncler, has , the French investment firm.<br><br></p>?<p>Don't worry&mdash;sales can be classy!</p><p>NYT: ...deals are also available at luxury shops, even if the clerks &mdash; who roundly, albeit politely, declined to give their names &mdash; may wrinkle their noses at the very the mention of the word &ldquo;sale.&rdquo;</p><p>On Sunday at dusk, a clerk at the Paul Morelli jewelry counter at Bergdorf Goodman shook his head when asked about storewide discounts, though a small stand-up sign 50 feet away advised that select items were up to 40 percent off. Discounted items included a $1,400 Nancy Gonzalez raspberry crocodile skin clutch, now selling &mdash; or not &mdash; for $980.</p><p>Further south on the avenue, clerks, or rather, &ldquo;sales associates,&rdquo; at Prada and Fendi quietly conceded that they expected discounts to be steeper and offered earlier this year. At one luxury boutique, an associate disclosed that there would be a private sale for select clients, then implored that the news be kept a secret.</p><p>Speaking in hushed tones, a saleswoman at Salvatore Ferragamo said the luxury retailer planned to cut prices up to 30 percent right after Thanksgiving instead of a week or two later. One block south, at Versace, a neatly coiffed salesman in a dark suit gave a reporter the once-over and arched an eyebrow when asked if there were sales to be had.</p><p>&ldquo;All the stores are breaking earlier this year,&rdquo; he replied elusively, using the industry term for offering sales. &ldquo;But Donatella said business is fabulous.&rdquo; (As it happened, the salesman, along with his colleagues and a handful of security guards, appeared to be the only people in the store.)</p><p>Well if Donatella says so...</p><p></p>?<p>10 years ago today, the published a story about a 25-year old who moved from California to Manhattan and became a stockbroker.</p><p>He was "a tall, lanky, swaggering 25-year-old who... work[ed] at a top brokerage house in midtown, [wore] a lot of Prada and Gucci, [drove] a BMW and [was] married to an attractive 27-year-old woman who works in the art world."</p><p>Munson became an overnight 'somebody' in New York after the article was published in April of 2001, before things had totally fallen apart and the dot.com bubble burst.</p><p>Now, he's chief investment officer at Portfolio Asset Management; he on the Kudlow Report and Closing Bell; he writes occasionally for and SeekingAlpha.</p><p>On his site, he says, "early in his career, he worked as a speculative stock trader on Wall Street during the dot-com boom and bust until he had an epiphany. Lee began to question everything about his approach to investments starting with the basics."</p><p>Post-Observer story, Munson moved to New Mexico, became a vice president of Schwab Private Client in Albuquerque, earned a CFA and then launched Portfolio, LLC.</p><p>Here were some of our favorite lines from the Observer profile:</p><p></p>?<p></p><p>April 3, 2012<br> Hong Kong</p><p>Six centuries ago, when London and Paris were irrelevant,?plague-infested backwaters, and New York City wasn&#8217;t even on the map,?the greatest city in the world was Nanjing&#8211; the capital of the Great?Ming.</p><p>At the time, Nanjing was not only the most populous city on the planet,?it was also the pinnacle of civilization. Art, science, technology, and?commerce flourished in the Ming Dynasty&#8217;s liberalized economy, which?constituted a full 31% of global GDP at the time.</p><p>(By comparison, the US economy is roughly 25% of global GDP today&#8230;)</p><p>Taxes were low, the currency was strong, and overseas trade thrived. For?a time, Nanjing truly was the center of the world.</p><p>Over the next several hundred years, the tide shifted. The Ming Dynasty?fell, and power was transferred further west to the Ottoman Empire, and?eventually to Europe which had finally emerged from the Dark Ages as the?most advanced civilization on Earth.</p><p>Pointless crusades and inquisitions gave way to a surge in medical,?technological, and scientific breakthroughs. By the late 17th century,?western civilization had asserted its primacy in the global pecking?order.</p><p>This phenomenon has lasted for several hundred years now&#8230; but as?history has shown repeatedly, power centers frequently shift. The world?is now witnessing yet another transition of power, this time from west?to east, as the US-led western hierarchy suffocates within its own?debt-laden Keynesian fiat bubble.</p><p>Most westerners refuse to believe it. They can&#8217;t envision an era in?which the west doesn&#8217;t lead the world&#8230; in everything. And yet, that?time is already upon us. Perhaps nowhere is this more pronounced than in?finance:</p><p>1) Hong Kong, from whence I write this missive, has been home to the?most public offerings in the world ever since overtaking New York in?2009. In 2010, more than $57 billion was raised in Hong Kong IPOs,?roughly twice as much as New York.</p><p>From Italian luxury house Prada to the luggage maker Samsonite to Swiss?metals house Glencore to the US handbag maker Coach, big names have been?attracted to Hong Kong. Rovio, the creator of the popular Angry Birds?game, is expected to list in Hong Kong as well.</p><p>Whereas it was once the obvious choice to list in the US (or London),?Hong Kong has now become the best option for most businesses seeking?public capital.</p><p>2) According to the Financial Times&#8217; Banker intelligence unit, Singapore?leads every other major financial center in the world in financial?sector foreign investment.</p><p>The top three, in fact, are Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Singapore?receives more financial sector foreign investment than New York, London,?Frankfurt, and Switzerland combined.</p><p>Money goes where it is treated best&#8230; and the market is telling us that?Singapore is the right destination.</p><p>3) According to a , China is?now dominating emerging market development finance, especially in Latin?America.</p><p>In the past, countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela went to the?World Bank and IMF when they needed money. But now these vestigial?organizations of the old western hierarchy are becoming a sideshow to?Chinese financial muscle.</p><p>The study shows that, since 2005, Chinese banks have loaned more money?and made more loan commitments to Latin America than the World Bank and?International Development Bank combined&#8230; and they&#8217;re doing it at?higher interest rates.</p><p>Why? Because developing nations have figured out that when you take the?World Bank&#8217;s money, you have to put up with them telling you how to run?your government. Chinese bank loans don&#8217;t come with political strings?attached.</p><p>It&#8217;s extraordinary that this is happening in the US&#8217;s backyard.</p><p>4) The most obvious sign of Asia&#8217;s rise is the perhaps now forgone?conclusion of China&#8217;s currency becoming a new global reserve option to?compete with the dollar and euro.</p><p>Every month it seems, there is a new move to loosen China&#8217;s once-strict?currency controls and open up&#8211; new central bank currency swaps,?renminbi (RMB)-denominated futures contracts in Chinese exchanges, the?introduction of RMB accounts at non-Chinese banks, non-Chinese companies?issuing bonds in RMB, etc.</p><p>In fact, if you want to mark your calendar on the day the West concedes?to Asia, it will be when the US government begins issuing Treasury?securities denominated in renminbi.</p><p>None of this means that North America and Europe are falling off the?edge of the earth. What it does mean is that the old system is being?reset, and the rules being rewritten.</p><p>It&#8217;s not the first time in history that such a shift has occurred, and?it won&#8217;t be the last. This change is nothing to fear&#8230; merely something?to accept, embrace, and prepare for.</p> <p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>One month after Disney dropped plans to make a third Chronicles of Narnia movie over budget concerns and release-date qualms, Fox 2000 has picked up the franchise and plans to release The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010.</p><p>Although only the first Narnia film, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a major hit, both it and the sequel Prince Caspian had skyrocketing budgets, and the latter was a disappointment at the box office. So, it's not surprising that Fox has worked out a deal to cut costs.</p><p> Fox and Walden will split production and P&amp;A costs for "Dawn Treader," which is projected to go into production at a $140 million budget. That's considerably less than the $215 million or so spent on last year's "Prince Caspian," which was considered something of a box office disappointment as compared with the first "Narnia" pic, 2005's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" ($419 million vs. $745 million worldwide, respectively).</p><p>Walden's decision to partner with Fox also wasn't a surprise.</p><p> Despite a couple of suitors, including Columbia, Walden only had eyes for Fox, with whom it partnered to market and distribute its fare under the Fox Walden banner after the first "Narnia" film.</p><p>But what does seem unusual is the banner under which Fox chose to release the film. Despite its great success with movies like The Devil Wears Prada and Marley &amp; Me, particularly compared to 20th Century Fox's recent dismal record at the box-office, Fox 2000 is known for movies aimed at women not the family fare of the Chronicles of Narnia. But maybe .</p>?<p><p></p>Is there any doubt about the nature of the moment we live in? We are passing through a period of global disruption and fermentation.</p><p>An age of volatility and risk. Thebottoms-up, decentralized, and emergent is overtaking the top-down, centralized, and directed.</p><p>That much is probably obvious to anyone who&rsquo;s awake (not to mention the 20% of Americans with anxiety disorders).</p><p>What&rsquo;s less clear is what to make of it all. How do we define exactly what is going on? Change is happening everywhere, all the time. It is disrupting industries, unsettling governments, and shaking markets. Even those on the vanguard of movements like and the struggle to articulate their goals, or perhaps more to the point, struggle to direct them at any particular source.</p><p>That&rsquo;s because the nature of this change is itself unprecedented. It is particular to our global, hyper-connected context. It is characterized by the inevitable and organic emergence of ideas at an incredibly high velocity that capture our collective imagination, take form, evolve, and remix in unexpected ways with the next idea.</p><p>In other words, we are entering the age of the meme.</p><p>You&rsquo;ve probably seen funny image memes like , , the , , or the , especially if you frequent sites like , , ,or , though they are now spreading like wildfire through , , and good old-fashioned email.</p><p>Like all memes, humor memes are organic phenomena that are never finished but mutate and live on in new memes. Their emergence is certain, yet their particular form is unknowable in advance. For example, there will be a new, hilarious meme next week on Reddit, and no one yet knows what it will be. But it will emerge. That&rsquo;s why platforms like Cheezburger are so amazing: they facilitate the appearance of hits, but unlike , they don&rsquo;t have to invest in an idea and then hope that it works. It works first, which is why it emerges.</p><p>A particular meme gains prominence by beating out many other variations in a Darwinian battle for survival analogous to biological evolution. Richard Dawkins coined the term &ldquo;meme,&rdquo; , with this in mind. As he noted then, memes are as old as culture, and began as oral histories, proverbs, and learned skills. Human beings serve as replicators, passing memes from one person to another, a process that has been enhanced over time by new tools and higher levels of connectivity.</p><p>But what&rsquo;s happening today is not simply an acceleration of an age-old cultural process. We have hit an inflection point. We are an always-on culture now. Social networks have reached critical mass. Inexpensive tools for creating and remixing content have been widely adopted. Our collective consciousness has come online. The intelligence in the system is now coming from below, not above. The sage on the stage is no more.</p><p>And our collective mind is pumping out memes that are shaping every conceivable domain. Humor is simply the tip of the spear.</p>Here are a few examples.<p>Fashion. The top-down, designer-led, runway-to-rack paradigm was perhaps captured most famously in The Devil Wears Prada where fashion editor Miranda Priestly explains to Andrea that the blue sweater she believes she &ldquo;chose&rdquo; was in fact &ldquo;selected for [her] by the people in this room from a pile of stuff.&rdquo;</p><p>This began to change when companies like Inditex (Zara) implementedand bloggers like started influencing brands with his street style photography featuring real people.</p><p>But that&rsquo;s nothing compared to what&rsquo;s beginning to happen. The best examples are found on and . Instead of simply serving to identify trends that inspire designers upstream, these platforms have achieved the velocity and volume necessary to bubble up entirely new ideas, or fashion memes. To be sure, a lot of the images on these sites today simply reflect and magnify designer choices from above, but an increasing share is of a different nature. For example, a meme might emerge when a girl in Stockholm finds a scarf in her grandmother&rsquo;s attic and posts a photo of herself wearing it on . From there, the scarf is re-blogged thousands of times, picked up on Pinterest and added to hundreds of style boards, and over time beats out thousands of other potential scarfs for prominence in the fashion zeitgeist.</p><p>I think there is a real opportunity to build new brands by identifying and producing apparel based on these fashion memes. The season-driven apparel cycle isn&rsquo;t going away tomorrow, but the reign of the runway is waning.</p><p>Politics. Much has been written about the role of social networks in supporting movements like the Tea Party, OccupyWallSt, and the Arab Spring.</p><p>But these movements themselves can be understood as memes. As this explains:</p><p>On July 13, [Kalle Lasn] and his colleagues created a new hash tag on Twitter: #OCCUPYWALLSTREET. For some people they were just words and images. For Mr. Lasn, they were tools to begin remodeling the &ldquo;mental environment,&rdquo; to create a new &ldquo;meme.&rdquo;</p><p>No one knew in advance just what form a modern, anti-corporate movement would take; although many, including , that such a movement was inevitable. As with all memes, the particular form and timing was unknown in advance, but it was clear something would emerge from below and would be sweeping when it did. More are sure to follow.</p><p>As we enter campaign season, it is worth remembering that the iconic was not created by the campaign, but by the artist Shepard Fairey to sell on the street. Only after it became a meme, because of the digital version that swirled around the web in various forms during the social network-driven campaign cycle of 2008, did the Obama campaign wisely commission an official version. What began as a street poster ended up in the Smithsonian&rsquo;s National Portrait Gallery because of its influence as a political meme.</p><p>Music and Entertainment. As Kirby Ferguson explains so well in his fantastic series, , for decades artists have created popular music and movies by borrowing and remixing stories, sounds, and images.</p><p>But that process has been democratized thanks to . The result is one of the most prominent memes of all, the viral video: the , , , and the , to name just a few.</p><p>Celebrities like Justin Bieber and Andy Samberg (not to mention Rebecca Black) owe their careers to YouTube, which is nothing if not a brutally Darwinian platform where, like on Cheezburger, hits are inevitable and driven by the collective response of the whole, not the taste-predicting abilities of an or studio head.</p><p>Companies like are pushing things further still, putting simple and fun music creation tools in the hands of all. I think there remains a huge opportunity to be the platform that facilitates not just the emergence of hits, but also their creation.</p><p>News and Information. A history professor of mine once remarked that if you divided the world in half and had one half of civilization live life as usual, and the other half write down everything they were witnessing, you would still struggle to adequately record every event.</p><p>Well, that was before Twitter. Twitter has become, among other things, a real-time record of the events unfolding in the world. What better example than about the Osama Bin Laden raid as it was happening.</p><p>Trending topics are the new headlines. Said another way, they are news memes.</p><p>And the information being harvested on platforms like Twitter is now being analyzed for insights by companies like , which is building a platform for fund managers and traders to leverage the intelligence emerging from below. We are in the early innings of learning how to detect signal in the noise, but here again is a huge opportunity that will play out in fascinating ways.</p><p>Start-ups. As I this past summer, most start-ups are not unique and it is common for similar companies to pitch me at the same time. This isn&rsquo;t because people are stealing each other&rsquo;s ideas, but because the conditions for their emergence are ripe. As a few years ago:</p><p>Scientific discoveries must, in some sense, be inevitable. They must be in the air, products of the intellectual climate of a specific time and place.</p><p>The marketplace itself acts as the meme-producing platform for start-ups. First, there is the emergence of similar looking companies, followed by a winnowing of the market as certain players out-execute others, and concluding with a subset of winners.</p><p>In an emergent start-up ecosystem, my job as a VC becomes principally one of immersion and observation. I do not need to predict the future, only put myself in the right place and watch carefully for early indications of market resonance. As with all other memes, start-ups work first and emerge second. This is what underlies the iterative .</p><p>* * *</p><p>There are many more examples &ndash; in fact it&rsquo;s hard for me to think of a domain where memes aren&rsquo;t beginning to take hold. As I said above, this is the context for the historical moment we are entering. And there are big, investable opportunities (if you have one you want to discuss, I'd love to talk - or follow ).</p><p>But what if your livelihood depends on being a top-downer? What if you are in government, or a school administrator, or a brand manager for a cola beverage? How do you succeed in a world where the intelligence, tastes, and decision rights are shifting from above, concentrated in a few, to below, dispersed across all?</p><p>When we talk about &ldquo;progressive schools&rdquo; and &ldquo;smart government&rdquo; and even &ldquo;viral marketing&rdquo; I think we mean essentially the same thing. That these institutions become platforms to capture, disseminate, and build upon the best of what that comes from below. For schools, that means having students do the work at home and bring their best ideas to class the next day to debate and learn together, where the teacher plays role of facilitator.</p><p>For government, it means figuring out how to create a democracy that is inclusive of the best ideas that emerge organically. And for marketers, the first step is learning how to let the brand become a meme (you&rsquo;ll know it&rsquo;s working if you feel like you&rsquo;ve completely lost control, as happened with ). As recently, we may be entering a golden age of marketing, and I think that&rsquo;s in large part because we&rsquo;re entering the age of the memes.</p><p>Often the exception proves the rule, and if you&rsquo;re still not convinced that memes are taking over, or that top-downers are going extinct, look no further than , the last bastion of isolation, cut off entirely from the world&rsquo;s collective mind. The reason the video below is so damn funny (which is itself part of a larger Party Rock Anthem meme) is because of the absolute contrast between those seen in the video, who&rsquo;s every action is directed from above, and the music, which they have surely never heard.</p><p></p><p>This originally appeared at .<br></p>?<p>In the past three years, a wave of U.S. companies have followed the lead of France's Vente Privee in the business of private sales.</p><p>Why?</p><p>Because it's a great business.</p><p>The leader, Gilt Groupe founded two years ago, should do more than $150 million of revenue this year. Gilt recently closed a round of financing at a $400 million valuation. (Disclosure: Our co-founders, Kevin Ryan and Dwight Merriman, also co-founded Gilt).</p><p>Another competitor, Rue La La, was just bought by GSI Commerce for $350 million. (A reader intelligently notes that the sale included another business, SmartBargains, so presumably this was not all due to Rue La La). Rue La La has 1.2 million members to Gilt's 1.6 million. Kevin and Dwight's eyes are presumably as big as pie plates.</p><p>The idea of holding private sales of premium merchandise on the Web suddenly seems to be in vogue.</p><p>, which manages the Web sites for major retailers like and Zales, announced on Tuesday that it was buying Retail Convergence, operator of the Web site , in a deal valued at as much as $350 million.</p><p>Sites like Rue La La, and its major American rival, Gilt.com, take the exclusivity of designer sample sales onto the Web. Only current members can invite new participants. Every day there may be new items to buy. For example, a Rue La La member might log on to find 50 percent off items like Prada bags or shoes in a two-day sale.</p><p>See Also: <br></p>?<p>Remember BATS?</p><p>That's the electronic stock exchange that was scheduled to IPO and start trading on its own stock exchange yesterday. But then on itself in what will probably go down as the most embarrassing and horrifying IPO failure of all-time</p><p>Surely, someone is letting the folks at BATS know that it's not the end of the world (unless companies decide they no longer want to trade on the BATS).</p><p>You see, financial history is riddled with IPOs that didn't work out. See the list below.</p><p>One such failed IPO was that of back in September 1998. and Jon Corzine probably haven't forgotten those days.</p><p>Here's a recap by :</p><p>But of course Goldman's () IPO, okayed by the partners in June, was scuttled, officially "withdrawn," in late September. Instead of a hallmark of the roaring '90s, which some had predicted it would be, the IPO became a high-profile victim of the financial firestorm that has swept across the globe. Goldman put off the deal because once the stock market crashed (shares of the big Wall Street houses crashed even harder), the numbers didn't work anymore. The deal would have valued Goldman at $28 billion (a number cited in a letter to the firm from Goldman limited partner and former co-CEO John C. Whitehead, which Fortune obtained) if, as once envisioned, Goldman sold stock at around four times book value. Post-September, Goldman stock might have brought a slight premium to book, valuing the firm at a mingy $7 billion, which would have left it far short of the swag the IPO was supposed to spread throughout the firm to its partners, limited partners (mostly retired partners with capital still in the firm), and other employees.</p><p>According to the firm's co-CEOs, Jon Corzine (rhymes with "sign") and Henry "Hank" Paulson, putting the IPO off "was a pragmatic decision." Says the bearded Corzine, with his trademark Cheshire Cat grin: "At the appropriate time we will revisit the matter. Now we have to move forward." But contrary to the blase nature of that statement, it is clear, based on interviews with Goldman partners, employees, customers, and Wall Street sources, that debating -- and then icing -- the IPO was a wrenching experience that has bruised the firm. It has spotlighted, and in some cases revealed, weaknesses both in Goldman's capital structure and in its mix of businesses. It created tensions between the firm's general and limited partners. And it heightened rumors already circulating on Wall Street about the rivalry between Goldman's investment bankers and traders in general, and Corzine and Paulson in particular.</p><p>Those were the good ol' days, pre-MF Global and pre-financial crisis when people couldn't pronounce Corzine's name and didn't know Paulson's nickname.</p><p>Anyway, fast forward fourteen years and now you have the most powerful investment bank in the world.</p><p>So, worry not, BATS. All hope isn't lost.</p><p>Here are other major firms who were forced to withdraw their IPOs due to "technical issues"...or just plain hopeless business models.</p><p>Any we missed?</p>?<p><p>Composite</p>French shoemaker Christian Louboutin is known for its signature red-soled shoes, so when fashion house Yves Saint Laurent decided to sell some red-soled footwear, .</p><p>Red-soled Louboutins have become so distinguished and sought-after that women who can't afford a pair &mdash; which sell for upwards of $600 &mdash; have gone to shoe repair stores to ask cobblers to take their less expensive footwear and </p><p>"I have to admit that I don't own a pair of Louboutin shoes yet, despite my greatest desires," says Bianca Posterli, the digital and social media director for Tyra Banks's Bankable Enterprises. "The most expensive pair of shoes I own are Ash wedges that I'm totally obsessed with and have completely ruined from over-waring them."</p><p>Louboutin may have lost its request for an injunction agains YSL, but it might be happy to hear that it has won the top spot on our list of the most expensive shoe stores in America. Despite the imitators and fashionistas giving their shoes a "red sole upgrade," shoppers are dropping more dollars on average at the Christian Louboutin in Dallas, Texas than any other shoe store in America &mdash; an average of $1,108 per transaction.</p><p>We established our rankings by looking at average transactions at shoe stores based on millions of anonymized spending transactions from the U.S. government, and other third party data providers during the second quarter of 2011. Since we focused our analysis on shoe stores, clothing stores like YSL, which also sells shoes, were eliminated from our rankings (). We also filtered out shoe wholesalers and manufacturers.</p><p>Manolo Blahnik's New York store, which became a household name after popping up on the Sex and the City TV series, ranked second on our list with shoppers spending an average of $963 per transaction. Miami-based Capretto Shoes which sells designer shoes from names like Lanvin and Prada ranked third with an average transaction of $958.</p><p>Prominent shoe retailer Jimmy Choo ranked fourth with $889 per transaction with their Vegas store, and Bally on New York's Madison Avenue ranked fifth with shoppers spending an average of $741 per transaction. We should note that Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo stores appeared more than once based on transaction amounts, but we eliminated duplicate appearances to avoid a list that had nothing but repeated names, and so we could show a wider range of expensive shoe stores.</p><p>Although Dallas has the most expensive shoe store in the U.S. with Louboutin, New York City &mdash; the city where TV's Carrie Bradshaw once admitted she bought $40,000 worth of designer shoes &mdash; appeared nine times on our list of 20. San Francisco made two appearances on our list.</p><p>Posterli, who lives in New York City, says she would probably ruin any designer shoes she'd buy, or go completely broke taking cabs or a car service everywhere. "Once my lifestyle changes, however, I fully plan on investing in some serious shoes to up my shoe closet quota," she says.</p><p>Until then, Posterli says there are plenty of other options available for fashionable types.</p><p>"You'd be surprised how many younger designers there are out there making gorgeous heels, pumps, and wedges," Posterli says. "Said names might not incite envy immediately among your friends, but chances are the design will. If you are totally desperate fro Loubs, Choos, and Manolos, attempt to hit up sample sales, find deals on shopping websites, and scout in big cities &mdash; but don't underestimate the up and coming designers!"</p><p>This originally appeared at .</p><p></p>?<p><p>Ethan Miller/Getty</p>Quintessentially British label Paul Smith is attempting to crack China once again, with a flagship store in Shanghai and 24 new boutiques in the pipeline.</p><p>Sir Paul Smith has cited the opening of his first as one the proudest moments of his career, and his foray in the Far East is set to continue as he takes on China next.</p><p>His brand will set up a 5,000 sq-ft store in Shanghai - where European fashion houses Christian Dior, Gucci and Jean-Paul Gaultier have recently staged catwalk shows - in December and add 24 shops in China over the next five years, according to .</p><p></p><p>China&rsquo;s clothing market is predicted to more than triple to 1.3 trillion yuan (&pound;128.3 billion) by 2020 from 400 billion yuan (&pound;39.4 billion) in 2010 as rising incomes fuel demand, Boston Consulting Group Inc found.</p><p>&ldquo;This is the right time to join the race,&rdquo; said Balbina Wong, chief executive officer for ImagineX Group, Paul Smith&rsquo;s Greater China distributor. &ldquo;Chinese consumers are becoming more sophisticated and brand-conscious. China&rsquo;s overall GDP may slow, but the middle-class is growing.&rdquo;</p><p>It is the second time the London Fashion Week label is attempting to crack China. The brand retreated from the country with large losses five years ago, with Smith telling the Financial Times that the Chinese market was &ldquo;extremely dangerous&rdquo; due to its high rents and because the majority of the population only sought &ldquo;clothes to cover their bodies&rdquo;.</p><p>Paul Smith will be taking on earlier entrants Michael Kors and Burberry alongside fellow newcomers, Italian brands Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.</p><p></p>?<p>I don&rsquo;t think the 2011 IPO year will be soon forgotten. Thewas strong, and many thought this year would be. And then, August came. It all fell apart. Market volatility, trouble in, accusations of impropriety with Chinese companies listing in the US and the downgrade of US sovereign debt wreaked havoc on the US IPO market. In Q4, a number of big names still managed to go public, but hype seemed to be the biggest driver.</p><p>I&rsquo;m not sure if 2011 will become the stuff of legend, but just in case it does, we would be wise to keep the facts in mind., with a bit of color from me, here&rsquo;s what you need to know:</p><p>1. Global IPO count &hellip; down:334 companies went public in 2011. That&rsquo;s a 30 percent decline from 2010. Of course, the IPO market freeze from August to October likely had a major effect. The underlying drivers of the dry spell in Q3 were the crisis in the Eurozone, market volatility worldwide and the painful US economy.</p><p>2. Staggering results anyway:which, according to Capital, is the most in a decade. Three of them (,and) were among the five most anticipated IPOs of the year.</p><p>3. It could have been better:if not for the global economic challenges that hit in the second half of the year, there probably would have been more. More than 200 companies remain in the pipeline.</p><p>4. Private equity benefits from public money:the three largest private equity-backed deals in history, together, raised $8.3 bn. Overall,-backed IPO issuances hit record high levels, and venture capital activity remained strong.</p><p>5. Hit where it hurt:global IPO performance was knocked around by the global economy, with US IPOs &lsquo;significantly&rsquo; underperforming the S&amp;P 500,.</p><p>6. Biggest &hellip; IPOs &hellip; ever:four of the five biggest US internet IPOs in history &ndash; , Groupon, LinkedIn and Zynga &ndash; raised $2.4 bn in fresh capital. This is particularly interesting given the small floats of LinkedIn and Groupon.</p><p>7. Conspicuous luxury, conspicuous payout:luxury goods companies, Ferragamo andall made it to their celebratory opening bells in 2011.</p><p>8. IPOs not made in China:once hot, demand for US-listedIPOs &lsquo;evaporated&rsquo;, thanks to evidence of financial fraud, impropriety and misrepresentation,.</p><p>9. More to come:as I mentioned earlier, there are still more than 200 companies in the pipeline. Renaissance Capital says: &lsquo;US filing activity proved resilient, creating the most robust pipeline seen in over a decade&rsquo;. What does this mean? Well, 2012 should prove to be exciting!</p><p>Enough about the agony of 2011,.</p><p>Interested in reaching the pre-IPO market?</p><p>Source:</p>?<p>The Basic House Co is set to become , according to a report from .<br><br>The Korean retailer, which is behind brands such as Basic House and Speedo, is planning to raise $300 mn in the Chinese city during the second half of the year, the report states.<br><br>Basic House has brought in and as advisers, adds the report. <br><br>The move would be the latest listing in Hong Kong by global fashion brands as companies look to bolster their position in the fast-growing Chinese market.<br><br>Last month, .<br><br>Basic House is already listed on the Korea Exchange, which it joined in 2005.</p><p>[Article by ]</p>?<p>Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, the Hong Kong-based retailer, as another luxury goods company prepares to tap the Chinese market.<br><br>The retailer, which is controlled by real estate billionaire Cheng Yu-tung, is seeking to raise up to HK$22 bn ($2.8 bn) in what may turn out to be the biggest Hong Kong IPO of the year.<br><br>The order taking kicked off with a lunch today attended by high-profile members of Hong Kong&rsquo;s business and finance community.<br><br>These included Jack Ma, chairman of , and Peter Wong Tung-shun, chief executive of the Asia-Pacific region for , according to a.<br><br>Chow Tai Fook is one of the world&rsquo;s biggest jewelry chains, with more than 1,300 stores across Asia, and a leader in the fast-growing Chinese market.<br><br>Allure of China listing<br><br>Thehas led a number of western brands to list in Hong Kong over the last 18 months as they look to cement their business in the region.<br><br>The trend was kicked off by L&rsquo;Occitane, the French perfume company, when it raised $707 mn in May 2010.<br><br>June 2011 saw the biggest IPO so far this year when.<br><br>Samsonite, the US suitcase maker, also listed in Hong Kong in June, while a slew of other brands, including Coach and Jimmy Choo, are eyeing up a float.</p><p>[Article by ]</p>?<p>It's not hard to imagine families thinking: Maybe the old kitchen will do just fine. Maybe we don't need to blow out the walls and install and island.</p><p>But for now, people are still spending an above-average amount on home improvements. In fact, as notes, for the first time ever, the amount spent on home improvement exceeds the amount spent on the construction of new homes.</p><p>Currently investment in single family structures is at 1.05% of GDP, significantly below the average of the last 50 years of 2.35% - and also below the previous record low in 1982 of 1.20%.</p><p>...</p><p>Home improvement is at 1.20% of GDP, off the high of 1.30% in Q4 2005 - but still well above the average of the last 50 years of 1.07%.</p><p>An alternate take is that home improvement spending is a substitute for buying a new home. Today The Journal reported that, as consumer choose to get their old soles fixed, rather than springing for a brand new pair of kicks.</p><p>Retail sales of adult footwear declined 3.2% in the 12 months that ended in November, from the year-earlier period, according to NPD Group Inc., a market-research firm.</p><p>Lawrence Sutton hadn't set foot in a shoe-repair shop in years. In November, the 36-year-old insurance-company owner walked into Mr. McFarland's storefront in a strip mall in this town east of Tampa to drop off his wife's black Prada pumps, which had a broken strap and worn heels. "It's better to pay $40 to fix them than $500 for a new pair," he explained. His job is secure, he said, but he's concerned about the economy and is watching his wallet.</p><p>We hadn't thought of it this way before, but anecdotally we've been bringing more apparel to the tailor recently. Anyone else?</p>?<p>In addition to its history of labor violations, Forever 21 has been sued more than 50 times for allegedly stealing the work of other designers and passing it off as their own. Despite this long legal history, Forever 21 continues to get away with it: The chain has never lost one of these cases in court.</p><p>(Only once, in a case brought by the label Trovata, did the dispute even result in a trial. That ended in a hung jury; a lone holdout took the chain's side. Forever 21 on the eve of the retrial.)</p><p>Forever 21 has copied everyone, from big brands like Anna Sui and Diane von Furstenberg to smaller, independent designers like Trovata, Foley + Corinna, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. The chain has most recently been sued by Feral Childe, a fashion label run by a pair of friends named Moriah Carlson and Alice Wu, for producing clothing out of a printed fabric that looks virtually identical to one of Carlson and Wu's original prints.</p><p>Wu and Carlson say it can take months to develop just one of their textile prints. "We look for inspiration outside of fashion or textiles," they wrote in an email interview. The two share a fine arts background; they met when they were both hired to wash eggshells for an art installation. "Ideas often start with historical images, paintings, scientific illustrations, our travels or things in our everyday environment. The actual creative process consists of the two of us sitting side by side drawing and painting together, cutting up and gluing down pieces to make collages, and improvising printmaking techniques." They say that producing their own prints is "much more expensive" than buying ready-made fabrics, but they see original prints as intrinsic to their brand. "We always try to invent something we haven't seen before." Although technically copyright protection extends to any original textile print created in the U.S., registered or no, Feral Childe takes the extra step of registering each of its prints with the Copyright Office. (The process costs about $40 and can be done without the aid of a lawyer.)</p><p><p>Left: A Betsey Johnson dress in a print designed by Carole Hochman. Right: Forever 21's "interpretation." The thing is, textile prints are subject to copyright. A garment's overall design is not. "At first it boggled my mind that Forever 21 wouldn't steal the unprotected garment design, but would steal the protected fabric print," says Fordham University law professor and fashion legal expert Susan Scafidi. "Because as a legal strategy, that is a complete inversion ? it makes no sense. If you're going to steal, steal the things that aren't legally protected."</p>The thing is, textile prints are subject to copyright. A garment's overall design is not. "At first it boggled my mind that Forever 21 wouldn't steal the unprotected garment design, but would steal the protected fabric print," says Fordham University law professor and fashion legal expert Susan Scafidi. "Because as a legal strategy, that is a complete inversion &mdash; it makes no sense. If you're going to steal, steal the things that aren't legally protected."</p><p>I asked if Wu and Carlson were surprised that Forever 21 apparently duplicated their print, which they named "Teepees," given that if the company had copied one of the garments the print was on, the chain would have been on much more sound legal, if not ethical, ground. "We were surprised to be copied at all, because we make what might be considered a very niche product in both print design and silhouette," the designers wrote back. "We were particularly astonished by the choice of Teepees since it is so idiosyncratic and signature Feral Childe. We like to play hidden pictures with our prints and silhouettes and there are teepees, crowns, and pennants in the print that may not be apparent at first glance." Teepees, crowns, and pennants which all appear in the exact same configurations in Forever 21's print, too.</p><p>"Fabric prints weren't always copyrightable," says Scafidi. A court decision in the 1920s held that prints weren't subject to copyright, "but in the 1950s, the Copyright Office was expanding its scope of coverage, and one of the realizations it made was that paint on canvas or ink on paper is not that different from dye on fabric when you analyze it from a graphic perspective." Ever since, textile prints and lace patterns have been copyright. (Of course, a lot of designs are in the public domain, including basic prints like stripes, many plaids, ginghams, and houndstooth checks.)</p><p>The effect of copyright has been largely positive for the textile industry. "It's helpful for designers who have an interest in using prints, and the wherewithal to create their own prints, to get some protection," says Scafidi. "Because they can't for their clothing designs, but they can at least for their textiles."</p><p><p>Left: A Diane von Furstenberg dress. Right: You get the idea.</p>Scafidi characterized Wu and Carlson's case as very strong: "My money's on Feral Childe for this one." Forever 21's print looks like it could be a photocopy of the original design &mdash; "when you get close," says Scafidi, "and you start looking at the cross-hatch marks, and the details, it really is very identical." "We're confident in our attorneys," wrote Wu and Carlson. Attorneys, they point out, who have successfully represented plaintiffs in other textile design copyright infringement cases.</p><p>Nonetheless, "It would surprise me if this case were to go all the way to trial," says Scafidi, because Forever 21 has a big incentive to settle. Because Feral Childe registered "Teepees," that would &mdash; in the event of a trial victory &mdash; entitle them to not only actual damages, but attorneys' fees and punitive damages as well. Forever 21 has no interest in seeing that happen, and it has deep pockets with which to buy off plaintiffs. (The chain is worth around $3 billion and has 440 stores worldwide.)</p><p>At first, said Scafidi, she was confused by Forever 21's tendency to get sued again and again over the same issues with taking other people's intellectual property. "But then over time I realized that they've been caught so many times, they've been publicly exposed so many times, they've even been sued &mdash; although many fewer times, because all they do is settle &mdash; and the lightbulb went off: this is just part of their business strategy. They go ahead and they take what they want, and when they get caught, they pay up. It's probably cheaper than licensing it in the first place." Forever 21 did not respond to requests for comment.</p><p>Scafidi has spoken with many attorneys over the years who have pursued Forever 21 for copying their designer clients' original works, and says that the company's response is methodical, even phlegmatic. "It's not as though their attorneys are surprised and shocked that their client has been caught copying."</p><p>When Forever 21 settles a dispute over copying &mdash; which, again, the company has done more than 50 times in its 27 years of existence &mdash; it typically includes a non-admission of guilt, financial compensation to the designer whose work was copied, and a confidentiality agreement.</p><p><p>Left: A dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Right: Guess who!</p>Forever 21 continues to copy because copying a dress design &mdash; even copying a dress design clearly made first by someone else, even copying a dress with stitch-by-stitch exactness &mdash; isn't in and of itself illegal in the U.S. "Because the law has been so reluctant to focus on fashion specifically as an appropriate subject for protection, has been so reluctant to acknowledge fashion as a creative medium, we &mdash; and by 'we' I mean the legal profession &mdash; have been called on to pull and stretch other areas of intellectual property to cover bits of fashion," Scafidi explained. "So trademark can be stretched to cover the label. Trade dress, a subset of trademark, stretched a little further to cover very iconic designs. Copyright pulled in to cover jewelry and to cover fabric prints, jewelry because it is like a little mini sculpture and not merely a useful article. Occasionally, patent pulled in to protect functional elements, like Velcro, or a zipper...So intellectual property sort of stretches these bits to cover parts of fashion, leaving most of fashion naked and exposed. Which is why the need for the additional law, to finally say, Look, we can cover the core as well. We can cover the central aspect of any garment, and that is its actual design, if it is indeed innovative."</p><p>Scafidi consulted on the development of one such bill, supported by New York senator as well as fashion and retail trade groups, which is currently under consideration in the House.</p><p><p>Top: A row of shirts made by Forever 21. Bottom: A row of shirts by the fashion label Trovata. These shirts were at the crux of a lengthy legal dispute between Trovata and Forever 21, to date the only time the California chain has had to face a jury in a knockoff case.</p>Forever 21's main competitors &mdash; retailers that share a business model built on selling rapidly mass-produced runway-inspired stock, like H&amp;M, Zara, and Topshop &mdash; don't knock off designers' works with anything close to Forever 21's avidity, Scafidi pointed out. "They're based in Europe," she explained, where copyright protection does extend to clothing designs. This, she argues, is better for the consumer, because anyone interested in, say, "those white blazers that were all over Stella McCartney's runway last season" or "those Prada stripes" can choose between H&amp;M's interpretation, Zara's version, and Topshop's. Making chains unable to just rip off an existing garment exactly forces them to be creative about it.</p><p>Today in the Guardian, Do Won Chang, the co-founder of Forever 21 his take on why his company is so prone to lawsuits such as Feral Childe's. Its his vendors' fault, you see:</p><p>I have in the past overly trusted people and was, in turn, let down by some. Since then I have learned the difference between putting faith into people and blindly trusting them.</p><p>Maybe he should have a talk with his daughter, Forever 21 marketing executive Linda Chang so they can co-ordinate their messages, because in the same news story, Linda seemed to deny any lawsuits had ever taken place:</p><p>"We've never settled," she says of the label's lawsuits, making unquivering eye contact.</p><p>There's a first time for everything. Or a fifty-first.</p><p>This originally appeared at . </p>?<p>Even though G Pap got his groove back with Tuesday&rsquo;s decidedly undecided vote of confidence, it has become very clear that concern is less with Greece and the balance of the periphery than it is with Italy and Spain.</p><p>Wednesday we read no fewer than four articles in the FT outlining a barrage from the IMF of &ldquo;concerns&rdquo; it was seeing both from exploding short term funding to the wonderful world of 120% of GDP that is Silvio Berlusconi.</p><p>Don&rsquo;t worry &ndash; we're still pretty sure they&rsquo;ll get the Prada IPO out the door in Hong Kong.</p><p>As we&rsquo;ve written in this space in the recent past, the incremental debt differential actually creates a negative feedback loop. The clearest description of this has come most recently from Carmen Reinhardt and her illustrations that show quite cleanly that loads over 110% start that giant sucking sound.</p><p>This morning&rsquo;s initial jobless claims came in higher than expected and the weekly revisions of up 6,000 suggest to us that next week&rsquo;s payroll number is going to be less than impressive.</p><p>Here we see the trending version with the rolling numbers.</p><p></p><p>The second domino in this worrisome picture is that second half of the year profits very much depend on kids having made a bunch of discretionary income over the summer. They use this to buy Abercrombie clothes to impress their fellow pubescent friends and so the virtuous consumer cycle they were taught by their parents lives on. Until it doesn&rsquo;t&hellip;</p><p>It seems to us that mom and dad may be more than a little worried by the fact that Jenny and Johnny can&rsquo;t find work this summer and they will have to supplement their Abercrombie purchases in August. The rub here is that either Mom or Dad may or may not have a job and if they do, they may have one that pays a great deal less than their last one.</p><p>One last screen grab today via our pals at On Trading. While they don&rsquo;t use VIX in their day to day work it is worth noting where things are on a relative basis. Are we really seeing complacency? Or, are we seeing a relative value trade for the ages.</p><p>Maybe stocks really are at the cheapest they&rsquo;ve been in some time. Certainly on the dividend discount model they look attractive. Problem is, as of this morning they are getting cheaper.</p><p></p><p>This &ldquo;relative value&rdquo; trade was also echoed by Linn Group CEO Gordon Linn as he suggested that the recent selling of commodities to buy equities makes all the sense in the world. Zero interest rates for 2-3 more meeting means a firming $ and a firming $ may mean a new ceiling on the inflation trade.</p><p>We believe that stocks are over priced by at least 5-8%.</p><p>And, of course we never rule out Bernanke stealthily expanding the Fed balance sheet by reinvesting interest payments&hellip;. Time will tell.</p><p>What we are watching</p><p>Strategic Financial Group</p><p>Investment Advice offered through Strategic Financial Group LLC, A Registered Investment Advisor.</p>?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=e27a6c79212c38495398a900&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?<p></p><p>Seven years ago, founded a startup accelerator, </p><p>Since then, it has become the most competitive startup program in the world. Its acceptance rate is compared to that of an Ivy League school, with similar prestige stamped on each graduating startup.</p><p>To date, more than 460 startups have gone through the accelerator, and they've gone on to .</p><p>Among them are , a file sharing and storage company that has raised . Airbnb, a consumer-to-consumer room-rental service, has raised $120 million at a $1.3 billion valuation. Socialcam, which graduated from Y Combinator's program in March, was .</p><p>Thanks in part to these successes, startup valuations are climbing. In fact, one Silicon Valley investor thinks Y Combinator's valuations are so high, they're making startups more expensive across the board.</p><p>"YC has single handedly jacked up the price of early-stage startups over its last two batches," this investor says.</p><p>"The Winter 2012 batch's [average] valuation was $10 million pre-money," he complains. "In 2011 it was $8 million pre-money. The companies have raised at such a valuation that the next step has to be a $50-60 million valuation."</p><p>Graham, while flattered by the statement, doesn't believe it.</p><p>"If it's true that would be a great compliment, but I don't think we have that much influence," he told us over email.</p><p>We spoke with a number of investors; all agreed Y Combinator startups are overpriced. They say Graham has turned Y Combinator into a luxury brand&mdash;the Prada of the startup world. And VCs are willing to overpay just to have a Y Combinator outfit in their closets.</p><p>How did that happen?</p><p>As one investor put it, "Paul Graham is really smart."</p><p>Like any luxury product, presentation is everything for a Y Combinator startup.</p><p>"Think about alcohol marketing," says a investor.</p><p>"What's the difference between a premium vodka and a non-premium vodka? The presentation. Y Combinator knows how to create a luxury product. It knows how to create a sense of scarcity. And it knows how to create a sense of mystery."</p><p>A good presentation starts with polishing up the founders. Historically, entrepreneurs have been taken advantage of by VCs. Graham is meticulous when teaching entrepreneurs how to pitch their products so they appeal to both press and investors.</p><p>Angel investor Paige Craig explains: "YC is good because it has given a lot of power and education to founders. They learn how to pitch their companies, as well as the tips and tricks of dealing with investors. I see a lot of great companies who really shoot themselves in the foot because they don't know how to play the investing game or explain their products. Graham is giving them a leg up in how to play that game."</p><p>"These guys are being coached to go for the jugular of the investor," another investor said.</p><p>Investors also say YC startups come in with an attitude most other entrepreneurs don't have. They're elusive and borderline cocky.</p><p>"There's a formula for how to go and get people excited," an investor tells us. "People who see a ton of deals can see through it to some degree. But YC is very good at creating the sense that a deal is 'Going, going, gone!' It's not the same process you go through with a non-YC company."</p><p>A YC startup founder tells us participants aren't formally coached on how to deal with investors during the program. There's no mandatory class on investor etiquette; most of what's learned comes from discussions over weekly dinners where entrepreneurs can ask guest speakers anything and absorb information.</p><p>This founder said the confidence and salesmanship comes more from the situation than from anything teaches them. VCs know hundreds of other investors are eyeing YC companies; YC companies realize they have their pick of the litter. "Normally it's an adversarial relationship between investors and entrepreneurs. Y Combinator just makes the playing field more level," the founder says.</p><p>It doesn't hurt YC startup valuations thatGraham arms his startups with cash.</p><p>YC invests an initial $18,000 into each startup. On top of that, , the Russian tech investor behind and ,and Ron Conway's offer them $150,000 convertible notes. Investors know the founders aren't money-hungry, which changes the fundamental dynamics of the meeting.</p><p>Graham knows he's created a unique situation that tends to work in the entrepreneur's favor.</p><p>"Because YC-funded startups are a known quantity to investors and get introduced to enough of them to create serious price competition, than they might otherwise," he writes in a blog post.</p><p>"I would bet any day that my cap was significantly higher (probably 2x) as a direct result of being part of YC," a .<br></p><p>Just like they're trained to handle investors, YC founders are trained to impress journalists. Sometimes, Graham to help sell them.</p><p>"Graham has been able to create this amazing hype machine," an investor says. "I think it's brilliant to be honest."</p><p>So, are Y Combinator startups worth these high valuations?</p><p>"It's not a trick," says an investor.</p><p>"There are a lot of amazing, amazing companies coming out of Y Combinator. They typically have technical founders too, which is something a lot of other programs don't have. And there's a ton of competition to get into YC. As an investor, it means you have to pay more."</p><p>For some investors though, Graham's luxury price has become too much.</p><p>"If you're a smart investor, you're not going to participate," we were told.</p><p>"A startup that is worth $3 million is able to raise at $5&mdash;some wouldn't be able to raise at all if they weren't in YC. It's a bloat on the price because YC startups get so much press, they're marketed the right way, and it's frustrating," an investor said.</p><p>"My guess is you'll see valuations go back down to a more reasonable level," says Craig. "Graham is sharp. He's probably thinking about this already. You can't have a massive investor backlash."</p>?<p><p> via Flickr</p> just got worse in the. Unemployment across the region is still high, but .</p><p>Which would explain why people have been leaving the country in droves to find work elsewhere. &mdash; and lots of those people are going to Brazil. The Wall Street Journal's Richard Bourdeaux and Paulo Prada :</p><p>"Brazil is profiting from Europe's decline. It is wooing foreign engineers and other construction-related specialists to help carry out housing, energy and infrastructure projects for which the government has budgeted $500 billion through 2014, more than double Portugal's annual gross domestic product. ...</p><p>By 2020, Brazil will need as many as 1.1 million engineers, roughly twice as many as it has now." </p><p>The country's big projects include building sports venues and hotels for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games, among other things.Although the country's economy , it has a and is expected to .</p>Don't Miss:?<p>MANILA, Philippines (AP) &mdash; Termites, storms and neglect have damaged part of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos' legendary collection of shoes and other possessions left behind after she and her dictator husband were driven into U.S. exile by a 1986 popular revolt.</p><p>Hundreds of pieces of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos' clothing, including the formal native see-through barong shirts he wore during his two-decade rule, have also begun to gather mold and fray after being stored for years without protection at the presidential palace and later at Manila's National Museum, officials told The Associated Press on Sunday.</p><p>The Marcoses fled the Philippines at the climax of an army-backed "people power" revolt which became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes worldwide. Ferdinand Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 and his widow and children returned home years later.</p><p>They left staggering amounts of personal belongings, clothes and art objects at the palace, including at least 1,220 pairs of Imelda Marcos' shoes.</p><p>More than 150 cartons of clothes, dress accessories and shoes of the Marcoses were transferred to the National Museum for safekeeping two years ago after termites, humidity and mold threatened the apparel at the riverside palace. They deteriorated further at the museum after the fragile boxes were abandoned in a padlocked hall that had no facilities to protect such relics and was inundated by tropical rains last month due to a gushing leak in the ceiling, museum officials said.</p><p>Museum staffers, who were not aware the boxes contained precious mementoes from the Marcoses, opened the hall on the fourth floor of the building after noticing water pouring out below the door. They were shocked to see Marcos' shoes and gowns when they opened the wet boxes, officials said.</p><p>Workers hurriedly moved the boxes to a dry room and some were later brought to a museum laboratory, where a small team of curators scrambled to assess the extent of the damage, a process that may take months given the huge volume of the apparel. Some items have been damaged by termites and mold beyond repair, according to museum curator Orlando Abinion, who is heading the effort.</p><p>"We're doing a conservation rescue," Abinion told the AP. "There was termite infestation and mold in past years, and these were aggravated by last month's storm."</p><p>"It's unfortunate because Imelda may have worn some of these clothes in major official events and as such have an important place in our history," he said.</p><p>AP journalists saw a badly tattered box at the museum filled with damaged and soiled leather bags and designer shoes belonging to Imelda Marcos. Termites had damaged the heel and sole of a white Pierre Cardin shoe. Other shoes were warped out of shape or badly stained.</p><p>About 100 of Ferdinand Marcos' barong shirts were squeezed tightly into another box, some still attached to plastic hangers. A white barong shirt on top, with the presidential seal emblazoned on its pocket, had reddish stains and a sleeve was nearly torn off.</p><p>Imelda Marcos, now a member of the House of Representatives, was not available for comment Sunday.</p><p>Her massive shoe collection, including top U.S. and European brands, astounded the world and became a symbol of excess in the Southeast Asian nation, where many still walked barefoot out of abject poverty.</p><p>Ferdinand Marcos' successor, democracy icon Corazon Aquino, accused him of stealing billions of dollars during his 20-year rule and ordered many of his assets seized.</p><p>The clothes and shoes of the Marcoses were not among the assets allegedly stolen by them and sequestered by the government following the dictator's fall, according to Presidential Commission on Good Government official Maita Gonzaga. The government has so far recovered $2.24 billion worth of cash, bank accounts and prime real estate from the Marcoses and their cronies, she said.</p><p>After the 1986 revolt, Aquino had Imelda Marcos' shoes displayed at the presidential palace as a symbol of the former first lady's lavish lifestyle. The shoes were then removed from public view and stored in the palace basement when Aquino stepped down in 1992.</p><p>Mrs. Marcos once claimed most of her foreign-branded shoes were fake, though that has never been independently verified. But the world's fascination with her footwear, including a battery-operated pair that blinked when she danced, has ensured a hefty price tag. A 1990 U.S. charity auction of one pair donated by her fetched $10,000.</p><p>Imelda Marcos claimed many of the shoes were gifts from Filipino shoemakers in suburban Marikina city, the country's shoemaking capital. Marikina officials borrowed 800 pairs of her shoes in 2001 for a shoe museum, which has become a tourist spot.</p><p>Unapologetic about the past, Mrs. Marcos said her shoes became her best defense.</p><p>"They went into my closets looking for skeletons, but thank God, all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes," she told reporters when she inaugurated the shoe museum.</p><p>Massive flooding, however, damaged dozens of pairs of Marcos' shoes in Marikina in 2009.</p><p>About 765 pairs, including famous brands like Gucci, Charles Jourdan, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, Chanel and Prada, survived the Marikina floods. The shoes, size 8 1/2 to 9, still look remarkably new due to meticulous museum care, which includes displaying them in airtight and dust-free glass cabinets in an air-conditioned gallery, away from direct sunlight. The shoe collection draws a daily crowd of 50 to 100 Philippine and foreign tourists, who almost always leave in awe, museum manager Jane Ballesteros said.</p><p>"The first word they utter is 'Wow,' followed by the question, 'Was she able to wear all of these?'" Ballesteros said. "When I say, yes, look at the scratches on the soles, the next reaction is, 'Really?'"</p><p>"It's amusing," Ballesteros said. "Her shoes never fail to astound people years after."</p><br>?<p><p></p><p>The Leaning Tower of Pisa</p>Presently,Italy&rsquo;s economyis the fourth biggest inEurope, according to theInternational Monetary fund. Italy sits behindGermany,Franceand theUnited Kingdom.</p><p>Really, Italy should be the biggest economy in Europe, and should be able to overtake Japan too which would make Italy the third biggest economy in the whole world.</p><p>To be honest, with its reputedly stagnant economy, Italy is not doing all that badly to be in fourth place in Europe and in eighth place in the world. Just imagine where Italy would be if its economy started really motoring.</p><p>Powering past the world leaders, the USA and China would be hard seeing as Italy has neither the manpower nor the area to compete with the big two. Eventually maybe, countries such as Russia or even India may overtake Italy in terms of economic horsepower, but growth in these two nations will be of benefit to Italy.</p><p>Now, why do I think Italy should be the biggest economy in Europe? When you think about it, it&rsquo;s not too difficult to understand.</p><p>Here are the areas in which Italy could really shine, and most probably will, if the current forward thinking Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti manages to overcome the many obstacles obstinate Italy is likely to throw in his path.</p><p>Just look at what Italy has to offer on its home turf:</p>Tourism<p>Italy is a holiday destination par excellence. It has got absolutely everything any tourist can possibly desire:</p><p>Have I missed something? Quite probably and will happily accept suggestions, even if the list is quite impressive as it is.</p>Exports<p>This is the real biggie and many of the items mentioned in the tourism section above can be exported.</p><p>Italy has so many brands with a world class reputation, it is difficult to remember them all, but here are a few to be going on with:</p><p>Italian fashion brands: Gucci, Armani, Emilio Pucci, Valentino, Prada, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Trussardi, Versace, Krizia, Etro, Miu Miu, Laura Biagiotti, Max Mara, Fendi, Moschino, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Benetton and Brioni are but a few. And there are many Italian accessory and jewelry brands, such as Luxottica, too.</p><p>Italian food brands: Nutella, Ferrero, Barilla, Napolina, Parmalat, and many more, including smaller brands making exclusive products for the luxury sector such as Baratti &amp; Milano, Venchi, Bistefani and more. Visit theto see reams and reams of Italian food brands.</p><p>Want more? There are, plenty:</p><p>Italian furniture brands, and this is a mere glimpse of what Italy has to offer:</p><p>Then there is Italian design, such as</p><p>What about Italian motorbikes:</p><p>Italy seems to be good at just about everything it touches, and then some.</p>Brains<p>Italy has lots of great brains, but has already, and blindly, let them export themselves away from the Boot, but many would come back and may well do so, when they deem the time is right. I&rsquo;m willing to bet that many Italian expats are watching what Mario Monti is getting up to with great interest.</p><p>What is also interesting is that Italy is not standing still, despite its problematic economy.</p><p>New companies are being formed all the time, such as, a creator of bespoke caf&egrave; racer motorcycles. Unfortunately, Italy does not do much to nurture its baby businesses, but if the nation goes in the direction Mario Monti is pointing it, the world may well be graced by even more iconic Italian brands.</p><p>Obviously it is no good making products which nobody wants to buy, but this is not the case with Italy&rsquo;s goods. The problem is that many people outside of Italy simply do not know what Italy offers.</p><p>I&rsquo;ve been told by a few Italians that Italy is not especially good at marketing itself &ndash; which is putting it very mildly indeed. This is a pity because markets for Italian products abound.</p>Markets<p>Just about every country in the world is a market for made in Italy goods.</p><p>In some countries, such as the USA, UK, and a good few other nations, Italian brands are fairly well established; very well established, if you consider some of the big Italian fashion houses.</p><p>On top of the existing markets, which Italy could probably exploit better, there are the huge emerging markets &ndash; China, India and, eventually, Russia.</p><p>There is still plenty of space for Italy&rsquo;s fine products almost everywhere.</p>Market, Market, Market<p>Italy only really needs to market its vast assortment of goods better.</p><p>If the Italian government actually starts functioning, one fine day, and with a little luck it will as a result ofwaving his technocratic wand, Italy stands to be an economy which dwarfs those of France, Germany and Great Britain.</p><p>Italy should be the number one economy in Europe. I&rsquo;m absolutely, utterly and totally convinced of this.</p><p>Go on Italy! You can do it &ndash; if youwantto.</p><p>This originally appeared at </p>?<p><p>Getty Images/Simon Russell</p><p>Anna Wintour and Miuccia Prada squire Jeff Bezos to the press review of a Prada exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p>Jeff Bezos wears Prada jeans.</p><p>He just can't sell them.</p><p>Stephanie Clifford at the NYT .com is pushing deeper into high-end apparel, but not all brands are on board.</p><p>This has been going on for a while now, but Amazon is getting really serious about it.</p><p>It's hired stylists and shooting thousands of fashion photos a day. It's added brands like Vivienne Westwood and Michael Kors. And it's sending Bezos&mdash;famous for his "" of light-blue shirts and blue jeans&mdash;to New York events that are far outside of his fashion comfort zone. </p><p>And far outside of Amazon's own merchandise selection.</p><p>Can you picture Bezos flashing an at a launch event?</p><p>Of course not&mdash;he'd have an Amazon . But he's committing a similar faux pas in his attempt to showcase Amazon.com's growing collection of fashion.</p><p>Bezos is honorary chairman of the Costume Institute Benefit, an event Amazon.com is sponsoring and livestreaming Monday night to celebrate the launch of aat the Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p><p>But as Cliffordnotes, youon Amazon.com&mdash;like the jeans Bezos was wearing during his interview with the newspaper, or the tuxedo he was thinking about wearing to the benefit.</p><p>Last year, Amazon.com , an entry into the flash-sales market pioneered by the likes of Rue La La and . You don't. It sells designers like Luciano Barbera, whose collection is also sold at Barneys but who's hardly a household name.</p><p>Give Bezos this much credit: He always plays a long game. And if he's ever hoping to carry Prada online, paying up to sponsor fashion exhibits, cozying up toeditor Anna Wintour, and wearing the required uniform is a good start.</p>?<p>SHANGHAI () - Louis Vuitton is courting China's wealthy with one-of-a-kind shoes and bags it is branding as unique works of art to reclaim its exclusive cachet in the luxury market.</p><p>The French luxury brand, a unit of , is set to open its largest China store in Shanghai on Saturday, complete with a gilded spiral staircase and an invitation-only private floor where big spenders can get their hair done while dreaming up designs for custom bags.</p><p>"The made-to-order concept is the ultimate luxury," Louis Vuitton Chief Executive told Reuters during a tour of the store, which the company calls a "maison".</p><p>"It's the same with art. If you are interested in art, the ultimate is to commission an artist rather than buy a piece that is already done," Carcelle said.</p><p>Louis Vuitton routinely ranks among the most admired brands in surveys of Chinese consumers. But ultra-luxury names such as Hermes are making inroads, and some top-tier consumers now look down on Louis Vuitton as too common.</p><p>The company hopes to cement its exclusive luxury status with the new Shanghai store, which boasts steel sculptures and carries a wide array of goods ranging from chic coats and hats to brightly colored bags made from python or alligator skin.</p><p>It also sells carrying cases for tiles used to play the Chinese game mahjong and made-to-order trunks for tea sets.</p><p>China is the world's third biggest market for personal luxury goods, worth at least 160 billion yuan ($25 billion). In the next three years, it is expected to leapfrog over Japan and the United States to take the top spot, with the luxury segment expanding to 180 billion yuan ($28 billion).</p><p>BAD TIMING?</p><p>The Louis Vuitton maison, one of 16 similar boutiques in the world, is located in Shanghai's address for luxury goods: the swanky Plaza 66 mall, where rival brands such as Chanel and Prada also have stores.</p><p>Spanning four levels and with more than 100 staff, the store is currently the only one in China that offers custom bags and shoes. The company declined to say how much it spent on the boutique.</p><p>"Being in this made-to-order market needs sophisticated customers who know what they are talking about and own several bags, if not dozens of bags," Carcelle said.</p><p>"That's why the haute maroquinerie and made-to-order-shoes... are important to demonstrate in China," he said, using the French word for luxury leather crafts.</p><p>"As long as we didn't have this space to show them to our clients, in a world that is changing fast, we were missing our weapons," he said.</p><p>Louis Vuitton's timing, however, may be less than ideal.</p><p>Luxury spending is softening in China as the economy weakens. Economic growth slowed to its lowest level in three years last quarter. Britain's Burberry said last week its sales had been hit by the slowdown in China.</p><p>Carcelle declined to comment on the state of the Chinese economy or its impact on luxury spending, but said he sees more "maisons" opening up in the capital Beijing and Hangzhou, a thriving trade hub in eastern China.</p><p>He said Chinese consumers had rapidly matured into luxury connoisseurs, and the company needed to cater to both first-time buyers and sophisticated shoppers.</p><p>"Maybe in the West, this trend took 20 years but here it takes 5 years from the first purchase to the willingness to have more sophisticated products and services," Carcelle said.</p><p>($1 = 6.3729 Chinese yuan)</p><p>(Editing by Emily Kaiser and Miral Fahmy)</p><p></p>?<p>One recent night, the ballroom at Hong Kong's Grand Hyatt hotel was transformed into an elegant Parisian salon. Several dozen very wealthy families from all over China were flown in for a weekend of cruises, property tours and a gala auction. Chow Tai Fook (CTF), a Hong Kong firm that is the world's largest jeweller, paid the bill.</p><p>Adrian Cheng, an executive director at the firm and scion of CTF's controlling family, put it all together to reward customers who spend over 1m yuan ($158,000) a year. Many come from the provinces in and around Beijing, Mr Cheng whispers: "closer to power and money" than Shanghai or Shenzhen.</p><p>Even in provincial cities like Kunming, the rich routinely expect luxury shops to pamper them with cocktails and massages, says Francis Phua of DKSH, a consultancy. However, these days China has so many people flashing gold and platinum cards around that the seriously wealthy expect luxury firms to treat them to ever more exotic and exclusive events, to maintain their sense of superiority. CTF has taken its "VVIPs" on junkets to Paris Fashion Week, on helicopter tours and rare-wine tastings.</p><p>A new report from , a stockbroker, forecasts that more than half of this year's growth in luxury goods will come from China, where sales are set to soar by 24% in 2012. The country is already the largest market for jewellery after America, and for gold after India, and is gaining fast on both leaders. Prada and Gucci owe a third of their global sales to the rich in China. CTF saw same-store sales on the mainland shoot up by 45% from April to September last year.</p><p>Mao may be spinning in his grave at how much China's super-rich appreciate being "educated" on how to blow extravagant amounts on fine cigars and fancy watches. Whereas the West's rich like it when luxury firms give them discounts for repeat purchases, their Chinese counterparts care more about having their status recognised, says Franklin Yao of SmithStreet, another consultancy. He thinks this is especially true for women, who make up 70% of CTF's VIP scheme.</p><p>For such super-rich Chinese, an invitation to a lavish weekend is not enough, Mr Cheng explains. They expect a personal butler to fetch them and fuss over them. If that is what his very best customers want, that is what they shall have.</p><p></p>?<p>Prada has began the bookbuilding for its Hong Kong listing as luxury brands seek to take advantage of interest among Chinese investors in the sector.<br><br>The Italian fashion house has set an indicative price for each share of HK$36.50-HK$48 ($4.7-$6.2), according to , citing a person familiar with the situation.<br><br>At this price range, . <br><br>The IPO is planned to launch on June 14, the source says.<br><br>Samsonite is also planning to list in Hong Kong in June, in what will be a big month for luxury brands on the Chinese exchange.<br><br>The US luggage maker announced its pricing last week and hopes to raise up to $1.5 bn.<br><br>Interest in a Hong Kong listing by luxury brands has been strong since French cosmetics group L&rsquo;Occitane raised $707 mn in an IPO in the city last year.<br><br>L&rsquo;Occitane&rsquo;s Hong Kong share offering was oversubscribed by approximately 158 times, according to a statement from the company at the time.<br><br>The listings by upmarket retailers reflect the strong demand for luxury goods in China, driven by the country&rsquo;s burgeoning middle class.</p><p>[Article by ]</p>?<p>Christopher Parr is an industry leader with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing. He is an award-winning veteran, writer, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. He launched as a curated list of the good things in life, with guest contributors from Forbes, Mashable, TechCrunch, Glamour, Saveur and more sharing their favorite luxuries. Askmen.com recently named him &#8220;,&#8221; his family is featured in , , and Milton Pedraza, CEO, Luxury Institute, calls him &#8220;One of the top expert practitioners in global luxury in marketing with a particular expertise in marketing, selling and engaging customers in the digital world. He is one of those professionals who executes brilliantly. He is innovative while looking out for the return on investment&#8230;&#8221;</p><p>In 1996, Michael Wolff&#8217;s NetGuide named &#8216;s inaugural online magazine as &#8220;The Best Site of the Year&#8221; at MacWorld. He holds a MFA from Brandeis and a BA from Viterbo. </p><p>Here&#8217;s a Q&#038;A with as he shares his digital strategy behind creating an authentic luxury platform to engage affluent readers and connect with luxury brands. It&#8217;s a new age of blogging and editorial intersecting with digital luxury marketing and social media to create online buzz for the world&#8217;s best luxury brands. </p><p>Can you talk a little bit about where you got the idea to start Pursuitist.com?</p><p>The idea of Pursuitist.com was to create a travel, style and leisure destination for affluent consumers. For readers pursuing amazing fashion brands, hotels, restaurants, gadgets, experiences, and autos ? Pursuitist is a destination site that curates the good things in life. We’ve brought in world-class content producers ? remarkable writers sharing remarkable experiences. </p><p>How has the experience of the site differed from what you expected it would become?</p><p>It’s been a blast. As I tell my writers ? write about remarkable people, products and experiences. We aspire to go beyond the bling ? Pursuitist is luxury redefined. We focus on the artisans that make amazing handcrafted products ? from a designer at Louis Vuitton to a 2nd generation organic winemaker in Napa. We pursue to tell the story and go behind the scenes. We officially launched in July. While in beta, the Pursuitist editors have diligently curated a rich list of the good things in life to share with affluent readers. Coinciding with the launch, a few of the new contributors sharing their favorite luxuries include remarkable writers.</p><p>How does the site plan to attract affluent individuals?</p><p>To build awareness, we’re launching a 360-degree advertising campaign. To attract and keep the right readers, our strategy includes word-of-month, PR, campaigns with Facebook, Twitter, banner ads on other affluent websites, and email marketing. Facebook integration is also a major tactic ? the sharing, liking, and commenting is exclusively powered by Facebook to help us go viral and obtain more likeminded readers.</p><p>What is your relationship to the brands you write about?</p><p>As we’re able to serve up a targeted audience, luxury brands love our platform. We’re also very selective of the advertisers that appear on our site. Pursuitist is truly a targeted online destination for luxury advertisers to connect and engage with affluent consumers. Advertisers have included Burberry, Coach, Intel, BMW, Chase Bank, Audemars Piguet, Broadmoor Hotel and Cosmopolitan Hotel. The Pursuitist is a great place to be seen ? as our readers are affluent (65% with an annual income of $75k and up) and influencers.</p><p>How do you keep your content authentic?</p><p>There’s a shortage of online destinations for affluent consumers seeking authentic experiences. Plenty of cold bling sites exist, focusing on editorial content with ultra premium and inaccessible luxuries. That’s the void, and why Pursuitist was created ? there’s not another site like us. Pursuitist is one destination site with 9 targeted sections (Arts, Auto, Epicurean, Family, Green, House, Style, Tech and Travel) ? best described as an online mashup of The Huffington Post and Conde Nast.Our editorial is also different ? from our travel journals to our features on amazing artisans and clever destinations. With friendlier and accessible narratives ? our readers tell us they feel like insiders, along for the ride.</p><p>In general, what kind of lift can this kind of content offer brands? Is this something they should focus on getting more of?</p><p>We’ve also worked quite closely with other luxury brands to organically integrate and feature their products ? from Four Seasons, Hermes, Patron, Gucci, Prada, Robert Mondavi Wine, Ralph Lauren, Lobel Steaks of New York, to Chanel. As we only focus on premier brands and destinations, we are selective of the brands we feature. It’s a terrific halo effect ? to be “Pursuitist Recommended.”</p><p>Do most brands react to what you write? How do they respond to your content?</p><p>They love it. The brands, from Marc Jacobs, Land Rover to Viking Range prefer to re-tweet and link to our editorial on their social media channels. (See an example of Marc Jacobs leveraging Pursuitist’s editorial .)</p><p>Also read, Luxury Daily News: </p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>Here&#8217;s a sneak preview of the ultra-luxurious Prada 3.0 Smartphone. Officially called the PRADA Phone by LG 3.0 &#8212; the concept sketches show us a sleek and modern black design &#8212; and it&#8217;s rumored to be running Google&#8217;s Android OS. Also, Prada and LG are extending their partnership, here&#8217;s the official news:</p><p>SEOUL, Nov. 24, 2011 ?- PRADA and LG Electronics (LG) today renewed their exclusive mobile phone partnership at a signing ceremony in Seoul, Korea. Building on this partnership’s previous success, the two companies will develop the PRADA phone by LG 3.0, for launch in early 2012.</p><p>Under this partnership, LG will be PRADA’s exclusive mobile phone partner. The collaboration, which began in 2006 and resulted in two premium mobile phones being introduced in 2007 and 2008, focuses on key elements within the smartphone, including software and user interface down to its design and packaging.</p><p>“The partnership between Prada and LG has always been characterised by an innovative approach and uncompromised quality of style, design and breakthrough technology,” said Mr. Patrizio Bertelli, CEO of PRADA Group. “These values are common to both our brands, which have always anticipated, and often set, the trends in many fields. We were therefore delighted to cooperate again with LG in the development of the latest creation of the mobile communication industry.”</p><p>“Our working relationship with PRADA is unique in its longevity and success, something no other phone company and luxury brand have been able to replicate,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Having successfully launched two PRADA phones by LG, we look forward to collaborating further to develop premium handsets with a strong identity and the most sophisticated style.”</p><p>The PRADA phone by LG 1.0, a pioneer in the mobile phone space, was an unqualified success, selling over one million units. This premium handset combined high-end technology with a design embodying superior style. As evidence of its place in design history, the PRADA phone by LG 1.0 is part of the permanent collection in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Shanghai.</p><p>The PRADA phones by LG were avant-garde in the technology they offered to users. The PRADA phone by LG 1.0 was the world’s first touchscreen mobile phone, and the 2.0 provided an innovative mobile experience through its unique watch with Link technology, which allowed for easy access to caller ID, SMS text messages, call history, call block and two-way alarm notification. </p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>- A curated list of the good things in life<br>- Contributors from Forbes, TechCrunch, Conde Nast Traveler, Mashable and Luxist<br>- Advertising managed by Halogen Media Group, with initial advertisers including BMW, Coach and Burberry<br>- Upcoming functionality will include community reviews, luxury ranking and on-the-go recommendations with the Pursuitist iPhone App</p><p>Pursuitist, the premiere luxury lifestyle blog, has officially launched at </p><p>While in beta, the Pursuitist editors have diligently curated a rich list of the good things in life to share with affluent readers. With categories that include Arts, Auto, Epicurean, Family, Green, House, Style, Tech and Travel, the Pursuitist aspires to be the &#8220;Huffington Post for Luxury.&#8221; </p><p>Coinciding with the launch, a few of the new contributors sharing their favorite luxuries include Carrie Coolidge (Luxist, Forbes), Paul Carr (Techcrunch, The Guardian), Gretchen Kelly (New York Post), Erica Swallow (Mashable, CosmoGirl.com), Shandana Durrani (Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour) and Leila Cohan-Miccio (Saveur).</p><p>International contributors include Holly Boyle in London and Vilte S. Holstad in Paris, capturing the excitement and pulse of fashion, art and life in these vibrant cities.</p><p>“Pursuitist is luxury redefined. It’s about finding and sharing the good things in life. To inspire, educate and be relevant. Pursuitists are ahead of the curve and authentic,” said Christopher Parr, CEO and Publisher of Pursuitist. Parr is an award-winning 10-year luxury online marketing veteran, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. In 1996, Michael Wolff’s NetGuide named Parr’s inaugural online magazine as “The Best Site of the Year” at MacWorld.</p><p>The Pursuitist is also a targeted advertising platform for luxury brands to connect with affluent readers. While in beta, advertisers on the site have included Burberry, BMW, Coach, Broadmoor Hotel, Chase Bank, Audemars Piguet, Cosmopolitan Hotel and Effen Vodka. Halogen Media Group, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, manages advertising for the site.</p><p>&#8220;Bringing on world class content producers exemplifies Pursuitist&#8217;s understanding of influencer media and the importance of providing brand advertisers with an environment where they can interact with consumers alongside relevant content. We&#8217;re thrilled to bring branded content from the world&#8217;s best brands to Pursuitist and its loyal readers,&#8221; said Greg Shove, CEO of Halogen Media Group.</p><p>Luxury fashion brands featured on the site include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce &#038; Gabbana, Hermes, Gucci, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli. The editors have also highlighted amazing luxury destinations, including Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Disneyworld’s Grand Floridian, InterContinental Resorts, Conrad Hotels, The Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria. Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Bugatti, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Audi, Lamborghini, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are a few of the luxury auto brands that have been spotlighted on the blog.</p><p>Upcoming functionality to the site will include community reviews, luxury ranking, flash sales, Facebook integration and on-the-go recommendations with the Pursuitist iPhone App.</p><p>On the web at: </p><p>Read below Christopher Parr&#8217;s interview with Luxury Daily, regarding working with BMW, Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo:<br></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>First, let's get you a mental image of Lynn Tilton, distressed investor extraordinaire:</p><p>She's wearing a Cavalli top, a Versace shirt, a Gucci skirt and Prada boots and a Jacob watch covered in diamonds.</p><p>In a recent interview with , Patriarch Partners CEO, Lynn Tilton, explained what she was wearing and said that she decks herself to the nines because, "I need to look sufficiently fierce to make sure that I garner the respect that I deserve."<br><br>Tilton is known to wear leather suits too. Someone who's worked with her told us, "She just wears tight leather and intimidates the sh%t out of everyone."</p><p>She hardly needs to; disrepecting Lynn Tilton would be tough. Her company, Patriarch, manages ~7 billion, which she invests in distressed companies that she takes over and (hopefully) returns to profit.</p><p>"We own MD Helicopters, Howard Hughes' legacy. We own Snelling Staffing, Rand-McNally, Stila Makeup..." Patriarch Partners owns a piece of 74 different companies.</p><p>Another reason to be intimadated: what she might do to you if she gets near a tassel. <br><br>Tilton owned a distressed tassel company that wasn't doing well, so she created and started marketing a new "Tassle Me" belt and sold it in a magazine, Newport News, another distressed company she now owns.</p><p>Asked where she found the inspiration, she says,</p><p>"Because I had fond memories of what I had once done with tassels."</p><p>Lynn Tilton on the financial crisis is interesting, too.</p><p>She sees stagnant growth. She says the housing bubble was an anomalous situation that allowed American Business to exist in a fantasy world, a world where people didn't stop spending money.</p><p>"They artificially inflated the value of assets and then everyone was capable of borrowing real cash against it.</p><p>"And then what happened is those asset values returned to more realistic levels because there were high debt levels that actually needed to be paid back with real cash."</p><p>"I think as of today we're talking about $13 trillion loss of household wealth. So we don't think revenues are going back to 2006 or 2007 levels anytime in the forseeable future."</p><p>Check out the </p>?<p><p></p>It's a rainy Tuesday in New York City, but as Christina Stanton wrote to me in an email, &ldquo;Bad weather never stops shopping!&rdquo;</p><p>Armed with umbrellas, we meet at the corner of Houston and Broadway for a couple hours of NoLita boutique hopping.</p><p>Stanton, a licensed private tour guide and operator since 1994, has been doing tours in Manhattan for more than a decade. Originally from Tallahassee, Fla., Stanton moved to New York to become an actress.</p><p>&ldquo;I was a horrible waitress,&rdquo; Stanton says, which ruled out the actor/waiter clich&eacute;. She decided she needed to learn a trade with flexible hours. But tour guiding didn&rsquo;t end up being just a day job&mdash;it was something she grew to love.</p><p>&ldquo;Everybody has a style in New York,&rdquo; Stanton says. &ldquo;I grew up wearing Talbots. When I moved here, I realized I needed to develop my own style.&rdquo;</p><p>After inaugural years doing double-decker bus tours, where guides &ldquo;cut their teeth,&rdquo; Stanton found her niche leading neighborhood-specific shopping tours.</p><p>Stanton now has her own company, and freelances for many other tour companies. Her tours are capped at 15 people; the price per tour depends on how many people sign up on a particular day, but she says they run less than $50&mdash;a very reasonable price point for comparable Manhattan shopping tours.</p><p>&ldquo;People have ideas in their heads of what shopping is,&rdquo; Stanton says. &ldquo;They often ask, &lsquo;Are you going to show me something that I wouldn&rsquo;t see on my own?&rsquo;&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Shopping is so personal,&rdquo; Stanton continues. &ldquo;No two tours are ever the same.&rdquo;</p><p>She takes great care in customizing her tours, consulting her mental Rolodex of stores to filter price points, sizes and specific requests.</p><p>&ldquo;I have five minutes to decide where to take people,&rdquo; Stanton says. &ldquo;I need to accommodate the plus sizes, the men, and the New Yorker who thinks she knows everything.&rdquo;</p><p>Stanton reveals the inspiration behind stores and what makes them unique. She throws in bits of neighborhood history and entertaining celebrity gossip. Often, during the course of a tour, participants have the opportunity to meet designers. On my tour, I met designer Emmett McCarthy of a line of women's wear made in New York.</p><p>McCarthy first gained popularity on the second season of Project Runway, and subsequently opened the doors to his EMc2 boutique on Elizabeth Street in 2005.</p><p>Another differentiating factor in Stanton&rsquo;s tours is her relationships with boutique owners and managers.</p><p>&ldquo;I do so many tours and bring them business, it&rsquo;s like we&rsquo;ve become friends,&rdquo; she says. As a token of appreciation, many have extended discounts to her clients. But Stanton is quick to mention that she doesn&rsquo;t get a cut from the stores, which she considers a conflict of interest. &ldquo;I take people to the stores I love,&rdquo; she says.</p><p>We visited a contemporary designer boutique that won Time Out New York's &ldquo;Perennial Sample Sale&rdquo; for best new indie shops (April 14 to 20, 2011). Other stores included featuring unique handmade Israeli jewelry, and a French clothing company featuring a full range of sizes, from XS to LL (a US size 14).</p><p>One of Stanton&rsquo;s favorite stops is Use Your Head, a charity resale store where you can &ldquo;shop for a cause.&rdquo; Located at 262 Mott St., Use Your Head sells new or gently used designer merchandise from Missoni, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Rachel Roy and Nicole Miller, in addition to labels that appeal to vintage aficionados. Proceeds from sales go to neighborhood initiatives and the Association for Community Employment Program for the Homeless.</p><p>As the tour wraps up, I can&rsquo;t believe we&rsquo;ve been at it for three hours. But that&rsquo;s one of the best things about shopping with Christina Stanton&mdash;you feel like you&rsquo;ve been hanging out with a friend who happens to be a professional shopping expert, with her Rolodex of stores catered just to you.</p><p>This originally appeared at .</p>?<p><p>Reuters</p><p>Hermes in Mumbai. </p>By Boby Kurian &amp; Reeba Zachariah</p><p>Ever noticed how the staffers at a luxury store look as premium as the products they sell? Maybe that's because they've been powdered and puffed, pampered and indulged enough to ensure they never leave. At Aditya Birla's luxury fashion chain, The Collective, for instance, they are the million-dollar employees - the ones who bring in annual sales worth $1 million. And keeping them in high spirits can only result in more moolah.</p><p>Gone are the days of the over-eager 'salesman' with his oily smile and sweaty handshake. The new store executive is sharp and suave, and effortlessly showcases the product he's selling. Marquee global brands are lavishing attention on picking, training and retaining high-class staff only for the close ties they strike with the upper crest of India's spending class.</p><p>So while some brands offer their employees a retention bonus to stay put, others such as , Ermenegildo Zegna and Dior have gone a step ahead and reinvented the look and feel of their store to attract well-groomed and qualified staff that has now taken on the role of brand custodian and fashion consultant.</p><p>Why Employees Are Pampered<br>Consultancy firm McKinsey estimates that over nine million Indian households are a target for luxury brands, and about 40 per cent of them - some of whom don't mind spending a few lakh rupees on a single store visits - are between Mumbai and Delhi. Not surprisingly, picking the right staff is top priority-luxury brands are focusing on making experienced hires from aviation and hospitality backgrounds while many more CEOs are descending on fashion institutes and finishing schools for campus recruitment. "There's a new store culture attracting staff from good middle-class families," says Tommy Hilfiger CEO Sailesh Chaturvedi. "We make it a point to listen to them and provide them direct access to the top brass. They drive the shopping experience that is crucial to branding these days."</p><p>It pays to be an executive at a high-end store. The store manager of a luxury retailer in Mumbai's Palladium Mall takes home more than Rs. 20 lakh per year, while store staff is paid between Rs. 4 lakh and 6 lakh annually. Retired models and India-returned NRI housewives take up jobs as consultants at some stores, much like students from pedigree institutions and working models in Europe and the Far East take up commission-based work at Gucci or Prada stores on weekends.</p><p>"These people look at life and a career differently," says Shital Mehta, who heads The Collective. "They're not terribly excited about becoming mere store managers; it's interacting with the well-heeled that draws them." And working at a luxury store is a definite step-up in the food chain for any executive. "It connects me with the wealthy," says Navin Sonawanneya, 30, assistant store manager at Tod's which is known for its shoes and bags. "You develop a bond with them, they value your suggestions, and on occasion they call you home."</p><p>Some brands go so far as to prepare a career road map as part of their employee retention strategy. Diesel, for instance, puts every store employee on a professional enhancement programme. "There are store staffers who have gone on to become visual merchandisers, buyers and designing talents," says Darshan Mehta, CEO, Reliance Brands, which operates a JV with Diesel.</p><p>Burberry's country head, Nalini Gupta, argues that India's retail story has become a serious career option as several luxury and high-street retailers like Hermes and upscale men's clothier Tom enter the country, braving economic uncertainties. "A talent pool for selling luxury brands has now started to build up in India," says N S Rajan, partner, Ernst &amp; Young, "and business school grads are adding to the intelligence quotient of their sales personnel".</p><p>This originally appeared at .</p>?<p>Back in May, we noted that illustrated how MGM was out of the digital game. Very few of the studio's new titles are available on iTunes or for streaming in their entirety on Hulu.</p><p>Well, today MGM became sufficiently major enough to be to start streaming full-length movies and TV shows. In the , of the has that many of MGM's major titles, like Legally Blonde and the Rocky films, aren't available in their entirety.</p><p>But we think the agreement is a major step forward for MGM. It gets the studio into the digital game by putting its content on a well-known video-streaming site. And Hulu may have an impressive selection of TV shows (and movies) now, but a number of Universal and 20th Century Fox's newest hits are still only available in clip form&mdash;like The Break-Up, Juno, The Devil Wears Prada, Live Free or Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie, Office Space and all of the X-Men and Fantastic Four films&mdash;no doubt because of concerns of cannibalizing DVD sales.</p><p>And we wouldn't be surprised if some of MGM's recent and upcoming releases like College, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People and even Quantum of Solace and Valkyrie do end up being streamed on YouTube once they hit DVD.</p><p>In fact, an MGM spokesman confirmed that the studio does plan to launch anywhere from 5-10 additional channels oriented around different niches, which could be unveiled in the next 18 months. With these extra channels, more full-length films will become available.</p>?<p>HBO’s Boardwalk Empire star Michael Pitt is the new face of Prada. Lensed by David Sims, Pitt stars in the Prada Spring/Summer 2012 menswear ad campaign. In a series of images designed to echo 1950s studio portraits, Pitt is &#8216;re-modelled as a Golden Age of Hollywood studio icon&#8217;. According to the press release we received from Prada, Pitt, in this campaign, &#8220;explores the language of male role models from the rock star to the playboy, from the self-reflective introvert to the engaging and humorous farceur. Contemporary men work when they play and play when they work. The boundaries are no longer clear ? as the campaign’s simple props and gestures emphasize.&#8221;</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p><br>Italian businessman Raffaello Follieri, 29, who dates the "Devil Wears Prada" star, heads the Follieri Foundation, a charity whose work includes vaccinating children in Third World countries&hellip;<br><br>The Foundation has not filed IRS tax disclosure forms required from charities, according to a review of records by the Associated Press&hellip;<br><br>"There is an investigation going on that does not involve Anne," said Stephen Huvane, Hathaway's publicist, in an e-mail. "She is no longer a board member of the Follieri Foundation. Other than that we will not be commenting."<br></p><p>Photo by Jillallyn from Flickr</p>?<p>Ever wondered where to get the kind of dress that makes a barrel-chested, 6 ft 10'' man look like a buxom 1950s-era movie star?</p><p>, a two-man company based in New York&rsquo;s Garment District, makes the most whimsical costumes on display at drag shows across the city.</p><p>Founded by Broadway costume designer Alex Bartlett and entrepreneur Vincent Cuccia, Planet Pepper is a study in turning a niche passion into a business.</p><p>Bartlett hand-makes the clothes &mdash; from $140 dresses to $2000 tuxedos &mdash; while Cuccia handles the business side. They&rsquo;ve doubled revenue every year since they started out in 2009, taking in just under $100,000 in 2011.</p>&ldquo;There are tricks to get the eyes seeing a waist and hips when they&rsquo;re not there.&rdquo;<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if you&rsquo;ve ever seen a drag queen, but some of them are quite heavy set,&rdquo; Cuccia tells us. So Planet Pepper&rsquo;s lavish costumes are feats of engineering: metal frames prop up improbable shapes and artful padding turns muscular men into curvy characters.</p><p>Bartlett, speaking in their studio on the 10th floor of a building on West 39th Street, explains how he creates the illusion: &ldquo;There are tricks to get the eyes seeing a waist and hips when they&rsquo;re not there,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;You have to cheat some things and fake some things.&rdquo;</p><p>Bartlett was on a brief break: he was halfway through making 50 costumes for . During one visit, one minute he was soldering together a metal frame for a collar, then he was fitting a flowy red organza jacket on a client. Even when the chaos died down, he&rsquo;d still be busy: Bartlett also works as a wardrobe supervisor at the Lincoln Center, and his design skills made him a fixture on Bravo reality TV show &lsquo;.&rsquo;</p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s virtually no research on drag queens and their buying habits.&rdquo;<p>Cuccia says that when he sat down to write a business plan, he realized the only other people making dresses for drag queens were little old ladies: &ldquo;Or drag queens were going to JC Penney or Macy&rsquo;s and sneaking into the dressing rooms to try on dresses. There&rsquo;s virtually no research on drag queens and their buying habits. We&rsquo;re lucky that Alex [Bartlett] does drag and knows a lot about drag queens.&rdquo;<br><br>Cuccia, who also teaches business classes at Kingsborough Community College, says he always wanted to be an entrepreneur. &ldquo;I have authority issues,&rdquo; he deadpans. He found a $15,000 grant, and set about looking for a business to start.<br><br>At the time, he was dating Bartlett, who had been making dresses for drag queens as a side-hustle. He was working out of his tiny studio apartment, which was crammed with sewing equipment and clothes. There were dozens of huge, styled wigs lined up on top of the kitchen cabinets, and there&rsquo;d usually be a sink full of dirty dishes and two roaming cats.<br><br>The set-up was minimal, but every time Cuccia would visit, customers would rave about Bartlett&rsquo;s creations. He had inadvertently spent a decade building a loyal customer base with bare-bones costs: it was a strong starting point for a new company.</p>&ldquo;Initially I thought in 20 years, we&rsquo;ll be a household name.&rdquo;<p>&ldquo;The next phase is making lots of money,&rdquo; said Bartlett. &ldquo;We have to figure that part out.&rdquo;<br><br>Cuccia said he slowly realized that&rsquo;s the biggest conundrum: &ldquo;Initially I thought in 20 years, we&rsquo;ll be a household name,&rdquo; he said, explaining that he planned to go big. But the more he learned about the fashion industry, the more realistic his plans got.<br><br>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s still a tough realization,&rdquo; said Cuccia. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re probably not going to be an or a Prada,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re really just an answer to a niche market.&rdquo;</p>?<p>For a man of god, the Holy Father certainly has expensive tastes. Being the Vicar of Christ, he has access to the countless wealth of the church and certainly has the authority to spend it on what he wills. A custom cologne designed just for his own self though may be taking things a bit too far.</p><p>However that is exactly what the Bishop of Rome has ordained. The task has been assigned to celebrity perfume-maker Silvana Casoli which will make Pope Benedict XVI the only person on the planet to have his own fragrance. The scent shall never be duplicated again.</p><p>Casoli refused to comment on the details of her perfume (and refused to even give the name of the scent). The only thing that was picked up was that the scent was inspired by the pope's love of "nature" and used a blend of fragrances from lime-wood, verbena and grass.</p><p>The 85 year old Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic church which with over a billion members is the worlds largest Christian church. The net worth of the Church could be said to be invaluable given the art and historical treasures that are stored within it.</p><p>Pope Benedict is said to love his material treasures given that he pays close attention to detail in his papal clothing. The current Pope has also re-introduced a number of items to his attire such as a fur-lined deep red cape. He is said to have wore Prada shoes and Gucci sunglasses shortly after being elected Pope (since denied by his entourage).</p><p>Silvana Casoli had previously created two perfumes for pilgrims on pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Water of Faith and Water of Hope were so popular amongst pilgrims that a few samples reached the Pope. The Holy See must have liked the smell, since Casoli was then given the task of creating a special cologne for the Pope. She took several months to create the scent.</p><p>"I realized that an essence like this had to have at its core something pure and clean, recalling the idea of peace," she said. "I thought of the smells the pope would smell when praying at the Grotto of Lourdes" and about "his love for music, animals, green Bavarian forests."</p><p>Seen here is Pope Benedict XVI upon being elected :</p><p> </p><p></p>?<p>The decision to transition the business behind Michael Kors&rsquo; fashion empire into a public company was a tough one for its CEO, John Idol.</p><p>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to go public,&rdquo; Idol said during a speech at yesterday organized as part of Penn Fashion Week.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve run four public companies, and the hardest thing to do when you run a public company is to not change the way you&rsquo;re running the business because you have investors and, more importantly, Wall Street looking over your shoulder.&rdquo;</p><p>But Idol and the firm&rsquo;s leadership team ultimately decided to make the leap. The company debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in December, pricing its shares above estimates at $20 each, raising $944 million. The shares have more than doubled in value since, and last week the firm announced that it would sell more than $1 billion in stock in a secondary offering.</p><p>Michael Kors made the move with in order to build long-term value into the brand. &ldquo;The hardest thing to say when you go public is that you&rsquo;re going to do the right thing for the business over the next three to five years,&rdquo; said Idol, who was previously an executive at Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Kaspar A.S.L. &ldquo;Some investors don&rsquo;t want to hear that. They want to hear what you&rsquo;re going to do over the next quarter and the next month. But I guarantee that if you run a public company like that, you&rsquo;re going to fail.&rdquo;</p><p>When Idol and partners Lawrence Soll and Silas Chou acquired the business in 2003, they, along with Kors, who acts as chief creative officer, had the goal of building it from a brand with a &ldquo;cult following&rdquo; to one that graced the closets of a global and multigenerational clientele. &ldquo;[Michael Kors] was a $20 million business in 2004,&rdquo; Idol said. &ldquo;It was losing money and probably would have gone out of business had we not bought it.&rdquo; The company now has a market cap of $8.6 billion. For the fourth quarter of 2011, it reported $373.6 million in revenue, a 68% increase over same time a year earlier, and net sales of $199.4 million, an 82.8% jump from 2010.</p><p>Michael Kors achieved his initial success designing apparel, but the company&rsquo;s relatively rapid growth came from an unexpected source: accessories. &ldquo;We looked for the white space in the market,&rdquo; Idol said in an interview before his speech. &ldquo;The pure luxury accessories market was a crowded field with Prada, Louis Vuitton and others, but in the accessible luxury market there was Coach and not a lot of other competitors.&rdquo; Idol added that today, around 70% of Michael Kors&rsquo; business comes from selling shoes, bags, eyewear and watches.</p><p>The company bills itself as a purveyor of jet-set luxury, and Idol says the team always keeps in mind its target customer. &ldquo;Michael has a simple saying. When I say, &lsquo;Michael, who is our target customer?&rsquo; he says, &lsquo;She&rsquo;s 35 years old,&rsquo;&rdquo; Idol noted. &ldquo;I ask him, &lsquo;How do you know?&rsquo; and he says, &lsquo;Any woman who is 50 wants to be 35 and any woman who is 25 wants the wardrobe of a 35-year-old.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p><p>Today, the company includes the signature Michael Kors line that walks the runways each season, competing with brands such as Gucci and Dolce &amp; Gabbana, and the more affordable Michael line. In Michael Kors stores, $2,000 handbags share the display cases with purses priced at $200 or $300. Addressing the Penn audience of mostly 20-somethings, Idol noted that, &ldquo;You guys will go into H&amp;M or Zara and buy a top and buy a jean, but you&rsquo;re also going to call your mom or dig deep into your savings and try to get a Gucci bag. You&rsquo;re going to mix high and low, and you don&rsquo;t feel embarrassed that you bought a Forever 21 top.&rdquo;</p><p>Unlike many retailers that have reached a saturation point in the U.S. market, with around 180 or 190 stores nationwide (out of 230 globally), Michael Kors still has room to grow, Idol said. &ldquo;When we get to 500 stores in the U.S., that will be an opportunity to have some dialogue. Coach is there today &mdash; they&rsquo;re doing $2.7 billion or $2.8 billion in the U.S., and they&rsquo;re probably not completely saturated in the U.S. because the handbag business, the accessory business, continues to grow. When you look at the market and see they&rsquo;re doing $2.7 billion to $2.8 billion and we&rsquo;re doing $1 billion in the U.S., then I think we&rsquo;re at about the halfway point. It shows you can maintain a brand&rsquo;s integrity and still grow to that size.&rdquo;</p><p>The company is also eyeing more expansion into global markets, but Idol stressed the need for a measured strategy. &ldquo;China today for us is the most expensive market to hire people in. Why? Because everybody wants to go to China, and for the mid- and upper-tier executives, it&rsquo;s a field day. Secondly, real estate is insane. Why? Because everybody&rsquo;s going there. Prices are through the roof, and the logistics are not easy. It&rsquo;s not like the U.S. and Europe where the logistics have been set for years and years and years. This is the wild, wild West.&rdquo;</p><p>In addition, brand awareness can&rsquo;t be built overnight. &ldquo;In China or Japan, people don&rsquo;t understand what Michael Kors is; it literally means nothing,&rdquo; Idol said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a very challenging thing, a very expensive thing, to do and you have to be patient and have the vision of 10 years. We&rsquo;re a wealthy company, we have the money to do it and we have to do it because to be global we must undertake that endeavor. But you can&rsquo;t enter a country and think you&rsquo;ll be successful just because you&rsquo;re a big, bad American company.&rdquo;</p><p>This originally appeared at .</p><p>This story was originally published by.</p>?<p><p></p>Prada is about to launch an IPO in China, but this is hardly the beginning for the fashion firm's growth story.</p><p>It's recent 11-minute catwalk show at was planned solely to garner attention for its thrice delayed IPO, but this firm has been flashy for nearly 100 years.</p><p> aims to raise $2 billion to pay down its $1.44 billion in debt and fund expansion across Asia, where retail sales are expected to boom in the coming years.</p><p>In light of its Hong Kong IPO, here's how Prada got to these heights..</p>?<p>In an interview with about the expansion of the brand, Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli turned heads with a controversial kicker-quote about counterfeits:</p><p>Fake goods aren&rsquo;t totally bad, at least it created jobs at some counterfeit factories...We don&rsquo;t want to be a brand that nobody wants to copy.</p><p>Naturally, the quote overshadowed the rest of the three-minute interview about its pricing strategy and plans to add 260 stores by the end of 2014 .</p><p> asked Prada for further comment on the topic and a spokesperson issued this statement: "The quote is part of an extended conversation that underscored how the market of counterfeits is an objective reality for successful brands and how this phenomenon has its own reality, also in terms of manufacturing, that is very structured."</p>DON'T MISS:?<p>Stylish men off screen as well as on, they are some of the most iconic screen characters of our time, as well as influential icons of fashion. Together the four actors, Gary Oldman, Garrett Hedlund, Jamie Bell and Willem Dafoe, each at a different point in their careers, represent a cross-generational broadening of the face of Menswear. .</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>Get starstruck on the Prada runway in Milan, Italy. Hollywood actors Gary Oldman, Adrian Brody, Emile Hirsch, Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe and Timothy Roth appeared on stage to present the Prada Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear Collection by Miuccia Prada.</p><p>“It’s about power. But it started with the idea of characters,” Miuccia Prada said backstage , claiming that when she called up a bunch of actors ? that’s folks like Tim Roth and Jamie Bell ? they all just happened to say “yes.”</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Images courtesy </p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>Wha...?</p><p>The world really is coming to an end! Or, the people at Prada are so insanely brilliant, emphasizing a high-low combination that no one could have seen coming. Talk about recession chic...</p><p>Oh, the latest thing if for designers to partner with car companies. . Yeah, good luck with that!</p><p> ...the fashion house has become the latest to take the wheel and embark on a car collaboration.</p><p>Its partner of choice is Hyundai, for which it will create three special editions of the Genesis Sedan. Prada's design team will work closely with the car company's engineers and own designers on the project, ready to unveil the first design at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.</p><p>"We've made a name for ourselves as a quality automaker, and are now focusing on raising our brand image," says Hyundai Motor's president of international sales, James Choi.</p><p>The Motor Show car will subsequently go on display at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul, while the other two will be auctioned at the city's ; the proceeds will be donated to an as-yet unspecified charity under the joint Hyundai-Prada Transformer name, reports WWD.</p><p>Ok so at this point it's just a stunt to raise money for charity but if it gets enough buzz and the Hermes car does well enough we're betting that these weird combo cars will go on sale to the masses.</p>?<p>Press release from Prada, on their Gas Station Chic ad campaign starring Kati Nescher, Meghan Collison, Natasha Poly, Elise Crombez, Ymre Stiekema &#038; Kathryn Kruger &#8212; lensed by the legendary Steven Meisel:</p><p>Bathed in sunlight. Fueled by optimism. Girls and cars stop and stare at the future in<br>this Technicolor mise-en-scene of desire.</p><p>1950s hot rods and muscle cars with spiky rear fins and bodies emblazoned with<br>flames reflect the design motifs in the collection. The iconographic language of<br>Americana is re-drawn through more than half a century of pop and style culture. The<br>gas station is cast as a central symbol in this post-modern crossroads of new horizons<br>and economic fulfillment, a stage set where fashion, fantasy and the promise of new<br>discoveries collide.</p><p>Through the lens of Steven Meisel, the consistently groundbreaking photographer of<br>Prada’s campaigns, we see the models tower above us, the cars and modernist<br>architecture set against an expanse of azure sky. His low angle and rich coloration<br>emphasis the power and positivism in the campaign and collection message.</p><p>The diverse casting of models with distinct characters such as the blonde bombshell or<br>the noir heroine creates a utopian celluloid narrative. A virtual collage of feminine<br>film iconography unfolds in this hyper-real gas station fantasy.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>Miuccia Prada is readying her first jewelry collection for the holiday season. According to Women&#8217;s Wear Daily, the Italian fashion house will unveil pieces using &#8220;unconventional mixed&#8221; materials&#8211; including necklaces, cuffs, earrings, bracelets and brooches in everything from patent to crocodile leather &#8212; and will be priced from $448, going on sale in November at Prada boutiques worldwide. The accessories are featured in the Prada’s Resort campaign starring Lea Seydoux, lens by Steven Meisel. .</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>The value of UK equities held by private investors reached &pound;237 bn at the end of May 2011, according to the latest study by Capita Registrars. <br><br> This is a bounce back from the all time low of 10.9 percent a year ago, albeit a fraction down on the 11.8 percent figure for February 2011 previously reported by Capita.<br><br>The &pound;798 mn of new money invested in the period between March and May 2011 comes as further confirmation that private investors are continuing to put more of their money into UK shares. It follows on from the &pound;473 mn invested in the first quarter of this year and &pound;977 mn during the second half of 2010, bringing the total net investment by private investors to &pound;2.25 bn over the 12-month period. <br><br>&lsquo;Equity ownership is not dying out,&rsquo; said Charles Cryer, chief executive of Capita Registrars. &lsquo;Private investors have recognised that equities offer protection against inflation, the prospect of growth and a superior income to many other assets.&rsquo; <br><br>Cryer made similar comments in March when he said private investors were being tempted back to the UK equity market by strong dividend yields and the recovery in corporate profits, against a backdrop of paltry interest rates, low bond yields and a shaky property market. <br><br>The sustained retail investor appetite in London should make interesting reading for companies like Prada, the European luxury goods brand, whose high-profile IPO in Hong Kong last week attracted underwhelming demand from local retail investors. <br><br>&lsquo;With such sustained buying from private investors, corporate advisors may be encouraged to progress with sensibly priced IPOs that tap into this strong retail demand,&rsquo; noted Cryer.</p><p>[Article by ]</p>?<p>We're all familiar with the mystique and cult-like atmosphere that surrounds Ray Dalio's . Rumors are rampant and imaginations tend to run wild when it comes to discussing what it's really like to work in the Westport, Connecticut-based hedge fund.</p><p>Well, imagine no more. DealBook's Kevin Roose happened upon a blog post that Kathleen O'Grady, a former personal assistant of Dalio's, .</p><p>O&rsquo;Grady is now an "authenticity coach" based in North Carolina, and in which a college graduate works for a high powered fashion magazine editor.</p><p>Now, before you start drawing comparisons of to Miranda Priestly (or Meryl Streep, for that matter), O'Grady said it was the erratic and surprising nature of many of her tasks that fueled the metaphor. She also looked upon the experience fondly and .</p><p>Here's the story behind one of those strange tasks that she was charged with:</p><p>As I remember it, one of Ray&rsquo;s clients from Japan had visited his home in Vermont and the two of them went hunting. The client shot a very large and unique looking bird. In what I imagine was a gesture of respect for the man and the bird, Ray had the thing stuffed by taxidermy and mounted on an engraved plaque. It was my job to get it shipped to Japan. I&rsquo;ll never forget. It was a particularly windy day in Westport, CT and I delicately placed the mounted bird in my passenger seat, gingerly wrapping the seat-belt around its midsection without mussing the feathers. Carrying the bird in and out of the post office and several shipping stores became more hilarious each time. People stared. I smiled back. Finally though, when I&rsquo;d reached the last place in the area that I could try before getting back to the office on time, I wasn&rsquo;t going to take &lsquo;no&rsquo; for an answer. The clerk gave me a look of disbelief when I placed the bird on the counter and I said, &ldquo;I need to ship this to Japan.&rdquo; He just laughed at me. I then looked at him sternly and said, &ldquo;This is no laughing matter. This bird needs to make it to Japan in flawless condition or I will lose my job.&rdquo; The guy looked back at the bird and then back at me. By then I had used my acting skills and summoned some tears. Finally he agreed to try and crate the bird for shipment. I still don&rsquo;t know to this day if it made it past customs, but I was satisfied that I had not given up on my task.</p><p></p>?<p>If you go to one of those luxury stores in Hong Kong these days, the queues outside of those stores are mostly people speaking mandarin.</p><p>China consumer story is probably based on the fact that China needs to rebalance towards more of a domestic consumption driven economy.&#160; Or it is probably based on the fact that a tiny proportion of people in China who become very wealthy, and everyone sees that they keep on buying stuff, especially the higher-end stuff in Hong Kong.</p><p>I have long failed to understand the rationale for the consumer story, which has been extremely popular a year or two ago among the investment communities.&#160; Perhaps because I have never been a consumer stocks analyst, I just don’t get the story.&#160; In one of , I said that the China consumer story became a great story to play with…</p><p>as China has to be less reliant on export and fixed-asset investment to drive their economy, they have to sooner or later become more reliant on consumption spending. And Chinese government is committed to encourage consumer spending by introducing some subsidies, so investors should buy consumer stocks.</p><p>The flaws of this story are: would people really spend when subsidies are used or taken away? Especially in rural areas, average household income is still very low. Second, one has to recognise that for more consumer sector companies, e.g. retailing, apparel, shoes, food &amp; beverage, etc, the competitive landscape is not favourable because the entry-barrier for these industries are generally not very high. Top listed company with low-single-digit market share is not uncommon, and listed companies have to compete not only with other listed companies, but also some very small companies. Consumer sector as a whole may be good, but picking a few stocks within? Well, I wish you good luck.</p><p>There is another problem: despite the need for rebalancing its economy towards a domestic consumption driven economy, and despite government’s push towards that direction, it is not happening (to be fair, it’s probably happening, but at an extremely slow pace).</p><p>So this is the funny bit: the consumer story was so hyped in the past year or two for whatever reasons that I could not understood or misunderstood, but Chinese people as a whole are not spending a whole lot more as of yet.</p><p>Of course, the richest bit of people are spending a lot.&#160; They buy Prada, Gucci and LV everywhere (and for that matter, buy properties everywhere).&#160; But these are not the majority of Chinese people.</p><p>So I admit that I simply did not understand the validity of such a story, and decided that I would just forget about the story.&#160; After I totally ignored the story, as part of the story goes bust, I have little ideas how it happened.</p><p>Sport-wear sector, which has been doing very well back in 2009 and early 2010, is now being hard hit, lead by Li Ning (2331.HK).&#160; In fact, it has been doing quite badly since the second half of last year.&#160; While there are some like Xtep (1368.HK) and Anta (2020.HK) which are holding relatively well despite recent sell-offs, a few others are much less lucky.&#160; In fact, Li Ning are Dongxiang (3818.HK) have all been making new lows, and they are now not very far above from their lows in early 2009 after Lehman Brothers collapsed.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><p><p><p></p><p>Now back to the question I asked in the title, something that I have been questioning for a really long time: how could investors really reconcile the reality that domestic consumption fails to pick up for the Chinese economy as a whole and the hyped consumer stocks story?</p><p>This article originally appeared here: <br> </p>Related Posts <p></p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p></p><p>&#8216;A Therapy&#8217; for Prada. Directed by Roman Polanski, and starring Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley</p><p>Screenplay Roman Polanski and Ronald Harwood<br>Music Alexandre Desplat<br>Production Designer Dean Tavoularis<br>Director of Photography Eduardo Serra<br>Editor Herve de Luze<br>Executive Producer Max Brun<br>Produced by Hi! Production and R.P. Productions</p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>The latest chapter of the Russell Westbrook Fashion Experience featured yellow pants, a nerd-chic polo, and a cameo from .</p><p>Here's what the OKC guard wore last night ():</p><p><p></p></p><p>Standard stuff up top. But holy pants!</p><p><p></p></p><p>Apparently Kobe Bryant got of glimpse of Westbrook's garb in the hallway outside the locker room. Here was (via ESPN's Dave McMenamin):</p><p><p></p></p><p>In all fairness, Kobe once dressed like this for a photoshoot:</p><p><p></p></p>?<p>According to local report, Shanda is investing over RMB 2 billion (US$ 309 million) in ecommerce site with two other undisclosed participants. Founded by Ge Binbin, the former head of Goldcool Games, Pinju is set to debut in this Oct. Ge said that Shanda accounts for 40% of the total sum, or US$ 1.23 million.</p><p>Pinju is still under beta testing, the latest comer to the highly crowded and fierce competing Chinese ecommerce market is featuring all kinds of goods ranging from cosmetics, clothes, maternity and baby products, electric appliance, home supplies, health products, 3C products to luxurious brands including Hermes, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Armani, Gucci and so on. It seems Pinju is positioned to be an online general store.</p><p>It&rsquo;s known to all that majority of Chinese online shopping sites(except for 360buy, the Chinese B2C giant announced its departure with Alipay because of high commission fee) partner with, using the latter&rsquo;s online payment solution, whereas Pinju will feature, the online payment offering by shanda. That makes sense, just likerefers its customers to, Tencent&rsquo;s approach to online payment.</p><p>Shanda has long been rumored to keep an eye on the lucrative and promising Chinese ecommerce waterfront, according to the Beijing-based market research firm iResearch, the market size will passes RMB 10 trillion (US$ 154.6 billion) by 2013, how can one miss out on a chunk from this.</p>?<p>The conversation started with another complaint: &ldquo;I thought about crashing my car into the median today so I could go to the hospital instead of work.&rdquo; It was about the hundredth time I had bemoaned my job to my friends. This time they responded, &ldquo;Seriously, you&rsquo;ve been miserable forever. Why are you still there?&rdquo; and their question changed my life.</p><p>I could not come up with a legitimate response as to why I had spent over a year with a company that , unsupported, and consuming unhealthy amounts of wine every night.</p><p>Obviously, my practical side had come up with a few reasons to stay. The economy was on the brink of a record-breaking nosedive. I didn&rsquo;t have another job lined up. I was not independently wealthy nor did I have a stockpile of savings I believed that responsible people didn&rsquo;t just quit their jobs without another option waiting.</p><p>But, the next day, I did just that and it was one of the best career moves I have ever made. In the words of Michelle Smoller, a young professional woman who did the same, &ldquo;I just felt like there was for me. And I was right.&rdquo;</p><p>Is my unconventional decision a good idea for others? Only you can know for sure, but before you write your resignation letter, consider these crucial factors.</p>Do it for the Right Reasons<p>, so don&rsquo;t give up just because you&rsquo;re unhappy. Quitting should be an exception, not the rule, in your career; gaps on your resume are a red flag to employers. First try meeting with a career coach, talking to Human Resources, or transferring to another position at your company.</p><p>But there are situations in which quitting is the best move: for one, a that is destroying your personal or professional life. For me, my on a daily basis, and my misery at work was causing strained relationships with my friends and fianc&eacute;.</p><p>Further, I was working so much that I had no time to look for other jobs. Some say that it&rsquo;s easier to find a job when you have one, but I believe the opposite is true. &ldquo;Every second at my job was time that I wasn&rsquo;t exploring other job options,&rdquo; says Smoller. &ldquo;People feel like it&rsquo;s better to have any job than to have nothing. But sometimes nothing is what you need in order to move ahead.&rdquo;</p><p>Quitting may also be the right decision if your job is inhibiting you from pursuing your dreams, such as starting a new career path or . Former management consultant, , who left her job to pursue photography, says her turning point was envisioning her career five to 10 years into the future. &ldquo;It was definitely not the life I wanted to lead,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;I believe that people should .&rdquo;</p>Know Your Prospects<p>Before you quit, research your job prospects. I had met with recruiters and spotted many , so I felt confident. But if there are thousands in your field who have been unemployed for six months or more, you may want to reconsider leaving right now.</p><p>If you&rsquo;re planning to pursue a new field or , don&rsquo;t leave if you haven&rsquo;t done your due diligence, cautions Smoller: &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t quit your job to without having written at all. Try to work on it while you&rsquo;re still employed.&rdquo; Chan agrees with testing the waters. &ldquo;My side photography business was going pretty steadily, and I decided it was time to see how my own venture would go,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;For me, it was a much less risky decision than it would be for someone else.&rdquo;</p>Have a Sans-Paycheck Survival Strategy<p>Today, it&rsquo;s not unusual for people to be out of a job for a year or more, so you must be aware of exactly how long you can live without a salary. Remember that you may not be eligible for unemployment if you quit a job, and that your employer-sponsored health and dental benefits will expire. Be prepared to make major cuts, particularly in eating out, shopping, and travel. Chan notes that while her old job was taxing, now she&rsquo;s stressed on a different level. &ldquo;I often think, &lsquo;What am I going to do?&rsquo; I want to be able to buy things and not scrutinize every dollar. I freak out all the time.&rdquo;</p><p>I had my financial bases covered: I was living with my fianc&eacute;, and we determined that I could be added to his health benefits and that we could live on his salary alone by cutting out all unnecessary dining out and shopping. Chan had two years of savings to live on, and was able to join her mother&rsquo;s health care plan.</p>Make a Game Plan<p>If you&rsquo;re burnt out, it&rsquo;s okay to give yourself a little time to relax and reconnect with friends and family after quitting. But it&rsquo;s easy to sink into perpetual vacation mode, so buckle down quickly! Make a list of people who could help you and call them. Set up . Commit to completing at least one action item&mdash;like or contacting one potential client&mdash;every day.</p><p>You also need a plan for when your savings runs out. Can you freelance? Babysit? Wait tables? I took a writing class, and made plans to pursue freelance opportunities if I didn&rsquo;t find a job within two months. &ldquo;If photography doesn&rsquo;t work in two years, I&rsquo;m going back to get my MBA,&rdquo; says Chan, &ldquo;I need a Plan B.&rdquo;</p>Don&rsquo;t Burn Your Bridges<p>As good as it would feel to reenact The Devil Wears Prada scene in which Anne Hathaway&rsquo;s character chucks her phone with her boss still on the line, it&rsquo;s a small world and you should try to leave on good terms. Address your reason for leaving professionally. Try starting the conversation with, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m leaving to pursue opportunities that I can&rsquo;t pursue while working full time.&rdquo; Be sure to thank your boss for the opportunities you&rsquo;ve received and to help transition your responsibilities.</p><p>My story of leaving a bad job ends well. Two weeks after I resigned, I had two job interviews. Two months later, after enjoying some much-needed time off, I had a new job that I am still happy with today. For Smoller, Chan, and me, was the best way to improve our careers and pursue our dreams. &ldquo;It was so liberating,&rdquo; says Smoller. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re the only ones who can improve our own state of well being and make a change in our lives.&rdquo;</p><p>The author, , is a contributing writer for and a marketing communications expert and freelance writer and editor. Adrian can be followed on Twitter @adriangranzella</p>?<p>Us neither. But, brace yourselves. When retailers just can't discount anymore they're going to go for the education. It's anything from how to care for a garment to the history of the material to what differentiates it. We already saw something like that at Ann Taylor on Black Friday, with a display that looked an article reprint about Cashmere.</p><p>: ...Michael Leen, COO of New York-based men and women's clothing label ...which has two storefronts in Manhattan, opened its second outpost just days before the fall of Lehman Brothers (nyse: - - ). The price point--which hovers around $895 for a suit jacket--is considered aspirational luxury, which means young bankers are the target clients. And they're the ones who are most likely to be out of work right now.</p><p>So to maintain sales, Leen has trained his staff to teach the customer about the garments, from the stitch used to the source of the fabric. "Showing them the details of the construction helps them to justify the purchase. It makes them feel better about buying something," says Leen, comparing his blazers to big-name luxury brands, such as Prada or Giorgio Armani, where a similar piece would cost $1,500. If a customer is wavering on an item, the staff member will take his phone number and follow up a week later, which Leen says has been a successful strategy.</p>?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=4d70e4ba49e2ae8e02070000&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=4df57b34f4eb3e05360e0000&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?<p>Ever watch a movie and think, “Oh my God, that is my LIFE?”</p><p>Yeah, that happens all the time. And especially when it comes to your career, sometimes the movies just so perfectly represent where you’re at.</p><p>In our (maybe not-so-humble) opinion, here are the eight best career movies and the crazy lessons they teach us:</p>1. The Devil Wears Prada<p>Plot: Girl gets everybody’s dream job at fashion magazine. Boss is bitch, takes over girl’s life with ridiculous demands. Girl becomes pretty, learns valuable career lesson.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Sometimes from the outside it seems like we should take that amazing-sounding job or do that one little thing for our bosses that’s actually completely inappropriate ? until one day we find out the job has completely taken over our lives. When it comes to drastic career moves, trust your gut on what feels right and what feels like too big a compromise.</p><p></p>2. The Pursuit of Happyness<p>Plot: Man who’s always struggled to make ends meet gets custody of his son, becomes homeless and manages to become a fancy pants stockbroker with a lot of determination and elbow grease.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: It’s never too late to change your career and “make something” of yourself. Also? Life is hard. Deal with it.</p><p></p>3. The Social Network<p>Plot: Facebook. ‘Nough said.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Sell out your friends, be an asshole and you will be one of the most successful people on the planet. But that doesn’t mean you won’t Facebook-stalk your exes just like the rest of us.</p><p></p>4. Jerry Maguire<p>Plot: Sports agent has an epiphany about the future of his industry and gets fired because of it.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: It is, in fact, possible to love what you do, make a difference and have an “important” career without being a completely asshole in the process.</p><p></p>5. Office Space<p>Plot: Group of friends hate their jobs. Layoffs affect the office place. Group plants a virus to steal money from the company but it all goes horribly wrong! And by “wrong” we mean “oh-so-right.” (This is easily one of the best movies ever and so perfectly depicts what it’s like to be in a job you hate.)</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Co-workers are everything. The best thing about this movie is the cast and how the characters work together (and sometimes completely mess with each other). They teach us how you can stand even the worst job when there are awesome people involved. And also that if you don’t have awesome people, you may or may not “set the building on fire.”</p><p></p>6. Clerks<p>Plot: Classic Kevin Smith movie about two slightly obnoxious guys who work at a convenience store.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Be nice to the people behind the counter. “Just because they serve you, doesn’t mean they like you.”</p><p></p>7. Up in the Air<p>Plot: Guy has a job that involves firing people. His home is essentially ? wait for it ? up in the air. He’s all lonely and empty and stuff.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Even with a job as glamorous as constant travel, coming back to a proper home is worth more than you’d think. There’s something to be said for downtime and, as Americans, we rarely get that in the workplace. Which means home needs to be a place where you feel safe, relax and chilled out. We promise it will make you more productive and better at your job in the long run.</p><p></p>8. Wall Street<p>Plot: It’s called Wall Street, people, which means it’s even more relevant today than in 1987. Stockbroker is ambitious. Stockbroker makes a few dirty decisions.</p><p>Valuable career lesson: Don’t work on Wall Street. Greed is bad. Watch out for shady stockbroker mentors.</p><p></p><p>What awesome movies did we miss?</p><p> is a blogger, traveler and all-around social media thug. She’s based in Auckland, New Zealand, hails from Connecticut and blogs at .</p><p>Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. </p><p> is a lifestyle and career blog for ambitious young professionals. Hosted by Brazen Careerist, we offer edgy and fun ideas for navigating the changing world of work -- this isn't your parents' career-advice blog. Be Brazen.</p><p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>Louis Vuitton is by far the most valuable luxury brand in the world, worth $23.577 billion&mdash;a 2 percent increase from last year's value&mdash;according to a new survey from brand consulting firm Interbrand.</p><p>It was a good year for the luxury conglomerate. The company improved its digital experience and launched several apps, entered the fragrance market for the first time, and remained a blockbuster brand in China.</p><p>It even got Michael Phelps to star in a .</p><p>In addition to Louis Vuitton, seven other luxury brands made it onto of the world's most valuable brands. Most experienced major growth, and there were two newcomers to the list.</p><p>Interbrand takes into account brands' financial performance, role in influencing customer choice, and ability to command premium prices.</p><p></p>BRAND2012 RANK2011 RANK2012 BRAND VALUE ($millions)% CHANGELouis Vuitton1718$23,5772%Gucci3839$9,4468%Herm&egrave;s6366$6,18215%Cartier6870$5,49515% &amp; Co.7073$5,15915%Burberry8295$4,34216%Prada84N/A$4,271NEWRalph Lauren91N/A$4,038<p>NEW</p><p>SEE ALSO: </p>?<p>Once upon a time, companies in emerging markets sought to hit it big with initial public offerings in or London. They skipped over their local exchanges &ndash; and their liquidity and regulatory problems. Well, all of that might just be changing. In fact, , with western companies looking to for listing opportunities.<br><br>Of course, . In fact, its final two appeared to be , with the company finally . Prada, Samsonite and other luxury consumer goods companies have opted for the likes of Hong Kong, and exchanges this year.<br><br>, &lsquo;western equity market woes, and Asia&rsquo;s rising viability as a flotation venue&rsquo; are driving the trend. Europe has been &lsquo;inhospitable&rsquo;, the report continues, with many companies having to yank their IPOs because of market conditions. , with the number of companies pulling rights issues and IPOs (worth more than $1.5 bn) reaching double digits last week. This was the worst showing, in terms of withdrawn or deferred IPOs, in more than 10 years.<br><br>So, we look east.<br><br>Stock exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region were how to $48.9 bn in new listings (not including Japan). The US was at roughly half that, with $24.7 bn. The EMEA region hit only $29.6 bn. Interestingly, 34 companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange in the first half of this year, with poised to join the party.<br><br>Source: </p>?<p><p>AP Images</p> appears to have it all.</p><p>The gorgeous girlfriend of Russian billionaire and the daughter of another prominent Russian oligarch, it would be easy for her sit back and enjoy all the riches life has handed her.</p><p>But Zhukova, 30, is not just another extraordinarily rich girl. She's an entrepreneur with an eye for fashion and art.</p><p>Her latest project, a fashion rag called , is slated to hit newsstands next month (in time for Fashion Week) and has the art and editorial worlds abuzz.</p><p>One of three covers of the inaugural issue features a NSFW photo of a , and the content is also provocative and strange. Readers of issue #1 will be treated to a veggie-themed fashion spread, for example.</p><p> explains:</p><p>In a newsstand environment dominated by digital perfection, Garage stands out because it looks almost handmade. The type is an amalgam of fonts, set to appear randomly. Some pages are pure mystery, like a spread that shows a dress called &ldquo;Lettuce by Alexander McQueen.&rdquo; It appears to be made of romaine, a creation by Ms. Battaglia and the photographer Fulvio Bonavia. Also included is a Prada dress made of citrus and a Moncler coat of anchovies.</p><p>Of course, it's not all work and no play for Zhukova. She leads one of the most fabulous lives imaginable.</p>?<p><p>AP</p><p>Actress Camilla Belle looked flawless in Ralph Lauren.</p>Last night, celebs and socials gathered for fashion's biggest, most exclusive event of the year: The Costume Institute Gala at the .</p><p>Inside, the gala honored Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada&mdash;but the real celebration happened on the red carpet.</p><p>There were so many more people we wanted to include in our best and worst list, but here's a top 13.</p>?<p>Due to the complaint of just one person, this Prada ad featuring True Grit actress Hailee Steinfeld will never be seen again in the U.K. because it shows "":</p><p></p><p>It's the second insane ad ban handed down by Britain's Advertising Standards Authority today. (The first one for being too sexy.) The ASA regulates marketing in the U.K.<br><br>Neither Prada nor Tatler, the magazine that ran the ad in its September 2011 edition had received any complaints about the shoot, the ASA's ruling noted.<br><br>The complainant -- an anonymous member of the public -- disliked the ad because it appeared to show Steinfeld crying and was suggestive of youth suicide, as she's sitting on a railroad track. The ASA rejected that complaint after it learned that Steinfeld wasn't actually crying: The shot was made "between takes" on the set, while Steinfeld had been rubbing her eye because it was "itchy or had something in it." <br><br>However, because Steinfeld was shown sitting on the tracks the ASA ordered the ad be censored:</p><p>We noted Prada's comments that the photo was shot on an abandoned railway track and that Hailee Steinfeld was not in any way constrained to that position, and that the viewpoint of the ad extended along the railway track where there was clearly no train in sight. We noted that she could have easily moved from where she was sitting, that she was not running along the track, and she was not playing on it. We acknowledged that the ad was part of a serious, high fashion campaign aimed at adult women; and that it was placed only in adult, high fashion magazines such as Tatler, which was not aimed or addressed at children. Nevertheless, because the ad showed Hailee Steinfeld, who was 14 years of age only when the photo was shot, in a potentially hazardous situation sitting on a railway track, we concluded the ad was irresponsible and in breach of the Code in showing a child in a hazardous or dangerous situation.</p><p>It's verdict: "The ad must not appear again in its current form."</p><p>At some point the Brits need to wake up to the fact that this regulatory scheme is out of control. Perhaps by requiring consumers to put their names on their frivolous complants it might cut down on some of the ASA's more unreasonable rulings.</p>SEE ALSO:?<p>For years now I have been waiting to read a post like the one I just read on the Daily Deals concept. Rocky Agarwal has done extensive research on the daily deals phenomenon and succinctly puts it: .</p><p>I vehemently agree with his perspective; it finally calls out aspects of the model people have been turning a blind eye towards for way too long. Please do yourself a favor and read it. Although regarding Groupon and it's historical rise (one in which I have no question been fascinated with), we should not forget: a good business might not be good for business. Here are some thoughts I had back in 2008 when we first heard of Groupon and still hold today.</p>Discounts are for crappy businesses<p>BMW is a luxury car. The Metropolitan in Seattle is a nice restaurant. Gucci and Prada command extremely high prices for their merchandise. Although these companies are more well known brands, I think you get the point. They don't have to discount their products because they don't need to. By building a business through offering a quality product or service (and running it soundly) they don't need to resort to scrapping the bottom of the ocean just to sell something.</p><p>But when a business is having trouble getting people through the door they will look for any way to reverse the trend. Some hire people to wear the sandwich board, hold the arrow and dance around on the corner for minimum wage. Others will offer 2-fers. And now many are realizing the power Groupon has in getting get their name in front of thousands in one day. All this marketing does not change the fact that something is wrong with their business. If there wasn't anything wrong, they wouldn't need more customers and wouldn't be running a Groupon. Rocky describes the core fundamentals of coupons and group discounts have been around for many years. Only difference now is the medium used for distribution.</p>Discounting is like crack for business<p>Once a business chooses to offer their products or services for a discount - say 50% off - they have effectively started abusing a drug. The daily deal is impulsive for consumers, as in, some experience a high when they open their daily deal email each day. "OMG, what will it be?" And local businesses get a excited when they see a large influx of customers (the high). Once this initial influx dies down two things happen. First (and most likely), their business volume will go directly back to the customer visit level previously experienced prior to offering a Groupon (the comedown). And second, they now have told the world the "real" value of their products or services. It would be foolish for a customer to pay full price for something once they know it will be offered for half the price. So businesses are forced to continually slash their prices and offer more mass discount deals to maintain customer interest. It becomes an ugly downward spiral (addiction). This brings me to my next point...</p>How is 50% -75% off a sustainable economic model?<p>Groupon (and the like) are effectively (re)training the local consumer to expect ALL products and services to be offered at a steep discount. We are creating a consumer addicted to the mass discount. This is not sustainable and downright scary for the local economy.</p><p>I should know, my previous business offered Health and Fitness services on a local level. My income could be thought of on an hourly rate for the service I provided. Given I charged $100 per hour, take away 30% for facility rent, and 20% for taxes I am left with at most $50 per hour of compensation. If I chose to offer a daily deal discount and reduced my professional rate to $50... well I think you get the picture. And what do you think I would have told my existing clients "oh, them...? they bought the Groupon so they paid half as much as you for the same service." I would have lost all my full paying clients.</p><p>My point is profit margins are generally very low in the local economy- restaurants, health services, retail stores, coffee shops, etc... it's not uncommon to be dealing with single digit percent profit margins. It's like each daily deal is a knife stab to the gut of a business. There is no way this economic picture is sustainable and Rocky does an excellent job of describing what is going on: millions of people and thousands of business owners are being taken advantage of. It will have to stop.</p>A real business is built upon Loyalty<p>Pareto's law, or something known as the 80/20 rule is at the foundation of any business, any size. To paraphrase, it says "80 percent of a businesses revenue will come from 20 percent of its customers." Simply put, it is loyal customers who keep a business running. The hard fact is this phenomenon will never change and is the basis of why I started Loyaltize. Notice how much the words Loyal and Loyalty are popping up nowadays. I believe tremendous value will be created in the local space built around customer loyalty.</p><p>Groupon is essentially trying to swim against the natural economic current by allowing businesses to offer discounts to thousands of new customers. Surprisingly, they sell local businesses on using their service by saying "we will help you gain more loyal customers" at the same time they promote to consumers "Groupon is a way to discover new businesses in your local community." Unfortunately these are contradictory statements and the truth is Groupon attracts deal seekers, not loyal customers who are willing to pay full price for a quality service.</p>If we are not careful, we are going to ruin our own local communities<p>I believe this mass group discounting cannot go on much longer. But if I am wrong and it does we will effectively kill off what we currently consider our local communities. Maybe it is a good time to reflect on what exactly is the "local community". My definition is all the local proprietors who run most of the operations you frequent throughout your normal life. Actually, :</p><p>&bull; Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms.<br> &bull; Employ half of all private sector employees.<br> &bull; Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll.<br> &bull; Generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years.<br> &bull; Create more than half of the nonfarm private GDP.<br> &bull; Hire 43 percent of high tech workers ( scientists, engineers, computer programmers, and others).<br> &bull; Are 52 percent home-based and 2 percent franchises.<br> &bull; Made up 97.5 percent of all identified exporters and produced 31 percent of export value in FY 2008.<br> &bull; Produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms.</p><p>Once we all (as consumers) only seek deals on the cheap and expect to buy dinner online for $10 instead of the regular price of $25, the local community will cease to exist. Most local businesses will not be able to operate at such levels.</p><p>Years ago, many feared Walmart and fast food was the end of local culture as we knew it. I argue Groupon, LivingSocial and all Daily Deal operators will do much more harm to all our own unique local communities than Walmart did. Go ahead, ask any local restauranteur, barista, Health professional, or masseuse what they think about giving away their products for more than half the price. I hope we can move on from 75% off deals and find a sustainable local advertising model before it's too late.</p><p>Image courtesy of flickr user </p>?A friend of mine likes to say that. He compares the stock market to a whiney ?girlfriend. When she doesn’t get what she wants from the Fed, she starts kicking and screaming. This time she wants QE3. How much more whining will we see until the Fed comes to the rescue? Stocks at fresh lows [...] <p>Read more posts on </p>?<p>We know, we know. It's no longer cool to flaunt your wealth with Hermes bags and logo-ed goods. So now that you can no longer decorate your apartment like Donald Trump or paint your fingernails with Chanel logos like Heidi Montag, who should you model your spending behavior after? The Minnesota Star-Tribune, has the answer: look north, to Minnesota.</p><p>Residents of the northern state are reportedly masters in buying expensive items and not showing them off.</p><p> Luxury goods are the new porn, things that must be hidden behind plain brown wrappers lest one be viewed as marching down the road to Prada perdition. Chanel and Sotheby's are laying off employees. Louis Vuitton has packed away its plans to open a megastore in Japan. Yacht sales, which have risen every year over the past 10, are approaching dead calm. On the home front, even the Starbucks near 50th and France in Edina recently offered, for the first time, 20 percent off a bag of coffee beans.</p><p>Conspicuous consumerism has never been in fashion for Minnesota's anti-ostentation old money. Their idea of being flashy is breaking out Grandma's diamond necklace once a year, and then only for a Wayzata fundraiser.</p><p>Wayzata, for the uninitiated, is a local country club.</p><p>Word to the wealthy: Just admit you have it, and continue spending it to make up for those who can't. Don't swan around some macrobiotic ashram as if you're learning to live without. And by all means, continue those charitable contributions, knowing they're needed now more than ever.</p><p>As for the next big thing in designer labels, how about Ponzi? The name has the right ring to it.</p><p>And that would be a nice way for some of Madoff's victims to make their money back.</p><p>Hat Tip: </p>?<p>This would make quite a narrative.</p><p>Obama announces plans to soak the rich, and then... the high end shopper gives way.</p><p>According to a very sketchily based report in the , some expect the high end shopper to give way:</p><p>Rather, spending by wealthy consumers has more room to fall than to rise this year, as a volatile stock market and a fiscal crisis in Washington dampen demand for handbags and Prada dresses, according to some retail experts.</p><p>At Saks Fifth Avenue, &ldquo;sales could continue to slow&rdquo; this fall after Wall Street layoffs and dwindling tourism in New York City hit business in August, says Charles Grom, an analyst at who rates Saks shares at &ldquo;sell.&rdquo;</p><p>Again, that's kind of thin, though certainly the layoffs on Wall Street will have an effect.</p>?<p>So you can imagine my marvel when I returned to the Islamic republic a few months ago and found it unrecognizably thriving. It was a cinch to get to Grozny, which had graduated to the United Nation&rsquo;s list of fastest growing cities. We drove past villages that were once coiled with razor wire and peopled by fear into a rebuilt town that was so pristine it had a theme park feel. I touched the creamy stone of new shops to confirm they were real. A woman fresh from the gym &mdash; the gym! &mdash; showed off an Italian bag she had bought for only $200. Then she dashed off to meet someone to discuss whether to get Botox.</p><p>I counted at least seven salons on one promenade alone and just as many boutiques selling Prada knockoffs. A huge mosque &mdash; Chechens claim it&rsquo;s the largest in Europe &mdash; shimmered with Swarovski crystals and rare marble trucked in from Turkey. Statues of gilt lions guarded a major drag, as glassy skyscrapers caught the rays of sundown.</p><p>Two brutal campaigns to quash Islamic separatist uprisings in the 1990s killed anywhere from 63,000 to 370,000. But today&rsquo;s Grozny sparkles with a luxury hotel, expecting a different type of visitor than invading Russian troops, , global soccer legends including Argentine Diego Maradona, Portugal&rsquo;s Luis Figo, and England&rsquo;s Steve McManaman played at the inauguration of the A.A. Kadryov stadium last year. The $280 million investment, unthinkable during wartime, is being followed by the &ldquo;Veduchi&rdquo; ski resort. Costing about double that amount, the resort is due to open in two years in the Itum-Kalin slopes.</p><p>Most of the money comes from Moscow, with the logic that bankrolling development is more effective than force to quell restive spirits. The Kremlin&rsquo;s strategy also includes backing strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, the son of Chechnya&rsquo;s beloved spiritual leader Akhmad Kadyrov, who was assassinated in 2004.</p><p>Russian rubles have poured into Chechen reconstruction. Some government statements indicate $1.5 billion worth, others $21 billion. The city&rsquo;s sewage, water, electricity and heating systems have been repaired, along with 155 miles of roads, 13 bridges and some 900 shops. This is all the more amazing considering that six years ago most Grozny residents lacked heat or running water.</p><p>The mufti, or spiritual leader, explained the thinking that every man who works is unlikely to strap on a suicide vest. &ldquo;We need to keep the youth busy so they don&rsquo;t become terrorists,&rdquo; said Sultan Mirzayev, nodding towards building cranes outside the window. Yet official unemployment at 50 percent leaves room for much discontent.</p><p>Much of the construction has arisen under Ramzan Kadryov, and in good dictator fashion, giant portraits of the red-bearded strongman smile across town. (To make clear who is really in charge, though, the central thoroughfare was renamed Putin Prospekt after the Russian premier.) Cult of personality comes with excesses, and Ramzan threw himself a lavish party last October for &ldquo;Grozny Day&rdquo; on his birthday that featured international stars Seal and Hilary Swank. Asked where the money came from, he famously told reporters: &ldquo;Allah gives it to us. I don&rsquo;t know, it comes from somewhere.&rdquo;</p><p>Making Up for Lost Time</p><p>That display, and his private zoo of tigers, lie far from the reality of thousands of Chechens who lack proper housing. Among them is Bela Khadzimoralova, 51, a university administrator who spent much of the war living in a tent just outside Chechnya. She is finally building a new home. &ldquo;My kids&rsquo; dream was of a house with walls,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We lost many years. Now we need to make up time very fast.&rdquo;</p><p>At least she has somewhere to live in the meantime. Human rights groups report an increasing number of evictions from temporary accommodation of other returnees who lost the rights to their property while seeking refuge outside Chechnya. Many lack documents to prove ownership of homes that were destroyed or occupied by others in their absence.</p><p>Most of these unfortunates no longer maintain the &ldquo;forced migrant&rdquo; status that gave them the right to city support or housing. They are forced to seek shelter with relatives or leave the city altogether. Russia&rsquo;s Faustian pact entails ignoring abuses, such as forcing women to wear veils in public buildings and dragging young men from their homes for suspected terrorism.</p><p>The men can be shot or disappear, according to human rights activists. To visit Memorial, the leading rights organization, one has to make contact ahead of time and then wade through construction rubble to an unmarked door. There, to the cacophony of drills downstairs, activists ask not to be named, to avoid the fate of their comrade, Natalia Estemirova, who was abducted in 2009, executed and her body dumped in woodlands.</p><p>Still, Chechnya has registered a dramatic drop in violence. According to Caucasian Knot, last year there were 20 disappearances and 18 killings compared to 186 and 60 respectively in 2009, the year Russian declared the anti-terrorist campaign officially over and withdrew its troops.</p><p>Islamic militancy simmers higher in neighboring Dagestan and Ingushetia. At the many checkpoints along the shared road, photos of suspected terrorists stare grimly from the walls as security forces brusquely search cars. &ldquo;Out, out,&rdquo; a policeman in camouflage growled at a carload of young men of fighting age. In our taxi, we discretely adjusted head scarves and assumed neutral gazes in order to be waved on.</p><p>On the comfortable commercial flight back to Moscow, I couldn&rsquo;t ignore the violence, what with a regional security operative sitting behind me who had been shot in the face and was on the way to hospital for treatment. Gripping a bandage over his shattered jaw, the man moaned and groaned as the women around us turned up their iPods and sprayed Chanel to obscure his rotting smell.</p><p>Indeed, most Chechens want to forget the war, Zalina Utsaeva, 21, spent much of her childhood quivering in a dark cellar, she said, and she named her daughter, now 4, Zhalenia, which means &ldquo;Happiness,&rdquo; to mark the recovery of her city and life as well. Half of her monthly $160 salary goes to kindergarten, and Utsaeva wonders, &ldquo;Who can afford cafes?&rdquo;</p><p>Yet she has a job, as a nurse, unlike many of her friends who don&rsquo;t. She floats around the apartment like a little girl dancing the traditional Lezginka, her dark eyes sparkling. Utsaeva&rsquo;s two room home was toasty with heat and rich with the aroma of meaty soup, unthinkable comforts during wartime.</p><p>Bullet holes on the walls of buildings here at the edge of town had been plastered over. &ldquo; are getting better,&rdquo; she asserts with inspiring resiliency. &ldquo;During the war and directly after we didn&rsquo;t have anything to enjoy.&rdquo;</p>Chechnya's Profile<p>Chechnya was originally incorporated into the Russian Empire in the late 19thcentury following a lengthy resistance during several wars of expansion in the Caucasus region. Under the Soviet constitution of 1936, the Chechen-Ingush autonomous region was granted special privileges alongside many ethnic republics that facilitated greater autonomy. In 1944, Joseph Stalin deported Chechens en masse to Kazakhstan over accusations of Nazi collaboration during World War II. Nikita Khrushchev subsequently rehabilitated the victims of the purge in the 1950s.</p><p>During the ensuing chaos of the last months of the Soviet Union in 1991, Chechnya declared national sovereignty under the leadership of former air force general Dzhokhar Dudayev. Following an unsuccessful attempt to restore federal control that year, Russian President Boris Yeltsin sent the army into what became known as the First Chechen War in December 1994. Following thousands of civilian and military casualties on both sides and growing public opposition to the War, Yeltsin was forced to negotiate a treaty granting de-facto independence to Chechnya in 1996.</p><p>In 1999, after Chechen rebel commanders launched multiple full-scale invasions of a neighboring Russian region, Yeltsin ordered the army back into Chechnya. While large-scale military operations ended in 2000, an insurgency continued into the middle of the decade. A new constitution was adopted in a popular referendum in 2003, and the spiritual leader of Chechnya, Akhmad Kadyrov, was elected Chechnya&rsquo;s President. Several years after his assassination, his son, Ramzan Kadyrov, was elected President.</p><p>Chechnya&rsquo;s international airport re-opened in 2007, Grozny (once reduced completely to rubble) has largely been rebuilt and President officially ended the counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya in 2009 (de-facto ending the War). The region is still struggling with high unemployment.</p>?<p>Meet Russia's Paris Hilton.</p><p>Katia Verber is a billionaire heiress whose mother Alla Verber runs the luxury retailer Mercury, which brought Dolce, Gucci, and Prada to Russia in the mid-1990s.</p><p>In a country with an average monthly wage of $686 and 18.9 million people living below the poverty line, Katia drives around in a $250,000 gold Bentley, chats on a $7,000 titanium Vertu cellphone, and regularly spends thousands of dollars on Balenciaga dresses.</p><p>Despite Russia's poverty, Moscow, home to 73 billionaire residents, has morphed into party central for the rich.</p><p>Katia's friends, including Dasha Zhukova who dates billionaire Roman Abramovich, all channel a Sex and the City lifestyle:</p><p>: I used to think people didn't really dress like Carrie Bradshaw in real life; then I met Katia's friends. It's still daylight, but Raquel is channeling Samantha in a black cutaway Balenciaga dress, a black leather corset by Azzedine Ala&iuml;a, and black Chanel fingerless gloves. Mira (Charlotte!) is carrying a croc Herm&egrave;s Kelly bag and wearing a leopard-print Louis Vuitton scarf. Vika, a fashion designer, sports an angular haircut that I can only describe as Miranda Deconstructed.</p><p>Katia also has access &ndash; in one case the secret password &ndash; to some of the most exclusive, outrageously expensive clubs, with V.I.P. tables starting at $3,000 and strict, "face control" bouncers who only allow glamazons and millionaires inside.</p><p>And, of course, at all times regardless of the price.</p><p>Despite their surreal life, Katia and her friends, all in their early 20s, have just as much of a problem finding Mr. Right as ordinary girls.</p><p>"The dating scene here is tough," Raquel complains. "The men are spoiled because the women are so beautiful and there are, like, 10 women to every one guy." <br><br>"But we want quality, not quantity," Katia counters.</p><p>...I ask about the successful men &mdash; what do they do? The ubiquitous answer is "beez-nees." What sort of business? "Just beez-nees," Raquel says coyly. The new generation &mdash; the jet-set children of the oligarchs and "minigarchs" and politicians &mdash; has learned never to discuss money.</p><p>See Also:</p><p></p><p></p>?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=4fec80e46bb3f7753d000002&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?<p><p></p><p>Ari Goldberg, co-founder and CEO of StyleCaster. </p>"I like to track 's success based on where we sit during Fashion Week," said , the CEO of StyleCaster, a three-year-old fashion media start-up, as he took his front row seat at the Tibi runway show at .</p><p>"In the beginning, we were in the top row," he said, referring to the row farthest from the runway. "The next year, we were in the fourth row. Now I'm in the first. It's ridiculous. The front row has always been reserved for celebrities and fashion editors."</p><p>Not anymore. launched in 2009 with the editorial mission of bringing "style to the people." In turn, the media start-up has built a site where users, predominantly women ages 18 to 34, can find fashion advice, build personal profiles, share style tips, and discover new "looks." It produces in-house editorial fashion shoots in its studio space, which resides at the back of its 5,000 square foot offices, near the . And during Fashion Week, its staff of nearly a dozen editorial writers scramble from show to show to report on everything from celebrity sightings to runway trends.</p><p>To help people try to understand what StyleCaster is, Goldberg likes to describe it as " meets ." Its site already boasts 2 million unique visitors a month.</p><p>Starting a media company in the the throes of an economic recession that hit magazines, newspapers, and media websites hard was a bold move. But in chaos lies opportunity, Goldberg believes. "As the saying goes, when there's blood in the streets, buy real estate."</p><p>And beyond the satisfaction of seeing (and being seen) in the front row, Goldberg believes the migration to the first row symbolizes something much larger: Namely, that young media start-ups and tech savvy entrepreneurs are giving old-school fashion magazines a run for their money, lulling away advertisers that are starting to look for digital platforms that just don't exist within brands like and Cosmo. And if anything, serves to highlight this trend. A complex ecosystem of small companies have emerged in center stage, from blogs to social media start-ups. Even companies like and </p><p>"We&rsquo;ve built a better mouse trap," says Goldberg, 29, who got his start in the media world as the VP for 's marketing agency. "We create content like The , but we have the caliber of brand that Conde Nast has built. There was a huge desire for both the reader and the advertiser to move from print to digital, but that experience didn't really exist. At the end of the day, this is a better, faster, cheaper, business."</p><p>Although the company does not disclose revenue, StyleCaster has raised $4.25 million in Series A funding from (founder of and owner of the ), and plans to be profitable by the end of 2011. Among the site's advertisers are Dove, , and , which recently launched a new campaign on a billboard featuring StyleCaster employees.</p><p>"We&rsquo;re closing campaigns that historically never would have gone to a start-up," says , 27, who is Ari's brother and the president of the company.</p><p>And unlike a typical fashion magazine, which conjures images derived from movies like , StyleCaster is arranged more like a typical tech start-up than, say, is Vogue. There are communal tables, an open floor plan, and graffiti on the walls. It's irreverent, too; Last Thursday, the brothers arranged for a crossdresser to pose as on . And David's pug, Frankie, is one of the first in the office to greet visitors.</p><p>"What rules?" Ari says. "There are no rules."</p><p>To be sure, Ari and David are consumate entrepreneurs&mdash;not necessarily fashion experts. The brothers grew up in Cleveland, , where their family owned a steel business and a chain of dry cleaners&mdash;not exactly glamour industries.</p><p>But after moving to (and dating one of the founders of , a fashion line) Ari says he began to see the potential within the fashion industry for a new type of digital media company that is both accessible&mdash;and glamorous&mdash;for women who want to be stylish.</p><p>"We&rsquo;re advertisers, we're marketers, we're sales guys, and we're brand guys," says Goldberg. "'Style to the people' is not only what we believe, but it's a better business model. It's about creating a brand that's inclusive of the reader, rather than exclusive."</p><p>He adds, "We're ambitious, and sometimes it bites us in the ass. People get to StyleCaster, and they go, 'Woah, there's a big idea here.' Have we fully capitalized on that? By no means. I think we're just scratching the surface."</p><p>This originally appeared at .</p><p>Read more: </p><p>This story was originally published by.</p>?<p><p></p>It's called "The Darlings" and it's a tale of intrigue amidst a wealthy New York hedge fund family, interwoven with the publicity of an investigation. The book is on shelves today.</p><p> was first alerted to the novel when , describing it as "two parts , and one part Devil Wears Prada."</p><p>We were even more excited when we found out that the author, Cristina Alger, was a former analyst. , Alger also worked as an attorney atWilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale, &amp; Dorr before she took up her novelist pen. So we're pretty sure this book should be good, especially as it concerns both financial regulations and legal issues.</p><p>And if that doesn't convince you to pick it up, the book summary surely will []:</p><p>Now that he's married to Merrill Darling, daughter of billionaire financier Carter Darling, attorney Paul Ross has grown accustomed to New York society and all of its luxuries: a Park Avenue apartment, weekends in the Hamptons, bespoke suits. When Paul loses his job, Carter offers him the chance to head the legal team at his hedge fund. Thrilled with his good fortune in the midst of the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression, Paul accepts the position.</p><p>But Paul's luck is about to shift: a tragic event catapults the Darling family into the media spotlight, a regulatory investigation, and a red-hot scandal with enormous implications for everyone involved. Suddenly, Paul must decide where his loyalties lie-will he save himself while betraying his wife and in-laws or protect the family business at all costs?</p><p>We're trying to pick up a copy and once we've read it, be sure to expect a review.</p>?<p>On Saturday afternoon, we noticed we had a new follower with an unusual name: .</p><p>We checked it out and, whoa, amazing.</p><p>The account, which currently has just nine tweets and 53 followers, chronicles the goings on at Four Times .</p><p>Or, more to the point: " heard in the elevators do not stay in the Conde Nast elevators."</p><p>Some examples:</p><p>It's the kind of feed you can see spiraling into awesomeness with just a bit of input from Conde staffers. (Of course, there's always the possibility that the writer in question could be making up the quotes, inspired by The Devil Wears Prada and the cult of Conde but we sure hope the anecdotes are real. We have no reason to think they are not.)</p><p>We emailed the gmail account listed on the Twitter page to ask for an interview. After initially agreeing, the person(s) who runs the feed asked to push back a couple of weeks. We'll wait, but in the meantime, we'll be reading. The elevators have ears, you know?</p><p>Have more information about @condeelevator? We'd love to hear from you. Email ndavis [at] businessinsider [dot] com or call 646.376.6016.</p>?<p>Everyone hates ATM fees, especially the exorbitant ones charged by standalone machines in shops and bars. So Clint Townsend, a 25-year-old from Brooklyn, started a business that could end ATM fees for good: He's building a network of . The catch is that consumers must be willing to watch some advertising while their money is dispensed.</p><p>The first (and thus far only) ATM in the Free ATMs NYC network is located in the , a live venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It launched earlier this month. The first client to advertise on the machine is , an entertainment app for Brooklyn-ites.</p><p>Townsend says the ads last no longer than it takes for the banks to process your transaction. Each machine displays five different advertisements, in addition to an ad for the business hosting the ATM itself. Businesses can trade their free ad space for ads elsewhere on the ATM network, Townsend tells B.I.</p><p>Currently, FANYC charges $60 per month, per advertiser, per location. Advertisers can also buy a vinyl wrap that covers the machine itself. The Knitting Factory machine is used about 100 times per week, Townsend says. "The people want this and the people need this," he says, although he admits that "advertisers have yet to come knocking down our door."</p><p>The idea has a "Why didn't I think of that?" feel to it. After all, most banks already use their own ATM screens as ad media to pitch mortgages and home loans while you wait for your withdrawals.</p><p>There's just one drawback: Townsend can't do anything about the fee your own bank might charge you for using an out-of-network ATM. "We can't control what your bank does," he says.</p>SEE ALSO:?<p>Jenny Shuetz and Rachel Meltzer were just two students getting by in Harlem when they started taking notice of the area's rapid gentrification and the way its retail outlets didn't seem to catch up.</p><p>That the demographic shift didn't incite chains like the or Starbucks to move in sparked their curiosity, leading them to co-author a revealing study that was published online in December in the journal Economic Development Quarterly.</p><p>The two received for their efforts, which sought to understand the factors at work behind the shifts in a neighborhood's public services and stores. Whereas most studies to date scrutinized the opposite&mdash;i.e., what happens to a neighborhoods' inhabitants when their neighborhood changes for better or worse&mdash;the study sheds more light on what, exactly, is changing. It reveals the relationship between neighborhoods and the businesses that serve them. (.)</p><p>Shuetz and Meltzer trained their eye on New York to see how retail options changed over time as gentrification set in. They examined 208 zip codes between 1998 and 2007, a time when income segregation between minorities and whites accelerated, in these neighborhoods' makeup.</p><p>"Upgrading neighborhoods" and "stable/lagging neighborhoods" saw an uptick in name-brand stores over time, particularly among supermarkets, which were often the first stores to move in presumably due to economies of scale (Ralph's could take the hit in revenue, but Prada wouldn't risk it). But low-income neighborhoods lagged in clothing and food service stores and were less likely to see a variety in retail overall. We spoke to Shuetz to glean insights from her research:</p><p>What inspired you to study the relationship between neighborhoods and businesses?</p><p>I started working on this when I was living in Harlem. There was a lot of gentrification, but the restaurants and stores didn't seem to have caught up. There was not much academic literature looking at that. It was more focused on what happens to residents in neighborhoods. We felt that retail turning should benefit everyone who stays in the neighborhood.</p><p>Why is "retail turning" important to consumers?</p><p>A lot of it is just getting better access to services. A supermarket coming in is going to be a win-win situation for both the business and consumer. Sure, it won't be Whole Foods, but it's clearly an improvement just to have one. In terms of grocery stores, there's the issue of food deserts, which have inspired a lot of literature. We thought they're important because everyone buys toiletries, food and household cleaning products. They're something that should be everywhere.</p><p>What might explain the proliferation of small establishments in low-income neighborhoods? <br><br>Almost all low-income neighborhoods were entirely mom-and-pop stores. The only chains you really see are fast food. The bigger stores and stores that are part of a chain tend to have corporate resources so they have a size advantage. But it's bad for these residents because these chains tend to offer higher quality goods, a wider variety of goods and lower prices. If you have a choice between a super chain and [no-name store], usually the chain is going to be the better option. For clothing, however, it might be harder to tell. <br><br>Could we assume the opposite is true&mdash;that businesses quickly pick up and leave&mdash;when neighborhoods turn for the worse?</p><p>Probably, but when a neighborhood goes down existing stores have to hang on to a lease. Commercial leases run between five and ten years, whereas a residential lease is only a year. Over time, though, if the income downs down, the business can't be supported and is likely to leave. That brings up the issue, then, of whether you get higher vacancy rates as a neighborhood declines or what type of store replaces it.</p>?<p>Three months ago, promised in a "" to stop using models under the age of 16. But the Fashionista blog just caught the mag using .</p><p>We've noted before the fashion world's in sexy situations; the self-imposed promise to only use young adults as models came in response. (For some strange reason, the fashion business gets a free pass from prosecutors when taking sexualized photos of children.)</p><p>Hardin, in particular, has been at the center of the controversy. At age 13, she starred in a , posed in adult clothes.</p><p>Hardin's agency, , but as both Jezebel and Fashionista point out that information doesn't jive with previous reports that she's younger than that or that she would have been 15 at the time of the Vogue shoot.</p><p>Related:</p>?<p><p></p>Harvard professor Roy Y.J Chua and London Business School assistant professor Xi Zou people who live luxuriously may be psychologically different than everyone else.</p><p>More specifically, people who drive around in town cars and zip across the country in private jets make selfish decisions that enable them to do so. They make decisions that best benefit themselves and don't consider others as much. Chua says this could be the reason so many high-paid executives, like those on Wall Street, act irresponsibly.</p><p>"People who were made to think about luxury prior to a decision-making task have a higher tendency to endorse self-interested decisions that might potentially harm others," Chua and Zou wrote in their February 2010 paper, </p><p>The drive for luxury, Chua found, doesn't make people intentionally harm others; it makes them less concerned about others. Any harm caused is really just a side effect.</p><p>So how can we get rid of corporate greed?</p><p>"Perhaps besides limiting the size of bonuses, limiting corporate excesses and luxuries might be a step toward getting executives to behave more responsibly," Chua says.</p><p>Check out HBR's Q&amp;A with Chua, </p>?<p><p>AP Photo/Felipe Dana)</p><p>Two Brazilians buy watches in Miami</p>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) &mdash; The overstuffed bags filling Fernando Mello's luggage cart wobbled precariously as the gym owner made his way home one morning through Rio's international airport. Navigating the terminal, Mello was part of a horde of other Brazilian travelers returning with loot found in the strip malls and discount outlets of southern Florida.</p><p>Mello's girlfriend's freshly purchased Michael Kors handbag in gold lame sat atop four bulging suitcases like a shining crown &mdash; a testament to the newfound consumer power of Brazilian travelers, who now spend more per capita than any other visitors to the U.S.</p><p>In fact, Brazilians are spending so much that flights with Brazil's top airline TAM originating in the U.S. have had to carry more fuel to accommodate the dramatically overweight baggage.</p><p>"We left with nothing, just a piece of hand luggage," said the 30-year-old Mello. "We go to the U.S. once a year, stay in great hotels, have a fantastic holiday and shop till we drop and it's still cheaper than shopping in Brazil. It's a no-brainer."</p><p>According to the latest statistics, Brazilians spent $5.9 billion in the U.S. in 2010 in a tsunami of cash that's shifting American immigration practices and boosting economies in hard-hit parts of the U.S. that remain in the doldrums.</p><p>President Barack Obama recently ordered the State Department to speed up the visa application process for tourists coming from Brazil, China and other nations with newly flush consumers.</p><p>After suffering decades of hyperinflation, Brazil has ridden high commodity prices along with some of the world's biggest offshore oil discoveries to expand its economy, lift millions out of poverty and multiply the ranks of the country's deep-pocketed elite.</p><p>The buying binge also shows off the muscle of the country's mushrooming middle class, which has expanded by 40 million people since 2003. That's been bolstered by the growing use of credit cards, bank loans and other forms of consumer credit.</p><p>But it's not just the easy money that has transformed Brazilians into world-class shoppers.</p><p>Stiff tariffs on all imports push the prices of foreign-made goods into the stratosphere at home. And though domestic products are not known for their quality, their prices have risen in recent years as demand is higher than production, making it cheaper to buy nearly everything in the U.S., from clothes to toys and kitchen gear and even soaps and shampoos.</p><p>As a result, Brazilians spend more in the U.S. than visitors from any other nation &mdash; around $5,400 per person in 2010, with experts estimating the number growing last year. Japanese tourists followed, spending $4,300 each.</p><p>Unniverson Liborio, a 60-year-old chef based in New York, disembarked at Rio's airport with bags stuffed with hot buys for his grandchildren &mdash; baby onesies, a pink plastic Barbie mansion and 700 disposable diapers.</p><p>"I got this all for maybe $300, total," said the Brazilian-born Liborio, who has lived in the U.S. for decades. "Here I couldn't have bought even half the diapers for the same price, and forget about everything else."</p><p>Price discrepancies are particularly pronounced when it comes to luxury goods.</p><p>With the number of millionaire households here forecast to more than triple by 2020, Brazil is widely regarded as the new El Dorado of luxury, and top-tier labels such as Italy's Prada and Bottega Veneta are scrambling to get a foothold.</p><p>Because of the staggering import taxes, however, the high-end handbags, shoes, garments and electronics can end up retailing for several times more here than in Europe or the U.S. The 4S with 16 gigabytes of memory costs $1,515 without a contract on Apple's Brazilian website. The same phone retails without a contract for $649 on Apple's U.S. website.</p><p>And so it is that hordes of Brazilians swarm Miami's Store while the Girls from Ipanema snap up designer purses on New York's Fifth Avenue.</p><p>Brazilian shoppers are easy to spot &mdash; they're the ones at malls with huge suitcases on rollers, spending from store to store until their baggage won't hold any more.</p><p>Aristoteles Guimaraes, a 36-year-old from Sao Paulo, was busy recently at Miami's Sawgrass Mill mall while on a special four-day shopping mission with a budget of $4,000.</p><p>"I came exclusively to buy things for my baby," said Guimaraes, whose wife is seven months pregnant and remained back home. "I came to buy everything. here cost on average one-third of what they would in Brazil."</p><p>His big find: an Italian baby stroller that would have run him $1,300 in Sao Paulo but was $350 in the U.S.</p><p>Guimaraes had visited before, with his first trip in 2005, and said he was treated better this time at his hotel and at the shops.</p><p>It should come as no surprise: Still struggling merchants have rejoiced at the business.</p><p>"They spend a lot," said Giovana Ennen, a saleswoman at a luggage store in Miami. "I've sold 16 suitcases to a family of six people."</p><p>Ennen added that she sees some Brazilian clients every six weeks or so and that they leave each time with bags full of merchandise.</p><p>Brazilians' heavy spending has in part helped pave the way for a geopolitical shift in relations between the Latin American giant and the U.S.</p><p>During a recent visit to World, a perennial favorite among Brazilians, Obama unveiled measures aimed at making it faster and easier to obtain tourist visas for citizens of developing countries such as China and Brazil with "rapidly growing economies, large populations and emerging middle classes."</p><p>"More and more of their people can now afford to visit America who couldn't come before," Obama said.</p><p>He said the State Department has been instructed to process 40 percent more visa applications for Brazilian and Chinese nationals this year.</p><p>That expected increase comes on top of the already skyrocketing numbers of U.S. visas granted to Brazilians in recent years, which more than doubled over the past decade to 546,866 in 2010. Official figures for 2011 have not yet been released, but the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia estimates at least 1 million visas were granted last year.</p><p>The U.S. consulate in Sao Paulo last year received more visa applications than any other in the world &mdash; around 3,000 a day, according to the U.S. Embassy.</p><p>Business at the three other U.S. consulates in Brazil has been so brisk that Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman has said staff there are working double shifts and plans are being examined to send reinforcements.</p><p>Liborio, the New York-based chef, said he's amazed how the tables have turned since the days people flocked to Brazil for cheap clothing and other buys.</p><p>"I used to do my shopping here in Brazil, where you could buy four pairs of jeans for the price of one in the U.S.," he said amid a group of sated shoppers at the airport. "Now I come here with tons of luggage and leave with nothing."</p><p>___</p><p>Associated Press writer Jenny Barchfield reported this story in Rio de Janeiro and Gisela Salomon reported in Miami. AP writers Marco Sibaja in Brasilia and Stan Lehman in Sao Paulo contributed to this report.</p>?<p><p>Prada</p>The characters fromFinal Fantasy XIII-2 are taking on a new look when they in British fashion magArena Homme+'s 12-page fashion spread.</p><p>Because when Lightning, Noel, Snow, and company aren't vanquishing evil and whatnot, they're lounging around in silk blouses and pleated pants.</p><p>Prada's last runway show featured </p><p>Home Arena+ comes out twice a year, coinciding with Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections, and describes itself as "</p><p>As told me, "It's over. Video games are over."</p><p>Which video game characters do you think should switch to designer labels? Princess Peach is pretty couture ...</p>?&lt;iframe src=&quot;http://www.businessinsider.com/embed?id=4fd36a3585b582d130000014&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;height=430&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;?<p><p></p><p>Caption: "The grill master. I told them to photograph my skinny side! I swear I am not that fat!"</p></p><p>On August 29 Venezuelan authorities and have since been holding the14 other Americans on suspicions of arms or drug trafficking,Paulo Prada of reports.</p><p>The ship, "," docked in Maracaibo in western Venezuela and unloaded a cargo of equipment before it was boarded by Venezuelan police and Interpol, who reportedly received a tip thatthe vessel carried illegal drugs.</p><p>Crewman,who hasbeen posting updates to hisFacebookaccount while under detention, told Reutersthat authorities found no drugs on the vessel but did find three rifles on board.</p><p>The weapons, kept under key in a locker, are common on commercial ships on the high seas as possible defense against pirates or other threats.</p><p>In the meantime, Macomber keeps posting to his using his smartphone, noting early Friday: "Only I could manage to get detained in Venezuela during the last weekend of Key West BrewFest. Dohhhhhhhh!!!!"</p><p>By Friday evening he had posted several pictures of the steaks he's grilling for the detained crew Friday night. In the comments under the photos the crewman's wife posted the comment: "Be sure to eat all your veggies. I'm not too worried if you are still able to grill."</p><p>Macomber replies: "That's my pretty momma!!! Bossing me even when I am in a hostage situation :)"</p><p><p>Facebook/Russell Macomber</p></p><p>At 11 p.m. Easter time Macomber's final post of the day said: "Going to bed. No jokes tonight, just heartfelt thanks for all you wonderful people out there who care about me and my fellow sailors. God Bless you. Good night. Screw it! Two nuns walk into a bar......"</p><p>There has been no response yet from the White House, but some people on Macomb's page are writing the President athttp://www.whitehouse.gov/.</p><p> that the 12-year old ship isa heavy-lift, multipurpose cargo vessel built with a length of 394 feet andoften moves cargoes under contract with the U.S. government or for projects financed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The ship is owned by , a private company headquartered in New Orleans, La.</p><p>In 2004became the first U.S. vessel to dock in Libya in 20 years when itwas loaded in its entirety with equipment from Libya&rsquo;s nuclear and other WMD programs arsenal, according to Globalsecurity.org.</p><p>Update 09/09: The Ocean Atlas has been released.</p>?As sexy workplaces go, Forbes ranks somewhere far below Vogue, the (fictionalized) setting of The Devil Wears Prada. But the venerable business title is the subject of a tell-all currently being written by one (or more) of the many staffers whose jobs it has eliminated over the past two years, . And here at DailyFinance, we have a hunch we know who the author might be.<br><br>Asked about the book, various Forbes insiders, past and present, pointed fingers at former managing editor Stewart Pinkerton, who after nearly 20 years there. While Pinkerton's far from the only long-serving editor to depart in recent waves of downsizing, he's one of very few in a position to know details of a feud among the Forbes brothers, said to be the book's subject. "To write a book about the family, you'd have to be someone of Stewart's stature," says one source. "Without having that level of access, it'd be pretty superficial."<br>Pinkerton also has sufficient motivation for doing something that will surely be seen as an act of disloyalty toward his former employers. While his exit was cast as a retirement, former colleagues say it wasn't a voluntary one. "He wasn't too happy about being laid off," says one. (Not that that kind of motivation is in short supply at Forbes these days, or anywhere else in the publishing world.) And, unlike those who were let go in , Pinkerton has been out long enough that any nondisclosure/nondisparagement agreement he signed as part of his severance package either has expired or will have by the time he's done writing.<br><br>Asked whether he is indeed the mystery author, Pinkerton said only, "I've been working on a book project for the last year, but I'm not at liberty to discuss what it's about."<br><br>Other ex-Forbes types whose names were put forth as candidates include , who for years ran the magazine's Forbes 400 list franchise; , who wrote Fools Rush In about the AOL-Time Warner merger; and , who co-authored Trump: The Art of the Comeback. From the business side, there have been two departures in the past two years who surely know where all the bodies are buried: Jim Spanfeller, who () stepped down as CEO of Forbes.com in July, and former president/publisher Jim Berrien. Munk and Berrien denied any involvement with or knowledge of the book; Spanfeller, Newcomb and Bohner didn't respond to inquiries.<br> <br>?<p>After many rumors, has finally launched its Vente Priv&eacute;e and killer, MyHabit.</p><p>How is it?</p><p>.</p><p>It's a , and it .</p><p>On one level that's not a big deal: the web is a place of continuous improvement and execution. What matters isn't what your product looks like when it launches but what you do with it and how well you iterate in response to how your customers respond.</p><p>But here's the problem for Amazon: its usual technique to crush rivals doesn't work.</p><p>What's the technique? Undercut on price relentlessly until your competitor begs for mercy. </p><p>That technique was in full, amazing display when Amazon competed with , which owns and Soap.com, great sites for parenting products and daily necessities.</p><p>At first Amazon launched Amazon Mom to compete, but it turns out selling diapers is a very specific thing, where you do a lot of volume and things like overnight shipping matters a lot, so Amazon Mom didn't really take off and Diapers.com still went strong.</p><p>So what did Amazon do? They just , happily taking a loss on every sale thanks to their huge reach and and size.</p><p>Before long Amazon could for 1X revenue, a very fair price given their growth trajectory until then.</p><p>That just won't work for Vente Priv&eacute;e and Gilt. First of all, because they're very likely not for sale.</p><p>But most importantly: you can't undercut on price with luxury flash sales.</p><p>The fashion flash sales business relies on relationships with brands where they give you their excess inventory and you can sell them in an environment where they know you won't damage their brand.</p><p>If Amazon grabs the same Prada bag that Gilt is selling at 40% off and sells it at 90% off, the only thing that will happen is that Prada will stop selling bags to Amazon and will keep selling them to Gilt. And Amazon can't do anything about that: unlike books or other goods where Amazon has huge reach, publishers need to play ball with Amazon because they're such a big sales channel. Gilt and Vente Priv&eacute;e have enough reach that if Prada (or Ralph Lauren or whoever) stick with them they'll be happy.</p><p>Amazon's usual approach won't work here. It doesn't mean they have no chance. But their usual approach won't work here.</p><p></p><p>Disclosure: and Gilt Groupe share co-founders; Gilt Groupe CEO Kevin Ryan is Business Insider's chairman.</p>?<p>This year has seen a . But most, like fashion house Prada and suitcase maker Samsonite, have selected Hong Kong as their listing venue of choice. , on the other hand, appears to have plumped for Singapore.<br><br>According to various media outlets, the British football club is planning to raise $1 bn by floating in the city in the fourth quarter of this year. &lsquo;The deal is on. It is in Singapore,&rsquo; a person familiar with the matter is .<br><br>The club, its advisors and the Singapore Exchange are all keeping quiet &ndash; at least on the record &ndash; about the floatation, leading to plenty of speculation about why Manchester United selected Singapore over other locations, in particular Hong Kong. Adding to the intrigue, media reports say Manchester United originally preferred Hong Kong but later changed its mind.<br><br>Alex Tamlyn, a partner at law firm , says the football club will see a number of benefits from listing in Singapore, according to an . &lsquo;Manchester United has, in choosing Singapore, flown to greater liquidity, lower regulatory burden, and higher valuation,&rsquo; he says. &lsquo;Singapore has a wider investor base [than Hong Kong] which will allow Manchester United to monetize its international brand across a broader geography.&rsquo;<br><br>In the same article, Scott Sweet, senior managing partner at IPO Boutique, floated the idea that Singapore might have wooed Manchester United with an enticing offer. &lsquo;It&rsquo;s a far smaller exchange than Hong Kong, but it wants to be as active as it can be in getting high-profile names... Perhaps Singapore made the Glazers a very interesting offer,&rsquo; he says.<br><br>The observers were surprised that Hong Kong was passed over, given its strong retail base. It adds, however, that &lsquo;the club&rsquo;s advisers are understood to have thought Hong Kong&rsquo;s investor base was too narrow, and were keen to show that United was not just a China-focused franchise.&rsquo;<br><br>The likelihood is that a combination of these factors led Manchester United to consider Singapore the most suitable listing venue. But, of course, the floatation is not confirmed, and all this speculation could still amount to nothing.</p><p>[Article by ]</p>?<p><p>Getty Images </p><p>Nina Dobrev shows off her long trail at the Met Gala last night. </p>Last evening celebrities and notable names in the fashion industry gathered to celebrate the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" Costume Institute Gala at the .</p><p>While it's a chance to honor high-end designers, some attendees take it a bit too far and choose over-the-top dresses and suits to make a statement on the red carpet.</p>?Another "virtual" wireless carrier goes bust: Voce, which once expected its subscribersto pay as much as $200 a month (and a $500 sign-up fee) for "premium"wireless service, including a free concierge hotline.<br><br> on Voce's financial and operational meltdown, including sob stories from customers whose Prada phones were suddenly disconnected. But the bottom line: There can't be that many sob stories, since no one wanted the service. that the company, which launched in 2006, had "about 1,000 to 2,000 subscribers at best."<br><br>See Also: <br>?<p>With little more than two trading days left in 2011, the year-end IPO drive that was expected to reinvigorate the Hong Kong stock exchange has so far failed to pay off in the way that many companies and investors had hoped for. Many of the most anticipated last-minute offerings which have debuted on the Hong Kong boards have underperformed, while several other offerings in the IPO pipeline were scrapped suddenly amid growing signs of a slumping Chinese economy and turbulence from the Eurozone. <br><br>One of December's most notable under-performers at the Hong Kong exchange has been Chow Tai Fook, who's IPO raised just slightly more than $2 billion, with the company pricing its 1.05 million shares at the low end of the indicative range at HK$ 15. Had Chow Tai Fook sold their shares at the high end of the value range, HK$ 21, the company's IPO could have raised as much $2.8 billion and surpassed Prada SpA's June IPO as the year's biggest. <br><br>Among members of the press and Asian market watchers, Chow Tai Fook's IPO was closely watched in the days preceding its pricing and sale, given the company's wide name recognition across greater China and the projected size its initial public offering. Yet, with limited interest from retail investors, Chow Tai Fook sold at 8% below it's debut price; joining other luxury and high-end makers such as Coach, Samsonite, L'Occitane who saw similarly weak performances with their Hong Kong IPO's this year.<br><br>Outside of the retail and luxury goods arena, three other prominent Chinese companies &ndash; China New Life, China's fourth largest life insurance company; Baoxin Auto, a luxury car dealer; and China Polymetallic Mining, a lead, silver and zinc miner &ndash; all priced at or close to the bottom of their indicative ranges, and saw lackluster sales upon their HK trading debuts.<br><br>The poor overall market climate and cautious investor sentiment have lead several companies in the Hong Kong IPO pipeline to shelve their listings. Haitong Securities, for example, China's second largest brokerage firm by asset value announced mid-month that it would cancel its planned $1.7 billion Hong Kong IPO, after seeing limited demand from . <br><br>Despite the downswing seen over the past few weeks, Hong Kong still remains world's the busiest IPO market. Yet, as of two weeks ago according to statistics released by Bloombergs, Hong Kong IPOs had only , down from $49.1 billion during the same period a year earlier.<br><br>Despite the weak performances recently seen from Hong Kong IPOs, the recent surge may not bode well for the coming year. To quote Francis Lun, Managing Director of Lyncean Holding, in a recent story, &ldquo;the flood of IPOs late in the year only deomonstrates the dire need for funds from the corporate secotor and their lack of confidence for 2012.&rdquo;<br><br>Although next year is the year of the dragon, a particularly auspicious period according to Chinese tradition, signs of a slowing Chinese economy, growing concerns about the region's real estate market and mounting uncertainties about Europe's debt crisis may drag the Hong Kong boards down, at least through the next quarter.</p>?101 Christmas gifts for ALL ages and ALL budgets - Part Two<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:10:58 GMT, 11 December 2010</p><p></p><br>UNDER £100<p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>LUXURY BUY<br><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><br>GET IT SENT<br><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><br><p> </p>Go back to part one<br><br><br>?<p>'I think if everyone came back, but I heard Meryl in an interview the other day and they were like, "would you do it Meryl?" and she went, "sure if I didn&#8217;t have to lose the f**king weight." She hated it, the starvation we went through. We had to be really small'.</p><p>David Guetta also sat down for a catch up with Ross, and revealed that there have been times in his highly successful career where he has performed in three different countries in 24 hours.</p><p>The chart topping DJ explained: 'One year ago I had to promote the first version [of his album Nothing But The Beat] and I was doing three countries in one day. It was really insane. <br></p><p>'I was taking a private plane and would start during the day until the end of the night. I would go play for an hour then run and take a plane and go to the next country.</p><p>Admitting that he 'loves' his job, he continued: 'That was the craziest thing I&#8217;ve done in my life.'</p><p> Sports Relief hero, John Bishop opened about the charity triathlon he completed in March which raised over £1million towards vaccinating 250,000 children in Africa.</p><p>He spoke about how it was only David Walliams, who swam the Thames in 2011 for the same cause, who really understood what he went through earlier this year.</p><p>The comic explained: 'David Walliams was the only one who came up to me and said, "How is your head?" Everyone else was saying "how&#8217;s your body?"</p><p>'He&#8217;s been through something similar and what happens is you don&#8217;t realise how much of your head you offer to it, how much time, the months going up to it, how much it occupies everything.'</p><p> </p><p>Thecomplete line-up: Viewers can look forward to a performance from Fun as well as Ross getting up close and personal with David Guetta, Emily Blunt, Jonathan Ross, Michael Gambon and John Bishop</p><p>Bishop was taken to hospital on Thursday and is suffering from exhaustion, his admission came on the eve of the opening night of his latest British tour.<br></p><p>A spokesman for the Liverpudlian comic said: 'He's been taken into hospital, he's exhausted. We are having to pull all interviews including an appearance on a big TV show this weekend.'<br></p><p>Catch The Jonathan Ross Show tonight at 10.25pm on ITV1</p>?Accessories special: Hooked on classics<br><p> By </p><p>UPDATED:19:00 GMT, 15 October 2011</p><p></p><p>From 40s fabulous to 70s sass, it&#8217;s revival of the fabbest as darling details from decades past return with a flourish </p><p></p><p> 1940s</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>1950s</p><p><br> </p><p><br></p><p>1960s</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>1970s</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p></p><br><br><br><br><br>?Is this the fiercest game of chess yet? Adam Levine's ex Anne V wages war on her fellow supermodels in new Prada campaign<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:19:54 GMT, 3 August 2012 UPDATED:20:32 GMT, 3 August 2012</p><p>Models are often branded as mere canvases to showcase new clothing, their intelligence an afterthought behind their looks.</p><p>But a new ad campaign by Prada, featuring Adam Levine's ex-girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna, highlights how even the world's most beautiful can still manage to have brains.</p><p>In a promotional video for the Italian fashion house's Fall Winter 2012 collection, models, naturally dressed ever-so-stylishly, are seen attempting to outsmart one another in a three-dimensional game of chess.</p><p>Scroll down for video<br></p><p> </p><p> As Polish model Magdalena Frackowiak is seen shifting stylish glass chess pieces around a red felt table, her opponent, the blonde Russian model who split from Mr Levine in April, mirrors her concentration.</p><p>Although both models, directed by famed fashion photographer Steven Meisel, are obviously acting, the unique setting is unlike typical fashion shoots.<br></p><p></p><p>Miss Frackowiak, dressed in the collection's black overcoat with heavy embellishment at the bust, maintains her game face as Miss Vyalitsyna, who is The Voice host Adam Levine's ex-girlfriend, takes her on in a geometric print overcoat of her own.</p><p>As the pieces shifted, further models reflected the game's moves.</p><p> </p><p> Models Vanessa Axente, Madison Headrick, Elza Luijendijk and Iselin Steiro are seen jumping about the place as the virtual puppeteers control their fate.</p><p>The theme has continued on from the collection's show at Milan Fashion Week in February.</p><p>Miuccia Prada's widely-acclaimed collection was delivered on the backs of a pack of power-driven models.</p><p>With Pat McGrath working her make-up magic over the women's faces, the structured collection oozed a futuristic vibe as models took to a giant spread of geometric print carpet, which served as a runway, to show the clothes.</p><p>In the new video, the clan are also seen on a vivid spread of carpet, though they are swiftly jolted back and forth whenever a chess piece is shifted.</p><p> </p><p>The collection's intricate eye wear is also on display with models, who each have their hair dipped in various colours, stepping out in a range of designs.</p><p>Tortoise shell frames are spotted as well as various glass shapes as models wear the styles as part of their battle armor during the game. <br></p><p>It must be said that the intensity of such a sport is reminiscent of the famously enthralling scene from the film The Thomas Crown Affair, featuring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway.</p><p><br></p>?'I got really bored of smock dresses: Alexa Chung on why she almost ditched her trademark Sixties style... but is learning to love it all over again<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:08:36 GMT, 7 September 2011</p><p></p><p>With her height, boyish frame and skinny legs that seem to go on forever, Alexa Chung has managed to make Sixties fashion her trademark style throughout her career.</p><p>But the TV presenter has admitted that she fell out of love with short shifts, flat shoes and the fashion of that decade believing that she was being defined by it.</p><p>But Alexa, 27, said she is now ready to fall in love with the style all over again - as these stunning pictures have proved.</p><p>In a very glamorous shoot for Harper's Bazaar magazine, the MTV star looks every inch the Swinging Sixties princess in bright block colours and outfits inspired from the era.</p><p>Shot in and around David Hockney's Notting Hill flat, Alexa was snapped in a number of retro outfits by Chloe, Burberry, Prada and Stella McCartney.</p><p>And in an interview to accompany the shoot, she confessed to being in love with all things to do with the Sixties and has even dedicated a wall in her London flat as a shrine to her muses including Astrid Kirchherr,Marianne Faithfull, Jane Birkin and Jean Shrimpton.</p><p>But Alexa also admitted that her love for the era almost came to an end after she feared she was being defined by her clothes.</p><p>She said: 'I fell out of love with the Sixties fora while. I think because I was so identified with it. It&#8217;s like Sienna Miller when she did boho, then suddenly stopped because she was like, "F***. What else can I do, because I&#8217;ve done it?"</p><p>I&#8217;ve invented this tartan mac, it&#8217;s likesomething the Shrimp would have worn. It&#8217;s got a round collar and a tieon it, so you can wear it like a cape without your hands in your sleeves.</p><p>Birkin has proved to be a big inspiration for her, especially in the Christopher Kane silver transparent dress that she wore to this year's Met gala in New York.</p><p>She said: 'It was very Birkin. My pants were showing, and I wanted to kill myself before I left the hotel, but Christopher said it was sexy.'</p><p>Alexa recently designed her second clothing range for Madewell, which she said was very Sixties-inspired.</p><p>She said: 'I&#8217;ve invented this tartan mac, it&#8217;s likesomething the Shrimp would have worn. It&#8217;s got a round collar and a tieon it, so you can wear it like a cape without your hands in your sleeves.</p><p>Alexa dated Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner for four years before they split in July this year and said it was the 'groupie' vibe that also made her fall in love with the high-profile women of the Sixties.</p><p>She said: 'They had these amazing love affairs, and both the men and the women were made amazing by them. <br></p><p>'The girls in the Sixties were never overshadowed by the men they dated. You can talk about Jane Shrimpton without having to mention Bailey or Terence Stamp first.'</p>?Amanda Byram: 'London's weather has cramped my boho style'<br><p>By <br></p><p>UPDATED:09:13 GMT, 30 December 2010</p><br><p>Former model Amanda Byram, 37, is fronting the BBC&#8217;s popular gameshow Total Wipeout with Richard Hammond. <br></p><p>She made her name presenting the Big Breakfast and Entertainment Tonight. <br></p><p>She lives in London with her former rugby player fiance Craig McMullen, who proposed when she returned from a charity trek to Peru&#8217;s Machu Picchu with Fearne Cotton and Denise Van Outen last autumn.</p><p>I like to think I&#8217;m quite boho in my style &#8212; it&#8217;s from my time living and working in California &#8212; and I believe London has cramped my style as I can&#8217;t wear the clothes I want to because of the weather. </p><p>I love dresses; I&#8217;m the maxi dress queen. People always ask where I get them from and it will -invariably be something I picked up in LA. </p><p>In warmer climes, I wear a lot of blues, aquas and greys, as well as pastels. I like to go to the designer shops to get an idea of trends, but I see f-ashion as a bit of pick and mix. </p><p>Fashion for me is turning what you think is fashionable into your style. </p><p>I also like -boutique shops that have labels by new designers. There are a few near my house in Fulham. I film Total -Wipeout in Buenos Aires, where it&#8217;s -amazing for clothes shopping. Rapsodia, in particular, I love.</p><p>I believe if you have a -cluttered closet then your life is also -cluttered. So I&#8217;ll only hang on to things that I think I might wear them. </p><p>If I haven&#8217;t worn -something in six months, then it&#8217;s going in my next clear-out. Thankfully there are four charity shops at the top of my road. </p><p>I also keep some outfits in Buenos Aires, as we&#8217;re going back there to film series five in January. Thankfully, it&#8217;ll be hot!</p><p></p><br><p>AMANDA'S WARDROBE FAVOURITES</p>BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN DRESS<p>This dress by Baum und -Pferdgarten (pictured above) is one of my -favourites. It&#8217;s a purple and cream silky floral dress that has a little strip of purple glitter just under the bust. </p><p>To me, it screams boho. I wore it on Something For The Weekend a few months ago when I was covering for -Louise Redknapp and I got so many emails asking me where I got it from. I bought it from Katie &amp; Jo in Fulham. <br></p>PRADA COAT<br><p>My Prada coat (right) cost almost £1,000 and I&#8217;ve not bought anything else that -expensive. It&#8217;s my pride and joy. </p><p>Ibought it at the Prada shop on Bond Street about ten years ago. I&#8217;d just started the Big -Breakfast and had received my first large pay cheque.</p><p>It&#8217;s camel duffle material but the elbows have four patches of cross-stitched brown leather on them. People always -compliment them. It&#8217;s a true -staple of my wardrobe.</p>BLACK JUMPSUIT<br><p>Ibought an all-in-one black -jumpsuit six months ago from Urban Outfitters. It&#8217;s very -Seventies. I never thought I&#8217;d be into all-in-ones, but I&#8217;m rocking it with boots, belts and high heels. It&#8217;s really versatile.</p>DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DRESS <p></p><p>I wore this dress on the Strictly Come -Dancing tour last year and it&#8217;s gorgeous. It&#8217;s a chainmail one-shouldered black and silver dress. I love one-shoulder stuff. </p><p>Because it&#8217;s made out of beads and chainmail, it&#8217;s very heavy. I remember coming down the stairs -thinking I was going to keel over because it is so heavy. <br></p><p>JIMMY CHOO SHOES</p><p>These are my favourite shoes. I bought them for the TV Choice Awards this year, which we won for Total -Wipeout. They&#8217;re gold, strappy high bad boys. I thought: &#8216;If I&#8217;m going to get on stage in front of my peers, then I&#8217;m going to buy a pair of Jimmy Choos!&#8217; They were £450, but I love them.</p>GHOST DRESS<br><p>I&#8217;ve had this long black fitted dress for about 15 years and it&#8217;s absolutely timeless. I bought it in Dublin and it cost about £500 and was a massive investment because I couldn&#8217;t really afford it. </p><p>It is truly beautiful and I&#8217;ve worn it everywhere; to a wedding and on TV several times, including Paradise Hotel, which was one of the first TV shows I ever did in the U.S. </p><p>Funnily enough, it&#8217;s quite -see-through and I only realised because of the way the set was lit, when it was a -little bit too late. </p><p>I refuse to throw it away &#8212; it&#8217;s -something you&#8217;d still be able to wear in 20 years.<br></p><p>MARIA LOMBARDI BAG</p><p>I was given this Maria Lombardi clutch purse by the Total Wipeout crew in -Buenos Aires at the end of the last series. They knew I loved it so they bought it for me. It&#8217;s a cream snake-printed leather &#8212; Argentina has amazing leather bags. </p> <p>Amanda returns to BBC1 with Total Wipeout on Saturday, January 8, at 6pm.</p>?Never mind waity Katie, waity Wills is the problem <br><p>UPDATED:03:06 GMT, 26 September 2009</p><p>Prince William gave a speech at a charities' forum this week to announce that he wants to be more than 'just an ornament'. Well, at his present rate, there's not much danger of that. William made just 24 public appearances last year - some ornament! <br></p><p>In one sense, his frustration is understandable. Having been prevented from fighting in Afghanistan, the Prince has found himself stuck between roles. <br></p><p>Sometimes he wants to be the military tough guy, training with the SAS or buzzing around at the controls of a helicopter.</p><p>Sometimes he wants to be one of the lads, downing shots with posh pals and brainless bimbettes at Boujis. <br></p><p>And sometimes he wants to be a dynamic Royal, using his influence to bring about change - as admired as his hard-working grandmother. <br></p><p>To put it another way: he wants to have his cake and eat it. <br></p><p>In this, he is no different to his father, who has spent so much of his life alternately whinging that no one understands him and that his role as Prince of Wales is so restricting, yet also using his influence to speak out on issues that are dear to him and to promote the magnificent work of the Prince's Trust. <br></p><p>I would urge Wills to take a good, hard look at his father and ask if he wants his own privileged life to be filled with self-pity or whether he should quit moaning and accept the responsibilities expected of him. It is not for Wills to dictate his own terms of duty. <br></p><p>Besides, complaining about his role seems deeply inappropriate at a time when so many of his military peers - our finest young men - are dying and being maimed in battle. <br></p><p>In particular, I was struck by the comparison between a hand-wringing Prince William and heroic Sgt Michael Lockett, who died on Monday doing what he always did, leading from the front, by example, fighting for his troops and his country. <br></p><p>Less than two years separate the two men, yet a gulf divides the sacrifice they have had to make in the line of duty. Wills should think of the commitment that men like Sgt Lockett make freely and willingly for their country before bemoaning life as 'an ornament'. <br></p><p>Our future king does not need to risk his life in battle to earn the respect and admiration of his nation. But he does need to grow up, stop flitting around and knuckle down at the royal 'firm' - as Prince Philip calls it. <br></p><p>Forget Waity Katie. It's Waity William who's becoming the real problem.</p>Princess Eugenie is NOT 'any other student'<br><p>Princess Eugenie started university with aides insisting she wanted 'to be treated like any other student'. <br></p><p>A word of advice, pet: If you want to be 'any other student', then it wasn't such a great idea to miss Freshers' Week to attend the Toronto International Film Festival, or get servants to move your stuff into halls. <br></p><p>The £250,000-a-year bodyguards are a bit of a giveaway, too. <br></p>The thigh's the limit! <p>Prada's new Forties wartime collection of transparent mesh frocks showing girl's knickers prompts the usual cries of 'Who on earth would wear them?'</p><p>Prada (left) would be a modest look for Rachel Riley (right) these days<br></p><p>Look no further than Countdown's hemline-rising star Rachel Riley , whose skirts are shrinking in line with the show's ratings. Prada would be a modest look for Rachel these days. <br></p>A sorry tale of modern Britain <p>In the months before Fiona Pilkington killed herself and her mentally handicapped daughter, she kept a diary. It chronicled the abuse local thugs subjected her family to most nights. <br></p><p>Police turned their backs, social services claimed ignorance and neighbours were too frightened to do anything. After one particularly bad night, she wrote of her persecutors: 'Why can't they walk on the other side of the road?' More pertinently, why wasn't there a Good Samaritan willing to come to her aid? <br></p><p>As a parable of modern Britain, her story is tragically appropriate. <br></p>PC BBC is a turn-off <p>How absurd that the BBC has banned the word 'gipsy', claiming it's racist. <br></p><p>Bad news, then, for some residents in South-East London. Presumably, any local news emanating from Gipsy Hill will automatically be censored by the Beeb until it changes its name to Members of the Travelling Community Hill. <br></p><p>Having sacked Moira Stuart and Arlene Phillips, the BBC is trying to ingratiate itself with older viewers by recruiting a mature female newsreader. There is no stampede for the job. After all, who wants to sit there not saying 'Here is the News at 10,' but 'Here's the token oldie at 50'. <br></p>Conference corner<br><p>LibDem leader Nick Clegg began his conference with the genuine chance of holding the balance of power in a hung parliament. <br></p><p>He left it a national laughing stock, after Vince Cable's plan for a 'mansion tax' came unstuck within hours of being announced, and a leader's speech that was risibly narcissistic. <br></p><p>That's clumsy even by LibDem standards. <br></p><p>Cleggs's divine wife Miriam arrived at conference in a masculine, sheer, white shirt and floppy black braces that kept slipping off her slim shoulders. Fashion faux pas or a blatant appeal to the lucrative lesbian vote? <br></p>Westminster Noticeboard... <p></p><p>There has been much consternation over this week's discovery that one of The X Factor's contestants is a lapdancer and another is a knifewielding thug. <br></p><p>If any viewer is so thick as not to expect most of The X Factor contestants to be extracted from teeming pond life, I'm surprised they even know how to use a remote control to turn it on in the first place.</p><p>Size sub-zero Victoria Beckham says at the Burberry party: 'It is simply untrue to say I do not eat and I am unhealthy.' And to prove it, she consumed an entire mozzarella and courgette canape. Atta girl, you go gorge yourself.</p><p>Far be it for me to defend Gordon Brown, but his recent treatment at the hands of Barack Obama has been appalling. <br></p><p>Five times the President refused to see our PM at the UN, before a forced 'kiss and make up' photo op at the G20. <br></p><p>Perhaps the President needs reminding that only onecountry has stood and died n their hundredsshoulder to shoulder with the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan - and thatis Britain. A little respect is in order, Mr President. <br></p><p>Sven-Goran Eriksson is hurt by the way Sol Campbell went behind his back and quit his Notts County football team after just one week. Sven says he feels humiliated and betrayed. Now he knows how Nancy Dell'Olio felt when he went for his Swedish transfer in the bedroom.</p><p><br></p><p> </p>?Analyse this: Meryl Streep<p>Last updated at 16:15 21 May 2007</p><br><p>Meryl Streep is widely regarded as the world?s greatestactress.</p><p>The 57-year-old has won two Oscars, for Sophie's Choice andKramer Vs Kramer, and has had 14 nominations - more than anyone inacting history.</p><p>She is married to sculptor Don Gummer and lives with him andtheir four children - aged between 15 and 27 - in New York.</p><p>Her upcoming films are Dirty Tricks, a political comedy withGwyneth Paltrow, and Dark Matter with Val Kilmer.</p><p>She will also be starring in a screen version of the hitmusical, Mamma Mia!</p><p>What were your dreams as a child?</p><p>To be a performer of some kind. Let's face it, we were all oncethree-year-olds who stood in the middle of the room performingwhile everyone thought we were so adorable.</p><p>Only some of us grow up and get paid for it. I thought actingwas fun, but I didn't really think it was a serious way to conductyour life.</p><p>I was a true child of the Sixties. We'd just come throughVietnam, Watergate, all of that and I thought it would beself-indulgent to be an actor.</p><p>But my mother's one piece of advice was: "Don't learn to type,because if you can you will."</p><p>Are you more like your mother or yourfather?</p><p>I take after both. They were artistic and fell in love over thepiano. My father loved to play and my mother was an artist, but sheloved to sing. She knew the lyrics to every song from the Thirtiesand Forties.</p><p>My parents sacrificed a lot for their family. Everyone told themhow wonderful I was at singing and that they should get me lessons.It was a big sacrifice to take me to New York every week to afamous teacher, but they did. It cost them a lot.</p><p>Rich and famous or poor and anonymous?</p><p>I'm grateful for everything I have, but being a movie star meansthat people tremble a bit when they are around you. For example, ifyou ask for coffee, the request goes down the chain of command andeach person will say: "She doesn't like sugar, you have to getSweet 'N' Low' and the next one will say: "No, she likes Splenda!But does she like hot milk or cold milk?"</p><p>I never made those demands; all I asked for was coffee. The fameand other aspects of my job has nothing to do with me and my normalfamily life at home.</p><p>What is your idea of heaven?</p><p>Being anywhere with my family. I used to take the children onlocation, so I associate them with many of my films.</p><p>When I look back on A Cry In The Dark, I remember all of us atmidnight in Australia listening to the crickets - we?d put our earsto the ground and listen. That was heaven.</p><p>What has been your greatest challenge?</p><p>Raising my family and having a career at the same time. There isno road map on how to raise a family, it?s always negotiation. Youneed to have a partner who shares what you value in life. Keepingbalance in my life</p><p>probably has to do with Don Gummer and all the other Gummers andthe fact I refused to publicise my family to enhance me. I neverallowed anyone to take a picture of me with the children sayingwhat a fabulous mother I am.</p><p>What was your weirdest experience with afan?</p><p>It's never weird, but it is sometimes difficult with fans.</p><p>People get nervous meeting me, but they quickly see that thereis no reason to be scared. On the first day of filming when</p><p>I forget my lines, everybody goes: "Hmm...the greatest what?"Acting is wildly overvalued. I just try to do my work and do itwell. And there are some days when I think I?m overrated.</p><p>Are you a shopaholic or shopshy?</p><p>I'm deeply bored by shopping and spending, especially forclothes. The whole fashion arena is a mystery to me. Can youimagine, one of the handbags I used in The Devil Wears Prada cost&pound;6,000, which is inconceivable to me. I have never beeninterested in glamour.</p><p>What makes you angry?</p><p>The obsession with how we look. Women are trying to makethemselves emaciated and it?s so frightening. I think it is reallyhorrible to be a 13 or 14-year-old girl at the moment.</p><p>It's much tougher than when I was growing up and felt burdenedby the images of Seventeen magazine.</p><p>Even then, I remember feeling: "This isn't good for me to thinkthat looking skinny like Twiggy is what I should aspire to." Thesethings are very destructive.</p><p>What is your greatest regret?</p><p>What has been happening in the world, and politically in theU.S. Things would be very different if women were in charge. Iffemales were running the world, there would be more investment inpeace, becausewe do not want to see our children killed. Maybe I amidealistic, but until we seewomen in equal positions of power, Ithink that we are doomed.</p><p>Your biggest extravagance?</p><p>I had a crooked tooth fixed, and it was very expensive.</p><p>I?m not really extravagant. I bought myself a new car, a Prius,but I don?t really spend much on luxuries - except art, which Idon?t count as extravagance. I think it?s essential, like food.</p><p>Your guilty pleasure?</p><p>Singing. It's really fun and I don?t get to do it much. I am notallowed to sing at home because my children can?t stand it - I haveto wait until everyone?s out.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Angela Simmons covers up... but STILL has all eyes on her curvacious body as she slips into a slinky kaftan<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:20:00 GMT, 26 February 2012</p><br><p>After spending the last few days confidently parading around on a Miami beach in a tiny swimsuit, it&#8217;s easy to understand why some men might perhaps find her intimidating.</p><p>But Angela Simmons perhaps seemed less of a threat to her male admirers yesterday when she hit the same spot, but this time in more relaxed oceanside attire.</p><p>Wearing a rosette detail kaftan over a two-piece set, the Run&#8217;s House star still had all eyes on her as she took a walk on the sand with her friend.</p><p> </p><p>The 24-year-old still managed to draw in lustful looks thanks to her see-through zip-fastened dress. <br></p><p>Simmons was happy to sit down and chat to group of men with her patterned blue bikini visible above her unfastened frock.</p><p>She looked ever the bombshell, teaming her chic look with round-frame pair of Prada sunglasses. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>On the first evening of celebrations, her group of ladies took to the region&#8217;s famous party scene looking stunning.</p><p>Angela wore a gorgeous halter neck peach cat suit with bobble detail down the sides.</p><p>The following night the friends stepped out for dinner, with Simmons looking especially glamorous in a sequin monochrome minidress and lighter blond locks.</p><p>Meanwhile she is gearing to jet to New York on Monday, where the Simmons&#8217; family office is located and nearby to her family&#8217;s New Jersey home.<br></p><p>She will be appearing on BET&#8217;s 106 and Park, a video countdown show hosted by Kourtney and Khloe Take Miamistar Terrance Jenkins and Raquel Diaz aka Rocsi.</p><p> </p><p> <br></p>?Prada the 'vicious' pit bull on death row is saved by petition after plight is featured on Animal Planet <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:16:25 GMT, 17 April 2012 UPDATED:09:52 GMT, 20 April 2012</p><p>The life of a mutt that's been on doggy death row for more than a year has been spared by a judge following an outcry from animal lovers and the acceptance of a last-ditch proposal to keep the dog alive.<br></p><p>Now Prada, the 4-year-old pit bull mix that inspired thousands of strangers across the globe to sign a petition to save the dog's life, could be headed to fame on the Animal Planet network.<br></p><p>The dog was declared vicious and ordered to be euthanized after escaping from her home and attacking several dogs in an upscale Nashville neighborhood in January 2011.</p><p> It usually doesn't take long to carry out such an order, but Prada's owner fought a lengthy legal battle, vowing to never stop until she saved her dog.<br></p><p>Nicole Andree, a 35-year-old real estate agent who rescued Prada when the dog was 4-weeks-old, asked a judge to spare her beloved companion if she agreed to send the animal to the Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans. <br></p><p>The rescue center is featured in Animal Planet's reality TV show 'Pitt Bulls and Parolees,' which puts ex-convicts and abused dogs together so both man and animal can be rehabilitated.</p><p>Andree said she didn't mind giving her dog up if it meant Prada would be spared. 'I just wanted her to live.'</p><p>She said her dog would be in good hands with Tia Torres, who runs the Villalobos Rescue center.<br></p><p>While she was relieved for her dog, Andree said the toll of endless legal battles and not knowing whether Prada was going to live or die has proven to be devastating for her own family. Andree's father died of a massive heart attack on Easter Sunday.</p><p>'The stress from everything killed my father,' she said while choking back tears.<br></p><p>Andree has said her dog was being discriminated against because it is part pit bull.<br></p><p>The dog was ordered put down by threedifferent courts after attorneys for the city of Nashville said Prada posed a public safety threat. <br></p><p>In court documents, they expressed concerns that the city could be held liable if Prada were to attack another dog or even a human.<br></p><p>Afterward, Andree launched a social media campaign to save Prada, which inspired more than 11,000 people to sign a petition asking Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam to pardon Prada. <br></p><p>But the governor, through a spokesman, said it was a local matter and he couldn't pardon a dog.<br></p><p>Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Joe Binkley Jr. signed the order sparing Prada after city attorneys saidthey would not object to the plan to transfer ownership of the dog to Torres so it could live at the rescue center.<br></p><p>The dog must stay at the rescue center for the rest of its life, Binkley's order said.<br></p>?Aren't you supposed to be fashionably late? Anna Wintour arrives hours early to the Met ahead of tonight's ball<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:20:48 GMT, 7 May 2012 UPDATED:06:43 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>She is the doyenne of all things fashionable so one would expect Anna Wintour to arrive stylishly late to New York's Costume Institute on the day of its grand gala event.</p><p>And yet just hours ago, an elegant and demurely dressed Ms Wintour was spotted at the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art being mobbed by paparazzi. <br></p><p>The reason? A date to meet Miuccia Prada at the press preview of the Costume Institute's annual exhibition, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, in celebration of which the party this evening is held. </p><p>Always impeccable, she paired the bold printed jacket and matching skirt with subtle nude heels and minimal accessories.</p><p>Even her nails and toes were neutral giving the spotlight to the strong green, white and black patterned ensemble.</p><p>In anticipation of the benefit this evening WWD is reporting that the famously controlling fashion icon has issued instructions to her staff that they must all wear pink.</p><p>Allegedly this is a nod to the late designer Else Schiaparelli's penchant for the pretty colour. </p><p>She has also apparently requested that they take pictures of their outfits with a few different hairstyle options for her approval. <br></p><p>Thepairing of Elsa Schiaparelli who died in 1973, and Prada initially cameas a surprise to the Italian who told reporters: 'When I think of her, Ithink of the past.'</p><p>Impossible Conversations features approximately 100 designs and 40 accessories by Elsa Schiaparelli from the late 1920s to the early 1950s, and by Miuccia Prada from the late 1980s to the present, drawn from the Costume Institute's collection and the Prada Archive, as well as other institutions and private collections.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The inventive presentation features an imaginary conversation between the two women, the deceased played by Australian actress Judy Davis. </p><p>Ms Prada and Ms Davis sit at opposing ends of a banquet table and discuss their lives, their careers in fashion and what it all means to them, in a scene rendered on the screen by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. <br></p><p>Though Miuccia Prada had a hard time understanding why she had been compared to the 1930s surrealist, she later conceded that a &#8216;love for art and breaking the rules unite us.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The curators of the exhibition, Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton, were keen to mount a show entirely focussed on women following the tremendous success of Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty exhibition drew record crowds. <br></p><p>Impossible Conversations juxtaposes Prada's eccentric shoe designs with Schiaparelli's whimsical hats and Prada's skirts with her fellow Italian's fitted, embellished jackets.<br></p><p>Resting at her hotel after a recent fall in preparation for tonight, she told the : 'I always kept some distance because the museum did everything - it is not something I am responsible for, I can&#8217;t control it.</p><p>'Now I like it - and I understand there actually were some similarities. But it is other people&#8217;s vision.'</p><p></p>?Sorry Anne Hathaway, you're too beautiful: Fans of romance novel One Day complain over movie lead <br><p>By <br>UPDATED:12:03 GMT, 27 February 2011</p><p>It's the romantic novel that everyone is suddenly reading &#8211; a word-of-mouth &#8216;sleeper&#8217; hit that has sold more than 650,000 copies in Britain alone and counts the Duchess of Cornwall among its many fans.</p><p>Loved, perhaps surprisingly, by men as well as women, One Day is a grassroots publishing phenomenon which hasn&#8217;t been seen since Stieg Larsson&#8217;s crime novels became unexpected international bestsellers.</p><p>Inevitably, given the incredible success that has seen the book translated into 37 languages, the story is now being made into a film. But, equally inevitably, the news has sparked fears that the magic of the humorous novel will be lost in the big-screen translation.</p><p>Fans are particularly worried that Hollywood beauty Anne Hathaway has been cast in the leading role of Emma Morley. <br></p><p>The 28-year-old is, they say, too attractive and glamorous to play an awkward, working-class Yorkshire girl who ekes out a living as a fast-food waitress and a teacher in an inner-city comprehensive.</p><p>They have taken to the internet in droves to express their disbelief. One reader wrote: &#8216;Anne Hathaway as Emma? Really? Did anyone actually read the descriptions of the character? Anne Hathaway is not it. Horrible choice.'</p><p></p><p>The book covers Emma&#8217;s ever-changing on-off relationship with the wealthy and impossibly handsome Dexter Mayhew, to be played by Jim Sturgess. <br></p><p>They spent the night together on their last day as Edinburgh University students and, in a highly unusual structure, the book catches up with the characters on the anniversary of that encounter &#8211; July 15 &#8211; each year over the ensuing two decades, as Dexter becomes a big TV star. <br></p><p>The book also contains a surprising plot twist, a secret that binds together all those who have read it.<br></p><p>Another of those fans wrote online: &#8216;The problem is if you cast Hathaway as Emma, think how preposterously good-looking Dexter is going to have to be. All of a sudden the whole thing is a tad unbelievable andinsincere.&#8217;<br></p><p>One correspondent went as far as to describe The Devil Wears Prada star Hathaway &#8211; co-host of tonight&#8217;s Oscars ceremony &#8211;as &#8216;anti-Emma&#8217;.</p><p> Both the book&#8217;s author, David Nicholls, and the film&#8217;s director, Lone Scherfig, have admitted that Emma in the film will be different from the character in the book. She will be &#8216;warmer&#8217; and less &#8216;provincial and shy&#8217;, Danish-born Scherfig has announced.</p><p>But the film-maker will fiddle with a winning formula at his peril &#8211; especially as it has been the recommendations of readers that propelled the novel into the bestseller list.</p><p>The book was first published in 2009, to modest results. But word-of-mouth has since caused sales to snowball. It sold particularly strongly in the run-up to Christmas as fans brought it as a gift for friends and family &#8211; and sales show no sign of slowing, with 73,000 copies shifted in the past eight weeks. <br></p><p>The novel has also spent three months on the New York Times bestseller list in America, where it has sold 300,000 copies, and sold a further 185,000 in Germany.</p><p>Although admitting to changes between the book and the film &#8211; which is due out in September &#8211; Nicholls defended the casting of Hathaway.</p><p>The author, who is also writing the screenplay, told The Mail on Sunday: &#8216;I haven&#8217;t seen the entire film yet because it isn&#8217;t finished, but what I have seen of Anne, she is terrific.</p><p>&#8216;It isn&#8217;t a light romantic comedy performance at all. She gets the awkwardness and the self-consciousness of Emma. It&#8217;s much more like the Anne Hathaway who starred in the darker Rachel&#8217;s Getting Married than the Anne Hathaway of her other films. Anne&#8217;s Emma is a bit brighter thanthe Emma in the book. But Anne is a phenomenal actress and she can carry it off.&#8217;</p><p>Nicholls admits he was unprepared for the reactionto the novel, which has been dubbed one of the books of the decade &#8211; especially the way it has been embraced by young male readers. <br></p><p>He said: &#8216;I never expected the book to have a life as long as this. When I read the completed draft, I thought it was OK but I had no anticipation of the connection people would have with the book.<br></p><p>&#8216;I get a lot of very kind and generous messages from the people who have read it; a lot of people telling their personal stories about their own long-term friendships, which might be similar. &#8216;One of the themes of the book is &#8220;What if I had sent that letter? What if I had said what I thought?&#8221;</p><p>&#8216;It seems to have touched a chord and many people tell me stories about their own Dexter and their own Emma in their lives.&#8217;</p><p>Nicholls, who previously wrote for the ITV comedy-drama Cold Feet, admits that changes to the story in the film include toning down references to Dexter&#8217;s drug use and dropping the section of the story set in India. And to save money, the couple will holiday in Brittany rather than Greece.</p><p>Nicholls, whose other books include Starter For Ten, added that he is resisting pressure to write a sequel to One Day. <br></p><p>&#8216;People sometimes say, &#8220;Can you do the next 20 years?&#8221; And who knows? &#8216;But I am quite keen to move on to the next book. I am trying to clear my head of Emma and Dexter because I have been with them for about four years.&#8217;</p><p> </p>?Anne Hathaway on '500 calories a day crash diet' to slim down for Les Miserables role<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:08:48 GMT, 30 March 2012 UPDATED:13:57 GMT, 30 March 2012</p><p>Anne Hathaway is having to resort to a drastic diet to lose weight to play her latest role.</p><p>The actress, 29, has been ordered to lose 16lbs in less than three weeks to play dying prostitute Fantine in the movie adaptation of Les Miserables.</p><p>As fans of the musical classic will know, the single mother ends up with consumption and later appears as a ghost.</p><p>Although currently a healthy size 10, Hathaway will have to lose over a stone for her realistic portrayal of a hungry, dying prostitute.</p><p>Instead of eating the recommended daily allowance of 2,000 calories a day, the actress is now down to under 500 to achieve the rapid result.</p><p>A film source told the Daily Mirror: 'Anne is playing a destitute factory worker-come-lady of the night.</p><p>'Unfortunately,she only has 15 to 20 days to lose as much weight as possible - up to astone-and-a-half - because she&#8217;s been filming the scenes showing her fit and healthy, almost slightly chubby.</p><p>'It&#8217;s not ideal but, as with any high-budget movie, there are strict time constraints.</p><p>'Producershave assigned her a personal trainer and she is literally eating nothing more than a couple of apples a day, and some protein &#8211; mainly inthe form of a shake.'</p><p>However, producers are making sure doctors keep a close eye on the actress during the short-term diet.<br></p><p>Hathaway is no stranger to having to lose weight for roles.</p><p>Last year, she slimmed down to fit into an unforgiving catsuit to play Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises.</p><p>She started doing Bikram yoga and push-ups and eating vegetables, fish and fruit to shape down.<br></p><p>She also lost weight to play Andrea Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>The Les Miserables movie, which also stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried, is due to release in December.<br></p>?Airport chic! Anne Hathaway shows how to travel in style as she jets back into Los Angeles in brown mac and scarf combo<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:12:35 GMT, 24 September 2012 UPDATED:17:20 GMT, 24 September 2012</p><p>She spent last week having a change of scenery in the Big Apple as she attended the New York City Ballet Gala.</p><p>But as soon as the glitzy bash was over it was all go for Anne Hathaway as she headed straight back to the airport to return to Los Angeles.</p><p>And she couldn't have ticked more boxes with her outfit choice as she not only went for comfort, but still managed to appear stylish as she jetted across America.</p><p>The Devil Wears Prada actress kept her trip cosy in a pair of jeans.</p><p>But not one to let her style slip, she smartened the look up with a brown mackintosh, with a red and mauve animal-print scarf brightening it up.</p><p>Anne completed the look with some comfy black high tops and sunglasses on her face, while her cropped hair looked sleek.</p><p>The 29-year-old was seen arriving at the airport in New York wearing the smart-casual ensemble.</p><p>And a hair didn't seem out of place as she emerged on the other side in the sunnier US state.</p><p>The Les Miserables actress didn't waste any time in settling back into her sunny lifestyle in California as she was seen donning a more summery get-up to walk her dog two days later.</p><p>Hathaway went for a bizarre yet comfortable outfit for the stroll with her mum near her Hollywood Hills home.</p><p>She wore cropped black leggings with trainers and white socks, while she wore a T-shirt emblazoned with a zebra picture on the front.</p><p>Completing the ensemble, Anne wore a large floppy sun hat and sunglasses.</p><p> </p><p>But she wasn't the only star to recently be arriving back at LAX.</p><p>Fellow actress Renee Zellweger also arrived back in Los Angeles on Sunday and wore a similar get-up with jeans and a black mac.</p><p>But she kept her blonde locks in a messy ponytail as she wheeled her suitcase along while wearing sunglasses on her face.<br></p><p></p>?The Devil wears Prada... so I'll wear thrift store! Anne Hathaway still gets the look of love from Adam Shulman in tomboy chic<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:13:53 GMT, 10 July 2012 UPDATED:07:01 GMT, 11 July 2012</p><p>For ladies who think spending hours on their hair and make-up will result in an abundance of attention from their beau - think again.</p><p>Anne Hathway's fiance Adam Shulman looked utterly besotted with his actress partner as she looked like she'd just rolled out of bed.</p><p>The Devil Wears Prada actress stepped out for their lunch date in a raggedy grey sweatshirt with an inside-out effect on the shoulders.</p><p>Scroll down for video<br></p><p> </p><p>She also slipped into a pair of denimcutoffs that she appeared to have hacked herself with a pair of scissors as stray material hung down.</p><p></p><p>The inner pocket on her left thigh was also visible as it peeped below the hemline.</p><p>Being blessed with slender legs, there was no need for the 29-year-old to bother with heels, looking comfortable in black flats.</p><p> </p><p>The pair both rocked a similar pair of shades as they emerged with takeout boxes from Cafe Gratitude - a small chain of vegan raw foods.</p><p>They are no doubt catching up on couple time after Anne just wrapped filming on her latest project Les Miserables.</p><p> </p><p>The Academy-Award nominee was forced to chop off her hair to play the role of prostitute Fantine in the latest adaptation of the 1862 novel.</p><p>Anne has been dating Adam since the Christmas of 2008, before getting engaged to the actor-turned-jewellery designer last November.</p><p>VIDEO: Anne talks about getting tough for her role as Catwoman!... </p>?ARLENE PHILLIPS: Me and my wardrobe<p>By <br>UPDATED:09:43 GMT, 6 August 2009</p><p>My way of dressing is really odd. I often wear a glamorous Vivienne Westwood or Matthew Williamson dress with a pair of dance trousers in a lovely fabric, soft and flowing. <br></p><p>I never, ever wear jeans - I don't own any. I've got a bum and I don't think it would be a pretty sight. <br></p><p>I always wear Spanx tights with dresses - they give you a lovely line. Black is my favourite. I have so many little black dresses people must think I wear the same thing all the time. <br></p><p>I like strong, block colours and rarely go for patterns.</p><p> When you're shorter - I'm 5ft 31/2in - you have to be careful. I'm not a white T-shirt person at all and I don't wear sleeveless tops, as I'm not in love with my arms. </p><p>I love wearing designer dresses, and I'm not afraid to wear them again and again. <br></p><p>But at my stage of life you can get stuck in a rut, so I also do a big Topshop shop. Zara, too. <br></p><p>Despite their fast turnover of styles, their stuff doesn't date. And the prices are brilliant. I'll travel miles for a bargain! </p><p>I spend, in phases, about £25,000 a year, I guess. That's a year's wage for many people, but others will think: 'That's nothing.' <br></p><p>But I can't wear the same thing twice on TV. It's wonderful to have a stylist, but I'd rather buzz around a shop on my own. </p><p>My big love is vintage: I have a wardrobe full of it. I have a purple Biba dress - low neck, ties at the back - that's still going strong, and a beautiful pink Ossie Clark blouse. <br></p><p>Once I earned my own money - around the time of Hot Gossip - I started to buy outrageous fashions. It wasn't so much about labels; I had to be noticed to turn heads. <br></p><p>Tragically, I didn't save enough of it. I've always been big on giving things to charity shops. But if someone else is happily wearing my stuff, that's fine by me. </p><p>MATTHEW WILLIAMSON DRESS </p><p>This is my all-time favourite dress (pictured right), the first beaded dress I've ever had. I bought it when I was doing the DanceX show that Bruno Tonioli and I created for the BBC. It was the final, and I wanted to look a million dollars. What's so special about it is that he's continued to do this dress, so you realise you've got a modern classic. If I have anywhere to go where I feel like I need some confidence, this is what I'll put on. It cost me £1,100. Money well spent, absolutely, completely and utterly. <br></p><p>CAPEZIO TRAINERS </p><p>These are what I have on my feet today, and they would make you laugh, but I love them. They're black (of course) split-sole, dance shoes with a Velcro strap. They've got the sole, they've got the heel, and in between is just canvas. As a dancer, you have to be able to point your feet, so you need the flexibility. I live in them most days because I'm going to rehearsals. I love them, and they're very, very precious to me. <br></p><p></p><p>VIVIENNE WESTWOOD DRESS </p><p>I'M A huge fan of Vivienne Westwood, her designs make a body look and feel great, particularly if you've got boobs and hips. They make you go in at the right places and out at the right places. I've always worn her jackets, I've got six of them - all black - which I wear, even with tracksuit bottoms. And she does great T-shirts. But my favourite is a beautiful, cobalt blue dress that drapes and drops in the oddest places. I wore it to an awards ceremony and felt wonderful. <br></p><p>CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SHOES ALTHOUGH</p><p> </p><p>I have some stunning shoes, I wear high heels only on special occasions. After years of pointe work and dance shoes, my feet have been slightly knocked out of joint, so I'm usually happier in flat shoes. But my life changed when I bought my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. I was shocked at how comfortable they are, and I've been a passionate fan ever since. I can wear them for hours and still look glamorous. I have a red patent pair, and a black patent high heel. But my favourites are high, red wedges. Gorgeous. <br></p><p>PRADA HANDBAG </p><p>I have an addiction to Prada bags, so it's best for me to stay away from them. It's like food. If I don't have biscuits in the house, I'll never touch them. But if they're in the cupboard, I've got to eat them. So anything I desire, I have to avoid, which means I carry the same Prada bag, day in and day out. It's black, with big, chunky stones on the front. But here's the laugh: I carry my laptop in a nylon eco bag. So there I am, one shoulder glamorous, the other eco. <br></p><p>TIFFANY NECKLACE </p><p>I don't wear a lot of jewellery apart from the rings that my partner Angus has given to me. I wear those all the time - he's got wonderful taste. But I have two Tiffany necklaces I adore. I also have Diamonds By The Yard, by Elsa Peretti - a very thin gold chain with little diamonds set in it. The necklace I've probably worn the most on television is in a similar style with rubies instead of diamonds. It's short, with the rubies, which are flat, spaced about two inches apart. Sometimes on TV I put it on underneath what I'm wearing because I never want to take it off. <br></p>WARDROBE CHECKLIST<br><p> 50 everyday dresses, one for every week of the year (a lot of round neck, sleeves to elbow, also vintage, Fifties style, mostly black). Range from Zara to Phillip Lim (a special is a bright green Phillip Lim dress with puffed sleeves, bought online from outnet.com. It's straight and comes to just below the knee). </p><p>Fifteen pairs of trainers, all black; three pairs of Christian Louboutin's; ten pairs of sparkly, gold, diamante designer shoes; ten pairs of comfy shoes - not ballet pumps; more low wedge heels, all black. </p><p>Thirty (at least) pairs of black trousers, many Sweaty Betty, all elegant. All very soft, silky, elasticated waists, easy to wear, particularly if I'm coming from rehearsal and going out. Many bought from Saks Fifth Avenue, in the U.S., from their lounging, cruise range (although I've never done the yacht thing). They do double duty. </p><p>Thirty Vivienne Westwood T-shirts, 80 per cent black, others navy. Never white. Also Juicy Couture bright pink ones that are worn rarely. Two or three classic white shirts sit in the wardrobe and stare at me. They never see the light of day. </p><p>Five really good handbags, one Aspinal, the others mostly Prada. About 40 oddball handbags bought on a whim - one is even from Peacocks (a bit like Primark). </p><p>Alexander McQueen skull chiffon scarf. </p><p>Six Vivienne Westwood jackets; six Zara jackets, all black, except for silver sequinned jacket bought in Canada, which is a short pullon type. </p><p>Vintage stuff: Ossie Clark black-and-white dress, Bill Gibb clothes. </p><p>Three Prada cashmere cardigans. Expensive, but bought in the sales. </p><p></p>?Aston Martin is officially 'cool' thanks to Daniel Craig's 007<p>Last updated at 12:01 13 September 2007</p><br><p>Actor Daniel Craig has put Aston Martin at the top of the coolbrand market.<br><br></p><p>The 007 star drove the sports car into first place after heappeared behind the wheel in Casino Royale.</p><p>James Bond would no doubt also approve of other brands voted bymore than 2,000 consumers - particularly the sexy lingerie of AgentProvocateur which made it into the top ten at No 8.</p><p>Scroll down for more ...</p><p>And a Rolex - which came in at No 14 - wouldn't look out ofplace on his wrist.</p><p>007's Quartermaster, known as Q, would probably prefer to backthe gadgets in the list - iPod was in second place, Playstationsixth.</p><p>Technology figures repeatedly in the list from YouTube andGoogle to ebay and iTunes.</p><p>Scroll down for more ...</p><p>Superbrands' CoolBrands Council, which compiled the research,said: "The success of Casino Royale - and the rekindled love affairbetween the British public and Bond as a result - shows there is adeeply ingrained association with the man and the car in the mindsof Britons."</p><p>Other fast movers on the list were Lamborghini, Ferrari, Ducati- and Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic.</p><p>The top 20 is:</p><p>1. Aston Martin<br>2. iPod<br>3. YouTube<br>4. Bang and Olufsen<br>5. Google<br>6. Playstation<br>7. Apple<br>8. Agent Provocateur<br>9. Nintendo<br>10. Virgin Atlantic<br>11. Ferrari<br>12. Ducati<br>13. eBay<br>14. Rolex<br>15. Tate Modern<br>16. Prada<br>17. Lamborghini<br>18. Green &amp; Black's<br>19. iTunes<br>20. Amazon<br></p>Share this article: <p> </p>?<br>Auto couture: Four classic styles to look the part<br>Four classic cars up for auction - and if you haven't got the cash, four classic styles so at least you can look the part<br> <p>UPDATED:21:00 GMT, 25 October 2008</p><p> </p> <p><br></p><p>THE CAR 1965 Ferrari 250 LM Berlinetta (Lot 257) (ABOVE)<br></p><p>ESTIMATE <br></p><p>£2.5-£2.8 million</p><p>Two-and-a-half million quid on a car? Don't they realise that there's a Great Depression on? <br></p><p>In fact, the classic-car market is one of the few left in the world where prices are still rising - and right now there's a frenzy of trading going on. The plutocrats who splurged on super-rare cars when the going was good are now being forced to sell, while others who came through the crash unscathed are seizing their chance to invest in a commodity that outperforms all others. </p><p>When RM Auctions returns to Battersea Park this Tuesday for the second Automobiles Of London event (see rmauctions.com), it expects to do even more business than last year - that's £18 million or more. On 75 used cars. </p><p>This particular Ferrari is a thoroughbred racer, named LM after a victory in the 1963 Le Mans 24-hour race. The car has had six private owners, the price rising each time it's changed hands. </p><p>It's one of only 32 in existence. <br></p><p>THE STYLE</p><p>The classic Le Mans look is a blend of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, both of whom raced there in the Sixties.</p><p>Scroll down for more</p><br> <p> </p><p>1. London bag, £;485, bracheremden.com </p><p>2. Sony Walkman NWZ-A826K, £159, sony.co.uk </p><p>3. TAG Heuer SLR Calibre S Laptimer, £2,395, tagheuer.com </p><p>4. Grey leather driving gloves, £115, dunhill.com </p><p>5. McLaren racing boots, £188, 0845 257 2571 </p><p>6. London Calling Raven ring with onyx, £750, stephenwebster.com </p><p>7. Prada sunglasses, £179, davidclulow.com </p><br> <p><br></p><p>ABOVE; Jacket, £345, richardjames.co.uk; For All Mankind trousers, £179, Tel: 0207 5910808; McLaren trainers, £238, Tel: 0845 257 2571; driving gloves, £130, dunhill.com</p><p><br></p><p>Suit, £1,455, shirt,£155, and tie, £75, kilgour.eu; Poste shoes, £110, office.co.uk </p> <p> </p><br><p>THE CAR 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Recreation (Lot 250) (ABOVE)<br></p><p>ESTIMATE <br></p><p>£450,000-£500,000 <br></p><p>The competition variant of the DB4, the GT was the most powerful British sports car of its era, with some models handed over to Italian coachbuilder Zagato to be made lighter and more aerodynamic. In 1989, Mario Galbiati of Zagato built four 'recreation' GTZs to use up the remaining chassis numbers; he then began work on this car, originally for himself, which was finally completed earlier this year. <br></p><p>THE STYLE <br></p><p>James Bond drove the DB4's replacement, the DB5, so we've prepared a modern take on Sean Connery's look. <br></p><p><p>Scroll down for more</p></p> <p> <br></p> <p></p><p>1. Townhouse Sloane briefcase, £625, tumi.com </p><p>2. Black patent dress shoes, £310, kilgour.eu </p><p>3. IWC Pilot's Watch Chrono-Automatic Edition Top Gun, £4,300, iwc.com</p><p>4. Sunglasses, £69, fabrislane.co.uk </p><p>5. T-Mobile G1 phone, free with contract, t-mobile.co.uk. Infinitely customisable iPhone rival with great software including a barcode scanner so you can check whether you're getting a good price wherever you're shopping. </p><br> <p><br></p><p>THE CAR 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 (Lot 222) (ABOVE)<br></p><p>ESTIMATE <br></p><p>£90,000-£120,000 <br></p><p>To slay its rivals on the track, Ford crammed a 7.0-litre V8 'hemi' engine into its legendary muscle car, creating the most powerful and expensive Mustang ever. This is the 774th of just 857 produced in the 1969 model year, unrestored and in perfect condition. <br></p><p>THE STYLE <br></p><p>The Mustang was the original 'pony car': huge power in a lightweight frame, appealing to rednecks and blue-collar speed freaks. A perfect excuse to showcase this season's resurgent Western look.</p><p>Scroll down for more</p> <p> </p> <p>1. Pursuit aftershave, £30, dunhill.com </p> <p>2. Canvas-and-leather bag, £390, belstaff.net </p> <p>3. Breitling Chrono-Matic 49, £4,160, breitling.com </p> <p>4. Leather boots, £80, office.co.uk </p> <p>5. Silver lighter, £375, dunhill.com</p> <br> <p><br></p><p>ABOVE; Shirt, £80, allsaints.co.uk; jeans, £110, replay.it; boots, £150, allsaints.co.uk; Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses, £110, sunglasshut.co.uk <br></p><p>Brooks Brothers suit, £699, Tel: 020 3238 0030; shirt, £69, and tie, £79, gievesandhawkes.com; shoes, £710, johnlobb.com </p> <p> </p> <p>THE CAR 1953 Bentley R-type Continental Fastback (Lot 227) (ABOVE)<br> </p> <p>ESTIMATE <br> </p> <p>£325,000-£375,000 <br> </p> <p>Designed by HJ Mulliner and Pinin Farina, the Continental was the aerodynamic motor for the more demanding client. </p> <p>A remarkably light and sleek two-door coupe; with a tapered tail and curved windscreen, it has a straight-six engine that gives it a top speed of 100mph. Just 207 were made. <br> </p> <p>THE STYLE <br> </p> <p>Quiet luxury for the gent with time to think. We've matched the car with a classic Brooks Brothers three-piece suit - bang on trend this season.</p><p>ABOVE; Brooks Brothers suit, £699, Tel: 020 3238 0030; shirt, £69, and tie, £79, gievesandhawkes.com; shoes, £710, johnlobb.com <br></p><p><p>Scroll down for more</p></p><p> </p> <br><br><p>1. Persol glasses, £190, davidclulow.com </p><p>2. Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945, £20,400, Tel: 020 7629 2544 </p><p>3. Petrol blue driving shoes, £225, newandlingwood.com </p><p>4. Spotted silk scarf, £29, simoncarter.net </p><p>5. Black gloves, £120, cpcompany.co.uk </p><p>6. Britain cufflinks, £120, hackett.com </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> </p>?Autumn fashion special: Best dress list<br> It&#8217;s all about simple but structured shifts with subtle details. The shape is the statement <br>?Bare your sole: How to pull off 'flatforms' - the season's strangest footwear trend<p>By <br>UPDATED:13:26 GMT, 18 March 2011</p><p>Anyone who remembers wearing Buffalo shoes in the Nineties will understand the concept of 'flatforms'.</p><p>Marrying the comfort of flat shoes with the height of heels, the heavy-soled footwear was a hit with vertically-challenged teenagers - despite the fact that they looked vaguely geriatric.</p><p>Now the style is back, and it's been given a designer makeover. Chanel, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors all featured flatforms on their spring runways.</p><p> </p><p>Setting a trend: 'Flatform' wedge shoes appeared in several designers' spring collections, including Chanel (left) Derek Lam for eBay (centre) and Michael Kors (right)</p><p>Prada's $795 foam-soled Brothel Creeper has already sold out, and imitations are selling like hotcakes.</p><p></p><p>Holly Shoes' version is uncannily similar, and at just $92, costs a fraction of the price.</p><p>But as the days get hotter, open-toed sandal versions will also come into their own. Topshop and Tory Burch both have myriad options, while Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren both do a nice line in espadrille soles.</p><p>They aren't just for dressing down either - Lanvin's snake-print sole with slinky ribbon straps oozes glamour, and we love the punchy hue of Sergio Rossi's satin wedges.</p><p>In fact we rate them more than Prada's loafer style, which might prove difficult to wear - unless, of course, you are one of the label's catwalk models and have legs like pipe-cleaners.</p><p>We reckon flatform sandals will look fantastic in summer with boyish tailored shorts. But if you aren't confident about your legs, try using them to give height to wide-legged trousers or flares for an equally-on-trend Seventies look.<br></p><p>SIX OF THE BEST FLATFORMS FOR SUMMER<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>?Summer of love: Beautiful couple Kelly Brook and Thom Evans show off their gorgeous bodies at V Festival<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:10:39 GMT, 20 August 2012 UPDATED:22:35 GMT, 20 August 2012</p><p>It simply is not enough that Kelly Brook and Thom Evans are an achingly good looking couple.</p><p>The beautiful pairing spent a lazy Sunday afternoon showing the world how in love they were as they partied at V Festival.</p><p>Kelly and Thom were two of the special guests that got to party in a secluded backstage area away from the masses, in Chelmsford, Essex.</p><p>While artists such as The Killers, and The Stone Roses entertained the crowds, Kelly and her model boyfriend enjoyed special hospitality.</p><p>The former Big Breakfast presenter showed off her summer style in a lovely colourful knee-length dress.</p><p>Instead of wearing the standard issue wellington boots that many festival revellers sport, Kelly, 32, opted for a cute pair of white boots instead.</p><p> </p><p>She wore the heeled footwear with her hair down and her trendy wayfarer sunglasses protecting her pretty brown eyes from the sun.</p><p>The lingerie model may have looked fully ready to embrace the summer vibes in her cool attire but Thom was equally prepared.</p><p>The former rugby union player took full advantage of the good weather and wore as little clothing as was tastefully possible.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>He showed off his bulging biceps and toned pectorals in a loose fitting white vest that had an artistic Union Flag printed on it.</p><p>Thom teamed the top with a pair of navy shorts and boat shoes as he wandered around the backstage area with his beautiful girlfriend.</p><p>The pair may have been very important guests but they acted just like everybody else at the festival as they took photographs of the day and enjoyed the entertainment.</p><p>Kelly posted a couple of images on her Twitter account and seemed particularly fond of the cocktails that were being served up in large pineapples.</p><p>The weekend of fun didn't slow down the televison presenter as she was up at the crack of dawn on Monday for work.</p><p>She tweeted on Sunday night: '4.30am Wake up call tomorrow!!! Who's up with me #Daybreak #ITV x'</p><p>On Monday morning she was pictured looking her best in a short grey dress as she left the ITV London Studios.</p><p> <br></p>?<p>By <br>UPDATED:07:11 GMT, 16 October 2009<br><br></p><p>I have always suffered from puffy eyes &#8211; creams seem to make them worse. Do any of them work?<br></p><p>You&#8217;re not alone. This is one of the most common problems I hear about (from men and women) and I&#8217;d love to say I&#8217;d discovered a miracle product to make puffy eyes disappear like magic. The truth is that some eye creams can make this problem worse, so you have to apply sparingly and experiment with different brands until you find one that works for you. Some of the newest products are surprisingly effective. <br></p><p>MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Anti-Ageing Complex, £45 (call 0870 8506655 for stockists) is a new &#8216;wonder&#8217; eye cream which has been formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate and brighten the eye area. Its ingredients include Vitamin A to repair the skin, Hyaluronic Acid to stimulate collagen, and starch, which stops the cream from creeping into the eye area, which can be a cause of irritation. <br></p><p>Dr Nick Lowe&#8217;s Puffy Eyes Gel, £14.99 (Boots) has had excellent reviews. In tests, 96 per cent saw a reduction in eye puffiness. Origins new Gin Zeng Refreshing Eye Cream, £20 (www.origins.co.uk or call 0800 7314039 for stockists) has a cool, cream texture that invigorates and refreshes the eye area and is especially recommended for use in times of increased mental and physical stress when you are short of sleep. <br></p><p>It contains Panaz Ginseng to help reduce visible signs of fatigue. When applying any eye cream, try to apply in small circular motions - the massage will help improve skin tone, eradicate puffiness and help aid lymphatic drainage. I have recently lost two stone by going to a slimming club, but have stubborn cellulite on my thighs I can&#8217;t shift. I am 38, swim every day but I need something a little stronger to move it. Can you suggest any products or treatments that really work &#8211; I have even been thinking of liposuction?<br></p><p>I have also just heard about a new treatment &#8211; Cynosure&#8217;s Thigh-high Boot Lipo, which tackles calves, ankles and thighs in one session.</p><p> It works by introducing pulsed laser energy through a cannula (thin tube) to liquefy fat which is then removed from the body. The procedure is said to cause less bleeding, swelling and bruising than traditional lipo. It is performed under general anaesthetic and most people can return to work in 1-2 days, although you would have to wear a support garment for up to ten days. It doesn&#8217;t come cheap - the average cost is £2000 (for further details visit www.cynosureuk.com). <br></p><p></p><p>Dr Jules Nabet&#8217;s Slimming Act, £85 for 125ml (Harrods and www.doctornabet.com) is a best-selling lotion with &#8216;lipolysis effect&#8217; that helps smooth problem areas and promises results in 3-4 weeks. Caudalie Firming Concentrate, £24.00 (www.caudalie.com), is a fresh-smelling toning that lotion that firms and tones and works particularly well on flabby thighs. <br></p><p>One of the best inexpensive anti-cellulite treatments is Nivea&#8217;s Goodbye Cellulite, £5 for 200ml (available nationwide or www.nivea.co.uk or call 0845 644 8556 for stockists). If you are looking for a quick fix, Adonia Legtone, £53 (www.adonialegtone.com) is described as the &#8216;miracle cellulite cream&#8217;.</p><p> Another option is to try exercise shoes which you can wear to give your legs and thighs a workout while you walk. Over the last two years these have improved hugely in effectiveness and they&#8217;re a lot better looking than the clumpy styles of old. The new winter range from FitFlop include the sheepskin three-quarter Mukluk (£125) and quilted Snugger, £85 (www.victoriahealth.com). R</p><p>eebok&#8217;s Easy Tone Rush trainers £65 (www.lovethoseshoes.com) are more stylish than other exercise trainers I have tried and definitely tightens flabby bits, without having to set foot in the gym.</p><p>My all-time favourite product was Rose Water from Neal&#8217;s Yard, but the recipe seems to have changed and I am always looking for a replacement. I am 43, my skin is combination, and I often end up using two products.</p><p>I contacted Neal&#8217;s Yard and you are right, the preservative system did change slightly in the Rose Water at the end of last year as the brand has been moving over to more widely acceptable and milder preservative systems in all their products. <br></p><p>The colour of Neal&#8217;s Yard Rose Water, £7.83 for 100ml (www.nealsyard.com) has changed very slightly as a result but they say that other than that, there is no significant change to the formulation and that these small changes will make no difference to the efficacy. <br></p><p>As you ask about alternatives, Trilogy&#8217;s Hydrating Mist Toner, £14.63, contains a gentle blend of extracts of rose, rose geranium and lavender, or Botanics Organic Rosewater Toner, £3.91 for 150ml is a good budget buy. Since you like the feel of toner on your skin, you might like to try A&#8217;kin Rose &amp; Geranium Cleanser &amp; Toner, £12.99 (www.purist.com) a two-in-one product formulated to remove daily dirt and grime and is also a great face and eye make-up remover. <br></p><p>Nivea Visage 2 in 1 Cleanser and Toner, £4.88 for 200ml or L&#8217;Oreal Paris Vitalift Rejuvenating Cleansing-Smoothing Toner, £4.88 for 200ml (all available at Boots). Don&#8217;t forget to moisturise, so go for one which won&#8217;t make your skin feel too greasy, such as Purity&#8217;s Organic Skincare Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, £5.99 for 50ml (Superdrug).</p><p>I really want to change my make-up, but never seem to pluck up the courage to go to a cosmetics counter. I end up buying things that don&#8217;t suit me just to get away from the counter and I&#8217;ve spent a fortune buying products I never use.<br><br>Who hasn&#8217;t been in this situation? I still buy make-up I don&#8217;t use which looks great under artificial light in stores and then doesn&#8217;t look right when I get it home. I recently spent a busy Saturday on the Shu Uemura counter at Selfridges in London and was surprised by the number of women who told me they were desperate to try new colours and techniques, but felt intimidated by cosmetics counters and felt that many of the consultants were too young to relate to their own problems, which were often age-related. <br></p><p>Most brands will give you a free makeover and consultation, talking you through what suits you best. <br></p><p>And if they&#8217;re busy, they&#8217;ll give you an appointment to come back. The drawback with cosmetics is that, unlike skincare, there are no samples to try at home. <br></p><p>Have your make-up applied, then wander around the shops for a while, to check how it suits your skin and whether you really like it. Don&#8217;t feel pressured into buying straight away &#8211; these are no-ties consultations, you&#8217;re not obliged to buy anything.</p><p> Remember, you are the customer &#8211; and it&#8217;s in their interest to be nice to you. And if they&#8217;re not, we want to know about it. <br></p><p></p><p><br></p><p>SIX SEXY SCENTS</p><p>There&#8217;s nothing like a new bottle of scent to brighten up a gloomy autumn day and this season, the bottles alone will boost your spirits. These all smell as good as they look.</p><p>Top of the new crop is Very Hollywood Michael Kors Eau de Parfum Spray, £46.98 for 50ml (nationwide from the 14th October; 0870 034 2566 for stockists).</p><p>Nina Ricci&#8217;s Precious Edition Jewel fragrance, a limited edition of Nina&#8217;s famous apple crafted in metallic pink with Swarovski crystals, £44 for 80ml (0207 494 6220 for stockists).</p><p> </p><p>Scent of a woman: Very Hollywood by Michael Kors, left, Nina Ricci's Precious Edition Jewel and Prada's L'eau Ambree, right</p><p>Prada&#8217;s L&#8217;Eau Ambree, in an ink black bottle with a gold embossed Prada logo, £72.41 for 80ml (0207 494 6220).</p><p>Gap&#8217;s new Close, their first signature scent for women, is like a crisp white shirt in a bottle &#8211; fresh, clean smelling in a transparent egg shaped bottle in a clear plexiglass box, £27.50 for 100ml from all Gap stores. (0800 427 789 for stockists).</p><p>DKNY PURPLE Eau de Toilette, £29.85 for 100ml (Boots or 0870 034 2566 for stockists). <br>The limited edition scent is in DKNY&#8217;s iconic skyscraper-inspired bottle, in deep purple with the logo in shimmering gold, to look like city lights at night.</p><p>Acqua di Parma&#8217;s new Magnolia Nobile, £59.70 (www.spacenk.co.uk).<br> A sensuous, warming scent to remind you of summer.</p><p><br></p><p></p><br><p>WHO KNEW?</p><p>Overdoing fake tan has been hailed as the Biggest Beauty Blooper of the 20th Century - the Tango'ed look emerged as the worst possible fashion faux pas in a study of 3,000 women commissioned by Superdrug. <br></p><p>This is why a new salon self-tanning treatment &#8211; the Vani-tan - is proving such a hit with A-list celebrities and beauty insiders. It&#8217;s different from any other as you choose the exact shade you want, by simply washing it off an hour after application. Unlike other self-tanning treatments, showering won&#8217;t remove the colour, but actually determines how deep you want your tan to be. <br></p><p>Removing after one hour will leave you with a light tan, after two hours you&#8217;ll have a medium tan and if you want a deeper colour, leave it on for the full three hours. There are no artificial formulas, fragrances or harsh chemicals in the formula and best of all, odour inhibitors mean there&#8217;s no tell-tale smell.</p><p>Vani-T is available exclusively at selected beauty salons and spas. To find your local salon, call Planet Blue Distributors on 0845 299 0700.</p><p></p><br><p><br></p>?Our favourite, fabulous beauty counter freebies<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:32 GMT, 17 March 2011</p><br><p>Everyone loves a free gift, and right now cosmetics counters will leave you spoilt for choice as top companies launch their spring offers. Gifts include bags, purses and make-up bags &#8212; and many are travel-sized so they&#8217;re perfect for weekends away or holidays. Even more excuse to bag a freebie...</p>ELIZABETH ARDEN<p>Buy two Elizabeth Arden products, one of them skincare, and get a fabulous free gift worth more than £60. The silver cosmetics bag contains eight make-up and skincare products, including mineral bronzer, lipstick and Eight-Hour Cream, from John Lewis (March 11 to 26).</p>ARMANI FRAGRANCE<p>Pick up a free Armani handbag when you buy any Armani fragrance, 50ml size or bigger. </p><p>The grey and black mock-croc bag is a good size for everyday use &#8212; and comes with the luxurious Armani label. Choose from scents such as Armani Code for Women, £51.50, Acqua di Gioia, £44.99, and Idole D&#8217;Armani, £49.99, from thefragranceshop.co.uk (March 11 to April 3).</p>YVES ST LAURENT OPIUM<p>Yves Saint Laurent Opium, £53.99, is still one of the world&#8217;s best-selling perfumes. We also love Belle d&#8217;Opium, £54.99, (the fragranceshop.co.uk) which is a new take on the classic that has less of an amber scent than the original, and also notes of sandalwood, white pepper and jasmine. </p><p>When you buy 50ml of either of the scents from any YSL stockist, you&#8217;ll get a handy make-up pouch with a YSL lipstick, mascara and eyeliner in it (March 11 to April 3).</p><p> </p><p>From left: Elizabeth Arden, Armani and YSL's giveaways<br></p>CHLOE FRAGRANCE<p>You can never have too many make-up bags, and the free gift that comes with Chloe scents is one you&#8217;ll want to use every day. The pink and gold pouch comes with any purchase of a 50ml or above Chloe fragrance, from £19.99. At theperfumeshop.co.uk (March 10 to April 3).</p>PRADA FRAGRANCE<p>Purchase any Prada fragrance that is 50ml or above and receive a free Prada roll-on gift. There&#8217;s Amber 10ml for women and Amber Pour Homme 10ml for men &#8212; presented in luxurious leather holders that are the perfect size to carry around with you. Call 0207 494 6220 for stockists (available while stocks last). </p>CALVIN KLEIN FRAGRANCE<p>Calvin Klein Beauty, £34.50, is the brand&#8217;s newest fragrance, while Eternity, £28.50, and Obsession, £27.99, (thefragranceshop.co.uk) are classics that are still hugely popular. </p><p>This month, spend £27 on any ladies&#8217; Calvin Klein fragrance and you&#8217;ll get a free Calvin Klein hobo bag &#8212; a big silver fabric shoulder bag that&#8217;s brilliant for piling all of your stuff in (March 11&#8211;April 3).</p><p>From left: The bags you are given when you buy Chloe, Prada or Calvin Klein fragrances<br></p>ED HARDY FRAGRANCE<p>Ed Hardy is renowned for his beautiful, intricate tattoos which have inspired a clothing range by Christian Audigier. And the designer&#8217;s perfume is just as stunning. </p><p>With amazing designs on the packaging, the scent looks striking on any dressing table or to carry around in your handbag. </p><p>You will get an Ed Hardy tote bag free with any ladies&#8217; Ed Hardy 50ml scent, from £34.99. thefragrance shop.co.uk (March 11&#8211;April 3).</p>STELLA McCARTNEY FRAGRANCE<p>Tote bags are so handy when lugging around extra shopping, and Stella McCartney&#8217;s &#8216;Meat-free Monday&#8217; bag is great for popping into your handbag for emergencies. </p><p>The cotton bag comes free with any Stella fragrance of 50ml and above, from £46.50, theperfume shop.co.uk (Until April 3).</p>BOSS ORANGE<p>Men shouldn&#8217;t be left out of the freebies. And a Boss Orange men&#8217;s sports bag &#8212; free with any purchase of Boss Orange fragrance of 50ml or above, from £34.50 (theperfumeshop.co.uk) &#8212;should keep him happy (Now until April 3).</p><p> </p><p>From left: Ed Hardy and Stella McCartney's tote bags and Boss' men's sports bag<br></p>ESTEE LAUDER<p>There&#8217;s only one thing better than a free gift, and that&#8217;s a gift you can choose yourself! </p><p>Buy two or more Estee Lauder purchases from Debenhams and you&#8217;ll get a gorgeous blue floral cosmetics bag containing your choice of skincare &#8212; choose between Time Zone Line And Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF 15 and Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Creme SPF 15. You will also receive another four skincare and make-up products, as well as a handbag mirror (Now until March 19).</p>BEYONCE FRAGRANCE<p>Buy Beyonce Heat 30ml eau de toilette, £18.99 (savers.co.uk or 0800 107 8495) and get a Gold Sparkling frangrenced body lotion in the singer&#8217;s scent for free. The fragrance has notes of red vanilla orchid, magnolia and peach, and the body lotion has a gold shimmer that&#8217;s perfect for wearing with spring dresses or for evenings out (While stocks last).</p>ELEMIS<p>Elemis products are a treat to use. If you buy two products, including one anti-ageing product, you&#8217;ll get a free travel bag with a travel-sized Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, Hand and Body Lotion and a Elemis Eau de Parfum. </p><p>Offer available from retailers, call 01278 727 830 for stockists (March 19 to April 3).</p><p> </p><p>From left: Estee Lauder lets you choose your gift, Beyonce gives you a free body lotion and Elemis gives you a travel bag - and more<br></p>CLARINS<p>If you&#8217;re feeling generous you may well be rewarded for it &#8212; buy a Clarins Mother&#8217;s Day gift voucher at House of Fraser and you&#8217;ll receive a free gift worth £37. </p><p>Presented in a practical transparent cosmetics bag, you&#8217;ll receive Clarins Tonic Bath, Toning Body Balm and Beauty Flash Balm (March 21 to April 2). </p>MARIO BADESCU<p>Mario Badescu is a natural skincare range containing ingredients such as seaweed, honey and orange. </p><p>By buying any three Mario Badescu products at beautybay.com, you&#8217;ll receive a four-piece restorative skincare set worth £30. The gift contains Seaweed Cleansing Soap, Cleansing Lotion, Honey Moisturiser and Orange Tonic Mask &#8212; a clay mask which works wonders on skin prone to breakouts (While stocks last). </p>CLINIQUE<p>Buy any two Clinique products, one to be skincare, from Boots and you&#8217;ll receive a gift of make-up and skincare treats. Packaged in a pretty floral tin, the gift includes Youth Surge, liquid facial soap, Dramatically Different Moisturiser, eye shadow, mascara and lip gloss in Apricot (March 17 to April 2).</p><p>From left: Clarins, Mario Badescu and Clinique's rewards for their customers<br></p>M&amp;S FLORAL COLLECTION<p>Marks &amp; Spencer has a three-for-two offer on its floral collection range. </p><p>You can mix and match across the products and fragrances (Rose, Lavender, Iris, Magnolia and Camellia) and gifts include Rose Foaming Bath Essence, £3; Magnolia Soaps with Moisturiser, £3; Lavender Twin Rack, £7 and Rose Scented Cushions, £5 (At M&amp;S until April 6).</p>CLARINS<p>By buying two Clarins products at Debenhams &#8212; one product to be skincare &#8212; you&#8217;ll receive a gorgeous red and white John Rocha-styled bag containing four skincare products. Choose from eight products including Multi-Active Day Cream, Gentle Foaming Cleanser and Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. </p><p>Plus, with the purchase of an additional skincare product, you will also receive a matching purse containing travel-size versions of Beauty Flash Balm and Foot Beauty Treatment Cream, worth £27 (April 18 to 30).</p><p>ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST</p>?<p>By <br></p><p>UPDATED:12:12 GMT, 28 May 2009</p>The summer scents that will knock ten years off your age<br><p>Forget anti-ageing creams - all you need to knock ten years off your age is to buy a sexy new summer scent. According to a recent survey, if you smell orange, lemon or grapefruit on someone, you automatically think they are years younger, which is why I predict the new crop of citrus fragrances are guaranteed to be summer's greatest hits. Here's our pick of the best. </p><p>Tresor Sheer Fragrance, £45 for 50ml (available nationwide or at www.lancome.co.uk)</p><p> I need only the tiniest drop of Tresor and I am instantly transported back to the Algarve - the summer of 1990. <br></p><p>Peachy and intoxicating, it was my favourite fragrance that year and I sprayed it everywhere - even before going to the beach. <br></p><p>Now, 19 years later, Tresor is still a worldwide bestseller. <br></p><p>One spray is enough to last you all day, though I prefer the subtle Tresor Sheer Fragrance, a lighter, fresher version of the original scent. </p><p>Eau de Sisley 1, 2 and 3, £90 for 100ml (020 7591 6380) <br></p><p>You'll be spoilt for choice with this new trio of scents from Sisley. No 1 is light and lemony, No 2 contains waterlily, jasmine and rose, with notes of cardamom and bergamot to stop it smelling too sweet. <br></p><p>But No3 is our favourite, containing ginger, citrus, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit and lemon. It's a zingy scent that lasts a long time on the skin and has a sharper, more masculine feel to suit anyone who doesn't like sweet florals. </p><p>Prescriptives Calyx Sheer Exhilaration, £38 (counters nationwide) <br></p><p>The original Calyx fragrance was created by Evelyn Lauder and launched in 1983. Catherine Turner, beauty &amp; health director of Easy Living magazine, says: 'I used to wear the original Calyx all the time and it reminds me of the late Eighties when we wore baggy jeans, T-shirts, Adidas trainers and listened to The Stone Roses - it is the ultimate casual scent.</p><p>'This new interpretation has more of a citrus rush, yet is "Calyx" enough to bring back memories. <br></p><p>Although more sheer and watery, it is distinctive and modern, and a great choice for summer. Keep it in the fridge when it's hot and apply liberally through the day.' </p><p>Prada Infusion De Fleur D'Oranger from £45 for 50ml, (020 7494 6220) <br></p><p>If you love the smell of orange blossom, you'll love this limited edition summer fragrance. <br></p><p>It contains neroli (distilled essence of orange blossom) and mandarin. <br></p><p>The box alone (an art deco design inspired by a print from Prada's archives) will be a collector's item. <br></p><p>Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche, £36 (Estee Lauder counters and esteelauder.co.uk) <br></p><p>If you're not going on holiday, this is the next best thing.</p><p> It smells like beach in a bottle -a heady concoction of coconut, suntan lotion and warm, beachbaked skin. <br></p><p>It's guaranteed to lift your spirits. </p><p>Elizabeth Arden Pretty, £35 for 50ml (Boots and department stores) <br></p><p>The bottle is inspired by a bud vase and the cap features a pink flower, reflecting its floral fragrance. <br></p><p>Top notes include mandarin, orange blossom and peach nectar. Middle notes include star jasmine, pink iris and white peony. </p><p>Amka Organic Eau de Toilette, £36 for 50ml (0845 607 6614 and www.jowood organics.com) <br></p><p>This invigorating summer fragrance by Jo Wood is formulated with organic essential oils. <br></p><p>It has top notes of neroli and bergamot, with green mandarin and sweet orange blossom above a spicy base of cedarwood. The bottle is recyclable, too. </p><p>212 on Ice Summer Limited Edition, £31 for 50 ml (020 7494 6220) <br></p><p>New limited edition fragrance inspired by the warm, glowing colours of New York dusks and dawns. <br></p><p>There is a women's and a men's fragrance - the women's has fresh floral notes and the men's is a woodier version. </p><p>Love by Nina, £30 for 50ml (020 7494 6220) <br></p><p>It look like an apple and is a remixed version of the original recipe, a fruity blend of </p><p>apple, lychee, cherry blossom and almond notes. <br></p><p>The best thing about this is the bottle, which is a work of art. It's in the shape of a pale green apple, with a pretty pink metallic leaf and stopper design.</p><br><br><br>HOW TO BUY PERFUME<br><p>Lorna McKay, an industry adviser and former perfumery buyer at Harrods, Liberty and QVC, shares her best tips for buying and wearing summer scents.</p><p></p>?Surely not a mid-life crisis? David Beckham indulges in a ride on his boys toy... a custom-made motorcycle<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:10 GMT, 17 September 2011</p><p>When many men in their late thirties and early forties buy a motorbike it usually means one thing. <br></p><p>But for football superstar and worldwide celebrity David Beckham life couldn't be better and there's definitely no mid-life crisis on the horizon. <br></p><p>While his wife and now his baby daughter Harper like to wind down at the shops David Beckham has turned to a boys toy for a spot of me time. <br></p><p>The L.A. Galaxy star was seen riding his vintage-looking motorcycle around West Hollywood yesterday and looked like he couldn&#8217;t have been happier sat astride his hog.<br></p><p>In keeping with the vintage-looking bike David donned a matching round helmet and a leather biker jacket.</p><p>David, 36, was dressed in brown trousersand brown lace up boots and it seems he had left no accessory off his attire donning a pair of black Rayban sunglasses and light brown leathergloves.</p><p>As David rode around he encountered a Hollywood tours bus and the occupants appeared completely oblivious to the star riding beside them.</p><p>Andy Downes, Motor Cycle News Senior Reporter said: 'To have a custom bike built to order like this can cost anything from £35,000 to £60,000; it really depends what the customer wants to be incorporated into the design. This is a completely unique bike built to the exact requirements of the customer and no one else will have a motorcycle like this.'<br></p><p>MrBeckham is not the only star in L.A. who likes to hit the road every once in a while and yesterday Keanu Reeves was also seen riding around the same area yesterday.</p><p>And although his bike looked vintage Keanu was in fact riding a Norton Commando 961, a new bike built in Britain with a look of the bikes of the 1960s. </p><p>The Matrix star personally ordered it at the MCN London Motorcycle Show in January this year after visiting the Norton stand.</p><p>David and Keanu join Brad Pitt with his enthusiasm of vintage-looking bikes and the actor himself has an extensive collection. <br></p><p>Beckham may well have taken to the tarmac after finding himself at a loose end now that summer is over, ending his daily surf sessions with his boys. <br></p><p>And wife Victoria has been busy launching her latest collections and a new line at New York Fashion Week, taking eight-week old Harper with her.<br></p><p>And it seems David will soon have two fashionable girls in the house and earlier this week Victoria said: 'We went in to Prada yesterday and she loved it. It was if she was saying, "Mummy I'm home!" '</p>?Bella Blissett's beauty buzz<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:23:01 GMT, 12 May 2012</p><p></p><p>Wax to the max</p><p>This summer the body-baring ante has been upped thanks to Prada&#8217;s 50s-style swimsuits and Chanel&#8217;s belted two-pieces. If your bikini line has been neglected over winter, now&#8217;s the time to get it under control, but don&#8217;t settle for anything less than precise and almost pain-free service.</p><p>At Groom&#8217;s new location off London&#8217;s Oxford Street, therapists use large paddles to apply a secret recipe hot wax to open pores (reducing pain) and remove more hair in one swoop. The result? Ruler-straight bikini lines in under 20 minutes. From £21, groomlondon.com. </p><p>After waxing, apply Adonia Hair Reducer (right, around £29, adoniahairreducer.com), which lessens regrowth by up to 70 per cent over six weeks. </p><p>If waxing isn&#8217;t your thing, invest in a long-term solution with Ministry of Waxing&#8217;s new Intense Pulsed Light treatment. Its Power Pac 2.1 machine uses intense light pulses to disable the cells responsible for hair growth.With its gradual pulses, there&#8217;s no knuckle-biting agony, and after six sessions you&#8217;ll be hair-free for up to five years before needing a top-up. £738 for six treatments, tel: 020 7240 7004.</p><p>Always protect the delicate skin around your bikini area with an SPF 50 in the sun and pack Soap &amp;Glory Invisible Spot-Fighting Gel (left, £8, from boots.com) in your holiday washbag. It clears blocked pores, prevents ingrowing hairs, ensuring your new bikini is the only thing getting attention. <br></p><p>LET&#8217;S GET BREATHY <br>The Hollywood stars&#8217; breath-freshening secret? A-list make-up artists use super-strength Binaca spray to keep celebs minty-fresh for their close-ups. From £4.45, amazon.co.uk. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Summer&#8217;s smash hit</p><p>Planning a summer garden party? Make yours one to remember with Cire Trudon&#8217;s fragrant Stink Bombs (right, £30 for ten vials, united-perfumes.com). Simply smash one of the glass vials containing the new Odalisque scent on the floor to release a cloud of orange blossom and vanilla perfume that&#8217;ll prove a talking point for months to come.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>An Azerbai gem</p><p>It&#8217;s not just because it&#8217;s hosting this month&#8217;s Eurovision Song Contest that we&#8217;re singing about Azerbaijan. We love its home-grown brand Gazelli&#8217;s Triple Youth Ultimate Firming Serum (£62, from urbanretreat.co.uk), which boasts healing white truffle oil. After a month of testing, its ability to smooth and hydrate scores a Eurovision-worthy 12 points. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Good to glo</p><p>On his new website, Karl Lagerfeld (left) features his top hotspots. On this month&#8217;s list is the Neon: Who&#8217;s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue? exhibition at Paris&#8217;s La Maison Rouge gallery. Tapping into beauty&#8217;s current love of Day-Glo, it features fluoro art from the 1940s to today. Can&#8217;t get to Paris? Then try Mac&#8217;s Viva Glam Nicki lipstick, £13.50, maccosmetics.co.uk, for a pop of pink that Karl would love.</p><p><br></p><p>Tweet your questions to and we&#8217;ll answer the best. Or you can contact Bella at <br></p>?YOU perfume panel: The ten fragrances that won our 'spritzathon'<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:09:59 GMT, 21 June 2011</p><p></p><p>Introducing summer&#8217;s top ten new fragrances &#8211; sniffed out in a day-long &#8216;spritzathon&#8217; by our panel of scent-savvy readers, fragrance expert Lorna McKay and YOU&#8217;s Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey</p><p> The second annual YOU/Beauty Bible Perfume Panel was hosted at B.Hive, the London &#8216;business club&#8217; founded by PR supremo Lynne Franks, where women come together to work, network and brainstorm. Here, we greeted a panel of YOU readers from across the UK &#8211; who&#8217;d each earned their place by writing a 200-word tribute to the fragrance that, for them, truly captures romance in a bottle.<br></p><p>For 46-year-old Ellen Watts, romance is Thierry Mugler&#8217;s Angel: &#8216;Snuggling beside the one you love by an open fire, cosy and warm but a little exciting.&#8217; It&#8217;s L&#8217;Artisan Parfumeur Passage d&#8217;Enfer for 56-year-old holistic therapist Susan Walker: &#8216;Like falling back on to a pile of silken, sparkly cushions on a temple floor under a warm, starry sky.&#8217; And for <br>34-year-old physics teacher Sky Yolland, it&#8217;s Estee Lauder&#8217;s Sensuous Noir that pushes her perfume button: &#8216;A seductive womanly aroma laced with the salty-sweet warmth of sun-warmed skin and the earthy beauty of dry woods and wet patchouli.&#8217; What united everyone was their passion for perfume.<br></p><p>Led by fragrance guru Lorna McKay, our 12 testers sniffed their way through a range of summer scents, shortlisted from the season&#8217;s most important launches, to come up with ten sweet-smelling winners &#8211; all worthy of a (leisurely) encounter next time you&#8217;re perfume-shopping&#8230;</p><p> </p><p>Prada Infusion d&#8217;Iris<br>What Prada told us</p><p>&#8216;A fresher and more floral interpretation of the original Infusion d&#8217;Iris: like a new chapter in a <br>favourite book, with the same heroes but in a different adventure&#8230; Key notes include tunisian lily of the valley, violet, heliotrope and cedar.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> l &#8216;Delicious: baby powder, with some strawberry and vanilla &#8211; like someone baking in a baby&#8217;s room!&#8217; l &#8216;Delicate and cotton-like&#8217; l &#8216;Powdery and innocent: heliotrope, freesia, soft rose and a green herbal note&#8217; l &#8216;Like clean, soft baby&#8217;s skin&#8217; l &#8216;Just beautiful&#8217; l &#8216;Like angora&#8217; l &#8216;Lilacs, freesias and almond macaroons&#8217; l &#8216;A gorgeous whisper&#8217;</p><p>£42 for 50ml eau de toilette, tel: 020 7494 6220</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Mary Greenwell Plum<br>What Mary Greenwell told us <br></p><p>&#8216;A classic chypre with a memorable modern twist: top notes of plum, blackcurrant, peach, bergamot and lemon blended with gardenia, tuberose, orange flower, rose and jasmine on a base of precious woods: sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, amber and white musk.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p>&#8216;This is a cuddle, comforting and lovely&#8217; l &#8216;I could drape myself in this every day &#8211; floral, with lilies, roses, magnolia, gardenia, honeysuckle&#8217; l &#8216;A florist&#8217;s shop &#8211; old-fashioned, but I like it&#8217; l &#8216;A morning when the newly cut grass is dewy&#8217; l &#8216;Amber, a touch of liquorice, almost a note of Fisherman&#8217;s Friend!&#8217;</p><p>£60 for 50ml eau de parfum, exclusive to House of Fraser, houseoffraser.co.uk</p><p><br></p><p>Swarovski Aura<br>What Swarovski told us <br></p><p>&#8216;At the heart of the fragrance is a prism of energy, a fusion of amber, benzoin and white musk, pierced by three rays of clear, transparent light: a fruity ray (with notes of juicy lychee)&#8230; a floral ray (with notes of pure white tuberose)&#8230; and a spicy ray (with notes of subtly vibrant pink pepper). An incandescent, fruity floral.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p>&#8216;Floral: old-fashioned scents of violet, rose and hyacinth; quite seductive&#8217; l &#8216;A summer evening perfume; it&#8217;s Morocco, it&#8217;s hibiscus&#8217; l &#8216;Reminds me of posh department stores in Paris&#8217; l &#8216;Pomegranate &#8211; a little like Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir&#8217; l &#8216;Romantic&#8217; l &#8216;Summer evening-y&#8217; l &#8216;Like a Victorian scent with sophistication: seductive, intriguing and sexy&#8217;</p><p>£59 for 50ml eau de parfum, from Selfridges, selfridges.co.uk</p><p><br></p><p>Kate Moss Love Blossoms<br>What Kate Moss told us <br></p><p>&#8216;Delightfully uplifting, exudes hope and happiness. The sparkling juicy scent opens with a spicy dash of pink pepper, mingled with soft peach nectar and lily of the valley&#8230; a romantic floral heart blooming with frangipani, Egyptian jasmine and peony, giving way to a warm and sensual signature of patchouli, white musk, vanilla sorbet.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> &#8216;Subtle: a breeze rather than an actual perfume, with an element of Love Hearts&#8217; l &#8216;Seaside-y, but also green, mossy, ambery&#8217; l &#8216;Holidays and afternoon tea: fresh, salty air, with the promise of summer to come&#8217; l &#8216;Orange orchards&#8217; l &#8216;Dreamy and theatrical&#8217; l &#8216;Peach iced tea &#8211; crying out to be made vampier!&#8217; l &#8216;Freesia, honeysuckle and a touch of strawberry ice cream&#8217;</p><p>£15 for 30ml eau de toilette, from Boots, boots.com</p><p><br></p><p>Vera Wang Anniversary<br>What Vera Wang told us</p><p> &#8216;A celebration of love, happiness and modern femininity: sensuous woody-floral, bright and lush. Radiant Sicilian bergamot, red apple leaves, mandarin oil and a sprinkle of cool dew drops&#8230;at the heart, a rich bouquet of white gardenia, rose absolute and orange flowers&#8230;with silky musks, creamy orris, golden amber crystals.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> &#8216;Rain, sun on the roses &#8211; reminds me of Kew Gardens&#8217; l &#8216;Walking through flowers that have been wetted, dewy&#8217; l &#8216;Peaches, bluebells, cut grass and honeysuckle&#8217; l &#8216;Like the main marquee at the Chelsea Flower Show!&#8217; l &#8216;Floral, but a little old-fashioned&#8217; l &#8216;Walking on a green, freshly mowed lawn&#8217; l &#8216;Quite romantic&#8217;</p><p>£54 for 50ml eau de parfum, from Boots, boots.com</p><p>Flora by Gucci Eau Fraiche<br>What Gucci told us <br></p><p>&#8216;An emotive scent for an enchanting young woman: exuberant but refined. Its velvety, petal-laden rose and osmanthus heart has been made sensuous by the inclusion of bracing yet soulful green notes. Spirited yet poignant, as moving as a spring flower.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p>&#8216;Citrus, clean, sharp and sporty&#8217; l &#8216;Floral, but also sherbet-y&#8217; l &#8216;What you&#8217;d buy someone you didn&#8217;t know well &#8211; summer&#8217;s equivalent to a Secret Santa gift!&#8217; l &#8216;Mandarin and roses with some crushed greenery; I love this <br>&#8211; smells old-fashioned&#8217; l &#8216;This is sitting in the garden in a big hat with a glass of champagne&#8217; l &#8216;Posh loos in country-house hotels &#8211; in a good way!&#8217; l &#8216;Woody/floral, packed with blossoms&#8217; l &#8216;A bit like Robert Piguet&#8217;s Fracas&#8217;</p><p>£45 for 50ml eau de toilette, available nationwide</p><p><br></p><p>Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Toit<br>What Hermes told us</p><p> &#8216;A roof garden&#8230;sunbeams and the break of day, box trees and hawthorn in May&#8230;an apple tree and the passing seasons, so many flowers and so many reasons, some Normandy soil and the Paris air&#8230;planters and paintings and overblown roses.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> &#8216;Green and citrussy, but also sweet &#8211; very violet-y&#8217; l &#8216;Parma violets, Opal Fruits, lily of the valley and strawberry&#8217; l &#8216;My late mother-in-law (who I loved) walking through a garden, where she used to brush against the flowers&#8217; l &#8216;Pressed linen and cotton&#8217; l &#8216;Like a Penhaligon&#8217;s single floral&#8217; l &#8216;Quite juicy and dewy&#8217; l &#8216;Fruity, flowery &#8211; a sunlit room with a big flower arrangement&#8217;</p><p>£55.50 for 50ml eau de toilette, available nationwide</p><p><br></p><p>Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum<br>What Jimmy Choo told us</p><p> &#8216;Imagine femininity, luxury and style &#8211; bottled. With its green top note, heart note of tiger orchid and base note of toffee and sensual Indonesian patchouli, it evokes glamour, confidence, desire.&#8217; NB This was more &#8216;divisive&#8217; than most, with some testers adoring it, a couple not so rapturous. <br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> &#8216;Flowery, medium-weight, with a fresh greenness &#8211; plus pear drops, orange and citrus&#8217; l &#8216;Has an old-fashioned, tea roses, Deep South/Gone with the Wind feel &#8211; too strong for some people, but I like it&#8217; l &#8216;Like a modern twist on an old-fashioned fragrance: amber, maybe citrus and lemongrass&#8217;<br></p><p>£49 for 60ml, available nationwide</p><p><br></p><p>Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom<br>What Jo Malone told us <br></p><p>&#8216;An exquisite interpretation of cherry blossom &#8211; one of the most poetic flowers &#8211; translated into a delicate fragrance: feminine, elegant, fragile, with layers of rose and mimosa, accented with bergamot and mandarin&#8230;a base of musk and woods.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p> &#8216;I like the Orientalness of it &#8211; quite unisex, actually&#8217; l &#8216;Citrus and rain, sandalwood and moss&#8217; l &#8216;A true cologne, a real splash for hot weather&#8217; l &#8216;Gorgeous: thyme, roses, peppery rocket and expensive French soap &#8211; that triple-milled stuff&#8217; l &#8216;Reminds me of champagne at first &#8211; then Babycham!&#8217; l &#8216;Surprisingly masculine, after a while; I can imagine this on a bloke playing cricket on a summer&#8217;s day&#8217;<br></p><p>£34 for 30ml cologne, tel: 0870 034 2411, jomalone.co.uk</p><p><br></p><p>Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Jasminora<br>What Guerlain told us <br></p><p>&#8216;Fresh bursts of Calabrian jasmine &#8211; associated with love, gallantry, seduction and pure femininity &#8211; accented by white flowers: freesia, cyclamen and lily of the valley. A few touches of bergamot and galbanum reinforce its evanescent freshness&#8230;the final bouquet has amber and white musk notes that blend seamlessly into the skin.&#8217;<br></p><p>The YOU reader verdict</p><p>&#8216;Quite sexy: a big floral hit&#8217; l &#8216;An English garden after the rain&#8217; l &#8216;Tiny white flowers, but also green and fresh&#8217; l &#8216;Perfect for a young girl, but like a ra-ra skirt on an older woman&#8217; l &#8216;Honeysuckle and orange blossom&#8217; l &#8216;Flower gardens &#8211; but too intense for me&#8217; l &#8216;Sun-fresh, like a huge bouquet of flowers &#8211; the perfect day perfume&#8217;.<br></p><p>£35.50 for 75ml eau de toilette, available nationwide</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>LORNA'S SCENT-SAVVY SECRETS</p><p>Nobody knows more about how to shop for fragrance than Lorna McKay &#8212; not only is she a former fragrance buyer at Harrods and Liberty with 30 years&#8217; experience, and the co-creator of Liz Earle&#8217;s bestselling Botanical Essence No 1, she&#8217;s also a scentophile, constantly nosing out new and exciting scents for her own pleasure. Here are her purchasing tips&#8230;</p><p>For more information about joining B.Hive (which costs from £25 a month and allows you access to locations in London, Bristol and Manchester), visit </p>?Beyonce blazes through Paris in hotpants and Prada heels with flaming wings and a taillight <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:21:00 GMT, 7 June 2012 UPDATED:07:41 GMT, 8 June 2012</p><p>She's in the City of Lights to support her husband, rapper Jay-Z.<br></p><p>But all eyes were on Beyonce as she left the couple's Paris hotel today. <br></p><p>The singer, 30, stepped out in a bright yellow short suit paired with a zebra clutch as she joined the hip-hop star for another night on the town.</p><p>She completed the outfit with a pair of Prada heels which feature with flaming wings and taillights.</p><p>The shoe is from the brand's 2012 spring collection which includes an array of stilettos inspired by classic Fifties cars.</p><p>The range is already a celebrity favourite having been previously seen on Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.<br></p><p>Jay-Z and Beyonce are in the city with their newborn daughter, Blue Ivy, for the European leg of his Watch the Throne tour with Kanye West. </p><p></p><p> </p><p>The singer looked polished in leather trousers, a red black tuxedo jacket and sky high pumps, continuing to put a fashionable foot forward during her time in the city.<br></p><p>Earlier in the week, she was photographed leaving the hotel in slouchy hot pink pants and a matching knitted top. <br></p><p>The couple gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy, in January.</p><p>But that clearly hasn't stopped the hard-working couple from their fans. <br></p><p>Beyonce last month performed for the first time since she had announced her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards last August. <br></p><p>She told the sold-out 5,500-strong crowd when she took the mic in Atlantic City: 'I gotta say, it feels so good to be back home on stage.'</p><p><p><p><p><br> on .?His No1 fan! Beyonce opens intimate family album to show Blue Ivy guzzling on a bottle wearing a Jay-Z Watch The Throne tour shirt<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:15:51 GMT, 12 August 2012 UPDATED:14:14 GMT, 13 August 2012</p><p>For years Beyonce and husband Jay-Z were famously secretive about their lives, refusing even to acknowledge their relationship.</p><p>But it appears that the birth of daughter Blue Ivy has led to a new chapter in their lives, with Beyonce happily opening up her family album on Tumblr.</p><p>The singer revealed intimate snaps from behind the scenes of her public and private life, including an adorable picture of herself feeding Blue with a bottle while she guzzles dressed in a Watch The Throne T-shirt in honour of Jay-Z's latest tour with Kanye West.<br></p><p></p><p>The tot hungrily drinks while held in her mother's manicured hand, as she is cradled in her arms.</p><p>Other images included Beyonce larking around with her husband and posing with her entourage in front of a private jet.</p><p>And while not so off-duty that she hasanything other than a full face of make-up, the shots provide a rare glimpse into Beyonce's world.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>They come as she is about to star in a new documentary film about her life and career, a large step for the private 30-year-old.</p><p>Another picture shows Beyonce screaming with laughter as her husband pushes her on a swing.</p><p>She wears a long flowing pink maxi dress which billows up around her as Jay-Z pushes, their dog at his heels.</p><p>Another moment shows her riding a bike through deserted streets. <br></p><p>While the setting is low key, Beyonce looks anything but, showing she is still the popstar with her bright lipstick, long toned legs, huge styled hair and designer boots.</p><p>Giving a glimpse into her privileged lifestyle the multiple Grammy winner also includes a few shots of her private jet, grinning with her all-female entourage as they strike posesin front of the building.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p>Other images behind the scenes of her successful tour, with the singer filling up at a food truck or on the scene of a music video. <br></p><p>She also posted a snap of the sight that greets her onstage, with thousands of screaming fans all blurring into one impressive vista.</p><p> </p><p>Despite her role as a new mother the Crazy In Love singer has a busy year ahead. Along with her documentary, album and tour, she is also attached to several film roles. <br></p><p>These include a remake of A Star Is Born, directed by Clint Eastwood, and the animated film Epic, in which she will voice the character Queen Tara.</p><p> </p>?Blooming beautiful in blue: Jacqui Ainsley glows on the red carpet as she attends Tree of Life premiere with Guy Ritchie<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:11:15 GMT, 25 May 2011</p><p>While some women can&#8217;t stray far from home during pregnancy others appear to blossom with their growing baby bump- case in point Jacqui Ainsley. <br></p><p>The blonde mother-to-be looked radiant in bright blue as she took to the red carpet with boyfriend Guy Ritchie last night.<br></p><p>The couple took were attending the Tree of Life premiere at the Bing theatre in Los Angeles and pregnancy is certainly suiting the model. <br></p><p>Jacqui,29, showed off her baby bump in a short midnight blue dress with blue snakeskin heels and she carried a black Prada clutch.</p><p></p><p>Her hair was looking extremely glossy and her skin displayed a clear glow, perhaps an effect of her pregnancy. <br></p><p>Jacqui posed for pictures clutching onto her growing bump, the outline of which could be seen clearly through her dress. <br></p><p>Film director Guy,42, was also dressed in blue, in different shades in a pair of corduroy trousers a shirt and dark denim blazer.<br></p><p>The couple joined other famous faces on the red carpet at the screen including Angelina Jolie who had flown in to support Brad Pitt who appears in the film. <br></p><p>The Tree of Life recently won top honours at the Cannes Film Festival.<br></p><p>The jury awarded its top prize to the flick, which was directed by Terrence Malick.<br></p><p>Guy and Jacqui, who have been dating for just over a year, announced that she was pregnant in March.<br></p><p>The baby, due in September, with be a half-brother or sister for Ritchie's two children Rocco, 10, and David, six, from his marriage to Madonna.<br></p><p>The couple met in May 2009 at a friend&#8217;s party and began dating in March last year, after he took her for dinner at his Mayfair pub, the Punch Bowl.<br></p><p>Do you have a story about a celebrity? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683. For U.S. stories, phone 310 642 2317.<br></p>?Born to shop? You've got to be kidding<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:19:00 GMT, 29 October 2011</p><p></p><p>Forget the mini couture, Victoria and Katie &#8211; what our children really need is a childhood</p><p> Sometimes I really think I&#8217;m living in a parallel universe. Here I am, going about my daily business, wiping down kitchen surfaces and wondering whether to floss, when, lo, I read that Harper Seven has been shopping in Prada. Only ten weeks into the world and here she is, drooling over the calfskin knick-knacks and popper-front purses. &#8216;She loved it,&#8217; said her proud mother. &#8216;It was as if she was saying, &#8220;Mummy, I&#8217;m home!&#8221;&#8217; But she didn&#8217;t love it really, did she, Vics? That smile was probably wind. You loved it. It was all about you in your pink dress.</p><p>Harper&#8217;s adventures in fashionland come hard on the heels of the news that five-year-old Suri Cruise has amassed a $150,000 shoe collection. Mostly custom-made Louboutins, with heels, presumably so she can be heard as she clatters down the echoing hallways of the countless Cruise mansions looking for someone to tie up her laces before she trips down the stairs. <br></p><p>TheA-list treat their children like an accessory (if Harper had been namedKelly Alexa Birkin Beckham I wouldn&#8217;t have been surprised) </p><p>But it&#8217;s not only the unfathomably wealthy who are indulging their sprogs in this way. You can too, simply by visiting websites that track the shopping habits of A-list nippers, such as momfinds.com (slogan: &#8216;Feed. Nap. Shop. Repeat&#8217;). A recent news story on the site read: &#8216;Holy Moly, that Tabitha Broderick [SJP&#8217;s style heiress] is one cute kid, and from the looks of her fancy Burberry jacket, she&#8217;s pretty stylish, too. The quilted jacket features Burberry&#8217;s signature check pattern on the inner lining, and your daughter can have it too for $195.&#8217;</p><p>Ralph Lauren has gone one step further and brought out a &#8216;shoppable children&#8217;s book&#8217;. In The RL Gang: A Magically Magnificent School Adventure, characters called Willow, Hudson and River do exciting things dressed in the Polo range. In the online version, you can &#8216;take time out to look in Oliver&#8217;s closet and buy his fair-isle cashmere sweater or Nantucket red chino shorts&#8217;. <br></p><p>Some people would no doubt find all this adorable. It&#8217;s not. It is sinister. Children are not dinky toys to hang from the charm bracelet of your life. Besides, we all know, because Unicef has told us, that lavishing children with treasure doesn&#8217;t make them happy; it makes them miserable and prone to bouts of black rage, even in their $195 quilted Burberry jackets and custom-made Adidas trainers.</p><p>Suri, mind you, is said to prefer Marc Jacobs. Now, I like a designer frock as much as the next five-year-old, but surely children should be wearing grass-kneed runarounds? Jam-front hand-me-downs? My own children couldn&#8217;t give two hoots about clothes, despite living in a house which, in a certain light, looks like a shrine to Isabel Marant. Ned often wears T-shirts inside-out and back-to-front because he&#8217;s in such a hurry to get out on his scooter. And Lily hasn&#8217;t yet discovered fashion, beyond a vague awe at the marvels of Velcro and an unshakable belief that purple is her all-time favourite colour. <br></p><p>Back in the parallel universe, we now have children hired to be &#8216;ambassadors&#8217; for Weetabix, pre-schoolers having facials and manicures at beauty salons (try Trendy Monkeys in Brentwood), toddlers in leopard-print &#8216;babykinis&#8217;, even four-year-olds doing pole-dancing classes at the Make Me Fabulous studio in Northampton, where they&#8217;ll learn to &#8216;hold their legs in a V shape while sliding down a pole&#8217;. It&#8217;s not just a case of Mini Me, it&#8217;s Mini Freaky Me. I just want to give them all a tangerine and read them Paddington Bear stories till bedtime. <br></p><p>But still the A-list persists in treating their children like brand extensions, old beyond their years, a must-have accessory like a lovely new handbag (if Harper had been named Kelly Alexa Birkin Beckham, I wouldn&#8217;t have been remotely surprised). These days, the market value of a child can be calculated even in the womb. Pundits in France worked out months ago that Nicolas Sarkozy&#8217;s new baby would be &#8216;the perfect marketing tool for the president&#8217;, giving him a welcome virility boost in the polls before next year&#8217;s elections. So there you have it: a foetus with bankable brand appeal. I think I will floss, after all.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><br>?Invasion of the bargain snatchers: Tourists at front of the queue on record sales day for big stores<br> <p> By and <br>UPDATED:00:54 GMT, 27 December 2011</p><br><br><p>Foreign visitors were at the forefront of the Boxing Day sales surge yesterday as they took advantage of deep price cuts.</p><p>Chinese, Middle Eastern and African shoppers targeted designer clothes and handbags with discounts of 70 per cent and more.</p><p>It represented a complete reverse of the heady days when British shoppers flocked to destinations such as NewYork to take advantage of the strong pound.</p><p>Now, thanks to good exchange rates andbooming overseas economies, London has become the number one destination for luxury goods tourism.</p><p></p><p>In a welcome Boxing Day boost for hard-pressed retailers:</p><p>&#9632; Thousands queued for Next&#8217;s 6am opening at 400 of its stores</p><p>&#9632; Selfridges enjoyed its best hour of trading in history;</p><p>&#9632; More than half a million shoppers crammed into London&#8217;s West End; </p><p>&#9632; Analysts estimated that £22.8billion will be spent by the third week of January &#8211; £338million more than last year;</p><p>&#9632; Internet purchases boomed with many retailers starting their online sales on Christmas Day &#8211; John Lewis reported a 19 per cent year-on-year increase;</p><p>&#9632; More than 230,000 shoppers visited Birmingham&#8217;s Bullring and 125,000 flocked to Liverpool&#8217;s One store in the city centre.</p><p> </p><p>At the two Westfield shopping malls inLondon, thousands of international visitors had flocked to the sales inthe hope of bargain designer goods. Students Melody Wang, 24, and Doreen Nie, 20, from Xining in China, were shopping for cosmetics, handbags and belts for themselves and their mothers.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Nigerian couple Clifford and Lola Williams were also shopping for designer goods that were cheaper than back home.</p><p>An estimated 5.6million drivers took to the roads yesterday to grab a bargain while the high turnout in London came despite a Tube strike which caused disruption on every line in the capital.</p><p>Members of the drivers&#8217; union Aslef walked out over a claim for triple pay and a day off in lieu for Boxing Day working. </p><p>Many shops stayed open for 12 hours in an attempt to attract as many people as possible.</p><p>Selfridges claimed it had seen its biggest-ever first hour of trading after opening four stores in England at 9am, with hourly takings expected to peak at £1.3million yesterday. The first eager shoppers started to queue outside the Oxford Street flagship at 10.30pm on Christmas Day and by the time the doors opened yesterday morning there were 2,000 waiting.</p><p> </p><p>Managers at the Liverpool One shopping centre said an estimated 125,000 people visited their stores yesterday.</p><p>At Birmingham&#8217;s Bullring retail complex, queues began to form as early as 2am. More than 2,500 eager shoppers were waiting by the time Next opened its doors and Selfridges saw an initial queue of around 1,000. The 160-store centre estimated that 9,000 visitors had hit its shops by 9am. Bullring general manager Tim Walley said: &#8216;There is a lot of talk about internet shopping but people still like to come out to shop and feel the goods.&#8217;</p><p>Traders in London&#8217;s West End said theyhad taken £15million in the first three hours of the sales. And John Lewis said it had received more than 1.5million visits to its website onChristmas Eve and Christmas Day, a 51 per cent increase year on year.</p><p> </p>The unwanted Christmas gifts that went straight on eBay<p>As millions of families hit the sales yesterday, thousands were already selling unwanted Christmas gifts on eBay.</p><p>Children&#8217;s toys, toiletries, DVDs and household items were among the huge number of items being offered on the online auction site.</p><p>Downton Abbey Season Two box sets &#8211; which were selling for £25.99 in HMV before Christmas &#8211; were going for as little as £9.</p><p>One woman preparing for a break-up was even selling an unopened present from her husband, saying she didn&#8217;t know what it was but &#8216;wanted rid&#8217;. Posting a picture of the still-wrapped gift, at a starting price of 99p, the seller wrote: &#8216;This is an unwanted Christmas present from my soon to be ex husband. </p><p>&#8216;Feels like clothing of some sort. I am a size 12/14 so a medium and he knew my size </p><p>&#8216;Still wrapped up but have taken the tag off. No returns if you don&#8217;t like what&#8217;s inside as you are purchasing at your own risk. Collection also welcome as I want rid!&#8217; </p><p>Many sellers were offering expensive toys rejected by their children on Christmas morning. One mother was selling a &#8216;Ben 10&#8217; Quadbike for £50 which she had purchased her son for £120. She wrote: &#8216;Bought for my son and after we put it together he decides he doesn&#8217;t like it! </p><p>&#8216;I haven&#8217;t even put the sticker decorations on. Still unused. Retails for £120 so grab yourself a bargain!&#8217; </p><p>Others were selling toiletries for a fraction of the retail price. Body Shop gift sets, sold for between £10 and £25 before Christmas, were being offered for as little as £2.</p><p>One seller was offering a Kirstie Allsopp quilted eiderdown worth £100 for just £55. She described it as an &#8216;unwanted Christmas present&#8217;.</p> <p>Sainsbury&#8217;s is opening 380 main stores, almost 200 more than last year, plus 400 convenience stores.</p><p>Itis claiming savings of £90million with more than 600 home, furniture, clothing, entertainment and electrical products at half price or better.Debenhams will throw open the doors of its 164 stores at 7am for what it claims is the biggest sale in its 233-year history with savings worth£170million.</p><p>Deputy chief executive Michael Sharp said: &#8216;January sales are the time of year when value is on the top of customers&#8217; lists. This will be our biggest sale ever.&#8217;</p><p>Asda is offering up to 50 per cent off big brand white goods and electronics, including Dyson, Slumberdown, Morphy Richards, Vax, Nicky Clarke, Brabantia, Minky and Russell Hobbs.</p><p>Despite the deals, many people simply do not have any spare cash as a result of the squeeze on household budgets and fears about debt.</p><p>Charles Davis, managing economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, said: &#8216;Difficult times are set to continue for British households as economic fallout from the on-going debt crisis in the eurozone takes its toll on employment and wage growth prospects in the UK.</p><p>&#8216;With high unemployment set to rise further as deeper than anticipated public sector cutbacks outweigh job creation in the private sector, household spending power is likely to be held back by slow earnings growth.</p><p>&#8216;The rising cost of living is expected to slow further in the coming months, taking some pressure off, but household budgets are likely to be constrained for some time to come.&#8217; <br></p>?Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model: 'I started off so strong, then I kind of free-fell' says Roxanne O'Connor as she becomes latest evictee<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:09:56 GMT, 11 September 2012 UPDATED:16:24 GMT, 11 September 2012</p><br><p>Single mother Roxanne O'Connor admitted that she was reeling from her sudden decline in the competition as she became the latest hopeful to be eliminated on Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model.</p><p>The 22-year-old, who was one of the top contenders at the start of the series, says she&#8217;s disappointed to have just missed out on making it into the final five.</p><p>&#8216;I don&#8217;t think I should have been eliminated because I know I&#8217;ve got more, but I was expecting it,&#8217; she told MailOnline. &#8216;I started off so strong but kind of free-fell down. I don&#8217;t know what happened. &#8216;</p><p>Roxanne was sent home after failing to impress judges Elle Macpherson, Julien Macdonald, Whitney Port and Tyson Beckford, who were joined by guest panellist, model Poppy Delevigne, this week.</p><p>The contestants took part in a terrifying tarantula shoot and a beauty shoot for Revlon and Roxanne struggled with both tasks, breaking down in tears during the first and failing to take direction in the second.</p><p></p><p>The best picture award went to fellow hopeful Lisa Madden, 19, who received high praise for her Revlon shoot and was the first girl sent through to the next round. </p><p>Following close behind her were Anita Kaushik, 19, Rissikat Oyebade, 22, and Emma Grattidge, who all made it through to the next stage of the competition and in turn moved a step closer to the grand prize, a modelling contract with international agency Models 1.</p><p>This week&#8217;s bottom two were Roxanne and Letitia Herod, 18, and the judges were left with the dilemma of who to send home.</p><p>&#8216;Two gorgeous, gorgeous girls,&#8217; said Elle. &#8216;You&#8217;ve produced some fantastic work and we&#8217;re really, really, really pleased with both of you. </p><p>&#8216;At this point, we&#8217;ve had to look at the girl that we think has the most potential to still becoming Britain &amp; Ireland&#8217;s Next Top Model.&#8217;</p><p>After much deliberation, the panel decided to save Letitia, and a disappointed Roxanne was sent home.</p><p>&#8216;You&#8217;ve been fantastic,&#8217; Elle tells her. &#8216;You&#8217;ve done such a great job. Go and give your little girl a squeeze for us.&#8217;</p><p>Roxanne later said she was &#8216;gutted&#8217; to be leaving the competition, particularly as she&#8217;d be missing out on a trip to Canada, where the final five were due to jet off shortly after the elimination.</p><p>&#8216;I know they&#8217;re going to Canada which makes it ten times worse,&#8217; she said. &#8216; I&#8217;m absolutely gutted because I know I could have done better, but I was just on a free-fall. I started really good and got crap. </p><p>&#8216;It&#8217;s been amazing, I&#8217;ve had ups and downs, I&#8217;ve been emotional, I&#8217;ve been moody, I&#8217;ve been branded everything. I&#8217;ve had a great time, I&#8217;ve had a good experience which I get to take home with me, and no one can take that away from me. I&#8217;m happy that I came and I&#8217;m proud of myself that I got so far.&#8217;</p><p>Britain &amp; Ireland&#8217;s Next Top Model is on Mondays at 9pm on Sky Living</p><p><br></p>?Daring to bare: Camilla Belle flaunts her torso wearing just a bra and jacket for premier of new film From Prada To Nada<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:04:57 GMT, 20 January 2011</p><p>She's the fashionista actress who's become as famous for her style as anything she's done on the silver screen - so there was no surprise when Camilla Belle made a sartorial statement at the premiere of her new movie.<br></p><p>Despite the chilly weather, the 24-year-old starlet was wearing an open tuxedo-style suit with just a ruffled silk bra top on underneath that showed off her toned bare midriff. <br></p><p>The half-Brazilian beauty and staple of 'best dressed' lists around the world had donned the revealing outfit to launch her new film From Prada To Nada in Los Angeles last night.<br></p><p>Scroll down to watch video...<br></p><p> </p><p>Joe Jonas's ex girlfriend, Camilla has also been making headlines lately over rumours that she's dating Jake Gyllenhaal, 30, following his split from Taylor Swift.</p><p></p><p>The pair were seen deep in conversation at the Art of Elysium Heaven party in Los Angeles on Saturday night.<br></p><p>The whispers had an extra frisson as Camilla and Taylor have been at loggerheads for years. <br></p><p>Camilla dated Joe Jonas in 2008 shortly after he dumped Taylor by phone - and Taylor was so incensed, she allegedly penned Better Than Revenge about her.<br></p><p>The lyrics include: 'She's an actress/Better known for the thing that she does on the mattress.'<br></p><p>However, the rumours were denied by Jake's publicist. <br></p><p>Intriguingly, Camilla also locks lips with Jonas lookalike Nicholas D'Agosto in her new movie.</p><p>The film is billed as a 'Latina spin on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, where two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death are forced to move in with their estranged aunt in east Los Angeles.<br></p><p>A comedy drama also starring Spy Kids actress Alexa Vega, who was also on the red carpet last night, it's due out on 28 January in the U.S. <br></p>?Carey Mulligan auctions off dazzling Met Ball dress on eBay for charity (but you'll have to be a tiny size 4 to wear it)<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:15:46 GMT, 10 May 2012 UPDATED:23:39 GMT, 11 May 2012</p><p>If you&#8217;re hooked on fashion, there&#8217;s nothing more frustrating than having to wait for the high street to pick up on your favourite celebrity&#8217;s outfit.<br></p><p>But Carey Mulligan is offering her fans an instant chance to get their hands on the stunning fish-scales Prada dress she wore to the Met Gala in New York. <br></p><p>The only snag is you&#8217;ll have to have deep pockets .&#8201;.&#8201;. and a tiny waist. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The sequinned gown &#8211; a UK size 6 to 8 made especially for the Drive star &#8211; is up for auction on eBay in aid of Oxfam America.<br></p><p>After being placed online, the halter-neck dress, covered in gold and silver paillettes, quickly received bids. With eight days still remaining it has already reached a price of more than £600.</p><p>The Oscar nominee, 26, attended then Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibition ball on Monday night with her new husband Marcus Mumford.</p><p>The pair married last month surrounded by close friends and family in Somerset.</p><p>Photographed dancing the night away in the dress with Mr Mumford, who she married last month, the actress sparkled in her bespoke Prada number.<br></p><p>While sitting down during the evening, Ms Mulligan said: 'I might start losing sequins but that's OK. They were very laissez-faire about it.' <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Hot auction: Bidding ends on May 19 for the custom-made Prada dress</p><p>If you are in the market an outstanding, one-off dress worn by the Academy Award nominee and Great Gatsby star, bidding ends on May 19.</p><p>The dress, which topped many best-dressed lists, will then be shipped off to the highest bidder before June 11.</p><p>All money raised from the sale will go to Oxfam, an international relief and development organisation that aims tocreate lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice.</p><p>This isn't the first time Ms Mulligan has donated a red-carpet dress to the charity however.</p><p>The actress gave her Vionnet gown she wore to the 2010 BAFTA Awards, where she won best actress for her role in An Education, to Oxfam also, which the charity then sold on her behalf.</p><p></p>?Carey Mulligan's Met Ball dress sells at auction for a 'steal' at $2,950 <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:15:22 GMT, 22 May 2012 UPDATED:15:49 GMT, 22 May 2012</p><br><p>The dazzling sequin dress worn by Carey Mulligan to this year's Met Ball has sold on eBay for $2,950.<br></p><p>The four-figure final bid has been deemed a 'bargain' for the custom-made Prada dress, which came in a tiny U.S. size 2-4, and was embellished with hundreds of gold and silver paillettes.</p><p>A typical Prada dress would cost up to $4,000; custom and heavily embellished creations sell for several times that figure.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Thirty-five bidders battled it out for the 'piece of fashion history,' which appeared for auction only two days after the 26-year-old wore the dress on the red carpet earlier this month.</p><p></p><p>The actress auctioned off her dress with a starting bid of $500 to help raise money for Oxfam America.</p><p> </p><p>While the sparkling halter-neck dress quickly received bids, it was tipped to fetch a larger sum.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Top bid: 35 bidders battled it out for the 'piece of fashion history', however the final sale price of under $3,000 has a few people in the fashion industry baffled</p><p>The Oscar nominee attended the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations Costume Institute Gala at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art with her new husband Marcus Mumford.</p><p>The pair married last month surrounded by close friends and family in Somerset.</p><p>Photographed dancing the night away in her dress with Mr Mumford, who she married last month, the actress sparkled in her bespoke Prada number.<br></p><p>While sitting down during the evening, Ms Mulligan said: 'I might start losing sequins but that's OK. They were very laissez-faire about it.' <br></p><p>This isn't the first time Ms Mulligan has donated a red-carpet dress to Oxfam, however.</p><p>The actress gave her Vionnet gown she wore to the 2010 BAFTA Awards, where she won best actress for her role in An Education, to Oxfam also, which the charity then sold on her behalf.</p><p></p>?Caribbean dreaming<br>Prices are more realistic than ever in Barbados - so what are you waiting for?<p>By <br>UPDATED:09:17 GMT, 29 October 2010</p><p>Barbados doesn't scream bargain to second-home buyers. There's no getting away from the idea that it's a glitzy bolthole for celebrities such as Gary Lineker, Freddie Flintoff, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Cliff Richard, all of whom own large second homes here. <br></p><p>And yet prices are cheaper than you might imagine. For example, Savills, which has an office on the island, has what it calls 'distress sales', with price cuts of 8 per cent to a whopping 43 per cent. <br></p><p>These include modern flats and villas with soothing sea and golf course views, new townhouses and historic plantations over a century old. Prices range from £281,500 for apartments to multi-million-pound vast estates. <br></p><p>'From February 2009 to January 2010 the market went very quiet. The few sales that were achieved were negotiated down by 20 per cent to 25 per cent,' says Suzanne Davis, of Realtors Limited, one of the island's oldest family-owned estate agents. <br></p><p>Prices are rising slowly again, but they still remain well off their peak. 'Most buyers are from Britain and Europe, and although this trend has continued we've also seen an increase in interest from Canada and the U.S.,' she says. <br></p><p>Barbados is only 166 sq miles with a permanent population of 275,000, along with a substantial number of expats who own holiday homes. <br></p><p>It's a former British colony and has advantages over other islands in the region. It is served by direct flights from a number of British airports and the trip is a tolerable eight hours. <br></p><p>English is spoken and estate agents use a buying process similar to Britain's. Around 80 per cent of the second homes on the island are owned by Britons, so the expat community is huge. <br></p><p>Then there are the right-hand drive cars, red telephone boxes and all-year cricket fields. Even Waitrose exports products there. <br></p><p>On the west coast, you find gleaming blue seas, long beaches - and crowds. This is where the biggest resorts and hotels are based, along with a few of the most exclusive homes with eight-figure price tags. <br></p><p>The capital in the south, Bridgetown, is understated and charmingly unsophisticated. <br></p><p>For exclusive shops such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren, there's Holetown, a chic enclave on the west of the island. The east coast is less populated because waves and weather are rougher. <br></p><p>Estate agents across the island say hardly anyone is buying off-plan new homes, as there is such a wide range of built properties on the market in every price range. <br></p><p>The cheapest small apartments will be well under £175,000 (but do not expect a sea view), while the most exclusive address is Sandy Lane, where uninterrupted views of the ocean, plus the golf and the countryside, can set you back £15 million. <br></p><p>To the surprise of many visitors, Barbados is - in parts at least - heavily developed, with luxury homes and large international hotel complexes cheek-by-jowl with local family houses. You can even find traffic jams at commuter times on major roads. <br></p><p>'During the holiday season the island can get very busy, particularly in the south and west. Yet the east coast has just a few restaurants and homes for rent and miles and miles of empty beaches,' says Richard Young, of top-end estate agent Sotheby's International Realty. <br></p><p>'The Barbados planning department will not allow further development unless it's sensible and sustainable.' <br></p><p>Alan Grogan, of Savills, says: 'Barbados is not a volcanic island with an inaccessible interior like many of the other Caribbean islands. <br></p><p>'It is a coral island with a firstclass airport and infrastructure. Yet it still very much has the feeling of small island life, with vibrant communities based around fishing and sugar cane.' <br></p><p>All this is a world away from Britain's bleak winter and the current economic gloom. Agents report that buyers are realising that prices are low and that if they do not act now they may never be able to afford that Caribbean dream home. <br></p><p>'We're seeing lifestyle buyers who have savings and realise the downturn isn't the reason to sit on their hands and wait. It's the time to buy and enjoy life,' says Alan Teason, a London-based buying agent whose clients want to buy on Barbados. <br></p><p>Perhaps it is the moment to swap the frost for sun, and that pint for a rum punch. <br></p>?A match for her girls... Carole Middleton, the mother of the bride<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:06 GMT, 6 April 2011</p><p>At 56, she has the slim, athletic figure of a woman half her age.</p><p>So perhaps this goes some way to explaining why Carole Middleton has started to dress like her children.</p><p>Prince William&#8217;s future mother-in-law and her younger daughter Pippa, 27, wore almost identical outfits as they ventured out for a shopping trip in Chelsea.</p><p>Both women sported smart navy jackets over casual above-the-knee blue and white patterned skirts. </p><p>WhilePippa opted for a belted trench coat from Marks &amp; Spencer, her mother wore a smart blazer thought to be from upmarket High Street labelJoseph, teaming it with a Nicole Farhi skirt and Jaeger bag.</p><p> </p><p>Their ensembles were completed with flat black boots &#8211; a buckled biker-style that stopped just below the knee for Mrs Middleton, and a ruched pair from LK Bennett for her daughter, similar to the ones favoured by 29-year-old Kate.</p><p>While it is clear where the Middleton girls get their athletic physiques from, onlookers questioned whether Mrs Middleton&#8217;s outfit was a little too youthful and might have been more appropriate with a pair of low-heeled court shoes. <br></p><p>The mother of the bride also looked slightly drawn, which could be down to the strain of wedding preparations or her conversion to the controversial Dukan Diet, based on high-protein foods such as cottage cheese and prawns.</p><p>Mrs Middleton and Pippa have been indulging in an increasing amount of retail therapy as the April 29 wedding draws closer. <br></p><p>On Monday they spent several hours browsing high-end designer stores, including Jimmy Choo and Prada. <br></p><p>Pippa, who will be Kate&#8217;s chief bridesmaid, also visited the flower stand on Fulham Road once frequented by the Princess of Wales.<br></p>?CELEBRITY STYLE FINDER<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:01:26 GMT, 13 August 2009</p>From Kate Moss' Prada sunglasses to Michelle Obama's Tom Binns necklace, we show you where to buy the style of the stars...Michelle Obama's necklace<br><p>Proving she's the First Lady of fashion, Michelle Obama is a big fan of statement jewellery. We spotted her nailing this season's trend for pearls in this Tom Binns necklace (£900, tombinnsdesign.com) at a state dinner recently. <br></p><p>Luckily, this trend has been copied by the High Street, so you can pick up a similar pearl or diamante necklace from the likes of Dorothy Perkins for a fraction of the price - around £25.</p><p>First Lady of fashion: Michelle Obama wearing a £900 Tom Binns necklace<br></p>Kelly Brook's Herve Leger dress<br><p>Like it or not, the tighter-than-tight body con dress trend shows no sign of going away. Kelly Brook wore this dove and charcoal grey figurehugging dress to the British Comedy Awards and looked just incredible. And at almost £800 she ought to, too - it's from Herve Leger (www.theoutnet.com). But you can find cheaper ones at Oasis on the High Street, or for just £11.20 from goddiva.co.uk.</p><p>Trendsetters: Kate Moss wears Prada Butterfly sunglasses whilst out shopping with boyfriend Jamie Hince and Cat Deeley bags herself a Jimmy Choo clutch<br></p>Cat Deeley's clutch bag <p>We loved the way Cat Deeley, looking casually cool at a party in Los Angeles, upped the style stakes with this leopard-print clutch. Clutches look set to be one of autumn's biggest trends, and while Cat bought hers from Jimmy Choo (£795, jimmychoo. com), you can bag a similar one from New Look or Accessorize for around £20.<br></p><p></p>?Oh baby, you've got expensive taste! Christina Milian's one-year-old daughter tries Prada shoes on for size<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:17:44 GMT, 31 August 2011</p><br><p>She may just one, but it seems that Christina Milian's daughter Violet Madison Nash already getting a taste for designer shoes. </p><p>The tiny toddler was spotted with her 29-year-old mother at West Hollywood's Fred Segal department store yesterday, trying a pair of leopard print Prada sneakers on for size. </p><p>The high top trainers are said to retail for around US$250.</p><p>Christina smiled as she admired the adorable shoes on her daughter's tiny feet.</p><p>And little Violet seemed equally pleased.</p><p>Dressed in a pink rhinestone encrusted tutu dress, she ran off and around the luxury department store in the stylish sneakers.</p><p>Laughing, Christina was seen tottering around in her own sky high heels after her daughter.<br></p><p>The mother-of-one was later spotted carrying a shopping bag from the store, seemingly having purchased the designer items.</p><p>The duo appeared to be heading home with Christina wheeling a tired Violet around in a Ferrari buggy.</p><p>Andit appears that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Christina had slipped her own feet into a pair of ravishing red YSL Tribute platforms for her shopping day. </p><p>She also showed off her slim pins in some tiny denim shorts, which she paired with a cropped white shirt.</p><p>The star, who gave birth to Violet last February, showed not one trace of baby weight during her shopping day.</p><p>She also showed no signs of sadness over her ex, rapper and producer The Dream, whom she split from while pregnant back in 2009. </p><p>And nor did she seem downcast about not joining next season's Dancing with the Stars cast.</p><p>The superstar singer and dancer was rumored to be part of the thirteenth season of ABC's hit dancing competition show, but missed out after the line-up was revealed yesterday. </p><p>Actor David Arquette, Cher's son Chaz Bono, George Clooney's ex-Elisabetta Canalis and The Hills star Kristin Cavallari are just some of the celebrities confirmed for the hit show.</p><p>The star have even started rehearsals and were spotted rolling up to a dance studio, yesterday. <br></p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><br><p> </p>?Austerity? Let's ditch the helicopter: City wife's blog lifts lid on 'hard times' for the rich<p>By <br>UPDATED:16:32 GMT, 19 January 2011<br><br></p><p>In these tough economic times, it may have seemed like a good idea for one hard-pressed housewife to set up a blog offering tips on how to draw in the purse strings.<br></p><p>But when you read that the so-called &#8216;cutbacks&#8217; involve fewer helicopter rides and Prada shirts, it&#8217;s clear that the word &#8216;recession&#8217; has a very different meaning for some people.<br></p><p>That is certainly the case for &#8216;Austerity Mum&#8217;, otherwise known as Lisa Unwin, who had been anonymously documenting her attempts to rein in her family&#8217;s spending until her identity was revealed.<br></p><p>Musing on how she can recreate the wartime notion of make do and mend, she reveals her husband is resorting to re-soling his Berluti shoes &#8211; at a specialist cobblers on Bond Street, of course.</p><p>And on the subject of cutting back on family holidays, she suggests missing out on private helicopter flights or cancelling that half-term break in the Maldives in favour of returning to your weekend home in theFrench Alps. </p><p>The blog, which boasts in detail the extravagant lifestyle of the writer, became an internet hit after it first appeared in August.<br></p><p>Lisa, 44, is the wife of Ashley Unwin, the head of PricewaterhouseCoopers&#8217; £200million-a-year City consulting business.<br></p><p>She is a former communications director at accountants Deloitte, and nicknames her husband the 'Chief Spending Officer'.<br></p><p>She writes that her other half has come to expect only handmade shirts, revealing: &#8216;Not even Prada is good enough anymore, can&#8217;t recall why.&#8217;<br></p><p>Her blog admits they decided to make cuts after recently moving into a large Georgian house in East London which cost &#8216;squillions&#8217;.<br></p><p>&#8216;It means no new clothes for me and him, no new handbags, no new make-up, jewellery, shoes, facials &#8211; waxing is of course ring fenced,&#8217; she moans.<br></p><p>She also claims she would &#8216;love&#8217; to go back to work, but the cost of childcare makes it impractical.<br></p><p>Her two children &#8211; nicknamed the &#8216;diva-in-waiting&#8217; and the &#8216;smallest man with the biggest attitude&#8217; &#8211; have come to believe it is normal &#8216;to have a seat that turns into a bed if you&#8217;re on a flight for more than three hours&#8217;, she also admits.</p><p>Pondering how to tighten the family budget, she considers switching from Waitrose to Asda, but rejects her mother&#8217;s suggestion to travel third class outright.</p><p>&#8216;Unlessyou live in India I don&#8217;t think this is an option,&#8217; she says. &#8216;And going economy with BA is totally impractical because the luggage allowance just does not add up.&#8217;</p><p>On the half-term holidays, she writes: &#8216;I took a leaf out of George Osborne&#8217;s book and just as he is simply scrapping the whole of the AuditCommission I scrapped the hugely expensive October trip to the Maldives.</p><p>&#8216;I have to confess the latter is proving a great loss and we are looking at whether there is a salami-slicing type option&#8212; maybe camping in Morocco?&#8217;</p><p>And the possibility of sacking the gardener or washing the family car by hand are dismissed as &#8216;totally cruel in these austere times&#8217;.<br></p><p>The disclosures are understood to have caused much embarrassment to Mr Unwin, and she has now agreed to take down the blog.<br></p><p>&#8216;It doesn&#8217;t look good does it?&#8217; she told The Daily Telegraph.<br></p><p>&#8216;My husband has quite a big job at PwC, it was never meant to be taken literally. It was intended to be tongue-in-cheek. <br></p><p>&#8216;I don&#8217;t work any more and I used to be in communications, I took a creative writing course and I just wanted to write ... I&#8217;ll have to find another way to write.&#8217;<br></p>?The end of Gossip Girl-style internships? Conde Nast softens its infamously harsh approach to work experience roles<br><p></p><p>PUBLISHED:19:35 GMT, 14 March 2012 UPDATED:20:32 GMT, 14 March 2012</p><p>It's long been the practice of fashion magazines to take on eager young people as unpaid staff, supposedly to 'show them the ropes' and give them some valuable insight into the industry.</p><p>It's so common, in fact, that from Gossip Girl to The Hills to The Devil Wears Prada, the grubby-glam world of the lowly fashion intern is frequently imitated in popular culture.</p><p>However, while Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port got to attend Paris Fashion Week and Leighton Meester's character, Blair Waldorf, in Gossip Girl gets a promotion, the reality is less prestigious.</p><p></p><p>Instead of receiving free designer clothes or shoes, many interns are expected to work long hours, do demeaning tasks and cope with bullying remarks from superior staff - and they rarely get a placement after their (unpaid) stint.</p><p>However, the culture of using legions of unpaid, grimacing staff to prop up the publishing industry may soon be coming to an end.</p><p></p><p>Major magazine publisher Conde Nast, of Vogue, GQ and W, have implemented some radical changes to their internship program.</p><p>According to fashionista.com, work experience contracts at the company will now run for a maximum of one semester (unless they get special clearance from Human Resources), interns will only have to work until 7pm and will also receive expenses of around $550 for a full placement.<br></p><p>Staff will no longer be able to ask interns to run their personal errands either (no more desperate sprints to the dry cleaner before it closes), and interns will need to be earning credits for college courses.</p><p>Conde Nast has not officially confirmed any of these policies.</p><p>However, it's rumoured the company has also been contacted and criticised by the department of labour over the hiring unpaid interns during a time of high unemployment.</p><p>Another move may have hastened the company to nail down its internship program too - namely the recent lawsuit by former Harper's Bazaar intern Xuedan Wang against fellow publishing giant Hearst.</p><p>In February, the New York Times reported that Miss Wang is suing the company for failing to pay minimum and overtime wages during her five month unpaid internship.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, a stricter regulation of the fashion internship policy is welcomed by potential interns.</p><p>Commenting on the fashionista.com story, reader Bailey Powell said:</p><p>'I must agree with how exhausting and infuriating it is to be doing the most mundane tasks tirelessly, day after day, with a smile on your face and your sincerest enthusiasm and not be rewarded, monetarily or otherwise.'</p><p>Another reader, Simon King, wrote: 'If someone is worth bringing on board to help with even the most mundane of tasks then they are worth paying.'</p><p>However, not everyone agrees the practice of unpaid internships should be abolished.</p><p>New York Times ethics columnist Ariel Kaminer says that while some internships are unprincipled and elitist (because they are only open to people who can afford to live without a salary), they still have their place.</p><p>'Even crummy internships have some value. A firsthand glimpse of the mail room may not be the stuff of dreams, but it's more informative than no glimpse whatsoever,' she said in the paper last weekend.</p>?Confessions of a fashionista: A terrifying stylist called Cruella and why the Devil Wears Prada is too close to home<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:21 GMT, 6 November 2009</p><br><p>I recognised one of the applicants I was interviewing for a new role instantly. I've never met her before, but I identified the shell shocked, paranoid look of one who has worked with Cruella.</p><p>Cruella is my nickname for a certain international stylist, who among other things is credited with reviving a famous Italian knitwear brand.</p><p>A former model, with straight white blonde hair and piercing eyes, she often wears fur, and is utterly terrifying to work for.</p><p>Right at the start of my fashion career I had the misfortune to be employed by her agent, before I learnt there are some nice, normal people in this industry.</p><p>Back then my life was ruled by Cruella. She would ring my mobile at 5am on a Sunday morning, to alleviate her boredom while she waited in the airport for her next flight. <br></p><p>Thus began an explosion of calls, lasting all day and into the night.</p><p>Cruella is a successful and busy lady, and she doesn't like you to forget it. The more stress she is under, the worse her demands. Dare to ask a question, to clarify, for example, which dress out of the 75 on the rack she wants Polaroided, and you receive a torrent of abuse.</p><p>My colleague made this query and was given the hairdryer treatment, culminating in being called a stupid fat pig.</p><p>I learnt fast it was easier to spend time covering every possible option than risk Cruella's wrath. I photographed all 75 dresses while my co-worker sobbed in the corner. For months after Cruella refused to deal with my work mate, referring to her throughout as the stupid fat pig.</p><p>Cruella is too important to enter the office. If she ever swung past the agency, her chauffeur driven car would pull up outside and one of us would run down and pass things through the window.</p><p>This sounds like a pain, but it ended up being a lifesaver. Knowing Cruella was contained to an angry voice on the telephone kept me sane. She couldn't see if we were pulling faces, sticking our fingers up, or had simply put the receiver down on the desk while she completed her latest swear word-strewn rant.</p><p></p><p>My boss even took it further. He became so petrified of Cruella's verbal torture he developed a stress related heart condition and refused to answer the phone.</p><p>If she called, we were to say he was out. When I asked why he didn't fire her from the agency, he answered the money and the status she brought were too great to loose.</p><p>Easy for him to say when we were the ones taking the flack.</p><p>All this took place around the time 'The Devil Wears Prada' was first published. Eagerly I sat down to read the gossip on Anna Wintour, but I had to abandon it after the first few chapters.</p><p>The irrational demands of Miranda Priestly and the main character Andy living in fear of her mobile ringing were all too familiar.</p><p>Even the way the magazine editor elongated Ahn-dre-ah's name reminded me of the enunciating accent of Cruella. There was no relaxing escape for me in that book, it was too close to home.</p><p>So, I've hired the shell-shocked girl. Cruella is many things, and one of them is a good teacher. Shell-shocked is too frightened to be anything other than brilliant at her job. <br></p><p>When I told my current boss her eyes lit up with pound signs. She wants to know if Cruella will come with the new girl to our agency? Uh oh.</p>?Confessions of a fashionista: Evil photographer Cruella makes Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada look a saint<p> By <br>UPDATED:11:36 GMT, 3 October 2012</p><br><p>I was checking out Dover Street market 'in the name of research', when I bumped into a photographer assistant I know. <br></p><p>Hardworking Poppy is my first choice to have on set, but I haven't been able to get an option on her for a while. I soon found out why. She's been working for Cruella.</p><p>Regular readers will know Cruella is my name for a certain famous photographer, with an infamous reputation. An impossible taskmaster, she makes Miranda Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada, look like a saint. Poor Poppy is Cruella's latest fashion monkey.</p><p>Cruella always has a first assistant she retains on paltry pay to help ease her daily life. The assistant will manage her endless list of errands, as well as overseeing the work of any additional assistants on photoshoots.<br></p><p>Cruella always picks pretty girls that fit her high aesthetic standards, so it's no surprise that she hired tall, leggy Poppy (who has less meat on her than a vegetarian special).</p><p>Even a thick layer of Shu Uemura cover stick foundation couldn't hide Poppy's eye bags - she declined coffee on the grounds that she didn't have time to stop. Cruella is always waiting. Instead she gave me a rundown of her pain and suffering.</p><p>She rattled through a list of familiar crazy tasks (when I first started in fashion I worked as an assistant to Cruella's agent).</p><p></p><p>As soon as she wakes Cruella will start calling her. Poppy is then sent racing around whichever city they are working in, be it Paris, Milan, London or New York, to track down things her boss had remembered seeing.</p><p>Often she has as little as, 'that nice top I saw last month' to go on. On set Cruella refuses to rise from her chair, instructing Poppy to move the model into a different position, or fetch her a coffee, or tell the stylist something, or clear up her pet dog's poo. With every second that passes, the instructions grow more angry.</p><p>I asked the obvious question, why didn't she quit? But I already knew the answer. <br></p><p>Cruella may be spoilt, manipulative and evil to work for, but she is a genius. A few painful months with her and Poppy can get a job on any magazine.</p><p>Cruella behaves like she does because she can. On a recent two-week shoot in Thailand, she refused to let Poppy take any more than one change of clothes, as she wanted her assistant's luggage allowance for her own wardrobe. <br></p><p>Poppy spent each evening washing her knickers in the sink, so she would have clean underwear for the next day.</p><p>Working for Cruella is truly pants. <br></p><p> </p>?Confessions of a fashionista: In this industry even the interns behave like superstars! <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:22 GMT, 27 January 2012</p><p>We all know what it's like working as an intern in the fashion industry from The Devil Wears Prada and Running in Heels. <br></p><p>Fashion interns are notoriously underpaid, overworked and down right abused by the stylish elite. <br></p><p>But in the strange world of fashion, where hierarchy is based on such whims as who is the skinniest and who has the most fabulous shoes, sometimes even interns behave like superstars. <br></p><p>In the hallowed offices of Vogue, a young intern continually amazed the influential fashion team by toting the most desirable and impossible-to-get handbags and shoes. </p><p> In some cases she was wearing items before the samples had arrived for THE Fashion Closet. <br></p><p>How could a young girl secure limited designer pieces ahead of the most powerful magazine in the country?</p><p>The fashion editors, who are used to wealthy and well-connected work experience girls, were impressed.</p><p>With the kind of contacts this intern clearly had, she'd go far. Unfortunately what the intern had in contacts she lacked in reliability. <br></p><p>On the morning of a photoshoot of an A-list actor, the intern was to arrive early and lay out the clothes that had been called in.</p><p> The shoot had taken months of planning and a huge chunk of the magazine's budget. <br></p><p>The Fashion Director arrived with the celebrity photographer and realised neither the clothes nor the intern were there. <br></p><p>After an hour of frantic phone calls and embarrassing apologies to the actor and the photographer, the Fashion Director finally reached the intern who was in bed 'feeling a little unwell'. <br></p><p>The clothes had to be collected by another intern and taxied over. The shoot ran massively behind schedule and they failed to get all the shots they needed before the actor had to leave. <br></p><p>It cost the magazine thousands of pounds in overtime and re-shoots.<br></p><p>What happened to this irresponsible intern who wasted the time of VIPs, cost the magazine money and threatened the reputation of Vogue? <br></p><p>Why, she has her own magazine now. I wonder what her interns are like. </p>?Confessions of a fashionista: The Ugly Betty stereotypes are no fantasy - real life fashion folk are just as vile<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:14:13 GMT, 17 August 2010</p><p>As I pull on yet another fabulously cut, but hideously uncomfortable dress, wedge my feet into more stunning shoes that squeeze my toes like bulldog clips, and try and suck any satisfaction out of my breakfast of three measly grapes I ask myself: why would anyone want to work in fashion? <br></p><p>Over the last few years there have been a deluge of films, TV shows and, ahem, columns, seeking to expose the ugly truth behind the beautiful fashion industry. <br></p><p>From the revealing documentary about U.S. Vogue, The September Issue, to the colourful stereotypes seen in Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada, the spotlight has shone upon the usually elusive fashionista.</p><p>Many of the darker aspects of the glamorous fashion industry have been uncovered - the thinspiration culture, the ruthless ambition of those in power, and the stupendous egos at play.</p><p></p><p>Yet people ignore the bad bits. Perhaps the despicable characters they read or hear about seem too fantastical to be true? Still a continuous stream of wannabes are drawn like designer clad moths to the flame. <br></p><p>People want to work in fashion: they want to be part of the magic. Each day I get tens of emails from people looking for a way into the industry. An industry where it matters less what qualifications you have, and more what shoes you're wearing. <br></p><p>Most are so dedicated they offer their services for free, in the hope that experience and contacts will lead to paid work at a later date. <br></p><p>A friend of a friend, keen to make use of any inroad came to me for advice. I gave her a healthy list of contacts and told her to go for it. <br></p><p>After weeks of emailing, calling and posting CVs she came back dejected. Most had ignored her, but some, in her own words, had been very rude. <br></p><p>One agent, after she'd enthusiastically asked who was the correct person to email, told her to 'f*** off' and hung up. It's not just the fashionistas on the TV sitcoms who can be vile, fashionistas in real life can be vile too. <br></p><p>There is no excuse for bad behaviour. As a fashionista you may be part of a small and privileged few, but it doesn't give you a licence to behave like a spoilt brat. <br></p><p>Good manners cost nothing, and bad behaviour can be short sighted. The fashion industry is fickle: today's struggling assistant is often tomorrow's superstar editor-in-chief, as the rude agent found out to his cost. <br></p><p>Several months after her distressing telephone encounter, the enthusiastic girl landed the role of fashion editor on one of the hottest magazines. At which point she banned all the rude agent's artists. He was sacked shortly after. <br></p>?Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend stands by her man as the couple enjoy a night out in New York<br><br><p>By , and <br>UPDATED:21:48 GMT, 7 July 2010</p><p></p><p>After discovering that their boyfriend has allegedly paid a surrogate mother to have his child, most women would run screaming into the night.</p><p>But not Cristiano Ronaldo's, who is clearly made of stronger stuff.</p><p>However, despite standing by her man in light of the revelation, model Irina Shayk looked stony-faced and glared at the cameras as she met up with the Real Madrid star for a night out.</p><p> She barely managed to raise a smile, and stuck close to her friend, model Jessica White.</p><p></p><p>Russian Irina, 24, looked like her thoughts were elsewhere as she and Jessica, 26, made their way to Mr Chow Chinese restaurant in Manhattan to meet up with Ronaldo, 25, and his friend for dinner.</p><p>She looked stunning in a short beige dress and mesh heels, while Jessica looked very summery in her bright yellow dress.</p><p></p><p> </p><p>Inthe early hours of Sunday the former Manchester United player wrote on the internet: 'It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become a father to a baby boy. <br></p><p>'As agreed with the baby's mother, who prefers to have her identitykept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship.'</p><p></p><p>The footballer's sister Katia Aveiro, speaking at her home in Vilamoura on the Algarve in Portugal, said the baby - born weighing 9lb 8oz on June 17 - had made her brother 'very happy'.<br></p><p>The child is now said to be in the care of other members of Ronaldo'sfamily in Vilamoura, including his mother Dolores. <br></p><p>In a recent interview the star had been asked if he wanted to have children. He replied that the day might come 'sooner rather than later'.</p>?Is Beckham Olympics bound? David fails to flash a smile at the airport as he catches an international flight<br> <p> By and </p><p>PUBLISHED:16:10 GMT, 23 July 2012 UPDATED:08:39 GMT, 24 July 2012</p><br><p>After being left out of the GB football squad David Beckham had considered boycotting the 2012 Olympics.</p><p>But now it is being reported that the father-of-four is set to play a last-minute part in the Olympics opening ceremony.</p><p>However despite the promising news, Beckham looked glum as he journeyed through LAX yesterday.</p>Scroll down for video<p> En route to catch an international flight, the football ace didn't appear to be his usual cheerful self.</p><p>Looking as stylish as ever, David slicked his hair back as he sported a grey shirt which he buttoned up all the way to the top.</p><p>He teamed the shirt with a pair of black trousers and brown brouges.</p><p>Completing his look he carried his Prada luggage set through the terminal to board the flight.<br></p><p> Today it has been said that a 'starring role' has been created for David to play in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games.</p><p>The part he will take on is thought to be a gesture aimed at thanking the footballer for helping to get the Games to London.</p><p>The 37-year-old is apparently now in talks with organisers over his precise involvement with Friday's ceremony, which is expected to be watched by a global audience of 4billion.<br></p><p> </p><p> The former England captain is said to be 'excited and delighted' about the invitation to join the ceremony - particularly as London is his home city, The People reported.</p><p>An Olympics source told the newspaper: 'David will have a starring role in the Games and he is excited about the prospect. It's going to be a big, big surprise.'</p><p>The role is said to be in recognition for the footballer's work at the International Olympic Committee vote in 2005, helping London win its bid to host the Games.</p><p>He was seen lobbying alongside former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Lord Sebastian Coe and was considered to have played a pivotal role during the final days of the campaign trail.</p><p> However, he was said to have been so disappointed and angry when he was left out of the Team GB football squad by manager Stuart Pearce that he threatened to boycott the Games altogether.</p><p>The move was said to have also shocked Lord Coe - who is in charge of the 2012 organising committee - and he is thought to have begun secretly making plans to involve Beckhamin the proceedings.</p><p>It is unclear precisely what role the footballer will play, but speculation that he could light the Olympic torch has been ruled out because the footballer is not an Olympian - a requirement under the rules of the International Olympic Committee.</p><p>Instead, organisers are said to have added a new section to the ceremony in Stratford to accommodate him.<br></p><p>A source told The People: 'It's all being kept secretive because both the Olympics committee and David Beckham's camp want it to remain a huge surprise.</p><p>'It will be a fitting role for David who, let's not forget, was a big factor in the UK winning the Olympic bid in the first place.'</p><p>Details of his role will be ironed out and finalised tomorrow, sources added.</p><p>David will not be the only Beckham taking part in the Games as his wife Victoria will be closing the sporting event alongside her band mates, as the Spice Girls take centre stage.<br></p>Video: Beckham pays tribute to Bradley Wiggins?David Beckham takes his boys to Disneyland while Victoria and Harper wow the fashion set in New York <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:21:35 GMT, 13 September 2011</p><br><p>He regularly takes his sons out for surf session in Malibu while his wife looks after their newborn daughter. </p><p>But this time as Victoria took their little girl to New York for the newborn's very first Fashion Fashion week, super-dad David Beckham took his boys out to Disneyland in California.</p><p>The 36-year-old footballer and his three boys Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine , and Cruz, six enjoyed a day out at the 'happiest place on earth' over the weekend. <br></p><p>David was seen dutifully taking his boys around the theme park and on a variety of the rides, and carried a purple backpack with the boy belongings. </p><p>Dressed casually for their day out, father and sons all dressed in an array of jeans, t-shirts and baseball caps. </p><p>The young boys later got into the spirit of dressing up with Romeo at one point slipping on a shark suit, and Cruz sporting giant Mickey Mouse hands and an Indiana Jones hat. <br></p><p>David's well-behaved older boys Brooklyn and Romeo, who were no doubt eager to hop on the faster rides, even accompanied their father and little Cruz on the children's Astro Orbiter ride in Tommorrowland.</p><p>The family outing was well documented, with David taking plenty of happy snaps, no doubt to show to his wife Victoria, who is on the other side of the US in New York with their baby daughter. </p><p>David has been ever the doting dad since Harper's arrival in July, taking the boys to the beach for daily surfs and to pretty much all of his LA Galaxy games. </p><p>The boys were once again spotted at a special game on Friday, where they engaged in a heartwarming show of respect for the victims of 9/11 during a one minute silence.</p><p>All three put their hands on their chest and David and Victoria's oldest Brooklyn, removed his cap for the tribute. </p><p>Meanwhile, Victoria is spending time with daughter Harper in New York, where she is busy with New York Fashion Week. </p><p>Over the weekend, the former Spice Girl wowed the fashion world with her latest collection on the runway.</p><p>And what could be a more fashionable a way to enjoy the rest of her day than hitting the shops with her daughter Harper.</p><p>The mother-of-four, 37, stepped out in a scallop neck dress with dropped waist from the new line Victoria by Victoria Beckham that she is launching in New York this week for s/s 2012, to peruse the offerings in Prada with her gorgeous baby daughter in her hands.</p><p>And Victoria hadn&#8217;t just taken the time with her own ensemble but Harper was dressed in a pale pink dress with a pretty bow clipped into her hair.</p><p>The fashion designer finished off her own look with a pair of sky-high black ankle boots by her favourite shoe creator Christian Louboutin and a rose gold watch.</p><p>And being the lady of the moment, with many fans coveting a seat at her fashion show earlier in the day, Victoria and Harper certainly caused quite a frenzy as they entered the boutique.</p><p>And everyone couldn&#8217;t resist trying to catch a snap of the mother daughter couple.</p><p>Little Harper seemed more than happy in the Prada store and appeared contend being cradled in her mother&#8217;s arms. </p><p>After the shopping trip Victoria took Harper to lunch at at Balthazar.</p><p>Given Victoria&#8217;s rising status in the fashion world it&#8217;s likely that little Harper will be one of the best-dressed little girls in Hollywood.</p><p>And she is no doubt one of the youngest of attendees at New York Fashion Week enjoying a front row seat for her mother&#8217;s show earlier in the day.</p><p>But given her tender eight weeks, Harper slept through most of the show at the New York Public Library today. </p><p>And in a change from her usual designs which based on figure hugging dresses, Mrs Beckham has created a sportier look from the upcoming season Mrs Beckham.</p><br><p> </p>?Humiliating slapdown for Justice Minister as Cameron orders U-turn on taxpayer funding of prison parties<p>By <br>UPDATED:00:14 GMT, 24 July 2010</p><p></p><p>A furious David Cameron slapped down Justice Minister Crispin Blunt yesterday, blocking his plans to spend taxpayers' cash on prison parties for murderers. <br></p><p>In a victory for the Mail, Downing Street publicly humiliated Mr Blunt and ordered the Ministry of Justice to issue prison governors with new instructions banning jail jollies.</p><p>No 10 made it clear that Mr Blunt's decision - which would have also permitted the return of comedy workshops for Al Qaeda terrorists in high security prisons - would be immediately overturned.</p><p>And Mr Cameron ordered plans to scrapindefinite sentences for the most depraved criminals such as rapists,paedophiles and murderers to be put on hold. </p><p>Whitehall officials described Mr Blunt as a 'dead man walking'and predicted that he would be fired in the next ministerial reshuffle</p><p>One said that the minister, uncle of actress Emily Blunt, would </p><p>soon 'be spending more time with his niece's acting career'.</p><p>In a speech on Thursday, Mr Blunt said he was overturning aban on prison parties, brought in after it emerged that seven convictedfemale killers enjoyed a vampire fancy dress party in Holloway prison. </p><p>Mr Blunt called the ban 'damaging and daft' and claimed he was doing what Winston Churchill would have wanted.</p><p>But the policy change had not been agreed by coalitionministers and the Prime Minister reacted with fury when he found out. </p><p>A Downing Street spokesman said: 'No 10 has instructed theMinistry of Justice to make it clear that there will be no prisonparties. </p><p>'There are some things which are unacceptable. We must remember that prison is a place of punishment.' </p><p> </p><br><p><p>Downing Street also insisted there had been no policy change over Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection - or IPPs - which protect the public from some of the country's most dangerous offenders.</p><p> The fate of those sanctions - which cover 6,000 inmates likeTracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P - will be decided in a majorreview expected to conclude next year.<br></p><p>The denunciation of Mr Blunt exposes a rift in the heart of government over lax sentencing policies.<br></p><p>Senior Government sources believe that ministers at theJustice Department have been 'captured' by prison reform charities, whohave applauded the new soft approach to sentencing. </p><br><p>In his ill-judged speech, Mr Blunt even taunted the PrimeMinister, suggesting that members of Oxford University's BullingdonClub, notorious for its drink-fuelled high jinks, got away with crimes'for which the working classes are committed to prison'. </p><br><br></p><p>Tory who talks like a Left-winger</p><p>By </p><p>Until now Crispin Blunt has been overshadowed in the fame stakes by his niece - Emily Blunt, the Golden Globe winning actress and star of the film The Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>But now he is making headlines himself, unkind observers might suggest he has been spending too much of his time with Emily's chums in the liberal arts establishment.</p><p>What else could explain the abrupt conversion of this apparently conventional Tory into a radical prison reformer, whose every speech is peppered with the language of the Left? </p><p>With sharply pressed suit and coiffed hairstyle, Mr Blunt is every inch the retired Army captain. </p><p>And his Tory credentials appear as impeccable as his appearance. He attended Wellington College, Durham University and Sandhurst, where he won the Queen's Medal. </p><p>After switching from the Army to politics, he pursued - until now - an unremarkable career on the Opposition front bench. </p><p>Even in the expenses scandal he was a moderate performer, claiming just £400 to repair a water wheel. The 50-year-old lives with wife Victoria, with whom he has two children, and is a keen cricketer, having played for the Lords and Commons team. </p><p>After attending the Royal Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) in 1979 and served with distinction until 1990 as a troop leader, operations officer, and armoured reconnaissance squadron commander. </p><p>Following an unsuccessful bid for parliament in 1992 and a stint as a special adviser on Defence and Foreign Affairs, he finally entered the Commons in 1997. </p><p>As Reigate MP he holds one of the safest Conservative seats with a 13,000 majority. </p><p>The only hint of insurrection in his past was his resignation from the shadow cabinet in 2003 in protest at the then party leadership of Iain Duncan Smith. </p><p>All then went fairly quiet until the election, and his elevation to junior bag carrier in the Justice Department. From there on, it has been attention-seeking all the way. <br></p><p>Just weeks into the job he threw a bomb into sentencing policy by backing anonymity for men accused of rape. </p><p>Then yesterday, with apparent gusto, he lobbed more grenades in the direction of two key elements of criminal justice policy, then stood back and watched them explode. </p><p>By dropping a ban on prisoner parties and abolishing IPP sentences, he appears intent on antagonising both the public and members of his own party. </p><p>Is he polluted by the presence of so many Liberal Democrats in the Coalition? </p><p>Or is he just following the controversial lead set by his boss Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, who has set his face against the old Tory mantra that 'prison works'. </p><p>Mr Clarke has already enraged many on the Right with his stated desire to reduce the prison population, review the need for short sentences and his recent claim that locking up criminals has no link to the falling crime rate. </p><p>Perhaps Mr Blunt is again simply playing the obedient soldier, following his reckless commanding officer through a political minefield.</p>?'Degrading' Lynx adverts featuring glamour model Lucy Pinder banned by watchdog<br> <p> By <br>UPDATED:16:16 GMT, 23 November 2011</p><br><p>Advertisements for Lynx deodorant featuring glamour model Lucy Pinder have been banned for degrading women and treating them as sex objects.</p><p>The lads mag model was seen wearing very little and flashing her cleavage in a series of provocative video ads that hark back to the 1970s.</p><p>The deodorant is made by multi-national manufacturer, Unilever, which is in the dock for sanctioning the images and demeaning women.</p><p>Lynx is marketed using tongue in cheek humour that suggests the men who use it instantly become more attractive, with beautiful women falling at their feet.</p><p>However, in a ruling published today, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has accused the company of going too far.</p><p></p><p>One internet video ad showed the model getting dressed, washing a car and eating an ice lolly. In each scene she was wearing different outfits all of which revealed her cleavage. </p><p>A second showed the model stripping wallpaper, jogging, applying lip gloss, eating whipped cream off her finger and playing with a light sabre.</p><p>A third featured various close ups ofher cleavage, while on-screen text invited viewers to &#8216;Play with Lucy&#8217; and gave the Lynx website address.</p><p>Afourth featured an image of the model in her underwear and bending overan oven door. The text stated &#8216;Can she make you lose control?&#8217;. </p><p>Aposter for the product, which featured another model taking a shower ona beach and wearing only bikini bottoms, drew more than 100 complaints with many upset that it was put up close to schools.</p><p>It carried two controversial straplines, reading: &#8216;The Cleaner You Are The Dirtier You Get&#8217; and &#8216;Get Dirty This Summer&#8217;.<br></p><p>In a ruling published today, the watchdog said: &#8216;We considered that the various activities that Ms Pinder carried out were presented in a sexually provocative way, and that alongside the focus on Ms Pinder's cleavage &#8230; were likely to be seen as gratuitous and to objectify women.</p><p>&#8216;We considered that was emphasised by the text &#8216;Can she make you lose control?&#8217; &#8230; and the invitation to &#8216;Play with Lucy&#8217;, which we considered would also be seen as degrading to women. </p><p>&#8216;We therefore concluded that the ads were likely to cause serious and widespread offence.&#8217;</p><p>Criticising the poster, the ASA said the language was &#8216;clearly intended to imply that using the advertised product would lead to more uninhibited sexual behaviour&#8217;.</p><p>It added: &#8216;We therefore considered that the poster would be seen to make a link between purchasing the product and sex with women and in so doing would be seen to objectify women.&#8217;</p><p>The Parliamentary All Party Group on Body Image has announced an inquiry into the issue of body image and depictions in advertising.</p><p>Lib-Dem MP Jo Swinson, who has campaigned on the issue, said: &#8216;Lynx ad campaigns have a well-known, if rather far-fetched, theme of the product somehow helping young men to have more confidence with the opposite sex. </p><p>&#8216;Sometimes this has resulted in light-hearted and humorous adverts.</p><p>'However in this case the ASA has understandably found that using such sexually provocative images, coupled with the invitation to &#8216;play&#8217; with Lucy, crosses the line, and is offensive to many.</p><p>&#8216;These images are highly sexualised, and unsuitable for children.&#8217;</p><p>In its defence, Unilever said they had no intention to cause harm or offence. </p><p>They said the products are designed for men aged 17-27 and &#8216;had been had been popular over the years for its playful, sexy, tongue-in-cheek take on the 'mating game' narrative&#8217;.</p><p>Unilever said consumers had &#8216;come to expect, and were comfortable with, the narrative, tone and content seen in their ads&#8217;. </p><p>It said the video ads &#8216;were designed to be playful, sexy and humorous but not to cause offence&#8217;.</p>Prada censured over 'dangerous' images of Oscar-nominated child actress<p>The Prada fashion giant has been censured over the use of &#8216;dangerous&#8217; images featuring Oscar nominated child actress Hailee Steinfeld.</p><p>An advertisement for the label&#8217;s Miu Miu range showed the 14-year-old sitting alone and apparently upset and crying on a railway track.</p><p>The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received a complaint that it was &#8216;irresponsible&#8217; because it was suggestive of youth suicide.</p><p>The watchdog rejected this concern, but has ruled the image broke industry codes because it showed a child in anunsafe location.</p><p>The teenager achieved instant fame last year after she received an Oscar nomination for her role in a remake of the classic Western True Grit.</p><p>Prada defended the advertisement saying it was part of a &#8216;serious, high-fashion campaign aimed at adult women&#8217;</p><p>and was placed only in adult, high-fashion magazines such as Tatler.</p><p>It said the image was meant to portray the actress in between takes of the film, while she was waiting for the next scene to begin. </p><p>The firm said Miss Steinfeld was not crying, nor had she been asked to cry or look upset. Rather, they said the ad pictured her with a &#8216;wistful and thoughtful face&#8217;.</p><p>Prada also highlighted the fact that no-one was put in any danger because the images, which were shot by top photographer and film maker Bruce Weber, were taken on an abandoned rail track.</p><p>However, the ASA said: &#8216;Because the ad showed Hailee Steinfeld, who was 14 years of age only when the photo was shot, in a potentially hazardous situation sitting on a railway track, we concluded the ad was irresponsible and in breach of the Code in showing a child in a hazardous or dangerous situation.</p><p>&#8216;The ad must not appear again in its current form.&#8217;</p>?Design star walks at troubled Prada<p>By <br>UPDATED:14:36 GMT, 24 January 2005</p><p></p><p>PRADA has parted company with top Austrian designer Helmut Lang, the latest shock departure in a turbulent time for the luxury goods industry. </p><p>The Italian catwalk giant, favoured by stars such as Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley, said Lang had decided to step down as creative director of the brand that shares his name. </p><p>Prada bought the Helmut Lang fashion house in 1999 when the New York-based designer was the byword for urban cool.</p><p>He is thought to have fallen out with Prada chief executive Patrizio Bertelli over the strategy needed to push his label back into the black. It lost several million euros last year. </p><p>In a statement today, Bertelli thanked Lang for his achievements in building a brand with a 'strong identity and a unique positioning'. He added: 'We will build on this and move quickly to provide appropriate support to the company and develop the brand's potential.'</p><p>Lang's departure is a further sign that fashion executives seem to have lost patience with high-profile, high-spending designers. A similar spat at Gucci last year led to Tom Ford leaving the company. Luxury goods makers are having to cut back and focus on core brands as they continue to struggle to resurrect sales in the wake of 9/11.</p><p>Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is in exclusive talks to sell its iconic couture house Christian Lacroix to an American duty-free group run by the Falic brothers. </p>?<p>The more expensive outfits have better fabrics and quality of cut (most of them are handcut). It's not very obvious in pictures until you tried these outfits on. In the first Erdem dress, notice that the fabric used is much better, the way in which it 'pleats' around the waist and the details in the sleeve. The cheaper dress is definitely machine cut as it lacks the details described above; eg the hem in the cheap dress is straight as opposed to the 'dip' that follows the lace pattern. For the last outfit, notice that the expensive shirt fitted better and is 3/4 sleeves compared to the cheaper outfit, in which the sleeve almost reaches the wrist and the poorer quality of the cut means that the model's curves are well less emphasised. It's little details such as these that differentiates between design/high street clothes. Unfortunately most people don't have the budge to buy such expensive clothes so we'll just stick to the High St versions.</p> <p>- , Oxford, 13/7/2011 03:52</p> <p></p>?Designer robes: The Pope wears Prada but his Bishop prefers Armani<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:18:15 GMT, 4 May 2011</p><br><p>The Devil and Pope Benedict XVI may well wear Prada but for the Pontiff's bishops the wardrobe choice is Armani.</p><p>Monsignor Domenico Mogavero, 64, donned £2,000 vestments created by designer to the stars Giorgio Armani, as he said an inaugural mass at a restored church.</p><p>Monsignor Mogavero was given the white robes free of charge by committed bachelor Armani in return for saying mass at the church which is on a tiny Italian island where the designer has a holiday home.</p><p>It is well known that Pope Benedict wears bright red Prada slip on shoes beneath his vestments but designer robes are thought to be out of the budget of the hold order. As demonstrated at the Royal Wedding where a nun sitting next to Prince William was spotted wearing Reebok trainers.<br></p><p>Monsignor Mogavero, is bishop of Mazara del Vallo near Palermo on the Italian island of Sicily and his diocese includes the volcanic island of Pantelleria which lies just 40 miles from the north African coast.</p><p></p><p>In the summer it's idyllic picturesque beaches make it a magnet for VIPs who anchor off the coast in yachts and famous visitors have included Prince William and the then Kate Middleton, Sting, Eric Clapton, Guy Ritchie and Madonna.</p><p>When asked about his luxury designer vestments - which come in the liturgical colours of white, red, green and purple, Monsignor Mogavero said: 'These robes help to give praise to God and that's why I asked Giorgio Armani to design them.</p><p>'He has a home on Pantelleria and it was not a question of being trendy but rather the aim of involving someone who has a long time connection with the island.</p><p>'Giorgio Armani has a sense of originality and good taste and I thought it would be good to put these qualities to use for the service of God and the Mass.'</p><p>The vestments are hand made are are embroided with pictures of the island and the Mediterranean Sea and Monsignor Mogavero said he would 'thank Armani personally' when he saw him in the summer.</p><p>Last year monsignor Mogavero called on Italy's controversial prime minister Silvio Berlusconi - who is on trial over under age sex allegations - to resign saying his 'private life is out of control.'</p><p>Monsignor Mogavero also defended the West's attack on Libya in a recent radio interview saying: 'I cannot say that I feel decidedly hostile and contrary to it. A call for freedom cannot be dealt with superfically.'</p><p>No-one was immediately available for comment at Armani's main office in Milan. <br></p>?<br>Last updated at 10:37 AM on 16th May 2008<br><br><br> As my first job out of college, I found working at American Vogue shocking and upsetting. Having to run outside in the cold in high heels just to fetch coffee for the editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, seemed like an outrage. But it was the best preparation for anything one could ever want to do afterwards.<br><br>To this day I dread confrontation and start shaking if someone raises their voice. For sure, Anna scared me. She was a great editor and a strong personality, no question. But I wouldn&#8217;t be able to say if there was a sweet side to her, as there was with Miranda, the editor in the movie, because I only saw Anna in the office.<br><br>I didn&#8217;t write the book out of anger, as Meryl Streep claimed [in an interview with W magazine], but as a fun project in a creative-writing class. I had spent 18 months working on it when my teacher started saying that it could be a book. <br><br>Much of what I wrote about was a product of my imagination. But all my friends at the time were assistants in different industries, so I would hear their stories. I wouldn&#8217;t say the book was literally based on my time at Vogue, but it was influenced by it 100 per cent.<br><br>I was shocked at how successful the book was. I had no inkling of what I was getting into &#8211; such as the backlash from the publicity, when the newspapers and the bloggers got really political about what I&#8217;d written. I just thought of it as a fun read, but people were up in arms about how someone could dare to write it, because they thought of it as fact rather than fiction. That did wonderful things for sales figures!<br><br>It was hard to read scathing reviews of my book when I was younger because it felt more personal.<br><br>I&#8217;m a girl&#8217;s girl and New York is definitely a girl&#8217;s city. Women stay single for longer in Manhattan, and this means that their girlfriends become like an urban family. In a smaller town, the automatic expectation is that you will get married and have a family &#8211; there&#8217;s really nothing else if you don&#8217;t do that. But New York offers everything, so people can focus on their careers and on establishing themselves. I&#8217;m not a subscriber to the theory that men are intimidated by ambitious women.<br>What I love about the New York dating scene is that it&#8217;s perfectly acceptable to see dozens of people at the same time. You are looking for different experiences, for totally different things in the same week, and it&#8217;s really refreshing.<br><br>But I would be hard-pressed to think of a man in New York City who&#8217;s ready to commit in his 20s. Maybe there are a few more likely to do so in their 30s.Trying to read men&#8217;s enigmatic moods and habits is one of the eternal concerns in chick lit, and those concerns haven&#8217;t changed much since Jane Austen&#8217;s time.<br>I hear over and over again that no one starts relationships in Manhattan. The theory is that you can&#8217;t make it work here, because it&#8217;s such a competitive city and there&#8217;s a constant desire to upgrade. Women complain that you can&#8217;t have a serious conversation with a man without him thinking that he could go out that night and meet ten other women just as successful and attractive.Both men and women in Manhattan think that if a partner can&#8217;t fit into their schedule, then the relationship is not going to work. And if two people are acting on that, then it&#8217;s very hard to connect. <br><br> But I did meet my husband [playwright Mike Cohen] in Manhattan, and we did make it work &#8211; maybe because we are both creative people with bizarre schedules who don&#8217;t need to be in an office, like most people.<br><br>It&#8217;s amazing how a chance encounter changed our lives. Mike and I were both people who didn&#8217;t go out on the town a tremendous amount, but we met two years ago via a mutual friend. <br><br>I just knew that I had to see Mike again because there was an instant connection. I&#8217;ve always believed in fairy-tale romances, where people tumble into this crazy, passionate affair that works beautifully and is the easiest thing in the world, but real people in real situations don&#8217;t exactly behave like that, and it definitely took us time to get to know each other. He was more reserved than me and held back more, which drove me crazy because I knew that this was something that was going to work.<br><br>It&#8217;s good for writers to marry each other. I was glad that Mike is a creative person and not a banker. But it poses its own challenges, because for the two of us to live and work in the same space, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requires some negotiation.<br><br>People in New York would never accept a 50 per cent failure rate in any other institution, but we all go into marriage so optimistically and positively. I do feel that you increase the odds of it working if you wait a bit longer and have more life experience before you settle down. But divorce rates are highest with educated people because they&#8217;re the ones who can afford it&#8230; <br><br>I was 11 and my younger sister Dana was six when our parents got divorced, but they went to great lengths to make sure that our lives didn&#8217;t change much, so it wasn&#8217;t devastating for us as children. I didn&#8217;t start to think of their divorce as a disaster until I went to college and had to split my holidays between them, which drove me nuts. <br><br>I&#8217;m a super-anxious person who tends to associate with the crazy and neurotic elements in life, and I chose to complain about the tasks that I was asked to perform for Anna Wintour a lot more than I think a slightly more adjusted person would have done. <br><br>Some people on the New York subway terrify me more than sharks in the sea. I lived in Union Square for three years, and I would see drug addicts with needles hanging out of their arms and people naked from the waist down when I was out walking the dog at 11 at night. It felt so overwhelming that I had to move out a year ago.<br><br>My two dogs, Stella and Mitzi, are dream child substitutes. I hope to have children at some stage, but not in the immediate future. <br>You can be rude and insulting to skinny people &#8211; implying that their body is the result of all sorts of eating disorders &#8211; in a way that you can&#8217;t with overweight people. Weight is such a prominent theme in women&#8217;s fiction that I made a conscious decision not to focus on it; all my heroines are attractive in their own way.<br><br>The fashion world is a shallow and fickle one, there&#8217;s no denying it, but it&#8217;s fun. It&#8217;s not a world I would want to exist in all the time, but it&#8217;s fine in small doses. <br><br>I meet people who assume, after reading my books, that I&#8217;m going to be horrifically bitchy. They say that they don&#8217;t expect me to be so normal and nice. <br><br>I can still eat lunch in this town. I&#8217;m sure that in some Manhattan circles I&#8217;m persona non grata after The Devil Wears Prada, and I do have a lot of notoriety to this day. But fashion is not my scene &#8211; I live a very quiet, normal life. No fatwa was ever issued against me for writing the book.<br>Lauren Weisberger&#8217;s latest novel, Chasing Harry Winston, is published by HarperCollins on 27 May, £6.99. To order a copy with free p&amp;p, call the YOU Bookshop on 0845 606 4204, or go to <br><br><br><br>Photograph of Laura Weisberger Julie Dennis<br><br><p> </p> <br>?Do Prada's $890 'Lips' heels glamourise smoking?<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:21:15 GMT, 4 April 2012 UPDATED:15:43 GMT, 5 April 2012</p><p>In case you thought glorification of tobacco use was dead, Prada has come up with a pair of heels that 'smoke cigarettes'.</p><p>Retailing for $890, the Eighties-inspired 'Lips' sandals feature an ankle strap, half-inch platform and bright pink patent lips with a lit cigarette hanging out the side.<br></p><p>While the luxury shoe market is competitive, with brands using statement accessories as their main cash cow, Prada's latest offering perhaps takes the social responsibility out of fashion, replacing it instead with outrageous aesthetic.</p><p> Some have pointed out that the shoes would cost the equivalent of 80 packs of cigarettes, but one has to ask, why would you want either?</p><p>Smoking and fashion have been bound together since cigarettes and cameras coincided, but despite all the dire health warnings, fashion continues to fall back in love with it.</p><p>Promoting highly aspirational products with something that kills up to half of users could be seen as disappointing to many.</p><p></p><p>However designers argue differently, using the platform of creative expression as an excuse - where an effort to create a mood, or an era when people smoked freely, is part of that expression.</p><p>In recent years, despite aggressive anti-smoking campaigns and regulations in many countries, fashion stylists and designers have continued to use smoking imagery to either shock, or evoke historic ideas of glamour and power. <br></p><p>Why? Because fashion loves to go back and reference itself, and smoking helps.</p><p> To the fashion industry, smoking says history and style, it's a bit dreamy, a bit intellectual, it's 'glamorous'.</p><p>Most recently, Marc Jacobs hired Kate Moss to expertly puff down his Louis Vuitton catwalk, which caused an eruption of controversy in the media.</p><p>Fashion is on the surface an inherently glamorous and attractive industry. <br></p><p>Anything associated with it, be it sex, alcohol or smoking, will most likely evoke that same response from an audience, whether it's on screen, in a magazine, or on your feet.</p><p>However, Sir Liam Liam Donaldson, England's former chief medical officer, told Vogue UK: 'The medical facts tell a different story. <br></p><p>'Beauty is skin deep and smoke and chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the architecture of skin for good. [Tobacco firms] are aided by a fashion industry that promote smoking as a natural and attractive lifestyle,' he said.<br></p><p>While many believe that anything which promotes smoking in this way should be banned, maybe these shoes should just be banned regardless.</p><p>No matter the comical intent these salacious stilettos aimed to achieve, smoking is ugly, and Prada, so are these shoes.<br></p>?Do your clothes reveal your character flaws? <br>That's what a leading clinical psychologist claims. I puts her to the test...<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:19 GMT, 25 April 2012 UPDATED:14:13 GMT, 26 April 2012</p><p></p><p>Clothes are one of my greatest pleasures, but also the source of much anxiety. Faced with any social occasion, I invariably go over the top, agonising for months about what to wear. I never, if I think about this honestly, feel comfortable in what I&#8217;m wearing. <br></p><p>And this isn&#8217;t just because I work in fashion and am surrounded by women who look incredible in the latest must-have clothes. While I often experience extreme envy when I see a catwalk model &#8212; a craving that makes me forget my age, bank balance and shape &#8212; this lack of self-confidence stems from earlier in my life.<br></p><p>I grew up, the youngest of seven children, in a family where money was tight. Consequently, I wore hand-me-downs from my three elder sisters and clothes that were made by my mum: little checked pinafores and rough, hand-knitted sweaters.</p><p>So, from an early age, I craved beingable to buy clothes from shops. I was painfully shy and believed I was ugly. It&#8217;s no surprise that, as a teenager, I was in thrall to fashion magazines. I soon got into debt buying expensive clothes because I had been so miserable always being the poor relation.</p><p></p><p>I realise I go over the top in my bidfor perfection. When I was asked by the BBC to report live from a banquet held at Buckingham Palace in honour of President Obama, I boughta black Alexander McQueen trouser suit, new shoes and a bag. I felt I had to wear something British, and spare no expense. </p><p>This is me all over: I thought my commentary would be pedestrian and halting, and so I had to make up for my inadequacies somehow. <br></p><p>Because I also feel ugly, I never dress provocatively: I never show my legs, arms or cleavage (even on my wedding day I wore a cream tuxedo suit, not a dress). <br></p><p>So, I choose expensive items because I grew up poor. I dress like a man at work because I think I&#8217;m stupid. I cover up because I believe I&#8217;m repulsive. I have long understood that the way I dress is my shield, my solace, my safety net.</p><p>But can someone else tell that just by looking at me? What&#8217;s more, can anyone help me with the issues behind my wardrobe choices? <br></p><p>U.S. clinical psychologist Jennifer Baumgartner, author of new book You Are What You Wear, says so. Baumgartner paid her way through university by working in a Ralph Lauren store, where she noticed how many women are confused about their identity, and act out their neuroses by spending inappropriately.<br></p><p>&#8216;Often, wardrobe mishaps are simply our inner conflicts bubbling to the surface,&#8217; she says, wisely. Baumgartner claims that by just looking at a woman she is able not only to diagnose what is wrong, but fix her psyche &#8212; in what she calls the &#8216;psychology of dress&#8217;. <br></p><p>But does her method really work? Can Jennifer not only identify my deep-seated problems just by looking at my four signature outfits, but also, more importantly, offer me help?</p><p> </p>EVENING WEAR<p>Black strapless gown and clutch by Bottega Veneta, peep-toe sandals by Louboutin<br></p><p>JENNIFER SAYS: Why has Liz, with a knockout figure, allowed herself to be swallowed by this great sloppy satin beast? She allows only a glimpse of her inner sparkle with her metallic shoe. <br></p><p>The oversized outfit makes me think she is unaware of her body shape. I am waiting for Liz, like someone after a makeover, to rip off this dress to reveal a better one. <br></p><p>If I had thick, lustrous hair like this, I would not hide it in a messy updo. She is also weighed down by the eye make-up on the lower lids.</p><p>LIZ SAYS: This dress is not too big for me: it&#8217;s a size 8, and the integral corset means I can hardly breathe! <br></p><p>But Jennifer is right: I hate my body, and try to hide it at all times and at great cost. When I wore this dress to an awards ceremony, I added a metallic Aquascutum jacket. <br></p><p>It&#8217;s strange that she mentions my heavy eye make-up without apparently understanding why I wear it. Isn&#8217;t it obvious that I&#8217;m hiding behind a mask?</p>CASUAL<p>Jaeger London trousers, M&amp;S Cashmere sweater, Burberry patent platforms<br></p><p>JENNIFER SAYS: I&#8217;m getting a university student vibe from this outfit and Liz&#8217;s hair style. It conveys a youthful energy. <br></p><p>The colours are bold, bright and fresh, and she is not afraid to mix and match them, but unfortunately they work against each other. <br></p><p>She seems to be comfortable with being noticed in a crowd, as the bright pink of the jumper will stand out. I&#8217;d team the jumper with white skinny jeans and either nude flats or colourful sandals. <br></p><p>I&#8217;d alter the trousers to eliminate bagging, and pair them with a tweed blazer and boots and throw in a printed silk scarf or load up on gold accessories.<br></p><p>LIZ SAYS: She is half right. I do have youthful energy. I am passionate and hard-working. I try my best all the time.</p><p> She says I am comfortable being noticed in a crowd, but this is not true at all. I might wear a raspberry Sloppy Joe jumper, but this belies my deep-set neuroses.</p>DATE<p>Gold lace skirt by Suzannah, white T-shirt and sandals by Prada<br></p><p>JENNIFER SAYS: Liz&#8217;s make-up gives all the evolutionary indicators of fertility &#8212; pink cheeks and lips, and glowing skin &#8212; but then she lets us down with a very non-seductive, plain white T-shirt. <br></p><p>This outfit suggests Liz is relatively conservative and the pieces don&#8217;t match, suggesting Liz may have pulled the outfit together in a rush. She should wear this skirt with a fitted black top, a black patent leather belt and stilettos. <br></p><p>I would shorten the skirt to right below the knee, and nip it in slightly to create a more streamlined silhouette. This outfit begs for accessories, too.<br></p><p>LIZ SAYS: Oh dear. I chose this outfit to cover all the things I hate about myself. Jennifer says I am conservative, when, in fact, I am very shy, afraid of being sexy, feel unattractive and I hate my knees. <br>Just telling me to wear a sexier top is unhelpful.</p><p> She should have said: &#8216;This woman has problems with self-esteem and has no idea of her own worth,&#8217; which I could have told her.</p>OFFICE<p>Black Alexander McQueen trouser suit, Burberry patent platforms<br></p><p>JENNIFER SAYS: Liz&#8217;s smart, tailored outfit says she is a no-nonsense go-getter, but the shoes suggest a fun side. Black is a no-frills colour for work, where people feel they are taken more seriously in dark colours.</p><p> The shoes are quite different. Research says people associate platforms &#8212; especially red ones &#8212; with women who are not very intelligent, and possibly promiscuous. <br></p><p>Liz sidesteps these associations by wearing them with a conservative outfit. She should try skinny trousers, instead of cropped, or a skirt, and try a daintier shoe to complement her frame and update her look, as the days of the platform are over, or so says designer Manolo Blahnik.<br></p><p>LIZ SAYS: She is pretty spot on. I am ambitious and I also have humour. I disagree about my shoes. I bought these in 2003, still love them, and don&#8217;t think I should change to suit Manolo Blahnik. <br></p><p>To me, this outfit screams my deep insecurity: &#8216;Please don&#8217;t sack me!&#8217; and that I spend too much on clothes.<br></p>HOW COULD SHE GET ME SO WRONG?<br><p>The verdicts on the way I dress in no way show that Jennifer Baumgartner has spotted my deep-seated insecurities. <br></p><p>She missed that I am borderline anorexic, have body dysmorphic disorder, fear ageing, men and sex, that I am in awe of clothes rather than know how to enjoy them, and that I spend way too much money.<br></p><p>She should have deduced, as a therapist who claims to use only clothes to make her diagnosis, that I am divorced, that I hate my body, am hugely stressed, and &#8212; oh! &#8212; that I&#8217;m broke! <br></p><p>Reading her book, I&#8217;ve found Jennifer&#8217;s prescription for someone like me who struggles with self-loathing is to &#8216;filter my media&#8217; &#8212; restrict the magazines I read and websites I look at &#8212; to go out in a crowded shopping centre wearing only a tight-fitting top and skinny jeans, to be more assertive and to choose bright colours. But it all sounds a bit simplistic, a bit Gok Wan to me. <br></p><p>When addressing disorders in her book, she writes: &#8216;Life is too short for such silliness.&#8217; <br></p><p>A clinical psychologist should know better. Wearing a bright sleeveless top exposing my arms is not going to begin to cure me. </p><p>You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You by Dr Jennifer Baumgartner is published by Da Capo Life Long, priced £10.99.<br></p><p> </p>?<p>Kate almost didn&#8217;t put a pointy toed stiletto wrong. She smiled, tirelessly. Her hair was as polished and sleek as a Derby thoroughbred&#8217;s rump. She flew the flag for British fashion, cherry-picking dresses from Reiss and Roland Mouret, and shoes at last from Manolo Blahnik, bags from Mulberry, even a scarf from Aquascutum. She was a bit bold with colour, choosing a purple Issa dress, and a metallic grey. <br></p><p>She even splashed out a bit, blowing her usual £200 for a frock budget to spend about £1,000 on an embellished navy dress from cool young London designer Erdem, and from his pre-fall 2011 collection, meaning no mere mortal can get their hands on it yet. <br></p><p>My favourite look was a white, draped Nanette dress by Reiss teamed with a cheerful pillar box hat and shoes. She even pulled off pearlised American tan tights, and that surely is a miracle. But is Kate cool enough? Well, no, she failed to pack a lime fluorescent lace pencil skirt. There was no Stella McCartney. No orange felty midi skirt with slit (this autumn&#8217;s new length and new colour!) by Jaeger. No royal blue wrap midi skirt by British wunderkind Jonathan Saunders. <br></p><p>Note my obsession with the midi, autumn&#8217;s new length; I feel Kate&#8217;s at times slightly too short skirt length borders on the WAG, not the WAP (wife of a prince). While Kate is beautiful enough to carry off the simple Reiss and Issa dresses &#8211; and this very small-waisted shape would not work were she not super slim; I think we will know before her gynaecologist the moment she falls pregnant! &#8211; there is nothing carefree and nonchalant about Kate&#8217;s wardrobe.<br></p><p>Understandably, given this was her first official tour, she was careful not to offend. But I would like her, until she becomes queen, to let go a little, to experiment, make the odd mistake. There were no big gaffes, no howlers, only barely perceptible stumbles, such as a Malene Birger shift that was linen, and so creased a little, and Pied-a-Terre wedges that made her gait a tad clumpy. <br></p><p>The blue lace print dress by Erdem was a little severe, making her head appear too big. The Mulberry bag and blue blazer she teamed with that Mouret dress showed a lack of being able to let go, have fun, and were too workmanlike.<br></p><p>I don&#8217;t want Kate to find her own signature style, she is too young for that. But I do want her to mix it up a little. I would rather she leave patronage of the &#8216;old school&#8217; establishment labels such as Catherine Walker, who made the grey Kensington dress she wore for evening, to her mother, and instead champion the next generation of young, British stars. She still seems frightened to spend too much, which is probably why she eschewed Burberry and Victoria Beckham for her trip. But sod the expense: she can do what every other celebrity in the world does, and just borrow her wardrobe. We don&#8217;t want what Kate wears to be attainable in the summer sales, we want a fantasy, an ambassa-dress.<br></p><p>All in all, though, Kate&#8217;s choices were warmly received by the American press. The New York Times&#8217;s all-important critic Cathy Horyn noted: &#8220;The Duchess of Cambridge certainly knows how to get the attention of nations. And she displays a flair for the graphic touch. 'In Ottawa today, Kate Middleton&#8217;s white Reiss dress and bright red straw hat with a maple-leaf cluster stood out.' But there were a few words of caution, 'She has worn the [white Reiss] dress before,' wrote Horyn. &#8216;Tasteful if not a tad uninspiring,&#8217; commented The Huffington Post. <br></p><p>And while all and sundry are comparing Kate to Diana in the style stakes, let&#8217;s remember that for the first few years of her marriage Diana looked a fright in diaphanous polka dots that would have looked at home on an 80 year old. So all round, Kate gets a highly commended from me for her first official trip across the pond. <br></p><p>But a note of caution: the period of sartorial grace has a loudly ticking clock, almost as loud as the biological one. Kate: hire a stylist from Vogue, and ditch those LK Bennett wedges...</p>?Kate glitters in a £49,000 golden oldie: Duchess of Cambridge heralds Olympics with hooped necklace as she visits Games exhibition at National Portrait Gallery<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:09:04 GMT, 19 July 2012 UPDATED:00:43 GMT, 20 July 2012</p><br><p>She is known as the Discount Duchess for her love of the High Street.</p><p>But Kate proved that even she can&#8217;t resist the allure of something gold &#8211; in the form of a £49,000 Cartier necklace.</p><p>The Duchess of Cambridge wore the distinctive piece, made up of a series of chains linked to five diamond-studded hoops, to an Olympics-themed exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery yesterday.</p><p>Scroll down for video of Kate touring the exhibition <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>According to royal aides, the white, yellow and rose gold necklace from the jeweller&#8217;s Trinity range has been part of her private collection for a while.</p><p>Although it was not specifically designed for the Games, Kate thought it was &#8216;appropriate&#8217; to wear to the exhibition, called The Road To 2012: AimingHigh.</p><p>A St James&#8217;s Palace spokesman said: &#8216;It&#8217;s a personal piece which she&#8217;s had for some time. It&#8217;s not an official Olympic item but it&#8217;s appropriate to wear it.&#8217; <br></p><p>Kate also used the occasion to fly the flag for British fashion by choosing a brilliantblue crepe dress by Stella McCartney, who created the official Team GB kit. She topped off the £515 frock with her trusty black Prada heels, which she has worn before.</p><p>Kate was given a sneak preview of the exhibition, which follows athletes and staff in the build-up to London 2012. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Among those photographed are the men&#8217;s rowing eight, London Mayor Boris Johnson &#8211; and the duchess herself. The black and white portrait was taken earlier this year when Kate played hockey at the Olympic park.</p><p>Photographer Jillian Edelstein, who took the picture, said: &#8216;She looked a little embarrassed and said she thought it would be just her hitting a few balls with the players.</p><p>&#8216;She is beautiful &#8211; it must be difficult to take a bad photograph of her. She has a very easy, warm way about her which comes out in her pictures. Shewas a delight.&#8217;</p><p>The Duchess actually features in the exhibition herself in a black and white photograph taken by Jillian Edlestein at a Team GB hockey event at the Olympic Park earlier this year. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Duchess also popped in to see a couple of the other exhibitions and viewed footage ofa bare chested sleeping David Beckham taken by Sam Taylor wood.</p><p>She also viewed the NPG's Diamond Jubilee Exhibition on The Queen, Art and Image. </p><p></p><p> Today&#8217;s engagement was the first of several involving theDuchess over the coming weeks with an Olympic theme.</p><p>Kate was visiting the gallery, of which she is patron, toview a new exhibition entitled Road to 2012: Aiming High.</p><p>It is the final &#8211; and largest &#8211; part of the NPG&#8217;sthree-year Olympic-themed project, which has documented the preparations forLondon 2012. </p><p> </p><p>Working with several internationally renownedphotographers, it has created a lasting record of the people who arecontributing to the summer&#8217;s events, from world-class athletes and thoseworking behind the scenes, to people living and working in the host boroughsfor the 2012 Games.</p><p>The current exhibition showcases more than 100 portraitsby Anderson &amp; Low, Jillian Edelstein and Nadav Kander following the finalstages of the preparations.</p><p>The photographs range highly crafted images of athletes'physical perfection and endurance to documentary-style pictures of those livingand working the East of London.</p><p>Royal aides said the Duchess had been looking forward toviewing the exhibition &#8216;immensely&#8217; as she is a keen photographer herself.</p><p> </p><p>She wrote her history of art degree dissertation at StAndrew&#8217;s University on the photography of the Alice in Wonderland author, LewisCarroll.</p><p>In 2007, she also curated an exhibition of celebrityportraits by the photographer Alistair Morrison at a London gallery.</p><p>Morrison, who has many of his portraits on display in theNPG and has worked with the Duchess on her photography, has said of her work:&#8216;She is very, very good, and it shows. She takes beautiful, detailedphotographs.&#8217;</p><p>Before marrying Prince William last year, the Duchessworked for her parents&#8217; mail order partyware business, Party Pieces, where herroles included catalogue design and photography.</p><p>And during her inaugural royal tour of Canada andCalifornia last year, the Duchess was often seen with her camera, takingpersonal pictures of their trip.</p><p>The Prince of Wales is understood to be encouraging hisdaughter-in-law to pursue her love for photography and there has even been talkof her staging an exhibition of her work in aid of some of her charitablecauses.</p><p> </p> <p> </p>?Duchess of Cambridge's favourite New York brand Rebecca Taylor to open in UK after styles worn by Kate sell out in just thirty minutes<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:14:22 GMT, 24 August 2012 UPDATED:14:36 GMT, 24 August 2012</p>[headerlinks<br><br><p>Whatever the Duchess of Cambridge wears turns to gold with many of her outfits selling out online within minutes as women rush to emulate her impeccable style.</p><p>And the navy tweed Rebecca Taylor suit that she wore earlier this year was no different, selling out in just thirty minutes.<br></p><p>And now, the New York based tailor, which Kate counts as one of her favourite labels is set to open its first UK store.</p><p> A date or location is yet to be confirmed but thanks to the celebrity support of fashion icons like the Duchess, as well as Katherine Heigl, Cameron Diaz and Reese Witherspoon, the label looks set to prove popular as it hops across the pond.</p><p>Speaking to Vogue, Rebecca Taylor said: 'There is lots of great momentum in London at the moment.</p><p>'We love London and always want an excuse to come over. The UK market is really important for us - I think that UK girls have a real Rebecca Taylor sensibility. The brand is really in line with British style, which is feminine but cool.'</p><p>Taylor named Carey Mulligan, Alexa Chung and Emma Watson as stylish and quintessentially British girls. <br></p><p> Famous for her feminine frocks, the New Zealand-born designer says she was thrilled to learn that the Duchess had chosen to wear one of her creations.<br></p><p>The $450 tweed jacket and skirt from the resort 2011/12 collection had been on sale at Neiman Marcus and BergdorfGoodman in the U.S., but promptly sold out in just half an hour.</p><p>With her feminine lines and sophisticated simplicity, Rebbeca Taylor has a captive audience at her flagship store in New York&#8217;s trendy Nolita district.</p><p>Asidefrom a collection of quirky blouses, daytime dresses and pencil skirts,her collection has added jewelry, handbag and shoe lines to her commercially successful brand. <br></p><p>Today,she operates a multi-million dollar brand that can be found in select department stores in over 40 countries and 250 cities worldwide.</p><p> </p><br><p><br></p><p></p><p> </p>?Flower power! Elle Fanning steps out with her sister Dakota wearing a pair of cute sunglasses adorned with daisies <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:16:51 GMT, 15 May 2012 UPDATED:17:12 GMT, 15 May 2012</p><br><p>She is almost known more for her quirky fashion choices than her increasingly successful film career. </p><p>And Elle Fanning once again stood out in the crowd when she stepped out with her older sister Dakota for lunch over the weekend. </p><p>The 14-year-old shielded her eyes with a pair of Fifties-style cat-eye sunglasses adorned with tiny daisies. <br></p><p>The quirky eye wear matched the young star's outfit, which was equally as fun and innocent. <br></p><p>The blonde Somewhere actress paired the look with a floral baby doll dress and wore a pair of simple cream sneakers. </p><p>She also carried a quirky and colourful lunchbox style case in an array of fun sorbet colours. </p><p>The entire look was youthful, and it is refreshing to see that the teen continues to dress her age. <br></p><p>Dakota meanwhile was wearing a similar ensemble to her sister, but had opted for dress in a soft cream. </p><p>The 18-year-old boosted her height slightly with a pair of high-heel sandals. </p><p>Dakota recently attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC in a back-baring embellished Prada gown.</p><p>The former varsity cheerleader and homecoming queen was seated at the Huffington Post table alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, and Darren Criss.</p><p>Dakota was accepted early into the Gallatin, New York University's School of Individualized Study last year.</p><p>Known as the DIY, make-your-own-major section of NYU, students like Dakota are able to create 'concentrations' on very specialized majors.</p><p>Emma Watson was spotted touring the school last year, and other glamorous students of Gallatin include Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, who both droppped out, and Christy Turlington.</p><p>Coincidentally, the Olsen twins also attended the same high school as Dakota and Elle -- Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood.</p><p>Rather than live in the dorms with the rest of the NYU kids, The Twilight Saga star reportedly resides in a two-bedroom place at 225 Lafayette Street.</p><p>Aside from reprising her character Jane in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, which comes out November 16, Dakota will also star in The Motel Life with Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff.</p><p>Three of her films are only being released in the UK: cancer drama Now is Good in September, Victorian drama Effie with Emma Thompson and Julie Walters in October, and Very Good Girls directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal's mother Academy Award-nominated writer Naomi Foner.</p><p>She was also recently announced to star as a 17-year-old assassin in action-thriller Furious Angel.</p><p>Elle meanwhile recently finished filming the 1960s film Bomb.</p><p>The movie follows two teenage girls living in 1960s London and also stars Christina Hendricks and Annette Bening.</p><p>Fittingly perhaps, Elle's character is called 'Ginger' in the movie, which is slated for release in 2013.</p><p> <br></p><br><p> </p>?She must be working very hard! Emily Blunt departs her regular Pilates class wearing a sweaty T-shirt <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:23:41 GMT, 23 July 2012 UPDATED:06:43 GMT, 24 July 2012</p><br><p>She is known for undergoing rigorous workouts in order to maintain her incredible physique. </p><p>And Emily Blunt worked up quite a sweat today as she attended one of her regular Pilates sessions.</p><p>The 29-year-old was seen leaving a studio in West Hollywood wearing a grey T-shirt, which had wet patches under the arms and around the stomach area. <br></p><p>The Devil Wears Prada star teamed the top with some black leggings and bright red and black sneakers.</p><p>The actress scraped her hair back into a ponytail and went make-up free. </p><p>Last week, Emily showed off her extraordinary athletic prowess when she was spotted working with her trainer.</p><p>They met up at the UCLA campus track in Los Angeles for an outdoor session, causing them to work up even more sweat as they flexed their muscles in the heat.</p><p>Emily, 29, wore appropriate clothing for the session as she chose black gym leggings with a red vest top which matched her trainers.</p><p>She again tied her hair back to get it out of her face and threw herself into the different tasks at hand.</p><p>The Hollywood star began her workout by going for a cardio run around the track, before stepping up her pace with some circuit training.</p><p>She looked healthy and fit as she kept pace with her toned male trainer and managed to carry out the range of stretches and manoeuvres expected of her.</p><p>But it was her final burst which really impressed as she even managed to sprint up the steps at the stadium.</p><p>Emily barely looked out of breath as she casually wore sunglasses for the ascent.</p><p>Emily was last seen in movie The Five-Year-Engagement, which was released last month.</p><p>But she's obviously keeping herself in shape as she she gears up for her next set of films.</p><p>In the pipeline she has both Looper and Arthur Newman, Golf Pro coming out this year, while she's set to complete All You Need Is Kill for 2013.</p><br><p> </p>?'They had to usher me away': Emily Blunt recalls the embarrassing moment she laughed in Barack Obama's face<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:00:37 GMT, 4 April 2012 UPDATED:08:55 GMT, 4 April 2012</p><p>She's one of Hollywood's most in-demand actresses and has worked alongside a host of A-list stars.</p><p>But Emily Blunt admitted she couldn't keep her cool when introduced to U.S. President Barack Obama.</p><p>In a new interview with Elle UK magazine, the Devil Wears Prada star revealed she got so flustered, she ended up bursting into hysterical laughter.<br></p><p> Attending the Kennedy Center honours with her husband John Krasinski in Washington D.C. last December, the 29-year-old jumped at the chance to meet the Premier.</p><p>She tells the May issue of Elle: 'I was so starstruck... we were at the White House having cocktails and this woman said, "Would you like to meet President Obama?"</p><p>'They introduced me and then he turned to me and went, "Oh. Oh. You are a wonderful actress."</p><p>'And I laughed, screechinglyand hysterically, I couldn&#8217;t stop. They had to usher me away. I fell apart. I don&#8217;t know what happened to me. He looked nine-feet tall. I think my eyes rolled back in my head.</p><p>'I gave Michelle a hug and she had skin like silk.'</p><p>While Blunt rarely gets a foot wrong on the red carpet, the London-born star admitted she doesn't pay much attention to style crtics.</p><p>She explained: 'Ilike to mix it up, but I don&#8217;t care what people say about what I&#8217;m wearing on the red carpet, because there&#8217;s inevitably going to be someone who hates it, even if you wear something that a lot of people like. I don&#8217;t care.</p><p>'I know what I like and what I feel good in and I like to take a few risks. They&#8217;re not huge strides.'</p><p>See Emily Blunt&#8217;s full photo shoot and interview in the May issue of ELLE, on sale Wednesday 4th April 2012.</p><p>To see a behind the scenes video of Emily Blunt&#8217;s ELLE UK Shoot please go to </p><p> <br></p>?Emily Blunt's sister gets married to The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci in a secret ceremony <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:16:44 GMT, 8 August 2012 UPDATED:07:20 GMT, 9 August 2012</p><br><p>It seems that Stanley Tucci couldn't wait to get down the aisle. </p><p>For The Devil Wears Prada star has secretly married his former co-star Emily Blunt's sister Felicity in a secret ceremony. </p><p>The 51-year-old actor confirmed that he had tied the knot with the British literary agent in a quick interview with the on Monday night. <br></p><p>When asked by the paper whether he was a married man at the premiere of Meryl Streep's new film Hope Springs in New York, he simply replied: 'Yaaa-yess.'</p><p>The actor and his blushing bride were both at the event, with Blunt wearing double bands on her wedding finger. </p><p>Tucci also revealed that the couple will be having a more formal ceremony with loved ones at a latter date.</p><p>News that the couple were engaged came in November last year. </p><p>The duo found love after British actress Emily played matchmaker and set up Felicity, 31, - who works at a London based literary agency - on a date with Tucci.</p><p>'Stanley is very happy with her,' a source told Us Weekly at the time. <br></p><p>'Emily loved Stanley on the set of Devil, and just thought they would hit it off, so she set them up,' the source added, adding that Tucci has been making frequent visits to London to spend time with her.</p><p>The news of their marriage comes more than two years after Tucci's first wife Kate lost her battle to cancer back in April 2009. </p><p>They have three children together - twins Isabel and Nicolo, 11, and Camilla, nine. </p><p>Tucci also does voice work for audio books and so shares a literary passion with his new fiancee.</p><p>'It hasn't been easy for him getting into a new relationship,' the insider said. 'But Felicity is a lovely person and very warm and comforting.'</p><p> </p><p> </p>?Emmys 2010: Leave the crystals on the chandelier, Rita! Mrs Tom Hanks's fashion faux pas<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:18:19 GMT, 30 August 2010</p><p>With A-list actor Tom Hanks as her husband, Rita Wilson could have had her pick of stylists to help her choose an outfit for last night's Emmys.</p><p>But it's clear that she decided to go it alone, as her bizarre dress and shoes left something to be desired.</p><p>The actress and producer, 53, chose a white Prada knee-length dress that was draped with a sort of crystal trellis.</p>Scroll down to see full list of winners<p>To make matters worse, the necklines and hemlines seemed at oddswith one another, giving the impression that the two pieces were notintended to be worn together.</p><p> </p><p>She'd obviously put some effort into the outfit though, as her shoes were embellished with the same crystals as her dress. <br></p><p>But the clear straps of the lucite sandals looked cheap, and the teardrop crystals should really have been left on the chandelier.</p><p></p><p>The unfortunate outfit was a surprise, as Wilson has been described as one of the most stylish women in Hollywood. <br></p><p>And any design by Miuccia Prada is usually a winner.</p><p>But perhaps the mother-of-two had trusted the label before her own judgement.<br></p><p>There was no faulting her hair and make-up however. <br></p><p>Despite being in her fifth decade, Wilson is still clearly a stunning woman, and her elegant up-do showed off her killer cheekbones.</p><p>Her make-up looked fresh and modern, with peachy shades on her lips and cheeks and dark mascara drawing attention to her bright blue eyes.</p><p>Wilson, who has been married to Hanks since 1988, is the producer behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Sleepless in Seattle.</p><p>She is also an actress in her own right, and has played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway.</p><p>But last night Ms Wilson was supporting her husband, who picked up Outstanding Mini-Series for The Pacific, which he executive produced.<br></p><p> Other winners celebrating late into the night was Glee star Jane Lynch, who was named Outstanding Comedy Actress for her portrayal of caustic school coach Sue Sylvester.</p><p>Lynch and her wife Dr Lara Embry dined at the Governor's Ball before heading to the Fox after-party at the Cicada restaurant in downtown LA.</p><p>The 50-year-old cosied up to her co-star Lea Michele as she arrived on the red carpet clutching her golden statuette.<br></p><p> </p><p> Meanwhile at the Entertainment Tonight party was newly-single Levi Johnston, who appears to be making the most of his 15 minutes of fame.</p><p>The former fiance of Bristol Palin joined stars including Hendricks, LL Cool J, Alan Cumming and Lost actor Daniel Kae Kim at the bash, with entertainment provided by Cyndi Lauper and DJ Samantha Ronson.<br></p><br>?Naked ambition! Jimmy Kimmel persuades Girls star Lena Dunham to strip off for hilarious Emmy Awards opening skit <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:03:00 GMT, 24 September 2012 UPDATED:09:03 GMT, 24 September 2012</p><p>He is well known for his comedy skits featuring celebrities on his late night talk show. <br></p><p>So anticipation was high for Jimmy Kimmel's opening on tonight's Emmy Awards show. <br></p><p>And the comedy show host didn't disappoint, as actresses Zooey Deschanel, Christina Hendricks and Mindy Kaling gathered in a ladies' bathroom to practice their 'I can't believe I won' faces before discovering Kimmel in a stall crying about his bad Botox.</p><p>But the skit's piece de resistance was 26-year-old Lena Dunham, who sits on a toilet naked and eating cake.</p><p>Scroll down to watch hilarious skit...<br></p><p> </p><p>The star and creator of the HBO series Girls, Lena is discovered in the stall after the three other actresses hear the sound of crying, and go looking for the source.</p><p>Nashville star Connie Britton appears to open the door of Lena's stall, who is not crying, but rather sitting naked and eating an entire cake. The Good Wife's Martha Plimpton also joins the fun.<br></p><p>Lena has been praised not just for her writing, acting and directing talents, but also for her willingness to openly parade her larger figure in front of the camera, in defiance of the Hollywood pressure on women to be thin.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The skit moves on, with the sound of howling heard in another stall from a distraught Kimmel.</p><p>Harry's Law actress Kathy Bates appears, moving Britton aside and telling her to 'stand back yoga pants!'</p><p>Bates punches through the door of the locked stall, tearing it off and revealing Kimmel, crouched in the corner and crying about a botched Botox job that will surely prevent him from hosting the show.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Dressed in red bath robes, Bates and her fellow actresses crowd the entrance of the stall, trying to convince Kimmel he looks 'natural'.</p><p>The actresses then proceed to punch the 44-year-old back into shape, joined by the naked Dunham, who has left her own toilet stand to join the fun.</p><p>Julia Louis-Dreyfus even appears at the end of the scene to throw a couple more punches for good measure.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Deciding he is finally ready to go on stage, Kimmel strips off his robe, only to reveal he is missing his pants.</p><p>Ellen DeGeneres arrives to save the day, handing the comedian a pair of pants so that he can go on with the show. <br></p><p>Kimmel hops around the bathroom before finally getting the pants on, revealing that they are fasr too short for him.</p><p>'They fit great!' he shouts to the bathroom full of celebrity women, before running out the door.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>?<p>It was the night the red carpet got the blues. But from a style point of view, there was not much to be glumabout, and I loved the accidental blue and silver theme.<br></p><p>The best of a brilliant bunch was in my opinion Nicole Kidman, who always rocks old school Hollywood glamour so well. <br></p><p>Lastnight her sequined column Antonio Berardi gown was in equal parts elegant and statement &#8211; and a bit of glitz on the red carpet always goesa long way. Only drawback? Those blue shoes. She didn&#8217;t need to go matchy matchy (it&#8217;s a bit mother-of-the-bride to match everything up): classic delicate crystal shoes would have let the dress do the talking.</p><p>Topping the list: Nicole Kidman, Michelle Dockery and January Jones chose the best dresses, in Femail Editor Deborah's opinion<br></p><p>MichelleDockery&#8217;s stunning midnight blue Louis Vuitton was, in theory, the other dress of the night &#8211; the sheer panel and bustle were so modern dayDownton &#8211; but it was a touch too loose and the satin was badly creased,which together made her look unpolished. But that incredible gown and Michelle&#8217;s red lips still earn her a style gong.</p><p>Iloved January Jones&#8217; angular black Zac Posen dress &#8211; edgy and contemporary, but sexy at the same time, and Julianne Hough&#8217;s strapless Georges Hobieka Couture gown was classic red carpet &#8211; dramatic silhouette, statement train and a colour guaranteed to get the flashbulbs popping. <br></p><p> </p><p>Leaving a lot to be desired: Hayden Panettiere, Ashley Judd and Allison Williams failed to impress with their outfits<br></p><p>HaydenPanettiere&#8217;s blue and gold Marchesa was a no-no - I am a huge fan of Marchesa and usually think Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig can do no wrong, but the blue net drapery over the gold gown detracted from what would have been a real showstopper without it. <br></p><p>AshleyJudd&#8217;s raspberry pink prom dress looked dated, while Allison Williams&#8217; origami taffeta Oscar de la Renta dress was blah: The shape &#8211; clingy, mini-peplum to add shape - is ultra-flattering, yes, but has been done to death. More glamour and shimmer for a big red carpet event please!</p><p>DEBORAH ARTHURS</p>?A lovely day for a romantic stroll: Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling put break-up rumours to rest as they step out hand-in-hand<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:04:00 GMT, 11 May 2012 UPDATED:08:43 GMT, 11 May 2012</p><p>She attended the annual Met Gala solo this week, increasing speculation of a split with her boyfriend of eight months Ryan Gosling.<br></p><p>But Eva Mendes put any and all breakup rumors to rest today as she went on a romantic afternoon stroll with the handsome 31-year-old in New York.<br></p><p>After expertly dodging Gosling questions from Ellen Degeneres earlier this week, the 38-year-old actress slightly opened up about her relationship with .</p><p>Scroll down to see Eva chat about Ryan...<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Eva called Gosling her 'dream co-star' in the March issue of Marie Claire: 'I have never felt so creatively satisfied on a film. He&#8217;s amazing.' <br></p><p>When Ellen Degeneres gave the Girl inProgress star a 'double-onesie' to share with her beau, all Ellen got in return was a fit of giggles from the brunette star.<br></p><p>'Because he likes [onesies] so much, when you see him - if you see him, if you run into him - I've got a giftthat I think both of you would have fun [with].<br></p><p>'[This could work] as an icebreaker when you meet him for the first time,' the funnywoman joked.<br></p><p>This episode of The Ellen DeGeneres show will air in the UK on Really, Thur May 17 at 4pm (Sky 248, Virgin 267, Freeview 20)</p>?EXCLUSIVE: Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway splits from long-time love <p>By and <br> Last updated at 10:03 PM on 17th June 2008</p> <p>The Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway put on a brave face at her latest film premiere last night after breaking up with long-term boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, the Mail Online can reveal.</p><p>The 25-year-old movie star ended her four year relationship with Italian-American businessman, 29, over the weekend.<br></p><p>The Brokeback Mountain star's decision follows over a year of scandal linked to Follieri.<br></p><p>Last week, it was reported his charity Follieri Foundation, which funded vaccination programmes in developing countries, was being investigated by the New York State Attorney General's Office. </p> <p>Hiding her heartbreak: Anne Hathaway was all smiles at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie Get Smart last night</p> <p> An insider tells the Mail Online that Hathaway made the painful decision to end their relationship because of the effects his controversial business dealings could have on her career.</p><p>Hathaway served as a director on the charity's board until some time last year, with her rep saying: 'Since she is no longer associated with the foundation, why would you expect her to be familiar with all of this,' when asked about the investigation.</p><p>A source said: 'It's heartbreaking for her to dump him, and she's devastated that it's come to this, but she really didn't have a choice. His scandals were hurting her reputation.'</p><p>Despite their split, it remains to be seen if the separation is permanent.</p><p>The couple were reported to have split briefly this year after Follieri was sued by a former business associate for bouncing a $215,000 cheque.</p><p>Criminal charges against Follieri were dropped after he turned himself into police and settled the outstanding bill.<br></p><p></p> <p>Kaput: Anne Hathaway has ended her four year romance with Raffaello Follieri</p><p>Follieri often visited Hathaway on the Boston set of her upcoming movie Bride Wars, but they were regularly spotted arguing by crew members.<br></p><p>A friend said: 'They fought so much while Anne was making the movie, she genuinely started to wonder if the relationship was worth all the pain.'</p><p>Hathaway also heard rumours from her friends in New York that the businessman had been flirting with other women while she was away filming.<br></p><p>The friend added: 'Raffaello would only ever visit her on sets for short periods of time. <br></p><p>'He was very caught up in his social life and making connections in New York, and stories would get back to Anne about his late nights and carousing, usually with models in the immediate vicinity.'</p><p>During the making of Get Smart last summer, Hathaway formed a friendship with co-star Steve Carell, who lent her a supportive ear during her problems with Follieri.</p><p>Hathaway's split from Follieri may mean she finally moves to Hollywood, after years of insisting she would remain on the east coast to stay close to her beau.</p><p>A pal said: 'She seemed to really be enjoying her freedom, and making new friends in L.A., especially Steve.</p><p>'Anne really wants to find a guy like Steve, and if he weren't married, I have no doubt she would date him in a second.</p><p>'She's such a fan of his work she couldn't help but quote episodes of 'The Office' to him when they first met. She thinks he's amazing.<br></p><p>'Even though she loves being near her family, a move to Los Angeles could mean better roles, more money, and a better pool of potential boyfriends.'</p> <p>Support: Anne Hathaway and her Get Smart co-star Steve Carell</p> <p><br></p> <p> </p>?The new Devil Wears Prada? September Issue director to make big-screen version of 'revenge novel' by former Harper's Bazaar editor<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:20:44 GMT, 27 March 2012 UPDATED:21:52 GMT, 27 March 2012</p><br><p>A 'revenge novel' written by the fired former editor of Australian Harper's Bazaar is to be turned into a film by the director of The September Issue.</p><p>Lee Tolloch's acclaimed 1989 book Fabulous Nobodies will be the next project for RJ Cutler, who, given the success of his last fashion film, looks set to have his hands on the new Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>The question of who will land the lead role of of Reality Nirvana Tuttle, a fashion-obsessed, ditzy but tough, door girl at a downtown nightclub in Eighties Manhattan, has had the fashion industry abuzz.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The author says that while that choice will be left up to the filmmakers, there are several actresses she thinks would be great.</p><p></p><p>She told MailOnline: 'Lady Gaga are you listening? She is SO how I imagined Reality to be.'</p><p>Mrs Tulloch's other choices are Carey Mulligan, Blake Lively and Emma Stone.</p><p>'It's a tricky casting choice because she can't just be funny she's got to be feisty and a bit mad,' she continued. 'But I'm hoping the producers surprise me!'</p><p>Fabulous Nobodies was originally penned as a revenge novel after Mrs Tulloch was dismissed from the helm of Harper's Bazaar Australia just nine months after its launch for being 'too creative'.</p><p>The author fled Sydney for New York in 1985, where she began writing the tome. But its initial purpose became something much more affectionate as the plot took shape.</p><p>'A funny thing happened - I grew to realise I had great affection for these characters and I think that's why the novel is so popular with fashionistas as well as people who really do think fashion is crazy,' she said.</p><p> </p><p>'No character is modelled on any one person but there's no doubt a lot of people inspired me, from Nell Campbell who had 'Nell's' nightclub downtown and the wonderful Hamish Bowles, to a whole cast of 80s New Yorkdemi-monde such as Diane Brill and the club kids.'</p><p>The satiric story centres on Reality Nirvana Tuttle who spends her evenings selecting fabulous nobodies from the nightclub's waiting hopefuls.</p><p>She is the kind of nut-job character that not only names for her frocks, but talks to them too, all while sporting a Chanel tattoo in herquest to make the 'right' friendsand get into the 'right' parties.</p><p>Twenty years after she first wrote Fabulous Nobodies, RJ Cutler partnered with producers Julie Anne Quay (former executive editor of V Magazine) and Gail Lyon (of Erin Brockovich and Gattaca fame), <br>and the trio plan to bring the character of Reality to the big screen.</p><p>Asked about her thoughts on how different Reality's world was when she wrote the book, compared to that world now, the author explained: 'I think it's quite different now, in many ways. There was a sense of unfettered creative possibility in the 80s which has been lost.' <br></p><p>'There was also a sense of whimsy. It was all quite silly. We laughed a lot.'</p> <p>'Everyone is working so hard creating their own 'brand' right now it's difficult to be light hearted. Having said that, though, I think New York will alwaysbe the mecca for young people with dreams.'<br></p><p>'Successive generations of newcomers arrive and always get something out of it. It's magical that way.'</p><p>Ms Quay explained in a statement the film adaptation will be 'Emma meets Clueless', and no matter who ends up playing fashion's new leading lady, it sounds like she&#8217;ll have a killer wardrobe. <br></p>?Accessories special: 50s finery<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:23:01 GMT, 21 April 2012</p><p></p><p>Pile on the cocktail-hour jewels and keep your cool in old-school shades </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Compiled by Philippa Bloom</p><p></p>?Fashion: Baby lets play house<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:00:01 GMT, 29 January 2012</p><p></p><p>As designers flirt with 50s glamour, we&#8217;re having a happy homemaker moment &#8211; in our wardrobes anyway. Think waist-whittling frocks, twinkly twinsets and cocktail-hour rocks. Cupcake-baking optional<br></p><p>Click on an image for prices and scroll below for stockist details</p><p><br> </p><p><br> </p><p><br> </p><p> <br></p><p> <br></p><p>Fashion assistant - Philippa BloomHair - Nina Butkovich-BuddenMake-up - Helen Asher at eramanagement.com using GuerlainModel - Sophie Pumfrett at SelectProducer - Megan McCluskieLocation - planet-sputnik.com</p><p><br></p><p>STOCKISTS</p><p>Dover Street Market, tel: 020 7518 0680, doverstreetmarket.com<br>Jimmy Choo, Tel: 020 7823 1051, jimmychoo.com <br>Jonathan Aston, tel: 01277 232301, jonathanaston.com<br>Jonathan Saunders, jonathan-saunders.com <br>Miu Miu, tel: 020 7409 0900, miumiu.com <br>Prada, tel: 020 7647 5000, prada.com <br>Rokit, tel: 020 7836 6547, rokit.co.uk<br><br></p><p><br></p>?<p> Stockists<br>Burberry, burberry.com<br>Emilia Wickstead, tel: 020 7235 1104, <br>emiliawickstead.com <br>Fenwick, tel: 020 7629 9161, fenwick.co.uk<br>Jaeger, tel: 0845 051 0063, jaeger.co.uk<br>Louis Vuitton, tel: 020 7399 4050, louisvuitton.com<br>Matches, matchesfashion.com<br>Prada, tel: 020 7647 5000, prada.com <br>rokit, rokit.co.uk <br>Tod&#8217;s, tel: 020 7493 2237, tods.com<br>all prices were correct at the time of going to press<br><br>Hair Jill Guido for Current Studio<br>Make-up Anthony Nguyen for Current Studio<br>Model Alli at Photogenics<br>Thanks to Rick Rabuck at Current Studio<br><br>The team stayed at . For more information visit thompsonhotels.com or call 001 800 441 5050. British Airways operates two daily services from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. Fares start from £605 return including taxes. To book, or for more information, visit ba.com/losangeles or call 0844 493 0787<br><br><br></p>?Fashion for life: I predict a riot ... of prints<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:19:00 GMT, 30 July 2011</p><p></p><p>I&#8217;m not talking subtle, low-key prints, you understand. You need to let rip here. Imagine the towels of St Tropez, in all their blisteringly bright glory, tacked together (with the emphasis on &#8216;tack&#8217;). Wear them all. Imagine a tropical fruit salad, with kumquats and physalises, chunks of pineapple and slices of kiwi. Pile it on. Imagine you&#8217;ve been invited to one of those 1970s terrace parties where everyone gets smashed on martinis and falls into the swimming pool. Got it? That&#8217;s how you need to dress for high summer: lots of print, lots of colour, and 100-watt super-bright accessories &#8211; acid-green shoes that you can locate even in a darkened room, neon-yellow clutch bags (get yours from Christopher Kane) and, most importantly, to really tap the trend, a ridiculous pair of patterned trews.</p><p>Print trousers have an unerring ability to make one&#8217;s legs look upholstered, like two great draught excluders</p><p>Ah. Have I lost you now? Thought as much. Print trousers are the trickiest trouser to pull off. Or pull on. They have an unerring ability to make one&#8217;s legs look upholstered, like two great draught excluders, or a couple of rolls of curtain fabric knocked down in the sale. There is very little of elegance here, as I might have mentioned to my friend Fantasia, who&#8217;s been wearing patterned cotton trousers ever since the snows melted. &#8216;I&#8217;m not convinced,&#8217; I sniffed as she walked into the room, sporting a flamboyant-print tee (pink roses against a lavish bed of foliage), a kimono jacket (early Ming style) and star-print bottoms. &#8216;You look like the sale rail at TK Maxx.&#8217;<br></p><p>The point, it transpires, is precisely this: to mismatch your prints in a knowing fashion, so that the eye performs a jazzy dance and doesn&#8217;t quite know where to focus. You could, perhaps, top your emerald-green statement pants from Topshop with (gulp) a milkshake-swirl jacket from Banana Republic. You could go tribal-print tunic over (steel yourself) leopard-print pegs from River Island. You could do stars and stripes. Or paisley and fair isle. Or apples and pears (thanks to Miuccia Prada, fruit cocktails are very now). In fact, you can do anything as long as it makes a fantastic noise. The effect is kitsch, electric, dizzy, cheesy and about as sophisticated as a poke in the eye with a lit sparkler. Connoisseurs call it &#8216;print-blocking&#8217;, though I call it summer madness. Still, it will certainly get you noticed at the bar.<br></p><p>Personally, I&#8217;d wear print pants with a plain white tee (very plain, very white). Plus easy-going hair. Bare feet. A straw shopper. That way, this trend might just find its way into my holiday suitcase. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.</p><p><br></p><p>VICTORIA'S HOT 100</p><p>It is six seasons since Victoria Beckham won over the fashion world with her eponymous label of figure-flattering frocks. Her autumn collection, which debuts coats, celebrates her 100th dress design. Chosen to reflect everything VB set out to achieve with her range, Dress 100, fashioned in double crepe, hit the catwalk in saffron yellow (pictured) but will also be available in black and dark sand. </p><p>£1,395, from net-a-porter.com</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>PONY EXPRESS</p><p><br></p><p>Uber session stylist Luke Hersheson is the brains behind Hershesons Blow Dry Bars &#8211; an offshoot of his father Daniel&#8217;s salon empire. His latest venture, Hershesons Pony Club, has just launched as a pop-up hair bar in Topshop&#8217;s Oxford Circus store in London. Open until the end of August, it offers five different ponytail and plait hairpieces to transform your look. <br></p><p>Hairpieces cost £60, including hair wash and fitting. To book call 020 7927 7888</p><p><br></p><p>They're darling!</p><p>BUSTIER, £86, and BRIEFS, £65, both Stella McCartney, from foxandrose.com </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?Fashion for life: It's hips, hips hooray for real women!<p>By </p><p>UPDATED:19:01 GMT, 10 July 2010</p><p></p><br><p>Great news from the front line, my friends. Following decades of female self-loathing and rampant body hate, inspired by the bizarre images of perfection that hog our walls and screens; influenced by all those actresses with perfect teeth and salon hair, and models with unfeasibly long limbs and concave bellies &#8211; after all this, respite. It&#8217;s time to whoop down the corridor and repossess your body image! </p><p>I have, of course, been writing hopeful pieces about this moment for years, willing us as a gender to shun size zero and fad diets and heroin chic and whatever other pernicious body trend was doing the rounds. But still we persisted, with the eventual idiocy that plenty of women (maybe you know a few) tried hard to resemble an airbrushed, digitally elongated, touched-up version of their favourite star. It&#8217;s where hair extensions and fake boobs and collagen plumpers came in: a sector of the sisterhood went potty and ended up looking like inflatable dolls, their quest for perfection turning them into curious she-beasts, divorced from the soft warm fleshiness of the real world.</p><p>But now, the backlash. Two key components: first, the glorious prevalence of proper, rounded, feminine bodies on the catwalks at some of the most important labels in the land. Generally in the past, a no-name designer from New Zealand would stick plus-size models on his catwalk to make a point and the media would nod sagely before returning to its usual love affair with the underweight chickens that we see in every ad and fashion shoot. <br></p><p>It&#8217;s time to repossess your body image as rounded bodies hit the catwalk and celebrities forgo Photoshop</p><p>But this time, look. It&#8217;s Marc Jacobs! It&#8217;s Prada! It&#8217;s the big guns, and they&#8217;re aimed at exploding the myth that hips and bottoms and bellies and thighs are somehow objectionable. I loved the models at Vuitton and Prada &#8211; girls with creamy skin and quivering breasts. Not big, but bigger. Not old, but older. And beautiful enough to make the scrawny birds seem irrelevant.</p><p>Fine, you may shrug, and? Well, it&#8217;s the &#8216;and&#8217; that makes me think real change is in the air. Now add the new celebrity trend of forgoing Photoshop. Across Hollywood there&#8217;s a growing anti-retouch movement, led (weirdly) by Britney Spears, who has released un-retouched pictures of herself in a campaign for a swimsuit company called Candies. The &#8216;true&#8217; shots show bruises, a hint of cellulite, uneven skin tone, wider hips, even the chicken skin as it&#8217;s pulled up towards the bikini line. Crikey. <br></p><p>Meanwhile Jessica Simpson appears barefaced on the cover of an American glossy, with the cover line &#8216;No make-up, no retouching, no regrets!&#8217; Kim Kardashian&#8217;s at it, too, and the trend is only in its infancy. Sure these women have benefited from great lighting and good cheekbones, but the natural shots feel like a blessed relief from the years of fantasy and falsehood that have governed the way real women feel about their bodies. Look at me, goes the new subtext, really look at me &#8211; I&#8217;m not a plastic droid, I&#8217;m a human, a woman, a flawed goddess, a bit like&#8230;you. Let&#8217;s hope this is one trend that lasts.</p><p><br></p><p>BETA CHECK THIS OUT&#8230;</p><br><p>Want to bag brilliant piecesyou can&#8217;t buy anywhere else?Betafashion.com invites designers to submit ideas to a specific brief, then the Beta community decides which designs will go into production &#8211; such as this very covetable dress (£145) by American artist Graham Murtough.</p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><p>WRAPPERS' DELIGHT<br></p><br><p>You could blame Alexander McQueen&#8217;s skulls or Louis Vuitton&#8217;s leopard-print for kick-starting scarf fever, but it&#8217;s American brand Love Quotes scarves that the A-listers (SJP, J-Lo, Nicole Richie, et al) are loving, and no wonder. Not only do they come <br>in dozens of chic shades, but ten per cent of profits go to children&#8217;s charities. </p><p><br></p><p>They're darling!</p><p><br></p><p>SHOES, £560, Nicholas Kirkwood for Liberty, tel: 020 7734 1234</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p><br></p><br><br>?Fashion for life: Read my hips: full skirts are fab!<p>By </p><p>UPDATED:19:01 GMT, 18 September 2010</p><p></p><p> OK, stand by your beds. Time for Part Two of your cut-out-and-keep guide to autumn dressing. By now, you&#8217;ll have loaded up on kick-flares and shearling coats, you&#8217;ll have dipped a toe into the sea of navy and the miles of camel &#8211; and you probably have a fancy for something pretty to set it all off. <br></p><p>You&#8217;re in luck, because the biggest change in fashion right now is a move towards grown-up femininity and elegance. Forget all those wicked body-con shrinky dresses and uncompromising shoulder pads; clothes that made you look like a cockroach and feel like a robot. This season, according to the design diktats that trip off the catwalk and inform your choices whether you like it or not, it&#8217;s OK to look like a woman. It&#8217;s great to have hips, and a chest, and lovely legs. It&#8217;s better still to have a prom dress from Prada. Sigh.</p><p>The return of the waisted, full-skirted dress was heralded there, and at Louis Vuitton, where it showcased the curves of the chosen models, women looked as though they&#8217;d enjoyed a good lunch, plus pudding, and were just slipping away to meet a lover in an expensive hotel off the rue de Rivoli. There&#8217;s something inexpressibly romantic about this silhouette &#8211; perhaps because it reminds us of our mothers, of Jicky perfume and ruby lips and dinner-dances. It captures the appeal of a more innocent age, when women wore complicated lingerie and didn&#8217;t have a beeping BlackBerry in their handbag to tell them they were late for a Bodypump class. Life was less equal then, sure. But it was a whole lot simpler, too.</p><p>At Louis Vuitton, the women looked as though they&#8217;d enjoyed a good lunch, plus pudding</p><p>The look is pure retro, of course, but it is perhaps in step with the way most of us are feeling right now. We want safety and certainty and a dress that delivers all that without too much of a fandango. You&#8217;ll find these full-skirt dresses everywhere over the coming months. The key to the look is to get the hem to stop precisely at the sweet spot: too short and you&#8217;ll look like Grayson Perry; too long and it quickly goes mumsy-frump, slicing your legs off at the thickest part of the calf. Never advisable.</p><p>As with Prada and Vuitton, it&#8217;s worth harnessing the cartoonish appeal of a full skirt. Add a little irony, a bit of kitsch. This is a parodic dress, so eat it up: go for a retro print &#8211; a chintz or a 1950s wallpaper splash. Make a play of a hand-span waist and a proper jelly-wobble cleavage, and don&#8217;t be afraid to press your overlooked feminine-wiles button. Eyelash fluttering is perfectly acceptable as an accessory, together with a pair of mid-level kitten heels, with a pointed toe and a click in the heel. With luck and a billowing wind, you may just look like Lara Stone in yours. That&#8217;s the hope. If you look like an armchair, cruising around the kitchen on casters, perhaps it&#8217;d be best to sit this one out. The maxi skirt, brilliantly, is another hot hit for winter, and it may be your friend in need if you don&#8217;t get invited to the prom.</p><p><br></p><p>MIMI'S MINI MARVELS</p><p>Remember Cargo&#8217;s LashActivator, which Mimi wrote about last year &#8211; the mascara that makes your lashes grow long and lush? Well, Cargo and Mimi have teamed up to produce her make-up dream. Called 6 in The Bag!, it&#8217;s six great mini products for lips, cheeks and eyes, in a cute zip-up case that will fit in your handbag. <br></p><p>Available now, £25, boots.com </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUTU</p><p>To celebrate its 21st birthday, ballet-inspired footwear label French Sole is re-releasing 21 original designs from its 1989 debut collection. its ballet flats are a lust-have wardrobe essential, making this collection as covetable now as it was way back then &#8211; and, with it retailing at 1989 prices, even more irresistible. <br></p><p>SHOES, £45, tel: 0118 988 8800, frenchsole.com </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>It&#8217;s darling!</p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p>T-SHIRT, £20, Johnnie b at Boden, tel: 0845 677 5000, johnnieb.co.uk</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>?Fashion for life: Timid teals take cover: I predict a riot<p>By </p><p>UPDATED:20:01 GMT, 1 January 2011</p><p></p><p> Sacrilegious as it sounds, I&#8217;m really not sure that I need any more clothes. I flicked through my wardrobe the other day and discovered that I am the proud owner of four navy-and-white striped matelot tops, all identical bar the label and the fact that one of <br>them has an interesting stain on its sleeve in the shape of Ian Hislop&#8217;s head <br>(I wear that one for gardening). <br></p><p>But still. Four matelot tops. I&#8217;m not even a matelot. And that&#8217;s not the worst of it. The other day, in honour of the new year, I colour-coded my wardrobe &#8211; not because I had nothing better to do (there were duvet covers to iron), but because I was both curious to take stock and fed up with wading through the treacle-muck of an unkempt wardrobe in desperate search of daily inspiration. It was an unexpected thrill to find that I own 23 pairs of jeans, three of which are in the precise shape of the season (wide in the leg, high on the waist), though sadly no longer the precise shape of the owner (wide on the thigh, doughnut at the waist).</p><p>I's time to be bold: come March, we&#8217;ll be wallowing in wild colour, lush florals, tropical orange and disco pink</p><p>I also have 18 tops in the same dull teal-blue, one of those clever &#8216;off&#8217; colours that years ago I decided suited me. Hanging there, they look like the school uniform sweaters belonging to an entire class of girls who&#8217;ve gone off for a swimming lesson. I wear these tops, as I have for centuries now, with skinny jeans and ankle boots and my hair loose and wild around my head in what I hope is a vaguely Pre-Raphaelite look, though it could just as easily be Bag Lady as Lady of Shalott. Time, I reckon, for a change.<br></p><p>Clearly, the same thought was running through the minds of the world&#8217;s greatest designers as they contemplated the year ahead. As always, I&#8217;m fond of Miuccia Prada&#8217;s take on the current state of style: &#8216;It&#8217;s time to be bold,&#8217; she mused backstage at her spring show. For Miuccia, this found voice in electric-pink stripes, monkey and banana prints and an orange-violet colour combo bold enough to make your teeth hurt. This, I suspect, is a bridge too far for me. I think my teal tops would squeal like mice and scurry off to hide in a corner if I introduced anything quite so barmy into the mix. <br></p><p>But still, I suspect that many of our wardrobes are long overdue a shakedown. Come March, plenty of us will be wallowing in wild colour and lush floral prints; in tropical orange and disco pink; in gloss and satin and glitter. If Marc Jacobs has anything to do with it, and he generally does, we&#8217;ll be wearing Lurex cheongsams, lace leggings, decadent metallic shifts and sequined halternecks. As Jacobs put it, &#8216;I want everything over-stylised.&#8217;<br></p><p>If two of the world&#8217;s most progressive and influential designers are thinking along these lines, it&#8217;s only a matter of time before we will be too. It&#8217;s a game-changer, though. A startling gear shift. People like me, with our safe, stock pieces and our low-key minimalism, will have to step up. In the words of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul and the King of Lurex, it&#8217;s time to take it to the bridge. I may even need some more clothes.</p><p><br></p><p>HOTFOOT IT TO THIS ...</p><p>After a sellout run at London&#8217;s Sadler&#8217;s Wells, the all-singing, all-dancing musical Shoes is transferring to the West End in the spring. Exploring an issue close to our hearts &#8211; shoe addiction &#8211; using designs by luminaries such as Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Terry de Havilland, it&#8217;s sure to have us teetering over to the Peacock Theatre WC2. <br></p><p>From 8 February to 3 April; tickets £15-£49.50. Tel: 0844 412 4322, sadlerswells.com <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>DOT COTTONS ON</p><p> <br></p><p>If you baulk at spending £150 on designer denim but can&#8217;t find great-fitting jeans on the high street, a trip to Dorothy Perkins should sort you out. It is now stocking premium denim line PDA (Public Display of Affection), which promises high-tech styles that shouldn&#8217;t go saggy round the bottom or shrink over the ankle. And prices start at just £30. <br></p><p>Tel: 0845 121 4515, dorothyperkins.com<br></p><p><br></p><p>It's darling!</p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p>LIBERTY PRINT SILK DRESS, £169, Brora, tel: 0845 659 9944, brora.co.uk</p><p><br></p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><p></p>?Fashion news: With duty-free Prada, Gucci and McQueen you can take off in style at the newly opened Terminal 5<p><br>Last updated at 7:46 PM on 25th March 2008</p><p>The new Terminal 5 building opens at Heathrow airport this Thursday and not only is it a feat of architectural engineering, it's a godsend for shopaholics - there are more than 40 of our favourite fashion haunts under one impressive roof.<br><br>We can't wait to visit. Never mind the holiday, with all those high-end lux stores housed in such close proximity to one another, Terminal 5 is surely going to become the shopping destination of the year.<br><br>Fashionistas should make sure they leave plenty of time for 'check in' - our newest pseudonym for shopping. Of course, the best bit is that this is a tax-free haven, so your designer goods are notably cheaper.<br></p><p>But, that aside, each brand has also created limited edition items that are only available at the airport.<br><br>For example, Links of London has a luxurious new 'charm bar', where youcan pick up a seriously cute travel charm bracelet, complete with minibikini and aeroplane.<br><br>Along the same lines, Paul Smith has designed an exclusive Globeluggage collection, with stylish weekend bags and suitcases adornedwith world maps for the discerning traveller.<br><br>There's an exceptional range of accessories, including Bulgari watches,Dior shoes and handbags, Gucci sunglasses and Prada ready-to-wear.<br><br>Each store has been individually designed to exceptional standards, butthe most visually breathtaking must be the staggering 10,000 sq ftHarrods outlet, home to the likes of Missoni and Alexander McQueen.<br><br>For travel accessories, make a quick detour to Smythson for wallets andpassport covers, Mont Blanc for luxury pens, and Mulberry for their newoversized patent Roxanne bag.<br><br>A word of warning: be careful not to go too overboard with all thattemptation around you. If you splash all your cash in the departurelounge you might find you don't have enough left to go on holiday - andthen where will you wear that new Prada bikini?</p><p> </p>?Fashion set get first glimpse of Prada-Schiaparelli Met exhibition... in Milan (but Miuccia's still not impressed)<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:20:07 GMT, 27 February 2012</p><br><p>Fashion insiders got a first look at the Prada-Schiaparelli exhibition that will go on show later this year at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p><p>Instead of the Big Apple, however, the preview, took place in Milan during fashion week.</p><p>It offered a glimpse of the Met's follow-up to the record-breaking Savage Beauty tribute to Alexander McQueen of last year.</p><p>The private event at the Palazzo Reale revealed the comparisons that will be drawn between the contemporary Miuccia Prada and the late Schiaparelli, who died in 1973.</p><p>They include insect motifs and use of the Indian sari, despite the heights of their careers being seven decades apart.</p><p></p><p>The exhibition also includes video interview montages of the two designers by Australian film director Baz Luhrmann.</p><p>Despite the flattering tribute, Mrs Prada expressed surprise at the unlikely pairing when she told reporters, 'When I think of her, I think of the past&#8217;.</p><p></p> <p>However, she did concede that a &#8216;love for art and breaking the rules unite us&#8217;. <br></p><p>Though she turned up to view the presentation, Mrs Prada insisted that rather than replicating the works of Schiaparelli, she took inspiration from the era of her heyday instead.</p><p>'Every decade represents a moment in the life of a person,' she said.</p><p>Of the use of some of Schiaparelli&#8217;s idiosyncratic designs, Mrs Prada said that her own customers look for less unusual ideas because, compared to the stuffy society rules of the inter-war era, they have more freedom of expressiongenerally.</p><p>'I'm interested in the limits of eccentricities, because too much eccentricity is ridiculous,' she said.<br></p><p>There are similarities, however. Schiaparelli once used an Indian sari in a long, orange silk chiffon evening gown in 1935 and Mrs Prada used the material in a golden sari cocktail dress in 2004.</p><p>Curator Andrew Bolton also drew attention to the two designers' love of eccentric motifs with Schiaparelli, who died in 1973, using plastic bugs as buttons and a lobster print by Surrealist Salvador Dali in a gown for Wallis Simpson. Whereas Mrs Prada frequently uses quirky prints in her designs, such as lipsticks on a skirt and flaming rockets on shoes. <br></p><p>The full exhibition will be in held at the Met from May 10 to August 19.<br></p>?Fashion special: Cute pastels<p><br></p><p> By <br></p><p>UPDATED:00:02 GMT, 11 March 2012</p><p></p><p><br></p>Enjoy a sugar rush without the calories in the season&#8217;s sweetest shades <p><br></p><p> <br></p><p> <br></p><p></p><p><br></p>?Fashion special: Geo whiz<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:23:01 GMT, 1 September 2012</p><p></p><p>There&#8217;s an op-art buzz to the new prints. And the way to go is top-to-toe</p><p> </p>?Fashion special: Graphic novel<p>By </p><p>UPDATED:20:00 GMT, 6 March 2010</p><p></p><p>The frocks that rock are black and white and rad all over thanks to cutting-edge prints and dramatic details</p><p> Givenchy (left) and Prada</p><br><br><p>From left:</p><p>£45, sizes 8-18, Asos, asos.com<br></p><p>£150, sizes, s-l, Jaeger, tel: 0845 051 0063, jaeger.co.uk<br></p><p>£165, sizes 6-16, Karen Millen, tel: 0870 160 1830, karenmillen.com<br></p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p>From left:</p><p>£28, sizes 8-20, Matalan, tel: 0845 330 3330, matalan.co.uk</p><p>£60, sizes 8-18, Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams, tel: 0844 561 6161, debenhams.com <br></p><p>£99, sizes 8-18, Phase Eight</p><p><br></p><p>Tribal gathering<br><br>Take a trip around the global trend, picking and mixing exuberant patterns and intricate textures as you go</p><p> <br></p><p>Gucci (left) and Dries Van Noten</p><p> <br></p><p>From left:</p><p>DRESS, £35, sizes 8-22, Rocha. John Rocha at Debenhams (as before)<br></p><p>DRESS, £55, sizes 8-18, Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams (as before)<br></p><p>DRESS, £55, sizes 6-16, Oasis, tel: 01865 881986, oasis-stores.co.uk<br></p><p> <br></p><br><p>From left:</p><p>BANGLES, from £45 each, Hobbs, tel: 0845 313 3130, hobbs.co.uk<br></p><p>NECKLACE, £35, Wallis, tel: 01277 844120, wallis.co.uk<br></p><p>NECKLACE, £15, Marks &amp; Spencer, tel: 0845 302 1234, marksandspencer.com<br></p><br><p> <br></p><p>From left:</p><p>BAG, £29.99, River Island, riverisland.com</p><p>NECKLACE, £35, Oasis (as before)</p><p> <br></p><br><p>From left:</p><p> BAG, £45, Asos, asos.com<br></p><p>BRACELET, £16.99, River Island (as before)</p><p> </p><br><p></p><p> <br></p>?Fashion special: Plucky stripes<br><p>By </p><p>UPDATED:20:01 GMT, 5 March 2011</p><p></p><p>You&#8217;ll be on the right lines with 50s-style silhouettes and peppy prints</p><p><br> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prada (above)<br></p><p><br></p><p><br> </p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>Flare game</p><p>It&#8217;s the jeans shape to swish. For extra 70s sass, add a shortie jacket</p><p><br> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Derek Lam (above)<br></p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?'C'est Colonel Gaddafi, n'est-ce pas?' Fashion assistant reveals how the Libyan dictator almost ruined a Paris photo shoot<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:13:12 GMT, 21 January 2012</p><br><p>Navigating the world of fashion can be a thankless task - especially for for those at the bottom of the pecking order.</p><p>As glamorous as the industry may sometimes sound, lowly assistants often find themselves ordered around and asked to fill impossible requests.<br></p><p>Now,one anonymous stylist's assistant has revealed that not only has she been 'physically scarred' by an A-list celebrity in the past, but she has been 'wrestled by Colonel Gaddafi guards' at a Parisian five-star hotel.</p><p>Writing under the pen-name Blair Mercer, the contributor to is documenting her hapless run-ins with ogre-like celebrities, security heavies and A-list kids in scenes reminiscent of The Devil Wears Prada.<br></p><p>A glimpse into the rare and wonderful (read eyebrow-raising) world of fashion magazines, the assistant recalls arriving in Paris only to be made to share a room with an exrememly chatty stylist who sleeps in nothing but 'a thong and a Balmain jacket.'</p><p>After a perilous ride in a cramped minivan, where she is forced to perch on top of suitcases, the team arrives at a five-star hotel, ready to shoot a European socialite in the luxurious penthouse.</p><p>But things take a surreal, if a little frightening, turn when on her way to collect more outfits from the van parked outside, the assistant find herself grabbed by the shoulders and thrown into the street.</p><p>'Next thing I know I am standing on the sidewalk opposite the hotel, yards from where my feet last touched the ground,' writes Ms Mercer. <br></p><p></p><p>'The street, quiet just minutes before, is now swarming with policemen and armored trucks. My loud protestations of "Il y a une mistake! Je suis une fashion assistant!" don&#8217;t help matters and I find myself flanked by two armed guards.' </p><p>Recounting the nightmare, she continues: 'Visions of French prisons and ill-fitting orange jumpsuits are now swimming through my head when just minutes before my biggest concern was finding... the right bra&#8230;'</p><p>Teary-eyed with terror and suffering theconsequences of not having paid attention in high-school French classes, the stylist is finally informed that the road has been closed for the arrival of a foreign VIP.</p><p> 'Thinking it all seems a little heavy handed for your standard security,' she goes on, 'I ask the man next to me who it is we&#8217;re all so nervously waiting for. "Mais madame, c&#8217;etait Colonel Gaddafi, n&#8217;est-ce pas?" Brilliant.'</p><p>When she is finally allowed back into the hotel, the panicked protagonist races back up the room only to find that 'no one at the penthouse shoot had even batted an eye - they were too busy cracking into the Champagne in the minibar, all on the magazine&#8217;s tab.'<br></p><p>The confessional feature is the latest in a selection of revealing tell-alls by fashion insiders at the site that have included tales of supermodels wetting themselves and irate celebrity offspring.<br></p>?Fat chance of success: Powerful women in top jobs are getting slimmer... but everyone else is piling on the pounds<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:09:36 GMT, 24 June 2012 UPDATED:06:51 GMT, 25 June 2012</p><br><br><p>Powerful career women who hold top jobs in law, medicine and business are slimming down, according official figures.</p><p>They are the only social group to lose weight in the past 15 years while the study reveals everyone else is growing fatter.<br></p><p>New data from the National Obesity Observatory (NOO) shows that 15 per cent of professional women were obese in 1997, but that figure had fallen to 14 per cent by 2008.</p><p>NOO, which has monitored obesity issues in the UK since 2007, highlighted how the percentage of professional men classified as fat rose from 15 to 20 per cent between 1997 and 2008.</p><p>Two reasons were said to behind the trend for slimmer women - they are still judged on their appearance rather than skill and their ambition to be better than their male colleagues.</p><p>Professional women are aware of a bias against those who are overweight, according to Andrew Hill, professor of medical psychology at Leeds University.</p><p>He said: 'Appearance is the most important attribute for women in our society. Valuing them only for their appearance is a way for me to subjugate them</p><p>'There's no doubt that to be fat in our current society is a disadvantage particularly if you are female.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Barrister Helen Jackson, who weighs 16 stone, told the Sunday Times that obese male lawyers were accepted in her profession but female ones were not.</p><p>'The pressure on women to look the part has definitely got worse since I was called to the bar in 1975,' she said. 'Women now are slaves to their appearance more than they ever were.'</p><p> </p><p>In a survey published last month in Manchester and Melbourne, Australia, fat women scored worse in an assessment of their leadership potential.</p><p>The 12 candidates - six obese and six slim - had identical educational CVs, but those who were overweight were judged more poorly by volunteer students who took part in the study.</p><p>Former Tory Minister Ann Widdecombe was criticised for her appearance and subsequently lost weight when she appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show.</p><p>She said society made demands on how women should look and added: 'I think the pressure on women to be concerned about their appearance has always been there.'</p><p>But Heather Jackson, chief executive of the Women's Business Forum believes that successful female professionals are at last recognising the health benefits of being slimmer.</p><p>'You only have to look at the FTSE 100 to see the best leaders - men or women - are not obese people,' she is quoted.. 'You have to be healthy and fit to be effective.'<br></p><p> </p>?Still in the honeymoon stage! Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci are the picture of newlywed bliss at Boardwalk Empire premiere<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:08:43 GMT, 6 September 2012 UPDATED:11:20 GMT, 6 September 2012</p><p></p><p>They married less than a month ago, and it seems Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci are still very much in the honeymoon stage of their relationship.</p><p>The pair looked the picture of newlywed bliss as they cuddled up at the Boardwalk Empire season three premiere event in New York on Wednesday night.</p><p>Felicity, 31, looked elegant in her purple dress, which she teamed with a metallic clutch bag and kitten heel sandals, while 51-year-old Tucci looked dapper in his grey suit and black tie.</p><p> </p><p>The couple were first introduced by Felicity's sister, and Tucci's Devil Wears Prada co-star, Emily Blunt.</p><p>Emily played matchmaker and decided to set London-based literary agenct Felicity up with bespectacled funnyman Tucci.</p><p>And the news that the couple were engaged came in November 2011.</p><p> </p><p>'Stanley is very happy with her,' a source told Us Weekly at the time.</p><p>'Emily loved Stanley on the set of Devil, and just thought they would hit it off, so she set them up.'</p><p>Tucci then confirmed at a New York screening of new Meryl Streep film Hope Springs last month that the pairhad wed in secret, but were planning a more formal ceremony at a later stage.<br></p><p>Felicity and Tucci's marriage comes more than two years after the actor's first wife Kate lost her battle to cancer in April 2009.</p><p>They have three children together - twins Isabel and Nicolo, 11, and Camilla, nine.</p><p></p>?Flavia Cacace: I&#8217;ve loved experimenting with colour on and off the dancefloor <br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:51 GMT, 28 April 2011</p><br><p>Flavia Cacace, 32, has been a professional on Strictly Come Dancing since 2006. Her professional partner is fellow Strictly regular Vincent Simone. <br></p><p>Born in Naples, Italy, she moved to England aged four after her father was offered a job here. Flavia is single and lives in Guildford, Surrey.</p><p>My love of clothes comes from my mum &#8212;she loved dressing us all up when we were children but particularly me as I&#8217;m the youngest of six. She saw me as a little doll and used to put me in pretty dresses with bows in my hair. </p><p>Istarted dancing when I was five and got to wear gorgeous little dressesthat were the envy of my friends. I&#8217;ve always been a girlie girl when it comes to clothes. <br></p><p>Before I started doing Strictly, my wardrobe was awash with black. I wore it when I danced because it&#8217;s neutral and looks sharp and classic. </p><p>But in the past five years I&#8217;ve loved experimenting with colour on and off the dancefloor &#8212; and it&#8217;s made clothes so much more fun. My favourite colour is red and I also love turquoise. </p><p>I&#8217;m a size eight and 5ft 2in tall, so I avoid patterns &#8212; other than polka dots &#8212; or stripes as they can swamp me. My favourite cut is a halterneck because it shows off my broad shoulders. But they mean I don&#8217;t suit strappy dresses or necklaces at all.</p><p></p><p>If I could go back in time I&#8217;d visit the 1940s and 1950s because I love that whole era of fashion with the feminine dresses, corsetry, nipped-in waists, wide belts and girlie skirts. Sophia Loren in her heyday captures my favourite fashion look.</p><p>I find window shopping really relaxing. Guildford is pretty good as it has Karen Millen, Reiss and Ted Baker, my favourite High Street shops. I go to Topshop and Miss Selfridge for basic leggings and T-shirts, but I think it&#8217;s worth paying more for better quality clothes. </p><p>If I shop in London I go to the Westfield centre in Shepherd&#8217;s Bush where I could buy everything in the Armani Exchange shop &#8212; I&#8217;m so glad there isn&#8217;t one in Guildford as it would be terrible for my bank balance. </p><p>The most I&#8217;ve ever spent on a dance costume was £1,200 when I was about 17 and had my first big international competition. The dress was turquoise, long and had lots of lovely stones. I sold it on once I&#8217;d finished with it. <br></p><p>The most I&#8217;ve ever spent on an item for my non-work wardrobe was £350 for a coat that I bought in Foggia, in Southern Italy, a couple of years ago. It&#8217;s grey with a removable fur collar and is the warmest coat I&#8217;ve ever had. </p><p>I don&#8217;t mind spending a few hundred pounds on something that&#8217;s really good quality, but you&#8217;d never catch me paying £1,500 for a handbag. </p><p>I have an amazing dressmaker called Leena Teperi who&#8217;s from Finland but lives in Guildford. She makes my professional dance costumes, as well as cocktail and evening dresses because I find it hard to get occasion dresses off the peg that fit properly. Leena charges, on average, £600 for a professional dance dress and about £300 for an evening gown.</p><p>I&#8217;m not a hoarder and regularly clear out my wardrobe. The only things I hang on to are some of my professional dresses because they have sentimental value.</p>FLAVIA'S WARDROBE FAVOUITES<p>DUNE BOOTS</p><p>My absolute favourite fashion item isknee-high boots. I wear them with everything. I buy most of them from Dune because they fit my slender calves really well. I bought this pair three years ago and I&#8217;ll hang on to them because they&#8217;re still in really good condition and I love the stud detail.</p><p>RED AND BLACK DANCE DRESS </p><p>I made this myself! It&#8217;s the first and only time I&#8217;ve ever sat at a sewing machine and made a dress. It wasa few years ago when I was appearing on a TV dance programme and didn&#8217;thave time to get anything made by a dressmaker. It took me two days, the finishing is terrible and it was a complete fluke that it stayed on while I danced. I keep it because the memory of all that stitching stillmakes me laugh. </p><p>Fashion fix : Flavia reveals her favourite wardrobe items are her collection of boots, jeans and dresses from brands such as Karen Millen, Reiss and Ted Baker, Topshop and Miss Selfridge<br></p><p>PRADA BAG</p><p>This bag weighs a ton so it isn&#8217;t very practical, but it&#8217;s covered in fringing, which is one of my favourite fashion details. It&#8217;s beautifully made and has the Pradalogo all over the lining. </p><p>JEWELLERY </p><p>Neither of my grandmothers is alive any more so I treasure the jewellery I have from each of them. I have a floral crystal brooch with a green stone that belonged to my dad&#8217;s mum that I&#8217;ll always keep. And, from my mum&#8217;s mum, I have a pair of dangly gold earrings that she gave to me when I was about nine. They were too old for me at the time but I really appreciate them now. </p><p>FRINGED TROUSERS </p><p>It&#8217;s very unusual for a female dancerto wear trousers but my dressmaker made these for me for a show about 13 years ago. I love the way the fringing moves when I dance.</p><p>BLACK LACE EVENNING DRESS <br></p><p>Leena was showing me some beautiful black lace recently which I loved so I asked her to make me an evening dress from it, just in case I have an event to go to. It&#8217;s off the shoulder and floor-length with a little bit of a train and cost £300. I can&#8217;t wait to wear it.</p><p>PEACH GEORGETTE SHOW DRESS </p><p>I wore this dress when my professional dance partner Vincent Simone and I performed a show dance on the 2009 series of Strictly. It&#8217;s got a blouse-like top, a girlie skirt and heavily stoned belt and is one of my favourite ever dance dresses. I paid about £600 for it from Leena and will always keep it as it brings back nice memories.</p><p>Flavia and Vincent are currently touring with their Midnight Tango Tour, with dates throughout the UK till the end of July. Visit www.vincentandflavia.com.</p><p></p>?REVEALED: Forever 21 unveils new collection for autumn/winter modelled by Texas It girl Ashley Smith<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:09:52 GMT, 4 September 2012 UPDATED:10:31 GMT, 4 September 2012</p><br><p>It's the American high street chain that has had women pulling out their purses time and time again since it landed in the UK this time last year. <br></p><p>Forever 21, which launched with a store in Birmingham last year, has gone from strength to strength in the UK ever since. This year it doubled the size of its Oxford Street store and has seen its profile soar since a store opened in Westfield Stratford in time for the Olympic Games.<br></p><p>And now the popular brand has released tantalising campaign images of their AW12 shoot, modelled by Texan it-girl Ashley Smith, that will have savvy shoppers rushing out to their nearest store when the collection hits the shelves this week.</p><p> </p><p>The 20-year-old is one of the U.S. models of the moment, known for her unconventional smile and sexy silhouette and adds her charm to the new campaign for the fashion-forward yet affordable brand.</p><p> The edgy campaign was shot by photographers Santiago and Mauricio Sierra and shows Ashley in a series of poses debuting the brand's latest offerings.</p><p>Famousfor their stylish but affordable high-street staples, Forever 21's new range features playful pops of leopard print and a micro-collection of cute clutch bags. </p><p>Although she may be a new face to land on British soil, Smith has a solid modelling career and has recently been spotted gracing the runways of Balenciaga and Prada.</p><p>She was also named the face of designer Alexander Wang's T collection last year.</p><p> </p><p> Smith was first discovered as a young teen at the the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas.</p><p>Shehas appeared in editorial campaigns for Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and has also starred in runway shows for Jen Kao and Prada. <br></p><p>The 5ft 8in model has gapped teeth, a look that has drawn countless comparisons to British models Lara Stone and Georgia Jagger.</p><p> She said in an interview last year that she is flattered by comparisons to Stone, who is married to comedian David Walliams. <br></p><p>'I think she has cleared an amazing path for me!' Smith says. 'But I am my own person and have many different things to bring to this industry.'</p><p> She also, in a interview with Fashionista.com last year, said that she had considered getting braces before her modelling career. </p><p>She said: 'Yeah I thought about it a lot when I was little, I even went to the dentist to get it fixed, but I&#8217;ve never actually had all the money in one place to be able to do it. Now it makes me money!'<br></p><p>She also says her buxom figure - she is a 32D - is both a blessing and a curse. <br></p><p> 'I believe it&#8217;s a deciding factor for a lot of jobs, because it effects the clothes so much.</p><p>'But it&#8217;s part of me! So one day theywill just adjust all the clothes to my bust, rather than me having to adjust my breasts for their clothes.'</p><p>Smith also has aspirations beyond modelling. <br></p><p>'I&#8217;ve always wanted to be a Broadway actress,' she has said. 'You know Little Shop of Horrors? I&#8217;m gonna playAudrey one day! Just you wait.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p><br><p><br></p><p> </p>?Forget glacial Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the REAL star of a new documentary about the fashion glossy is her flame-haired, sardonic sidekick<p>By <br>UPDATED:10:56 GMT, 11 September 2009</p><p>Even in the egotistic and narcissistic world of modelling, they have to concede that there is always someone more important than the figure in front of the camera. <br></p><p>No, not necessarily the photographer, the stylist, the make-up artist or the retoucher, but certainly the editor of Vogue, the magazine that can make - or break - a model's career with a gushingly worded caption ... or a bitchily careless pose. <br></p><p>The documentary movie The September Issue, out this week, follows the making of the biggest ever edition of American Vogue. <br></p><p>It is, to all intents and purposes, a real-life version of the 2006movie The Devil Wears Prada, in which Meryl Streep played an icilyimperious fashion magazine editor. <br></p><p>Which is particularlyapt, as Streep's performance is widely believed to have been adevastatingly accurate portrayal of the fearsome British-born editor,Anna Wintour. <br></p><p>There's a scene towards the end of The September Issue that perfectly encapsulates the movie. <br></p><p>Whilefollowing the story of the making of American Vogue in September 2007(the edition ran to 840 pages and weighed 4lb 9oz), the documentaryteam finds itself at one of the magazine's numerous photo shoots.</p><p></p><p>Withdeadlines looming, Vogue's creative director Grace Coddington suddenlyhas a fit of inspiration and enlists the documentary team's owncinematographer, Bob Richman, for one of the photos.</p><p>The shot, featuring Richman and a model jumping in synch - the modelall gazelle-like elegance; Richman, her well-intentioned but slightlypaunchy prop - is executed brilliantly, causing even Wintour to smileher approval at the final shots.</p><p>She keeps the photo but orders Richman's belly to be airbrushed outof the picture, informing the hapless fellow: 'You need to go to thegym.' <br></p><p>At which point Coddington tells him: 'You don't needto go to the gym' and immediately gets on the phone to the artdepartment, countermanding the airbrushing order with a brisk: 'Pleasedo not retouch Bob's stomach - I don't want him to look like a skinnymale model', and adding: 'He's even pulling it in as we speak.' </p><p>The film has received rave reviews from just about every quarter. <br></p><p>But those expecting a documentary that satirises Vogue and the people who run it will be disappointed. <br></p><p>For while it's relatively easy to lampoon the fashion industry, as Sacha Baron Cohen's film Bruno proved earlier this year, this documentary instead provides a strangely compelling and engaging look behind the scenes of one of the world's most renowned publications. <br></p><p>'There is an over-the-top aspect to the fashion industry that we can enjoy,' says R. J. Cutler, the film's director, 'but that's kind of a reductionist vision. There's so much more to it than that.' <br></p><p>The opportunity of watching the real deal in action, for example, humiliating a minion and casting off her furs in the knowledge they will be caught by an eager junior lower down the food chain, was too exciting a prospect to miss.</p><p>But while all eyes were trained on Wintour and her glacial aloofness, something surprising happened during the course of filming: another star emerged in the shape of Grace Coddington. <br></p><p>Though her professional relationship with Wintour spans more than 20 years and she is widely acknowledged in fashion circles to be 'the world's greatest living stylist', Welsh-born Coddington is unknown to the general public - a situation that may be about to change with the release of the film. <br></p><p>While the worker bees around Wintour are shot down in a hail of succinctly-crafted bullets ('It's ugly. It's wrong,' she tells one poor soul while another whimpers: 'I want to kill myself!'), Coddington stands firm, fighting her corner while creating the most intricately conceived and beautifully executed picture shoots imaginable. <br></p><p>She's sardonic (after Wintour rejects a photo for a piece on textures, Coddington asks: 'And rubber's not a texture?'), quietly acidic, yet also vulnerable. <br></p><p>When Wintour dismisses a £35,000 twenties-themed picture spread, her creative director, close to tears, says: 'I care very much about what I do. <br></p><p>'It gets harder and harder to see it just get thrown out. And it's very hard to go on to the next thing.' <br></p><p>Many have likened their relationship to that between the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with the immaculately groomed Wintour as the cold-eyed, business- savvy Jagger and Coddington - all wild, Titian hair and hippy sandals - providing the artistic flair of Richards.</p><p>Certainly their combative relationship drives the film and to some extent the magazine too. <br></p><p>'We always understand people through their relationships,' says Cutler, 'and that's certainly true of Anna and Grace. <br></p><p>'One works in a freezer of efficiency and the other in an incubator of creativity. Sparks would always fly between them.' <br></p><p>Cutler's first impressions upon meeting Wintour were of a woman who was 'physically diminutive and yet who had an enormous presence, focus and efficiency of communication'. <br></p><p>Surprisingly, it took little to persuade her to open up the offices of Vogue to Cutler and his team (whose previous documentaries include the acclaimed The War Room). <br></p><p>Perhaps it was in part to mitigate the damage done to Wintour's reputation by The Devil Wears Prada. <br></p><p>Says Cutler: 'We had a half-hour meeting and she agreed then to do the documentary. <br></p><p>'When things move forward like that, it's generally because a person has a desire to have their story told.' <br></p><p>But if Wintour was keen to tell her story, Coddington was less so. <br></p><p>'Never in my work has anyone indicated to me as clearly as Grace did that they were not remotely interested in being involved in my film,' says Cutler. <br></p><p>'As time wore on, it became increasingly obvious that Anna's relationship with Grace was central and it became harder to let go of the idea that I would build my film around it. <br></p><p>'But three months in and Grace was still adamantly refusing to participate. <br></p><p>'The more I tried to pull out of the Anna-and-Grace story, the more I knew that was exactly what it had to be about.' <br></p><p>In the end, Cutler managed to convince Coddington to agree to an hour's filming and then another hour until ultimately, she steals the show - for someone who was so reluctant to appear in front of the camera, she's a complete natural. <br></p><p>At one point she declares of some rejected photos: 'I'm not leaving them out', after being expressly told by Wintour to do so and there are countless shots of Coddington trundling down the Vogue corridors with her heart noticeably sinking as more and more pictures get the axe. <br></p><p>'Grace was very smart,' says Cutler, 'and after not wanting to be filmed she eventually saw it as an opportunity to turn the tables both on us (by using cinematographer Bob Richman in the aforementioned shot) and on Anna.' <br></p><p>In one scene, Coddington raises the thorny topic of budgets with Wintour in full view of the cameras and later admits: 'I love to talk budgets with Anna in front of you guys. She hates it. It's a sure way to get the budget up.' <br></p><p>Artistic the 68-year- old may be, but she's undoubtedly tough and canny with it. <br></p><p>Born to hotelier parents on the isle of Anglesey, Wales, she grew up reading Vogue as a teenager (she always received her mail-ordered copies three months late) and admits that her own life was 'completely out of synch' with the glamorous images depicted within the pages of the magazine. <br></p><p>She won a Vogue modelling competition, but her career was cut short after her eyelid was sliced open in a terrible car crash. <br></p><p>Following corrective surgery, Coddington re-emerged, this time on the other side of the camera as a junior fashion editor for British Vogue. <br></p><p>When Wintour moved to New York in 1988 to take over the editorship of American Vogue, she took Coddington with her and the pair have enjoyed a fractious yet fascinating relationship ever since. <br></p><p>But while The September Issue introduces us to Coddington, it also sheds light on the enigma that is Anna Wintour and, though you wouldn't want to share a room with one of her eloquent silences, the woman dubbed 'Nuclear Wintour' isn't quite the ice queen we have been led to believe. <br></p><p>She smiles! She removes her sunglasses! She even opens her own doors! <br></p><p>Some of the less serious aspects of the fashion world are touched upon, but we see them through the eyes of the film's minor characters. <br></p><p>Andre Leon Talley, Vogue's flamboyant editor-at-large, is filmed during a tennis lesson barely moving six inches in any direction - his only motivation for being on court is that he can drape his newly-acquired Louis Vuitton towel around his shoulders. <br></p><p>And poor Sienna Miller, up for the much sought-after celebrity cover shot. <br></p><p>After being described as too 'teethy' with 'lacklustre' hair, her inclusion seems in doubt until her hair is pulled into a noncontentious chignon and her fillings are airbrushed out. <br></p><p>One of the surprising by-products of the film is that it leaves you curious as to what happened next in the lives of its central characters. <br></p><p>Bob Richman and his belly, you'll be pleased to know, are not in therapy, 'although Bob does now have lifetime membership of his sports club', says Cutler. <br></p><p>And as for the relationship between Wintour and Coddington: one wonders whether the dynamic has changed ever so slightly after Coddington's surprise turn as the star of the piece. <br></p><p>'I think that for both of them, the work is far more important than anything else,' says Cutler, 'And in the end, the film is the story of these two extraordinary women. <br></p><p>'They may have their disagreements, but they respect one another completely and for 20 years, they've been rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the task of making Vogue the fashion Bible that it is.' </p><p>The September Issue is released tomorrow. </p>?From fat fryers to fashion shows: Fish and chip shop worker discovered in local Waterstone's is the new face of Prada<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:35 GMT, 17 March 2011<br><br></p><p>A teenage boy who earned £6-an-hour working at a fish and chip shop has quit his job to become the new face of Prada - after he was talent scouted in a bookshop.</p><p>Alexander Beck worked part-time scrubbing fryers and serving food at his local Essex fish and chip shop while studying for his AS levels.</p><p>But the 17-year-old's life has beenturned upside down after he was spotted by top fashion scout Cesar Perin while shopping with friends in a Cambridge bookshop.</p><p>Just one month later Alexander, who had never modelled before, was booked by Italian fashion house Prada to model their clothes on the catwalk at Milan fashion week.</p><p>Heis now being hailed as one of Britain's most promising new faces and has already appeared for YSL, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Vogue.</p><p>Alexander,who lives in Thaxted, Essex, and has just returned from modelling at Paris fashion week, had never considered becoming a model until he met Cesar.</p><p>He said: 'I was studying for my AS levels and working in a fish and chip shop, so I didn't think twice about packing it all in to become a model and travel the world.</p><p>'Iused to get up 15 minutes before my school bus would leave and didn't take time over my appearance. I never thought I was good enough to be a model.</p><p>'That day in Cambridge I was about to walk out of the bookshop when Cesar shouted "stop I love your face" and came up to me.</p><p></p><p>Model looks: Alexander's scout revealed the 'exotic' teenager's face stood out from the crowd on the busy shopping day in Cambridge</p><p>'Cesar said he had never scouted anyone like that before. He was so nice and approachable - he made me feel instantly at ease.</p><p>'Looking back, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be where I am now - walking down the catwalk.</p><p>'I have heard from some people that Kate Moss was at the same stage in her career at 17 as I am.'</p><p>Keen rugby and basketball player Alexander was shopping with friends at Waterstones book shop in Cambridge in December last year when he met Cesar.</p><p>Just days later he quit his £90-a-week job at the Ocean Delight fish and chip shop in Thaxted, Essex, where he had worked for the last two and a half years.</p><p>Alexandersuspended his studies at Newport Free Grammar School, Essex, where he was taking AS levels in English, Physics and Critical Thinking.</p><p>Thenew model, who had no previous fashion experience, then posed for a series of photoshoots, which were sent to all the top international fashion houses.</p><p>He was booked by Prada to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2011 collection and appeared on the catwalk at the Milan fashion show on January 15th.</p><p>Alexander's scout and mentor Cesar, 37, revealed the 'exotic looking' teenager's face stood out from the crowd on the busy shopping day in Cambridge.</p><p>He said: 'For a first job being booked exclusively is like a golden ticket. All the labels, including, Gucci, wanted to book Alex, but Prada booked him exclusively.</p><p>'From Milan I took him to Paris where Dior were sending a car to pick him up from the airport. He opened and closed shows which is the best slot to get.</p><p></p><p>Onwards and upwards: Ocean Delight, the Fish &amp; Chip shop in Thaxted where Alexander worked<br></p><p>'He is a perfect model. All the clothes fit him like a glove. It is very hard to find models as good as Alex.</p><p>'Alexander'suniqueness stood out. He is very exotic looking, with sharp cheekbones and a very symmetrical face. On top of this he has an amazing personality too.</p><p>'His strong bone structure and green eyes make him a favourite with designers.'</p><p>Alexanderlives with his mother Susan, 59, a retired army nurse, father James Beck, 56, a pilot, and two older sisters Kelly and Samantha when he is in the UK.</p><p>Proud mum Susan said: 'When the fashion houses say they want him he has to go. He dropped everything and took off to Paris.</p><p>'Anopportunity like this won't come up again so he had to take it. He can go back to school again later if he wants to - this might only last two years.</p><p>'I find it hard to keep track of everything he is doing, but I am so proud.'</p><p>Alexanderhas been signed to London agency FM and recently shot two editorials for Vogue Hommes Japan, which will be published in Spring this year.</p><p>British model Agyness Deyn, 28, shot to fame after she was discovered working in a fish and chip shop in Ramsbottom, near Manchester.</p>?From Prada to Poundland: As discount store opens new branches in middle-class areas, we sent LIZ JONES to work in their biggest shop<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:09 GMT, 6 July 2012 UPDATED:22:16 GMT, 6 July 2012</p><p>Are you absolutely sure you want six Toblerones?&#8217; The customer merely gazes at me as if I&#8217;ve lost my mind, which perhaps I have. Because I&#8217;m spending the day working at Poundland in Wolverhampton, the biggest Poundland in the, um, land.<br></p><p>Four million people shop here every week, up half a million from a year ago, making it one of Britain&#8217;s most successful stores.<br></p><p>My mission: to discover if this discount pleasure dome is the future of shopping, or whether working here is, as student Cait Reilly &#8212; who was made to give up volunteering in a museum to work for nothing at Poundland or risk losing her Jobseeker&#8217;s Allowance &#8212; so famously put it, &#8216;like slave labour&#8217;.<br></p><p>As part of my day&#8217;s training, I&#8217;m now on the till. I&#8217;ve been looking forward to this all day, as I figure I will at last be able to sit down, and nurse my aching feet.<br></p><p>My face is already in spasm from having to smile at customers all morning as they deliberate and um and ah over a choice. &#8216;It&#8217;s a POUND!&#8217; I feel like screaming. How I need a rest. But, oh dear me, no. At Poundland, &#8216;colleagues&#8217;, as employees are known, have to stand at the till.<br></p><p>I ask my trainer, the pretty and very sweet Kayleigh Owen, who is 25 and hopes to land a full-time job here when she graduates in marketing in September, why I have to stand.</p><p>&#8216;It means you project more energy,&#8217; she tells me. &#8216;You free up your diaphragm.&#8217;<br></p><p>Now, I am someone who, if a product doesn&#8217;t scan immediately in my local Waitrose, will huff and puff and examine the time on my beeping BlackBerry. But I soon learn that being on the till is not as easy as it looks, even when everything is&#8201;.&#8201;.&#8201;. a pound.<br></p><p>I swipe the bar code of Toblerone Lady&#8217;s bag of Haribo, but accidentally do so twice, charging her double. I have to ring the bell for the supervisor, which I find quite exciting. This all takes some time. <br></p><p>Next, I ask how she will pay. &#8216;Cash.&#8217; &#8216;A wise choice.&#8217; <br></p><p>I take the note, and touch the key that says £20. It then tells me what change is due.<br></p><p>I forget to ask if she wants a bag (they are free &#8212; of course, they are) so she has to ask for one. I then commit that most cardinal of sins: I lick my finger, then lick the bag to open it. Kayleigh raises her perfect brows.<br></p><p>&#8216;Oh no, we don&#8217;t lick the bags here,&#8217; she says.<br></p><p>I&#8217;m then told I have to tell Toblerone Lady to &#8216;have a nice day&#8217;. I tell Kayleigh I prefer something a bit more genuine, so I say: &#8216;Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.&#8217;<br></p><p>Phew! I&#8217;m exhausted, but I have been doing this for only five minutes, not the more normal four hours before a break upstairs in the staff canteen.<br></p><p>&#8216;How did I do?&#8217; I ask Kayleigh.<br></p><p>&#8216;You forgot to perform the product focus,&#8217; she says.<br></p><p>What&#8217;s that? Apparently, the pile of enormous chocolate bars at my elbow are to be foisted upon customers, much as happens these days at WHSmith and petrol stations.<br></p><p>&#8216;Ah, but she already had six Toblerones,&#8217; I say, reasonably.<br></p><p>At least I don&#8217;t have to ask, robot fashion: &#8216;Do you have a rewards card?&#8217; Poundland doesn&#8217;t hold truck with such schemes. And why should it, as everything in here is already at a rock-bottom price?<br></p><p>In the morning, I&#8217;m treated to a tour of the store. While I&#8217;d been hesitant about this latest assignment, given I&#8217;m more at home in Prada, I&#8217;m surprised to find the store is light, airy, and tidy. I&#8217;d expected bins of discontinued tat, but everything feels new and fresh (there are no end-of-lines or out-of-date supplies).<br></p><p>I&#8217;m then asked to perform &#8216;facing off&#8217;. At first I think this means arguing with customers, but soon discover it means moving products to the front of shelves, making sure they face the same way. <br></p><p>My name badge says &#8216;Everything&#8217;s £1&#8217;, a simple concept, but you&#8217;d be surprised how hard it is to get used to, especially for someone like me who can&#8217;t love anything that costs less than £5 unless it&#8217;s a loaf of artisan bread. Rubber gloves: £1. L&#8217;Oreal shampoo: £1. Kitchen scissors: £1. Portable barbecues: £1.<br></p><p>I tell the American PR girl, who shadows me like a hawk, that I am most surprised that there are aisles and aisles of food. What are the best sellers?<br></p><p>&#8216;Mostly sweets and biscuits and crisps,&#8217; she says. <br></p><p>The Devil&#8217;s triumvirate. I also spy a Victoria sponge &#8212; an entire cake for a pound. &#8216;How is that possible?&#8217; I keep saying, open-mouthed.<br></p><p>A tall, blonde Poundland marketing manager called Andrea starts to say: &#8216;Our buyers are very aggressive&#8201;.&#8201;.&#8201;.&#8217; before she clamps a hand over her mouth.<br></p><p>Despite myself, I start to see all sorts of things I want to purchase. Cleaning products. Wild bird food and pet food (two tins of Winalot). A bag of ground coffee (my usual Illy is £4.95 a tin). There is DIY stuff galore, and gardening supplies.<br></p><p>At this point, a teeny, horrid part of me is thinking: the sort of people who shop here don&#8217;t do DIY, or garden, or feed birds, do they?<br></p><p>It turns out it&#8217;s the pensioners who love these items, i.e., the ones who still have a work ethic. <br></p><p>I meet OAPs Margaret and Graham Smith, who think Poundland is &#8216;brilliant&#8217;. They say: &#8216;Everything is good quality. We rely on this store now. We really do.&#8217; Anne, another pensioner, loves &#8216;everything&#8217;. <br></p><p>She tells me: &#8216;I buy my granddaughter the organic baby food, washing powder &#8212; all the basics.&#8217;<br></p><p>But while you might expect retired people, used to seeking out bargains, in Poundland, the chain is now cashing in on the squeezed middle classes, who are said to be flocking here. Stores are opening in more and more affluent areas, such as Cambridge and Newmarket.<br></p><p>The chain plans to open 60 new stores this financial year, creating 2,000 jobs. It tends to snap up empty sites, vacated by the likes of Woolworths and Peacocks, at a snip.<br></p><p>But there are few well-heeled customers skulking here in Wolverhampton: the customers I meet consist of the very young, the very old, and mums with prams.<br></p><p>I&#8217;m told there are usually more students in the aisles from the local university, but they are all off on their summer break. There are many, many Asian customers, hence the &#8216;Asia straight&#8217; shampoo.<br></p><p>Some young people find it &#8216;cool&#8217; to shop here, like going to Topshop. A trio of fashionable 16-year-olds (Lauren, Bianca and Stephanie), are here buying sweets and pop for a party, and are thinking of going camping in Wales.<br></p><p>I steer them to the &#8216;festival department&#8217;: there are tents (yes, tents for a quid), cooking implements, umbrellas. They think it&#8217;s fantastic. &#8216;We don&#8217;t believe in credit cards,&#8217; they say &#8212; probably the wisest thing I&#8217;ve heard all week.<br></p><p>But for most young shoppers, the store is a lifeline. I meet Jill, who is unemployed, and her boyfriend Adam, the best-looking traffic warden I&#8217;ve ever clapped eyes on. &#8216;There is no stigma coming in here,&#8217; they say. &#8216;We have to survive.&#8217;<br></p><p>This place even sells reading glasses, which must tell you something about whether or not the safety nets our taxes pay for have great big yawning holes.<br></p><p>But as well as the essentials, there is an awful lot of tat: candles, party paraphernalia, hideous toys and own brand make-up with the dreadful name Chit Chat. When I was growing up, we never had candles and streamers at birthdays, let alone a shop-bought cake. We just did without.<br></p><p>But there are lots of things here that I think are surely not essential if you are unemployed, such as faux leather passport covers, travel plugs and aircraft pillows, MP3 and smartphone covers (there is even a Poundland app).<br></p><p>And it&#8217;s no accident, surely, that Poundland stocks &#8216;exclusive&#8217; products (cakes, biscuits and cereals) from Weight Watchers.<br></p><p>One customer I meet while toiling on the till, Gillian, has a curious mixture of crisps, Rolos and Weight Watchers meals in her basket.<br></p><p>How about lentils and rice rather than Pot Noodles and pork pies? I grew up on Russian salad (rice with frozen peas) and &#8216;half and half&#8217; where my mum would dilute milk to make it go further. <br></p><p>This store succeeds, I think, because it panders to the belief no one should go without anything, no matter how frivolous (tea light holders for alfresco dining, say).<br></p><p>Time and again, staff point out that something is so cheap &#8212; such as a towel, a scratchy sponge, a pair of women&#8217;s knickers (hideous: pink and huge) &#8212; that: &#8216;You can use it once and throw it away!&#8217; <br></p><p>Not very eco-friendly, surely. When I raise this moral dilemma with the store&#8217;s PR, she reminds me they do not sell alcohol or cigarettes (though I spy packs of filters for roll-your-own tobacco).<br></p><p>I can understand this shop is vital for those who can&#8217;t afford to shop anywhere else. But, surely, while it cashes in on the recession, shouldn&#8217;t it be forced to do so responsibly?<br></p><p>How about baskets of fruit for, you know, a pound? And prices this cheap means someone, somewhere, is being exploited, surely?<br></p><p>Milk, the store&#8217;s number one best-seller, is on sale here at £1 for two litres (you can&#8217;t buy one litre or half a litre, which encourages waste &#8212; especially if you live alone, as the vast majority of female pensioners here tell me they do).<br></p><p>Milk is supplied by Robert Wiseman, a company (now owned by Muller) that has slashed the price paid to farmers by 15 per cent in the past three months. It pays farmers 24.73p per litre. Sainsbury&#8217;s pays just over 30p a litre.<br></p><p>Eggs are on sale in batches of nine. On the box it states: &#8216;Enriched colony housing.&#8217; But this still means hens in cages &#8212; a long way from being free range. <br></p><p>It does make me wonder how the pigs now packaged as £1 sausages fared. We have all been weaned to expect luxury every day. Surely there are some things that should never be dirt cheap.<br></p><p>The staff are friendly and helpful, patiently steering little old ladies towards the correct aisle. <br>But there are also young people here on work experience &#8212; about 100 are taken on each year across all 400 UK stores. When I quiz management on whether they at least get their bus fares and lunch paid for, I&#8217;m told, no, they don&#8217;t, and that the store prefers to call them &#8216;volunteers&#8217;.<br></p><p>No one is forced to work here, but if they do &#8216;volunteer&#8217; in a store that is owned by a U.S. private equity group and had pre-tax profits of £40.1 million this year, they then stand a one-in-ten chance of getting a permanent job for &#8216;above the minimum wage&#8217;.<br></p><p>Do I buy anything? Well, I&#8217;m ashamed to say that, after my shift, I do. <br></p><p>A microfibre towel that dries hair in half the time, and which is selling out thanks to Mumsnet. Batteries. Light bulbs. Bird seed. Pet food. Cleaning products. As I whizz round filling my trolley, before finally taking off my black staff sweatshirt and name badge, I discover it can all become rather addictive.<br></p><p>When your back is against the wall, you will close your eyes to the ethics. You will buy a paper lantern for outside dining to cheer yourself up.<br></p><p>I certainly don&#8217;t blame anyone for shopping here, particularly the elderly. I&#8217;d love it if the store started its own mini bus service, or little cafe for social events.<br></p><p>But there&#8217;s no escaping the fact Poundland caters to the lowest denominator: I imagine I&#8217;d get scurvy if I shopped here for long.<br></p><p>Should there not be laws in place to stop a bargain basement shop squeezing its suppliers, rather than its profits? <br></p><p>As I leave the store, I feel a bit furtive with my booty.<br></p><p>I&#8217;m exhausted, from standing to attention all day. Whatever they are paying the young staff, it is not enough.<br></p><p>I have met some lovely people here, more helpful than anyone who has ever served me in Prada or Bottega Veneta.<br></p><p>But why not make everything £2? Buy less, buy better.<br></p><p>Still, I do think I will look up my local store using the smartphone app. I might even be able to save enough for my pension. </p>?From the pages of Sports Illustrated to the Prada catwalk, Anne V is Awfully Versatile<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:23:51 GMT, 24 February 2012</p><p>Fresh from promoting her curves inside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, Anne Vyalitsyna is back in the spotlight - this time in a very different guise. <br></p><p>The 25-year-old yesterday walked in the Prada show at Milan Fashion Week, channelling pure sophistication at the trend-setting showcase and setting a different tone entirely to her better-known work as a Victoria's Secret Angel and swimsuit edition model.</p><p>The blonde gazelle, known simply as Anne V, has proved, unlike many professional clothes horses, that she is brilliantly versatile, <br> at home modelling both tiny bikinis and sharp, high-end design.<br></p><p>Joining some of the most sophisticated names in the runway modelling world, the Russian strode in a geometric patterned trouser suit on the fashion city's stage. </p><p></p><p>While fledgling model Vanessa Axente, who opened the show, caused the biggest stir last night, it was not just her elfin looks that had tongues wagging. <br></p><p>The Italian design house's show is well known in fashion circles for championing edgy looks and has been known to set the careers of unknown girls into overdrive.</p><p>The format this year changed, however, with the addition of a new casting agent who took a leap and hired Lindsey Wixson and Natasha Poly as well as Anne V.<br></p><p>The occasion was clearly not lost on the model and she tweeted after the show: 'Wow just finished Prada show!<br></p><p>'Honestly it was the most beautiful &amp; empowering show I&#8217;ve ever done! &#8230; A very sad outfit to take off. :('</p><p>Her kohl-lined eyes with orange eyebrows were the responsibility of make-up impresario Pat McGrath and flowing hair extensions, soft against the bold prints, were by hair stylist Guido Palao. <br></p><p>Anne V starred in last November's Victoria's Secret alongside her boyfriend and Maroon 5 singer, Adam Levine, as he performed his band's hit, Moves Like Jagger.<br></p>?From tiara to Prada<p>by Elaine Lipworth</p><p>Last updated at 13:13 06 October 2006</p><br><p>The excitement in Hollywood about Anne Hathaway is palpable. Shehas been popular with pre-teens since she first made her name inPrincess Diaries 1 and 2, then Ella Enchanted.</p><p>&bull; <br></p><p>But her role opposite Meryl Streep in the witty new comedy TheDevil Wears Prada is on a different level and has already hadAmerican critics in rhapsodies, with comparisons to Audrey Hepburnand Julia Roberts.</p><p>"Yeah, I've heard people say that," laughs the 23-year-oldactress as she pulls a face and rolls her huge Bambi eyes. So farat least, the hype hasn?t gone to her head.</p><p>"I am highly flattered, but so unworthy of the distinction.There are more deserving girls out there," she says.</p><p>"I get the good scripts after Natalie Portman, ScarlettJohansson, Keira Knightley and others have turned them down."</p><p>The actress's humility seems authentic. Anne is sparkling in thenew film, a satire based on the bestselling novel by LaurenWeisberger, set in the New York fashion world.</p><p>Her character undergoes a dramatic transformation from frumpy todrop-dead gorgeous and swans around Paris and Manhattan infantastic outfits.</p><p>When we meet at her hotel, however, she's had her fill of Pradaand Dolce.</p><p>After an arduous day in Manhattan, posing for photographers, sheis going strictly for comfort in worn jeans and a black ribbed tanktop.</p><p>"I love what I do but I'm still waiting for everyone to find meout and send me back down to the C list. But I'm going to fool themas long as I can."</p><p>In fact, she?s not fooling anyone. She doesn't regret thePrincess Diaries films, in which she starred opposite Julie Andrewsas an ordinary American girl who discovers she is heir to a smallEuropean kingdom, but does refer to them as her "tiara flicks".</p><p>She is the voice of Little Red Riding Hood in the quirky newanimated film Hoodwinked.</p><p>But she finally broke away from the fairy-tale films anddisplayed her formidable skills in last year's gay cowboy dramaBrokeback Mountain, as Jake Gyllenahaal?s wife.</p><p>In The Devil Wears Prada, she plays Meryl Streep's assistant ona New York fashion magazine.</p><p>Streep stars as Miranda Priestly, the acid-tongued editor ofRunway, and gives the exquisitely pitched performance you wouldexpect.</p><p>Anne plays Andy Sachs, fresh out of university and intent on acareer in serious journalism, who lands the coveted job on themagazine - "a job millions of girls would kill for" - but whoeffectively ends up a slave to her dictatorial boss.</p><p>She hasn't got a clue about style and is considered fat andfrumpy by her half-starved new colleagues, "the clackers" whototter around the office in their Manolos.</p><p>In person Anne is slim but not skinny, unlike the size-zerofashionistas in the Runway office.</p><p>The actress has cleaned off her make-up but still looksfantastic, with porcelain skin and an oval face framed by blackhair "There are far more beautiful actresses than me. I love UmaThurman. I would kill to have her face and body and be six feettall," she sighs.</p><p>"I wasn't at all happy with my appearance when I was anadolescent. But I grew up and realised there are more importantthings in life than the size of your hips," She pauses, twisting alarge gold hoop earring and crossing her legs.</p><p>"I don't diet, my life keeps me slim, but you have to be a bitcareful. In Hollywood if you are bigger than size 6 you?reconsidered fat. I'd like to work-out more - I'm too busy to go tothe gym. And I eat out a lot.</p><p>"But I try to walk everywhere ? I love walking my dog, and Itake stairs whenever possible. I often lose or gain weight for acharacter, and for this one first I had to eat pizza and ice creamto gain weight," says the actress.</p><p>She was then told by costume designer Patricia Field (of Sex andthe City fame) she had to lose the pounds right away, to fit intothe clingy outfits she had to wear.</p><p>"It was easy because my boyfriend and I were on vacation on aboat and we had a chef who made really delicious salads and mealsthat were low in calories, and I did yoga and pilates.</p><p>"Once I got on the set, the stress kept the weight down. Nowhalf of it has come back, so it?s not like a foolproof plan. But Ithink people take weight a little too seriously and put a lot toomuch pressure on themselves."</p><p>Dream role</p><p>While Anne was thrilled to land her "dream role" oppositeStreep, on the first day of filming she was just as terrified asthe character she plays.</p><p>"Acting with Meryl was like taking a cold bath of terror. Shewas so cool and supportive, but I did get a little neurotic whenshe would mention other "brilliant" young actresses she had workedwith." (She's referring to Lindsay Lohan, who recently starred withMeryl in A Prairie Home Companion). "I thought, "Oh no, she'ssaying that because I don't measure up.""</p><p>She needn't have worried. Meryl has nothing but praise for herco-star, raving about her "delicious talent".</p><p>"When I first arrived on the set, I was so scared I couldn'tremember my lines," Anne laughs. "Then I relaxed and said, "OK,just have fun because they'll be looking at Meryl anyway, notyou."</p><p>"I think Meryl is tremendous, probably one of the smartestpeople on the planet ? and I am not prone to hyperbole. I wish shewas running the world ? we'd all be a lot happier."</p><p>One moment Anne appears quite guileless, with an aura ofnaivet&eacute;, yet the next she is composed and utterlyconfident.</p><p>"In Hollywood you have to play by everyone else's rules, and Iwill not do that. I won't starve myself or reveal any gory detailsabout my private life," she says.</p><p>Anne is impressed by brains as well as beauty and peppers herconversation with literary and historical allusions.</p><p>It is hardly surprising, given her intellectual bent, that withscripts pouring in, the next film Anne chose after Prada wasBecoming Jane, a portrait of author Jane Austen that examines herromantic relationship with Tom LeFroy, an Irish law student, playedby James McAvoy.</p><p>Maggie Smith and Julie Walters also star.</p><p>"I couldn't love Jane Austen more if I had come from England,"says Anne, who spent two years studying English literature atAmerica's prestigious Vassar College.</p><p>She didn't finish the course because of her film commitments butis now attending New York University in between movies, to completeher degree in English and ? surprisingly - theology.</p><p>"I've always been interested in comparative religion. I wasraised Catholic and left the church when I was 15," she says.</p><p>"I wanted to make my way back to religion, but not in the sameway. I do believe in the Christian values of love andcompassion.</p><p>"My Christianity is the centre of who I am. I can ask God forhelp, and that's something that's been really difficult in my life.I know that he won't necessarily make the pain stop, but he isgoing to get me through it."</p><p>She says Christianity helps her with everything ? from theturbulence of Hollywood to her love life.</p><p>She has had the same boyfriend for three years, 28-year-oldItalian property developer Raffaello Follieri, and rarely talksabout her life with him, but today she's more forthcoming.</p><p>"Having a relationship is incredibly difficult when you bothhave busy work schedules and travel around the world. It helps whenyou love the person, though," she says with a giggle.</p><p>She confides that her biggest extravagance (other than MarcJacobs shoes) is first-class plane tickets.</p><p>She beams. "We have a great time together and it helps to livein New York not Hollywood, because there is a real sense ofcommunity. We just live together ? well, not literally," shesays.</p><p>"I have my own apartment ? I learned that one the hard way."There is another giggle.</p><p>"Girls need to know that you should have your own place first,before you ever move into someone else's apartment. I think youneed to create an individual environment, so you don't getovertaken by the other person. You need your own separateidentity.</p><p>"So we lived together for a few months and then I said, "Youknow what? I don't want to take an emotional step back from therelationship, but I need my own space." So I got my own placealmost two years ago and now we?re talking about moving back intogether."</p><p>Is marriage on the cards? She pulls a child-like face and playswith her toes. "Absolutely, I've always wanted a family. But when Ido get married, it has to be to the person who is going to be mymarathon partner. My parents have been married 25 years in alltheir glory and all the pain that you can imagine, but they'vestayed together."</p><p>Charmed life</p><p>Still close to her family, Anne grew up with her two brothers inNew Jersey. Her father Gerald is a lawyer, her mother Kate McAuleya stage actress.</p><p>She has been acting herself since she was a child and hasostensibly had a charmed life. "There was a lot of love growingup," she says.</p><p>"The greatest thing my parents ever gave to me wasn't that theysupported me financially, which they did, it was that they were notsurprised by my dream. I had a strong sense of imagination thatthey never tried to stop. But It wasn't a fairy-tale childhood,no," says Anne, suddenly becoming defensive when I suggest thatshe's had none of the angst often associated with theprofession.</p><p>"Oh no, I have had huge amounts of suffering, but I can't talkabout it." She trails off.</p><p>"My parents made mistakes but there were so many good thingsthey did. I don't feel comfortable talking about the mistakes," shesays, looking uneasy.</p><p>"They did the best they could and I know that. We have afabulous relationship now and if there were years in between thatwere difficult, then they were difficult. I don't really want to gointo it."</p><p>What she is keen to discuss is her new mission to help alleviateworld poverty. Like her friend Angelina Jolie, she's been involvedwith fundraising ? as well as hands-on charity work.</p><p>"The last celebrity who caught the public's eye for her charitywork was Audrey Hepburn, but she was at a different stage of herlife when she was doing it (Like Angelina, the late actress was aUnited Nations Goodwill ambassador).</p><p>"The thing that's so great about Angie is that she has madecharity work and the global community accessible to a youngergeneration," says Anne.</p><p>"So often when people talk about charity, they imagine youdirty, somewhere rolling around on a hill in Africa, having nottaken a shower, with your hair tied back in a kerchief.</p><p>"Angie shows up looking amazing ? she has made charity sexy andsomething realistic. She told me, "here's exactly what you can do:if you want to feed a family, you can give them three dollars aday." She's done all the investigation. And she's inspired me toget involved and go to Cambodia and ask, "What can I do other thangive money?""</p><p>Anne recently joined her friend on trip contributing to adocumentary in Cambodia, A Moment in the World, to raise awarenessabout poverty in the country.</p><p>She also spent a week vaccinating children in Nicaragua againsthepatitis B.</p><p>Is Anne ever tempted to give up acting and pursue a morealtruistic line of work? "Sometimes I think I am going to become akindergarten teacher and just do good work," she smiles.</p><p>"Really I just love acting, and I know I won't be happy doinganything else. It's the only thing I am passionate about.?</p><p>The Devil Wears Prada will be released on Thursday.Hoodwinked is on general release. Becoming Jane will be releasednext March</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Front row: The people, places and parties that are making our week <br><p> By </p><p>UPDATED:19:00 GMT, 15 October 2011</p><p></p><p>Everything you need to know about the people, the places and the parties, by YOU's very own Front Row girl Amy Williams</p><p></p><p><br></p><p>LOUISE ROE'S FASHION IN FIVE<br></p><p>One of the loveliest girls in British fashion (always frow but never frowning), Louise Roe presents the makeover show Plain Jane in the States and is hosting a UK version from this Wednesday on MTV. She has also designed a range of jewellery and shoes for the website stylistpick.com, where Cheryl Cole will be launching a collection and everything costs £39.95. <br></p><p>CURRENT FAVOURITE A burnt orange blazer from Zara &#8211; I&#8217;ve been blown away by its autumn range &#8211; and M&amp;S leather leggings. <br></p><p>FASHION FAILSAFE Every basic outfit needs spicing up with killer heels. <br></p><p>BIGGEST SPLURGE Gold-toe-capped Louboutins, even though they were half price. <br></p><p>INSPIRATION The 1970s. When I designed the jewellery I had flares and kaftans in mind. <br></p><p>STYLE ICONS Brigitte Bardot and Talitha Getty. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Thrifty Guinness</p><p>Tom Ford has said of Daphne Guinness, &#8216;She is one of the most stylish women living.&#8217; She shares her incomparably fashionable life in a new book. And it&#8217;s not all couture. &#8216;I like going to thrift markets,&#8217; she reveals. &#8216;You can find fake diamond jewellery in [New York&#8217;s] Chinatown if you look. If it&#8217;s not too symmetrical and the metal is slightly blackened, it looks real.&#8217; Daphne Guinness, £30, Yale University Press.</p><p>To order a copy of Daphne Guinness by Valerie Steele and Daphne Guinness for £25, with free p&amp;p, contact the you bookshop on 0843 382 1111, </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>A royal show in Monaco&#8230;</p><p> </p><p>THE DO How appropriate that a gala to celebrate the partnership between Mont Blanc and the Princess Grace Foundation should be like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Guests were flown by helicopter from Nice airport, entertained by opera star Bryn Terfel, Martha and Rufus Wainwright and prima ballerina Gillian Murphy, and served dinner at the impeccably glamorous Hotel de Paris. This was an invitation we were not about to refuse.</p><p>WHO His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco (avec Charlene) hosted a glamorous roster of the international jet set including Naomi Watts, to whom he chatted during dinner, Olivia Palermo, wearing Valentino, and her model boyfriend Johannes Huebl, and Eva Herzigova in a Dolce &amp; Gabbana sundress. <br></p><p><br></p><p>BEATNIK KNACK</p><p>Matalan gives a nifty nod to Prada with this block-pleat beatnik-style minidress. Wear with either black opaques or bright white knee-highs.<br></p><p><br></p><p>They&#8217;re darling</p><p> <br></p><p>SHOES, £370 a pair, Miu Miu, miumiu.com</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>?Front row: Your insider guide to what's hot and what's not<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:23:01 GMT, 9 June 2012</p><p></p><p>Cannes-do Kruger</p><p> </p><p>From left: Diane dazzled in Nina Ricci, Calvin Klein, and Giambattista Valli</p><p>Front Row hopped down to the Riviera for Cannes, which may masquerade as an international film festival but is all about the parties where your stamina is as important as your star rating. Fabulous affairs take place on superyachts, with superstar DJs, supermodel guests and supersized bottles of Dom Perignon. The consumption is conspicuous and the people-watching more so. <br></p><p>We dragged ourselves off Cavalli&#8217;s leopard-print-lined yacht to make it to the Belvedere (Red) event, where the party piece was a 250-litre bottle of vodka. We spotted Cyndi Lauper duetting with Ronnie Wood, Olivia Grant dancing at the same table as Jermain Defoe and Chris O&#8217;Dowd brushing shoulders with the Ecclestone sisters. And the best dressed? Diane Kruger (above) &#8211; the German actress was at any do worth going to avec the best accessory in town: Joshua Jackson. <br></p><p> <br></p><p>Gold, the new novel by British writer Chris Cleave, uncovers the private lives of athletes, what drives them to succeed and how much it really means to win&#8230; Race to finish it before the Olympic opening ceremony. Published by Sceptre, £16.99. To order a copy for £14.99 with free p&amp;P, contact the YOU Bookshop, tel: 0843 382 1111, or visit </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>Surf the web</p><p> has collaborated with swimwear label Zimmermann for an exclusive collection of rash guards for the most stylish of surf bums. From £129.34.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Cutting-wedge fashionOh, to be prancing about in Positano in Prada&#8217;s perfect patterned platforms, £450, tel: 020 7647 5000, prada.com.</p><p><br> </p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>They're darling</p><p>Earrings, £35, No 1 Jenny Packham at Debenhams, tel: 08445 616161, </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?Trying for a role in Gossip Girl? The Dark Knight Rises star Gary Oldman and younger wife are seen as Blake Lively shoots scenes<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:06:28 GMT, 18 July 2012 UPDATED:08:48 GMT, 18 July 2012</p><p>It seems Gary Oldman is still young at heart.</p><p>For the 54-year-old Dark Knight Rises star looked excited to be swanning past the set of Gossip Girl in New York today as Blake Lively shot scenes just inches away.</p><p>He was all smiles as his much younger wife Alexandra Edenborough walked by his side, perhaps hoping she might follow in his famous footsteps and land a role on the melodramatic teenage show.</p><p>Perhaps Gary and the 34-year-old musician like nothing more than tuning into the hit drama when they are enjoying some down time at their California residence.</p><p></p><p>Gary's fourth wife was born in Somerset but now works as a jazz singer in Los Angeles, and is 19 years his junior.</p>?Handbags at dawn! Giorgio Armani slams Prada for faddish and 'ugly' designs<br> <p> By <br>UPDATED:15:52 GMT, 24 June 2011</p><p>It is an industry notorious for inflated egos and drama, drama, drama.<br></p><p>But tempers have become increasingly frayed as earlier this week Giorgio Armani denounced the fashion world, criticizing fellow designers for their 'ugly' creations.<br></p><p>At Milan Fashion week on Tuesday, the 76-year-old Italian designer claimed that brands such as Prada and Dolce &amp; Gabbana make men look ridiculous and blamed the media for not being more damming.</p><p>He said Miuccia Prada, was clever for her 'irony...and bad taste that becomes chic' but that her creations are 'sometimes ugly.'<br></p><p></p><p>The designer, popular with the likes of George Clooney and Megan Fox, also expressed distaste at the corporate worlds intervention into high fashion, noted as a direct reference to Prada's decision to float on the Hong Kong stock exchange.</p><p>Giorgio founded his company Armani in 1975 and currently has an annual turnover of $1.6 billion along with a personal fortune of $7 billion.</p><p>He stressed how his financial independence means that his designs remain free from faddish influence. <br></p><p>After his spring/summer 2012 menswear show he said: 'Fashion is in the in the hands of the banks and the stock market.</p><p>'It no longer belongs to the owners, but to those above them. I still haven&#8217;t been able to understand how the banks influence our line of work - it&#8217;s a mystery.'</p><p>This outburst coincides with Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaia's tirade on Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld.</p><p>Thedesigner who recently turned down the job to take over Christian Dior after John Galliano was fired, told Virgine magazine: 'Anna runs the business (Vogue) very well, but not the fashion part. <br></p><p>'When I see how she is dressed, I don't believe in her tastes one second.</p><p>'Anyway, who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one. <br></p><p>Healso hit out at Chanel's creative director Karl Lagerfeld, saying that his work is overrated: 'I don't like his fashion, his spirit, his attitude. It's too much caricature.' </p><p>Giorgio known today for his slick, tailored creations was given a substantial boost when Richard Gere wore one of his suits in the film American Gigolo in 1980.<br></p><p>His brand now includes six major fashion lines and extends to homewares, chocolates and even hotels. <br></p><p>He added: 'I don&#8217;t have debts. Instead, Prada&#8217;sproblem is that they have to pay back the money that the banks spent tobuild up the brand.</p><p>'There are thousands of ways to make money. But for me, I don&#8217;t want to wind up having to knock on the door of some Thai managers to explain myself.'</p><p></p>?More dash than cash: Get glossy style on a budget<p><br>UPDATED:09:47 GMT, 5 October 2009</p><p>Want to look like you've just stepped out of the pages of Vogue but can't afford to? Here, we reveal its tips for bargains... <br></p><p>A</p><p>ANTIQUES FAIRS</p><p>Fashion photographer Tim Walker is often spotted sifting through the stalls at Ardingly Antiques Fair in West Sussex. It's a great destination for vintage eiderdowns, cushions and furniture. Next dates, October 27 and 28, dmgantiquefairs.com. <br></p><p>Cath Kidston sends her scouts to Sunbury Antiques Market for inspiring vintage clothes. Entrance is free. Next dates, October 13 and 27. Kempton Park Racecourse, Middlesex, 01932 230946. <br></p><p>AFTERCARE</p><p>Hasthe buckle on your Burberry trench bust? Is your Prada handbag zip lessthan zippy? Many designer labels offer an aftercare service. Prada willrepair any items, while Burberry is happy to replace buckles, belts andbuttons. Gucci even has an aftersales department in which to'hospitalise' damaged goods. </p><p>B</p><p>BEAUTY</p><p>Marcia Kilgore, founder of Bliss spas, claims that her Soap &amp; Glory Make Yourself Youthful Serum is probably the best anti-ageing product she has ever made. And, at £13, we're inclined to agree (blisslondon.com). <br></p><p>Sally's Hair And Beauty wholesalers has got to grips with all your hair and beauty needs. Pick up anything from curling tongs to tweezers (08456 014861, sallyexpress.com). </p><p>BORROW</p><p>If only more people would allow you to borrow something before you're made to part with your pennies. Knitwear designer Keep &amp; Share will do exactly that - it will even refund your postage if you decide to return the item (keepandshare.co.uk). <br></p><p></p><p>C</p><p>CHARITY SHOPS</p><p>There are more Oxfams in Britain than you can throw a shrunken cashmere sweater at. Here are a selection worth travelling to: Edinburgh's Nicolson Street store is great for designer seconds - items by Armani, D&amp;G and Missoni have all been spotted instore recently (0131 662 4498). <br></p><p>For homeware, head to the Truro branch (01872 278792). The hottest tip is Manchester's Oldham Street branch, where WAGs deposit their unwanted Ginas and Versaces (0161 228 3797). <br></p><p>Eastbourne's charity shops are bursting with vintage treasures. Best of the bunch are the British Red Cross (01323 412787), the British Heart Foundation (01323 640213) and Help The Aged (01323 412485). </p><p>CUSTOMISE</p><p>'If you have a leather jacket, but have over-worn it, then cut the arms off, turn it into a waistcoat and hammer some studs into it,' says designer Alice Temperley. </p><p>Designers Katie Walsh and Fiamma Poltock, say: 'Transform an old LBD by visiting The Cloth House in Berwick Street, London W1, stockedwith wonderful silk chiffon. Buy two metres of one colour, or fourhalf-metres of some tonal colours, and make two sets of ruffles to sewon to the dress's shoulders.' (020 7437 5155, clothhouse.com.) </p><p>D</p><p>DYE</p><p>Fashion designer Sara Berman adores Dylon dyes. 'They're great for updating tired garments,' she says. Dylon dyes are £4.80 each, at John Lewis, 08456 049049.</p><p>E</p><p>EXCHANGE</p><p>Could you squeeze into one of Kylie's cast- offs? The diminutive songstress is a fan of DeuxiEme, a swap-shop on the New King's Road stocking designer and vintage items. Sell on your own goodies to earn credit (020 7736 3696; deuxieme.co.uk). </p><p>Or try going along to a Swishing party, provided you bring at least one quality garment to swap. Private parties can also be organised - after all, you might want to know who exactly got that Chanel jacket. (swishing.org).</p><p>F</p><p>FLOWERS</p><p>'Head to New Covent Garden Market in Vauxhall (020 7720 2211) for orchids before hosting a dinner party,' says Pringle creative director Clare Waight Keller. 'They're so affordable, you can get double the normal amount and create a fantastic arrangement.' </p><p>FRINGING</p><p>'Buy fringes and add them in sections to a top or a jacket to create a very cool look,' advises designer Emilio de la Morena. We recommend a looped fringe, 95p a metre, at ribbonmoon.co.uk. <br></p><p>G<br></p><p>GOLD PLATING</p><p>'Gold or silver plate your High Street jewellery to give it longevity,' says designer Joanna Sykes. It costs between £10 and £40 at City Gold Plating, Leather Lane, London EC1 (020 7831 8825; goldplatingspecialist.co.uk). <br></p><p>H<br></p><p>HABERDASHERY<br></p><p>Spinster'sEmporium is a delightfully designed site. Vintage fabric costs from £4a half-metre, with free p&amp;p, and there's a gift service(spinstersemporium.co.uk). </p><p>Buy sewing and knitting machines, from £129, at outlet site discountsewing.co.uk and learn how to use them at Just Sew, 33 North Road, Brighton (01273 689108). </p><p>'Feathers add luxury to your wardrobe,' says designer Katie Eary. 'Barnett Lawson Trimmings, London W1, has all colours, sizes and species.' (020 7636 8591, bltrimmings.com.) </p><p>Channel the spirit of Givenchy's autumn/winter 2009 collection and create feathered headwear with spectacular plumage, £4.95 a metre, at Bedecked in Hay-on-Wye (bedecked.co.uk). <br></p><p>I</p><p>INTERIORS</p><p>Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers has taken old favourites from her wardrobe and had them transformed into lampshades by Caroline Ashworth. What better way to continue enjoying clothing you no longer wear? (01986 874417, or email lampshades@ carolineashworth.com.) </p><p>SkinFlint in Falmouth, Cornwall, sells reclaimed and salvaged lighting from 1900 to 1960. The industrial fittings look fresh and distinctive, and cost far less than a designer shade (01326 314528, skinflint design.co.uk). </p><p>Zara Home (zarahome.co.uk) has bold prints, vibrant colours and good-quality furnishings that belie their price - the nursery range is excellent. </p><p>Personalise your stationery with a stamp commissioned from Blade Rubbers in Bury Place, London WC1 (020 7831 4123. bladerubberstamps.co.uk). <br></p><p>J</p><p>JEWELLERY</p><p>Rock 'n Rose is perfect for those coveting quirky charms and fauxvintage pendants. Look out for the 'Can't speak French' gold pendants spelling 'oui' and 'non', the octopus and the pocket-watch locket. From £10 (rocknrose.co.uk). </p><p>You've set your heart on a £20,000 diamond ring, but your head is advising you otherwise. Timothy Roe Fine Jewellery of South Street, Chichester (01243 538313), will craft designs to suit a more modest budget, working in any precious metal or gemstone.</p><p>K</p><p>KNITTING</p><p>Stitch &amp; Bitch London is just one branch of the popular knitophiles' network. Members encourage others to 'knit fast, purl young' (stitchandbitch london.co.uk). </p><p>Not only does North London-based yarn specialist Loop sell all your knitting needs, it also offers troubleshooting clinics, classes, and rails of knitwear from international designers (020 7288 1160, loopknitting.com). <br></p><p>L</p><p>LINGERIE<br></p><p>Want to channel the simple chic of a Galliano slip dress? Pick up a perfect-bias-cut slip at Blackout II, Endell Street, London WC2 - its lingerie collection dates back to the 1930s. Better still, pick up several and dye them in the jewel colours of autumn (020 7240 5006; blackout2.com). <br></p><p>The Vogue fashion team often visits whatkatiedid.com for vintage-reproduction lingerie for its photoshoots. We love the beautiful 1950s-style satin Harlow Bullet bra, £27.50. <br></p><p>M</p><p>MILLINERY</p><p>Create your own flower fascinator using wired ribbon, from VV Rouleaux ( 020 7224 5179, vvrouleaux.com) or The Sewing Rooms (020 8780 0126), bent into the shape of a flower. Fix on a comb and add lace, gems or feathers. <br></p><p>N</p><p>NIGHT CLASSES</p><p>TheAlison Victoria School of Sewing in Leicester offers beginners' classesin customising, alteration, recycling denim and creating bags. Coursesare just £35 for a half-day, or you can book a private tutorial for £65an hour (schoolof sewing.co.uk). <br></p><p>Or try mastering the art of the perfect smoky eyes or vermilion lips with an online make-up tutorial. Try Illamasqua's Art Of Application videos at illamasqua.com and Kevin Murphy's podcasts at kevinmurphystore.com. </p><p>At West Dean College's Upcycle programme in Chichester, students can learn anything from simple basics, such as How To Make A Skirt, to the more outlandish Machine Embroidery Inspired By Klimt (westdean.org.uk). <br></p><p>O</p><p>OUTLET OFFERS</p><p>Factory Shop in Bath (01749 O340583) offers discontinued lines and factory samples of ready-to-wear collections and accessories. Swathe yourself in cashmere at the factory outlet of Begg Scotland in Ayr (01292267615). Scarves start from £15, while throws go for just £80.</p><p>Le Creuset (0845 313 7502) has several outlets, but the store atGunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, is one of the largest. The classiccast-iron cooking pots are marked at 30 per cent off its retail price,while discontinued lines go for up to 50 per cent less. </p><p>P</p><p>PATTERNS</p><p>Vintagesewing patterns are a delight - even if you can't so much as thread aneedle, you can enjoy the pretty packaging. Buy yours at Masqueryde inRyde, Isle of Wight (01983 566333, masqueryde.co.uk). </p><p>Q</p><p>QUILTING</p><p>Thisseason's Chanel 2.55 quilted handbag will set you back £1,715. For aless eye-watering investment, Banana Republic's mini-purse on a goldchain caught Vogue's eye. It's only £85. For branches, phone 020 71491300. <br></p><p>R</p><p>REPAIRS</p><p>Breathe new life into long-forgotten shoes and bags at Mayfair Cobblers. Vogue fashion assistant Verity Parker had her Chanel handbag rejuvenated for just £25. For branches, phone 020 7491 3426. <br></p><p>The Queens of Vintage (Queensofvintage.com/category/make-mend) website has a special section dedicated to teaching customisation and repair techniques. Check it out before you chuck it out. <br></p><p>S</p><p>SHOES</p><p>KateKanzier's £15 sandals saw a stampede of Vogue girls descending on herLeather Lane emporium. Her bags, from £20, are equally on-trend, andhighly covetable (020 7242 7232, katekanzier.com). </p><p>'Add something special tosimple courts, strappy sandals or ballet flats with shoe clips,' saysshoe designer Charlotte Olympia. </p><p>'It's easy to make them from old trimmings, silk flowers and costume jewellery. For something more permanent, try embellishing an old pair of Converse trainers with studs and rivets.' <br></p><p>SHOULDER PADS</p><p>'Add shoulder pads to your boyfriend's cashmere sweater,' say Preen designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi. 'Go see the shoulder-pad lady at John Lewis (08456 049049) for an instant, effortlessly cool look.' <br></p><p>T</p><p>TAILORS</p><p>Agnews of Spring Street, Brighton (01273 739441), will take up and hand-finish a pair of men's smart trousers for just £13. Owner Adrian Kenward is usually dressed head-to-toe in 1940s garb, and is an excellent source of information about caring for your own vintage items. </p><p>Have your High Street denim altered and customised for a fit worthy of a designer at Mo's Tailoring, South Molton Street, London W1 (020 7493 9718). A taper and cuff will cost you between £16 and £25. <br></p><p>U</p><p>USEFUL BOOKS</p><p>Orchids On Your Budget, by MarjorieHillis (Virago Press, £10), has tips for thrifty living which are asrelevant today as when they were first published in 1937. Departmentstore John Lewis has refreshed its famous wartime pamphlet ofmoney-saving tips for keeping house - Make Do And Mend (£5) - which isfilled with crafts, nifty repairs and fashion fixes. </p><p>How To Feed A Man With Love, byStasha Butterfly ( Krackencreative, £20), is a curiously compelling andessential guide for Stepford Wives-in-waiting. </p><p>Kid Made Modern-52 Kid-FriendlyProjects Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Design, by Todd Oldham (AmmoBooks, £15), will get your children recycling through projects thatwill also keep them away from Messrs Disney and Nintendo.</p><p>V</p><p>VINTAGE</p><p>Wardrobe,the vintage clothing store, of Upper North Street, Brighton(01273202201), is like a showgirl's dressing room - dazzling. Sequined,embroidered and marabou-trimmed gowns hang alongside a covetablecollection of Art Deco jewellery. </p><p>Naomi Thompson's website Vintagesecret.com's stockof Frank Usher, Alice Pollock and Emilio Pucci vintage caused such astir, she now offers bespoke tea and dinner parties for her fans.</p><p>W</p><p>WEDDINGS</p><p>Want to exchange your vows in something old? Natasha Bailie sources vintage dresses and accessories from all over the world. She's also happy to find your heart's desire if she doesn't already have it (020 3286 7337; natashabailie.com). <br></p><p>XYZ<br></p><p>XL</p><p>Do your bit for the environment by cutting down on packaging and buying your favourite beauty products in bulk: Purity Cleanser by Philosophy, £30 for a litre, at qvcuk.com; Aveda Shampure Shampoo, £26 for a litre, at aveda.co.uk; Dermalogica Pump Size Special Cleansing Gel, £38 for 500ml, 0800 591818. <br></p><p>ZIPS</p><p>The Sewing Rooms, of Lacy Road, Putney, Southwest London (02087800126), has got every type and colour of zip you'll need. It's an open and shut case.</p><p>The Conde Nast Publications Ltd. See the full A-Z directory in the More Dash Than Cash issue of VOGUE (below right), out on Thursday. <br></p><p></p>?Glum Sofia Vergara and ex Nick Loeb leave separately after meeting at New York restaurant<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:41 GMT, 3 June 2012 UPDATED:07:10 GMT, 4 June 2012</p><p></p><p>Judging by the looks on their faces, it perhaps wasn't the most enjoyable of lunch dates.</p><p>Less than a month after splitting, Sofia Vergara and Nick Loeb were spotted leaving a New York restaurant separately today.</p><p>Both looked somewhat glum as they headed out of the Max Brenner Chocolate Shop restaurant in the Big Apple.</p><p> </p><p>Sofia dressed to show off her curvy figure in a pair of tight-fitting blue jeans - while Nick went casual injeans and a T-shirt.</p><p>Ahead of her lunch outing, Sofia was spotted running errands, teetering along in a pair of six-inch peep-toe shoes.</p><p> </p><p>But the fabric of her jeans was maybe a little too tight as she appeared to have trouble walking.</p><p>The fiery brunette went to hail a cab outside her SoHo hotel and couldn't walk as freely because of the restrictive clothing.</p><p>The Modern Family star paired the jeans with a simple black tank top and accessorised with a large cream Prada bag.</p><p>Coincidentally, funny man Jim Carrey was also seen in the area and was pictured leaving Sofia's hotel although it is unknown if he went to visit her.</p><p>Sofia has just returned from a fun trip to London and arrived at JFK on Friday wearing some neon colours.</p><p>She had attended the Glamour magazine Women of the Year Awards where she spent time with her friends Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria and also managed to fit in a photoshoot.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Vergara is preparing to hit the big 4-0 in less than six weeks, and admitted earlier this year hitting the landmark age had made her assess her fertility.</p><p>She had her son Manolo aged 20 with her ex-husband, childhood sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, but is unsure whethershe will have another child.</p><p>She said: 'I guess I am going to think about freezing my eggs.'</p><p>However, because she is ageing so well, Vergara admits she's not so worried about becoming middle-aged.</p><p>She added: 'I remember thinking when my mom was 40 that she was done.</p><p>'I am on these lists for "best ass" or"most beautiful" with women like Mila Kunis, who&#8217;s, like, 20 years old.I have a son that age!'</p><p>Vergara split from boyfriend, multimillionaire tycoon Loeb, last month after two years of dating.<br></p><p>The 36-year-old was apparently keen on settling down with the spicy Latina actress.</p><p>But she reportedly enjoys living the partying Hollywood life style, and was not keen on leaving it behind.</p><p>She had previously helped him recover from a serious car accident in 2010, and had even said she would back him when he considered running for the US Senate.</p><p>An insider said: 'It was never a good match. She is fiery and free-spirited and wants to enjoy life to the fullest by traveling and going to parties and events.</p><p>'He's very concerned with his businesses, political aspirations and ultimately settling down.'</p><br><br><br><p> </p>?<p>MOTION PICTURES <br>- Picture, Drama: "The Descendants." <br>- Picture, Musical or Comedy: "The Artist." <br>- Actor, Drama: George Clooney, "The Descendants." <br>- Actress, Drama: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady." <br>- Director: Martin Scorsese, "Hugo." <br>- Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist." <br>- Actress, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn." <br>- Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners." <br>- Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, "The Help." <br>- Foreign Language: "A Separation." <br>- Animated Film: "The Adventures of Tintin." <br>- Screenplay: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris." <br>- Original Score: Ludovic Bource, "The Artist." <br>- Original Song: "Masterpiece" (music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry), "W.E." <br></p><p>TELEVISION <br>- Series, Drama: "Homeland," Showtime. <br>- Series, Musical or Comedy: "Modern Family," ABC. <br>- Actor, Drama: Kelsey Grammer, "Boss." <br>- Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, "Homeland." <br>- Actress, Musical or Comedy: Laura Dern, "Enlightened." <br>- Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt LeBlanc, "Episodes." <br>- Miniseries or Movie: "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)," PBS. <br>- Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce." <br>- Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Idris Elba, "Luther." <br>- Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story." <br>- Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones." <br><br>PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED <br>Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Morgan Freeman.</p>?Vivienne Westwood's Shackleton chic <p>When Vivienne Westwood puts her mind to something, she is not going to do it half-heartedly - as she proved with her Milan Fashion Week show over the weekend.</p><p>As part of her campaign to raise awareness about global warming, Westwood dressed her models as if they had just come back from the Arctic.</p><p>The jumpers, scarves, suits and colourful t-shirts might not have protected very much against sub-zero temperatures, but the models were all shaggy beards and moustaches with icicles dripping from them.</p><p></p><p>As well as drawing attention to climate change, Westwood was paying homage to David Attenborough's BBC series, Frozen Planet.<br></p><p>The designer was apparently dissapointed that the final episode - 'where he explains that we humans are responsible for the ice melt' - will not be aired in the U.S.<br></p><p>One model had a pirate quality, dressed in belted roomy black trousers and a black sweater with strategic holes in the sides suggesting hardship, but oozing style.</p><p>Arctic inspiration: The collection includes clothes for all your exploring needs - although they might not quite be warm enough</p><p> </p><p>Others wore sherling coats over thickknit high-neck sweaters with and comfortable trousers. Scarves were notnecessarily for the neck, but tied around the waist provided an extra layer against the cold.<br></p><p>Oncesafe in civilization, the returning explorers could change into something more indoorsy, perhaps, say a tartan plaid suit paired with identical shirt and tie. <br></p><p>Westwood allows for all kinds of Arctic related attire - and shows it will suit literally any type of facial hair.<br></p>Armani mixes it up<p>Armani killed two birds with one stone yesterday by getting female models to show off the pre-fall collection alongside their male counterparts.</p><p>The winter 2013 menswear collection was subdued but not somber, revisiting old classics and giving them a contemporary twist.</p><p>The favorite item of the collection is the scarf, the perennial security blanket.</p><p>Almost as wide as a pashmina, or long and skinny like a football scarf, or kerchief style, the new scarf shields the Armani man from chill winds, whatever their origin.</p><p>The latest Emporio suit has a classic if rather close to the body jacket and a slim trouser. Ties are optional.</p>And finally... bare cheek at Frankie Morello<p>Frankie Morello's show attracted more attention for what the models were not wearing than Morello designs on Saturday...</p><p>Frankie Morello draws attention to his show - because of what the models are NOT wearing!<br></p><p> </p><p><br></p>?Reality bites: Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan will never win an award&#8230; except for turning up to parties<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:19:16 GMT, 16 January 2012</p><p>They are three of the most of high profile names in American popular culture and they can always be spotted on the red carpet despite not having any real talent.</p><p>Last night, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton were invited to one of Hollywood's most exclusive parties and got as close as they ever will to a Golden Globe award.</p><p>The trio of party girls got to rub shoulders with A-list celebrities despite not being successful respected thespians themselves.</p><p>She said: 'Who was your favorite at the Golden Globes? Angelina Jolie was everything to me!'</p><p>Paris, 30, was the original celebrity socialite after shooting to fame when a sex tape was leaked by her ex-boyfriend Rick Salomon in 2003 called 1 Night in Paris.</p><p>The Simple Life star arrived at The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party in a classy floor length gold gown.</p><p>Ironically the party was held at The Beverly Hilton hotel which was founded by Paris's great-grandfather Conrad Hilton.</p><p>The million dollar heiress, who was joined by her sister Nicky, wore her hair up and gave her well practiced pout a run out on the red carpet.</p><p>Troubled star Lindsay Lohan, who was also at the event, is the only one of the group that actually acts for a living.</p><p>The 25-year-old wore a cream silk Prada dress with nude coloured heels and her blonde hair was draped over her shoulders.</p><p>She explained that her recently bleached hair is for a part she is currently playing as a mobster's daughter named Victoria Gotti.</p><p>'The hair's done for the role ', Lohan said.</p><p>LiLo wanted to let her hair down at the glitzy bash after completing two more morgue visits on Friday and Saturday as part of her probation.<br></p><p>The Mean Girls star, who once won the Worst Actress Award at The Razzies in 2011, is halfway through her probation and is due in court tomorrow for a progress report with Judge Stephanie Sautner.</p><p>Other stars at the Weinstein party included Cameron Diaz, who wore a silk blue dress that showed off her defined body, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol star Paula Patton who looked radiant in a yellow dress.<br></p><p>With a host of glamorous females on show the men in attendance had a tough act to follow.</p><p>Luckily two of the biggest heartthrobs in cinema history were able to represent for the boys and Gerard Butler and Rob Lowe gave their best poses for the event.</p><p>Both men dressed in black tuxedos and looked slick as they partied together. While Gerard opted for a bow-tie, Rob chose to wear a a standard black tie.</p><p> </p><p>Brit action man Jason Statham was also in the building and was escorted by his model girlfriend turned actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely.</p><p>The English contingent continued with Lady Victoria Hervey who wore a gold halterneck dress.</p><p>Singer Natasha Bedingfield also attended and she wore a black lace dress that complemented her slim figure.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p>?Goodbye friends, family, Prada bag: Meet the woman who threw it all away for a new life<br><p>By </p><p>UPDATED:20:00 GMT, 25 December 2010</p><p></p><p> Unfulfilled by her high-flying lifestyle, Crista Cloutier decided to sell her prized possessions &#8211; from her designer wardrobe to her pots and pans &#8211; to fund a fresh start in rural France</p><p> Three years ago I fled an enviable career in the USA as a dealer in the high-powered international art world. Some called it a midlife crisis, but I prefer to think of it as a midlife correction. I simply couldn&#8217;t bear the idea of one more gallery opening, museum gala, or cocktail party. I wanted something different; to kick off my Jimmy Choos, run away and find something more authentic. And so I did.<br></p><p>I am not the first person to re-create her life. Indeed, as the world suffers from financial meltdowns, women everywhere are being <br>forced to redefine themselves. Change can be frightening, especially if it&#8217;s not of one&#8217;s own making. But change can also bring opportunity, with the deepest rewards found in the effort.<br></p><p>On the surface, I had the perfect life: a gorgeous bungalow in sunny Arizona, frequent first-class travel, a stellar career in the glamorous art world. Parties peppered my diary, while shopping filled my weekends and my wardrobes.<br></p><p>This life came about by accident. I had studied photography at university. But somehow my sideline selling art to pay my way through college developed into my profession. Two decades later, as I approached my 40s, I was at the peak of my career, yet inside I was unfulfilled as I yearned to express my own creative urgings. <br></p><p>It began as I sat at my desk trying to shake what I thought were the Monday-morning blues. A colleague joked, &#8216;It&#8217;s days like these that make me want to move to France.&#8217;<br></p><p>Something in my heart sighed, &#8216;Yes.&#8217;<br></p><p>&#8216;But that&#8217;s ridiculous,&#8217; I thought as I turned to a glossy arts magazine and began thumbing through it. Ten years earlier I had spent some time at a small arts school for American students in a remote Provencal village. The idea of returning to this idyllic hamlet suddenly seized me. Perhaps I might rediscover the sense of inspiration that <br>I&#8217;d experienced there years before? Was that the last time I&#8217;d felt inspired, I wondered?<br></p><p>As I continued to flip through the magazine dreamily, I remembered an American artist I&#8217;d met who lived there. What was his name? As I turned the page, my heart stopped. I have no memory for names whatsoever but I always remember pictures. There, in front of me, was an article about his work, the very artist I had just been thinking of who lived in Provence. I put down the magazine. I had made my decision. <br></p><p>The idea of leaving my life behind wasn&#8217;t rational but I believed I had received a sign. <br>For that brief instant, I had hope that my life might be different, a better reflection of what I felt inside. I gripped my decision with single-minded determination. &#8216;This is your chance,&#8217; something whispered to me. <br></p><p>I couldn&#8217;t afford to live in France. I&#8217;d have to get a car, a place to stay, and I had my share of credit-card debt. But one look around my house and I realised I might be able to bankroll this madcap idea. You see, I was the sort of girl who liked to buy things. Shop girls lit up when I entered their doors. Now all this stuff I had accumulated was going to find a new home in order to fund mine. <br></p><p>Like most people, I tended to identify myself by my possessions. As I began selling my precious belongings &#8211; the contemporary art collection, the classic-film library, the stainless-steel pots and pans &#8211; the doubts crept in. By the time my antique furniture was going under the hammer I had become an insomniac, pacing the floor each night racked with fear.<br></p><p>My family and friends were supportive, though they thought I was mad. After I left my job, new and exciting offers began trickling in. I was tempted and my resolve wavered, but I grimly persevered. Whatever had gripped me about moving to France refused to let go.</p><p>Time, which had always run ahead of me, slowed to a carefree saunter. With nowhere to be, I found my own pace</p><p>It was a week before D-day when I broke. I&#8217;d been feeling wobbly, but had spent the previous few months so totally focused on shedding the last remains of my American life there wasn&#8217;t time for emotion. Suddenly, the tears were falling furiously for having been denied. I wailed &#8211; for my family and friends, my house, my books, my beautiful things, my Prada bag, for God&#8217;s sake. And for what? The unknown. I was terrified that nothing would ever fill the void of what was gone. I would spend the rest of my life empty. But something kept pushing me forward, a belief in something more, more to life than pretty clothes and parties. More to me.<br></p><p>What would I do in France? I had no plan. I didn&#8217;t even speak the language. I had spent so much of my life exhaling &#8211; working, spending, striving and trying to please &#8211; that I needed to inhale, to be inspired. <br></p><p>When I finally arrived in France with my whole life funnelled into two (well, OK, three) suitcases, I was exhausted. I moved into a remote 400-year-old farmhouse. It was nearing winter time, though autumn&#8217;s vivid reds and golds still painted the wild landscape. The only sound came from the wind, which was relentless and bitterly cold. I learned to haul wood and build a fire. My thoughts were my only company as they kept repeating, &#8216;What the hell have you done?&#8217; I moved between exhilaration and terror, faith and doubt, white wine and rose. <br></p><p>I spent the first ten days clinging to the fireplace for warmth and the bottle for comfort, using my tear-soaked tissues as kindling. With no television to distract, I could stay by the fire all winter or I could create each day. The freedom was paralysing. But slowly, fear released her clutch and I began to paint a new picture of my life. <br></p><p>I ventured into the wild French landscape and was surrounded by beauty. I began taking long country walks. Me, the girl who considered a long walk to be from one end of the shopping mall to the other. Now I tramped for miles each day. I got lost but realised that I could always find my way. I learned to trust my instincts. <br></p><p>I got strong. I began looking at the steep hills as challenges instead of inconveniences. I would attack them, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other until I conquered them.<br></p><p>I got tough. At the bottom of the mountain was a natural spring. Twice each week I would make my way down with empty water containers, fill them and lug them home. It was backbreaking, and I could have driven the car, but I felt capable. <br></p><p>I got dirty. No make-up, broken nails, hair tied back; denim became my new uniform. It was liberating and even though I could have used a hot bath, I felt beautiful.<br></p><p>I got quiet. For someone who made a living talking to people, it was strange to find myself with no one to talk to. I missed the musical ring of my mobile phone. The silence was deafening at first, but gradually gave way to peace.<br></p><p>I started carrying my camera and began to take pictures, tentatively at first but soon everything seemed to catch my eye. In time, I became drawn to children&#8217;s swings. They were beautiful weathered objects that swung alone, forgotten, in the wind. Perhaps I identified with them?<br></p><p>I only had a bit of money left after selling my things and paying off debts. I was now on a tight budget so shopping was out of the question. I came to understand the difference between &#8216;want&#8217; and &#8216;need&#8217;, and the freedom that comes from having less. Now, I spent hours admiring the stars in the night-time sky. I was satisfied with this simple life, and realised it was the emptiness inside me that had always wanted more.<br></p><p>Time, which had always run ahead of me, slowed to a carefree saunter. With nowhere to be, I found my own pace. They say that our fears are future-based, and to overcome them we must hold on to the present moment. The moments were dazzling as I constantly pinched myself: &#8216;I&#8217;m here! I did it!&#8217; And magic became part of my life, revealing that I wasn&#8217;t really alone. During one walk, miles from anywhere, a huge thunderstorm opened the skies. I saw a path and ducked into the forest, only to find a chair sitting under the trees as if it was waiting to offer me shelter. <br></p><p>Yes, I was lonely. But loneliness is only a stop on the way when you follow your path. I&#8217;d put too much responsibility on things and people to occupy me. I slowly came to realise that I am the only company I need.<br></p><p>I would spend six months alone in France before I met an Englishman, fell in love and moved to London. It was sad to leave but I found I could now trust myself and could look towards the next chapter with confident anticipation. My life has changed immeasurably since I jumped off the cliff and found that I could fly. I believe I found the life I was looking for. I&#8217;m now an artist myself, I write, and I help other artists to attain their dreams. And I have never looked back.<br></p>?Walk like Greased Lightning! Prada's hot rod shoes are firing up the fashion world with flaming heels and tailfin touches<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:12:26 GMT, 17 January 2012</p><br><p>Hailed as a product of the Golden Era of automobile design, American tailfin cars are undoubtedly things of beauty. Perfectly sculptured, with dramatic paint jobs and flourishes like flaming exhaust pipes and highly polished chrome metalwork, they are as desirable today as they were in the Fifties and Sixties when they were first created. In fact, their eye-catching aesthetic makes for fertile fodder for fashion designers looking for inspiration. But few borrow quite so literally from the tailfin's design motifs as Miuccia Prada. <br></p><p>For her spring/summer 2012 collection, Miuccia designed a collection of shoes heavily inspired by the American tailfin era. Colours are bold Cadillac red and racing green. Flames burst from the back of the shoes in the way they would from a hot rod's exhaust pipe. Detailing on the shoes comes from the highly polished chrome metal work, or the geometric shapes of the cars' tailfins.</p><p> </p><br>?1. Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere shaving gel <br>£22, mankind.co.uk 2. Murdock Chatsworth razor £61, murdocklondon.com 3. Murdock shaving brush £70, murdocklondon.com 4. DR Harris &amp; Co Arlington shaving bowl <br>£21, murdocklondon.com 5. L'Occitane Cade shaving cream <br>£13.75, uk.loccitane.com 6. Dovo of Solingen buffalo-horn cut-throat razor£210, carterandbond.com<br><br>7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream £90, mankind.co.uk 8. Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer £55.70, mankind.co.uk 9. Clarins Line-Control Eye Balm £28, boots.com 10. Zirh Clean face wash £15, mankind.co.uk 11. Nickel Mug Shot face mask £20, mankind.co.uk 12. Dior Homme Dermo System age-control cream <br>£58, boots.com <br><br><br><br><br><p>Left to right: Molton Brown gift set, Elemis Men's Grooming set and Prada Infusion d'Homme</p><p> </p><br>13. Molton Brown gift set £65, moltonbrown.co.uk <br>Body wash, hydrator and scent. 14. Elemis Men's Grooming set £40.50, debenhams.com <br>Face wash, skin scrub, shaving gel, moisture boost, SOS cream. 15. Prada Infusion d'Homme £106, prada.com <br>With 30ml travel bottle and funnel. <br><p>Left to right: Diptyque Tam Dao, Emporio Armani Diamonds, Hugo XY, Calvin Klein MAN and Dior Eau Sauvage</p><br>16. Diptyque Tam Dao £57, spacenk.co.uk 17. Emporio Armani Diamonds £25, superdrug.com 18. Hugo XY £24, theperfumeshop.com 19. Calvin Klein MAN £33, boots.com 20. Dior Eau Sauvage £54, boots.com <br>1. Bulldog Moisturiser, <br>£6.99; Shaving Gel, £3.99; Face Wash, £5.19, meetthebulldog.com <br>2. Nivea Gel, £4.35; Post-Shave Balm, £6.79, niveaformen.co.uk <br><br><br><p>Left to right: Gillette Fusion On Tour set, Fusion Phenom Power Razor, L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Set and L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Sensitive Set</p><br>3. Gillette Fusion On Tour set <br>£19.99, gillettefusion.com <br>Fusion Phenom Power Razor, razor blades, mini moisturiser and shaving gel. <br>4. L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Set <br>£15, superdrug.com <br>Cleansing gel, daily antifatigue moisturiser and shaving foam. <br>5. L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Sensitive Set <br>£12, superdrug.com <br>Soothing foam wash and postshave balm.<br><p>Left to right: Philips 9-in-1 Grooming Kit, BaByliss For Men Easy Cut hair clipper and Remington F7790 Flex & Pivot shaver</p><br>6. Philips 9-in-1 Grooming Kit <br>£29, mankind.co.uk <br>Trimmer with nine fittings. <br>7. BaByliss For Men Easy Cut hair clipper <br>£39, argos.co.uk <br>Includes sideburn trimmer (propped against the clipper). <br>8. Remington F7790 Flex &amp; Pivot shaver <br>£60, boots.com <br><br><br><br><br>?Pretty in Prada: Gwyneth Paltrow sets Venice alight in fiery orange dress<p> By <br>UPDATED:14:26 GMT, 3 September 2011</p><p>Her latest film may cast her as the victim of a terrifying global virus, but that didn't stop Gwyneth Paltrow from looking bright and glamorous during a photocall for Contagion today.<br></p><p>The actress teamed an eye-catching Prada dress with a black belt during her appearance at the 68th Venice Film Festival.<br></p><p>The 38-year-old star dazzled in the brightly-coloured ensemble she wore for the Contagion photocall - a film where she is infected with a mystery virus which quickly causes global terror.<br></p><p>Steven Soderbergh's virus disaster film premiered in Venice this week, with Gwyneth appearing alongside co-stars Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne and Jennifer Ehle at the Palazzo del Casino photocall.<br></p><p>Gwyneth's glamorous style was a far cry from the more natural look she showed off last weekend in New York, where she appeared make-up free to promote her new cookbook.</p><p>Contagion follows the trail of a deadly virus which starts when Gwyneth's character, Beth Emhoff, is infected at an airport, allowing the mystery illness to go global.<br></p><p>And Gwyneth's performance clearly won her some new fans, not least co-star Matt Damon.<br></p><p> </p><p>In an interview with Access Hollywood, he said: 'More so than anybody I&#8217;ve ever worked with, she&#8217;s got an ability to turn it on and off.<br></p><p>'Like she can just be talking about anything and then when they say, &#8216;Rolling,&#8217; it&#8217;s like she snaps, she just locks in, in a way that I don&#8217;t understand, because I can&#8217;t do it.<br></p><p>'I&#8217;ve worked with a lot of great actors and one thing that happens for me is that a great actor is so good that they pull me right in... that&#8217;s how I feel when I do a scene with her, I&#8217;m instantly brought in because she takes me there.'</p>?Is Gwyneth Paltrow REALLY the world's best-dressed woman? Style-watchers are left wondering about some of her worst, unflattering outfits<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:17 GMT, 13 September 2012 UPDATED:00:47 GMT, 14 September 2012</p><p>Any woman would be honoured to hold the title, so when Gwyneth Paltrow was named as the World&#8217;s Best Dressed Woman in People magazine this week, she no doubt sent her stylist a huge bunch of flowers.</p><p>With stiff competition from the eternally elegant Duchess of Cambridge - who had to settle for second place in the American celebrity magazine&#8217;s annual list - the actress, singer and lifestyle guru topped the chart, as voted for by 42 million readers. <br></p><p>However, style-watchers on this side of the pond have been left wondering if Elizabeth Saltzman - the former fashion director at Vanity Fair who is now Gwyneth&#8217;s personal stylist - is having the last laugh, having hoodwinked the world into believing a range of unflattering, gimmicky ensembles look good.</p><p>Gwynnie, after all, is blessed with a girl-next-door grin, sun-kissed skin, immaculate golden locks and a body honed to within a millimetre of perfection. Yet she still manages to get it consistently wrong... <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p> </p>?'He abused his authority for his own personal gain': Elite NYPD undercover cop in $1m robbery - where he used his badge to hold up warehouse<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:02:57 GMT, 23 April 2012 UPDATED:02:57 GMT, 23 April 2012</p><p>A New York Police Department officer used his badge to hold up a warehouse in a $1million robbery.</p><p>The faux police raid Kelvin Jones, 30, set up at the New Jersey wholesale dealer of Prada, Verscace and other fragrances shines a light into the department, which has accused officers of planting evidence indrug investigations, running illegal guns, and robbing drug dealers.</p><p>Jones had organized a team of men last year to hold up the In Style, USA warehouse, authorities say, startling workers in the legitimate warehouse as they were told there would be a search for counterfeit goods.</p><p>'We were kind of shocked,' one worker recalled. 'We were like, why is the NYPD coming in here like this?'</p><p>Another blurted: 'You're not cops.'</p><p>But Jones was indeed an NYPD officer. In fact, he had held an elite undercover position.</p><p>Two with him were also part of the NYPD. A third was a former officer. But these were hardly 'New York's Finest.'</p><p>the 30-year-old Jones stands out because of his background as an undercover operative for the NYPD's Intelligence Division. The department credits the unit with thwarting numerous terror and other threats against New Yorkers.</p><p></p><p>How Jones became an undercover and the exact nature of his assignment weren't made public at his trial in Newark in 2010, and police officials won't discuss it. But court documents offer hints: They show the NYPD authorized the Caribbean-born Jones to use the aliases Michael Kingston and Kelvin Johns. And in a handwritten journal, he made cryptic references to assignments in cities far from New York.</p><p>That was before he was demoted to ordinary patrol - a transfer that still gave him access to an internal police database he used to help hatch the warehouse holdup.</p><p>Jones 'abused his authority for his own personal gain,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Gramiccioni told jurors at the trial for Jones. 'Instead of protecting and serving the citizens, he decided to rob them and hold them hostage.'</p><p>While not commenting directly on Jones, the NYPD insists it carefully vets candidates for undercover work, especially those assigned to Intelligence Division. <br></p><p>Jones' demeanor would have made him a good choice, said his attorney, Michael Orozco: 'For that kind of work, you'd obviously want to have someone who's cool, calm and collected - and that's him.'</p><p>Mr Orozco believes Jones went to work for the Intelligence Division 'right out the academy.'</p><p>Though Jones told his lawyer that his supervisors 'loved him,' one of the former police officials who spoke to the AP said Jones proved unreliable and difficult to supervise. And at some point, the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau began investigating allegations he gave protection to drug dealers in exchange for cash or narcotics, court records say.</p><p>Internal investigators noted his lifestyle, flashy for someone on an officer's salary. Witnesses described how he drove a BMW sedan, wore expensive clothes, owned a condo and, according to his girlfriend, Sahar Saidi, bankrolled her Spanish studies in South America.</p><p>'This is the kind of person I know Kelvin to be - thoughtful, considerate and generous,' she wrote in a letter of support to the court.</p><p>But Jones made plans to rob a warehouse. <br></p><p>He had gone to the New Jersey warehouse to photograph the cars outside. Plugging license plate numbers into NYPD computers, he called up the vehicle registrations and made printouts of names and other information on employees.</p><p>On the day of the robbery in 2010, Jones, using the name Mike Smith, went with the others to rent two 24-foot trucks. Patrolmen, Richard LeBlanca, had maxed out his debit card renting one, and Orlando Garcia, had to use his card, too. Both, incredibly, used their real names - a mistake that would come back to haunt them.</p><p>It was still daylight when they arrived at the In Style, USA warehouse. Jones led the fake raid wearing a hat and a hoodie that obscured his face. A police badge hung from his thick neck.</p><p>'We have papers, documentation,' Jones told them, reading names from his printouts. He told employees they were suspected of selling knockoff merchandise, and accused their boss of hiring undocumented workers and not paying taxes.</p><p>The robber-cops used plastic ties to bind the employees. 'We were tied up for three hours,' one said later. 'It was really bad for everyone.'</p><p>The helpless hostages heard the beeping noise of trucks backing up. Day laborers hired by the holdup crew did the loading. There were six trucks in all. Four carrying hundreds of boxes of perfume and other merchandise valued at $1million got away, but the two 24-foot trucks rented earlier that day were left behind after someone called the police.</p><p>When the team, which also included patrolman Brian Checo, later realized Jones had covered up his steps and paid them only half of what he promised, they cooperated with officers.</p><p>Jones was convicted at a federal trial in Newark in December 2010.</p><p>At sentencing, he claimed, 'I was framed,' but the judge was unmoved.</p><p>The former NYPD undercover is serving a 16-year sentence in an Ohio prison. <br></p>?HEIGHT OF FASHIONAs a Prada model falls on the catwalk, Bella Blissett charts the rise of the superheel and explains why shoe lovers can't get enough of these towering beauties <p>By </p><p>UPDATED:10:20 GMT, 25 September 2008</p><br><br> <p>Forget skyscrapers, the super-skyscraper is here to stay well into next summer, as the Prada model who crashed off her six-inch heels proved this week.</p><p>For shoe-lovers, it's no longer just about the name on the insole or that trademark red bottom; heel height has become the latest status symbol. </p><p>Bag yourself this season's six-and-a-half-inch Louis Vuitton sculptural wedges and you'll get serious shoe kudos - even if you do break your ankle just trying to stand upright.</p><p>'Women are buying super-high heels as if they are an addiction,' says shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood, whose own collection includes £400 five-and-a-half-inch heels. </p><p>'There is the urge to outdo not just what is already in their own closets, but also their friends' and any female who crosses their path.'</p> <p>Giambattista Valli: Stacked platforms from £490 at Browns (www.browns-fashion.com)<br>Jimmy Choo: Glenys, £575 (www.jimmychoo.co.uk, 020 7823 1051)</p><p>Harvey Nichols' entire first order of the five-inch Jimmy Choo Glenys sandal (£895) was snapped up in a couple of weeks and the store sold eight pairs of towering £430 Charlotte Olympia heels in the space of a weekend.</p><p>The sky-high look is one that's been building for the past few seasons. Now, every designer in the shoe hall of fame - from Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin to Nicholas Kirkwood and Ferragamo - has sought to go higher.</p><p>And the new superheels come in all shapes and heel styles: wedges live to see another season, the carved heel makes its reappearance at Miu Miu, tartan makes a comeback and terrifying fetishist versions from Balenciaga, Etro and Nicholas Kirkwood all tie in with the new glam-Goth look.</p><p> </p><p>Ferragamo: Sandal in silver, gold, white nappa and kidskin, £575 (www.salvatoreferragamo.it, 020 7629 5007)<br>New Look: Red Mary Janes, £25 (www.newlook.co.uk, 0500 454 094)<br>Office: T-bar platforms, £85 (www.office.co.uk)<br>Missoni: Patent ankle boots from £700, from a selection coming soon to Harrods (0845 605 1234)</p> <p>The Christian Louboutin for Todd Lynn stilettos even come with a ponytail trailing off the back, while Gareth Pugh's 'invisible heels' are in themselves an incredible feat in modern engineering.</p><p>Predictably, the high street is now also flooded with vertiginous heels - with Office and New Look dedicating whole collections to five-inch-plus styles. But really, when it comes to shoes, money - and the credit crunch - is no object.</p><p>'Harvey Nichols has seen a steady increase in sales for higher and higher heels since last year,' says the store's accessories buyer, Tina Lamb. </p><p>'Women are still spending hundreds - even thousands - on heels. The four-inch YSL Tribute has now become a cult shoe - the new style has already got a waiting list.'</p><p>In the name of research, I took some Charlotte Olympia leopard-print shoes with a bizarre floating platform and a five-inch heel for a spin. Well, tried. The fact that my knees buckled and ankles caved inwards after two steps didn&#8217;t deter me in the slightest. </p><p>This season's shoes aren't made for walking.</p> <p> </p><p>Russell &amp; Bromley: 'V The One', £435 (www. russellandbromley.co.uk, 020 7629 6903)<br>Nicholas Kirkwood: Snakeskin-detail stiletto, £400, Harvey Nichols (020 7584 0011)<br>YSL: Tribute Two, £415 (www.ysl.com, 020 7493 1800)</p><br><br><br><p> </p> <br>?What a spectacle: Hilary Duff shows she's got the cash to flash as she wears unusual Prada sunglasses - worth £215<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:15:47 GMT, 5 August 2011</p><br><p>You know they're famous when their eyewear is more elaborate than the ornaments in your house.</p><p>And Hilary Duff was no exception to the rules as she showcased a chunky pair of Prada sunglasses while driving along Sunset Boulevard.</p><p>The former Disney star hid behind the 'Minimal Baroque' frames, which feature ornate scrolls on the arms of the shades.<br></p><p>Trendsetters Ashley Olsen and Gwen Stefani have also been spotted wearing a pair of the ultra-cool spectacles, costing a cool £215.</p><p>Despite her slightly drab choice of wardrobe, dressed simply in black trousers and a white vest top, Hilary teamed the outfit with a pair of killer heels.</p><p></p><p>The Texan actress, who stands at just 5ft 3in, may need a helping hand from her footwear, but pedallingaway in stilettos behind the wheel of her huge vehicle may not be the wisest move she's made.</p><p>Hilary has been enjoying some time off before she starts shooting new film Bonnie and Clyde.</p><p>Along with husband Mike Comrie, she shut out the bright lights of the media glare during an Italian holiday.</p><p>On her return to LA, she tweeted: 'Back in the USA!sorry no tweets I was on vacay with Mikey in Italy!no phones! It ruled!'</p><p>She clearly made up for her lack of mobile by busily texting while sitting in the driver's seat of her car.<br></p><p>Hilary will play the title character in the remake of the 1967 production starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, with Gossip Girl actor Kevin Zegers as her partner in crime Clyde Barrow.</p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p></p>?Hooked on handbags: As this season's collections sell out before they hit the shops, why are we a nation of handbag junkies?<p>By <br>UPDATED:08:48 GMT, 19 November 2009</p><p>Standing outside Selfridges on Thursday, I had something of an epiphany.</p><p>There I was ogling the display of Louis Vuitton monogrammed handbags across four giant windows when an image of icons in a Greek Orthodox church popped into my head. </p><p>Yes, there was definitely something quasi-religious about the way these fashionable accessories were arranged: the way they were framed like paintings, just two in each window, by huge neon-lit mirrors. </p><p>It also occurred to me that this was probably exactly the response, though perhaps at a more subliminal level, for which the clever window dresser had hoped. </p><p>Alma bag by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, we venerate you. Finely crafted piece of plastic-coated canvas at £1,180 a pop, we worship you. Handbags as the new religion. Not such a bad way to sell a product. </p><p>I was reminded, too, of the splendid Grayson Perry tapestry that explores our adoration of brands and which has just gone on display at the Victoria Miro gallery in London. </p><p>At the centrepiece of this witty, provocative work of art, by the Turner Prize-winning potter, is a woven Madonna with a large teardrop on her face, clutching something as you might hold a baby. </p><p>On closer inspection, you realise that what is being cradled in this Madonna's arms is not baby Jesus, but a quilted Chanel handbag. </p><p>There were more revelations waiting for me inside Selfridges. I wandered through the ground-floor department, gasping more at the price tags than the divinity of the bags. </p><p>In the Jimmy Choo corner, I read about Project Pep, which is supporting, in connection with the Elton John Aids Foundation, a centre in South Africa for victims of abuse. <br></p><p></p><p>Some 25 per cent of the net profits of the Pep bag, £550 (which I was reprimanded by the sales assistant for referring to as a washbag when it was, in fact, a clutch) will help provide preventative HIV medication.</p><p>I was trying to work out whether you would be more inclined to buy an expensive washbag, I mean clutch, if it was attached to a good cause, when I was distracted by a huge-girthed young Muslim woman wearing a black hijab teamed with scruffy grey tracksuit bottoms and trainers, stroking a black ruffled leather Jimmy Choo bag as if it was a much-loved cat. </p><p>'How much?' she asked the assistant. '£950,' came the reply. </p><p>'Well, you're cheaper than Harrods,' said the young woman. 'I'll take it.' </p><p>'It's gorgeous,' I said to her spontaneously. And I meant it. But I was also confused by the discrepancy between this young woman's appearance and the purchase of this incredibly expensive bag. <br></p><p>Slowly, though, it began to make sense. A demure Muslim girl might not be able to show off herself in flesh-revealing clothes, but there's nothing disrespectful to her religion about a designer bag. <br></p><p>And a fat girl, Muslim or not, mightnever be able to fit into a designer label dress, but when it comes tohandbags, size doesn't matter. </p><p>Bagsdon't discriminate against you for not being a size 8. Bags don'tdemand you to strip off in the changing room and reveal your cellulite.</p><p>Bags, unlike shoes withskyscraper heels, don't give you bunions. Bags, in other words, are themost democratic of all fashion items. </p><p>No wonder they're sopopular. No wonder clothes designers are lining up to launch ranges. Nowonder we treat them like demi-gods. </p><p>It's been more than adecade since It-bags hit the shops. What started with the miniatureFendi Baguette and moved on via the Christian Dior Saddle and theBalenciaga Lariat to the Chloe Paddington and the YSL Muse, has causedan explosion in handbag sales, particularly at the more expensive end. </p><p>Fuelled by celebritysightings (bags supplied free to the A-list, courtesy of thedesigners), limited editions and waiting lists, handbags became themost coveted of all accessories. </p><br><p>Burberry's handbags were responsible for its recession-beating sales rise of 5 per cent, announced last month. Its bestsellers range from a small nylon tote for £150 to a large black alligator version, complete with a barbed-wire chain, which will set you back a whopping £12,250. </p><p>Recession? What recession, you might ask. Anya Hindmarch's next season Clarice handbag, £595, has sold out on pre-orders - it's not even in the shops yet! </p><p>Anya, who invented the personalised Be A Bag, received an MBE earlier this year in recognition of her services to the fashion industry. Such is the clout of the successful handbag entrepreneur. </p><p>My friend Suzie was trying to explain why handbags mean so much to her. <br></p><p>'Shoes I buy for comfort, but when it comes to handbags, the truth is that they boost my self-esteem,' she said.</p><p>'When I go out with a good quality designer handbag, I feel better about myself. The status symbol element of it appeals because I'm insecure. I can't get more honest than that.' </p><p>Suzie buys two designer bags a year, one each season. She has two Louis Vuittons, one YSL gold slouchy bag, a Chanel evening bag, a couple of Pradas and a Balenciaga. </p><p>'I would have gone for a Marc Jacobs, but there are so many cheap copies around that I avoided them.' </p><p>Suzie's favourite bag is a black panther Zagliani from Harvey Nichols, which cost more than £1,000. 'I'll scrimp and I'll save to get the bag I want,' she says. </p><p>Now, I wouldn't call myself a handbag junkie, but I do have one thing in common with Victoria Beckham, and that's a deep love of Hermes handbags. </p><p>She's reputed to have a collection of more than 100 Hermes Birkins with a value of £1.5 million. I have one real Hermes Kelly bag, complemented by quite a few well-made copies bought in Florence. </p><p>I'd always coveted the timeless elegance of a classic Kelly bag - the design dates back to the Thirties and became known as the Kelly bag in 1956 when Grace Kelly used one of her favourite Hermes bags to shield her pregnant bump from the paparazzi. <br></p><p>Mine came to me as a wedding giftfrom my (now former) husband. His father owned a tanning factory inGermany, which once supplied leather to Hermes. </p><p>'What would you prefer?' he asked. 'The bag or a diamond ring?' I didn't hesitate. <br></p><p>As bags go, it's about as 'un-bling' asit gets, but sometimes when I'm feeling low I take it out of its smartorange box and its soft, protective inner drawstring bag and hold italoft like a silver sports trophy to remind me that I own somethingprecious. </p><p> </p><p>From left: Sienna Miller seems superglued to her burgundy Prada Saffiano &amp; Tessuto tote; Fearne Cotton loves her metallic Mulberry Bayswater; The funky Bebe bag by Atelier Annick is Cheryl Cole's latest arm candy<br></p><p>It's the one that gets an airing for important meetings and hot dates alike. If the meeting or the date don't go well, I've got my Kelly bag as compensation. </p><p>It is simply the most extravagant, unnecessary, outrageous thing I possess, but as a one-off madness I refuse to feel guilty about it. And though my son may not appreciate my passing it on to him when I die, I'm hoping that one day he'll meet and marry a girl who will love inheriting this particular heirloom. </p><p>The lucky girl will also get the small collection of fabulous vintage bags I've inherited from my mother and an array of aunts. </p><p>Continuing my research into the arcane world of design handbags, I wandered into the Hermes section of Selfridges, where I was informed that should I require a Birkin, I would have to put down my name in March, when the waiting list opens, and then wait two more years for delivery - while a Kelly could almost certainly be mine by March 2011. <br></p><p>When I asked the price - £3,800 forthe basic model - I realised my bag wasn't just called an 'investment'piece as an excuse, it really was one, having gone up 25 per cent inprice since I acquired it a few years ago. </p><p>Price is clearly notsomething the customers in Selfridges worry about, as I discovered whenI eavesdropped a giggling twenty-something confiding to a shopassistant, while admiring an £1,800 Lara Bohinc snakeskin bag, that shehas 25 snakeskin bags and her husband was threatening to kill her ifshe bought another one. </p><p> </p><p>From left: Sugababe Heidi Range shows off her classic Louis Vuitton bag; Alexa Chung loves Mulberry - and it's mutual - she carries a Mulberry Alexa bag; WAG Alex Curran goes shopping with her Balenciaga City bag<br></p><p>Handbag mania, however, is not confined to those who can afford it. After leaving Selfridges, I popped into Uniqlo to snap up one of their bargain cashmere sweaters as a Christmas present. </p><p>As I walked towards the check-out, the girl behind the till, who couldn't have been more than 22, began to stare at me, goggled-eyed. </p><p>'Is that what I think it is?' she squealed. 'If it is, I think I might faint.' </p><p>Confused, it took me a moment before I realised she had clocked my tan Hermes lookalike bag, cost circa £120. 'Sorry to disappoint you, but it's a cheap copy,' I said. </p><p>'Oh, never mind,' she batted back frostily. 'I'm saving up for a Balenciaga. My mum said she'd chip in a bit, and with any luck I should have it for Christmas.' </p><p>A few weeks ago, I conducted an experiment when I went away for a long weekend to Istanbul with my boyfriend. I handed him my credit card and some cash and went out for the day sightseeing clutching nothing more than my guide book. </p><p>No more aching shoulder, no fiddling for things that mysteriously disappear in the dark recesses of women's handbags, no having to pop his paraphernalia into my handbag as well. It really did feel liberating. </p><p>But that evening, back at the hotel, as I changed for dinner, I found myself deliberating between the green clutch, the slouchy black and the vintage crocodile. </p><p>I couldn't helping thinking that a life without a lovely selection of handbags would be duller by far. </p><p>So it seems that designer bags, not diamonds, really are a girl's best friend. It may be shallow, but where's the harm?</p><p> </p><p> </p>?YOU exclusive: Kristen Bell - 'Russell Brand is such a softie'<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:14:53 GMT, 24 June 2012</p><p></p><p>Kristen Bell, star of hot new comedy-drama series House of Lies, has worked with some of the most outre male actors. But, as she tells Jane Mulkerrins, she can more than hold her own</p><p>It would be difficult to imagine a starker contrast between the actress Kristen Bell and the surroundings I find her in. The glamorously seedy hotel in which we meet, in the heart of Hollywood, is a tribute to the city&#8217;s tendency towards rock &#8217;n&#8217; roll excess. Kristen, on the other hand, arrives glowing with dewy good health, make-up free and sporting a downright sensible cycling helmet. &#8216;I take the subway as well,&#8217; the petite 31-year-old tells me proudly. &#8216;Quite often I am the only one on it.&#8217; In fact, I&#8217;d wager that most locals in LA, where the car is undisputed king, probably aren&#8217;t even aware that there is a subway system. <br></p><p>Such level-headedness is not what you might expect from your average starlet. But in spite of a decade in show business, with roles including that of the teenage television detective Veronica Mars, Elle Bishop in Heroes, the title character in the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and five years as the voice of Gossip Girl, Kristen seems refreshingly unaffected by the fame game. </p><p>Her only real rock &#8217;n&#8217; roll attribute appears to be her self-confessed &#8216;potty mouth&#8217;, which she claims has become more pronounced on the set of her latest project, House of Lies, Sky Atlantic&#8217;s racy new comedy-drama about hard-living, loose-moralled management consultants, in which she plays Jeannie Van Der Hooven, whom she fondly describes as &#8216;a well of confusing, vacant, needy, narcissistic emotion&#8217;. <br></p><p>As one of the few women in the cast, Kristen admits that &#8216;my mouth gets worse when I am hanging out with the guys [the show also stars Don Cheadle, comedian Ben Schwartz and Australian actor Josh Lawson]. It&#8217;s less because they are influencing me, and more because I am peacocking &#8211; I can&#8217;t help showing off to them.&#8217; Frankly, it&#8217;s a relief to discover that this seemingly squeaky-clean, environmentally conscious vegan cyclist has at least one vice&#8230; I like making films, but I love doing television. In my opinion, 80 per cent of films out there are so-so or sh***y, whereas the majority of television these days is excellent. You have Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Damages &#8211; the list goes on and on. They are extremely well-crafted shows that great writers have created and great actors have gravitated towards. Doing movies is much more nomadic, and I like the consistency of television. I am very much a creature of habit; I am similar to a dog in almost every way. I like seeing the same people every day. I didn&#8217;t want to have the lead role in a television show again, because I wanted my real self to coexist with whatever character I was playing, and that just doesn&#8217;t happen when you are the lead. I loved playing Veronica Mars, but I did not sleep, or have any kind of social life. There were times when I would work 16 hours a day, every day. It was engulfing. I have much more balance now. If you ask my husband [actor and comedian Dax Shepard] and me, we&#8217;d say we are married; if you ask the State of California, they would say we are not. We have been engaged for two years, but we haven&#8217;t signed our papers yet.</p><p>I didn&#8217;t want to end up an old lady who never developed secure emotional relationships because I was so addicted to being an actress. I act very normally in real life. I don&#8217;t walk around my house thinking how incredible I am.Russell Brand [with whom she starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall] is such a softie. His public persona is just an act. I think that person exists in him, but I don&#8217;t think that person is him. I worked alongside him so closely, and he is such a kind, gentle, lovely guy.We had a lot of sex scenes to do together, and you&#8217;d think I would have come away with a ton of juicy stories, but I didn&#8217;t. He was one of the most respectful scene partners I have ever had. We&#8217;d be in the bed between takes and he&#8217;d make sure that the sheet was pulled up so that I wasn&#8217;t showing any flesh &#8211; he was like a big brother. I feel lucky to know that side of him and I wish more people did.One of my best friends, Jenny DeRita, was killed in a car accident when we were 17. Losing her at such an early age taught me how to be a better human being. I didn&#8217;t take things for granted any more. That was the start of my adulthood.I love to cook. I have a tiny Italian grandmother inside me. If someone walks in, I&#8217;m like, &#8216;Let me make you a sandwich!&#8217; We all have a giving-love language and a receiving-love language. I show love by cooking.Two of my girlfriends and I were considering moving from New York [where Kristen studied drama at university] to LA after graduation. We each had a 30 per cent inclination to move there. Together that made almost 100 per cent, so we decided to do it together. Collectively, we had enough chutzpah to get here. I rarely wear clothes when I&#8217;m at home by myself. I love making breakfast naked. But you&#8217;ve got to make sure the gardener&#8217;s not coming that day.</p><p>Growing up, I was a nerdy Catholic schoolgirl who sang in the choir. I was always too small to play sports, so I felt a part of something in the choir. My singing teacher gave me Stephen Sondheim&#8217;s &#8216;Green Finch and Linnet Bird&#8217; as homework one day and it changed things for me. Before then, I&#8217;d been singing Italian arias. Suddenly I thought, &#8216;Wow, this is in English, I can connect to what this girl is going through.&#8217; It made me want to get involved in theatre.The first few years trying to make it as an actress were tough from my perspective, but if I look at it from the perspective of what every other actor goes through, I was fed a silver spoon; I had it very easy. It is a roller coaster of emotions, of course, because you are putting yourself out there, asking people, &#8216;Yes? No? Am I good? Am I not good?&#8217; But I was still only 24 when Veronica Mars came along.People don&#8217;t really recognise my voice. They are often surprised when they find out, and say: &#8216;You&#8217;re the voice of Gossip Girl &#8211; really? I had no idea.&#8217; It makes me wonder if I really do that much of an affectation. I don&#8217;t throw my voice or anything &#8211; I just try to sound really bitchy and sassy.Gossip Girl is the antithesis of my experiences at Catholic school back in Detroit, Michigan. I was lucky if I washed my hair once a week, let alone know anything about fashion. I didn&#8217;t go to parties &#8211; I was very much a goody-goody. But I didn&#8217;t want for friends. New York is the theatre centre of the world, and I was desperate to study there. And when I arrived, I felt as though I had landed exactly where I was supposed to. I loved the culture, I loved how open and accepting it is. My parents [her mother is a nurse, her father a journalist] broke up when I was six months old, and both remarried, but both of them were very active in their parenting. I have seven step- and half-siblings, plus my dad is one of 12, so I have over 50 cousins on that side of the family. Family is a big deal to us.</p><p>Oregon [in the Pacific Northwest of the US] is my Eden. There are rampant blueberry bushes growing on the side of the highway. It is the most fertile, verdant environment ever. There are bright blue hydrangeas the size of human heads growing everywhere. I am very stimulated by plants.I ride my bike everywhere and I hike a lot. I did a couple of elite military-style fitness training sessions recently too. I cried twice. It was awful. But you do feel so accomplished afterwards. This was no &#8216;tone this skinny little muscle to look like a lady&#8217; regime. It&#8217;s more, &#8216;If you want to be a Navy Seal, do this!&#8217; I am lucky that I gravitate towards vegetables and healthy food, because I can get very lazy. I have been a vegetarian for a long time, and I recently went vegan. Ethical eating is important to me &#8211; I don&#8217;t want to do just what is healthy for me, but what is healthy and sustainable for the rest of the planet too.Working with a bunch of boys on House of Lies, it is sink or swim. Cat Deeley guest stars in the second episode, and she holds her own. She is very funny &#8211; how did I not know that? I thought, &#8216;OK, we hired this totally gorgeous woman, let&#8217;s see if she can act.&#8217; And she was incredible. </p><p>Comedy is my natural metier. When I moved to LA, I was hired as the girl who could cry. I was always the girl who had been raped or attacked; they were great jobs but depressing. I naturally gravitate towards comedy, though. It is a real high when you can make someone giggle. It&#8217;s about time that women found their identity in comedy. The current crop of girls &#8211; Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Zooey Deschanel &#8211; deserve every bit of attention they&#8217;re getting. Every one of them cracks me up. We&#8217;re finally catching up with the men.I believe in having a strategy, but that shouldn&#8217;t be the only way you make decisions. I follow my gut and try to live in the moment. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Kristen craves:</p><p>Currently reading The End of Overeating by Dr David Kessler. It&#8217;s about the scientific studies of our cravings, and how addicted we are to the combination of salt and fat and sugar. <br></p><p>Watching on TV Downton Abbey &#8212; I love it. My husband can never remember the names of any of the characters, so always calls them Lord Pigglesworth and Lady Worship. We&#8217;re also watching box sets of Homeland and The Wire. I am a little nervous I may never leave the house again. <br></p><p>Listening to Martin Sexton, Audra Mae, and Mika&#8217;s Life in Cartoon Motion, which is my summer anthem. On a nice sunny day, I can&#8217;t not play &#8216;Grace Kelly&#8217;. <br></p><p>Fashion I really like Jenni Kayne, Rebecca Taylor, 3.1 Phillip Lim.<br></p><p>Splurged on A nice pair of thick wooden-heeled Chloe summer sandals. I needed them to go with every outfit I have ever worn in my life. Totally justifiable.<br></p><p>Favourite city New York or Hood River, Oregon.<br></p><p>Most like to live Here in Los Angeles.<br></p><p>Stuck in a lift with Can I say my husband? That is so lame. Can I say a sloth? I would like to be stuck in a lift with a sloth. <br></p><p>House of Lies will be on Sky Atlantic in the Autumn</p>?How to be a bag lady<p> By <br>UPDATED:21:26 GMT, 28 December 2011</p><p>The fashion crowd always likes to be ahead of the curve, and their new obsession is not what you wear, buthow. <br></p><p>Take bags for starters. Handles are old-hat, and models at Prada, Celine, Valentino and Balenciaga instead clutched their purses tightly to their chests as though carrying a heavy bag of groceries. <br></p><p>You can stop worrying about crumpling that expensive leather number, too &#8212; this spring, bags are supposed to be squished under the arm, and the softer the leather, the easier it is to crush your bag in style.<br></p><p>Jackets are the next item to have been made over. Arbiter of style Anna Wintour, American Vogue editor, joined Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo in draping her jacket over her shoulders rather than putting her arms in the sleeves. The perfect way to stay warm, but still look effortlessly cool.<br></p><p>Finally, scarves are no longer for necks only and have recently been seen adorning the handles and buckles of the most stylish hold-alls. <br></p><p>Italian label Blugirl attached romantic watercolour scarves to bags and purses to give a softer edge, and DKNY has developed a leather range which comes with a scarf already attached.</p><p>This is one of the easiest trends to emulate on the cheap &#8212; all that&#8217;s required is a pretty neck-warmer and the ability to tie a knot. <br>What are you waiting for?<br><br></p>?Husband of socialite Annie Churchill admits to bilking investors out of $590K to pay for lavish lifestyle <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:15:07 GMT, 28 March 2012</p><p><br></p><p>The husband of a New York socialite has admitted to bilking a group of investigators out of $590,000 meant for a shopping website that was never created.<br></p><p>Andrew Albert pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny Tuesday and faces up to four and a half years in prison.</p><p>Authorities say Albert never intended to launch the site, which he claimed would become 'the Facebook of online shopping.'</p><p>Instead, they claim Albert spent the cash on a lavish lifestyle which saw thousands of dollars paid out for groceries, pampering his dog and moving to a plush loft apartment in Manhattan's Tribeca district.</p><p>The 49-year-old, married to Annie Churchill, is also said to have blown $20,000 on clothing, more than $9,000 on looking after his hair, and nearly $6,000 at health clubs.</p><p>Ms Churchill, who is the ex-wife of Winston Churchill's grandson, was not implicated. <br></p><p></p><p>Albert's lawyer said his client never intended to scam investors. <br></p><p>'(He) did try to start a Web site and worked very hard on it for three years,' attorney Michael Farkas told the New York Post. <br></p><p>As part of the plea deal, Albert will serve just three years in prison if he pays the investors back $50,000. If not -- he'll be forced to serve the whole term. <br></p><p>Prosecutors said Albert, of New York, had told investors he was about to launch a high-end shopping website called ON1AVE.com.</p><p>It would eventually become the Facebook or Amazon of online shopping, he claimed.</p><p>Visitors to the site would use an online avatar to 'walk' down a virtual street where they could 'shop' in the stores, which would be linked to actual firms like Prada, H&amp;M and Ralph Lauren.</p><p>The avatar would be programmed with the shopper's measurements, so users could 'try on' the garments before buying them. But the court heard that the venture was, in fact, a 'sham'</p><p>Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said: 'Andrew Albert falsely told investors that his shopping website would feature a virtual street akin to famous retail boulevards like Madison Avenue or Rodeo Drive.</p><p>'In reality, the company he created served as nothing more than a bank account that the defendant used to pay for his personal expenses and lavish lifestyle. </p><p>'The defendant's elaborate deception defrauded investors of more than half a million dollars.'</p><p>Jose Fanjul, an assistant district attorney, added in court: 'The defendant has shown he is untrustworthy and a self-interested character and is willing to put his own desires ahead of others.'</p><p>According to documents filed in court, Albert formed a company called Virtual Etail Group LLC (VEG) in June 2008. That winter he started looking for investors.</p><p>He told prospective partners they would not only be funding the development of the site, but would also become VEG employees and equity members. </p><p>When specifically asked how he would support himself during the development period, Albert assured investors that he had savings from other projects, as well as stocks and bonds.</p><p>Prosecutors said that, by June 2008, he had convinced his first investor to put $250,000 toward the online venture. </p><p>Later that year another investor put up $100,000, while in autumn of 2008 a third person stumped up $240,000.</p><p>The investors claiming to have been defrauded are Michael Bedrick, described as a close friend of Ms Churchill; three family members, William, Christopher and Maggie Heath; and a group called the Robert Johnston Family Trust.</p><p>They were each handed an equity share of the firm. The cash was placed into a company bank account, of which Albert was the sole signatory.</p><p>Prosecutors say Albert then started to transfer tens of thousands of dollars to an account in the name of Equation Entertainment LLC, a nearly defunct media consulting business he had formed in 2004.</p><p>They allege he used the account, for several years, to pay for rent, clothing, health and beauty expenditures, groceries, restaurants, and other personal expenses. </p><p>He also used some of the money to move from a small apartment in Greenwich Village to a large $2,000 a month loft in Tribeca, it is claimed.</p><p>Furthermore, it is claimed he used $51,000 to renovate the property, and $12,000 on moving and storage.</p><p>And, at the time he was pushing the project, Albert was said to be heavily relying on his wife, who is not implicated in the investigation and has publicly backed her husband, for money.</p><p>'He&#8217;s innocent, and he&#8217;ll be vindicated - definitely, without a doubt,' she told the New York Times during a brief telephone interview. </p><p>Albert has been released without bail and his lawyer George A Farkas said his client denied defrauding anyone.</p><p>Mr Farkas added: 'This is absolutely nothing but investors in a high-risk venture not having the patience to wait. There is still time for this venture to get off the ground &#8212; maybe, maybe not.'</p>?Husband of socialite Annie Churchill 'spent $590,000 investment cash on groceries, dog care and loft renovations'<p> By <br>UPDATED:13:35 GMT, 17 August 2011</p><p><br></p><p>The husband of a New York socialite has been accused of tricking a group of investors out of $590,000 - which was meant for a shopping website they say he never intended to create.</p><p>Instead, it has been claimed that Andrew Albert spent the cash on a lavish lifestyle which saw thousands of dollars paid out for groceries, pampering his dog and moving to a plush loft apartment in Manhattan's Tribeca district.</p><p>The 49-year-old, married to Annie Churchill, is also said to have blown $20,000 on clothing, more than $9,000 on looking after his hair, and nearly $6,000 at health clubs.</p><p>He pleaded not guilty in Manhattan state Supreme Court on Monday to charges of grand larceny, scheming to defraud and criminal tax fraud.</p><p>Prosecutors said Albert, of New York, had told investors he was about to launch a high-end shopping website called ON1AVE.com.</p><p>It would eventually become the Facebook or Amazon of online shopping, he claimed.</p><p></p><p>Visitors to the site would use an online avatar to 'walk' down a virtual street where they could 'shop' in the stores, which would be linked to actual firms like Prada, H&amp;M and Ralph Lauren.</p><p>The avatar would be programmed with the shopper's measurements, so users could 'try on' the garments before buying them. But the court heard that the venture was, in fact, a 'sham'</p><p>Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said: 'Andrew Albert falsely told investors that his shopping website would feature a virtual street akin to famous retail boulevards like Madison Avenue or Rodeo Drive.</p><p>'In reality, the company he created served as nothing more than a bank account that the defendant used to pay for his personal expenses and lavish lifestyle. </p><p>'The defendant's elaborate deception defrauded investors of more than half a million dollars.'</p><p>Jose Fanjul, an assistant district attorney, added in court: 'The defendant has shown he is untrustworthy and a self-interested character and is willing to put his own desires ahead of others.'</p><p>According to documents filed in court, Albert formed a company called Virtual Etail Group LLC (VEG) in June 2008. That winter he started looking for investors.</p><p>He told prospective partners they would not only be funding the development of the site, but would also become VEG employees and equity members. </p><p>When specifically asked how he would support himself during the development period, Albert assured investors that he had savings from other projects, as well as stocks and bonds.</p><p>Prosecutors said that, by June 2008, he had convinced his first investor to put $250,000 toward the online venture. </p><p>Later that year another investor put up $100,000, while in autumn of 2008 a third person stumped up $240,000.</p><p>The investors claiming to have been defrauded are Michael Bedrick, described as a close friend of Ms Churchill; three family members, William, Christopher and Maggie Heath; and a group called the Robert Johnston Family Trust.</p><p>They were each handed an equity share of the firm. The cash was placed into a company bank account, of which Albert was the sole signatory.</p><p>Prosecutors say Albert then started to transfer tens of thousands of dollars to an account in the name of Equation Entertainment LLC, a nearly defunct media consulting business he had formed in 2004.</p><p>They allege he used the account, for several years, to pay for rent, clothing, health and beauty expenditures, groceries, restaurants, and other personal expenses. </p><p>He also used some of the money to move from a small apartment in Greenwich Village to a large $2,000 a month loft in Tribeca, it is claimed.</p><p>Furthermore, it is claimed he used $51,000 to renovate the property, and $12,000 on moving and storage.</p><p>And, at the time he was pushing the project, Albert was said to be heavily relying on his wife, who is not implicated in the investigation and has publicly backed her husband, for money.</p><p>'He&#8217;s innocent, and he&#8217;ll be vindicated - definitely, without a doubt,' she told the New York Times during a brief telephone interview. </p><p>Albert has been released without bail and his lawyer George A Farkas said his client denied defrauding anyone.</p><p>Mr Farkas added: 'This is absolutely nothing but investors in a high-risk venture not having the patience to wait. There is still time for this venture to get off the ground &#8212; maybe, maybe not.'</p>?'I was told to get Botox - and I understand why': Amanda Seyfried on Hollywood demands ...and kissing her leading men<br>The actress, 25, on working with Justin Timberlake and Channing Tatum, her break-up with Dominic Cooper, dating Alexander Skarsgard and THOSE Ryan Phillippe rumours...<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:11:30 GMT, 10 March 2011</p><p>She barely looks her 25 years. But Amanda Seyfried has revealed that Hollywood executives have already advised her to get Botox.</p><p>And though the actress says was horrified by the idea, she admits that she understands why the suggestion was made.</p><p>Speaking in an interview with Elle magazine, she said that digital camera quality is so good, and cinema screens so large, they can be unforgiving if you are anything less than flawless. <br></p><p>She said: 'I was like, damn you! But we're in Hollywood. I'm on a huge screen. With these new digital cameras you can see the peach fuzz on my face.'</p><p></p><p>The star, who posed in clingy striped Prada on the magazine's April cover, also spoke about the leading men in her life - in particular, the end of her relationship with British actor Dominic Cooper.</p><p>She admitted she thought he had left his previous girlfriend to be with her, but the situation was not as straightforward as she had imagined.</p><p> </p><p>'I was just kind of foolishly thinking that the two of them were done and Dom and I were involved,' she revealed. 'Butwe weren&#8217;t really as involved as I thought. So I got my heart broken pretty hard.' </p><p>The pair split, then reconciled, but the relationship was doomed: 'It took a long time for us to break up again. After that, it&#8217;s really hard to open myself up to a new person. Really hard.'</p><p>Given that the star is rumoured to be dating Reese Witherspoon's ex-husband, Ryan Phillippe she doesn't appear to have struggled too much since - though she refused to confirm or deny if the gossip was true.</p><p> </p><p>And speaking of her co-stars in Dear John and Now, she added: 'I can't lie. It didn't suck making out with Channing [Tatum] and Justin [Timberlake]'.</p><p>She admitted that she now has her sights set on Inglorious Basterds actor Michael Fassbender.</p><p>'I&#8217;d really love to make out with Michael Fassbender,' she told the magazine. 'Put me in a movie with that guy. I&#8217;m serious. Wow.'</p><p>The shoot accompanying the frank interview had a vaguely pastoral theme to it.</p><p>She modelled new season creations from Jason Wu, Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen, cradling a young lamb in one frame, and a goose in another. She even holds tiny white kittens in further pictures from the shoot.<br></p><p>And though she was promoting the edgy new big screen take on the Red Riding Hood fairytale, she admitted that she most enjoyed making romantic comedies.</p><p>'I don't think I'm being very "artistic" when I do them, but I'm not doing it for that reason,' she explained.</p><p> She added that her work on hits like Mamma Mia has enabled her to learn from major stars like Meryl Streep.<br></p><p>'Meryl, she makes herself very accessible right away, almost too accessible. That&#8217;s what I do. And it totally works. <br></p><p>'My thing about meeting people - men, women, people in general - is to desensitise them, kind of shock them a little bit, to make myself accessible.' <br></p><p>The April issue of Elle magazine will be out on March 15. For more photographs from the Amanda Seyfried cover shoot, visit </p>?Irina Shayk puts Sports Illustrated behind her with high fashion shoot for Harper's Bazaar<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:11:58 GMT, 27 February 2012</p><br><p>Irina Shayk may have been replaced by Kate Upton as Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit edition beauty, but the Russian supermodel shows she is still a very able cover girl on the March edition of Harper's Bazaar Arabia.</p><p>Dressed in a stunning, pale mint-green, floor-length Dior gown which matches the 26-year-old's piercing eyes, Irina bares her leg right up to the thigh.</p><p>It is a pose worthy of Angelina Jolie at last night's Oscars - although Irina manages to look a lot more natural.</p><p>Within the magazine, Irina shows off even more of her stunning figure in a triptych of photos of the model wearing a green and white Seventies-style Prada swimsuit.<br></p><p>While another high fashion photo showing Irina in the pose of the moment - with her arms in the air - gives a glimpse of a black, white and silver Chanel number.</p><p></p><p>The photos were all shot by Pavel Havlicek.<br></p><p>Irina is a favourite with Harper's Bazaar. She did a fashion spread in the Spanish edition of the magazine in November 2010.</p><p>In February 2011 the model covered Harper's Bazaar Mexico, wearing a Victoria Beckham dress.</p><p>Ms Shayk is also famous for her work with Intimissimi - the lingerie firm who discovered the model - and with Armani Exchange.</p><p>It is supposedly through her work with Armani that she met Portuguese football player Ronaldo, also 26, who she has been dating since early 2010.<br></p><p>In February last year Irina and Ronaldo were reported to be engaged after he apparently jetted from Spain to New York to propose to the Russian beauty on Valentine's Day.</p><p>This year, speaking to the NY Post, Irina dished out some advice for women celebrating Valentine's Day.<br></p><p>The confident model said: 'You just have to be yourself to flirt and be beautiful and sexy. You don&#8217;t need to have long legs and big lips and beautiful hair and makeup. Just be a normal person.'</p><p>That's easy for her to say!<br></p><p>Real Madrid star Ronaldp is already father to a baby boy. He became a father on June 17 when a mystery woman gave birth to Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.<br></p><p>His mother Dolores is helping raise the baby between Madrid and Portugal. The identity of the baby's mother has never been revealed.</p><p>For more pictures go to www.facebook.com/harpersbazaararabia or follow @BazaarArabia on Twitter<br></p>?Iconic Italian brand Prada snubs Milan for Paris as designer boss Miuccia says Italy is losing its glamour<br><p> </p><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:15:05 GMT, 30 July 2012 UPDATED:08:19 GMT, 31 July 2012</p><br><p>Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada has revealed that she believes Italy is losing its glamour as she discusses her decision to show her label's next collection at Paris instead of Milan. <br></p><p>The head of iconic Italian brand Prada says she is worried that Italian fashion may become &#8216;second league&#8217; and is wary of foreign investors buying into luxury brands.</p><p>&#8216;With the sale of our luxury labels to foreigners, our entire system risks falling into second league,&#8217; she said in a rare interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica. <br></p><p>&#8216;Because if our brands cross our borders, the credit, glamour, fame and decision making is in the hands of others, and we are abandoned, downgraded.&#8217;</p><p>The 63-year-old&#8217;s comments come after luxury Italian fashion house Valentino was bought by the Qatar royal family for £476m.</p><p></p><p>Miuccia says she believes her country is unrivalled when it comes to fashion production, but she believes that the &#8216;Made In Italy&#8217; reputation is no longer enough to sustain the industry. <br></p><p>She also warns that luxury labels are leaving Milan and admits that she has chosen to preview her latest Miu Miu collection in the French capital because she is &#8216;looking for that attraction that is called glamour&#8217;.</p><p>&#8216;Fashion goes elsewhere, looking for the best,&#8217; she adds.</p><p>The outspoken designer, who is the youngest granddaughter of Prada founder Mario Prada, blames the Italian press for the problems, saying that the country&#8217;s newspapers aren&#8217;t supportive of the fashion industry, treating it in a &#8216;frivolous&#8217; manner and not recognising how much employment and money it generates.</p><p>&#8216;We live in a weak cultural world, we are a country that has never wanted or known how to protect and promote its immense landscape and artistic patrimony,&#8217; she added.</p><p>Miuccia, who has a Ph.D in political science, is worried that outsiders consider Italy to have, &#8216;less resources, culture, protagonists, ideas, vitality and money&#8217;.</p><p>The designer was honoured at the Costume Institute at New York&#8217;s Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier this year, in a retrospective that paired her with the late iconoclast Elsa Schiaparelli.<br>Celebrities who came out to support her included Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce and Carey Mulligan.<br></p><p></p><p> </p>?It's a devil to wear Prada... Models topple off heels at show<br>By <br>UPDATED:11:06 GMT, 1 October 2008<br><br><p>This is one pair of heels that should come with a safety warning. In scenes reminiscent of Naomi Campbell's infamous 1993 catwalk tumble, not one, but two Prada models tripped over in their shoes in Milan yesterday.</p><p>Onlookers, including American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, watched in horror as the girls lost their balance in the towering snakeskin platform sandals. <br></p><p>They even had to be helped to their feet by members of the audience during the Italian designer's ready-to-wear spring/summer show for Milan Fashion Week. <br></p><p>Despite the tumbles though, the show went down a storm, with the collection receiving a standing ovation.<br></p> <p>Mannequin down: Six inch platform shoes on the Prada catwalk get the better of this model<br></p><p>If Miuccia Prada was a fish, she would be a salmon, swimming upstream. So against the tide of fashion is Mrs Prada that whatever is currently in vogue, you can say with some certainty that she will produce its opposite. <br></p><p></p><br> <p>Fall collection: A model on the Prada catwalk wobbles on her sky-scraper heels and tries to regain her balance as hands in the front row reach out to steady her..<br></p> <p></p> <p>... but the inevitable happens and she tumbles to the ground. Right, the offending shoes are removed<br></p><p>This show turned its back on this season&#8217;s embellished, highly decorated look for something simpler and pared back. The first clue came from the catwalk, which meandered like a river and was painted with fish similar to ancient cave drawings. The second clue came from the models&#8217; skin, slicked with water as though they had just risen from the sea. </p> <p>All the clothes were tied in rudimentary fashion, as though they hailed from an era before<br>zips and hooks had been invented. Calf-length pencil skirts came with elasticated waists or a<br>drawstring. <br></p> <p>Shrunken jackets had no fasteners except a tie at the neck; dresses had wide neck apertures with a bow at the side. Open backs on fine gauge cashmere jumpers were tied with cotton strings like hospital gowns. <br></p> <p> </p><p>Metal seams kept fabrics stiffly away from the body, while hospital gown-style ties held clothes together</p><p>The hospital theme was echoed by the little socks worn under each vertiginous snakeskin stiletto sandal, not dissimilar to those found on surgeons in an operating theatre. Sadly, it was those slippery socks that made walking so tricky.</p><p>Most fabrics were self-coloured. But their plainness belied their technical wizardry, for Prada explained backstage that many designs incorporated metal seams allowing the pencil skirts and shrunken jackets to sit stiffly away from the body, and also lent the fabrics a crumpled look.</p> <p>Back to basics: The collection, according to Miuccia Prada, was simple and clean. 'I wanted to go back to something primitive, I was searching for what really matters', she said after the show<br></p><p>From a distance, they looked like simple crushed cotton - but, as always with Prada, all was not quite as it seemed. <br></p><p>&#8220;I wanted to go back to something primitive,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I was searching for what counts,<br>what really matters. I wanted to clean things up and make them simple.&#8221;</p><p>&#8220;Primitive&#8221; it may have been, but this was another standout collection from a woman who<br>often makes the rest of Milan feel staid.</p><p> </p>?It's A Man's World: Jamie Bamber<br> <br>The Law &amp; Order: UK actor on mixing high street clothes with top-end designers, running marathons and why he won't be getting a tattoo <br><p>UPDATED:22:00 GMT, 14 March 2009</p><p><br></p><p>I left my favourite watch in the back of a taxi. <br></p><p>It was an Omega Seamaster and my grandfather Jack Bamber, who was a wellknown horse trainer in Northern Ireland, had left it to me. I was drunk at the time, and afterwards I was devastated.</p><p><br> </p><p>All of my suits are by British designers. </p><p>I have a purple Ozwald Boateng suit from when I was playing a sexy, rock 'n' roll Devil on stage in Dr Faustus. I would never have picked it out in a million years but I love it. I also own two suits by Burberry, and my favourite suit is by William Hunt. I wear it as a DJ with a dress shirt and a dark tie.</p><p><br> </p><p>I have Daniel Craig syndrome. <br></p><p>When I started working on Battlestar Galactica in Canada I was told to get as fit as a marine for my character Lee 'Apollo' Adama. So I did. But now I have a problem with suits, because I'm 5ft 9in with a 40in chest and a 31in waist, so I'm rather too big for that very tailored British look and they always have to be altered.</p><p><br> </p><p>I used to be a fashion victim. <br></p><p>Back in the Eighties, I'd buy the biggest Benetton jumper I could find and would wear it long-sleeved, hanging off my shoulders, with a varsity jacket and a baseball cap on back to front with a quiff. I was the smallest boy in my class and I looked like a reject from New Kids On The Block. Terrible.</p><p><br> </p><p>The idea of men looking at themselves in the mirror doesn't fit with my idea of masculinity. <br></p><p>It's not what's important. Maleness is about doing things - providing, hunting and gathering, feeding your family, making things happen - rather than gazing at yourself.</p><p><br> </p><p>I balance my wardrobe between high street clothes and top-end fashion. <br></p><p>I love Prada shirts because they're so decorative and figure-hugging, but I also like Reiss shirts because they're clean, simple and look as if they've come off the peg from a design house. My wife buys me trousers and accessories from Topman, and last year I got a great winter coat from Diesel. I have a big collection of vintage T-shirts by Z-Brand, Junk Food and Chip &amp;amp; Pepper in LA.</p><p><br> </p><p>The most I've spent on a pair of jeans is £220. <br></p><p>They're by Stitch's Jeans and they really suit my shape - I used to play a lot of rugby and I've got a big backside.</p><p><br> </p><p>I have two looks: British tailored or rugged outdoors. <br></p><p>When I'm living in LA, I'm mainly a jeans, vintage T-shirt and Nike high-tops guy. Occasionally, they'll meet in the middle and I'll throw a Juicy Couture blazer over the T-shirt. I travel a lot and blazers are good for that, because they have pockets for a passport, tickets, phone and stuff. Then you don't have to worry about bags and accessories.</p><p><br> </p><p>Tennis is like political warfare. <br></p><p>I love it and it's a great workout. People think of it as a genteel game, slightly elitist, but it's not - it's a duel and proper combat. I played tennis as a kid, but I didn't pick up a racket for years until the Australian director of Battlestar Galactica [Michael Rymer] dragged me back on court. I play hard but it's all about finding the right partner.</p><p><br> </p><p>I ran the London marathon in two hours 58 minutes. <br></p><p>I like challenges, and when I set myself a task I complete it. I wanted to break three hours and I did. But it was painful as all hell and I'd never do it again.</p><p><br> </p><p>I would never have a tattoo. <br></p><p>I couldn't commit to that. Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp must be constantly etching off previous exes from their bodies. <br></p><p><br> </p><p>Interview by Jane Oddy</p><p> 'Law &amp; Order: UK' is on ITV1, Mondays, 9pm</p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p>Puma hooded top (top left)</p><p><br>These are great for when it's cold and I'm outside running. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (top right)</p><p><br></p><p> I love her scents, as they're unisex. This one is my favourite - it's fresh and simple. <br> </p><br><br><p> <br></p><p>Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser (top left)</p><p>I have dry skin and it reacts badly to shaving, so I have to moisturise. This works really well.</p><br><p>Topman scarf (top right)</p><p>It's comforting around your neck in the cold. And I like layering.</p><p><br> </p><p><br></p><p>Prada shoes</p><p><br>They look as good with jeans as they do with smart trousers. </p>?It's A Man's World: Luke Pritchard<br><br>UPDATED:22:00 GMT, 22 November 2008The Kooks' lead singer on why women's jeans on the best, splashing out £1,500 on a scarf, always wearing underpants and eventually turning into Jim Morrison<br> <p> <br></p>I&#8217;m a vintage-clothes man through and through. <br><p>I&#8217;ve loved old clothes ever since I was a child and I never crave labels or the latest fashions. When we were starting out as a band, we wore old T-shirts and second-hand jeans, as it was easy to put together. Now I must confess to mixing it up with some designer stuff.</p><p><br></p>You can become pretty vain pretty damn quick in this business. <p>So I try not to take myself too seriously. As a band we&#8217;ve genuinely never sat down and talked about &#8216;our image&#8217; or planned what to wear on stage. I don&#8217;t have separate stage and everyday clothes. </p><p><br></p>Women&#8217;s jeans are the best. I like the legs to be really tight &#8211; you&#8217;d be surprised at the number of guys wearing women&#8217;s jeans. <p>You get the odd pair of men&#8217;s jeans that are OK, but they&#8217;re usually about £800 a pair. So that&#8217;s a fashion tip &#8211; go for the girls&#8217; racks. </p><p><br></p>When you put on a decent suit for the first time you realise why people have been wearing them for 400 years. <p>I&#8217;ve got into the suit thing in the past two or three years. In Hong Kong recently, I went to the famous Sam&#8217;s Tailor &#8211; the guy who&#8217;s dressed four US Presidents and David Bowie &#8211; and got an amazing suit for £150. </p><p><br></p>In Brighton everyone kept raving on about a tailor called Gresham Blake, and I&#8217;m now into him, too. <p>He makes beautiful mod-style suits, cut close to the body. He&#8217;s making me a suit in thin green tweed. </p><p><br></p>I splashed out recently on a £1,500 scarf from Alexander McQueen. <p>It&#8217;s a work of art in patterned silk, and if you look very carefully you can see tiny embroidered skulls. I discovered him on a trip to New York, and I also got a pinstriped waistcoat for similar money that&#8217;s incredibly well made and totally Rat Pack. </p><p><br></p>I don&#8217;t go commando &#8211; I always wear underpants. <p>I&#8217;m very hygienic. It did save me from embarrassment when my trousers split on stage in America. Luckily, I was wearing my Star Spangled Banner boxer shorts as a nod to the venue, and the audience cheered. </p><p><br></p>I only shampoo my hair once every two or three weeks. <p>I wash it in between with water, as I think it&#8217;s better for it. A guy called Oliver Spencer comes to my flat and does what he wants with it. But as he does Ian Brown&#8217;s from the Stone Roses, that&#8217;s fine.</p><p><br> </p>Mingling with the crowd at gigs can be dangerous. <br><p>As well as getting endless shirts, T-shirts and necklaces ripped off my body, which I have to replace, one guy pogoed into my side so violently he cracked a rib. Another guy tweaked my nipple, which was excruciating. I&#8217;d prefer girls, and stroking, not tweaking. </p><p><br></p>I have no idea how much I weigh and I never use scales. <p>I&#8217;m not that into eating, more liquid refreshment. I suppose I&#8217;ll eventually turn into Jim Morrison, get fat and grow a beard, but for now I&#8217;m not worrying about it.</p><p><br></p>All three of my tattoos seem to be linked to drinking. <p>I come up with these great ideas when I&#8217;ve had a few and then go and get them done. I&#8217;ve got two stripes, a heart and a 3D box.</p><p><br></p>I think it&#8217;s a bit off to buy jewellery for yourself. <p>All jewellery should be presents. At the moment I&#8217;m wearing a silver version of the plastic wristbands you get at gigs, plus a peace symbol on red thread made for me by a girl in the US. It&#8217;s nice and personal. <br></p><br><p><br></p><p>Paul Smith scarf</p><p>I love scarves and I've got a great brown floral silk one from Paul Smith. <br></p><p>Prada loafers</p><p>I would like to be comfy, but I don't like trainers, so my new suede Prada loafers are great.</p><br><br><p>Alexander McQueen waistcoat</p><p>It fits perfectly and I'll usually wear it with an old T-shirt.</p><br><p><br></p> <p> <br></p><p>L'Occitane Jasmine aftershave<br></p><p>I'm not that big on aftershave, but this was given to me and I really like it.<br></p><p>Martin guitar<br></p><p>I've got a collection of 27 guitars. A favourite is my Thirties Martin acoustic, which I found hidden away in the back of a shop and had restored.<br></p><br><br><p>The Kooks&#8217; UK tour starts on Friday. Visit thekooks.co.uk </p><p> </p>?It's A Man World: Rob Brydon<br>UPDATED:11:26 GMT, 11 November 2008<br><br>The actor and comedian on small wrists, not playing Bond, Elvis Presley and bad haircuts.<br> <p> <br></p>I&#8217;m 43 but I only really got into fashion ten years ago. <br><p>Boys from my kind of background went to Burton&#8217;s before graduating to posh shops such as Next. I used to think if you bought labels you were being taken for a ride. Then I found a shop in west London (Sheen) called Nom de Plume, run by a great chap called Mustafa Malik. He had an interest in Dries Van Noten and Armand Basi. I discovered those labels suited me and now I can afford to buy them, too.</p><p></p>I buy bespoke suits from Richard James in Savile Row. <br><p>There&#8217;s something about the way they&#8217;re crafted, the way they hug and fit you, that makes you feel so good. Sharp and showbizzy. David Walliams introduced me to him five years ago and I&#8217;m a big advocate now, although they don&#8217;t come cheap. My first cost about £3,000. </p><p></p>My favourite jeans are Nudies. <br><p>It&#8217;s a Swedish brand I discovered when I was working in Australia on a BBC comedy called Supernova. They were about $150 (£60), and when I was claiming my tax rebate at Sydney airport, I had to tell this guy how much they cost. He just said, &#8216;Jeez! You paid that for jeans? You&#8217;re an idiot.&#8217; I felt like I was on Trinny and Susannah. </p><p><br></p>Big-faced watches look odd on me because of my small wrists. <p>I&#8217;ve got a couple of vintage Rolexes and a few Dunhill watches. At the moment I&#8217;m wearing a Swatch, because I don&#8217;t have to worry about damaging it.</p><p></p>I love Bond movies but I could never play him. <br><p>It&#8217;s so not on the cards. I&#8217;m a 5ft 7in, balding Welsh guy with bad skin. But I&#8217;d like to play the villain. To me, Javier Bardem in No Country For Old Men was the perfect bad guy. But I&#8217;ve got four children and love it here. I&#8217;ve no desire to go to Hollywood and chase the dream. </p><p><br></p>I&#8217;ve been a big Elvis Presley fan since I was 12. <p>He appeals to me on a very basic level, although I&#8217;m aware of his shortcomings. I would like to own one of his jumpsuits circa 1971. In fact, I&#8217;d like to make love while wearing one. I&#8217;ve told my wife and, worryingly, she&#8217;s not surprised.</p><p><br></p>There are some marvellous vintage items in Uncle Bryn&#8217;s wardrobe in Gavin &amp; Stacey. <p>In the second series the wardrobe mistress got a tight fawn waistcoat with suede patches on it from a charity shop. I quite liked it. I mentioned to her that retired men of Bryn&#8217;s age in Wales often wear light-coloured clothes &#8211; pale shoes and slacks. They&#8217;re impractical for any manual labour but are perfect for popping across the road to chat to Gwen, and coming back home in time for Countdown.</p><p><br></p>I had really bad acne when I was a teenager. <p>It&#8217;s left scarring and my skin is very dry. But it&#8217;s improved since I started moisturising with Dermalogica. A make-up artist in Australia recommended it to me three years ago. </p><p><br></p>I&#8217;ve never had extreme hairstyles, just bad haircuts, and that&#8217;s when hats can come in handy. <p>I like to wear a Panama on holiday, and in New York recently I bought a New York Yankees baseball hat for my son (aged 12). After I gave it to him, I tried it on myself. No cap has ever suited me so well. He&#8217;s now furious because he never gets to wear it, so I had to order him another one online. </p><p><br></p>When I went to school discos, a stripy shirt with a white collar was considered a good look. <p>Like Del Boy. All I can say is they were fashionable back then. I was also into Bruce Springsteen for a long time, so in my teenage years and early twenties I dressed like a blue-collar lumber worker in a white T-shirt or a checked shirt and jeans. I have to admit it didn&#8217;t pull girls in great numbers. </p><p><br></p>I get a lot of accessories from Turnbull &amp; Asser in Jermyn Street. <p>They have lovely cufflinks and great cashmere socks. I get long socks, just below the knee, which I&#8217;m told is a gentleman&#8217;s sock. It&#8217;s a curious sensation, but it means they&#8217;re less likely to fall down. I first went there with Ronnie Corbett. He&#8217;s a very dapper dresser.</p><p><br></p>I look and feel better when I work out regularly. <p>I have a great personal trainer and I do 70 per cent more when I&#8217;m with him. I used to work out three times a week, but it&#8217;s hard to do that with a five-month-old son. <br></p><br> <br><p><br> </p><br> <p> <br></p><p><br></p><p>Interview by Jane Oddy</p><p>Rob Brydon goes on tour next February. &#8216;Gavin &amp; Stacey: Series Two&#8217; is out tomorrow</p><p> </p>?Ivanka Trump shows off bold new Bardot-esque look with blunt blonde bangs<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:18:07 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:18:14 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>Ivanka Trump debuted a brand-new forehead full of thick blonde bangs at last nights Met Gala.<br></p><p>It is the first time Donald Trump's model-turned-tycoon daughter has changed her classic mid-part hairstyle in the 30 years she has been in the public eye.<br></p><p>Showing off her new style among fashion's elite at the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations Gala, the new mother looked like a Brigitte Bardot inspired knock-out.<br></p><p></p><p>While the detailed crisscross top looked more bondage than beautiful, the 30-year-old new mother radiated with barely-there make-up and her new do'.</p><p>Looking statuesque, and slimmer than ever, the mother of 10-month old daughter Arabella Rose, and newly minted fashion designer, somehow made such a bold change remain classic and traditional, rather than appearing overtly high fashion.</p><p> </p><p>Bangs are few and far between these days on the red-carpet, with the exception of Katie Holmes' previous sharp bobbed hair-style, Rose Byrne's recently-cut thick brunette fringe and Rooney Mara's sharp edged-bangs.</p><p>A heavy fringe requires a certain amount of coaxing to be camera-ready for the red carpet, and it takes a gutsy lady to make the style work.<br></p>?Prada bosses in Japan axe 'old fat and ugly staff', claims former manager<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:02:16 GMT, 13 March 2010</p><br><p>Bosses at fashion label Prada have allegedly demanded that 'old, fat and ugly&#8217; staff be removed from Japanese stores.</p><p>Rina Bovrisse, a senior retail manager at Prada Japan, also claims that the chief executive wanted her to change her hairstyle and lose weight in order to fit into the company. </p><p>Ms Bovrisse, who oversaw 500 staff in 40 stores, has launched a discrimination and harassment case against the Italian fashion label in Tokyo's industrial tribunal courts. </p><p>Her allegations focus on an incident in May last year when she claims that Davide Sesia, the CEO of Prada Japan, allegedly asked her to &#8216;eliminate&#8217; around 15 managerial staff he described as &#8216;old, fat, ugly, disgusting or not having the Prada look,&#8217; following a tour of 40 stores. </p><p>Immediately after his demands, human resources are said to have notified 13 members of staff with devotional transfer orders citing only poor sales as a reason, according to Ms Bovrisse, who disclosed details of the case in a Japan Times interview. </p><p>Most of them chose to quit, she said.</p><p>Ms Bovrisse alleges that she herself was later summoned to a meeting and informed that Mr Sesia reportedly wanted her to &#8216;change her hairstyle, to lose weight&#8217; because he was &#8216;ashamed of Ms Bovrisse's ugliness, so he doesn't want visitors from Italy to see her&#8217;. </p><p>She later complained to Prada&#8217;s head office in Milan.</p><p>Ms Bovrisse, who has 18 years experience working in the international fashion industry, was placed on involuntary leave last November and launched her legal case the following month. </p><p>According to Ms Bovrisse's account, Mr Sesia told her at work that she was being fired for &#8216;bringing negative energy to the company by reporting the harassment to Milan.&#8217;</p><p>Describing why she had launched the claim, Ms Bovrisse said: &#8216;The level of harassment is beyond human understanding.</p><p>&#8216;My responsibility is to protect hard-working women and make sure their working environment is safe.&#8217;</p><p>A spokesman at Prada's Tokyo headquarters said the firm was unable to comment.</p><p>But Marta Monaco, at the company&#8217;s Milan headquarters, said: &#8216;Besides underlining our serene position and our flat refusal of all the allegations put forward by Ms Bovrisse, we believe it is inappropriate to add any comment regarding this matter whilst the judgment is still pending.</p><p>&#8216;After the court&#8217;s decision, we will be available to give full explanation about the matter.&#8217; </p><br><p></p>?Jeepers creepers! Just look at these sneakers: Prada reinvents the brogue<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:53 GMT, 11 March 2011<br></p><p>Ever wondered what it would be like to walk around with a hovercraft on each foot? Well, thanks to Prada, you can now find out. <br></p><p>The fashion house&#8217;s must-have shoe from its spring 2011 collection is<br>the Creeper Brogue.</p><p>This is the classic brothel creeper &#8212; a favourite with Teddy Boys in the Fifties &#8212; reinvented for the modern fashion crowd.</p><p>It is a sandwich of brightly coloured punched leather, straw, rope and sponge &#8212; and<br>looks like the love-child of a brogue, espadrille and trainer.</p><p>Despite its bizarre appearance &#8212; and eyewatering price of £510 &#8212; the Creeper Brogue has been an instant hit. UK shops claim to have sold all their stock in just a<br>matter of days. <br></p><p>The shoe has been designed for men and women &#8212; so long as they have strong ankles, nerves of steel and bulging wallets.</p><p> <br></p>?How to steal Jennifer Aniston's floral print style<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:07:17 GMT, 4 August 2011</p><p>As P.G. Woodhouse once said, &#8216;Flowers are happy things&#8217; &#8212; and Jennifer Aniston certainly appears to agree as she was pictured beaming at the Hand &amp; Footprint Ceremony in LA last month in, for once, a floral Prada number.<br></p><p>If Jen, the queen of the Little Black Dress, has finally ditched her obligatory funeral attire in favour of darling buds, perhaps we, too, should take a leaf out of her newly blossomed book. <br></p><p>And Aniston is not alone. Erdem, Dolce &amp; Gabbana and Paul &amp; Joe sent a garden&#8217;s-worth down the catwalk this season, and Topshop, Liberty, Whistles and John Lewis have quickly followed suit.</p><p></p><p>Choose neat tea-dresses or swishing maxis, but remember that a floral dress is a light, carefree statement, so team with bare legs. <br></p><p>Ballet pumps sign off the feminine ensemble, but if you want to toughen up your look, try strappy platform shoes or a tailored leather jacket. <br></p><p>The key is to keep your dress as the main event, and accessorise lightly around the edges.</p><p> Follow the rules and we think you&#8217;ll enjoy your new blooming style.</p><p> </p><p> Styling: ELIZA SCARBOROUGH<br></p>?Sealed with a kiss: Jenson Button puckers up with girlfriend Jessica Michibata as they celebrate his win at the Belgian Grand Prix<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:19:26 GMT, 2 September 2012 UPDATED:09:32 GMT, 3 September 2012</p><p>He thrust himself back into Formula One world title contention after winning the Belgian Grand Prix earlier today (Sunday). <br></p><p>And after celebrating his win on the podium, Jenson Button's main prize was yet to come. <br></p><p>The 32-year-old driver was treated to a passionate kiss from girlfriend Jessica Michibata as they posed alongside the rest of the Mercedes McLaren team in the paddock. <br></p><p> </p><p> Puckering up in front of the cameras, the Japanese model didn't seem to care who was watching as she planted a huge smacker on her thrilled man. </p><p>The doting 27-year-old proved her dedication to Button's efforts by donning a bright orange team T-shirt as she celebrated the win alongside the entire crew. <br></p><p>And while the vibrant colour might not be everyone's choice of shade, the brunette beauty looked absolutely stunning as she posed with her clearly besotted beau.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Jessica kept it chic and casual as she watched Button take to the track in Spa, Belgium, earlier today. <br></p><p>The model looked effortlessly stylish in a camel V-neck sweater, which she teamed with a black leather miniskirt, thick black tights and shoe-boots. <br></p><p>With her wavy brunette locks flowing around her shoulders, the Japanese beauty finished off her ensemble with a bright red Prada handbag and tortoiseshell sunglasses. <br></p><p> Button emerged victorious from the Belgian Grand Prix following a faultless pole-to-flag race. <br></p><p>Although his 14th career triumph means he is still 63 points adrift of Alonso, the 32-year-old McLaren star cannot be discounted from title contention after finally finding some form of late.<br></p><p>However, the race ended in disaster for four drivers following a pile-up on the first corner. <br></p><p>Championship leader Fernando Alonso was the biggest casualty, ending his run of 23 consecutive races in the points, along with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.</p><p> <br></p>?Balancing act! Jessica Alba juggles baby Haven and a Prada bag as she steps out in stylish outfit<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:23:06 GMT, 15 March 2012 UPDATED:22:54 GMT, 16 March 2012</p><p>She has said that having children made her more adventurous with her style.<br></p><p>And Jessica Alba showed off a simple but elegant yummy mummy look when she was spotted stepping out with baby daughter Haven.<br></p><p>The actress, 30, looked effortlessly stylish in a pair of spotted black trousers, white T-shirt and black blazer.<br></p><p>She accessorised with a large black scarf, black sunglasses and sparkling silver ballet pumps.<br></p><p>She was carrying little Haven, who is seven months old on one arm, and a big black Prada bag in the other.<br></p><p>Haven was in a convertible car seat surrounded by toys and despite the heavy load Jessica looked comfortable as she checked on her baby while they walked down the street in Brentwood, California.<br></p><p>The Sin City may make motherhood look easy but she spoke out in an interview with Parenting magazine to admit she is the &#8216;disciplinarian&#8217; when it comes to raising her two children with Cash Warren.<br></p><p>Jessica and her actor beau have been married for four years and as well as little Haven, they have a six-year-old daughter, Honor.<br></p><p>She revealed to the magazine: &#8216;I'm the disciplinarian. I think it's because I was kind of a naughty kid myself - I'd push my parents' buttons and test them to see how much I could get away with. <br></p><p> </p><p>&#8216;Cash, meanwhile, was always the perfect kid - the straight-A student who was everyone's sweetheart. It was never in him to be naughty. I think I just know, from me being that other kind of child, how to cut off bad behaviour and redirect it.&#8217;<br></p><p>The Machete star appears without her partner, who is the son of actor Michael Warren, in a spread for the publication&#8217;s April issue.<br></p><p>She continued: &#8216;So when Honor tries to do something she shouldn't, I have to say to Cash, &#8220;Let her know right from the beginning that she can't&#8221;. I'll put her in time-out and tell her, &#8220;Think about the choices you've made&#8221;.&#8217;<br></p><p>However, the 30-year-old believes she couldn't have made a better choice when it comes to her husband - who she met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2004.<br></p><p>Apparently he is the perfect balance for carrying out parenting tasks.<br></p><p>&#8216;Cash is a super dad. If I'm with Haven, he'll make Honor's lunch or take her to the park. They see movies or draw together - she'll even watch sports with him.&#8217;</p><p> <br></p>?Jessica Alba stands out from the crowd in a daring neon dress at Miu Miu store launch<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:00:25 GMT, 4 December 2010</p><p></p><p>It can certainly be difficult to stand out from the crowd at a shop launch with crowds of models and all-round beautiful people.</p><p>But Jessica Alba certainly managed to make an impression last night in a daring sequinned and neon dress, which she teamed with tan platform sandals and a loose up 'do.</p><p>The 29-year-old actress braved the freezing cold temperatures at the opening of the Miu Miu boutique in Bond Street alongside celebrities including American actress Emma Roberts.</p><p> </p><p> Before attending the event, Jessica wrote on her Twitter page: 'Off to London -haven't been in snow in a min -apparently we're about 2 encounter more of a "blizzard" -Yikes TG 4 my new winter coat!'</p><p>But there were no signs of her warm jacket as Alba arrived at the launch, posing for photographers in the pretty dress inside the store.</p><p>Despite being something of a fashion icon, Sin City actress Alba recently revealed she doesn't worry too much about what she wears, but her two-year-old daughter Honor is already turning into a little fashionista.</p><p> </p><p>She said: 'I just wear whatever's easy and matches somewhat. My daughter is normally in the wardrobe with me, pulling all my shoes out, trying on the jewellery!'</p><p>And Jessica also revealed that while becoming a mother has definitely made her reconsider her priorities in life, it hasn't prevented her enjoying an evening to herself.<br></p><p>She said: 'Oddly, I think I'm a little more wild and free since I had Honor because once she's in bed all my mom friends come over and we have dance parties at my house. It's really dorky and I probably wouldn't have done that before. <br></p><p>'But no, I don't go out. I hang out with my friends and I'm pretty chilled.'</p><p>Other stars to attend the Miu Miu store launch included Harry Potter stars Bonnie Wright and Jamie Campbell Bower, who got engaged earlier this year.</p><p>While Bonnie looked pretty in a black and green dress, Bower accessorised his outfit with a huge cast on his left foot, after breaking his ankle.</p><p>Bower is understood to have proposed to Wright in April.</p><p>A source said at the time: 'All he has told us is that he asked her to marry him and Bonnie said yes. <br></p><p></p>?'They have closets of Chanel they no longer want': The divorcees turning bad breakups into serious profit<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:18:24 GMT, 3 October 2011</p><p>Ending a marriage is never an easy process, but, for some recent divorcees, a silver lining may come in the form of a company that turns garments from a past relationship into handy profits.<br></p><p>The brainchild of Jill Alexander, The Divorcee Sale rids women of clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery that are associated with happier times.</p><p>It's a chance to purge the past and move on - if the divorcee in question is lucky enough to have wardrobes full of unwanted designer labels, that is.<br></p><p>In an interview with Good Morning America, Ms Alexander said: 'You go to these women's homes and they haveclosets of Chanel bags that they no longer need, gowns they no longer need, fur coats that they no longer need... Life changes when you go through a divorce.'</p><p>The barely worn high-end items are collected then sold on at discounted prices to others who can make better use of them - part of the ever-popular U.S. trend for consignment shopping.</p><p></p><p>'One consigner who was previously married had 60 designer gowns,' said Ms Alexander.</p><p>'Well, her life has completely changed and she no longer needs the gowns and would rather get the money and buy things that she can wear for her new life.'<br></p><p>One such divorcee profiteer is Michelle Lewis.</p><p>With the help of Ms Alexander, she carefully picked through her racks of designer labels to choose items with which she is happy to part.<br></p><p>The now-remarried New Yorker said to ABC: 'When I wear them, I remember the time of when they were purchased for me. And since my life has evolved and moved on, it's just time to let that go.'</p><p>Speaking about a little black dress bought on a trip to Las Vegas, Ms Lewis reveals it's time to move on from the emotional grip of the clothes.<br></p><p>'It's a little bit sexier than I would normally choose for myself... It's something I have a lot of great memories about, but something I don't see fitting in my current life,' she told the programme.<br></p><p>Her memory-laden clothes and accessories were part of one sale at Manhattan's exclusive Mondrian Hotel.<br></p><p>One shopper at that event commented: 'It's great to see fashion you may have missed in a past season and that you really, really wanted.'</p><p>Still, the consignment prices may not be for the average bargain hunter.<br></p><p>The GMA clip shows one lady's delight at finding a pair of gold Chanel earrings for the 'bargain' price of $495 - and a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes are on offer for $425, nearly half of their usual retail price.</p><p>A portion of the sales goes towards women's charities. </p><p>Myra Biblowit, president of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which benefits from The Divorcee Sale, said the company is about more than just shopping: 'Women, the sisterhood, are coming together. <br></p><p>'We get through divorce, we get through breast cancer, and you go on to a healthy and beautiful life in glorious fashions.'</p><p><br></p>?From Morrisons to Milan: Karl Morrall's two week transition from checkout boy to Prada favourite<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:35 GMT, 28 June 2011</p><p>Kate Moss's life was turned around when she was first discovered at JFK airport.</p><p>And it seems that Karl Morrall is experiencing a similar meteoric rise to fame after being snapped up by a top model agency.</p><p>Just two weeks ago the 21-year-old was working at his local Morrisons supermarket in Liverpool but now he is more likely to be seen strutting down the catwalk or posing for Prada.</p><p>Six foot one Morrall went on a trip to London to visit the offices of Premier Model Management agency and was instantly offered a contract. <br></p><p></p><p>He has already been chosen to model exclusively for Prada, an honournormally enjoyed by models who already have several years experience.</p><p>Men's modelling agent Sadaf Butt d'Orleans said: 'It is so exciting and incredibly rare to see a model this new achieve so much and cause such of a stir just two weeks after having signed to an agency. <br></p><p>'There are so many new models on the scene every season during men's fashion week which makes the competition so fierce.<br></p><p>'Most boys have had a few test shoots or have modelled for a while before achieving success like this, but with Karl it's been so quick we've hardly had time to blink!'<br></p><p>The young model, whose hobbies include downhill mountain biking, street photography and long distance running first heard of Premier after watching the Channel 4 series, The Model Agency.</p><p>Now according to a friend Mr Morrall is 'having the time of his life and cannot believe how lucky he has been'.</p><p>A spokesperson for Premier said: 'Karl has been so busy - he has been whisked all over Europe.</p><p>'He has been flying into new countries late at night and onlygetting four hours of sleep before having to get up early and get back on the catwalk.'</p><p>Morrall has already modelled for Prada, the top Italian label in Milan andhas been whisked over to Paris to continue presenting the spring/summer2012 range.</p><p>Magazines including Vogue, GQ and i-D have already rushed to detail his journey so far.</p><p>His agent said: 'He really has shone out there. He is so excited and incredibly humble about it all, which makes him all the more special.<br></p><p>'His face is like a blank canvas - perfect for almost any brands - which is why I'm certain he will have a very successful career.'</p><p>For more on Morrall, please visit </p><p></p>?I've got a crush on you! Kate Bosworth and boyfriend Michael Polish get affectionate on surf shop trip<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:08:34 GMT, 30 December 2011</p><p>She may have turned down the chance to appear in the sequel to 2002&#8217;s Blue Crush, but Kate Bosworth recreated her own version of the sports romance this afternoon.</p><p>The actress &#8211; who made her name in the surfer flick - looked loved up with her boyfriend following a trip to a water sports store in L.A.</p><p>The synopsis of the movie sees her as a hard-core surfer girl who prepares for a big competition but finds herself falling for a football player.</p><p> While her director partner Michael Polish eyed up some equipment, the 28-year-old was spotted turning a blind eye to the surfboards that were on display.</p><p>Wearing a stripy button-down top and simple black skinny jeans, the slender star was draped accessories her casual look with Rayban sunglasses, a Prada handbag and flat studded boots with buckle details from Chloe.</p><p>Kate, kept her arms firmly wrapped around her director beau&#8217;s waist as they took a stroll in a residential neighbourhood, deep in conversation.</p><p> </p><p> At one point the lovers looked as though they were about to lean in for a kiss.</p><p>Bosworth&#8217;s latest project, Life Happens, made it screening debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival.</p><p>The blonde stars alongside co-writer Krysten Ritter, Rachel Bilson and Geoff Stults.</p> <p> </p><p> </p><br><p> </p>?Kate Bosworth makes singing debut (and shows off her impressive wardrobe) as new face of cotton<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:06 GMT, 5 May 2011</p><p>Kate Bosworth is set to make her singing debut - as the new face of Cotton Incorporated.</p><p>The Superman Returns star, 28, lends her breathy folk vocals for the theme song of the new The Fabric of My Life campaign, scheduled to debut this week.<br></p><p>Miss Bosworth follows in the footsteps of singers Leona Lewis, Colbie Caillat and Zooey Deschanel - who is credited with making the campaign a hit.<br></p><p>The Fabric of My Life ad is a spin-off of Cotton's popular Nineties campaign, The Fabric of Our Lives, which showcases the role cotton plays in the everyday lives of consumers. <br></p><p>The actress's casting came at a time when the brand was looking to glam up its image.</p><p></p><p>Cotton Incorporated executive Glenn Sciachitano told FashionETC.com: 'Kate was an ideal choice for this year&#8217;s commercial. <br></p><p>'Her beauty, her status as a Hollywood actress and a fashion icon were a perfect fit for our strategy: to show women that cotton is a part of all aspects of their lives, even if that life includes a walk on the red carpet.'</p><p>The new campaign sees the star wearing a Preen chambray dress while perusing a closet filled with cotton creations from high-end designers such as Prada, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, and Nina Ricci.</p><p>Vignettes show her on a movie set wearing a L'Wren Scott dress and Current/Elliot corduroy jacket, and in a library in a blush Nina Ricci dress, while her breathy vocals to Cotton Inc's theme song play.<br></p><p>Accordingto Cotton Inc executives, Miss Bosworth was nervous about lending her vocals to the campaign on the heels of a string of hit-making musical acts.</p><p>Cotton Inc introduced the Fabric of My Life campaign in 2009 with vocalists Miranda Lambert, Jazmine Sullivan and Miss Deschanel.</p><p>Last year, Leona Lewis and Colbie Caillat featured in their own ads.<br></p><p>Spokesman Ric Hendee told WWD: '[Kate] was, in fact, anxious [to sing], and she said this commercial will give her a chance to make her singing debut.'<br></p><p>Miss Bosworth's ad, which is part of a year-long campaign, is scheduled to premiere on Friday.</p><p>It will air in rotation with Miss Deschanel&#8217;s ad.</p><p>WATCH KATE BOSWORTH'S NEW COTTON AD HERE:<br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?Coy Kate Hudson keeps us guessing over cosmetic surgery rumours by covering up on set<p>By <br>UPDATED:08:57 GMT, 23 April 2010</p><p>Kate Hudson has been the subject of intense speculation that she has succumbed to plastic surgery and had a breast enlargement.</p><p>However, the actress has come over all shy, and while on the set of her latest movie, hid her body away in a series of chest-covering outfits. <br></p><p>And if she was hoping it would deflect the rumours, it only served to draw more attention to her.<br></p><p>According to reports in the U.S., the actress underwent a cosmetic procedure late last month. </p><p>A source told Us magazine that a plastic surgeonperformed a small breast enlargement on the actress in late March.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The second ensemble consisted of a Prada trench coat, with leopard print inside the cuffs and a pair of gold and black heels.</p><p>Kate was also seen in a short baby blue skirt with black stripes and a navyblue hooded top, with her hair out and a pair of classic style Ray Banshades.</p><p>Later she stepped out in a gold mini and some classic Hunter wellington boots.<br></p><p>Meanwhile, Eightiessupermodel Paulina Porizkova, a former judge onAmerica's Next Top Model, poured scorn on Hudson on her blog for website Modelinia.</p><p>She aired her views on the picturesthat had been posted by Us Weekly, saying: 'The before: an amazinglyfit, gorgeous, and yes, small-breasted young woman in a to-die-for redbikini; in the other, a blond starlet sipping a latte. The cup size wasundeniably different.'</p><p>'If big boobs make her happier, then morepower to her. I used to use [Hudson] as an example of the perfectbeauty with a small chest. <br></p><p>'Now, with her new boobs, she just looks like any California blond actress. Instead of enhancing, she has diminished herself.'</p><br><p> </p>?Crowning of a style queen: From haute couture to the High St, Kate hasn't put a foot wrong in the fashion stakes this year<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:12:48 GMT, 31 December 2011</p><p>Just over a year ago, the Duchess of Cambridge appeared alongside her Prince to officially announce their engagement. <br></p><p>She wore a stunning royal blue Issa jersey dress. It was to be the first of many pitch-perfect fashion moments. <br></p><p>Kate&#8217;s style has come a long way in the nine years since she was catapulted onto the fashion catwalk at St Andrews University, wearing a £30 dress designed by her friend Charlotte Todd.<br></p><p>As the then girlfriend of Prince William, Kate&#8217;s sartorial choices came under much public scrutiny &#8212; and she made mistakes. Some thought her skirts were too short, and her country tweeds too old and frumpy for a young woman in her 20s.</p>Classic coats<br>High Street hits<br><p>But since the couple&#8217;s engagement last year, Kate has found the confidence to develop her own style. It&#8217;s never been confirmed whether the Duchess has a stylist, but her look is thought to have been greatly influenced by Nikki Pennie, ex-public relations manager for the Issa label. <br></p><p>This year has seen Kate complete her transformation into the archetypal modern &#8216;Sloane Ranger&#8217;.<br></p><p>It&#8217;s a look that is much copied &#8212; High Street labels Reiss and LK Bennett have enjoyed a record year of sales thanks to Kate&#8217;s support &#8212; and one that has propelled the Duchess to the top of numerous Best Dressed lists, including those of Vogue, Harper&#8217;s Bazaar and Vanity Fair magazines.</p><p></p><p>Kate is also responsible for the year&#8217;s ultimate fashion moment with her incredible wedding gown, and has helpedshine a light on British designer brands like Erdem and Alexander McQueen&#8217;s Sarah Burton (designer of said wedding dress).</p><p>Kate favours unfussy, fitted styles that accentuate her athletic frame. She keeps detailing, such as embroidery, to a minimum and has tended towards a muted palette in recent months.</p><p>Her style evolution is arguably at its most heightened when it comes to dressing for black-tie galas and her choices have shown a remarkable maturity and an intuitive knack of dressing impeccably for each occasion.<br></p><p>But undoubtedly the most striking thing about the Duchess&#8217;s style is the way she has brought a dashing sense of frugality to the Royal family. With her love of chains like Reiss, LK Bennett and Zara, Kate has opted for clever combinations of accessories to elevate her thrifty choices &#8212; Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry and Prada are all favourites of hers.</p>Hats off!<br>Evening glamour<br><p>If there is one thing the newest member of the Royal Family has to master it is millinery, but Kate has triumphed, ditching the fascinators that she used to favour and, instead, commissioning bolder pieces.<br></p><p>Despite fashionistas yearning for herto be more daring, our future Queen has remained true to her own style while rising to many varied occasions. For this, she should be applauded.</p><p>Next year, as the Duchess turns 30, we expect her fashion evolution to continue. As she grows in confidence,she may return to some of the bolder colours we saw before her engagement. <br></p><p>The Duchess has also pledged to champion lesser-known independent British designers &#8212; something she put into practice with her mulled-wine coloured coat on Christmas Day.</p><p>Of course, there&#8217;s one style avid royal watchers would like to see Kate in next year &#8212; and that&#8217;s maternity wear. But of that prediction, only time will tell...</p>The Big Day<br><br><p><br></p>?Picking up some festive treats? Kate Moss and Jamie Hince find time for some late night Christmas shopping.... at Prada<p> By <br>UPDATED:08:30 GMT, 14 December 2011</p><p></p><p>Most people hit the high street to do their Christmas shopping, sticking to a budget while picking up festive treats.</p><p>But when it came to Kate Moss and Jamie Hince fitting in some late night retail therapy, there were no high street stores in sight, with the pair instead choosing to shop at the exclusive Prada on Bond Street.</p><p>While Jamie looked dapper in his black suit and patterned scarf, Kate, 37, wore one of her favourite furry coats over her all-black outfit.<br></p><p> </p><p>And it was a busy day for the pair, who had earlier been photographed checking out wares in some local furniture stores in the area.</p><p>Kate and Jamie recently bought a new house in Hampstead, north London, and are hoping to move into the property before Christmas.</p><p>In fact, Kate is so keen to get settled into the house ahead of the festive season that she has even been helping out with the building work.</p><p>A source told The Sun: 'Kate doesn't mind getting her hands dirty and has been putting in some graft.</p><p>'The workmen really enjoy her visits and find it funny she's helping out. Especially when she pops into the kitchen and returns with a tray of teas.'</p>?Practising for festival mosh pits? Kate Moss headbangs her way through DJ slot, flicking her locks around to create tangled bed hair <br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:19:30 GMT, 26 January 2012</p><br><p>Kate Moss really knows how to let her hair down, literally.</p><p>The model took to the decks for a DJ slot in Paris, throwing her head around as if she was in a festival most pit, spinning tunes from Donna Summer, Madonna, Grace Jones and Primal Scream.<br></p><p>The mother-of-one is in the French capital for Couture Week, ahead of the looming Paris Fashion Week, and appears to be wildly extending celebrations from her 38th birthday last week.<br></p>Scroll down for video...<p> </p><p>Kate was clearly lapping up the attention from admirers who were frantically taking photographs of her from behind the decks as she danced around in a high-neck black mesh top.<br></p><p></p><p>With husband Jamie Hince notably absent, Kate chatted to fellow night owl and Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli instead until the early hours, proving to have quite the stamina.<br></p><p>Earlier in the day, on Wednesday afternoon, Kate had been promoting her latest fashion campaign in London, before fleeing to France for a party held by Prada at the Iena Palace.</p><p>And yesterday, the 38-year-old was spotted leaving The Ritz the morning after her late night out.</p><p>Wearing a long grey dress with matching fur coat, Kate went make-up free as she left the building.</p><p>Moss let her blonde hair hang down over her shoulders, having given them a quick brush since tangling them the night before while DJing.<br></p><p>Her minimalistic look was a far cry from the appearance she made in the UK.</p><p>Back on home soil, she donned black skinny jeans, a matching blazer and an immaculately made-up face as she promoted Mango's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.</p><p>Later that evening she glammed up further after swiftly making her exit from Oxford Street to the French capital to party.<br></p><p>Kate switched her groomed locks for shabby chic bed hair and traded her conservative jeans and blazer for a more 'look at me' outfit, by baring her legs and parading in a fur jacket. <br></p><p> She had stopped off at The Ritz hotel earlier in the day before heading to the fashion event.</p><p>She looked typically quirky and stylish at the beginning of the evening, fighting off jet lag with a polished appearance, a smile plastered on for the cameras and with her make-up intact.</p><p>However, by the time she left the party at 3am, Kate was rather bedraggled and seemed to need help walking as she struggled to put one foot in front of the other.</p><p>She was believed to have put her social life on hold, hoping to concentrate on expanding her family with The Kills rocker Jamie Hince, whom she married in July.</p><p> </p><p>Even celebrations for her birthday last week were rather tepid, with a lunchtime date in Mayfair followed by dinner at China Tang restaurant.</p><p>Yet last night's shenanigans prove Kate is still a night owl with a penchant for partying.</p><p>Despite there still being two years separating her and the big 4-0, the lines on Kate's face were apparent as she hopped in a taxi back to her temporary abode.</p><p> </p><p>The Croydon beauty had very obvious crow's feet and lines beneath her eyes as well as blemished skin from years of smoking and drinking.</p><p>But thanks to smoke and mirrors, Kate's ageing giveaways were hidden beneath layers of foundation during her photocall in London at the Mango flagship store.</p><p>Speaking of the Spanish brand, Kate said: 'I&#8217;m really excited to be working with Mango for S/S 2012, we had a great time shooting the campaign, the team are so easy to work with and shooting with Terry (photographer Terry Richardson) is always fun.'<br></p><p> </p>Video: Kate Moss interviewed for Mango promotion<p> </p>?Recovering at The Ritz: Kate Moss looks in need of some sleep the morning after her late night out in Paris<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:07:34 GMT, 26 January 2012</p><br><p>She spent yesterday promoting her latest fashion campaign and then partying in France but today Kate Moss was relaxing.</p><p>The 38-year-old supermodel was spotted leaving The Ritz in Paris the morning after her late night out and looked ready for bed.</p><p>Wearing an odd floor-length grey dress with a matching fur coat, the mother-of-one went make-up free as she left the building.</p>Scroll down for video...<p>Moss let her blonde hair hang down over her shoulders and looked keen to head home and catch up on some sleep.</p><p>Her minimalistic look was a far cry from the appearances she made yesterday.</p><p>In London she donned black skinny jeans, a matching blazer and an immaculately made-up face as she promoted Mango's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.</p><p>Later that evening she glammed up even more to attend a party held by Prada at the Iena Palace in the French capital.<br></p><p>The mother-of-one switched her groomed locks for shabby chic bed hair and traded her conservative jeans and blazer for a more 'look at me' outfit, by baring her legs and parading in a fur jacket. <br></p><p> Kate had stopped off at The Ritz hotel earlier in the day before heading to the Fashion Week event.</p><p>She looked typically quirky and stylish at the beginning of the evening, fighting off jet lag with a polished appearance, a smile plastered on for the cameras and with her make-up intact.</p><p>However, by the time she left the party at 3am, Kate was rather bedraggled and seemed to need help walking as she struggled to put one foot in front of the other.</p><p>The 38-year-old was believed to have put her social life on hold, hoping to concentrate on expanding her family with The Kills rocker Jamie Hince, whom she married in July.</p><p> </p><p>Even celebrations for her birthday last week were rather tepid, with a lunchtime date in Mayfair followed by dinner at China Tang restaurant.</p><p>Yet last night's shenanigans prove Kate is still a night owl with a penchant for partying.</p><p>Despite there still being two years separating her and the big 4-0, the lines on Kate's face were apparent as she hopped in a taxi back to her temporary abode.</p><p> </p><p>The Croydon beauty had very obvious crow's feet and lines beneath her eyes as well as blemished skin from years of smoking and drinking.</p><p>But thanks to smoke and mirrors, Kate's ageing giveaways were hidden beneath layers of foundation during her photocall in London at the Mango flagship store on Oxford Street.</p><p>Speaking of the Spanish brand, Kate said: 'I&#8217;m really excited to be working with Mango for S/S 2012, we had a great time shooting the campaign, the team are so easy to work with and shooting with Terry (photographer Terry Richardson) is always fun.'<br></p><p> </p>Video: Kate Moss interviewed for Mango promotion<p> </p>?Where did your wrinkles go, Kate? Miss Moss looks suddenly youthful in new magazine shoot<p>By <br>UPDATED:14:46 GMT, 14 August 2009</p><p>Just a week ago, Kate Moss was photographed looking less than super as she sunbathed on a yacht in the Mediterranean.</p><p>But thanks to the wonders of good lighting and make-up, the supermodel looks luminous as she models for a magazine shoot.<br></p><p>In place of her sun-damaged, wrinkled face, her skin looked glowing and smooth as she pouts in Miuccia Prada's latest collection in the September issue of W magazine.<br></p><p> The 35-year-old looks striking in the Seventies disco-esque shoot to showcase the autumn/winter collection from the Italian designer.</p><p>Instead of her usual straight hair, Kate's blonde locks are curled</p><p>Her flawless appearance in the shoot is in contrast to her unflattering appearance in St Tropez, France last week.</p><p>Years of hard-partying and sun-worshipping appeared to have caught up with the model leaving her face looking wrinkled and blemished.</p><p>But in these latest shots, chameleon Kate looks like a twentysomething as she poses in a series of Prada clothes in the stunning shoot.</p><p>The colourful shoot was shot by celebrated photography duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and styled by Alex White.<br></p><p>In one shot, Kate gives fans a glimpse of cleavage as she pulls a provocative pose in a leather fringe embroidered and studded dress over a pair of red silk knickers.</p><p>In another pose, Kate shows off her smooth slender back as she left the sleeve of a silk velvet brocade dress hang suggestively off her shoulder.<br></p><p> In the accompanying interview with Prada, the designer says her new season was inspired by the country.</p><p>Meanwhile, reports claim Simon Cowell has approached Kate to appear in the new series of The X Factor.</p><p></p><p>Kate and her daughter Lila Grace are huge fans of the show and were spotted in the audience of one of the live Saturday broadcasts last December.</p><p>A source told The Sun that Simon wants Kate to help one of the judges whittle down their final three acts for one of the categories.<br></p><p></p><p> <br></p><p> </p>?Prada? Emily Blunt will be wearing white in her next big role...as a wife<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:22:05 GMT, 24 October 2009</p><p>Emily Blunt has set the date of her wedding to American TV star John Krasinski &#8211; but the couple have still to find a location to tie the knot. <br></p><p>Emily, who stole the show as Meryl Streep&#8217;s neurotic assistant in The Devil Wears Prada, and John, star of the US version of The Office, are to wed next June, says a source. <br></p><p>&#8216;They want it to be a relatively small, beachfront wedding and are looking for a tropical location,&#8217; the source adds.<br></p><p>&#8216;Emily&#8217;s friend Anne Hathaway will be chief bridesmaid and there will be no more than 50 guests. <br></p><p>John is pulling out all the stops to make sure this is the wedding of Emily&#8217;s dreams.&#8217; <br></p><p>Designs for Emily&#8217;s dress are being drawn up by couturier John Galliano. <br></p><p>Krasinski, 30, previously dated his Office co-star Rashida Jones and Emily, 26, ended her relationship with Canadian singer Michael Buble in July 2008. <br></p><p>She confirmed her engagement to Krasinski in August.</p><p>A spokesperson for Emily said a definite date had not yet been set, adding: &#8216;She wants to finish her filming commitments in New York before she thinks that far ahead.</p><p>Never one to do things by halves, entrepreneur Sol Kerzner has pulled out all the stops for the official opening of his Mazagan Beach Resort in Casablanca this week. <br></p><p>The billionaire businessman, 74, has even built a motorway with the Moroccan government from the city&#8217;s airport to the El Jadida district where the five-star, 500-room hotel is situated. <br></p><p>&#8216;Sol has thought of everything,&#8217; says a friend. <br></p><p>&#8216;Fifty Arabian horses will greet guests, along with belly dancers and a fireworks display.&#8217;</p><p>While Tara Palmer-Tomkinson got over hersplit from Fiat boss Eduardo Teodorani-Fabbri by buying an eye-poppingStephane Rolland dress it appears her ex has been finding solace in anold flame.<br></p><p>The millionaire Italian was seen out withmodel Francesca Nardi at the Little Black Gallery in Chelsea where, asour picture, left, shows, they seemed happy to be reunited.</p><p>&#8216;Eduardo sponsored the exhibition andarrived with Francesca. It looked as though they had quite a bit ofcatching up to do,&#8217; says a spy. <br></p><p>&#8216;They shared a drink and posed for a picture together before Eduardo had to leave.&#8217;<br></p><p>However, he is clearly not totally over Tara &#8211; as he spent the week trying to win her back. <br></p><p>&#8216;He adored Tara and has been sending her flowers since they split,&#8217; a source said. <br></p><p>&#8216;But there&#8217;s no way she&#8217;ll get back with him. The relationship ran its course.&#8217;</p><p>Silent Witness star Emilia Fox is in no hurry to walk down the aisle again after divorcing Jared Harris last year. <br></p><p>The actress, who is now happily dating charity campaigner Jeremy Gilley, says she has no plans to remarry.</p><p>&#8216;Things are going really well and I feel lucky to have met Jeremy,&#8217; Emilia, 35, said at last week&#8217;s Specsaver Crime Thriller TV Awards.</p><p></p><p>&#8216;Last year was very difficult for me and it&#8217;s too early to think about getting married again.&#8217;</p><p>Emilia is more than confident in her own skin, however, and recently bared all for a charity campaign. <br></p><p>&#8216;I&#8217;m comfortable with being naked in front of the camera now,&#8217; she admitted. <br></p><p>&#8216;I&#8217;m a normal girl and I&#8217;m not afraid to show my flaws as long as it&#8217;s done tastefully.&#8217;</p>?Footloose and fancy free: Kim Kardashian looks more Primark than Prada as she ditches heels in favour of flat shoes again<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:14:37 GMT, 20 July 2011</p><br><p>On first glance, Kim Kardashian appears to have forgotten she's a millionairess as she wondered through the airport like a mere mortal.<br></p><p>The socialite was, believe it or not, carrying her own bags instead of relying on one of her minions.<br></p><p>It also seemed to have slipped her memory that she has an entire wardrobe of designer heels that would leave even Carrie Bradshaw foaming at the mouth.<br></p><p> But casual Kim stepped out in a pair of flat sandals that didn't even have so much as a kitten heel or a half inch wedge.</p><p>At just over five foot, the 30-year-old usually seizes every opportunity to give her height a boost and totters along on skyscrapers.</p><p></p><p>Considering fiance Kris Humphries is a professional NBA player who towers above her a six foot nine inches, little Kim often needs a helping hand.</p><p>While she still looked elegant in a summery playsuit and softer make-up than usual, the socialite was more Primark than Prada.</p><p>She opted for minimal bling and the only obvious sign of a designer brand was her Louis Vitton suitcase she dragged behind her.</p><p>Despite doing very little to her hair in terms of style, her tresses still looked enviably shiny as they hung perfectly over her shoulders.<br></p><p>It's a refreshing change to see a celebrity actually have daywear in their closet and not swan around in latex or lace while they run errands.</p><p>Her blood red toenails couldn't deflect from the fact she had several bruises scattered on the back of her leg.</p><p>Poor Kim looked like she had taken a tumble or been bitten by a mosquito, as the red spots freckled her left calf.<br></p><p>The young entrepreneur - who co-owns aboutique with sisters Kourtney and Khloe, designs jewellery and is alsoa model - had been busy with meetings in New York, before flying home to LA.</p><p>She tweeted: 'Back in LA! Happy to be home!'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The reality star is set to marry Humphries next month, in what will no doubt be a lavish ceremony.</p><p>Preparations have extended well beyond purchasing a dress and a cake, with Kim hiring Dancing with the Stars professional Mark Ballas to tutor the couple personally for their first dance.</p><p>The pair got engaged in May after Kris proposed with a 20.5-carat Lorrain Schwartz diamond engagement ring.</p><p> </p><p>Heel today, gone tomorrow: Kim usually has a flair for towering skyscrapers</p><p></p>?LIZ JONES MOANS<br>Kitchen fitters who won't fit kitchens? I do hate Can't Do Britain<br><p> By <br></p><p>UPDATED:22:13 GMT, 22 June 2011</p><br>Funny, outrageous and downright rude. Who&#8217;s in Liz Jones&#8217; firing line this week?<p>How I hate people who turn taps off so tight I get a hernia trying to turn them on (if you want to save water, stop having children!). <br></p><p>I also hate women who manage to freeze the blood in your veins. <br></p><p>I was having a drink last night in the Costes Bar in Paris, when my fashion editor companion said sweetly: &#8216;I hate it when all those women at the Guardian write mean things about you. I&#8217;m always defending you.&#8217; <br></p><p>My self-esteem seeped from the peep-toes of my Louboutins. <br></p><p>But most of all, I hate ordering a new kitchen (I&#8217;m renovating my house in order to sell it). <br></p><p>I telephoned a firm in Suffolk. &#8216;Can you post me a brochure, and perhaps come and make a plan of my kitchen and utility room?&#8217; I asked politely.<br></p><p>&#8216;Do you have any idea of our prices?&#8217; the woman asked me. <br></p><p>&#8216;Well, are they in the brochure?&#8217; <br></p><p>&#8216;No.&#8217; <br></p><p>&#8216;O-kaaay. Can you give me any idea?&#8217; <br></p><p>&#8216;Well, it depends on the size of the room. You will need to send us architect&#8217;s drawings. We don&#8217;t remove an existing kitchen, you will have to do that. We don&#8217;t do wiring or any plumbing work.&#8217; <br></p><p>&#8216;Do you do floors?&#8217; <br></p><p>&#8216;No, we don&#8217;t do floors.&#8217; <br></p><p></p><p>I am really getting rather tired of the &#8216;can&#8217;t do&#8217; approach of British businesses. Do these people realise there is a recession? Surely in these straitened times, small businesses should be bending over backwards to win our business? <br></p><p>Why do firms not take a more holistic approach? I once bought a dishwasher from John Lewis, and it took a team of men to remove my old one, another team to deliver the new one, and a third set of men to install it!</p><p>CELEB BRAIN-DEAD MOMENT OF THE WEEK</p><p>Miuccia Prada in a broadsheet newspaper on Monday: &#8216;When I used to be a feminist, I never dreamt that parameters of female beauty would actually get narrower.&#8217; <br></p><p>This photo (below left) shows Kirsi Pyrhonen on the Prada winter 2010 catwalk, a model who surely illustrates the one-size-fits-all parameter of female beauty: 6ft tall, extremely thin, white, young. <br></p><p>While Mrs Prada has used larger models, including Lara Stone and Doutzen Kroes, she, more than any other designer thanks to her super-influential casting director, Russell Marsh, has dictated the current vogue for the skinny adolescent. <br></p><p>She once sent models down the runway in shoes so high they tumbled like hobbled thoroughbreds. Feminist, indeed.</p><p>CRIME AGAINST FASHION</p><p>Fresh from designing that wedding dress, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen turned her attention to the men, with her collection for next spring, shown in Paris earlier this week. <br></p><p>And we can see, illustrated nicely in this silver lame number, two very current fashion trends for men this summer: the &#8216;tidemark&#8217;, where white flesh clashes garishly with a sunburned neck or lower arm, and the &#8216;mankle&#8217;, or exposed male ankle, which is proving as disastrous for the sock industry as the sight of Clark Gable&#8217;s bare torso in It Happened One Night was for the makers of vests&#8201;.&#8202;.&#8202;.</p>?Ready for take-off! Kylie Minogue wears quirky Prada heels complete with wings and taillights - which set her back a cool $1,500<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:17:35 GMT, 1 May 2012 UPDATED:08:37 GMT, 2 May 2012</p><br><p>It looks like that cup of coffee she's holding has given her wings.</p><p>Kylie Minogue stepped out in a kooky pair of Prada heels today, looking ready for take-off.</p><p>The I Should Be So Lucky singer looked effortlessly chic as she mixed her casual dressed down look with footwear more suited for a red carpet premiere.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>The designer heels are from the 2012 spring collection, including an array of stilettos inspired by classic Fifties cars.</p><p>Kylie's green and black peep toe creations were decorated with automotive parts including wings, taillights and flames.</p><p>The43-year-old was obviously rather inspired by the theme, tweeting a picture of her new toys with the caption: 'Brmmmmm brmmm'.</p><p>The shoes are said to be a cool $1,450.</p><p>KatyPerry was also seen wearing a pair at the Miu Miu show during Paris Fashion Week.</p><p>While Black Eyes Peas star Fergie may have had trouble standing after rocking hers at a US vodka party launch.</p><br><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p></p>?These boots were made for... a joke? Chanel takes footwear hybrids a step too far<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:11:58 GMT, 13 May 2011<br></p><p>Karl Lagerfeld's breath-taking monochrome swimwear at Chanel's cruise collection catwalk show drew gasps from the crowd.</p><p>But the footwear will surely have fashionistas hyperventilating - for all the wrong reasons.<br></p><p> The stunning clothes were teamed with flip-Mary Janes and flip boots, a bizarre hybrid of flip flops and knee-high boots.<br></p><p> But it appears the footwear is being aimed at a certain demographic.<br></p><p>Lagerfeld explained after the show that this collection was 'about the women of Cannes, women who mix bathing suits with real pearls and diamonds... After all, you can't wear fakes into thewater.'</p><p></p><p>Clearly not targeted at the average woman then.<br></p><p>'It's about dressing down these very sumptuous looks,' Lagerfeld added. <br></p><p>With footwear like that, it's mission accomplished.</p><p> The Daily Mail's Liz Jones further narrows down who would wear the shoes.</p><p>'Are they for women who have just had a French pedicure and don't want to waste their toes,' she muses.<br></p><p>'Or are they for women who want to wear flip flops but haven't waxed their legs?'</p><p>Either way, they are just the latest addition to a worrying trend of designer footwear hybrids.</p><p>Last week we reported that Prada was has started selling Mary Jane boots. <br></p><p>From far away, the £900 leather footwear looks like a normal pair of redMary Janes. A closer look reveals a skin-coloured (if you are pasty) addition that goes right up to the knee and gives a strange prosthetic leg effect.</p><p>Dior Homme has also launched a boot that comes with an integrated, but removable, sock. They're a steal at £530.</p><p>The price of Chanel's flip boots has not yet been released. <br></p><p>But we expect them to be appropriately priced for the 'women who mixes bathing suits with real pearls and diamonds' market.<br></p><p></p>?'I haven't had a drink for seven years': Lana Del Rey reveals 'wild child' days as she lands first Vogue cover<p> By <br>UPDATED:14:53 GMT, 4 February 2012<br><br></p><p>She shot to fame just a few months ago when her single Video Games became an internet sensation.</p><p>And it looks as though Lana Del Rey has already captured the attention of the fashion industry.</p><p>But the singer, who is the cover girl for Vogue's March issue, revealed she hasn't always lead such a charmed life.<br></p><p>The 25-year-old admitted to drinking too much in the past and claims she hasn't touched alcohol years.<br></p><p>She also explains her album, released this week, was made in recognition of her former wild child days.<br></p><p>She said in an interview with the magazine: 'The album is a tribute to living life on the wild side. I&#8217;m sort of kidding because I&#8217;m not that wild any more... I used to drink a lot. Too much. <br></p><p>'I haven&#8217;t had a drink for seven years now.'</p><p>Lana also touches on the previous false start to her music career - when she recorded an album under the name Lizzy Grant in 2009.</p><p>She then spent time involved in charity work before reinventing herself.<br></p><p>She said: 'Homeless outreach, drug and alcohol rehabilitation &#8211; that&#8217;s been my life for the past five years. <br></p><p>'My friends are a core group I met through work, and they never really knew I was a singer, because nothingwas ever happening. I consider myself coming out of retirement as a singer at this point.'</p><p>Despite her album Born To Die reaching no1 in 13 countries and being given the opportunity to perform on Saturday Night Live so early on in her career, Lana has divided opinion.</p><p>Her album was dubbed dreary and slated bycritics but she is set to be number one in the Official UK Album Chart this weekend with her debut record. Perhaps the pressure has gotten to her. <br></p><p>She said:'I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ll write another record. What would I say? I feel like everything I wanted to say, I&#8217;ve said already.'</p><p>But something tells us this isn't the last we've seen of Lana Del Rey.</p><p>And it seems Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman agrees. <br></p><p>She wrote in her editor's letter: 'I am many of the thousands of people enraptured by the throaty, seductive voice of Lana Del Rey.<br></p><p>'Once I had seen Lana play at a small event in London, I was convinced that she would be a great Vogue cover girl, even though she is probably one of the newest stars in her field that the magazine has ever had on the cover.'</p><p>The March issue of Vogue is on-sale from Monday 6th February</p>?Think the boss in The Devil Wears Prada was a total monster? Well she was even scarier in real life<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:29 GMT, 20 August 2010</p><p>She was the girl who wrote the book which became the film. She had Anne Hathaway playing her, Meryl Streep playing her tyrannical boss, and a world aghast at the, let's face it, sheer ghastliness of what life was really like in the fickle world of fashion magazines. <br></p><p>If revenge is sweet, then for Lauren Weisberger it was a double spoonful as her debut novel catapulted into the New York Times' bestseller list, was translated into 27 different languages and sold to 31 countries, before the film adaptation went on to gross more than $300 million worldwide. <br></p><p>The Devil Wears Prada was the story of a young girl, fresh out of university, working in New York as an assistant to a fashion magazine editor who possessed a frosty leadership style. <br></p><p> </p><p>When she wrote it, Lauren had just left her job after 11 months as an assistant to American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who possesses such a frosty leadership style she is known as Nuclear Wintour. <br></p><p>Seven years on and Lauren still looks a touch shell-shocked by the commotion she caused. 'I don't think anyone can ever be prepared for that level of attention,' she says. <br></p><p>'I was just excited that someone wanted to publish the book and that I could tell my family they could actually buy it in a store. But for it to sell and have it made into a film, too, was a complete whirlwind for which I wasn't prepared.' <br></p><p>Tall with coltish limbs and long blonde hair, 33-year-old Lauren does not physically resemble the darkly beautiful Hathaway. But wearing the tiniest trace of makeup, she looks like she's just stepped out of a Gap advert. <br></p><p>She plonks herself down at the table in the cool but not-too-cool Pastis restaurant in New York's Meatpacking District, looking most definitely not a part of the high-gloss Devil Wears Prada world. <br></p><p>Her jeans and sweater have been selected on the basis of comfort rather than label and the only vestige of the high fashion world she briefly inhabited comes in the shape of the Chanel sunglasses perched on her head. <br></p><p>She corrects the assumption that Hathaway was playing her - 'shewas playing Andy, the character in my book' - but the parallelsbetween Lauren's tenure on Vogue (in 1999 and 2000) and Andy's stint onthe fictional Runway magazine are too delicious to ignore. <br></p><p>InThe Devil Wears Prada, Andy Sachs, a smalltown girl, lands a job as PAto Miranda Priestly (played by Streep). <br></p><p>Miranda - the stick-thin,steak-eating editor of top-selling New York fashion magazine Runway -is by turns capricious, thoughtlessly cruel, wildly extravagant anddemanding, dismissing minions not with a 'Thank you' but with anabrupt: 'That's all.' <br></p><p>So terrifying is she that no one willride in the lift with her and she issues impossible demands to herbrow-beaten (though immaculately attired) staff. </p><p>As her new assistant, Andy forms a friendship of sorts with Miranda's senior assistant Emily (played by Emily Blunt) and though her job is fraught (the endless latte runs to Starbucks in high heels; the constant worrying about her weight when compared to the sylph-like beauties who populate the office), Andy also benefits from the perks of the job such as taking her pick of the designer clothes in Runway's heaving fashion cupboard. <br></p><p>When Emily gets sick, it is Andy whom Miranda commandeers to accompany her to the prestigious Paris fashion shows. But after realising that the more she has blended into Runway's world the further she has moved away from her real life, in particular her boyfriend, Andy gives up her job and, in that highly American fashion, becomes true to herself once more. <br></p><p>Though Lauren has over the years remained tight-lipped about her time working at Vogue for Anna Wintour (stick-thin, steak-eating and with a nickname like Nuclear Wintour, probably not the chummiest of bosses to work for), today she is in a more relaxed mode.</p><p> 'It wasn't a one-to-one portrayal [of Wintour],' she says. 'But of course my time at Vogue informed the book, there's no denying that.' <br></p><p>Lauren, like Andy, would never have dreamed of getting in the lift with her boss, and though terribly slim, she still felt dumpy next to her pin-thin Vogue colleagues, saying: 'I knew I was tall and thin, but I was short and fat there.' <br></p><p>Where she differed from Andy was that she 'never got to raid the closet because I never had time, although the other girls did and they wore the most fabulous things to parties. And I never went to Paris. French Vogue provided Anna with assistants when she was over there. <br></p><p>'And unlike Andy I couldn' t force myself to wear high heels. It was expected of me, but I ran all day, all over the office, up and down the building 1,000 times and to Starbucks six times a day, so there was no way I could manage even a 2in heel.</p><p>'I wore these horrible, black platform boots with a thick rubber sole because there was no choice. And even though for a couple of weeks I made the boot-to-high-heels switch under my desk, I just had to forget it in the end. She would stare at them in disgust and it was a stare that conveyed her displeasure pretty clearly.' <br></p><p>The 'she', in this instance, is pretty self-explanatory. <br></p><p>'People have said it was "boss betrayal", but that wasn't what it was. I worked there for a year and it was a hell of a year - crazy, exciting and hard. <br></p><p>'I left the job to work for a travel magazine and took a writing class at night. I'd had this crazy work experience which not a lot of people had had, so I wanted to write all the stuff down that was in my head. I hadn't even intended for it to be a book. <br></p><p>'When it was published, people kept saying "It's so brave of you to write this", but it wasn't bravery - it was stupidity and complete naivety. I didn't think anyone would read it, let alone have an opinion on it. Had I known about all the fuss that would ensue, I would have been paralysed. But people attributed things to the book that I hadn't intended.' <br></p><p>Still, her tenure at Vogue certainly provided Lauren with ample writing material. 'The strangest thing about my time there? Wow, how can I pick?' she grins. <br></p><p>' How they believed it was acceptable to show their midriff in the workplace and how they'd come in to work wearing leather trousers, stiletto heels and furry tops [Lauren, it must be said, hails from rural Pennsylvania]. <br></p><p>'They wore the most outrageous outfits and even though they all <br>looked fabulous in them, it was hard to think of any other corporation where that would have been acceptable. They'd go to the filing cabinet dripping in jewels and even though I was there for almost a year, that aspect of the job continued to amaze me.' <br></p><p>Was there ever any comeback from Wintour or her people? <br></p><p>'No, not a thing. But what sent the biggest message of all was that silence. The book was getting so much hype and so much publicity, but not a single Conde Nast publication [Vogue is published by Conde Nast] mentioned a word - not my name, the title, anything, and that pretty much told me where they stood on that.'</p><p>So popular was The Devil Wears Prada that when The September Issue- a film documentary following the real goings-on at American Vogue- was released last year, many believed that Anna Wintour had onlyagreed to be the subject of the film in order to mitigate thereputation she had acquired since Devil. <br></p><p>The SeptemberIssue showed Wintour opening her doors and - shocker! - smiling.'And it was a surprise to me, too, when I saw the movie,' says Lauren,'because I did not see those things when I was there. <br></p><p>'Iwent to see it with my husband and it was amazing how much everythinglooked the same, even though I hadn't worked there for years. Anna'soffice looked the same and the people were the same - so much so thatI started getting cold sweats from the flashbacks! I was shaking by thetime I left the cinema!' <br></p><p>She says the book's success gaveher the opportunity to write full time. Her new novel, Last Night AtChateau Marmont, out this week, is an equally zippy read. <br></p><p>Itfollows the fortunes of a young couple whose lives change when thehusband, for years a struggling musician, hits the big time, leavinghis wife to cope not only with the change in dynamic of theirrelationship, but also with the emergence of an incriminating photofeaturing her husband and a young girl. </p><p>It is a dynamic Lauren is unfamiliar with personally (she has been married to playwright Mike Cohen for two years and they are expecting their first child in December): 'But I'm an avid reader of gossip magazines and I've always wondered what it feels like for the spouse in that kind of relationship, when they themselves aren't famous.' <br></p><p>The 'civilian' in the relationship must get quizzed constantly about their spouse in much the same way Lauren is constantly asked about The Devil Wears Prada, 'but I can't be anything but flattered by that,' she adds graciously. <br></p><p>'The movie brought it to a new level and even though as a writer you're not supposed to like how they interpret your story on film, I loved it and thought it was spot-on. <br></p><p>Anne Hathaway was just wonderful and Meryl Streep, well, what can you say? I hadn't envisaged her originally - not that I had envisaged anyone for the role - but she was as good as it gets.' <br></p><p>Lauren even got to film a teeny cameo in The Devil Wears Prada as the nanny to Miranda's twins - a cameo she admits now she is 'hard-pressed to locate after several viewings'. 'But I was on set all the time during the making of the film and they were very inclusive,' she says, 'even giving me a chair with my name on it. It was such a once-in-a-lifetime thing and so removed from my normal life. <br></p><p>'I'm the type of person who watches American Idol in my pyjamas. This kind of thing doesn't happen to me.' <br></p><p>Before the film was released, Lauren and Anna Wintour attended the same preview screening, 'I was blissfully unaware until people told me afterwards. Honestly though, I do not exist in her world. <br></p><p>'We don't travel in the same circles, we don't run into each other and she would not be able to pick me out from a crowd of three. And I'm very, very comfortable with that.' <br></p><p>And what would Lauren say to Wintour should they ever bump into one another? She smiles slowly and says nothing. What more, quite frankly, needs to be said? <br></p><p>* Lauren Weisberger's new novel Last night at Chateau Marmont is published by Harper, £7.99<br></p>?Pulling no punches! Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts juggle duties as he plays with one son while the other relaxes with mum<br> <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:21:03 GMT, 22 September 2012 UPDATED:21:03 GMT, 22 September 2012</p><br><p>They&#8217;ve both been busy working abroad on various acting projects recently.<br></p><p>So although the busy parents were likely to be pushed for time, it&#8217;s understandable that Naomi Watts and Liev Schreibler want to spend as much time as possible with their sons.<br></p><p>The parents were out in New York City on Friday and decided to hang on to one child each as Watts went to the spa and Schreiber was happier to spar.<br></p><p> Dressed casually in black jeans and grey top, the fresh-faced Naomi went to get some treatments done at Blush Beauty Spa in the West Village. <br></p><p>She brought her $1,290 Prada Tessuto Gaufre tote bag with her as she held on to their puppy&#8217;s leash with one hand and her four-year-old little boy Sammy with the other.<br></p><p>Meanwhile her husband had quite a handful taking care of their eldest child.<br></p><p> </p><p> Five-year-old Alex showed just how boisterous he is getting as she practiced his punches on his dad.<br></p><p>The 44-year-old star allowed the platinum blonde to throw jabs near to his face as they waited outside of their car for his actress mother to return.<br></p><p>But the boy &#8211; who emulated Liev&#8217;s style by donning blue also &#8211; soon stopped getting up to mischief when he slightly tipped him over and pulled him in for a hug.<br></p><p> </p><p> Naomi shot her new film Diana in and around London this summer and travelled with Liev to Italy for his Venice Film Festival premiere of The Reluctant Fundamentalist.<br></p><p>She also made a stop in Canada to debut her upcoming drama, The Impossible, at Toronto International Film Festival.</p><p>Director Juan Antonio Bayona's The Impossible opens on December 21 in the US and on January 4 in the UK.<br></p><p> </p>?Trying to breathe new life into that music career? Lindsay Lohan planning to SING on Saturday Night Live <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:22:43 GMT, 3 March 2012</p><p>Nearly a decade after Lindsay Lohan tried to launch a music career, the starlet is ready to put her singing voice to the test once again on Saturday Night Live.<br></p><p>The 25-year-old is said to be planning to break out in song during her opening monologue tonight on Saturday Night Live. <br></p><p>According to TMZ, Lindsay will be joined in a chorus by several members of the SNL cast.<br></p><p>LiLo will also make fun of her never ending stream of legal troubles including the arrests, court dates, jailstints and court-ordered community service at the Los Angeles county morgue.<br></p><p>Lindsayreportedly wants to show the world she has a sense of humour and to make sure she gets the point across, the starlet is taking her coveted hosting gig very seriously.</p><p>Yesterday she was spotted leaving a hotel in Manhattan on her way to record some of her sketches for the show.</p><p> </p><p>Dressed in form-fitting red jeans, a black T-shirt, blazer and black boots, the platinum blonde smiled as shestrutted past photographers carrying a large Prada handbag.<br></p><p>The carefully orchestrated hosting job is part of what Lindsay hopes will be a successful comeback.<br></p><p>Notcontent with grabbing the desirable role of the late Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming biopic, the Mean Girls star plans to make the most of herSaturday Night Live presenting slot.</p><br><p> </p><p>However, The star's second release, A Little More Personal (Raw), was not as successful.<br></p><p>Lindsay also sang the closing theme on Freaky Friday soundtrack and recorded four songs for the Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen soundtrack. </p>?'If only the media had documented my activities more closely': Lindsay Lohan pokes fun at trainwreck life in SNL preview<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:01:17 GMT, 1 March 2012</p><p></p><p>As she prepares to make a comeback when she appears on Saturday Night Live this weekend, Lindsay Lohan is doing her best to make light of her recent court appearances.</p><p>The actress will return to host SNL on Saturday, six years on from her previous presenting stint on the comedy show in 2006.</p><p>In a preview released this morning, the star jokes about her recent media coverage, using sarcasm to make her point.</p><p>Scroll down for video...<br></p><p>When funny man Kennan Thompson, tells her it must feel good to be back in the spotlight, she quips: &#8216;Yeah, I mean people are probably wondered what I have been up to.&#8217;</p><p>After Thompson sarcastically comments it&#8217;s unfortunate that people paid so little attention to her over the past few years, she replies: &#8216;I know, if only magazines and websites would have documented my activities more closely.&#8217;</p><p>The various chopped together edits feature the former child star being presented with a calendar featuring cute kittens and being accused of stealing Kennan&#8217;s lunches as the star who resides in a suite at West Hollywood&#8217;s Chateau Marmont hotel claims she has in fact been sleeping in the studio.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>She continues: &#8216;America could have used more information on me and maybe even a picture or two.&#8217;</p><p>The show&#8217;s host then suggests her careeris about to take off all over again by comparing her to phenomenal basketball player Jeremy Lin, who has proved particularly successful forthe New York Knicks since being placed on the team.</p><p>In a play on words for the &#8216;Linsanity&#8217; term associated with the sportsman, Kennan cackles as the blonde begs him not to: &#8216;Oh no, you know what that means? It&#8217;s time for Lindsanity!&#8217;</p><p> </p><p>The fallen starlet stepped out in New York yesterday and showed off a very puffy 'pillow face' - the term given to women who overuse facial fillers.</p><p>The actress joins Madonna and Kylie Minogue as the most obvious examples of stars whose ever youthful glow suggests they may have had fat implants in their cheeks, causing the 'pillow face effect'.</p><p> </p><p>Aftermuch hesitation, it was clear the star was beginning to get choked up when thinking about the troubled singer&#8217;s sudden passing.</p><p>However she kept it together and toldhim: &#8216;Not really, I wouldn&#8217;t like to &#8230; I don&#8217;t want to go there. That&#8217;sa scary thing to discuss. Maybe when I went to jail, that was a scary place.&#8217;</p><p>Despite her trying to avoid the topic, the host was quick to link her past with substance abuse to his earlier question, leaving her no choice but to acknowledge her more negative times in the spotlight.</p><p>She kept her answer vague, saying: &#8216;I agree, I&#8217;ve experienced that and I have friends that have experience things like that.&#8217;</p><p>After a messy few years sprinkled with jail time, court appearances and house arrests, Lohan swears she's finally cleaned up her act and realises she needs to prove herself. </p><p>In the interview, which will be screened in the U.S. on Thursday, the Mean Girls star says: 'I think that's gonna take time...and I think that it's actions. <br></p><p>'Becausepeople can say things all they want, but I think I still need to go through the process of proving myself with SNL, being on time, being, youknow, keeping my - can't say the word - but stuff together.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p>Lohan certainly looked well put together in a sophisticated LBD and elegant heels.</p><p>She appeared alert and coherent in a bid to prove herself. <br></p><p>She says: 'I don't want people to have that reason to be scared anymore. So being able to have this opportunity with SNL and the film, I'm gonna do what I'm supposed to do,and enjoy doing it, and do it as best as I can.' </p><p>The former hard-partying starlet also promises that she's not going out anymore, and claims she's actually morphed into a 'homebody'.</p><p> </p><p>'It's not my thing anymore,' she says. 'I went out, actually, a few months ago with a friend. And I was so uncomfortable. <br></p><p>'Not because I felt tempted, just because it was just the same thing that it always was before. And it just wasn't fun for me. <br></p><p>'I've become more of a homebody. And I like that.' <br></p><p>She also confirmed her plans to play Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming biopic. <br></p><p>She reveals: 'We're in the middle of casting and figuring - we start production soon.</p><p>'I've been doing tons of research. But I've always kind of researched her. She's always been a fascinating woman to me, so I'm really honoured. <br></p><p>'And I will not let anyone down, especially myself.'</p><p>The actress is one court case away from putting the plethora of legal troubles she's been plagued with since her 2007 arrest for drunk driving behind her. </p><p> </p>?Lindsay Lohan shows off her puffy 'pillow face'... and vows she is ready for her close-up<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:11:07 GMT, 29 February 2012</p><br><p>Lindsay Lohan may only be 25, but she appears to already be a big fan of cosmetic treatments.</p><p>The fallen starlet stepped out in New York ahead of her Saturday Night Live appearance, and showed off a very puffy 'pillow face' - the term given to women who overuse facial fillers.</p><p>The actress joins Madonna and Kylie Minogue as the most obvious examples of stars whose ever youthful glow suggests they may have had fat implants in their cheeks, causing the 'pillow face effect'.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>She appeared alert and coherent in a bid to prove herself. <br></p><p>She says: 'I don't want people to have that reason to be scared anymore. So being able to have this opportunity with SNL and the film, I'm gonna do what I'm supposed to do,and enjoy doing it, and do it as best as I can.' </p><p>The former hard-partying starlet also promises that she's not going out anymore, and claims she's actually morphed into a 'homebody'. </p><p>'It's not my thing anymore,' she says. 'I went out, actually, a few months ago with a friend. And I was so uncomfortable. <br></p><p>'Not because I felt tempted, just because it was just the same thing that it always was before. And it just wasn't fun for me. <br></p><p>'I've become more of a homebody. And I like that.' <br></p><p>She also confirmed her plans to play Elizabeth Taylor in an upcoming biopic. <br></p><p>She reveals: 'We're in the middle of casting and figuring - we start production soon.</p><p>'I've been doing tons of research. But I've always kind of researched her. She's always been a fascinating woman to me, so I'm really honoured. <br></p><p>'And I will not let anyone down, especially myself.'</p><p>The actress is one court case away from putting the plethora of legal troubles she's been plagued with since her 2007 arrest for drunk driving behind her. <br></p><p>Lindsay will host Saturday Night Live on March 3 for the fourth time and seemed excited today as she shot a promofor the hit NBC sketch show. </p><p> </p>?There I stood, homeless with my Prada case <br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:55 GMT, 28 December 2009</p><p>The other night, I found myself homeless. It wasn't the sort of homelessness that meant I was fleeing an abusive home, or had found myself unable to cope with normal life due to drugs or drink. But I was still cold, stranded, ostracised. It was the Monday before Christmas and I'd caught the train to London for work. <br></p><p>Knowing I had to be in town the following day, I turned up at the fairly cheap hotel in Shepherd's Bush I always stay in for work. They know me here: they valet-park and clean my BMW and understand I require soya milk with my cornflakes. <br></p><p>As I handed the bellboy my Prada suitcase, the man at reception asked for a credit card. It was declined. I gave him another one. Declined. I offered him a debit card but he said his machine wouldn't take it. <br></p><p> He shuffled away and came back with the manager. 'But you know me,' I said to her. 'I always stay here.' <br></p><p>'I don't remember you,' she said. 'We cannot let you stay without taking the money first. Why don't you walk to a cashpoint?' <br></p><p>I left my suitcase hostage and walked to the cashpoint in my difficult shoes. 'The amount you can withdraw today is NIL.' Oh dear. I called my bank manager. He was kind but said I would not be able to withdraw money until the next day. <br></p><p>I walked back to the hotel. I'm used to being treated in a certain way because of my protective veneer of nice clothes, expensive luggage, car, credit cards, but for the first time I could feel what it's like to have nothing.</p><p>People look at you with disgust, pity, horror. Actually, not with that much pity, to be honest. 'I couldn't withdraw any money but I'm sure it will be fine in the morning,' I told the manager. <br></p><p>'I'm really sorry,' she said. 'But what am I going to do?' I wailed. 'You can wait in the bar until you figure out who you can call.' <br></p><p>So I sat in the bar but everything I had taken for granted - waving at the waiter to order a drink, phoning for a cab, looking forward to a hot bath and a warm pillow - seemed terribly far away. <br></p><p>Then the waitress came over and said, in a thick Polish accent: 'If you are not a guest and you are not going to order a drink, you will have to leave.' <br></p><p> I picked up my bag, collected my case with as much dignity as I could muster and went out on to the pavement. <br></p><p>The wind whipped around my legs and it was suddenly very dark. I had been tossed on to life's rubbish tip. For the first time, I felt what it must be like to be homeless, to have no money, no one to turn to. <br></p><p>I realised that this was about the worst thing that can happen to you. Your humanity is stripped away and you become something to be moved along, stepped over, ignored. <br></p><p>I had reached my low spot through my own stupidity. I had spent too much money and was temporarily broke (my agent eventually turned up to bail me out). <br></p><p>But while the plight of the homeless has gone out of fashion in recent years, it hasn't gone away. Thousands of people still end up on the street because of mental illness, addiction, abuse or sheer bad luck. <br></p><p>And so, while it would be easy to condemn as condescending Prince William's experiment last week with homelessness to highlight the 40th anniversary of Centrepoint, a charity once championed by his mother, I think the fact that he was willing to sleep in an alley, shielded by wheelie bins, was incredibly brave. <br></p><p>Only when you are faced with the prospect of even one night on the pavement can you begin to understand what it's like to be down on your luck.</p><p> In this economic downturn, the realisation that the world is indeed a cold, unforgiving place is beginning to dawn on more and more of us. And it's a scary place to be. <br></p>?Liz Jones: In which I rewrite the rules<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:23:01 GMT, 15 September 2012</p><p></p><p>This is how insane I am (as if you needed proof). I have just instant messaged my groom/PA/friend the following: &#8216;Do you know how old my Prada bags are? 13!!!!&#8217;<br></p><p>On Thursday, I was having a super-stressful day. I had worked for 21 hours on Wednesday, and was now being told by my solicitor that my new buyer was not ready to exchange, having been given a deadline of Friday, which is the day I am writing this, from the get go, and as a condition of my accepting their (low) offer. I then had a protracted argument with my estate agent, after he typed the following: &#8216;Liz. What you must accept and understand is this: we are all doing our best, and it is no one&#8217;s fault.&#8217;<br>To which I replied the following: &#8216;Do NOT patronise me. Would you have emailed a posh man, telling him what he must &#8220;accept and understand&#8221;? I very much doubt it. And unless a rabbit or a badger is handling the sale of my sodding house, it must be someone&#8217;s fault.&#8217;<br></p><p>And so it went on. Argument tennis in the ether. It gave me a stress headache to go alongside my stress fat tummy, so at least I am coordinated (I am trying to be positive). I then had a call from my spa, where I had block booked appointments before I fly to the Caribbean (for work!) on Saturday. &#8216;We cannot give you a spray tan after you have had waxing on your legs, bikini area and underarm.&#8217;<br></p><p>&#8216;Why not?&#8217;<br></p><p>You will be speckled, like an owl.&#8217;<br></p><p>&#8216;OK, how about we just do the brazilian and the underarm? I am never tanned in those areas.&#8217;</p><p>My problem is that people never take any notice of me</p><p>&#8216;No, that is against health and safety.&#8217; After much negotiation, I agreed to have a wax the day before. The spa lady then phoned me back. &#8216;We can&#8217;t do the tan after facial threading, either.&#8217;<br></p><p>&#8216;But I never have my face tanned, so what is the difference?&#8217;<br></p><p>Eventually, we arrived at a detente, but it had taken six phone calls and two hours. Why is life so hard? <br></p><p>The reason I sent the Prada email was because I am fed up with being broke. If my handbags were children they&#8217;d be having sex and taking drugs by now. I fired off an email to my agent: &#8216;I have worked 16 weekends so far this year.&#8217; I didn&#8217;t warrant a reply. I think my major problem is that people never take any notice of me. I ask nicely, then I remind and remind, then I cajole and finally, I have to lose my temper to get anything done. I don&#8217;t understand why I have to be a bitch, even to people I am paying a lot of money to do stuff for me. But I have had enough of being ignored and disrespected. I have made a list of new rules that I am going to live by:<br></p><p>1 Do not give people expensive gifts. They never appreciate them. Never once has a person I gifted dressed their child in the Brora cashmere when I visit, or carried the apple green Mulberry bag when we go out.<br></p><p>2 Do not underestimate your own worth. If you do, others will too.<br></p><p>3 Make any relationship clear upfront, with rules and a contract.<br></p><p>4 Never pick up the tab for others: always split the bill, or alternate and take turns. I have only ONE friend who does this with me. Sue Needleman, I salute you.<br></p><p>5 Only ask for something once. If a task does not get done, sack the person or, as one of my therapists wisely told me, &#8216;You cannot change other people. If they do not do as you want, cut them out of your life, like so much ragwort.&#8217;<br></p><p>I underestimate my worth not just at work, but with men, too (please stop the hollow laughter; I know you realised that a decade ago). I have a friend who is currently juggling having sex with three men. If that were me, I would be constantly in residence at a spa, employing fleets of cleaners and lawn tidiers. I realise I need to be more spontaneous. So I text him. <br></p><p>&#8216;I&#8217;m in New York this weekend, on a stopover to the Caribbean. Can you meet me for dinner at the Mercer?&#8217;<br></p><p>I waited and I waited. Oooh, he&#8217;s just sent me a message&#8230;</p><p></p>?Sitting in the snow on my Prada tote... one more Briton bleating for help<br> <p>UPDATED:22:29 GMT, 7 February 2009</p> <br><p>I woke on Friday morning to discover I was snowed in. A blanket a foot deep had fallen overnight and it continued to fall all day.</p><p> Here on Exmoor, the roads were not just impassable, you could no longer see where they were.</p><p> We knew the snow was coming on Thursday night, and so I put thick rugs on the horses.<br></p> <p>Word to the wise: Liz Jones says the chaos caused by the snow storms means its time people took control of their own lives and stopped relying on other people to bail us out<br></p> <p>By 10pm the snow was already too deep to push a wheelbarrow through, so I carried hay to the fields on my back, bale by tortuous bale.</p><p>At 2am I went out with a torch and my sheep dog to break the ice on the water in the butts.</p><p> I had shut the ten-month-old Shetland lambs in the hay barn overnight - they are so small, they might have disappeared - and left bananas, apples and organic granola on plates in the tack room for the rats and mice: even they are finding life tough.</p><p>A vixen who patrols my garden is being treated to dog food. <br></p><p>I have left heaps more food by the opening to the badgers&#8217; den in the woods; I know some of them, lulled by decades of mild winters, have already had babies, and are suffering dreadfully.</p><p>The chickens are shut in, which they object to noisily. <br></p> <p>I filled the numerous bird feeders dotted around my land to the brim, and had woodpeckers, linnets, tree creepers, nuthatches, wrens and numerous tits hanging upside down outside my windows, an impromptu Cirque du Soleil. <br></p><p>A barn owl was unable to go to bed in the morning; she was still up, frantically calling, looking for food.</p><p> Even the robins, fiercely territorial birds, downed arms for the day in order to get to the fat balls.</p><p>My nearest neighbour, a farmer, stopped by on his tractor; as well as taking feed to animals (sheep, cattle, ponies and goats) on the most remote parts of the moor, he had been knocking on doors of the most remote houses, seeing if everyone was OK.</p><p>I live only a few miles from the A38 in south Devon, where more than 200 people were stranded on Thursday night.</p><p> Most drivers had not thought to take a survival kit with them: a blanket, torch, wellies, a flask of coffee and a well-charged mobile. <br></p><p>But I can&#8217;t talk.</p><p>On Monday morning, when the first flakes had started to fall here, I ignored all the warnings and set off for London. <br></p><p>It&#8217;ll be fine, I&#8217;d thought stupidly.</p><p> I had virtually no control over my car, and after trying to inch my way down a hill (very difficult in an automatic BMW, where the only control you have is to touch your brakes), I was forced to stop at a crazy angle. <br></p><p>Three cars lined up behind me, and a crowd of more durable folk clustered round my window. <br></p><p>&#8216;You are going to have to keep going,&#8217; they told me. &#8216;We can&#8217;t go past you because we might crash into you.&#8217;</p><p>&#8216;But why do I have to go first?&#8217; I wailed. &#8216;It&#8217;s not fair.&#8217; <br></p><p>I had no choice but to keep going, sweat pouring from my forehead with fear, until I slid into the turning to a field.</p><p> I had to abandon my car, and tramp by the side of the road (I hadn&#8217;t even thought to put on gloves or a hat), until at last a passing 4x4 took pity on my form, slumped by the side of the road, seated on my giant Prada tote, and gave me a lift back to the bottom of my lane.</p><p>There has been lots of hot air in the past few days about how pathetic we Brits have been.</p><p> But this freak snowstorm has been a valuable lesson. <br></p><p>We have all grown up believing that everything will be OK. That someone, somewhere (the Government, the council, the NHS, our bosses, and on and on and on, nameless, faceless people usually) will look after us.</p><p>They will fix things when we haven&#8217;t bothered to exercise or watch what we eat and drink and smoke, haven&#8217;t bothered to save, or stock up on candles and food or grit and logs and even water (all my pipes have now frozen).</p><p>We have all become childlike, lulled into a false sense of security by endless signs telling us not to drink and drive, to remember not to give alcohol to children, to eat that all-important five a day. <br></p><p>The latest wheeze is that we will be provided with memory clinics, costing millions of pounds, to keep our minds active. <br></p><p>Whatever happened to reading books, thinking for ourselves, rather than being sent into a stupor, inactive, passive, in front of a TV?</p><p>We have spent the past few decades bleating like sheep that someone, somewhere should do something about the latest crisis, whatever it might be.</p><p>It&#8217;s time we all became capable adults and took control of our own lives, our own safety, our own future. <br></p><p>In the Britain of 2009, no one in officialdom can hear you scream.<br></p><p> </p> Share this article:?Sorry Mariella, but fashion is far from trivial <p>Last updated at 7:51 AM on 26th May 2008</p> <p>Last week Mariella Frostrup denounced fashion as ludicrous. Today our style guru hits back, arguing it's a hugely positive global force<br><br>'Fashion seems to me the most ludicrous and, frankly, disgraceful thing - the whole "out with the old" thing and the waste appalls me. My advice to women is that men don't notice if you are fashionably dressed, they just notice if you are dressed. If you're doing it, you should ask why - is it for yourself? My guess is it's for other women, and I wish we'd be more impressed at a woman who has achieved something in her career.'<br><br>So said radio and TV presenter Mariella Frostrup last week. And I do think she has a point.<br></p> <p>Scroll down for more</p> <p>Feelgood fashion: Prada lace, Gisele in Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent tailoring</p> <p>During the course of the past ten years, we have seen an ever-increasing mania for bigger and more confusingly multipocketed handbags; for ridiculously cantilevered shoes; for frankly unwearable, seen-it-all-before-in-the-Seventies and-Eighties outfits such as giant floral Babygros, smocks corset belts, bell bottoms, bubble skirts, aviator sunglasses and big-buttoned swing jackets.<br><br> We have seen the threshold of the £1,000 designer dress broken and become the norm. We have seen new trends - bodycon, jodhpurs, very pale denim - come and go in the blink of an eye. We have seen other new trends (boho, shoeboots) simply dropped and then recycled (boho glamour, sandal boots).<br><br> Perversely, we have also seen prices plummet on the High Street. A pair of jeans that, a decade ago, cost £16.99 at Asda now cost a rather worryingly cheap £3. What was once considered luxurious is now commonplace, viz the perfectly nice £8 cashmere sweater now on sale at Primark.<br><br> Fashion has, I wholeheartedly agree, become worryingly schizophrenic. </p> Over the past decade, it has, from top to bottom, become repetitive, uninspired and, above all, greedy. Every single segment of it has been after your hard-earned cash.<br><br>To do so, it has employed armies of very clever and highly-paid professionals - model agents, photographers, stylists, glossy magazine editors, celebrities, models-turned-fashion-designers to convince women, old and young, rich and poor, that they really do need this new thing, whatever it is. No matter that it might seem, to the uninitiated, ugly and superfluous and uncomfy and eerily similar to something we bought and then discarded mere moments ago.<br><br>The modus operandi of the fashion industry has, of late, been either to pile it very high and sell it at a knockdown price that will oppress people in the developing world, or to make it seem so exclusive-but-somehow-normal-at-the-same-time that it will still sell despite a cripplingly high price tag.<br><br>But while Mariella Frostrup thinks this has all been about pleasing men, I have to pull her up very sharply right there. This mania for fashion, a passion that has meant women all over Britain are now more literate about looks and labels than ever before (and, it has to be said, more stylishly dressed than ever been before), has never been about attracting attention from the opposite sex.<br><br>Our new love for fashion has been about pleasing ourselves, looking great at work, at weekends, on a night out, and it has been about experimenting with different looks and having fun! <br><br>While various commentators in recent weeks have blamed Sex And The City for turning women into woolly-headed, desperately-in-debt shopaholics, they are missing the point.<br><br> SATC was always about women's love affair with themselves and with each other. Why shouldn't women spend their own money on whatever makes them happy? Why shouldn't we own a delicious, soft, beautifully crafted and woven Bottega Veneta bag if we really, really love it?<br><br>Why shouldn't we put on a pair of expensive Manolo heels that make us feel taller, and slimmer and more powerful? Don't these shoes actually make us more confident at work, someone to be taken more seriously, not less?<br><br>And shouldn't every woman, even the lowest-paid single mother, have the right to wear a classic cashmere sweater? Shouldn't she have the right to own something really high fashion (an embroidered, floor-length linen smock, or a buttery leather dress) from Topshop or Marks &amp; Spencer and expect it not only to be hand-finished but also to cost less than a hundred quid?<br><br>Hasn't the democratisation of fashion - the Roland Mouret-designed capsule wardrobe at Gap, the Giles Deacon range for teenagers at New Look, to give just two of the many collaborations we have seen in recent years - meant that fashion has had some of its more elitist, snooty edges rubbed off?<br><br>I think the fact we can now all look good if we choose to buy into all of the above can only be a good thing, whether for our personal sense of worth, or for forging ahead in the workplace.<br><br>(Incidentally, anyone who constantly beats fashion over the head is being a bit patronising towards women for thinking we are all unable to make our own choices, unable to cherry-pick what suits us and what we are able to afford, and that all we want to use fashion for is to get a husband, after which we can all revert to wearing stained tracksuits.)<br><br> You have only to look at the photographs of famous, beautiful women who have been dumped by men, or been through the mill or, I don't know, just had a baby, to see that when they have chosen to 'buy into' fashion - with, say, a great new pair of shoes, a well-cut dress or a knockout new hairstyle - they have been able to give themselves a psychological lift, too.<br><br>Look at the recent pictures of Gwyneth Paltrow as she emerged to promote her new film amid rumours that her marriage is (or is not) in trouble.<br><br>While OK, she was a little too high fashion for my taste, and had chosen very high platforms that meant she wasn't quite as relaxed and happy in her own skin as she could have been. But at least she was out there, holding her head high and looking (and probably costing) a million dollars.<br><br>We have all been through difficult times and, yes, there are occasions when we feel unable to cleanse, tone and moisturise and cannot be bothered to put on a different T-shirt to the one we went to bed in. But if we do make an effort to look good, it automatically follows that we begin to feel better, too.<br><br>I spent months this past winter, having just got divorced, shuffling around in baggy track pants with bedhead hair and no make-up, whining about how stupid Victoria Beckham looked in a funereal hourglass Dolce &amp; Gabbana suit and 5in bondage sandals that probably cost more than my sister, a nurse, earns in a month. But, my God, when I did emerge from my abyss and put on Prada jodhpurs and a cashmere sloppy joe from Asda, made sure my hair had the shine of a mirror and my skin was exfoliated and drenched in expensive unguents (no, I wasn't trying to attract another husband), I did feel a whole lot better about the world and my place in it.<br><br>Fashion, disapprove of it or not, makes the planet a more fabulous place to live in.<br><br> There are so many great moments that I have witnessed in the past decade: Gisele Bundchen stepping out in the Orangerie of Versailles in an impeccable 'Bar' suit in celebration of 60 years of Dior; Madame Carla Sarkozy touching down in London last month dressed head to toe in Dior; this summer's YSL collection of grown-up, impeccably tailored tuxedos that would surely earn any woman who wore one an instant promotion; the Prada autumn/winter catwalk show when the models, severe and sexy in head-to-toe lace, made me never want to leave my house wearing anything else; my 16-year-old niece, let loose in Topshop, emerging looking so beautiful and happy in a way I, at her age, given the paucity of affordable High Street boutiques, was never able to.<br><br>Yes, of course, rampant consumerism is bad for the planet.<br><br>When I challenged the designer Vivienne Westwood on this very point - asking how can she be concerned for the environment at the same time as collaborating in the great big conspiracy that is fashion, brainwashing us year in, year out to always hanker after something new - she said that we should only ever buy something we really love, and that we should wear it and wear it and wear it until it falls apart, which seems an eminently sensible piece of advice to me.<br><br>The garment industry is vital to the developing world. In Bangladesh, for example, the garment industry accounts for 75 per cent of the gross national product. Add to that the fact that 75 per cent of garment workers are women who support large extended families.<br><br>If we all fell out of love with fashion, the fall-out would be a disaster. What we can do is to shop more ethically - two ground-breaking British labels that deserve our loyal custom include People Tree and Izzy Lane - and to demand that the big High Street and designer brands treat their producers and manufacturers with the respect they deserve.<br><br>But to say that clothes don't matter, that they are frivolous, is naive. Fashion does matter. And long may it continue to do so.<br><p> </p> Share this article:?Spring style reality check<br> Forget the catwalk, do this season's hot trends actually work in real life?<p> By <br>UPDATED:01:01 GMT, 27 February 2012</p><p>Now, I know a lot of readers might believe I&#8217;m hopelessly jaded when it comes to fashion because I am often critical, but I still fall in love with outfits and models every season.<br></p><p>Last autumn, during the spring/summer catwalk collections, I sat open-mouthed when I saw model Joan Smalls in a powder-blue, sheer lace midi-dress at the Dolce &amp; Gabbana show. Suddenly, my all-black ensemble seemed hopelessly wintry and dowdy (remember, it takes six months before these summery clothes appear in the shops). <br></p><p>I loved the Erdem collection of pretty, head-to-toe florals, and the sheer shift with appliqued flowers by Christopher Kane. How pretty, how fresh, I swooned. The sporty dresses at Stella McCartney and orange track pants at Isabel Marant made me vow to dress more stylishly at weekends and to start running again.</p><p>Emerging from Alberta Ferretti in Milan, I vowed to wear only a slouchy olive shirt over a knee-length brown silk skirt and strappy brown flats for the rest of my days.<br></p><p>After the Bottega Veneta show, I yearned for an embroidered tribal dress costing £2,000. And &#8212; oooh! &#8212; how I drooled over a pair of khaki shorts by Daks, even though I knew full well that a) I can&#8217;t afford them, and b) I have cellulite. <br></p><p>And so I thought I would give four of the key trends for spring/summer a rigorous reality check. Do the clothes work for a date, a long plane journey, a work meeting and yet another date (what can I say? I&#8217;m on a roll) when worn by a real woman (i.e. me) who is not 16 years old or 6ft tall? <br></p><p></p><p>While my BMI is pretty low, being thin doesn&#8217;t mean you necessarily want various (or any) body parts on show &#8212; you can still be slim and hate your hips, for example.<br></p><p>Finally, is there any way you can cherry-pick from the trends and still be employable, not bankrupt and able to step outside your front door without feeling you are in costume?</p>PRETTY PASTELS<br><p>For a dinner in a swanky Italian restaurant, I wear what will be a huge spring/summer trend: pastels. <br></p><p>Many designers, including Jonathan Saunders, Louis Vuitton and the hugely influential Prada, sent sugary collections down the runway.<br></p><p>What I really need, I remember thinking to myself at the DVF show in New York, is a powder-blue duster coat and a packet of Love Hearts. <br></p><p>For my date, I struggle into a powder-blue lace dress from Boutique by Jaeger, a label I normally love. <br></p><p>But, disappointingly, I have to wrestle myself into a frankly flimsy dress (note to designers: please make sleeve holes wide enough and zips long enough to avoid ripping seams and messing up hair and make-up) that lacked structure over the bust and was way too short. <br></p><p>On the catwalk: From left, Yves Saint Laurent do pastels, Issa feature flapper dresses while Prada showcase crazy prints<br></p><p>I quite like the slouchy blazer by Reiss, but at £189 it should be lined. <br></p><p>The Pied-a-Terre shoes are comfy, but far too twee and ladylike for me. Outfit on, I feel about 100 years old. <br></p><p>My date&#8217;s verdict just about sums up this look: &#8216;You look as though you have just been to a really boring wedding.&#8217;<br></p><p>How to wear this trend, should you be insane enough to try it? Wear a pastel jacket over jeans, or a black dress. <br></p><p>Do not, EVER, go all matchy-matchy. You are not the Queen.</p>CRAZY PRINTS<br><p>Weren&#8217;t crazy prints in fashion last autumn, too? <br></p><p>Didn&#8217;t I turn up at Number 10 wearing pink polka-dot shoes? I hated this trend then, and I hate it now.<br></p><p>While the Erdem models looked like exquisite English roses as they paraded their pretty prints in an idyllic London garden square, when I am squeezed into head-to-toe crazy print, courtesy of Marks &amp; Spencer, I feel ridiculous. <br></p><p>The shoes, by the young woman&#8217;s label of choice, Carvela, are of course high (this is one trend that is never going away), but the floppy bow and riot of clashing colours make me feel curiously clown-like.<br></p><p>I imagine if you are very tall and a teenager, you might just about pull off the printed trousers, as long as they are tucked into wellies, worn with no make-up and poker-straight hair. <br></p><p>If, like me, you wear this outfit to a work lunch, you&#8217;ll probably be fired for being far too frivolous.</p>TWENTIES CHIC<br><p>For my second date at a hotel bar, I road-test the Art Deco trend. While I fell in love with a silver beaded column at Ralph Lauren with matching Daisy Buchanan spangled skull cap, in reality, this look feels far too young &#8212; and exposing. <br></p><p>This embellished Biba dress, at £225, is not cheap, and it definitely doesn&#8217;t match up to the price tag: too short, with no internal structure and I keep shedding beads &#8212; never a good sign.</p><p>While this trend triumphed on the catwalk, worn by women with no breasts, I think this is the one look that won&#8217;t really take off on the High Street: it feels too much like costume. <br></p><p>Anything cream and long feels too bride-like, too, which is never a good look if you are over 50. But if you are 22 and leggy and team a flapper dress with platforms and attitude, I guess it will look ok.<br></p><p>My date actually laughs, saying: &#8216;It does your bony chest and upper arms no favours.&#8217; We are still not speaking.</p>SMART SAFARI<br><p>I&#8217;ve lost count of how many times this trend has been resurrected since it first appeared on the Yves Saint Laurent catwalk in 1968. Safari might be old hat, but it is, thank goodness, eminently wearable.<br></p><p>I head to the High Street for my look. While I&#8217;m addicted to Equipment silk shirts, which are mannish, slouchy and expensive, this Marks &amp; Spencer shirt is really well made, and could be worn with anything. The skirt I find a little rigid and a bit short. <br></p><p>And while I&#8217;m not a fan of snake-print, Mary Portas or Clarks, these Mary Portas for Clarks shoe-boots are surprisingly comfy and make my calves look thin. <br></p><p>The key to wearing safari is not to do so head-to-toe, i.e. by adding a floppy hat with corks and a leopard-print bag. <br></p><p>For the aforementioned plane journey, I change into a pair of Maharishi combats, bought in 1998 and still going strong.<br></p><p>I&#8217;d sex up the shirt by knotting it and teaming with a brown tulip silk skirt in chocolate brown by Gucci and my very high Bottega nut-brown wedding sandals.<br></p><p>This is the one trend I will be channelling this summer, knowing it will see me into autumn and probably into the next decade, too.</p>?British sailors on the crest of a wave: Sun shines down on our gold medal hopefuls as Weymouth welcomes the world<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:19:54 GMT, 28 July 2012 UPDATED:11:47 GMT, 29 July 2012</p><br><p>Last night, an audience of four billion people witnessed the lighting of the Olympic flame at the climax of a dazzling Opening Ceremony, marking the start of the 30th Summer Games in London.</p><p>Athletes from all corners of the globe were cheered by a 60,000-strong crowd in a rapturous reception which will never be erased from their memories. </p><p>While the majority of Britain's 541 athletes were present to enjoy the show, there were some who sadly couldn't be there.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>But not wanting to miss out on the magical moment the flame is lit, our sailors held their own mini openingceremony on the waterfront in Weymouth today.</p><p>Inthe real thing, the honour of igniting the cauldron was given to Britain's athletes of tomorrow, but it was a superstar of the past and present who did the honours here.</p><p>BenAinslie will begin his pursuit of an unprecedented fourth straight Olympic gold medal and fifth medal overall tomorrow when he steers his Finn onto Weymouth Bay.</p><p></p><p>Successat the quaint seaside resort favoured by King George III this week willmake the 35-year-old the most successful sailor in Olympic history.</p><p>Butwhile most attention will be lavished on Ainslie, Britain boasts a whole roster of potential medal winners in an event that is traditionally among their strongest.</p><p>Thewhole squad lined up to welcome the Olympic flame under gorgeous blue skies in Weymouth, before taking to the waves to run through final practice sessions before the races begin. </p><p> </p><br><p>TeamGB sailing leader Stephen Park believes no other country can match Britain's strength in depth and said there is every chance we will see medallists in all ten classes.</p><p>When rating Ainslie's chances, Park doesn't mince his words: 'I think that everybody expects Ben will win a gold medal.</p><p>'Ifhe sails his normal game, there is no reason why he shouldn't. He dominated the recent world championships and I think the rest of the fleet are racing for second.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Ainslie just wants to get on with the proper business of racing after the long Olympic build-up.</p><p>He said after practice today: 'I am ready to go. I am looking forward to racing and hope things go well.</p><p>'It was good out there today. It was a great breeze, perfect sailing conditions. </p><p>'It is an interesting course that medal race course. It is pretty tricky so tomorrow starting off will be a tough race.</p><p>'Itis cramped out there. I think you've just got to be more prepared for the difficult conditions and know it won't be perfect. You've just got to deal with it and prepare for a bit of a scrap.'</p><p>Tomorrow'stwo races in the Finn class will see Ainslie tackle the Nothe Course, which is the medal race course, and then the Weymouth Bay West course. <br></p><p> </p><p> <br></p><br><p></p>?Would YOU sit next to Anna Wintour in an M&amp;S jumper? One Prada addict rips up the Fashion Week rule book wearing only high street clobber...and survives!<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:09:23 GMT, 19 September 2012 UPDATED:17:42 GMT, 19 September 2012</p><br><p>London Fashion Week. The five days of the year when the UK's best designers descend on the capital to showcase what we'll all be wearing next season.</p><p>But when, like me, you work at &#8211; the world's biggest selling fashion magazine &#8211; LFW isn't just about reporting on the trends...it's about looking the part too.</p><p>It would be against fashion law if I turned up looking anything less than immaculate and in head to toe designer; in fact it's probably in my job description.</p><p>The first few days of the September shows are all about one thing; who's been shopping and where.</p><p>It's not only the clothes that are on show during Fashion Week, it's the editors.</p><p>Recently, our fashion challenge has been heightened by the explosion of bloggers standing outside the shows.</p><p>They scrutinise our outfits and photograph our daily sartorial successes and blunders, instantly uploading them to Twitter and Instagram for interested onlookers to judge.</p><p>Heaven forbid we try and sneak into a show wearing the same jacket twice!</p><p>But then, two months ago, I had a revelation. I was asked to appear in the October issue of ELLE wearing solely high street.</p><p>My brief was to find an outfit for each day of the week, the kind of outfits I would normally wear to work meetings, dinners or to walk the dog on a Sunday.</p><p>Seven entirely different high street outfits - had I read this right? My Prada quivered, my Celine shook, my colleagues laughed!</p><p></p><p>So I took to the streets and set about hunting my clothes down.</p><p>The quality and fit were excellent; the range of prints exciting and the attention to detail was astonishing. I lookedgood and felt great in the clothes and they were inexpensive.</p><p>This got me thinking, why not go to fashion week wearing my pick of clothes available to buy now on the high street - surely fashion should available to everyone &#8211; styled in a way I would usually wear designer pieces?</p><p>Firstly, I knew my bank manager would thank me and, well, I love a challenge.</p><p>Fashion Week has just ended. And readers, I will have you know, I didn't cheat.</p><p>I didn't pull a pair of Prada shoes out of my Aldo bag as soon as I'd had my picture taken.</p><p>I wore my high street wardrobe for fifteen hours a day and walked miles in shoes I would never normally buy.</p><p>It took longer to put the outfits together because pulling on an expensive dress is a no brainer - you will almost always look good, and if you add a designer handbag to the mix you're good to go to the Valentino show.</p><p>But I loved each and every outfit.</p><p>Fellow editors and street style photographers stopped me in the street and I was proud to say I was sporting Next, not Celine, River Island, not Stella.</p><p>The great thing about the high street, as well as the range and the price, is that they cater for all sizes and shapes.</p><p>Looking good really doesn't get easier than this.</p><p>If you want to buy any of the looks Stacey is wearing, click </p><p></p><p></p>?Losing it: Fashion magazine staff are so obsessed with diets and looks that I lost the plot, says former editor Liz Jones<br><p></p><p>UPDATED:08:05 GMT, 30 October 2008</p><br><br>As a new book reveals competitive dieting is rife among women at glossy magazines, former Marie Claire editor LIZ JONES reveals what life was like during her (low-fat) years in charge...<br> <p> Thin Is The New Happy, a new book by Valerie Frankel, the former editor of U.S. magazine Mademoiselle, details how the pressure to stay slim in the world of fashion became a competitive sport. <br></p><p>In it, Frankel describes how she snorted 'hillocks of cocaine' to help fit into a size eight - sometimes at the workplace. <br></p><p>She reveals that the personnel department told new employees to 'represent the magazine in [their] personal appearance', and that the office motto was 'get thin or die trying'. <br></p><p>In her memoir, which is causing huge embarrassment to the magazine's former publisher, Conde Nast, which also owns Vogue and Glamour, Frankel writes about how, 'We'd sit in our offices smoking cigarette after cigarette and talking about who ate what, the calorie counts of our lunches, the latest dieting trends, who on the staff looked heavy.' <br></p><p>Of the dozen or so women in the features department, three-quarters had some kind of eating quirk: 'One assistant ate only a bunch of green grapes and six jellybeans a day. <br></p><p>'Another travelled with a food scale and weighed every morsel, even at restaurants. Another took twice-daily laxative tea - and frequent toilet breaks.' <br></p><p>Despite the self-flagellation, Frankel felt she never measured up to the ideal of a Manhattan fashionista, knowing full well she was described by her boss behind her back as a 'frizzy-haired, badly dressed, big-boobed Jew'. <br></p><p>Having edited a glossy magazine (Marie Claire) in the late Nineties and early Noughties, the weird, skewed behaviour described in the book struck a very real chord. <br></p><p>Enter the offices of a fashion magazine - any fashion magazine, in New York or in London or in Paris - and you will be stepping into a strange bubble that doesn't exist to serve its readers (oh, dear me no; the readers are viewed as mere low achieving, low-maintenance bovines who live in the provinces). <br></p><p>Instead, it is a hotbed of neuroses, fuelled by the daily arrival of new beauty products and ever more 'things', by the endless crocodile of barely pubescent beauties who waft past our desks daily in the hope of being cast in a shoot. <br></p><p>And the tiny, shiny new clothes hanging in the fashion cupboard that we would all finger lovingly, thinking 'If only I could fit into this, my life would be perfect.' <br></p> <p>In The Devil Wears Prada, assistant Andy (Anne Hathaway, left) is instructed to have a makeover in order to fit in - but that pressure is not limited to Hollywood, says Jones</p> <p> Women who work on fashion magazines are, in my opinion, the least well equipped to tell other women - sane, ordinary women who might have hips, a husband, children and bills - how to run their lives. This is because when you work on a magazine, everything becomes hopelessly out of kilter. You lose all sense of proportion. <br></p><p>And immersed twice-yearly in the low-calorie soup that is the New York or Milan or Paris or London ready-to-wear collections, even the most sensible head is turned by the on-tap limousines, the flutes of champagne, by the twiglet thighs and youthful bottoms that are paraded daily inches from our noses. <br></p><p>Having just returned from the most recent round of the shows, and having sat for four long, hard weeks opposite, or alongside, the most powerful women in the fashion industry, I could clearly see how they had all, almost to a woman, taken leave of their senses. <br></p><p>There was the 40-something editor of a British glossy in a thick green wool mini-dress with strange pterodactyl fins, blissfully unaware of how ridiculous she looked. There was the editor-in-chief of another British monthly, sporting her brand new set of £10,000 veneers. <br></p><p>And the 50-something fashion editor in a floral smock frock that barely covered her knickers, teetering on six-inch bondage shoes that were surely not a good combination with her fast-approaching osteoporosis. <br></p><p>You could see the fear in their eyes when, before each show, a waiter arrived brandishing canapes or, as in Paris, silver trays of brightly coloured macaroons. <br></p> <p> I shared a car back to my hotel in Paris with the editor of a French magazine and saw she had stashed several macaroons in her Marni satchel. 'I thought French women never dieted,' I said, trying not to laugh. 'Since the smoking ban came into force in January, life has been almost too hard to bear,' she said dramatically. <br></p><p>Did I witness any of the crazy, competitive dieting and out-of-control behaviour among my staff when I was the editor of a magazine? Um, well, yes, but most of the craziness was exhibited by me. <br></p><p>When I applied for the job, I shaved four years off my age on my CV in case I was deemed too ancient. I had my photo at the front of the magazine expensively, and extensively, airbrushed. <br></p><p>Endlessly bombarded by freebies and discounts, my idea of what was reasonable became distorted. I would look at a £350 plain white shirt by Gucci and think, hmmm, that's jolly good value. The pursuit of impossible perfection became key. <br></p><p>I would get very cross if staff ate their lunch at their desk, complaining loudly about the smell. I once interviewed a brilliant young woman for the job of deputy beauty editor and then wailed to my PA: 'But do you think we can ask her to lose the fat face?' <br></p><p>The scene in the spookily accurate film The Devil Wears Prada in which a fashionista is seen to count out the six (unsalted) almonds she plans to suck on throughout the day was particularly poignant. <br></p><p>I once asked a feature writer (although the fashion and beauty departments were always the most precious, their constant lighting of Diptyque candles and parading of new handbags infected the rest of the mag like a particularly virulent strain of MRSA) to go to Manchester to interview a novelist and she replied: 'I don't really do trains.' <br></p><p>On a weekend in the countryside, at an army boot camp ostensibly to force my staff to bond, on being handed a green army sweater, my executive fashion director mumbled: 'I don't wear anything that isn't cashmere. Ordinary wool aggravates my allergies.' <br></p><p>Hosting a table at a fashion awards dinner, I had, ill advisedly as it turns out, emailed my team for their special dietary requirements. <br></p><p>The one that made me laugh the most read: 'No dairy, wheat, gluten, fat, carbs, fizzy water or spiky leaves. And please, only proper, vintage champagne. Anything else gives me a headache.' <br></p><p>And while all this extreme behaviour comes across as both ludicrous and funny, it is also dangerous. These women dictate not just to you and me but to our children, how we should live our lives. They make us buy into our neuroses. <br></p><p>They never say at the end of a beauty feature, extolling the virtues of a particular unguent or scent, that, ooh, by the way, take all of this nonsense with a pinch of salt because I have just been given a year's supply/enjoyed a week at a spa atop Capri in order to persuade you to buy this particular brand. <br></p><p>When I was a magazine editor, I was given a week at Ian Fleming's house on Jamaica in order to write nice things about Aveda. <br></p><p>I was also given a week in Leonardo DiCaprio's hotel suite in Thailand in order to write a glowing travel piece (sadly, Leo was not actually in situ) and a trip on a yacht around Capri, fuelled by ontap Limoncello, by Tod's so that I would place their bags and shoes in future fashion shoots. <br></p><p>(I am ashamed to say I did all three, although, in my defence, I gave all my freebies to my staff at Christmas or auctioned them in aid of Equine Market Watch, a wonderful charity that ensures horses are treated well at sales). <br></p><p>Have you ever thought, seriously, about why we are endlessly told we need the new 'must-have' It bag? <br></p><p>And while these sorts of features and fashion shoots might damage your bank balance, far more insidious are the ones that tell you about 'the ten best spas in the world' or the '100 best detoxes' to get that bikini body. <br></p><p>I don't particularly care about the health of women who work on magazines, but the point is that because they don't live in the real world, they infect us with their nutty notions of what is desirable and healthy. <br></p><p>The editor of a best-selling British glossy for the younger sector of the market won't tell you in her vomit-inducing 'editor's letter' that, despite being a mum and having a full-time job; despite being in the office for 12 hours a day and being 43, she still goes to the gym every morning and runs on that treadmill until she is dizzy from exhaustion. <br></p><p>A beauty editor I know well won't tell you, as she witters on about drinking water and going to bed early and that £300 face cream, about her facelift. <br></p><p>Another beauty editor, as she extols you to detox at a spa, won't tell you about her recent spell in rehab. Oh, dear me, no. <br></p><p>The myths have to be preserved, the misery concealed so that you, the readers, keep buying all that stuff you don't really need and she keeps her job and her figure and her youthful good looks - even if, in the process, she has lost her mind. <br></p><p> </p>?She's got rear-ly good genes! Lucy Mecklenburgh shows off her shapely behind in tight denim <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:35 GMT, 4 August 2012 UPDATED:07:18 GMT, 6 August 2012</p><p>She has an incredible bikini body but today Lucy Mecklenburgh proved she looks just as good in a pair of dressed down jeans.</p><p>The TOWIE star showed off her shapely rear in the tight fitting denim trousers which she teamed with a grey vest with peplum hemline. <br></p><p>The reality star was dressed down for a day at Brentwood boutique and had even swapped her high heels for a pair of flat pumps. <br></p><p> </p><p>But while she was dressed down it Lucy managed to look just as great as she does all dolled up ready for a night on the town. <br></p><p>Lucy is blessed with a body many women would die for and it's clear she has great genes. <br></p><p>The reality star recently told Closermagazine: 'Like any girl, there are days I&#8217;d like to change parts of mybody &#8211; but, generally, I&#8217;m confident and happy with how I look.'<br></p><p> </p><p>'My favourite body part is my waist, as it&#8217;s 24 inches. My least favourite would be my legs &#8211; I used to get called "stumpy legs" when I was younger because I&#8217;ve got a long body andshort legs.'</p><p>After a day at work Lucy greeted her fiance Mario Falcone, who pulled up in a flash white Audi R8 sports car. <br></p><p> </p><p>The couple were then seen walking hand in hand down the road. <br></p><p>Lucy wasn't the only one who was focusing on her life off-screen. <br></p><p>Billie Faiers was also seen heading into work at Minnies, the boutique she co-owns with her sister Sam. </p><p> </p><p> <br></p>?Mad about fashion: Mad Men fans can now buy original costumes in eBay charity auction<p>By <br>UPDATED:17:53 GMT, 12 August 2010<br><br></p><p>Since Mad Men's premier three years ago, viewers have become hooked on the high drama - and high fashion - as ladylike couture has never been so popular.<br></p><p>Now fans have the opportunity to purchase original 1960s costumes worn on set by the uber stylish cast.<br></p><p>The vintage outfits will be available to buy on eBay from today in a ten day auction to raise money for lung cancer treatment and research.</p><p>Sold! Mad Men fashion, including a teal dress work by January Jones, a green dress worn by Christina Hendricks and a goldoutfit worn by Melinda McGraw, will be available to buy on eBay from today<br></p><p>Items include a teal evening gown worn by Betty Draper (January Jones)at the Stork Club, and a green dress worn by Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) in the renownedlawn-mower episode.</p><p> The collection features gold brocade dress worn by Bobbie Barrett (Melinda McGraw) for a night out on the town with Don Draper.</p><p>The Emmy-award winning show is also offering a walk-on role in the advertising drama.</p><p>The auction offers a unique twist onthe smoking scene in Mad Men, which meticulously recreates the socialmores of the early 60s.</p><p>Aportion of the proceeds will go to the lung cancer program at southernCalifornia's City of Hope hospital - one of the nation's leading cancertreatment centers.</p><p>'Thesmoking depicted in Mad Men was ubiquitous in the '60s world of MadisonAvenue advertising and is a vivid reminder of how far we've progressedin our attitudes towards smoking since then,' said Sandra Stern, chief operating officer at Lionsgate's TV arm, which produces the show.</p><p>Other items include furniture and props from the iconic Sterling Cooper ad agency.</p><p>Theshow's award-winning costume designer Janie Bryant has made a name forherself creating a wardrobe so covetable, Banana Republic is handing outbooklets on how to achieve the Mad Men look, which ranges from JoanHolloway's sexy secretary - think pencil skirts and fitted blouses -to flawless housewife - Grace Kelly-esque pearls and suburban glamour. </p><p>And in case you miss out on the one-off items, Bryant is also launching her own clothing range, available to buy on QVC.com.</p><p>Thecapsule collection includes skirts, mini-capes, bags and even costumejewellery just like those worn in the series for under £90.</p><p>Sotaken is the fashion world with the darling prom dresses and nipped-inwaists, Mad Men hysteria has worked its way onto the catwalk as bothPrada and Louis Vuitton's autumn-winter collections appear to beinspired by the hit show. </p><p>Mad Men, starring Jon Hamm asconflicted advertising executive Don, has won two best drama EmmyAwards and goes into the 2010 Emmy ceremony later this month withanother 17 nominations.<br></p><p>Butaudiences for the fourth season on cable channel AMC dropped 24 percentfor Sunday's third episode to 2.2 million, down from 2.9 million forthe season premiere on July 25, according to TV ratings data. </p><br>?Not exactly a harassed mother! Mad Men's January Jones has a few helping hands as she takes baby Xander across the U.S.<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:11:21 GMT, 28 March 2012 UPDATED:15:13 GMT, 28 March 2012</p><p>Its a familiar sight we often see in airports and train stations - a new mother struggling to balance pushing her baby's pram and carrying all her luggage.<br></p><p>But when you're a Hollywood star like January Jones, fortunately you have a lot of help on offer.</p><p>After touching down in Los Angeles after a flight from New York, the Mad Men star, 34, was left with just her small handbag to carry.<br></p><p>Her nanny was left pushing baby Xander, six months, in a pram, while a male employee pushed the actress' luggage.</p><p>Many parents would dread the thought of bringing their new baby on a long flight, Jones would have plenty of help.</p><p>Jones has been jetting around promoting the new series of Mad Men, which started this week.</p><p>The actress insisted her parenting style couldn't be further from her cold character Betty Draper Francis.</p><p>She told Grazia magazine: 'I have nothing in common with Betty when it comes to mothering.</p><p>'Iam enjoying myself so much, whereas I don't think Betty sees the fun init. she sees it as a burden and an inconvenience, she's just not good at it.'</p><p>Jones filmed the latest series up until she was eight months pregnant and returned to the show six weeks after Xander's birth last September.</p><p>She enthused: 'I'm lucky to have a job where I can bring him to work, so I was still able to nurse him, and I could run over and squeeze him when I missed him, which was often.'</p><p>She praised the show's creator Matthew Weiner for being so accommodating to her pregnancy.</p><p>She said: 'I called him &#8230; and said, "I&#8217;m pregnant, so by the time that we start shooting, I&#8217;m going to be really pregnant, so, you know, have fun with that, basically".<br></p><p>'He just was silent for a little bit, but I think he works really well with a challenge, because I love what he decided to do.'</p><p> <br></p>?Magnolia Bakery sues rival cupcake shop over claims that its 'signature' frosting swirl has been copied<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:18:44 GMT, 21 September 2012 UPDATED:18:44 GMT, 21 September 2012</p><p>Magnolia Bakery has sued a former employee with a federal lawsuit, claiming his cupcakes are using its famed 'signature' swirl icing topping.</p><p>Buba Trawally, who worked as a baker for Magnolia from 2008 to 2011, opened Apple Cafe Bakery a year ago on West 8th St, just blocks from Magnolia&#8217;s Bleeker St flagship in Greenwich Village.</p><p>The lawsuit claims that Mr Trawally is attempting to 'capitalize upon Magnolia&#8217;s unique and distinctive' cupcakes, and are demanding that he stop selling the swirled lookalikes. <br></p><p>Magnolia&#8217;s attorneys stated in the suit filed in Manhattan Federal Court on Thursday that:'Despite his agreement to preserve all secret and confidential materialbelonging to Magnolia, Apple ... has baked, marketed and sold cupcakes with a swirled icing topping.'</p><p></p><p>As well as cupcakes, Mr Trawally's Apple Cafe and Bakery, a 'semi' Gambian bakery, also sells African treats like Gambian pumpkin pie, croissants, bagels, cookies, Mexican-style flan, gelato and peanut butter pie.</p><p>Apple Cafe and Bakery, however, appears to have closed with the store's number disconnected and a 'For Rent' sign in the shop's window. Mr Trawally, also a co-founder of the Gambian Youth Organization in the Bronx, did not return calls for comment.</p><p>MagnoliaBakery, made famous by its swirled cupcake's appearances in Sex and theCity and the film The Devil Wears Prada, was launched in 1996 by AllysaTorey and Jennifer Appel.</p><p>Ithas opened franchises throughout New York City, including its boutiquesin Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal, with the lawsuit claiming that Mr Trawallysigned a confidentiality agreement promising not to use any of Magnolia&#8217;s trade secrets for his own benefit.</p><p>Last year, Magnolia&#8217;s current owners Steve and Tyra Abrams sued its co-founder, Jennifer Appel, claiming she shared Magnolia&#8217;s recipes and business secrets with Nicole Kotovos, who allegedly opened an unauthorized Magnolia Bakery in Greece.</p><p>Although a representative for Magnolia Bakery told MailOnline: 'Magnolia Bakery has filed the claim as a means of protecting our trademark,' it is uncertain whether a cucake icing swirl is actually patented or trademarked to Magnolia.</p>?Man arrested after 'gunning down boy, 12, and spraying bullets at his friends for setting off fireworks'<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:01:37 GMT, 8 July 2012 UPDATED:02:10 GMT, 8 July 2012</p><p>A St. Louis man has been charged on Friday with opening fire on three young boys, one of whom he hit, for setting off fireworks near his home.</p><p>William Prada, a 56-year-old postal worker, now faces three counts of first-degree assault and three counts of armed criminal action. <br></p><p>The shooting took place at around 9.40pm Thursday in the 4200 block of Blaine Avenue in the Botanical Heights neighborhood, according to the TV station .<br></p><p> </p><p>Police said 12-year-old Michael Scott was riding a bike with Christopher Nolan and another boy, both aged ten, while shooting off fireworks. <br></p><p>Prada yelled at the boys to stop after they accidentally threw one of the fireworks in his direction. At that point, authorities said the 56-year-old pulled out a gun and fired several round toward the kids. <br></p><p>As the boys were pedaling away on their bikes, Scott told KSDK he felt a sudden pain in his thigh and saw blood dripping down his leg. This was when he realized he had been struck with a bullet. </p><p>The round entered the 12-year-old&#8217;s upper left thigh and exited through his backside.<br></p><p>&#8216;One millimeter to the left I probably would&#8217;ve died &#8216;cause it would&#8217;ve hit a major artery,&#8217; Scott said. <br></p><p>The boy was rushed to a local hospital in stable condition. He has since been released. <br></p><p>Police said they recovered a firearm when they arrested Prada, who reportedly had confessed to the crime, according to . <br></p><p>Those who know Prada have described him as an overenthusiastic block captain who frequently calls police on his neighbors. <br></p>?<p>Who are " the some" that will see his move to City as a backward step? The green eyed monsters who are so sickened by cIty's future. Yes, they are not in the champions league but there is no denying that City are the club with a very exciting prospect. We have the stadium, the fans, the cool manager and extremely Astute, wealthy owners. These players that we have signed could have gone to other clubs for big money too. Sooner or later the rest of you will have to admit that WE ARE one of the clubs that the best players want to go to. They all have other big money offers, it's not just us that can pay their wages. Yes, they are a bit mercenary when they are considering who they'll sign for but why shouldnt they be. Anyone wants to get the best deal for themselves, not just footballers. We dont need him to love us, we just need him to help us win things and he certainly will do that. Yipeeeeeee Malcolm Bowman.</p> <p>- , Florida & Manchester, 30/6/2010 21:49</p> <p></p>?Yep, it's cold out there: Mariah Carey swaps open-toe heels for winter boots during shopping trip in Aspen <p> By <br>UPDATED:00:20 GMT, 20 December 2011</p><br><p>She's known for being a bit of a diva. <br></p><p>But an outfit change during a shopping trip is excessive even for her.</p><p>So it can only be that Mariah Carey misjudged the freezing weather conditions in Aspen, Colorado, yesterday when she stepped out in open-toe heels and bare legs. <br></p><p> </p><p>The singer was spotted doing some last minute shopping in Prada ahead of her first Christmas with eight-month-old twins Monroe and Moroccan. <br></p><p>She had started the spree with a black winter jacket that flapped open to reveal a bare chest.</p><p>She teamed this with black and red heels and oversize sunglasses.</p><p>But later the 41-year-old had changed into more seasonable winter boots and a floppy hat.</p><p>The singer and husband Nick Cannon usually go to Aspen for Christmas but didn't last year due to fears the high altitude may interfere with her pregnancy.</p><p>She still went away because she has to be somewhere with snow at Christmas. <br></p><p>'It's got to be snowy,' she said at the time.<br></p><p>'I was considering staying in LA because we love it, but it's not the most seasonal of places. I need snow.'</p><p>Mariah is in great shape after shedding more than 70lbs since the birth of her children. <br></p><p>The All I Want For Christmas singer showed off her curvy body in London earlier this month. <br></p>?Flexible Anne Hathaway goes to extreme lengths to honour Meryl Streep by doing the splits in a full-length gown and heels <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:08:05 GMT, 29 December 2011</p><br><p>As aspiring journalist Andy Sachs she went to extreme lengths to impress her editor matrix Miranda <br>Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada. </p><p>And now Anne Hathaway has once again gone to great pains to blow away her co-star Meryl Streep.</p><p>The 29-year-old actress did an impressive version of the splits in a full length gown and high heels, during a tribute performance to the 62-year-old veteran actress at the Kennedy Center Honours.</p><p>SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO...<br></p><p>Of course the move was reminiscent of Streep's mid air splits, which she pulled off during a musical number inthe hit 2008 movie Mamma Mia. </p><p>Taking to the stage in a stunning gown, featuring a sheer cream sequined top and embroidered full-length skirt, Anne started off by serenading Streep who was sitting in the auditorium's balcony. </p><p>Powering through the sentimental song, Streep's jaw dropped as she went down into the splits at the end.</p><p>Seemingly in a bit of pain, Hathaway then motioned to her other Devil Wears Prada co-stars Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci to come onstage to help her up.</p><p>Streep and Hathaway became good friends following their appearance together in the 2006 comedy.<br></p><p>And in her special song to Streep, Hathaway echoed that sentiment in a tongue in cheek way. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>'When she's your friend, she's yours til the end, no matter what others may say,' she sang. </p><p>'She don't tell me how I ought to be, she likes me just as I am.</p><p>'So when I get blue, she's the one I go to for her heart is as big as a ham.'</p><p>This month Hathaway has been supporting Streep at a variety of events to celebrate her highly coveted Kennedy Centre Honour. </p><p>Earlier this month she attended a gala dinner for the Honorees at the U.S. State Department in Washington along with her new fiance Adam Shulman. </p><p>The Kennedy Center Honors is an honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture and Steep is one of many who have been recognised.</p><p>Despite their 33 year age gap, the two actresses share many similarities when it comes to their craft. </p><p>Both have been nominated for Oscars - Hathaway for her role in Rachel's Getting Married and Streep a record 16 times, with the actress winning two for Kramer Vs Kramer and Sophie's Choice. </p><p>They also can sing, with Streep lending her vocals throughout Mamma Mia and Hathaway harmonizing throughout this year's Oscars, which she hosted with actor James Franco.<br></p><p>Streep's performance in Mamma Mia helped make the movie become one of the actress's highest-grossing film to date, raking in US$602.6 million at the box office.</p><p>Anne has a lot to celebrate this week on New Year's Eve after recently getting engaged to Shulman.</p><p>The actor got down on bended knee in November and asked for her hand in marriage. </p><p>The pair quietly began dating in November 2008 but weren't pictured together until the following year.</p><p>&#8216;He thought that I had a boyfriend and I thought that he had a girlfriend, so I thought that I&#8217;d better keep my distance because I didn&#8217;t want to be that girl,&#8217; Hathaway has said.</p><p>She has also described their union as more 'mellow' than her previous liaisons, adding: 'Mellow doesn't always make for a good story, but it makes for a good life.'</p><p>Speaking about the relationship in the September issue of U.K.'s Marie Claire, she said: &#8216;Adam totally ruined my plan. I was really actually looking forward to a little alone time and then I fall in love like a fool.&#8217;</p><p>Her romance with Shulman followed a disastrous relationship with Italian real estate developer Raffaello Follieri.</p><p>She split up with him in 2008 when he was arrested on fraud charges after claiming links to the Pope while making dodgy deals, and he was later sentenced to four and a half years in prison.</p><p> </p><p><p><p><p><p><p>?Meryl Streep is proud to be grey<p>by KAREN KAY</p><p>Last updated at 12:30 29 September 2006</p><br><p>Meryl Streep has never been one to shy away from challenging theaccepted norm on film, and with her new release, The Devil WearsPrada, she ticks yet another box on her list of moviebreakthroughs.</p><p>It's set in the glossy world of New York fashion magazines,where Streep's character, Miranda Priestley, is editor of fictionalstyle magazine Runway.</p><p>&bull; <br></p><p>At first glance, it's hardly a controversial role ? a bit offilmic fluff for the 57-year-old method actress, perhaps.</p><p>Yet, for many women, Streep's portrayal of this high-flyingstyle doyenne breaks one of the last taboos in Hollywood: her hairis ? wait for it ? grey!</p><p>Let's make one thing clear: Ms Streep does not look like a womanin need of a bus pass. This is a career woman in her prime, proudlyflaunting her perfect platinum coiffure in an industry whosefragile foundations are built on vanity and the worship ofyouth.</p><p>But Internet chatrooms have been rife with gossip about her hairfor months, after location photos of her appeared online: "I don'tintend seeing this film, and I know no true fashionista would lether hair go silver," said one commentator defiantly.</p><p>"No editor in chief worth her Manolos would allow her hair to gowhite-gray, as Miranda Priestley," complained another. Why, then,did Streep elect to style her character in this way?</p><p>"We knew we wanted to make a very definite kind of look, a womanwho doesn?t look like anyone else in New York and would be easy tospot at the shows. I always admired the model Carmen. She's got abig swoop of white hair and it appears to be natural."</p><p>Carmen dell'Orefice is a 75-year-old stalwart of the modellingworld, who has captivated photographers, illustrators and designerswith poise and elegance that are enhanced by a chic silverhairstyle.</p><p>And she's not a lone champion of greying locks: despite theinternet sceptics, the fashion industry is rife with stylish womenwho have confidently allowed their grey to shine, including SheilaScotter, editor of Australian Vogue in the 1970s, who was known asthe Silver Duchess.</p><p>Distinct</p><p>Wendy Finerman, Producer of The Devil Wears Prada, says she andStreep did a lot of research: "What we discovered was that when youlook at many of the women in fashion, (such as) Polly Mellon, LizTilberis and Diana Vreeland, they all had a distinct look.</p><p>"They chose their look and never changed it. That was theirsignature and they realised what was classic and what was good forthem and what would carry them anywhere for years to come."</p><p>Renowned for her long gunmetal-grey ponytail, Daphne Self, 78,has been a successful model and actress for decades and stillenjoys regular bookings through her agency, Models 1.</p><p>In fact, she says, the day she allowed herself to run with thegrey, she started to get more work.</p><p>It makes her stand out in an age when most women spend a fortuneon colouring their hair just to look the same as everyone else.</p><p>"When I first saw signs of grey in my early 50s I tinted it, aswas the done thing in those days," she says, "but by the time I hit60, I just couldn?t be bothered any more. I just let it go, andeveryone really liked it.</p><p>"I had to stop wearing browns, beiges and cream, of course, andadapt to wearing blues and greys and white.</p><p>"The obsession with youth is so awful - I can't bear this denialof the passing of time. People are gorgeous when they get older,and I think Meryl Streep looks lovely: going grey is nature's wayof complementing a mature face."</p><p>Though Self, Streep et al look undeniably gorgeous with theirmetallic locks, there are others for whom going grey is not such apositive experience.</p><p>"It's the natural colour pigment in your hair that keeps itsoft," explains Jessica Knight, technical colourist at JohnFrieda.</p><p>"So when that goes ? and you turn grey ? your hair is likely tobecome coarser in texture, and to absorb external pollutantseasily, so it can look dull very quickly. And for some women thepsychological effect of seeing grey hairs is just too much: it's avery visible sign that the natural ageing process ishappening."</p><p>But going grey doesn't just happen in your 40s and 50s. HickyTaylor, a former fashion marketing editor at Vogue, first found"silver" hairs, as she prefers to call them, at 17.</p><p>Now 44, the mother of two says, "I wasn't shocked, because myfather had gone grey at that age. By 25, I was completely silver,and revelled in it.</p><p>Elegant</p><p>"It was actually quite fashionable: Liz Tilberis was my editor,and she had a beautiful, snowy white bob and always lookedimmaculate.</p><p>"Christian Lacroix had, as his muse, a stunning model calledMarie Seznec, and Evangeline Blahnik, Manolo?s sister, always looksterribly elegant with her chic platinum style.</p><p>"The key is to have a fabulous cut, and to really look afteryour hair to maintain a glossy shine. Having silver hair is a bitlike wearing pearls: it really bounces light back onto your faceand can be terribly flattering."</p><p>So, girls, you don't have to fight the grey ? it can lookstunning, and is, after all, far cheaper than monthly highlights.And remember, a bad colour job can be much more ageing.</p>LOOKING AFTER GREY HAIR<p>KEEP IT SOFT:<br>Grey hair tends to be dryer and coarser because it has lost thepigment that keeps the shaft soft and pliable, so it needs aregular deep conditioning treatment: try Origins Rich RewardsIntensive Moisture Treatment for Scalp and Hair (&pound;10, tel:0800 731 4039).</p><p>ENHANCE THE COLOUR:<br>Make the most of natural highlights with Klorane's cornflowershampoo for grey/white hair (&pound;5.45, tel: 0845 117 0116).To neutralize unwanted yellow tones and optimize luminosity tryL'Or&eacute;al Professionnel S&eacute;rie Expert Shampoo forSilver Hair (&pound;7.25, tel: 0800 072 6699), and BC Silver ReflexShampoo (&pound;6.25, tel: 01296 314000).</p><p>PUMP UP THE VOLUME:<br>Try Volumactive Expansion Spray by K&eacute;rastase (&pound;14,tel: 0800 316 4400)) before blow-drying, to add volume andshine. Nexxus Y Serum (&pound;15.90, tel: 0870 350 2390)includes green tea among antioxidant ingredients that rebuild andrestore ageing hair. If you're worried about thinning: tryShiseido's new Adenogen Hair Energizing Formula (&pound;50, tel:020 7313 4774), a pioneering lotion designed to boost thenaturally occurring FGF-7 compound, which helps hair grow thick andlong.</p><p>The Devil Wears Prada is released in cinemas on 5October</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Look at my Nappy Snaps, Mummy: She's only just turned one, but baby Tyler has won over scores of the world's biggest stars<p> By <br>UPDATED:16:04 GMT, 12 January 2012</p><br><p>Screaming, crying and waiting for hours to have her photo taken with celebrities, Tyler Sercombe is a typical starstruck fan. <br></p><p>Except for one thing &#8212; she is just a year old. <br></p><p>Her mother, Donna, has taken her to about 60 film premieres, and Tyler has already met 130 A-listers. Judging by these pictures, they were smitten by the adorable infant. <br></p><p>Tyler proved equally enamoured, most of the time. Donna, 31, of South-West London, said: &#8216;John Terry is the only star where Tyler started crying when he held her.&#8217;</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p>?Meryl, queen of Ladies' Hades<p>by CHRIS TOOKEY</p><p>Last updated at 09:01 13 October 2006</p><br><p>Here is an unexpected delight, which deserves to be a hit on thescale of Pretty Woman or Working Girl. I don't know any woman orteenage girl who wouldn't adore it; and most men will enjoy it,too.</p><p>&bull; <br>&bull; <br></p><p>It's the kind of bright, witty, classy romp that Georg Cukor orErnst Lubitsch might have made in the golden age of Hollywood,though its theme, style and setting is very up-to-the-minute.</p><p>The title may suggest a bitchy satire on the world of fashion -which, in part, it is; but it also shows a finer appreciation offashion - its importance and influence - than any film since FredAstaire romanced Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face.</p><p>It also works as a timely, intelligent meditation on thework-life balance, which many people - including myself and,apparently, David Cameron - feel has swung too far towardscorporate wage-slavery and away from family life and those good oldhippie ideals of self-realisation and having time to smell theflowers.</p><p>For those of you who have read the book on which it is based, asplendidly malicious, spill-the-beans bestseller by LaurenWeisberger, who worked as the assistant of Anna "Nuclear" Wintour,the famously fearsome editor of American Vogue, the news isgood.</p><p>The film's much better. Aline Brosh McKenna's script deepens itwithout softening it, and offers four terrific roles to the leadingactors.</p><p>Meryl Streep will face formidable opposition at next year'sAcademy Awards from Helen Mirren in The Queen, but it would be ahuge injustice if Streep did not win at least another Oscarnomination as the softly spoken, gimlet-eyed editor from Ladies'Hades, Miranda Priestly.</p><p>Not only does she have the best entrance of any leading lady ofthe past ten years, from beginning to end she gives a masterclassin restrained comedy acting - the polar opposite of Jim Carrey,Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler.</p><p>Not a vocal inflexion, gesture or flicker of the eye is wasted.She endows the beastly Priestly with astonishing depth, and even alittle pathos, but never the slightest sentimentality.</p><p>She embodies all the worst attributes of a highly successfulcareer-woman. She is an over-demanding diva, career-driven to thepoint of insanity, a pathological snob, a fashion fascist, and - asour heroine puts it - not happy unless the people around her arepanicked, nauseous or suicidal.</p><p>I can think of several males who are at least as horrifying andpossibly even more lacking in charm, but this is an unforgettablyfemale version of the Devil incarnate.</p><p>There is something especially demonic about her attachment tofashion: an obsession that deludes her - and those she influencesand helps to corrupt through her magazine Runway - into thinkingthat any woman above size four is "fat".</p><p>Streep turns Priestly into a classic movie monster, even nastierthan Michael Douglas's Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, when she endseach string of impossible demands with an airy, sing-song "That'sall".</p><p>It would be equally unjust if Emily Blunt's supportingperformance as Miranda Priestly's snooty number one assistantdidn't win awards.</p><p>This is a richly funny but also subtly tragic performance, asthe character aspires to become a new Miranda but doesn't have therequired talent or panache. Blunt gets a laugh with nearly everyline and reaction.</p><p>This is a terrific young actress who would grace almost anyproduction. Plus, she's British.</p><p>The veteran supporting actor Stanley Tucci, who is rarely lessthan excellent, is on top form in the potentially stereotyped roleof the editor's gay right-hand man.</p><p>He starts as the bitchiest snob on Runway. Spotting Andy for thefirst time in her shapeless sweater, plaid skirt and sensibleshoes, he muses aloud: "Are we doing a before and after piece Idon't know about?"</p><p>But he becomes Andy's only confidant, and you start to see himas he is: a shrewd professional who has had to learn how to takesome amazingly hard knocks, not least from his boss.</p><p>Last but certainly not least, Anne Hathaway is a joy to watch asAndy, the innocent young university graduate thrown into the jungleof magazine journalism.</p><p>This is a difficult role, being almost too good to be true, andI've seen Hathaway criticised for being "vanilla". But I think shemakes Andy delightful and believable, with just enough edge andambition to convince as she climbs with difficulty, and somereluctance, up fashion's greasy pole. She's vanilla, perhaps, butwith a dash of ginger.</p><p>Hathaway's is not the kind of performance that usually wins ravereviews or acting awards, but it is the kind that makes hit movies,because - although she's physically gorgeous ? most women caneasily relate to her character.</p><p>Hathaway impressed me in The Princess Diaries and EllaEnchanted, and she's very much more than a pretty face.</p><p>Quite apart from the characterisation, I greatly enjoyed thecleverness of the plot, which doesn't travel in wholly expecteddirections.</p><p>The only reason I haven't given this movie five stars is that Iwas less impressed by the under-written love triangle, featuringthe ludicrously handsome Adrian Grenier (from TV's Entourage) asAndy's cute but grungy boyfriend.</p><p>He's threatened first by Streep's unreasonable demands on hisgirlfriend's leisure time, and then by the rival attractions ofsuccessful smoothie journalist Christian Thompson (SimonBaker).</p><p>The film lasts 110 minutes but doesn't drag. That's a tribute toDavid Frankel, who has directed Sex And The City and Entourage ontelevision, and before that made an underrated little movie comedystarring Sarah Jessica Parker, called Miami Rhapsody (1995), whichis well worth seeing. He's a remarkable talent, with warmth as wellas wit, and a keen eye for the zeitgeist.</p><p>Because Prada is so apparently lightweight and comes from arelatively unknown director, I wouldn't mind betting that it getsless favourable reviews than Martin Scorsese's The Departed. But Iknow which I would rather sit through again.</p><p>Prada is by far the better, as well as the more commercial,entertainment. It always feels authentic in its milieu, and (likeGoodfellas but unlike The Departed) explores both its horrors andits attractions.</p><p>It avoids the Scorsesian fault of falling in love with itssadistic bad guys. It knows where its heart lies, and follows itsinstinct through with rigour.</p><p>It never fails to give the Devil her due - she does her job welland is worthy of professional respect. But it has a real bite as itsavages the kind of horrible, inhuman, bitch-eat-bitch behaviourthat is nowadays all too prevalent in many corporate workplaces,not just the fashion industry.</p><p>Along with Little Miss Sunshine, this is one of the twooutstanding comedies of 2006.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Meryl's magic! As she gets a record 17th Oscar nomination, the many faces of Ms Streep<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:01:44 GMT, 30 January 2012</p><p>Meryl Streep is the greatest living actress. Says who? Well, her fellow actresses. Diane Keaton once described her as &#8216;my generation&#8217;s genius&#8217;&#8212; not a bad accolade.</p><p>And with her latest Oscar nomination for her take on Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, Streep has been put forward for the award 17 times &#8212; 14 times for best actress, three times for best supporting actress. Her nearest rivals are Katharine Hepburn and Jack Nicholson with 12 nominations apiece.</p><p>That said, she&#8217;s only won twice (for Kramer vs Kramer and Sophie&#8217;s Choice).</p><p>Inevitably, she has her critics. Some say she is cold and too technical but they&#8217;re wrong. There&#8217;s warmth aplenty in Mamma Mia! &#8212; for which, unusually, she wasn&#8217;t nominated. Plus, if your rivals &#8212; actors are nominated for Oscars by their peers &#8212; keep telling you that you&#8217;re the best, then you probably are.</p><p>1978 The Deer Hunter</p><p>Streep&#8217;s first nomination, as best supporting actress, came with only her second film, The Deer Hunter, a Vietnam war story starring Robert De Niro (with whom she&#8217;s pictured) and Christopher Walken.<br></p><p> Hers was a small role &#8212; as Walken&#8217;s girlfriend &#8212; but she lit up every scene she was in, possibly because shewrote her own script.</p><p>1979 Kramer vs Kramer</p><p>In this film, Streep plays a wife caught up in an acrimonious divorce from her husband Ted (Dustin Hoffman). For this great performance, she won her first Oscar, for best supporting actress.</p><p>1981 The French Lieutenant&#8217;s Woman </p><p>She stars opposite Jeremy Irons in a complex story, about forbidden romance in two eras, playing a 19th-century English maiden abandoned by her French lover. <br></p><p>Streep revealed her astonishing gift for mastering accents in this film, earning her the first of many nominations for best actress.</p><p>1982 Sophie&#8217;s Choice <br></p><p>Anyone who thinks Streep&#8217;s acting is cold should watch her in this film, as the Polish mother (her accent is impeccable again) in a Nazi concentration camp, who has to decide which of her children to sacrifice. <br></p><p>With a truly heart-rending performance, she deservedly won her first (and so far, only) best actress Oscar.</p><p>1983 Silkwood</p><p>With her fifth Oscar nomination in seven years, Streep showed her remarkable versatility, this time as a factory worker who blows the whistle on her employer&#8217;s dangerous practices. It&#8217;s a subtle performance, which in myriad small ways makes you believe wholeheartedly in the character she creates.</p><p>1985 Out of Africa</p><p>Another film, another accent, as the Danish writer Karen Blixen having a love affair with a big-game hunter (Robert Redford) in Kenya. Here, she got top billing and deserved it, because in a pretty dreary film Redford was unconvincing and Streep&#8217;s lively, engaging performance (and the African countryside) were the only things worth watching.</p><p>1987 Ironweed</p><p>Another indifferent film enlivened by two nominated stars &#8212; Streep and Jack Nicholson (above). They play vagrants in Depression-era America: she a sad, muttering bag lady; he a family man dragged down by fate. Plain, shapeless, shambling and rheumy-eyed, she provides a haunting, angry portrait of a woman whom life has abandoned.</p><p>1988 A Cry in the Dark</p><p>One of her finest roles as Lindy Chamberlain, the Australian mother who was charged with murder after her baby was snatched by a dingo during a camping trip. Streep is fantastic &#8212; conveying a character who was arrogant, stubborn yet suffering deeply.</p><p>1990 Postcards from the Edge</p><p>Streep proves she can do comedy as well as drama, as a drug-addicted young actress with a more famous mother in this film, also starring Gene Hackman (above). Streep is quick with the one-liners and lends a sweetness to a woman on the verge of a breakdown.</p><p>1995 The Bridges Of Madison County </p><p>Yet another change of tack &#8212; a weepy this time. Streep plays a sturdy Iowan farmer&#8217;s wife conducting an illicit affair with a photographer (Clint Eastwood, right) in the Sixties. <br></p><p>Once more, the accusations of coldness look absurd when you consider the subtle passion in her performance.</p><p>1998 One True Thing</p><p>Most stars play much the same character. Not Streep. In this engagingly mannered performance as a mother dying of cancer who is being cared for by her daughter (Rene Zellweger, below), she shows her ability to adapt to any role.</p><p>1999 Music of the Heart</p><p>Here we discover Streep bedraggled in dressing gown and curlers as an abandoned wife who somehow becomes an inspirational violin teacher. But she never seems to care how she looks; she&#8217;s an actress first, a movie star second, which is probably why she has been at the top for so long and can rescue indifferent movies such as this all on her own.</p><p>2002 Adaptation</p><p>A dazzling, convoluted film in which Streep plays a writer who, among other things, gets mixed up with Nicolas Cage (left) and investigates orchid theft in Florida. Part thriller, part comedy, she deals effortlessly with whatever the script throws at her. This, incidentally, was her record-breaking 13th nomination (and her third in the best supporting actress category).</p><p>2006 The Devil Wears Prada</p><p>If you still doubt that Streep can do comedy, watch this. She gives a glorious performance as the monstrous editor of a New York fashion magazine &#8212; she who must be obeyed. It&#8217;s a very funny film, well played throughout, but Streep dominates just about every scene she&#8217;s in, apparently without even trying.</p><p>2008 Doubt</p><p>Streep plays a nun, Sister Aloysius, who runs a school in the Bronx in the Sixties and accuses a priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of paedophilia. Pale with red-rimmed eyes, she is stern, humourless and powerful. Compare this with her other nominated roles and you can see that no actress has ever been less typecast.</p><p>2009 Julie &amp; Julia</p><p>Here Streep plays the American cookery writer Julia Child and, again, shows her uncanny ability to impersonate other people. This is a funny, charming film; and Streep&#8217;s performance is the reason to watch.</p><p></p>?Cameron Diaz joins Livia Firth's Green Carpet Challenge as she wears Stella McCartney 'eco dress' to Met Ball<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:17:00 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:18:51 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>Cameron Diaz took part in Livia Firth's Green Carpet Challenge at the Met Costume Institute Gala in New York last night.</p><p>The Bad Teacher actress looked stunning in a custom-made Stella McCartney gown created from organic, certified silk adorned with thousands of glass beads and crystal chain as she attended the annual fashion event at the city's Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p><p>Green Carpet Challenge founder Livia Firth said: 'Yet again the GCC has been given a window on the supply chain and incredible technical processes involved in producing fashion at this level, and Stella McCartney has allowed us to influence this process.</p><p>'Our next goal is to tackle the sourcing of embellishment materials. Who knows, this time next year every attendee at the Met Ball might be in a complete GCC gown - that's my dream!'</p><p></p><p>As founder of the initiative, of course Livia Firth wore a dress that met her green credentials too, dazzling in a sumptuous Prada piece. Made to conform to the GCC's criteria, the black panelled gown mixed certified silks, tulle and chiffon with sustainably harvested ostrich feathers andend-of-line British-made lace. <br></p><p>Her jewellery was by Monique Pean, her clutch by Donna Karan from her project Naturally Haiti. <br>WearingPrada, Livia Firth tied in with last night&#8217;s launch of the major fashion exhibition of 2012 at the MET, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. <br></p>?Who is the brightest of them all? Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz and Sofia Vergara compete to outshine the stars in gold and silver at lavish Met Gala <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:00:51 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:16:09 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><br><p>Welcome to the Met-allic Costume Institute Gala, 2012... because this year the legendary New York fashion meets art event is all about who can sparkle hardest, as the celebrities slip into futuristic fabrics.</p><p>It can be a terribly tricky look to pull off, though it is one of the season's most popular trends.</p><p>Scroll down to see all the celebs on the red carpet<br></p><p></p><p> </p><p>Gold goddesses : Carey Mulligan in Prada, Jessica Alba in Michael Kors and Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City tonight</p><p>Gwyneth Paltrow had no problems, paying tribute to tonight's hostess Miuccia in a stunning short and backless lilac-silver dress that was probably the most elegant outfit onthe red carpet tonight at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. <br></p><p>Sparkle seems to work best when givena slant, like Gwyneth's Barbarella minimalism or Sofia Vergara's sensational Marchesa silver lace column dress.<br></p><p>The colour is so subtle it allows the drama of the lace and the sexy shape of the gown to really do the talking, and the Modern Family star finished off her look with a bright,bright slick of fuchsia pink lipstick... which sealed the deal.</p><p> </p><p>Silver siren: Sofia Vergara in Marchesa, Lana Del Rey in Joseph Altuzarraand Gwyneth Paltrow in an incredibly sexy and fresh Prada dress<br></p><p> </p><p>Lana Del Rey, unsurprisingly, also jumped at the chance to mine this fusion of old school glamour and film noir stylings, and debuted darker coloured hair with her Joseph Altuzarra outfit which featured a stunning cape. </p><p>Carey Mulligan went furthest on this space oddity, in giant sequins by Prada; this dress ran the gamut of metallic hues and perhaps worked best on the newly married beauty's slender shoulders as the skirt flared out in a Judy Jetson style hoop that looked awkward on the willowy Brit.</p><p> </p><p>Blues and pinks: Dakota Fanning, Brooke Shields, who arrived leaning on a walking stick, Mission Impossible star Paula Pattonand Hollywood starlet Amber Heard </p><p>Leighton Meester also opted for metallic Marchesa, this time in gold, it was a bold move from the GossipGirl star but one that aged her as her youth became lost within the archaic gold filigree patterned lace and giant diaphanous ruffles.</p><p>Scarlett Johansson filled out her Dolce and Gabbana fishtale dress admirably, but it's pale colour blendedinto the actress's skin too softly and she always shines more brightly in rich colours.</p><p> </p><p>Black magic: Gothic was the second major force tonight, Cate Blanchett owned the look in McQueen while Rooney Mara and Gisele Bundchen were sleek in Givenchy <br></p><p> </p><p>Wet look: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in British Burberry, Rosario Dawson in Calvin Klein and Rihanna in Tom Ford crocodile applique all wore their black shiny <br></p><p>Renee Zellweger was a vision in Pucci,an surprise choice for the star who was expected to wear Caroline Herrera, but a masterstroke, as she looked incredible in the dramatic backless black gown which, yes you guessed it, had accents of gold.</p><p>Rihanna played it reasonably safe in Tom Ford's applique crocodile, but her stunning figure proved to be her winning accessory. <br></p><p> </p><p>Tangerine dream: Emma Roberts in Escada, Katharine McPhee in Elie Saab and Eva Mendes in Prada were all fruity visions on the carpet <br></p><p>Ladies in red: Chelsea Clinton, Emma Stone rocking Lanvin and Milla Jovovich in Prada donned the colour of romance <br></p><p>Her hair was slicked back to showcase her incredible cheekbones, but that was the same look chosen by Rooney Mara and Gisele Bundchen to heighten their air of Victorian melodrama in detailed Givenchy lace and embellished satin respectively. <br></p><p>Other stars wore their black in a gothic style, which was easily the second most popular trend of the evening. <br></p><p>CateBlanchett, peerless beauty as always, nailed the look in a ravishing dress by Alexander McQueen that was at both extravagant and strangely minimalist, giving her the air of an elegant raven.</p><p>Pastel power: January Jones was lovely in yellow, Candice Swanepoel looked fresh in bright blue but Brooklyn Decker's blue was a bit soppy<br></p><p>Letting their ladies do the talking: Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein, Kate Bosworth in Prada and Julianne Hough in Carolina Herrera were all allowed to shine in accents of pink <br></p><p>Another black look was sleek, as best personified by Rihanna, but also showcased to great effect by Rosario Dawson in super-sexy Calvin Klein and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley flying the British flag in Burberry.</p><p>Emma Roberts, Katharine McPhee and Eva Mendes were good enough to eat in various shades of orange, while the in the minority (for once) ladies in red, Chelsea Clinton, Emma Stone and Milla Jovovich made the most of the scarlet hue.</p><p>Mad Men star January Jones put pop into pastel in her fresh yellow dress, while Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel was a hip shade of blue to Brooke Burke's slightly soppy take on the colour. <br></p><p> </p><p> Christina Ricci and Lily Collins boldly refused to follow the crowd and wore daring individual gowns.</p><p>Ricci donned an incredible number by cult designer Thakoon, that certainly marked her out from the crowd with it's large bow... any celebrity other than Ricci would've looked plain ridiculous, but she managed to pull it off, just.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Smart and sharp: Kanye West, Chace Crawford and Gerard Butler all looked dashing in black tie </p><p>Not so Lily Collins, who just didn't look glamorous enough in her pretty Victorian-style Valentino gown. <br></p><p>Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood wore their rock 'n' roll credentials on their suited sleeves, and Jagger had his designer girlfriend L'Wren Scott cheering up his arm, while Wood had theatre producer Sally Humphreys by his side. <br></p><p> </p><p>Daring: Jessica Chastain, Sarah Jessica Parker and Debra Messing all looked opulent <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>God Bless America: Hilary Swank in Michael Kors, Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli and Lea Michele made for a patriotic look together <br></p><p> VIDEO: Beyonce showed she was in fine post-baby form as she took to the gala's red carpet </p>?Downton to designer: Michelle Dockery is a vision in black and gold as she leads the best of British at the New York Met Ball<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:06:35 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:12:26 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>It was one of the surprise smash-hit imports that took America by storm and brought the Crawley family into their hearts.</p><p>So it was only fitting that one of the Downton Abbey ladies should be present at one of the US's biggest nights on the showbiz calendar.</p><p>And having a lead role on a show that has been praised for its detailed costume design, Michelle Dockery didn't let the side down as she arrived at last night's Met Gala in New York in a stunning black and gold dress.</p><p>The actress, 30, who plays the willful and independent Lady Mary Crawley, stood out from the A-list crowd in her strapless, floor-length gown.</p><p></p><p>The black dress was embellished with a gold corset and she teamed it with black gloves, a look favoured with the ladies of the Downton generation.</p><p> </p><p>Her hair was swept and tied back and her drop gold earring completed the chic and elegant look which would have made Lady Mary proud.</p><p>She was joined by Laura Carmichael, 26, who plays her younger sister Lady Edith in the show and looked very classy in her dark blue dress by Emilia Wickstead.<br></p><p>And she wasn't the only lady at the Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art flying the flag for Britain last night.</p><p>Also attending was award-winning singer Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, who arrived with actress Cate Blanchett and Alexandra McQueen designer Sarah Burton.</p><p> </p><p>Florence, 25, stood out on the red carpet in a very unusual dress, very fitting for the quirky, hippie-chick star.</p><p>She posed for the cameras in the tiered silver sheer feathered dress which she teamed with matching shoes.</p><p>Other British stars attending the gala, one of the biggest nights on the showbiz and fashion calender included actress and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.</p><p>The Transformers star, who was without boyfriend Jason Statham, demanded the flashbulbs attention as she arrived looking absolutely gorgeous in her floor-length, fishtail black and gold gown.<br></p><p>Rising actress Lily Collins, 23, who has recently taken the US box office by storm in Mirror Mirror alongside Julia Roberts.</p><p>And she opted for a very demure look as she arrived at the bash and stopped for the cameras in a cream lace and chiffon dress that lay over a dress that was decorated with flowers.</p><p>Actress Carey Mulligan also attended and was making her first public appearance since marrying singer Marcus Mumford last week.</p><p>She appeared to have that newlywed glow as she posed for the cameras, the smile never leaving her face once.</p><p>And she looked stunning in her gold Prada fish scale halterneck dress which she accessorised with her new wedding ring.</p><p>TV presenter and fashionista Alexa Chung also attended as well as actress Emily Blunt, who looked gorgeous in her simple pink dress as she arrived on the arm of her actor husband John Krasinski.</p><p>Fashion designer Stella McCartney was also a guest but instead of an eye-catching frock like her fellow partygoers, she looked rather frumpy in black trousers and metallic crop top.</p><p>But it wasn't all about the ladies as actor Daniel Radcliffe was also there with his former co-star Rose Hemingway and Rolling Stone Sir Mick Jagger who attended with girlfriend L'Wren Scott.</p><p> <br></p>?Glam squad! Emma Roberts enlists the help of her beauty team as she gets ready to wow at the New York Met Gala<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:13:35 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:06:50 GMT, 9 May 2012</p><p>Described as the fashion industry's night of nights, all of Hollywood's elite were out to impress with their outfits.</p><p>But before hitting the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the stars needed to be primed and peened to perfection.</p><p>Enter Emma Roberts who called on help from a team of three as she got ready for the main event.</p><p> The 21-year-old uploaded a picture to her Twitter page via her Instagram account showing off her divaish side.</p><p>In the picture the blonde-haired beauty is stood as a makeup artist touches up her face, whilst her hairstylist ensures no strand is out of place and a seamstress fits her dress.</p><p>Roberts looks stunning in a yellow floor length Escada gown with her hair pinned to one side in tight curls. <br></p><p> Roberts' night at the Met Gala also made another appearance on Twitter when Rachel Zoe posted a picture of them.</p><p>Singing Emma's praises, the caption on the picture read, 'And another young starlet, @robertsemma...beautiful!! #MetGala'.</p><p>Zoe, 40, wore a long white off-shoulder fringed gown teamed with a chunky beaded necklace and gold clutch bag.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The super fashion stylist was active on Twitter throughout the night and posted several pictures of her and her fellow fashionistas.</p><p>Stars who included Lily Collins, Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova and Cameron Diaz.</p><p>Whilst making her way to the ball Gwyneth Paltrow uploaded a picture to her WhoSay account in her Prada dress. <br></p><p> Alica Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz looked like the perfect musical power couple in the photo the Diary singer posted on Instagram.</p><p>The 31-year-old's affectionate caption read, 'It's only fun when I can do it with the love of my life!!;-)'</p><p>Feeling the love, the Jonas Brothers came together and posted a picture of themselves looking very dapper as they stood into front of a mirror wearing matching tuxedos. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Heidi Klum was all smiles as she posed with friends in a blue lace floor length Escada gown which braved a high thigh split. <br></p><p>And the social network queen, Rihanna took pictures with almost everyone in attendance as long as she could get a second of their time.</p><p>Sarah Jessica Parker, Sofia Vergara, Valentino Garavani were all among those the 23-year-old managed to get a photo with.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p>?A shining success! Gwyneth Paltrow puts on a side show at Met Gala... in daring cutaway Prada minidress <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:02:20 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:19:08 GMT, 9 May 2012</p><br><p>Any woman will tell you that when you&#8217;re choosing an outfit for a big night out, it&#8217;s important to examine how it looks from all angles.</p><p>But it seems Gwyneth Paltrow forgot to perform that crucial twirl in front of the mirror. </p><p>Either that or she she was in a particularly risque mood in her selection of this satin mini-dress which, from the side, left remarkably little to the imagination.</p><p>Scroll down for video<br></p><p>Gwyneth posed with friend Amanda De Cadenet and designer Diane von Furstenberg.</p><p>De Cadenet, also 39, threw a dinner to promote her new series The Conversation, which is executive produced by Demi Moore, 49.</p><p>At the dinner, Gwyneth was asked who shewould like to have a conversation with, and answered rather boringly, her husband Chris Martin, 34 , of the band Coldplay.</p><p> </p><p>She said: 'My husband. It would be really cool. I'd ask him a bunch of questions.'</p><p>The fete was thrown in conjunction with designer Diane von Furstenberg and was held at the designer's downtown studio.</p><p>'Amandaand I are old friends. We met probably like in 1993 and stayed in touch,' said Paltrow. 'In the last 10 years, we became really close friends.'</p><p> </p>?Any colour as long as it's pink: The dresses do the talking for Karlie Kloss, Emily Blunt and Emma Stone as the style set pays tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli at the Met Ball<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:04:10 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:20:26 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>Celebrities were pretty in shocking pink at tonight's Met Ball Gala, paying tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli&#8217;s signature colour.<br></p><p>Karlie Kloss, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone and the host Eletrra Weiderman were among many fashion stars who donned the colour on the world's most formidable red carpet, which also paid tribute to Miuccia Prada for the launch of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.</p><p>Whether it was worn head-to-toe, or in small bursts, touches of Schiaparelli pink were scattered throughout an otherwise sea of gold, citrus and black.</p><p>Scroll down for video</p><p> </p><p>Pretty in pink: Karlie Kloss (left) wears Jason Wu, Emily Blunt (middle) in cut-out Calvin Klein, and Emma Stone (right) turned heads in Lanvin</p><p></p><p>Schiaparelli pink: Wendi Deng (left) wore a bright coral gown by Vera Wang, who was also her date, Julianne Hough (middle) wore fuchsia and Chelsea Clinton wore coral<br></p><p> </p><p>Pink pops: Amber Heard (far left) wore a dusty pink Zac Posen gown, Sarah Jessica Parker (left) donned pink flowers on her Valentino dress, actress Paula Patton (middle) opted for pale Vera Wang, while Girls star Allison Williams (right) decided on magenta in Ralph Lauren<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Pale pink: Hailee Steinfeld (left) wore an embellished Prada dress, Jessica Biel (middle) chose a low-plunging Prada dress and Leslie Mann (right) wore Nina Ricci<br></p><p>Earlier it was rumoured that Anna Wintour asked Vogue editors to wear pink in a nod to the late Italian designer, but the magazine staffers weren't the only ones to heed the editor's advice.</p><p>From the hot pink top peeking out of Coco Rocha's canary yellow Givenchy pant suit, to Karlie Kloss's Jason Wu-designed fuchsia dress, the flowers on Sarah Jessica Parker's Valentino number, and the Stella McCartney heels worn by Girls creator Lena Dunham, hues of pink highlighted the red carpet arrivals.</p><p></p><p>Amanda Heard wore a strapless, dusty pink Zac Posen gown, Julianne Hough turned heads in Carolina Herrera and Allison Williams, also from the hit show Girls, wore a magenta Ralph Lauren silk strapless column dress.</p><p>Goldengilrs: Anna Wintour (far left) wore a custom Prada gown made to represent Schiaparelli's famous Lobster Dress, Karolina Kurkova (left) shone bright in Rachel Zoe, Scarlett Johansson (middle) looked radiant in Dolce and Gabbana and Cameron Diaz (right) opted for Stella McCartney</p><p> </p><p>Glitz and gold: Paying homage to Miuccia Prada, Mad Men's Jessica Pare (far left) wore L'Wren Scott, Cery Mulligan (left) wore Prada, Lana De Rey (middle) was dressed in custom Altuzarra and Jessica Alba (right) sparkled in Michael Kors<br></p><p>Paula Patton also opted for a dusty pink, while Dee Ocleppo, Tommy Hilfiger's wife, wore a long-sleeve fuchsia design by her husband and Chelsea Clinton wowed in bright coral.</p><p>MsSchiaparelli, who passed away in 1973, once famously said: 'I gave to pink, the nerve of the red, a neon pink, an unreal pink'. </p><p>Sheused the colour in her famous Tears Dress, a slender evening gown printed with a Dali design of trompe l'oeil rips and tears, lined in pink and magenta, and her perfume bottle, called Shocking!, was alsocreated out of her signature bright pink.</p><p></p><p> </p><p>Silver sirens: Sofia Vergara in Marchesa, Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren and Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada<br></p><p> </p><p>Striking black: Rooney Mara (far left) was dressed in custom Givenchy, Gisele Bundchen (left) also wore a Givenchy gown, Mary-Kate Olsen (middle) chose one of her own high-neck The Row gowns and Chloe Sevigny (right) wore a black geometric cut-out Miu Miu dress which shimmered under the red carpet's lights<br></p><p>But if not wearing pops of pink, attendees played it safe in black, paid homage to Miuccia Prada in metallic or chose vibrant yellow or cool persimmon to break away from the pack.</p><p>There were a great deal of sequins, beads, embroidery, feathers and shapes verging on sculpture - finally, unbridled dress choices, and a few pant looks, that all altogether were a carnival for the eyes.<br></p><p>Manyturned out in Prada, including the evening's co-chairwoman Carey Mulligan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and of course, Anna Wintour, who wore a custom Prada gown made to reflect the 1937 Lobster Dress by Schiaparelli- a simple white silk evening dress which featured a large lobster painted by Salvador Dali onto the skirt.</p><p> </p><p>Classic selection: Cate Blanchett (far left) wore an Alexander McQueen gown, Rihanna (left) wore a Tom Ford design, Beyonce (middle) chose a Givenchy haute couture gown and Linda Evangelista went the extremely safe route by wearing a Prada dress in the classic colour <br></p><p> </p><p>Black and white: Classic tones were blended by Stella McCartney (left) who wore her own label's pants and top ensemble, Doutzen Kroes (middle) wore a Roland Mouret gown and Chanel Iman (right) wore a Tom Ford dress. The designer was also her date for the evening<br></p><p>Plentyothers were dressed by their designer dates - Emma Stone looked pictureperfect in Lanvin accompanied by Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford and Chanel Iman were a polished pair and old friends Olivier Theyskens and Caroline Trentini came together.</p><p>So did Alexander Wang and Azealia Banks, Joseph Altuzarra and Lana Del Rey, and Greta Gerwig with Parabal Gurung.</p><p> </p><p>Citrus stars: New mother January Jones (far left) wore a strapless Versace gown, Emma Roberts (left) chose an Escada dress, Coco Rocha (middle) wore a vintage Givenchy pant suit that was once worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Solange Knowles (right) wore a strapless Rachel Roy gown<br></p><p> </p><p>Pretty in persimmon: Katharine McPhee (far left)shone in Elie Saab, Kirsten Dunst (left) chose old world glamour from Rodarte, Eva Mendez (middle) supported in Prada and Ginnifer Goodwin (right) chose Monique Lhuillier </p><p> </p><p>Mix and match: Some celebrities broke all the rules entirely such as M.I.A. (far left) who wore Stella McCartney, Kristen Stewart (left) who chose a Balenciaga design, Elizabeth Banks (middle) who wore a multi-layered Mary Katrantzou dress and Shailene Woodley (right) who wore a Christopher Kane gown<br></p><p>Approximately 800 guests attended theGala this year, and Ms Wintour announced that over $11million had been raised for the Costume Institute, its biggest sum yet. <br></p><p>Elettra Wiedemann co-hosted the red-carpet arrivals with Vogue's Billy Norwich, who at the end of the evening, after hundreds of vibrant, sparkly and jaw dropping creative dresses had walked past him, said: 'There's a real feeling of surrealism. I feel a little bit trippy'.</p><p>It perfectly sums up the exhibition, and the two iconic Italian designers it honors - Schiaparelliwho broke the rules of fashion through her continual collaborations with surrealist artist Salvador Dali, and Prada, who remains at the forefront of fashion through her eclectic visions and quirky style.</p><p> </p><p></p>?Where did her natural beauty go? Kate Upton disappoints at the Met Gala with too much make-up and bad brows <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:05:57 GMT, 8 May 2012 UPDATED:09:49 GMT, 8 May 2012</p><p>Kate Upton had her chance to wow the fashion crowd during her first ever appearance at the annual Costume Institute Gala.</p><p>But far from proving she has the goods to be apart of the style set, the Sports Illustrated model disappointed on the red-carpet with heavy make-up and unnaturally dark eyebrows.<br></p><p>Teamed with an almost face-lift inducing tight and slick up-do, the 19-year-old looked more 'playing dress-up' than dressed-up in her gold Michael Kors gown.</p><p>After she reportedly wrote her own $25,000 check to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in order to attend, fans and observers had high expectations for the young model. <br></p><p></p><p>While her overbearing make-up choice may have worked on a much simpler, classic dress, her sparkling gold gown and sophisticated slicked back hair needed a much more toned down, natural face.</p><p>A victim of trying too hard, her raw beauty is lost in the over-done look, proving all that glitters is not always gold.</p><p> </p><p>Lip service: Overbearing brows, too much bronzer as well as striking red lipstick resulted in an overdone Kate Upton at the Met Gala, which she reportedly paid $25,000 to attend<br></p><p> </p>?Alice in Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska replaces Hailee Steinfeld as the new face of Miu Miu <p> By <br>UPDATED:12:16 GMT, 4 July 2012<br></p><p>After the last Miu Miu ad was banned for featuring 'dangerous images' of 15-year-old actress Hailee Steinfeld, it's no wonder the label has decided to go in a different direction.</p><p>The new campaign sees Alice in Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska, who has been signed up as the new face, in a slightly less controversial pose.<br></p><p>The 22-year-old shows off the new collection against a plainer backdrop.<br></p><p>Mia has made a name for herself starring in Tim Burton's 3D film as well as playing Jane Eyre last year.</p><p>She has also been a fixture on the fashion scene, attracting attention for her quirky style.</p><p>The Australian star was pictured on the front row of the Miu Miu show last season - a clue she was the next big thing for the brand, owned by Prada.<br> </p><p>In 2010, Mia Wasikowska beat stars including Robert Downey Jr. and Daniel Racfliffe in Forbes annual list of the highest grossing actors of 2010.<br></p><p>Wasikowska's movies, including Alice and critically-acclaimed comedy The Kids Are All Right, took a staggering $1.03billion at the global box office.</p><p>She replaces Hailee, whose ad was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority after it received a complaint that it was &#8216;irresponsible&#8217; because it was suggestive of youth suicide.</p><p>The watchdog rejected the concern, but ruled the image broke industry codes because it showed a child in anunsafe location.</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?Milan and Prada or Sunderland and Primark: Steve Bruce explains David Beckham snub<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:53 GMT, 26 December 2010</p><p>Steve Bruce has revealed he attempted to persuade David Beckham to join on loan last season.<br></p><p>Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham joined AC Milan for two loan spells in total before an injury suffered while at the San Siro ruled the former England captain out of the World Cup.<br></p><p>Bruce, a former team-mate of Beckham's at Manchester United, said: "Certainly I tried to (sign Beckham) 18 months ago.<br></p><p>'I did try when he went to Milan. Milan or Sunderland or Birmingham or Wigan?<br></p><p>'He just said "thanks Brucie, I'm going to Milan".<br></p><p>'I understand that. Milan and Prada or Sunderland and Primark?'</p><p></p><p> </p>?Swinging Sixties are back! Moschino&#8217;s flower power hits the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:12:01 GMT, 21 September 2012 UPDATED:12:51 GMT, 21 September 2012</p><br><br><p>It was a colourful trip back in time to the swinging 60s on the Moschino catwalk in Milan today.</p><p> The brand's designer Rosella Jardini unveiled her latest collection in all its flower power glory as models donning the bright hues paraded the catwalk.</p><p>The star of the show was Audrey Hepburn who led the pack of girls in their swinging A-line shift dresses in a melange of bold and floral prints.</p><p> </p><p> The show started with a bang as it kicked off with a series of striped outfits both stark blacks and bright whites.</p><p>Trousers took a back seat but they were cropped and matched with black or white horse-riding-style helmets. </p><p>In true 1960s style, the colour palette was filled with bold reds and mustard tones and complimented by the mode's huge Amy Winehouse style beehives and heavy smoky eyes as 'Let's have a good time' boomed through the speakers.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Flared trousers, large hooped earrings, psychedelic dresses and bright white sunglasses were back witha bang in the light-hearted show, which shared it's taste with the likes of Prada and Gucci.</p><p>Thethird day of fashion week was fash-packed and will be followed up by Etro and Versace as well as a plethora of after-dark parties including aperformance by Beth Ditto at Versace and a star-studded Moschino cocktail party.</p><p> <br></p><p> </p>?T-Birds, eat your heart out! Prada goes all Greased Lightning with Fifties Americana theme at Milan Fashion Week<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:08:35 GMT, 23 September 2011</p><p>While the rest of the fashion world has been channelling a Twenties theme for spring/summer 2012, Miuccia Prada, as usual, pulled something completely different out of the bag.</p><p>'Donna e Motori', or women and cars, was the sexy theme for the showstopping collection, which has been the highlight of Milan Fashion Week so far.</p><p>But rather than the testosterone-fuelled ideas it might inspire for another designer, Prada's pieces were all uncompromisingly feminine, with candy coloured dresses and skirts.</p><p> </p><p>Girl racers: Prada's motor theme came with a Fifties sensibility, with prints taking their lead from the tailfins of a Cadillac, and flame prints that would have been the pride of any self-respecting T-Bird<br></p><p>She told Suzy Menkes: 'I tried to do a sweet collection. That word is such a taboo. Why dowomen have to be so aggressive?'</p><p></p><p>The automobile trend came with a Fifties sensibility, with prints taking their lead from the tailfins of a Cadillac, and flame prints that would have been the pride of any self-respecting T-Bird.</p><p>Car motifs appeared in leather applique on skirts and clutch bags (or were they iPad cases?) and in prints on cotton bandeau tops and sleeveless shirts.</p><p> </p><p>Even the shoes were not exempt with models, which included Jessica Stam, stepping out in red and yellow flames shooting from stiletto sandals. </p><p>Mrs Prada is such an institution she has never needed celebrity guests to boost interest in her show. Presumably Annas Wintour and Dello Russo considered it a privilege to attend.</p><p>Also among the guests were Grace Coddington and architect Rem Koolhaas (who, incidentally, designed the industrial-chic set with giant polystyrene cars as front-row seating).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As ever, Mrs Prada is already winning enthusiastic praise from the industry.</p><p>Menkes called it 'one of those brilliant collections that was fresh, new, witty, clever inits mix of hard and soft - and yet another chance for the fashion worldto feed off her ideas.'</p><p>And Elle UK's website read: 'This was a show that you could watch and make a mental shopping list, and we need to start saving. We made a very, very long list.'<br></p>?Mismatched Sandra Bullock sports trainers and gym gear with smart coat<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:07:14 GMT, 14 December 2011</p><p>While the rest of us make our resolutions to the backing track of a throbbing headache while peering sheepishly over a recently developed pot belly, Sandra Bullock is different.</p><p>The 47-year-old decided to do some work on her already enviable figure today, and carried her intention out to the very letter. <br></p><p>It started in a way most of us can recognise, when - after pepping up with her morning Starbucks - the mother-of-one headed in to REI in Manhattan's Soho to buy some new trainers.</p><p>This, you reason, will fully commit you to getting fit, for fear of wasting your precious cash; but still those trainers remain box fresh. <br></p><p>The Academy-Award winner doesn't have this concern, and could waste her new neon trim Newton running shoes with ne'er a worry, but she didn't and headed straight to a new Manhattan gym.</p><p>The Blind Side actress arrived at Body by Simone with her hair tied up but left with a tired smile on her face with her hair flowing loose and a hat to cover up any sweaty roots from her slog.</p><p>It was obviously a successful visit, as the mama to baby Louis, who is nearly two years old, was wearing a T-shirt with the one-on-one gym's name emblazoned across it. <br></p><p>She looked a little odd, however, as she was still wearing her dressy overcoat; which seemed incongruous with the head-to-toe exercise gear. <br></p><p>The actress, who was divorced from serial cheater Jesse James, 42 , last June, has revealed that she's getting very excited about celebrating Christmas with her adopted son. <br></p><p>She told Access Hollywood little Louis' holiday was going to be 'a little ridiculous.'</p><p>In addition to stuffed animals and play toys, Bullock has purchased Louis an Andy Warhol painting (for $14,000) and two paintings by artist Patrick Roberts. <br></p><p>Bullock is undecided about whether or not to adopt any more children, she told the show: 'I don't know,' she admitted. 'I'm so blessed with what I have.'<br><br></p><br><p> </p>?Model man: Tobey Maguire is the new face of Prada<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:14:17 GMT, 14 June 2011<br><br></p><p> As Prada hope to raise $2.6bn through floating on the stock exchange, the label has in the meantime enlisted some celebrity help to bolster sales.</p><p>Tobey Maguire is the latest actor to sign up to a major fashion house, posing somberly for the new menswear collection in shots taken by David Sims.</p><p>Although Prada are not renowned for hiring A-listers to star in campaigns, they have now joined the likes of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Christian Dior, who have long seen the power of Hollywood.<br></p><p> </p><p>A spokesperson for the label called the campaign 'a fitting nod to the discrete style of Hollywood fashion icons past.'</p><p>The Spiderman actor is set to star alongside Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron and Sofia Vergara in an onscreen adaptation of Pete Dexter's 1995 novel, The Paperboy.</p><p>And designer Miuccia Prada is clearly impressed with his acting skills.</p><p>She said: 'His mood is transfixed and pensive, full of vibrant intensity and mystery.'</p><p> </p><p>According to the actor, the feeling is mutual.</p><p>He said: 'A great supporter of the arts, Miuccia has inspired a culture of creativity that is woven throughevery aspect of her company, from her collections and campaigns to every design detail in her stores.</p><p>'I have such admirationfor her artistry and I'm thrilled to be a part of Prada's fall campaign.'</p>?Naomi Campbell dazzles in next season's prints as she prepares to launch TV career<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:17:36 GMT, 19 June 2012 UPDATED:17:36 GMT, 19 June 2012</p><p>Her personal life often overshadows her professional one but clearly, Naomi Campbell still knows how to strike a pose.</p><p>The 42-year-old has modeled a range of luxurious high-end ensembles during a photoshoot for the July issue of magazine.</p><p>The shoot is part of a promotional run that the model is currently in the midst of as she prepares for the launch of a new TV reality series titled The Face.</p><p> The supermodel, who lives in Moscow with her Russian billionaire boyfriend Vladislav Doronin, will mentor aspiring models on the show, which is being made by Oxygen network.</p><p>As styled by Giovanna Battaglia, she has been photographed for W in designs by Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Etro and Mary Katrantzou.</p><p></p><p>Photographed by Australian-born snapper Emma Summerton, she also shows off a range of accessories such as a Fendi iPad case, a Missoni clutch, a Bally handbag and Yves Saint Laurent heels.</p><p>Miss Campbell, who is rumoured to be looking to buy a villa in Ibiza with Mr Doronin, offered the magazine some advice for younger, less experienced models.</p><p> </p><p>She said: 'Whatever you do, do it 110per cent. That's what my mother taught me, and it's what I've always believed in.'</p><p>It seems that the model had prepared plenty of advice in preparation for her small screen role.</p><p>Two other high-profile personalities will join Miss Campbell on the show but they are yet to be announced.</p><p>Each of the contestants on the show will be competing to become the face of a major brand.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Miss Campbell herself has fronted campaigns for Valentino and Ralph Lauren, as well as Hilton hotels and Dunkin' Donuts over the years.</p><p>She is certainly well-equipped to give advice to the hopefuls - though her famously fiery temper promises entertaining on-screen moments.</p><p>In a press release announcing the news, she said: 'With The Face the audience will get a real insider&#8217;s look at this exciting industry that has been so good to me. </p><p>She told W magazine that she is a big fan of reality TV.</p><p>'Ilove the Real Housewives - all of them,' she said. 'Of course, I would never expose myself in that way. But I'm happy to share my experiences.'</p><p>Although she is renowned for her career in fashion, the supermodel is no stranger to the world of TV.</p><p>In 1988, she had a guest role on The Cosby Show.</p><p>Miss Campbell has been dating Mr Doronin since 2008.</p><p>She originally lived in the UK before relocating to Moscow to be with him.<br></p><p>The couple have a property portfolio that includes houses in Moscow, a private island in Turkey, a luxury retreat in Jamaica and a mansion in Miami.</p>?Newlyweds Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford continue their social whirl<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:13:18 GMT, 11 May 2012 UPDATED:01:13 GMT, 13 May 2012</p><p>After dazzling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit in New York, earlier this week, Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford jetted into London.<br></p><p>The newlyweds continued their public displays of affection at The Ark 2012 Dinner, held in a super chic marquee on the grounds of Kensington Palace, last night.<br></p><p>The couple looked more in love than ever as they arrived at the charity event arm in arm and kept their eyes locked firmly on each other.<br></p><p>Carey, 26, was dressed in a much more understated outfit than she was seen in at the Met Bar, earlier this week.</p><p>Mulligan, who's DVD Shame is out on Monday, wore a black sleeveless peplum top with a teal colour pencil skirt, which she teamed with a black heels and a bead and stone necklace.</p><p>Her rock star husband kept things smart in a plain black suit with a grey cardigan and tie, but showed his wild side by wearing a pair of brown cowboy boots.</p><p>It was only second public appearance that the couple have made since tying the knot and their love was clear for everybody to see.</p><p>Once they had made their way down the purple carpet and enjoyed a glass of champagne, they headed for their dinner table and still struggled to keep their eyes off of each other.</p><p>The celebrity couple looked like the picture of happiness as they were clearly still enjoying their honeymoon period.</p><p>After dazzling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit in New York, earlier this week, Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford jetted into London.</p><p>The newlyweds continued their public display of affection at The Ark 2012 Dinner, held in a super chic marquee on the grounds of Kensington Palace.</p><p>The couple looked more in love than ever as they arrived at the charity event arm in arm and kept their eyes locked on each other.</p><p>Mulligan has been doing a lot for charity recently and is currently auctioning the custom made dress that she wore to the Met Ball.</p><p>The Prada tea-length dress, covered in gold and silver metal paillettes, had a starting bid of $500 when it went live last night, which has since shot up to $1000.</p><p>All proceeds of the highly reflective halter-neck dress, an Italian size 38-40 (U.S. size 2-4), will go to Oxfam America.</p><p>Bidding ends on May 19 and the dress, which topped many best-dressed lists, will then be shipped off to the highest bidder before June 11.</p><p>She has pledged that 100 per-cent of the sale will go to Oxfam, an international relief and development organisation that aims to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice.<br></p><p>The British actress certainly had that newlywed glow as she beamed on the red carpet in the gold paillette Prada fishscale halterneck dress, earlier this week.</p><p>She kept her accessories simple so as to not deflect from her glittering gown - but gave the first glimpse of her wedding ring on her left hand.</p><p>The Oscar-nominated star was one of the first celebrities to arrive at the biggest event in the fashion calendar because she was co-chairing this year's Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations event.</p><p>It is believed she wore a Prada design when she wed the Mumford And Sons musician, 25, two weeks ago.</p><p>Speaking about her gold dress on the red carpet tonight, Mulligan gushed: 'I'm really honoured to be wearing it.'</p><p>The dress certainly made a good impression with fashionistas, with Carey's name even trending for several hours on Twitter because of her sartorial decision.<br></p><p>The An Education star and Brit Award-winning folk singer tied the knot in a romantic rustic ceremony in Somerset on April 21.<br> </p><p>Mumford's father John, a vicar, conducted the service inside a barn at Stream Farm in Bridgwater.</p><p>Among the 200 guests were celebrity friends Sienna Miller, Colin Firth and Jake Gyllenhaal.</p><p>Firth was apparently persuaded to make a speech at the wedding.</p><p>Celebrity photographer Rankin took candid snaps of the happy couple.</p><p>Her Welsh uncle David Booth told ThisIsSouthWales.co.uk: 'Yes, (the wedding) was nice.'<br></p><p>The couple, who have been dating just over a year, have had a very low-key courtship and have been rarely photographed together.</p><p>The couple got engaged last August after just a few months of dating.</p><p>They spent several months apart last year while Mulligan was filming The Great Gatsby in Australia.<br></p><p>Previously, Mulligan had a year-long romance with Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps co-star Shia LaBeouf, before they split in October 2010. <br></p><p> </p>?No grazie, H&amp;M! Why we'll never see Prada do a cut-price fashion line with the High Street giant<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:13:02 GMT, 27 January 2011</p><p>From Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo to Viktor &amp; Rolf and Lanvin, almost every one of H&amp;M's collaborations has sparked a stampede of fashionistas desperate to get their hands on the bargain designs.</p><p>But the woman behind Italian fashion megabrand Prada has explained why her label will never do a cut-price version of her coveted creations.</p><p>Speaking to fashion industry title WWD, she said that she didn't like the idea of a bad copy, and that with clothes that cost so little, you must always ask why.</p><p>'I have never even considered [fast fashion] and I&#8217;ve explained why. It&#8217;s because I don&#8217;t like the idea of a bad copy of what one does for the main brand. <br></p><p>'If I had an ingenious idea to do fashion that costs less but that wasn&#8217;t a bad copy of something else, with completely different criteria and ways of doing things, I would do it. Also for myself, it would be an ingenious idea. <br></p><p>'For now, what I see more or less is the bad copy. Also with clothes that cost little, you need to ask why they cost so little. Because no one ever asks themselves that.'</p><p>She continued to explain how the oversimplication of a brand could turn it into a caricature of itself.<br></p><p>'It&#8217;s what everyone wants and I resist it because I want to be relevant in my own way</p><p>'I try to simplify my ideas and make them more simple but beyond a certain point, the simplification is not a positive thing.'</p><p>The grande dame of Italian fashion also cast her verdict on celebrity clothing lines.</p><p></p><p>'If the content is intelligent and new, it provides value. If it retreads something old and it&#8217;s something people have already committed to memory but it&#8217;s just a matter of addinga name to it, I really don&#8217;t care.'</p><p> </p><p>The interview also saw Mrs Prada speak in defence of the high cost of designer products.</p><p>She said that luxury products cost more due to the amount of researchinvolved in designing them, as well as the higher cost of manufacture in Europe.</p><p>'It&#8217;s clear that these things cost money,' she said. 'It&#8217;s not like the owners of luxury brands make enormous profits. Probably the [mass market players] earn much more.'</p><p>So if you want a piece of Prada, you'd better start saving up now.<br></p>?Now you pay for prison parties: Tory minister says taxpayer must fund balls and comedy workshops for criminals<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:08 GMT, 23 July 2010</p><p></p><p>A Tory minister has provoked fury with an astonishing declaration that taxpayers should fund comedy workshops and party nights for prisoners. </p><p>Crispin Blunt also set out how he planned to scrap harsh indefinite sentences for the country's most depraved criminals. </p><p>The prisons minister was immediately accused of damaging the Conservatives' reputation as the party of law and order. <br></p><p>Mr Blunt revealed he had overturned a ban on publicly funded jollies for prisoners - brought in following condemnation of a horror-themed fancy dress party for women inmates, including seven convicted killers. </p><p>The restriction, which explicitly ruled out events likely to outrage the public, had also been a response to revelations that an Al Qaeda terrorist was given lessons on how to be a stand-up comic while at a high-security prison. </p><p>But Mr Blunt branded the guidance, introduced in 2008, 'damaging and daft' and revoked it. </p><p>He also indicated an end to sentences which allow judges to lock up indefinitely thousands of the country's worst offenders - including rapists, paedophiles and murderers. </p><p>Known as Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection - or IPPs - they ensure the worst criminals are kept behind bars for life unless they prove that they are no longer a threat to the public. </p><p>However, Mr Blunt said too many IPP sentences, brought in under Labour, were handed out, adding that locking people up and throwing away the key was 'not the answer'. </p><p>The disturbing moves follow theannouncement by Justice Secretary Ken Clarke that thousands ofoffenders will be given community sentences instead of short jailterms. </p><p>Former JusticeSecretary Jack Straw, who introduced the ban on unacceptable events,condemned the impact on victims and said the law-abiding public wouldbe 'incredulous'. </p><p>In a speech to prison reform groups, Mr Blunt, 50, also claimed - astonishingly - that in overturning the ban he was acting in the spirit of Winston Churchill. </p><p>He even quoted a speech the famous war leader gave 100 years ago, in which he advocated cultural events for inmates. </p><p>But Churchill, a noted prison reformer, was arguing simply that inmates should be able to hear performances from military bands or lectures from prominent public speakers. </p><p>Mr Blunt said: 'We recognise that arts activities can play a valuable role in helping offenders to address issues such as communication problems and low self-esteem and enabling them to engage in programmes that address their offending behaviour. </p><p>'I confess before getting this job I was not aware of Prison Service Instruction number 50 of 2008 [the guidance which banned inappropriate events], though was vaguely conscious of some row in the tabloids about offenders being recorded as enjoying themselves. </p><p>'As a measure it was typical of the last administration's flakiness under pressure. </p><p>'At the slightest whiff of criticism from the popular press, policy tended to get changed and the consequence of an absurd overreaction to offenders being exposed to comedy in prison was this deleterious, damaging and daft instruction. </p><p>&#8216;I'm pleased to have marked the actual day of the 100th anniversary of Churchill's speech on Tuesday by rescinding it.' </p><p>Mr Blunt's proposed abolition of IPP sentences - which could come into effect in a matter of months - will be welcomed by Left-wing prison reform groups who have described them as 'ferocious and unjust'. </p><p>But it will raise concerns that killers and child abusers could be given softer punishments and be released earlier. Those currently serving IPP sentences include Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P. </p><p>Backbench Tory MP Douglas Carswell said: 'I think Tory ministers have to decide pretty quickly, are they there to run the Criminal Justice System in the interests of those who work for it or are they there to run it in the interests of the law abiding of the country? </p><p>'If they carry on running the Criminal Justice System in the interests of those who work in it and their leftist agenda then I do not think they can survive as the party of law and order for very much longer.' </p><p>The ban followed a party at Holloway Prison in 2008, reportedly funded by prison authorities with £500. The party-goers dressed in masks and fake blood. </p><p>When pictures were published, Tory frontbencher Edward Garnier said: 'Any family of a victim of one of these people is going to be appalled and disgusted.' </p><p>Just two months later it emerged Zia Ul Haq, a convicted terrorist, was sent on an eight-day 'comedy workshop'. </p><p>Emma Boon, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said lifting the ban on parties was an 'insult' to taxpayers. </p><p>'Prisoners are already detained at great expense and the last thing law-abiding taxpayers want is to hear about them enjoying parties, paid for from the public purse,' she said. <br></p><p>Tory who talks like a Left-winger</p><p>By </p><p>Until now Crispin Blunt has been overshadowed in the fame stakes by his niece - Emily Blunt, the Golden Globe winning actress and star of the film The Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>But now he is making headlines himself, unkind observers might suggest he has been spending too much of his time with Emily's chums in the liberal arts establishment.</p><p>What else could explain the abrupt conversion of this apparently conventional Tory into a radical prison reformer, whose every speech is peppered with the language of the Left? </p><p>With sharply pressed suit and coiffed hairstyle, Mr Blunt is every inch the retired Army captain. </p><p>And his Tory credentials appear as impeccable as his appearance. He attended Wellington College, Durham University and Sandhurst, where he won the Queen's Medal. </p><p>After switching from the Army to politics, he pursued - until now - an unremarkable career on the Opposition front bench. </p><p>Even in the expenses scandal he was a moderate performer, claiming just £400 to repair a water wheel. The 50-year-old lives with wife Victoria, with whom he has two children, and is a keen cricketer, having played for the Lords and Commons team. </p><p>After attending the Royal Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) in 1979 and served with distinction until 1990 as a troop leader, operations officer, and armoured reconnaissance squadron commander. </p><p>Following an unsuccessful bid for parliament in 1992 and a stint as a special adviser on Defence and Foreign Affairs, he finally entered the Commons in 1997. </p><p>As Reigate MP he holds one of the safest Conservative seats with a 13,000 majority. </p><p>The only hint of insurrection in his past was his resignation from the shadow cabinet in 2003 in protest at the then party leadership of Iain Duncan Smith. </p><p>All then went fairly quiet until the election, and his elevation to junior bag carrier in the Justice Department. From there on, it has been attention-seeking all the way. <br></p><p>Just weeks into the job he threw a bomb into sentencing policy by backing anonymity for men accused of rape. </p><p>Then yesterday, with apparent gusto, he lobbed more grenades in the direction of two key elements of criminal justice policy, then stood back and watched them explode. </p><p>By dropping a ban on prisoner parties and abolishing IPP sentences, he appears intent on antagonising both the public and members of his own party. </p><p>Is he polluted by the presence of so many Liberal Democrats in the Coalition? </p><p>Or is he just following the controversial lead set by his boss Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, who has set his face against the old Tory mantra that 'prison works'. </p><p>Mr Clarke has already enraged many on the Right with his stated desire to reduce the prison population, review the need for short sentences and his recent claim that locking up criminals has no link to the falling crime rate. </p><p>Perhaps Mr Blunt is again simply playing the obedient soldier, following his reckless commanding officer through a political minefield.</p>?Web exclusive: The top 10 new models to watch<p> By </p><p>UPDATED:08:59 GMT, 11 July 2011</p><p></p><p>Each season a slew of new models enter the international scene eager tobecome the next Stella Tennant, Agyness Deyn, Liu Wen or (dare we say?)Kate Moss. Of course there are telltale signs (opened the Prada show,shot by Steven Miesel for Vogue Italia, enlisted by Christopher Baileyfor the Burberry campaign), but there are also fresh faces who justhave that special something that makes it obvious they&#8217;ll have stayingpower. <br></p><p>So after meeting a handful of catwalk hopefuls, chatting withmodel agents, and scouring the shows, we&#8217;ve compiled a new must-watchlist - the future girls who could well give Ms Moss a run for hermoney, if you will. Hedge your bets now.</p><p>Nyasha Matonhodze </p><p>Chosen as one of the new fresh faces for Louis Vuitton&#8217;s autumn/winter campaign, 16-year-old Nyasha Matonhodze has caused a sensational stir among blue chip designers and casting directors. Hailing from Northampton, Zimbabwean born Matonhodze was discovered in her school uniform at Elite model agency in 2009 and went on to win the prestigious Elite Model Look UK competition later that year (accompanied by none other us at YOU!) In addition to the Vuitton campaign, this future face has also been photographed for top fashion bibles Love, i-D, Harper's Bazaar, and Teen Vogue. One to watch indeed.<br><br></p><p><br></p><p>Saskia de Brauw</p><p>Numerous model predictors are saying 2011 will be all about the Dutch girl - and Saskia de Brauw - born and raised in a village just outside of Amsterdam, is well on her way to ensuring this prediction comes true. In addition to starring in campaigns for Chanel and Givenchy this season, de Brauw was also featured on the cover of Vogue Italia and was chosen to star on French editor Carine Roitfield&#8217;s last Vogue Paris cover. Indications are clear that Ms de Brauw is a girl with staying power. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Julia Saner</p><p>One of this season&#8217;s most talked-about fresh faces is Swiss Miss Julia Saner. Perhaps it was inevitable that the Berne-born beauty, having won the international Elite Model Look content in 2009, would book a show run spanning Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Lanvin, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton. Now that the booking sweepstakes have turned from shows to stellar editorials and campaigns expect Julia to be one of those must-book girls for seasons to come. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Hailey Clauson</p><p>Despite being a young sophomore in high school, California-born Hailey Clauson's poise, maturity and innate elegance made her a must-book in her debut season &#8211; earning comparisons to fellow American teen model Karlie Kloss. After walking the walk for the highly selective likes of Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Versace and Miu Miu and scoring numerous blue chip editorials, Clauson looms large as a girl with the possibility for longevity.<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Emily Baker<br></p><p>With razor-sharp cheekbones, personality and a runway strut that evokes the glory years of the nineties supermodel, 17-year-old Emily Baker is poised to become this year's most striking new face. Courted by influential casting director Russell Marsh, the New Zealand native debuted on the autumn/winter 11 catwalks for Prada, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Proenza Schouler. Attention now turns from the runways to magazines and campaigns, and Emily&#8217;s unique beauty is sure to deliver a distinctive image. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Josephine Skriver</p><p>From Calvin Klein to Preen, to Gucci, Max Mara and Alexander Wang, 17-year-old Josephine Skriver has made a huge impact on the catwalk, the kind that has put this Danish native on the watch list of every top photographer, fashion editor and casting director in town. With a cover for Vogue Germany and a slew of top runway bookings in the bag, it&#8217;s clear fashion&#8217;s finest can&#8217;t seem to resist the lure of this fresh faced newcomer, signalling there is much more to come.<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Cailin Hill</p><p>Canadian native and Ford Model Cailin Hill has won us over with her witty, fun, and ever so slightly sarcastic Tumblr blog, Model Burnbook. With model watchers opting for models with personality, Hill has enjoyed face time with some of the industry's top photographers and casting agents, shooting for the likes of Marie Claire, Flare and starring in this season&#8217;s Calvin Klein denim campaign. A girl with distinctive personal style, look for Hill on both major runways and countless street style blogs in the seasons to come. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Colinne Michaelis<br></p><p>It goes without saying that two of the most important positions on the runway are the opening and closing slots. This has become even more apparent when it comes to Prada. And this season&#8217;s coveted Prada opening slot went to French newcomer Colinne Michaelis, the great granddaughter of Vogue's legendary art director Alexander Liberman. Catching the eye of casting director Russell Marsh, Michaelis also walked for fashion power houses Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin. With campaigns in the pipeline and editorial high summon from the likes of ACNE Paper and Interview, Colinne proves herself be a rising star indeed. <br><br></p><p>Molly Smith </p><p>16-year-old British newcomer Molly Smith is the latest Burberry girl to be shot by Mario Testino starring in the autumn/winter 11 campaign. Discovered while shopping in Covent Garden two years ago, Smith has gone on to shoot editorials for top titles Teen Vogue and Vogue Italia - coups for any new model. We predict a further slew of enviable assignments guaranteed to keep her front and centre in the booking sweepstakes. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Sui He<br></p><p>With models Fei Fei Sun and Liu Wen appearing front and centre in major ad campaigns, runway shows, and magazine editorials, model watchers are predicting that Asian models are on the rise in 2011. And newcomer Sui He suggests this prediction may well come true: opening the autumn/winter 11 Ralph Lauren show in New York, Sui marked the first time in recent history that an Asian model has opened for the revered American brand and followed with appearances at fashion power houses Dries Van Noten, Jill Stuart and Dolce &amp; Gabbana. With editorials in Harper&#8217;s Bazaar China and V, Sui has indeed justified her status as a breakthrough star. It's perhaps premature to hope that 2011 will be the year of the Asian model, but any increase in diversity in the fashion industry is certainly worth noticing. Watch this space.<br></p><p></p><br>?The award for most expensive fashion store goes to... Oscar de la Renta (where the average customer spends $3,217)<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:21:45 GMT, 25 August 2011</p><p>Oscar de la Renta on New York's Madison Avenue is America's most expensive fashion store.<br></p><p>According to data compiled by Bundle, the high-end retail space attracts an average spend of $3,217 per well-heeled customer.</p><p>The designer label, known for the crisp, romantic style of its namesake founder, occupies the high-end space on the exclusive shopping strip.</p><p></p><p> Given that immaculately tailored dresses by the Dominican designer start at around $1,890 and run to a massive $10,690, says Racked.com, the average spend may not be unfathomable.</p><p></p><p>According to the research, three of the five most expensive fashion stores and in the U.S. are in New York City.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Runner up to Oscar de la Renta is Giorgio Armani, also on Madison Avenue and just moments from the title holder. Customers at the Italian design house spent an average of $2,881.</p><p>Third is exclusive retailer Loro Plana in Boston, where a standard shopping spree came to $2,818 and fourth is Swiss design house Akris, where shoppers spent an average of $2,649.<br></p><p>Trailing in fifth place - and with a lowly spend of just $2,258 - is Maxfield in West Hollywood, where the glamorous set indulge in the likes of Chanel and Balmain.</p><p>The data goes some way to clarify what has been a relatively unknown side of fashion retail.</p><p>In a world where items with vast price-tags have traditionally grabbed headlines, this data gives a more rounded impression of real expenditure.<br></p><p>Bundle said: 'We looked at proprietary data provided to us by Citi, and looked at average receipt amounts based on millions of transactions done in clothing stores across the U.S from April 2010 to May 2011. <br></p><p>'We filtered out places like wholesalers, manufacturers and big department stores, and then ranked the most expensive shops by average receipt sizes.'</p><p>Other names in the top 25 - of which half are located in New York City - include Tom Ford, Vera Wang, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Prada and Alexander McQueen.</p>?Oscars 2010: Best Actress Sandra Bullock leads Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in a shimmering display of silver<br><p>By and <br>UPDATED:08:38 GMT, 10 March 2010</p><p></p><p>They are the golden girls of film, but silver was the colour of choice for the stars at last night's Oscars.</p><p>A night as important for fashion as it is for film, Hollywood's leading ladies broke from the recent tradition of playing it safe with a dazzling array of gowns.<br></p><p>Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Dame Helen Mirren were just three of the actresses that chose the shimmering hue for their all-important Oscars gowns.</p><p>But Sandra Bullock, who took home the Best Actress award, outshone them all in a figure-hugging gown by British label Marchesa.<br></p><p> </p><p>All that glitters: Best Actress Sandra Bullock shimmered in British label Marchesa; Kate Winslet wore Yves Saint Laurent with Tiffany jewels, and Helen Mirren chose a Badgley Mischka dress and Chopard jewellery</p><p>Supporting act: Best Actress Sandra Bullock and nominee Helen Mirren embrace as they walk the red carpet</p><p>'It's the dress that looks fantastic, not me', she told the Mail. 'It feels wonderful to wear', she added.</p><p>Kate Winslet looked beautifully elegant in a strapless gown by Yves Saint Laurent teamed with Tiffany diamonds, while Helen Mirren chose a Badgley Mischka dress and Chopard jewellery.</p><p>Avatar actress Zoe Saldana was also a fashion favourite, arriving in thestandout gown from Givenchy's recent couture collection - a lavenderruffled confection with a glittering silver bustier.</p><p>Cameron Diaz, who did not get to bed till five in the morning on Sunday,was the last to arrive at the Kodak Centre. But the wait was worth it when she stepped out in a strapless beaded Oscar de la Renta gown.</p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>Red carpet moment: Crazy Heart star Jeff Bridges and his wife Susan look on as Jennifer Lopez rearranges her gown while being interviewed ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony </p><p>But much of the glittering, silver trend was thanks to Giorgio Armani, whose Prive couture collection seemed made for such an occasion. <br></p><p>Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Seyfried both made a very similar choice in pale, full-skirted, strapless gowns.</p><p>Buff-coloured gowns were another favourite for Hollywood's leading ladies. Demi Moore, Miley Cyrus, Diane Kruger and Victoria Beckham all wore sophisticated nude hues.</p><p>Victoria Beckham, who announced what she would be wearing at her label's fashion show last month, did not disappoint in a taupe number with black sash and pixillated print.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Inglorious Basterds actress DianeKruger, who attended with boyfriend Joshua Jackson, went for the samecolour combination in classic style in a ruffled Chanel creation.</p><p>Miley Cyrus worked theunderwear-as-outerwear trend with elegance in a dress by Britishdesigner Jenny Packham, who is better known for her bridal wear, whileDemi Moore looked stunning in ruffled Atelier Versace.</p><p>GreatBritish hope Carey Mulligan was joined by her proud mother Nano. The24-year-old wore what she described as a 'cool' Prada strapless blackgown decorated with miniature scissors, spoons and forks, with FredLeighton earrings.</p><p> </p><p>Fashion forward: Carey Mulligan's strapless Prada gown was decoratedwith miniature scissors and forks; Maggie Gyllenhaal wore Dries Van Noten, and Sarah Jessica Parker made astyle statement in Chanel Couture</p><p> </p><p>Elegant: Anna Kendrick and Rachel McAdams both wore dresses by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Kendrick's Twilight co-star Krisen Stewart wore a midnight blue dress by Monique L'Hullier<br></p><p>Carey, who presented the Oscar for best short film, said: 'After that I'm going to party andeat again. I love to eat but for weeks and weeks and weeks I've had tokeep the weight down because of the gowns for the awards shows.</p><p></p><p>'I won't have to walk the red carpet again in high heels, hooray!' she said, laughing.</p><p>Carey, a best supporting actress nominee, said she was not at all famous, and loved seeing real stars on the red carpet.</p><p>'Meeting Quentin Tarantino was exciting beyond belief,' she said.</p><p>Maggie Gyllenhaal's fashion risk paid off in a strapless floral printed dress by Belgian label Dries Van Noten, while Sarah Jessica Parker lived up to herCarrie Bradshaw alter ego, making a style statement in pale yellowChanel Couture with silver flowers at the neckline.</p><p>Parker wore some of the most impressive jewellery of the evening, with stacks of diamond-studded bangles up her arm. She teamed them with a Chanel transfer tattoo that resembled a pearl chain.</p><p>Miley Cyrus's chandelier earrings, meanwhile, needed their own bodyguard. She admitted: 'I'm scared I'm going to lose them.'</p><p>Precious stars Gabourey Sidibe and BestSupporting Actress Mo'Nique both went for blue gowns, the former inMarchesa, and the latter in a gown in the same shade as the dressGone With The Wind star Hattie McDaniels wore when she won a bestsupporting actress Oscar in 1939.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Ageless beauties: Meryl Streep in white Chris March, Avatar star Sigourney Weaver (left)in scarlet Lanvin and Melanie Griffith in black sequinned Chanel</p><p>Age didn't stop older stars such as Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver from holding their own in the style stakes.</p><p>Streep looked effortlessly elegant in a white dress by U.S. costumier Chris March, while Sigourney Weaver wore a scarlet Grecian-style gown by Lanvin.</p><p>Melanie Griffith went for a black sequinned gown from Chanel. Walking the red carpet with husband Antonio Bandaras, she commented that she was 'glad to be alive' a reference, perhaps, to recent problems with addiction.</p><p> </p><p>Opting for a deeper shade of red wereVera Farmiga and Penelope Cruz, who wore a dramatic Donna Karan gownwith Chopard diamond drop earrings.</p><p>The actress, who won best supporting actress Oscar last year, was a contender again last night in the same category for her role as Daniel Day Lewis's sexy mistress in the film Nine.</p><p>Farmiga chose a similar hue with a stunning Marchesa confection that seemed to be more sculpture than dress.</p><p>Reality star-turned fashion designer Nicole Richie stuck to the silver theme in a heavily sequinned gown by Reem Acra. She attended with fiance Joel Madden, who performed at the ceremony, while George Clooney attended with his Italian Roberto Cavalli model girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis.</p><p>Colin Firth wore Tom Ford. 'Well, Tom directed the film,' said Firth of designer Tom Ford who directed A Single Man.</p><p> </p><p>Nick Park, the British film-makernominated in the best animated short category for a Wallace and Gromitfilm called A Matter Of LOAF And Death, stood out on the Oscar redcarpet by wearing a luminescent lime green bow tie hand-made fromChristmas paper.</p><p>Park explained that best animatedshort is a section that doesn't receive much attention.'It's a way ofstanding out', Park explained.</p><p>British writer Armando Iannucci,nominated with Tony Roche, Jesse Armstrong and Simon Blackwell foradapted screenplay for In the Loop, joked that he and his colleaguestook four hours to get into their tuxedos and all got invited to D-list gifting suites.</p><p> </p><p>Boys on film: Colin Firth in Tom Ford, Ben Stiller in Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Wallace &amp; Gromit creator Nick Park in a bow tie made from Christmas wrapping paper<br></p><p> </p><p>'Our best gift was socks for puppies', said Iannucci with a straight face.</p><p> </p><p>By the time nominees had spent 40 minutes walking the red carpet they were greeted by waiters holdingtrays containing flutes of Moet &amp; Chandon champagne which observersnoted were gratefully gulped down.</p><p>The late arrivals were being rushed down the red carpet.</p><p>'We're late and they're desperate to get us inside the hall', said Helen Mirren.</p><p>And the ones who got it wrong...</p><p>While Armani Prive is usually a safebet for an Oscar dress, actress Hilary Swank failed to impress in aplunging black number from the Italian designer.</p><p>Despite her enviable figure, the gown revealed far too much, while the oversized pendant was a decoration too far. It's just as well she only attended the Vanity Fair after-party, and not the Academy Awards ceremony itself.<br></p><p>Also making a feature of her bustwas Charlize Theron. The actress, who is the face of Christian Dior'sJ'Adore fragrance, stayed loyal to the brand in a lavender dress bydesigner John Galliano.</p><p> The rosettes on her chest seemed ill-placed, and the colour of her dress was more Eighties bridesmaid than Hollywood star.</p><p>Mariah Carey wore a Valentino dresswith a plunging neckline that must have been three sizes too small, but that didn't stop her wearing it on the red carpet. She arrived with husband Nick Cannon amid rumours that the pair were expecting their first child.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p> <br></p><p><br></p><br><p><p><p><p><p><p>?Sacha Baron Cohen BANNED from the Oscars over plans for The Dictator red carpet stunt<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:15:49 GMT, 23 February 2012</p><p></p><p>Sacha Baron Cohen has been banned from the Oscars after it was revealed he planned to attend in character from his new film The Dictator.<br></p><p>The 40-year-old comic, has been invited to attend as part of the cast of Martin Scorsese's Hugo which is nominated for Best Picture. <br></p><p>However, Baron Cohen famously never attends red carpet events except as one of his comic creations. And after refusing to give assurances that he would not hijack the event, the controversial star has reportedly had his tickets to this Sunday's 84th Academy Awards ceremony recalled.</p><p> The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts &amp; Sciences flexed their muscles and gave the warning after rumours circulated that the Bruno star would break the etiquette of Hollywood's biggest night by promoting his film on the red carpet.</p><p>A source told Deadline.com: 'Unless they're assured that nothing entertaining is going to happen on the Red Carpet, the Academy is not admitting Sacha Baron Cohen to the show.'<br></p><p>The actor had planned to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday night as his The Dictator character General Aladeen before changing into a normal tuxedo for the rest of the ceremony.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>The Dictator is Cohen's fourth film and tells the 'heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.' <br></p><p>A spokesperson for the Academy told Deadline.com: 'We would hope that every studio knows that this is a bad idea. The Red Carpet is not about stunting.'</p><p>Theyalso told The Hollywood Reporter that he is not welcome in character and added: 'We have not banned him. We&#8217;re just waiting to hear what he&#8217;sgoing to do.'</p><p>A spokesperson for Baron Cohen has yet to respond to requests for comment on his Oscars attire.</p><p> </p><p>In a pre-planned stunt he was winched into the arena and lowered on to the face of an outraged Eminem.</p><p>While the audience laughed at the incident Eminem stormed out of the show only for the singer to later reveal he was in on the joke.</p><p>The British star was held by Italian police after a stunt during the filming of Bruno. Baron Cohen stormed the stage during the Agata Luiz della Prada show at Milan's 2008 fashionweek.</p><p>The comic has also been subject to a number of lawsuits resulting from stunts set up for his movies.<br></p><p>In 2005 more legal action was taking against him by two college students who unwittingly appeared in Borat. <br></p><p>Theyclaimed they were duped into appearing in the spoof documentary after being plied with alcohol and were induced into making racist and sexist comments on camera.</p><p>The young men 'engaged in behavior that they otherwise would not have engaged in,' the lawsuit said.</p><p>And in 2009 he was sued by a woman who claimed she was left confined to a wheelchair after a comedy stunt for Bruno allegedly went wrong.</p><p>Richelle Olson said she was 'attacked' by Bruno at a Bingo hall in the US in 2007 and in her lawsuitshe added that she collapsed and hit her head on the floor minutes after being unwittingly caught up in Cohen's mockumentary - allegedly leaving her with serious injuries.</p><p>But considering the current political climate, the Dictator is likely to be Baron Cohen's most controversial movie to date.</p><p>Baron Cohen plays a Hussein-like dictator who is secretly replaced by a lookalike goat herder and must rebuild his life in New York City.</p><p>The film shares more than a few similarities with classic Charlie Chaplin 1940 movie The Great Dictator,which was a biting satire on Nazi Germany.</p><p></p><p> </p>?'If I do not get my tickets back, you will face unimaginable consequences!' Sacha Baron Cohen's Dictator delivers video threat after Oscars ban<p> By , and <br>UPDATED:15:03 GMT, 24 February 2012</p><p><br></p><p>They had warned him against bringing one of his famous 'stunts' to the Oscars red carpet.</p><p>So what better way for Sacha Baron Cohen to deliver his response to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dressed as the very character he was banned from bringing to Sunday's event.</p><p>The comedian today broadcast a video message to the Academy warning them to give him his tickets back 'or face unimaginable consequences'.</p><p>In the video Admiral General Aladeen, otherwise known as 'The Dictator', is seen sitting in a gilded chair flanked by security guards as he delivers the message.</p><p>He says: 'On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Zionists. <br></p><p>'While I applaud the academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12pm on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences.'</p><p>General Aladeen then continues to blast the Academy for not nominating any 'classic Wadiyan films such as When Harry Kidnapped Sally, You've Got Mailbomb or Planet Of The Rapes'.</p><p>He adds: 'On top of all of this, I paid Hilary Swank $2million to be my date and she will not refund a penny. My Sunday calendar is now as empty as a North Korea grocery store. <br></p><p>'But whatever happens, I still plan to attend director Brett Ratner's afterparty since it's impossible to catch herpes twice. Death to the West, death to America and good luck Billy Crystals - fantastic!'</p><p>It emerged on Deadline.com the Academy was back-pedalling following a backlash over their decision to ban Cohen, who starred in Hugo, the most nominated film of this year's ceremony.</p><p>In something of a U-turn the Academy is now considering whether to let him walk thered carpet as his character, then change into something more appropriate for the award ceremony itself.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p></p><p>Asource told Deadline: 'There&#8217;s a debate inside the Academy of how to respond. <br></p><p>'Certainly the perception is that they lack a sense of humor which got a strong reaction.</p><p>'They are debating what to do. But so far they have not changed their official position.'</p><p>An official spokesman also said he was welcome as long as he behaved himself.</p><p>He said: 'The Academy would love to have Sacha at the show. <br></p><p>'We&#8217;ve let him know how we feel about using the red carpet for a movie stunt and we&#8217;re waiting to hear from him.'</p><p>Well it seems the whole world will see at the same time as the Academy, if 40-year-old Sacha's announcement holds true.</p><p>Thebody should not be surprised by his antics however, as he famously never attends red carpet events as himself and rather as one of his comic creations.</p><p>It was after he refused to give assurances he would not hijack the event, that he reportedly had his tickets to this Sunday's 84th Academy Awards ceremony recalled.</p><p>The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts &amp; Sciences flexed their muscles and gave the warning after rumours circulated that the Bruno star would break the etiquette of Hollywood's biggest night by promoting his film on the red carpet.</p><p>A source told Deadline.com: 'Unless they're assured that nothing entertaining is going to happen on the Red Carpet, the Academy is not admitting Sacha Baron Cohen to the show.'<br></p><p>The actor had planned to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday night as his The Dictator character General Aladeen before changing into a normal tuxedo for the rest of the ceremony.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>The Dictator is Cohen's fourth film and tells the 'heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.' <br></p><p>A spokesperson for the Academy told Deadline.com: 'We would hope that every studio knows that this is a bad idea. The Red Carpet is not about stunting.'</p><p>Theyalso told The Hollywood Reporter that he is not welcome in character and added: 'We have not banned him. We&#8217;re just waiting to hear what he&#8217;sgoing to do.'</p><p> </p><p>In a pre-planned stunt he was winched into the arena and lowered on to the face of an outraged Eminem.</p><p>While the audience laughed at the incident, Eminem stormed out of the show only for the singer to later reveal he was in on the joke.</p><p>The British star was held by Italian police after a stunt during the filming of Bruno. Baron Cohen stormed the stage during the Agata Luiz della Prada show at Milan's 2008 fashionweek.</p><p>The comic has also been subject to a number of lawsuits resulting from stunts set up for his movies.<br></p><p>In 2005 more legal action was taking against him by two college students who unwittingly appeared in Borat. <br></p><p>Theyclaimed they were duped into appearing in the spoof documentary after being plied with alcohol and were induced into making racist and sexist comments on camera.</p><p>The young men 'engaged in behavior that they otherwise would not have engaged in,' the lawsuit said.</p><p>And in 2009 he was sued by a woman who claimed she was left confined to a wheelchair after a comedy stunt for Bruno allegedly went wrong.</p><p>Richelle Olson said she was 'attacked' by Bruno at a Bingo hall in the US in 2007 and in her lawsuitshe added that she collapsed and hit her head on the floor minutes after being unwittingly caught up in Cohen's mockumentary - allegedly leaving her with serious injuries.</p><p>But considering the current political climate, the Dictator is likely to be Baron Cohen's most controversial movie to date.</p><p>Baron Cohen plays a Hussein-like dictator who is secretly replaced by a lookalike goat herder and must rebuild his life in New York City.</p><p>The film shares more than a few similarities with classic Charlie Chaplin 1940 movie The Great Dictator,which was a biting satire on Nazi Germany.</p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p>?Sacha Baron Cohen to deliver a response to the Academy dressed as The Dictator... after they backtrack on Oscars ban<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:08:08 GMT, 24 February 2012</p><p></p><p>News that comic actor Sacha Baron Cohen planned to dress as his character from The Dictator has caused a bit of a situation for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.</p><p>After initially making it clear that he was not welcome in his guise as Admiral General Aladeen, it seems the Academy who are facing a backlash due to their initial decision are now backtracking - and the popular comic may now still attend the event after all. Butit seems the comic's aim, to drum up extra publicity for his forthcoming film, has worked. <br></p><p>Today he will further take advantage of the situation to by making an announcement while in character as Aladeen, which he announced on the character's mock website. </p><p>It emerged on Deadline.com the Academy was back-pedalling following a backlash over their decision to ban Sacha, who starred in Hugo, the most nominated film of this year's ceremony.</p><p>On Sacha's mock website republicofwadiya.com, which represents his character's fictional kingdom, he wrote: 'Admiral General Aladeen will deliver a formal response tomorrow morning [Friday] to being banned from The Oscars by the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Zionists.'</p><p>In a something of a U-turn the Academy is now considering whether to let him walk thered carpet as his character, then change into something more appropriate for the award ceremony itself.</p><p>A source told Deadline: 'There&#8217;s a debate inside the Academy of how to respond.</p><p>'Certainly the perception is that they lack a sense of humor which got a strong reaction.</p><p>'They are debating what to do. But so far they have not changed their official position.'</p><p>An official spokesman also said he was welcome as long as he behaved himself.</p><p>He said: '&#8220;The Academy would love to have Sacha at the show,</p><p>'We&#8217;ve let him know how we feel about using the red carpet for a movie stunt and we&#8217;re waiting to hear from him.'</p><p>Well it seems the whole world will see at the same time as the Academy, if 40-year-old Sacha's announcement holds true.</p><p>Thebody should not be surprised by his antics however, as he famously never attends red carpet events as himself and rather as one of his comic creations. <br></p><p>It was after he refused to give assurances he would not hijack the event, that he reportedly had his tickets to this Sunday's 84th Academy Awards ceremony recalled.</p><p>The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts &amp; Sciences flexed their muscles and gave the warning after rumours circulated that the Bruno star would break the etiquette of Hollywood's biggest night by promoting his film on the red carpet.</p><p>A source told Deadline.com: 'Unless they're assured that nothing entertaining is going to happen on the Red Carpet, the Academy is not admitting Sacha Baron Cohen to the show.'<br></p><p>The actor had planned to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday night as his The Dictator character General Aladeen before changing into a normal tuxedo for the rest of the ceremony.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>The Dictator is Cohen's fourth film and tells the 'heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.' <br></p><p>A spokesperson for the Academy told Deadline.com: 'We would hope that every studio knows that this is a bad idea. The Red Carpet is not about stunting.'</p><p>Theyalso told The Hollywood Reporter that he is not welcome in character and added: 'We have not banned him. We&#8217;re just waiting to hear what he&#8217;sgoing to do.'</p><p> </p><p>In a pre-planned stunt he was winched into the arena and lowered on to the face of an outraged Eminem.</p><p>While the audience laughed at the incident, Eminem stormed out of the show only for the singer to later reveal he was in on the joke.</p><p>The British star was held by Italian police after a stunt during the filming of Bruno. Baron Cohen stormed the stage during the Agata Luiz della Prada show at Milan's 2008 fashionweek.</p><p>The comic has also been subject to a number of lawsuits resulting from stunts set up for his movies.<br></p><p>In 2005 more legal action was taking against him by two college students who unwittingly appeared in Borat. <br></p><p>Theyclaimed they were duped into appearing in the spoof documentary after being plied with alcohol and were induced into making racist and sexist comments on camera.</p><p>The young men 'engaged in behavior that they otherwise would not have engaged in,' the lawsuit said.</p><p>And in 2009 he was sued by a woman who claimed she was left confined to a wheelchair after a comedy stunt for Bruno allegedly went wrong.</p><p>Richelle Olson said she was 'attacked' by Bruno at a Bingo hall in the US in 2007 and in her lawsuitshe added that she collapsed and hit her head on the floor minutes after being unwittingly caught up in Cohen's mockumentary - allegedly leaving her with serious injuries.</p><p>But considering the current political climate, the Dictator is likely to be Baron Cohen's most controversial movie to date.</p><p>Baron Cohen plays a Hussein-like dictator who is secretly replaced by a lookalike goat herder and must rebuild his life in New York City.</p><p>The film shares more than a few similarities with classic Charlie Chaplin 1940 movie The Great Dictator,which was a biting satire on Nazi Germany.</p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p>?Animal farm: Paris Hilton shows off her menagerie on Twitter (including a pig, a parrot and a possum!)<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:20:08 GMT, 9 November 2010</p><p>She's known for her varied and ever-expanding collection of animals.</p><p>And Paris Hilton decided to introduce her furry family to the world yesterday by posting pictures of them on Twitter.</p><p>The socialite has previously admitted to owning 17 dogs, and recently bought a new chihuahua puppy called Peter Pan, which brings the total of dogs up to 18.</p><p>She also has rabbits, a parrot called Hank, a miniature possum and a pig named Princess Pigelette. <br></p><p>And judging by the pictures, Paris is proud of her miniature zoo, despite strong complaints from animal rights group PETA.</p><p>Earlier this year the organisation launched heavy criticism against the heiress, and made some very personal attacks on her character.</p><p> </p><p>They claimed she was setting a 'wretched example' by treating animals as if they were as disposable as her friends and fiances'.</p><p>Undeterred, Paris has already taken the new puppy out on a few shopping expeditions around Los Angeles, including a trip to Petco and another to Samy's Camera.</p><p>Paris is not the only Hilton hitting the headlines right now.</p><p> </p><p>The 28-year-old's aunts Kyle and Kim are both starring on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and she has admitted to being obsessed with watching them on the show.</p><p></p><p>She even called in to Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live show on Thursday night, where Kyle Richards was the guest.</p><p>And she was more than happy to answer questions about Kim and Kyle, saying how lucky she is to have such beautiful young aunts.</p><p>In the meantime, her new puppy will be the perfect excuse for Paris to stay home and out of trouble, as she has been trying to keep her nose clean after a recent string of incidents with the law.</p><p>She was arrested for cocaine possession in Las Vegas back in September and ordered to serve a year of probation and carry out 200 hours of community service after copping a plea deal to avoid jail time.</p><p>Paris has vowed to give up her partying ways and instead has been focusing on work, recently shooting a cameo on MTV's sitcom, The Life And Times Of RJ Berger.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p><br></p>?Naughty but nice: Paris Hilton spices up her sweet outfit with saucy suspender tights<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:06:18 GMT, 1 February 2012</p><p>Paris Hilton may have decided that her outfit was a little too sweet before she stepped out in Los Angeles today.<br></p><p>To make sure she was still oozing sex appeal, the heiress added a pair of racy tights designed to look like suspenders.<br></p><p>She teamed the stockings with a black figure skater dress and lacy black jacket for her day out in Beverly Hills.</p><p>And the tights weren&#8217;t the only interesting accessory the blonde decided to slip on for her outing, as she also donned a pair of Prada sunglasses which boasted swirls on the arms.<br></p><p>The star picked up a hot pink smoothie to sip as she strolled down the street, perhaps just in case her all-black outfit needed an eye popping colour to top it off.<br></p><p>Pairs expertly stepped out of her white car while keeping herself covered up with a large silver handbag, protecting her modesty from the paparazzi.</p><p> </p><p>The Simple Life star was shopping alone but the fruits of her trip seemed to be successful, when she was spotted loading a Louis Vuitton carrier bag into her car before driving off.<br></p><p>Paris may be a fashion fanatic, but she is somewhat behind on the suspender tights trend.<br></p><p>The trompe l&#8217;oeil tights, sold by French lingerie brand Chantal Thomas and most significantly by House of Holland in the UK, were made popular after being spotted on singer Lily Allen in 2009.</p><p> </p><p> </p>?PLANET FASHION<br> <p>By <br> UPDATED:07:33 GMT, 8 September 2008</p> <p>Queene and Belle was founded in 2000 by Doreen Keen and Angela Bell, both of whom were previously head designers at Pringle of Scotland. Tired of the purist approach to cashmere, they created a new, exquisite couture knitwear collection. Celebrity followers include Madonna and Michelle Pfeiffer. <br></p><p>www.queeneandbelle.com<br><br>FAVOURITE FASHION DESTINATION?<br></p><p>Tokyo. It is one of the most stimulating and exciting cities we have been to in every way, and the young Japanese are incredibly creative in their styling.<br><br></p> <p>WHERE DO YOU SHOP IN TOKYO?<br></p><p>We shop in the main fashion districts. Aoyama is trendy and full of luxury brands such as Prada. Harajuku, on the other hand, is a crazy mix of eclectic, small and inexpensive young street fashion. Shibuya has multi-label stores such as Beams, Via Bus Stop and Tomorrowland, and Daikanyama has a great mix of boutiques and restaurants. Finally, Ginza is packed full of department stores.<br><br></p> <p>FIRST ITEM YOU BOUGHT THERE?<br></p><p>A top from Zucca in Aoyama, which is a great layering piece in lightweight jersey with a cherry print overlaid with a humbug graphic on top. I also bought a vintage kimono from the Sunday market at the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. You can also pick up modern pieces influenced by the kimono.<br><br>WHERE DO YOU STAY?<br></p><p>We stay at the Creston Hotel in the Shibuya district. The rooms are small, but the hotel has a lovely, relaxed vibe and the location is perfect for shopping as it&#8217;s right in the heart of the city.<br><br>MOST MEMORABLE PURCHASE?<br></p><p>A navy blue toga-style shift dress in silk bought from L&#8217;Apartment in Aoyama. We were invited to a launch evening for the store and were able to pick from all the fantastic new clothes they had on offer.<br><br>WHAT DO YOU STOCK UP ON?<br></p><p>Design books from a shop called Idee in the Aoyama district, and plenty of bottles of sake.</p><p>Young and hip: Young Japanese shoppers, seen here walking through the Shibuya district of Tokyo, have a very creative sense of style</p> <p> </p>?Plenty of people wear Prada: Profits rise at the fashion house<p><br>UPDATED:15:56 GMT, 8 February 2010</p><p>Italy's Prada Group made an operating profit in its last financial year that exceeded its own forecast thanks to a rise of more than 14 per cent in retail network sales, the fashion house said.<br></p><p>The group, whose designer Miuccia Prada is seen as a trailblazer for fashion worldwide, said that preliminary figures showed its operating profit for the fiscal year ended January 31 improved from the previous year. <br></p><p>Operating profit was better than its own forecasts that it made when its budget was completed, it said. <br></p><br><p>Prada invested more than &#8364;120million ($164million) last year in its development plan, which was self-financed.<br></p><p>In the previous year Prada made a net profit of &#8364;99million, down 22 per cent from the year before, on revenue of &#8364;1.65billion.</p><p></p><p>Pradadenied a New York Post newspaper report last month that it was in talksto sell a stake to France's Compagnie Financiere Richemont, the world'ssecond-largest luxury goods group.</p><p>Rival luxury fashion group Hermes also reported strong Christmassales, beating forecasts and lifting them accordingly for 2010. </p><p> </p>?Police swoop on MP Jaya Prada's hotel room on suspicion that she was holding a HUGE stash of cash to 'woo' voters <p> By UPDATED:02:58 GMT, 3 March 2012</p><br><p>The Rampur police late on Thursday night raided the room at a local hotel in which the Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Prada was staying. <br></p><p>The police claimed the raid was conducted on the suspicion that the Rampur MP was carrying huge amount of money for distribution among the voters. Though a Samajwadi Party MP, Jaya Prada owes allegiance to suspended party leader Amar Singh who had floated Lok Manch. <br></p><p>The outfit has fielded candidates in the UP assembly polls. Senior police officers, however, refused to share details about the late night raid and they termed it a 'routine check'.</p><p> 'It was only a routine check and we would not like to talk on the matter any further,' superintendent of police B. Bhaskar said. <br></p><p>But police sources said that the swoop followed a tipoff that cash is being kept in one of the rooms of the hotel and it was meant to be distributed to voters to influence polling on March 3. <br></p><p>The SP MP, however, was livid at the police raid. The actressturned- politician alleged that the raid was conducted at the behest of Samajwadi Party leaderAzam Khan. <br></p><p>'Why would I pay money to anybody? I am not contesting the polls. It is Azam Khan who staged a similar act at the same hotel in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. <br></p><p>Today, the police checked our rooms after receiving orders from Khan,' Jaya Prada said on Friday.</p><p>She also called former SP general secretary Amar Singh in front of the media to inform him about the development.</p><p>'Singhji always stood by me and he is always there to help me. Why is the police not raiding Khan's house?' the MP asked.</p><p> 'If the cops found anything I am not afraid of facing any probe,' she added. She said she will leave only after casting her vote on Saturday.</p><p> 'I will also lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission,' she said. <br></p><p>Khan launched a scathing attack on Singh, when asked about the incident. 'He is an international broker and the people of Rampur are well aware why Jaya Prada opted to go with him after he was shown the door by the SP. <br></p><p>The CD episode has exposed a lot about her character and I wonder how she gathered courage to come out in public (in Rampur),' Khan said, in response to allegations levelled by the SP MP.</p><p> <br></p>?Prada? No, M&amp;S has gone all high fashionJust as you were gearing up for summer, the High Street giant - which has just announced profits hitting the magic £1 billion mark - reveals its most stylish Autumn range yet<p>By </p><p>Last updated at 12:06 AM on 22nd May 2008</p><br><br>Bright satins, sequins the size of ten pence pieces and street-wise quilted jackets - the latest women's wear from Marks &amp; Spencer hits all the right fashion notes. <br><p>Just as you were gearing up for summer, the High Street giant - which has just announced profits hitting the magic £1 billion mark - has one eye on autumn.</p><p>The store (which accounts for 11.4 per cent of the clothing market) is pinning its hopes on high fashion looks with affordable price tags to keep us shopping as the credit crunch takes hold. Indeed, M&amp;S borrowed heavily from the designer catwalks.</p> <p>High street chic: (from left) Mustard dress and bracelet, prices to be confirmed. Hair feather, £9.50. Tights, £8. Feather headpiece, £15. Black broderie dress, leather gloves and shoes, prices to be confirmed. Satin dress and jewellery, prices to be confirmed. Clutch bag, £19.50. Tights, £8. Shoes, £19.50</p><p></p><p>There was more than a hint of Prada in the heavy lace dresses; a touch of young British designer Christopher Kane in the fish-scale sequin knits; the padded nylon gilets nodded to Giles Deacon; and there was a dose of Roland Mouret's red carpet glamour with the satin shifts.</p><p>The new collection proves M&amp;S has come a long way in the fashion stakes since Sir Stuart Rose took the helm in the summer of 2004. Let's just hope that the key looks on display yesterday actually end up in the stores. <br></p><p>M&amp;S has a sneaky way of getting fashion insiders in a tizz about their clothes, only to disappoint shoppers by running up just a handful of the most wanted items and selling them in their flagship London store. <br></p><p>But it promised this won't be the case this time.</p><p>Prices have been kept down, too: all the better for High Street shoppers feeling the pinch.</p> <p>Under wraps: Black cashmere polo, £49.50. Belt, £19.50. Quilted gilet and leather gloves, prices to be confirmed (left). Satin trench coat, £79. Mock croc bag, £35. Cashmere polo, £49.50. Jewellery, prices to be confirmed (right)</p><p>Stand-out pieces such as a blue satin trench coat will set you back a reasonable £79. If your style is more classic than high fashion, you won't be disappointed. There's plenty of timeless pieces, such as chunky cable-knit sweaters, sharp tailoring and ankle-length plaid skirts.</p><p>The key classics to watch out for include a smart camel cashmere coat for £449 and cashmere polos from only £49.50.</p><p>Helen Low, head of womenswear design at the store, believes next season's collection has a real feeling of luxury.</p><p>"Fabrics such as lace, leather and suede feature heavily," she says. "There's a real return to quality items which offer value for money. Shoppers want pieces which they can cherish, but which are still fashionable."</p><p>Accessories are big business for M&amp;S. Trendy leather totes, a bargain at £35, will be snapped up; patchwork leather clutch bags are on trend and cost just £19.50; while black patent shoe-boots (£25) look set to be best-sellers.</p><p>The company has seen lingerie sales take a dip, but this collection sees a fight-back with the sexiest range ever. The Autograph range has flirty halfcup bras and lace cami knickers that wouldn't look out of place in Agent Provocateur.</p><p>The Ceriso range's silky fabrics, cute polka dots and ruffles should attract younger customers. Prices for these indulgent little numbers begin at £7.</p><p>Now that should really have customers queuing up this autumn.</p> <p> </p>?Prada advert starring Oscar-nominated child actress Hailee Steinfeld BANNED for use of 'dangerous images'<p> By <br>UPDATED:16:53 GMT, 23 November 2011</p><p>ThePrada fashion giant has been censured over the use of &#8216;dangerous&#8217; images featuring Oscar nominated child actress Hailee Steinfeld.</p><p>Anadvertisement for the label&#8217;s Miu Miu range showed the 14-year-old sitting alone and apparently upset and crying on a railway track.</p><p>TheAdvertising Standards Authority (ASA) received a complaint that it was &#8216;irresponsible&#8217; because it was suggestive of youth suicide.</p><p>Thefirm said Miss Steinfeld was not crying, nor had she been asked to cry or look upset. Rather, they said the ad pictured her with a &#8216;wistful andthoughtful face&#8217;.</p><p>Prada also highlighted the fact that no-one was put in any danger because the images, which were shot by top photographer and film maker Bruce Weber, were taken on an abandoned rail track.</p><p>However,the ASA said: &#8216;Because the ad showed Hailee Steinfeld, who was 14 yearsof age only when the photo was shot, in a potentially hazardous situation sitting on a railway track, we concluded the ad was irresponsible and in breach of the Code in showing a child in a hazardous or dangerous situation.</p><p>&#8216;The ad must not appear again in its current form.&#8217;</p><p>Prada is not the only firm under fire for its use of child models. <br></p><p>Marc Jacobs attracted criticism earlier this year with the decision to use 13-year-old Elle Fanning in his advertising campaign. <br></p><p>Daily Mail Style Director Liz Jones said at the time she was shocked by the choice of such a young spokesmodels.<br><br>She told MailOnline: 'I find it obscene that children of 13 and 14, no matter if she is a star, no matter how sophisticated, are used to peddle designer fashion, surely as bad for teen girls as smoking or underage sex.'<br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><br>?Prada at Milan Fashion Week<p>Picture 1 of 13:Miuccia Prada's latest collection has hit the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week but was it a hit with the fashionistas? See the collection in our gallery...<br> c Getty</p>?Prada at Milan Fashion week 2004<p>Picture 1 of 5:Miuccia Prada's signature tie-dyes were given a futuristic update at one of the best shows at Milan Fashion Week so far. Fashion WeekPic: Cavan Pawson</p>?Prada counter-sues former employee who claims she was told to axe 'old fat and ugly staff'<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:14:50 GMT, 26 August 2010</p><br><p>Prada has counter-sued a former manager who claims she was told by bosses to fire 'old fat and ugly staff'.</p><p>The Italian fashion label's Japanese outpost is demanding that Rina Bovrisse pay 33million Yen (£250,000) for damaging its image.</p><p>Ms Bovrisse, who oversaw 500 staff in 40 stores, launched adiscrimination and harassment case against Prada Japan inApril.</p><p>She claimed that in May last year, Davide Sesia, CEO of Prada Japan, asked her to&#8216;eliminate&#8217; around 15 managerial staff he described as &#8216;old, fat, ugly,disgusting or not having the Prada look,&#8217; following a tour of 40stores.</p><p>Immediately after his demands, human resources notified 13 members of staff with devotional transfer orders citingonly poor sales as a reason, according to Ms Bovrisse, who discloseddetails of the case in a Japan Times interview. </p><p>Most of them chose to quit, she said.</p><p></p><p>MsBovrisse alleges that she herself was later informed that Mr Sesia wanted her to &#8216;change her hairstyle,to lose weight&#8217; because he was &#8216;ashamed of Ms Bovrisse's ugliness, sohe doesn't want visitors from Italy to see her&#8217;. <br></p><p>She later complained to Prada&#8217;s head office in Milan.</p><p>Ms Bovrisse, who is a Japanese national married to a Frenchman, has 18 years experience working in theinternational fashion industry.</p><p>She was placed on involuntary leave lastNovember and launched her legal case the following month. </p><p>Ms Bovrisse claims that Mr Sesia told her she was beingfired for &#8216;bringing negative energy to the company by reporting theharassment to Milan.&#8217;</p><p>Describing why she had launched the claim, Ms Bovrisse said: &#8216;The level of harassment is beyond human understanding.</p><p>&#8216;My responsibility is to protect hard-working women and make sure their working environment is safe.&#8217;</p><p>A spokesman at Prada's Tokyo headquarters said the firm was unable to comment.</p><p>ButMarta Monaco, at the company&#8217;s Milan headquarters, said: &#8216;Besidesunderlining our serene position and our flat refusal of all theallegations put forward by Ms Bovrisse, we believe it is inappropriateto add any comment regarding this matter whilst the judgment is stillpending.</p><p>&#8216;After the court&#8217;s decision, we will be available to give full explanation about the matter.&#8217; </p><p></p><br><p></p>?Prada debuts Roman Polanski-directed film featuring Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley at Cannes <p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:10:53 GMT, 22 May 2012 UPDATED:10:58 GMT, 22 May 2012</p><p>Prada has unveiled it's latest short film at Cannes.</p><p>Written and directed by Oscar winner Roman Polanski, the three-minute long feature stars Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley garbed in the luxury label.</p><p>The Italian fashion house hopes it will build on the success of previous cinematography projects.</p><p>Scroll down to watch film</p><p> Screened as part of the Cannes Classic selection, 'A Therapy' depicts Bonham Carter as a troubled rich girl visiting her silent psychoanalyst, played by Kingsley.</p><p>Draped in pearls, she reclines on a velvet chaise longue and starts recalling, in length, a bad dream: 'Last time you reminded me that if I had a dream I should tell you about it. And last night I did have a dream, a nightmare really.<br></p><p>'I was alone in a vast arena and on the stage was a rock band and I couldn&#8217;t hear the music, total silence, I was consumed by panic, what does it mean? Does it symbolizse my loneliness?'</p><p>But as she continues to dwell on her problems, Kingsley gets increasingly distracted by her purple fur coat hanging near the door of his study. </p><p>He walks over and tries it on and despite its poor fit, admires its beauty in the mirror. The finishing clip features a shot of him with the grey fur pressed against his face and a caption reading 'Prada suites everyone.'</p><p>Talking about the project Polanski states: 'The chance to dwell on what the fashion world represents nowadays and the fact that it is accompanied by so many stereotypes is fascinating and at the same time a bit upsetting, but you definitely cannot ignore it.</p><p>'When I was asked to shoot a short movie for Prada, I did not think that could really be myself, but the reality is that in the total freedom I was given, I had the opportunity to reunite my favourite group of people on set and just have fun.'<br></p><p>A Prada spokesperson said that branding had been kept to a minimum, adding: 'We wanted to keep it light and funny, we see this as a film, not an advertisement.'</p><p> Shot in Paris a few months ago, the Cannes Film Festival became interested after Polanski sent it to the festival director. It's now available on the brand's website.</p><p>Prada was founded by Mario Prada in 1913 as a leather goods business. In 1978 it came under the helm of his granddaughter Miuccia Prada, who transformed it into one of the world's most respected clothing and luxury goods labels.</p><p> </p> <br>?Elegant tailoring, dazzling prints and accessories to die for: Prada does it again at Milan Fashion Week<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:10:31 GMT, 24 February 2012</p><p>Consistently a tastemaker and a trendsettter, Miuccia Prada did not disappoint today at Milan Fashion Week.</p><p>A far cry from the flames and tailfins of last September's show, the new collection was all restrained tailoring and layers upon layers of geometric prints.</p><p>Walking a carpeted catwalk adorned with the same textile as the garments, models with two-tone hair and kohl-rimmed eyes showcased a series of looks that promise as much critical acclaim as retail success.</p><p> </p><p>All-star cast: The Prada show, in Milan today, was modelled by top names including Anne Vyalitsyna, girlfriend of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine (left), Lindsey Wixson (centre) and Natasha Poly (right)<br></p><p>While the highlight was the mosaic-like prints - which came in a searing orange and punchy violet - the show opened with simpler, more muted looks.</p><p></p><p>Black will be, well, the new black, if Mrs Prada has her way - and history tells us she usually does. Heavy embellishments across necklines added drama, while high-waisted belting gave an almost military structure to each shape.</p><p></p><p> </p><p>Elegant: The designer offered a sharp, restrained silhouette with an interesting play on hemlines. New model Vanessa Axente (right) opened the show and was hailed a star in the making<br></p><p>Almost every single look incorporated cropped trousers - even those with dresses and skirts. It made for a purposeful play on varying hemlines, especially with those long, formal coats.</p><p>The stars of the show were the accessories, though. Prada's bread and butter when it comes to in-store sales, the platform Mary Janes, with embellished satin and bright orange toecaps, were at once fun and wearable (for those with a head for heights at least).</p><p>Bags too, from the more familiar shapes reinvented with applique designs, to the brand new ones, were covetable. Even a bright yellow leather style looked like a modern classic.<br></p><p>Backstage after the show, Mrs Prada refused to be drawn on the notion of themes.</p><p>She told WWD: 'I don&#8217;t want to talk about ideas,' explaining that her focus when designing the collection had been on strength of silhouettes.</p><p>'I didn&#8217;t want to talk about power,' she explained. 'It's a suggestion of importance and beauty.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Prada show is usually famous for launching the careers of unknown models, but this season, thanks to a new casting director, was different, and the line-up included Lindsey Wixson, Natasha Poly and Anne Vyalitsyna, the girlfriend of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine.</p><p>The star names did not entirely stealthe show though, as the industry is already buzzing with the name of fledgling model Vanessa Axente, who opened the show.</p><p> </p>?Prada gets Church service<p>By <br>UPDATED:23:00 GMT, 13 October 1999</p><p></p><p>Milanese fashion powerhouse Prada has claimed a foothold in the traditional English fashion world after its &#163;106 million recommended bid for upmarket cobbler Church & Co was declared unconditional. </p><p>Prada said it had recieved valid acceptances accounting for 75.3% of Church shares at yesterday's first closing. Prada now contols 82.5% of the maker of British brogues. </p><p>Success for Prada's 950p-a-share was by no means guaranteed, with the fashion world fighting polished tooth and painted nail for control of leading brands. Hopes of a counter bid continued to linger until Monday when rival Italian fashion designer Diego Della Valle pulled out of the battle, claiming the price was too high. This time last year the company was valued at &#163;30 million. </p><p>Chairman John Church, great grandson of the company's founder, tried not to sound sad: 'We have to be positive. Brands are going global and the world is getting smaller. There are lots of advantages to being part of a major group, particularly in marketing.' </p><p>Prada is expected to play on Church's thoroughly British identity and there are no plans to sell either brand through the other's outlets. </p><p></p>?Prada in the red as UK sales tumble<p>By <br>UPDATED:11:48 GMT, 5 January 2005</p><p></p><p>PRADA, the catwalk label favoured by stars such as Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley, has fallen into the red. It was revealed today that the Italian fashion house, famous for its iconic and prohibitively expensive handbags, made a loss of nearly &pound;1m in Britain in 2003, the latest year for which accounts are available.</p><p>Prada also suffered falling sales for the second year running despite critical acclaim for its latest collections. Turnover for the year slipped from &pound;24.4m to &pound;23.5m.</p><p>Luxury goods experts said the firm, which has its UK flagship store in London's Old Bond Street, was still struggling to recover from the downturn triggered by collapsing stock markets, the 11 September attacks and the Sars outbreak.</p><p>Catherine Macdonald-Keir, deputy editor of Luxury Briefing journal, said: 'We had fewer tourists coming to London and a huge part of Prada's sales in this country are to visitors. There was also a move away from the big fashion brand names towards smaller niche players.'</p><p>Prada, with its recognisable triangular label, has been trading in Britain since 1997 and has grown rapidly, but has struggled to make a consistent profit. At the end of 2003 accumulated losses stood at just over &pound;13m. </p><p> Last year the company poured more money into its British offshoot, completing an expensive refurbishment of its London store based on the design of its Via Sant Andrea store in Milan. </p><p>In its annual report the company blamed the latest slump on accounting transactions 'of a one-off nature' and said 'improvements are anticipated in future'. </p><p>Sales were said to be up by 14% in the first eight months of last year, which saw a strong recovery in the global luxury goods industry. </p><p>The UK downturn comes as Prada, once seen as one of the most exclusive labels, joins the roll-call of 'chav-chic' brands along with Burberry and Pringle. Prada clothes and accessories are now favoured by designer-label obsessed teenagers across Britain. </p><p>Prada, owned and controlled by legendary chief designer Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli, is preparing again for a long delayed stock market flotation. </p><p>The company, also owner of the Miu Miu and Jil Sander brands, has been reducing its once huge debt mountain in advance of an expected third attempt to float, possibly this year. </p>?Prada leap to &pound;98m sparks new float talk<p>By <br>UPDATED:12:59 GMT, 24 September 2007</p><p></p><p>Prada today unveiled a leap in profits, prompting fresh talk that it is sprucing itself up for a float. </p><p>The Italian fashion house, headed by design doyenne Miuccia Prada, pictured, has ditched plans to sell a stake in itself several times in the past decade but could finally be ready to emerge into the public glare. </p><p>Today it said profits in the six months to the end of July rose 40% to &euro;140m (&pound;98m) as Miu Miu bags and Church's shoes stayed in vogue. </p><p>Prada has only said that it is 'considering' a float, but bankers say they have been approached to advise on a scheme to put 40% of the firm into an initial public offering. </p><p>Private-equity houses are said to be circling, attracted by big margins and resilient demand for high-end luxury goods. </p><p>Meanwhile, rival Italian fashion guru Roberto Cavalli could offload a majority stake in his luxury goods group to Swiss outfit Richemont. Cavalli, who has been pondering a sale or float for some time, said he hoped to get an offer from Richemont. </p><p></p>?Footwear faux pas: Prada pushes the prosthetic leg look, while Dior embraces socks and sandals<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:18:14 GMT, 4 May 2011</p><p>It's not very often that men get a better choice of designer footwear than women (have you seen Louboutin's male sandals?). <br></p><p>And with brogues gracing the feet of female fashionistas the world over, men would be forgiven for fretting that women have a better deal on every shoe-related front... not so.</p><p>In the - granted pretty niche - field of designer sock-sandal-boot combos, men clearly come out on top.</p><p>Dior Homme's shandals (yes that's socks and sandals all rolled into one) are almost acceptable.</p><p>Prada's Mary Jane Boots aren't.</p><p>Only Dior could come close to pulling off the famously dodgy 'socks with sandals' look. Their newest black leather gladiator sandals, revealed last Friday, come with a built-in slipper-like cotton lining.</p><p></p><p>The lace-up sock is removable, so it's like getting two pairs of shoes for the price of one - which might make the £530 price tag slightly more palatable.</p><p>The two components of Prada's Mary Jane shoe-boots cannot be separated. But that's the least of the footwear's worries.</p><p>From far away, the shoes look like a normal pair of Sixties-style red Mary Janes - like a court shoe but with a strap.</p><p>But these aren't shoes, they're boots - with a flesh coloured leather addition that goes right up to the knee.</p><p>Quite why Prada thought the design was a good idea is beyond us. <br></p><p>They do solve the problem of having to keep your legs silky smooth. But most would prefer that slight inconvenience to looking like the bottom half of your leg is a completely different colour to the top half - particularly if you have to pay £900 for the privilege.</p>?Prada sees good fit with Church<p>By <br>UPDATED:23:00 GMT, 8 September 1999</p><p></p><p>The archetypal English gentlemen's shoemaker Church and Co today followed a host of other traditional British names into foreign hands, with the announcement of a &#163;106 million takeover by Italian fashion house Prada.</p><p>Earlier this month, Northamptonshire-based Church confirmed it was in takeover discussions with a number of Italian companies and Prada - best known for its cutting edge catwalk fashion designs - made no secret that it wanted to buy Church to add its shoe making know-how to the group.</p><p>Prada said today that it aimed to preserve the status of the 126-year-old business, favoured by James Bond and Winston Churchill, as an upmarket British brand.</p><p>Patrizio Bertelli, chief executive and the husband of fashion designer Miuccia Prada, said: 'It is my firm intention to maintain and possibly strengthen the British identity of Church by preserving and developing its industrial presence in Northampton and by enhancing the role of the management team.'</p><p>For the last century the firm's handmade products have portrayed everything that was best about traditional British craftsmanship with wartime prime minister Winston Churchill among those who wore Church's shoes to tread the corridors of power.</p><p>At an average cost of around &#163;200 a pair these shoes may not come cheap but their timeless styles soon became synonymous with classic English dress sense, and Pierce Brosnan continues the tradition of 007 sporting Church's shoes in the latest Bond blockbuster.</p><p>Although expensive, the firm's motto, referring to its high quality standards was always: 'Our shoes are better by the mile.'</p><p>Church and Co, one of Britain's oldest shoe manufacturers, was founded in 1873 by brothers William, Thomas and Alfred Church, whose philosophy was that their shoes should be made by the most skilled craftsmen and last a lifetime.</p><p>The enduring popularity of Church shoes has remained with the aristocracy, politicians, City gents and professions such as barristers, while more fashion-conscious modern celebrities such as footballer Ian Wright have also succumbed to their traditional upper-crust charms.</p><p>The Church family has run the firm for four generations but like many other famous British names it is now bound for foreign ownership.</p><p></p>?Prada sole suitor for Church<p>By <br>UPDATED:23:00 GMT, 11 October 1999</p><p></p><p>Shoemaker Church & Co slipped 60p to 945p last night as the Milanese shoes and bags tycoon Diego Della Valle decided not to counter the &#163;106m bid from an Italian rival, the privately owned Prada group. </p><p>Della Valle had fired speculation of a rival bid last month by raising his stake in 126-year-old Church, maker of English brogues, to 9.5%. </p><p>Now, after a detailed look, he has decided the Prada bid is 'very high and any competing offer would not be justified'. </p><p>Prada's Patrizio Bertelli had built up an 8.5% stake in Church and won the backing of directors and other family shareholders to give him 33% support for his 950p-a-share terms. </p><p>Only if a rival bid topped the Prada offer by 5% or more were they prepared to withdraw their support. Prada is now set for control. </p><p></p>?Prada sprinkles the Ziggy stardust at Milan Fashion Week<p>Last updated at 12:05 26 September 2007</p><br><p>While the rest of Milan is fretting about skirt lengths, you canalways trust Miuccia Prada's thoughts to be on a far higher plane,somewhere in a galaxy far away.</p><p>So at first sight her collections can look difficult -impenetrable, even - yet one thing is always guaranteed.</p><p>You can be sure they possess that strange alchemy that makeswomen want to buy them in droves. If anyone knows how women want tolook, it is Mrs Prada.</p><p>For this show the audience was transported to a fairy glade inan enchanted forest, the green bench seating laid out in a circularformation that conjured a maze.</p><p>Scroll down for more...<br></p><br><p>Sinister drawings of fairies enclosed in triffid-like flora andfauna were projected on the walls, with the same fairies used as amotif on organza shirts and shift dresses.</p><p>Colours mirrored those of the forest greens - soft lichen,bright emerald and gloomy moss.</p><p>To say there was a Seventies feel to the collection is to skipover its modernity, but in the velvet knee boots, heavy purple eyemake-up and black-lined lips there was a touch of ZiggyStardust.</p><p>Trouser shapes were also from the Seventies, tight to the kneethen flaring in a dramatic kick-pleat. The catsuit was reworkedeither in skinny-rib wool or form-fitting printed organza.</p><p>Silk organza dresses came with capelets that aped fairy wings,yet despite these and the fairy prints there was nothing fey. Infact, it was rather unsettling.</p><p>Scroll down for more...</p><br><p>"Not about fairies," Prada said backstage. "It is aboutimagination in general; my imagination and the imagination of awoman."</p><p>It was as though Prada was trying to represent a woman'sinterior life through the clothes. This might sound pretentious,but it is a change from dressing women up as schoolgirls or ladiesof the night - as many Milan male designers are wont.</p><p>Guaranteed sell-outs include the velvet T-bar shoes with heelsshaped like stamens on a flower, tiny ladylike handbags, theskinny-rib cardigans and jumpers, and the printed calf-lengthdresses with keyhole necks.</p><p>All Prada's fans need now is a fairy godmother to grant themcarte blanche with a credit card.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Prada's flotation faux pas means it's not fifth time lucky for retailer<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:14:23 GMT, 25 June 2011</p><br><p>It was not fifth time lucky for Italian fashion brand Prada, which had an unspectacular debut on the Hong kong stock exchange, rising only 0.3 per cent from Hk$39.50 to Hk $39.60 when trading opened. <br></p><p>An underwhelming result considering that Prada's shares were already priced at the low-end of expectations. <br></p><p>But the fashion and luxury goods company may simply be relieved to have floated. <br></p><p>It is the fifth time it has tried but has had to pull previous plans due to market volatility. </p><p>It floated against a background of a sluggish day on the Hong kong exchange and a number of companies decided to cut back on or postpone flotation plans. <br></p><p>Prada managed to raise $2.14bn from floating 20 per cent of the business. <br><br></p>?Prada's profit parade after booming demand from rich customers<p> By <br>UPDATED:22:32 GMT, 20 September 2011</p><p>Prada, which finally made it from the catwalk to the stock market over the summer, is the latest luxury goods firm to post stellar half-year profits.</p><p>The Italian firm, which owns the Miu Miu brand and Church&#8217;s shoes, joins Hermes, LVMH and Burberry in seeing booming demand from its rich customers.<br></p><p>Net profit soared 74 per cent to £156.27m while underlying sales grew a healthy 22 per cent over the first six months of the year.<br></p><p>The firm which floated on the Hong Kong stock exchange, after four failed attempts in Europe over the past decade, said strong sales of leather goods such as bags and wallets to Chinese and other Asian customers drove growth.<br></p><p>It has opened 29 new stores over the first half and 44 up to this week.<br></p><p>Chief executive Patrizio Bertelli said: &#8216;We expect 80 openings on average a year until 2013 with about 50pc of the openings in Asia.&#8217;<br></p><p>He said the group would also continue to focus on cutting costs and making efficiencies.</p><br><p> </p>?Prado or Prada?<p>By Sarah Turner, The Mail on Sunday</p><p>Last updated at 15:58 16 May 2005</p><br><p>David and Victoria Beckham are spoilt for choice when it comes to spending their millions in Madrid.</p><p>Regarded as one of the party capitals of the world, the city has dozens of exclusive clubs and bars - as well as world-class museums and designer shops.</p><p>When David - who earns &pound; 17million a year -first moved to Real Madrid in 2003, he got his kicks from the city&#39;s fabulous nightlife. Last week Victoria threw a belated 30th birthday party for the England captain at Buddha del Mar, one of Madrid&#39;s trendiest clubs. Enjoying her couture more than her culture, Posh is more likely to be seen at fashion house Prada than the city&#39;s famous Prado museum.</p><p>The former Spice Girl, 31, found it harder to settle in Spain but last year the couple moved into a &pound;5million mansion in the exclusive suburb of La Moraleja. Their third son Cruz was born at a private hospital in the city in February. Here is our guide to the Beckhams&#39; Madrid:</p><p>Clubbing DISCOTECA Buddha del Mar (0034 91 357 5275, www.buddhadelmar.com): Housed in the former Plaza de Armas railway station, the Buddha del Mar saw Geri Halliwell, Elle Macpherson, Liz Hurley and David&#39;s Real Madrid team-mates Michael Owen and Ronaldo lounging on its trademark beds at last week&#39;s bash. Entertainment included Radio 1 DJ Spoony and a troupe of flamenco dancers. A sarong would have been in order, given the club&#39;s Balinese theming, but Becks opted for a Zorro-style costume with a black shirt and cummerbund. Ananda (Atocha station): Open only in summer, Ananda has a great terrace and a strict door policy but is unlikely to be on Posh&#39;s clubbing wish-list, even though the Moroccan-inspired decor would be right at home in Beckingham Palace. It was at this club that Becks was spotted with personal assistant Rebecca Loos at the beginning of their alleged affair. Avenox (31 Calle de Lagasca): Another club favoured by the Real Madrid players and popular with Beckham during his short-lived &#39;bachelor&#39; days. Kapital (125 Calle Atocha, 0034 91 420 2906): In the heaving Santa Ana quarter, filled with tapas bars and restaurants, this former theatre is possibly Madrid&#39;s trendiest club - certainly its biggest. Seven floors each have their own theme; the main dance area is on the ground floor, there&#39;s karaoke on the first, R&amp;B and hip-hop on the third. Higher up are cocktail bars and a cinema, while the seventh floor has a terrace with a retractable roof. Real Madrid players are regulars. Fans rave about the drinks, the ambience and the DJs.</p><p>Dining THE RITZ (5 Plaza de la Lealtad, 0034 91 701 6767,www.orient-express.com): The Beckhams regularly go through The Ritz&#39;s revolving doors to experience its English-style elegance, along with a chic restaurant. Becks also frequented the hotel with the England team but his most public visit was when he hired the wood-panelled Real Academia room, filled it with orchids and candles and treated Posh to a fourhour lunch cooked by Spain&#39;s top chef, Javier Aldea. Breathless accounts of hand-holding, pianists and bottles of Dom Perignon emerged afterwards, along with an alleged bill of &pound;1,200. Mere mortals can have a delicious afternoon tea for &pound;14 each.</p><p>Casa Lucio (35 Cava Baja,0034 91 365 3252): Spread over two floors, this wood-panelled gastronomic magnet for Spanish royalty, politicians and film stars is one of Madrid&#39;s oldest restaurants. Its signature dish - huevos con patatas fritas - roughly translates as fried egg and chips. So the whole Beckham family can tuck in. Nearly impossible to get in without a reservation. Hard Rock Cafe (2 Paseo de la Castellana, 0034 91 436 4340): A favourite haunt of the Beckhams, who turn up for romantic meals, family get-togethers and every other occasion where a cheese-burger, chicken dippers and chips fit the bill.</p><p>Thai Gardens (5 Jorge Juan, Salamanca, 0034 91 577 8884): Large, stylish and packed with Madrid&#39;s beautiful people, Thai Gardens is brilliantly placed for the designer shops of Salamanca. But the restaurant is off limits - Becks and Loos headed here for tamarind chicken before hitting the clubs.</p><p>Shopping Prada can be found in the swanky Salamanca area. Other key shopping destinations are Calle Jose Ortega y Gasset - with Chanel, Dior, Dolce &amp; Gabbana and Versace - and Calle Serrano for Spanish style, including the highly exclusive Loewe and Adolfo Dominguez.</p><p>The street clothes Becks favours can be found in edgier, bar-filled Chueca. Shops to head for include Pedro Morago.</p><p>Something for the kids The little Beckhams haven&#39;t suffered by the move to Madrid. High on their agenda will be Warner Bros Movie World in San Martin (0034 91 821 1234, www. warnerbrospark.com).</p><p>It has five areas all with their own rides, from the toddlerfriendly CartoonVillage to the bigger thrills and spills of Superheroes World. For the punishingly hot summer, Madrid has four water parks within easy reach.</p><p>Best is probably Aquopolis-Villanueva (Avenida de la Dehesa, 0034 91 815 6911, www.aquopolis.es) while Faunia (Avenida de las Comunidades, 0034 91 301 6235, www.faunia.es) combines a science museum with theme park and zoo - perfect for animal-loving Brooklyn. Currently the best place for a guaranteed sighting of Daddy in action is Bernabeu Stadium (www.realmadrid.com). The stadium seats 75,000 and prices start at about &pound;6 for tickets in the gods (binoculars are recommended). If possible, try for the middle tier. The only problem is laying your hands on them - seats sell out in a matter of hours, but a good hotel can usually work magic. Could the concierge at The Ritz get me a gold-dust ticket for the match? &#39;No problem,&#39; is the confident response.</p><p>Getting there British Airways (0845 606 0747, www.ba.com) charges from &pound;68.10 return for flights to Madrid from Gatwick and &pound;99 from Manchester. The Ritz (0034 91 701 6767, www. orient-express.com) offers double rooms from &pound;300 a night.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Pregnant Jessica Alba makes fashion misstep as she teams socks with garish peep-toe platforms<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:14:40 GMT, 24 March 2011</p><p></p><p>She rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to her fashion choices.<br></p><p>But pregnant Jessica Alba made a rare misstep - as she ventured out wearing a pair of garish peep-toe wedge heels, teamed with socks.</p><p>The 29-year-old actress, who is pregnant with her second child, was spotted arriving at the Radiun Studio in Santa Monica yesterday.</p><p> </p><p>The shoes are in fact the very fashionable Prada Flatforms - a sandal version of the brogue style that made headlines earlier this month.</p><p>And indeed besides the questionable combination socks with sandals, the glowing star was looking her usual fantastic self.</p><p>She teamed a pair of flared jeans with a black jacket, accessorised with a very stylish Prada bag.</p><p>The Fantastic Four star has taken some time out from her busy schedulein recent months to spend some time with her daughter Honor, aged two, before she startsschool.</p><p> </p><p>And in a recent interview, she said that she is enjoying being pregnant again and it is less stressful then when she was expecting Honor.</p><p>Speaking to People, Alba, who is married to actor Cash Warren, said: 'It's definitely not as daunting.</p><p> 'I definitely popped earlier than I did with Honor because the second time around your body has the memory [of the first pregnancy]. Having the belly grow is fun and exciting.'</p><p>And she said she has had to accommodate her wardrobe to fit around her growing bump.</p><p>She said: 'It's tough because your body, the shape is totally different. But I do feel more feminine.</p>?Return of the 'supers': Two decades on, Claudia, Linda and Naomi are still the models of choice for luxury brands <p>By <br>UPDATED:00:42 GMT, 20 July 2009</p><p>Back in the Nineties, they were known as the 'supers'. Their faces became bigger than the brands they represented and their fame so great that a first-name moniker was enough: Claudia. Naomi. Linda. Christy. <br></p><p>Now, almost two decades on, the original supermodels are back. All four are fronting new, luxury-brand campaigns, bucking the fickle world of fashion's usual trend where the average modelling career spans less than a decade. <br></p><p>The thinking behind it is that the originals are a safer bet than thecurrent identikit generation to preserve the bigger brands. Kay Barron,fashion news editor at Grazia, attributes the current generation's lackof staying power to having 'the same look'.</p><p>She adds: 'At the moment it's almost impossible to differentiatebetween the young models on the catwalk. 'The original supermodels hadstrong individual looks and they haven't lost that.<br></p><p>'Christy Turlington is as beautiful now as she was in her 20s. Shehas a look that spans generations and appeals to everyone, and that'sideal for a "brand ambassador".' <br></p><p>Other models who are back on the campaign circuit include 39-year-oldNaomi Campbell, who is reportedly starring in an advertising campaignfor fur designer Dennis Basso in his autumnwinter 2009/10 line afterbeing ousted as a face of PETA, the anti-fur campaign group. </p><p>The ubiquitous Claudia Schiffer, 38, who two years ago claimed 'supermodels like we once were don't exist any more', is the face of the Salvatore Ferragamo campaign and this autumn will become the face of Alberta Ferretti's signature fragrance. <br></p><p>Linda Evangelista, 44, is a face for Prada and L'Oreal, and Eightiesicon Stephanie Seymour, 40, has been snapped up by lingerie brandChantelle to front its Beyond Beauty line. <br></p><p>A spokesperson for the brand said they chose Seymour not just becauseshe was one of the most famous supermodels, but because she is also a'mother of four children'.</p><p>Even the enterprising Milla Jovovich, who at 33 is past the usual retirement age, is staging a comeback as the face of Donna Karan's 15-year old Cashmere Mist fragrance eight years after first fronting the brand. <br></p><p>And, like Seymour, motherhood improved her standing, with Karan claiming she chose the model/actress/designer because 'you sense the multi-dimensions of her life'. <br></p><p>It's not just a lucrative move for the brands - big-name models can earn in excess of £300,000 for a single campaign. An awful lot of hopes lie on the versatile guise of these household names to see the fashion world through tricky times. <br><br></p><p> </p>?You Da Girl! Rihanna shows off her summer style in pineapple printed playsuit and visor as she continues Italian break<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:19:34 GMT, 17 July 2012 UPDATED:07:01 GMT, 18 July 2012</p><p>When Rihanna's on holiday you can guarantee she'll draw attention wherever she goes.</p><p>But it's not just her vibrant personality and Twitter poses that are drawing attention as she continues her break in Sardinia.</p><p>Today the Umbrella hitmaker drew looks purely for her outfit as she showed off her summer style.</p><p> </p><p>The singer, 24, stood out as she showed off her legs in a minuscule playsuit embossed with printed pictures of pineapples.</p><p>It clearly reflected her summery outlook as she grinned widely while she continued to let her hair down.</p><p>Rihanna finished off her look with a tan-coloured visor, which pushed her large wavy locks off her face as the rest of her hair was piled on top of her head, ironically in a 'pineapple' style hairdo.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>And although she was dressed for the blazing sunshine, she still oozed her city style as she finished off the ensemble with orange plimsolls, chunky jewellery and a denim shirt tied around her waist.</p><p>The singer has so far just been sharing photos from her time aboard a luxury yacht with her girl pals.</p><p>But this afternoon she finally set foot on solid ground as she stepped off the boat in Porto Cervo.</p><p> </p><p>She was first escorted via speedboat as her friends joined her ashore.</p><p>And it was easy to see why she's been trying to keep herself to herself on the private yacht, because as soon as she walked around the public areas she was flocked by fans and paparazzi.</p><p>But clearly in the holiday spirit she was happy to pose with the crowd and grinned widely as she chatted with onlookers while she went shopping.</p><p> </p><p>And she was certainly in a cheeky mood as she posed next to a naked statue and made hand gestures to joke about the size of its manhood.</p><p>Rihanna even took to Twitter to share one photo of herself in the pineapple get-up, alongside the words: '#phuckyocar&#8236; &#8234;#imonaboatbitch&#8236;.'<br></p><p><br></p>?Ruth Langsford: I can't bear shopping, but Eamonn buys things that suit me perfectly<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:14:07 GMT, 4 March 2010</p><p></p><p>This Morning's Friday show presenter Ruth Langsford, 49, hates shopping in the sales and would love a capsule wardrobe. She lives with her fiance and co-presenter Eamonn Holmes and their son Jack, in Weybridge, Surrey.</p><p>I like clothes, and as I&#8217;ve got older I&#8217;ve learned which ones suit me best, but I&#8217;m certainly no fashionista. <br></p><p>My mother made most of my clothes as a child and after a brief teenage flirtation with being a modette &#8212; I craved a Ben Sherman shirt, but my mum insisted on making me wear a copy she&#8217;d made &#8212; I only really got into clothes when I started earning my own money working in a Cornwall cafe one summer.</p><p>Even then I ordered them all from the Grattan catalogue. <br></p><p>Today I do occasionally splash out on designer<br>items &#8212; anything from Donna Karan, and Christian Louboutin shoes are my Achilles heel &#8212; but most of my wardrobe is full of high-end<br>High Street brands such as Whistles and Reiss, with a sprinkling of Zara, Coast and Oasis.</p><p>I&#8217;m 49 now and the last thing I want to be is mutton dressed as lamb, so I keep my style simple; classic with a twist.</p><p>I&#8217;m 5ft 7in with quite long legs, a biggish chest and hips, and I&#8217;m good size 12, so I like clothes that suit curvy women. <br></p><p>But when it comes to actually buying them, I&#8217;m a<br>terrible panic shopper. I can&#8217;t bear shopping, especially in the sales, and I hate trying stuff on in changing rooms, so I tend to come away with loads of things I don&#8217;t want and end up taking them back, unlike Eamonn who is a great shopper.</p><p>He loves clothes, he&#8217;s very patient and he&#8217;s full of useful suggestions. He regularly buys me things that suit me perfectly.<br></p><p>When I hear other women talking about their capsule wardrobes, I think: &#8216;Oh, how lovely to know that<br>everything you&#8217;ve got out is perfect.&#8217; <br></p><p>My wardrobe is full of clothes but they&#8217;re just not the right clothes. One style that I did love was the ultra-glamourous Dynasty look I used to wear as a newsreader in the Eighties. I adored the big hair,<br>huge earrings, massive shoulder pads and that whole Joan Collins look.</p><p></p><p>But the shoulder pads that have come back in now stick up like something from Star Trek, so I won&#8217;t be revisiting that particular style. <br></p><p>I&#8217;ve not really suffered any horrendous public fashion faux pas, but I do find dressing for red carpet<br>events extremely stressful, as you have to wear heels and do that glamorous pout for the paparazzi,<br>which I&#8217;ve yet to master. I&#8217;m always petrified I&#8217;ll make a fool of myself.<br></p><p>RUTH'S WARDROBE FAVOURITES</p><p>O'KEEFE'S DRESS</p><p>I bought this dress from a local boutique called O&#8217;Keefe&#8217;s where we live in Weybridge. I wore it to the races at Cheltenham on the day Eamonn proposed to me last year. </p><p>It wasn&#8217;t planned and he said later that he saw me across the room wearing it, drinking champagne and laughing as I&#8217;d just won some money and thought: &#8216;Why on earth aren&#8217;t I married to this woman?&#8217;</p><p>He disappeared for a few minutes and then on the way home asked me to check my phone messages and he&#8217;d sent a long romantic message ending with a proposal, so I texted back that I&#8217;d love to marry him. It was a beautiful moment.</p><p>PRADA HANDBAG</p><p>This is the next most expensive bag I&#8217;ve ever bought and I was actually horrified that I&#8217;d spent £800 on a handbag, but I wanted it so much I couldn&#8217;t help myself. The only way I could justify the expense was by convincing myself it was a work bag even though it hasn&#8217;t got enough pockets in the side and I can&#8217;t bear to use it.</p><p>DONNA KARAN DRESS</p><p>This was the most expensive dress I&#8217;ve ever bought and cost almost £3,000, which made me feel sick to the stomach, but it was for Eamonn&#8217;s 50th birthday party at Manchester United.</p><p> It was hugely extravagant, but worth every penny, as it looked fabulous and I felt fabulous. I have very fond memories and I can wear it again, as it is timeless.</p><p>GREEN MAXMARA DRESS</p><p>I chose this lovely green Maxmara dress for the TV Quick Awards. I wassitting next to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and minutes before we were dueto present the award he was flamboyantly telling me a story and knockeda whole bottle of water over me.</p><p> I tried to dry it in the ladies&#8217; witha hand dryer, but in the end had to hide behind Eamonn when we went uponto the podium. I think we just about got away with it.</p><p>BRIGHT PINK LINEN SUIT</p><p>I wore this to my godson&#8217;s christening nine years ago and it was actually the same day I discovered I was pregnant with our son Jack. <br></p><p>I&#8217;d been out with my best friend &#8212; my godson&#8217;s mum &#8212; the night before and thought I had a terrible hangover. <br></p><p>But when it hadn&#8217;t subsided by 4pm my friend joked, &#8216;you might be pregnant,&#8217; as she knew we were trying. <br></p><p>So we raced off to get a pregnancy kit, discovered I was and then she said to me: &#8216;I thought your bum looked huge in that jump suit,&#8217; which only a best friend could say.</p><p></p><p><br><br><br></p><p> </p>?We surrender! Oscars bosses make humiliating U-turn and ask Sacha Baron Cohen to come as The Dictator for awards<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:33 GMT, 27 February 2012</p><p></p><p>It could be the most humiliating surrender since Napoleon was forced to flee from a herd of hungry rabbits in 1807.<br></p><p>For Oscar bosses have completed an embarrassing U-turn by asking Sacha Baron Cohen to walk the red carpet dressed as his character from The Dictator.</p><p>The move comes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences took away the comic's tickets to the event as they feared he would come in uniform as Admiral General Aladeen.</p><p>This was despite the fact he starred in Hugo, the most nominated film of this year's ceremony.</p><p>And his alter ego posted a picture of himself with the tickets, along with a gloating diatribe on Twitter.</p><p> He said: 'Victory is ours! Today the Mighty Nation of Wadiya triumphed over the Zionist snakes of Hollywood. </p><p>'Evil and all those who made Satan their protector were vanquished and driven into the Pacific Sea. <br></p><p>'What I am trying to say here is that the Academy have surrendered and sent over two tickets and a parking pass! Today Oscar, tomorrow Obama!'<br></p><p>Oscars producer Brian Grazer told Extra the actor will appear on the red carpet as his alter-ego from the film.</p><p>He said: 'We're thrilled to have him and he'll be on the red carpet dressed as The Dictator.</p><p>In addition, he said Baron Cohen will even get the chance to participate in the Oscars ceremony - as himself.</p><p>He said: 'We absolutely respect him as an artist and he's allowed to come. He's coming. In fact, he's even part of the... there's a piece - he's part of the show... as himself.'<br></p><p>The developments came after he broadcast a video message to the Academy warning them to give him his tickets back 'or face unimaginable consequences'.</p><p>In the video, Admiral General Aladeen, otherwise known as 'The Dictator', is seen sitting in a gilded chair flanked by security guards as he delivers the message.</p><p>He says: 'On behalf of the nation of Wadiya, I am outraged at being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Zionists. <br></p><p>'While I applaud the academy for taking away my right to free speech, I warn you that if you do not lift your sanctions and give me my tickets back by 12pm on Sunday, you will face unimaginable consequences.'</p><p>General Aladeen then continues to blast the Academy for not nominating any 'classic Wadiyan films such as When Harry Kidnapped Sally, You've Got Mailbomb or Planet Of The Rapes'.</p><p>He adds: 'On top of all of this, I paid Hilary Swank $2million to be my date and she will not refund a penny. My Sunday calendar is now as empty as a North Korea grocery store. <br></p><p>'But whatever happens, I still plan to attend director Brett Ratner's afterparty since it's impossible to catch herpes twice. Death to the West, death to America and good luck Billy Crystals - fantastic!'</p><p>And it seems the fictional warlord's threats filled the Academy with fear, while also building hype for his forthcoming comedy vehicle even further.<br></p><p></p><p></p><p>Since their decision to ban him, the Academy has been continually back-pedalling following a backlash over their decision.</p><p>Yesterday a source told Deadline: 'There&#8217;s a debate inside the Academy of how to respond. <br></p><p>'Certainly the perception is that they lack a sense of humour which got a strong reaction.</p><p>'They are debating what to do. But so far they have not changed their official position.'</p><p>An official spokesman also said he was welcome as long as he behaved himself.</p><p>He said: 'The Academy would love to have Sacha at the show. <br></p><p>'We&#8217;ve let him know how we feel about using the red carpet for a movie stunt and we&#8217;re waiting to hear from him.'</p><p>Thebody should have been surprised by his antics however, as he famously never attends red carpet events as himself and rather as one of his comic creations.</p><p>It was after he refused to give assurances he would not hijack the event, that he reportedly had his tickets to this Sunday's 84th Academy Awards ceremony recalled.</p><p>The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts &amp; Sciences flexed their muscles and gave the warning after rumours circulated that the Bruno star would break the etiquette of Hollywood's biggest night by promoting his film on the red carpet.</p><p>Ironically his original plan is now going ahead, as he had wanted to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday night as his The Dictator character General Aladeen before changing into a normal tuxedo for the rest of the ceremony.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>The Dictator is Cohen's fourth film and tells the 'heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.' <br></p><p>A spokesperson for the Academy told Deadline.com: 'We would hope that every studio knows that this is a bad idea. The Red Carpet is not about stunting.'</p><p>Theyalso told The Hollywood Reporter that he is not welcome in character and added: 'We have not banned him. We&#8217;re just waiting to hear what he&#8217;sgoing to do.'</p><p> </p><p>In a pre-planned stunt he was winched into the arena and lowered on to the face of an outraged Eminem.</p><p>While the audience laughed at the incident, Eminem stormed out of the show only for the singer to later reveal he was in on the joke.</p><p>The British star was held by Italian police after a stunt during the filming of Bruno. Baron Cohen stormed the stage during the Agata Luiz della Prada show at Milan's 2008 fashionweek.</p><p>The comic has also been subject to a number of lawsuits resulting from stunts set up for his movies.<br></p><p>In 2005 more legal action was taking against him by two college students who unwittingly appeared in Borat. <br></p><p>Theyclaimed they were duped into appearing in the spoof documentary after being plied with alcohol and were induced into making racist and sexist comments on camera.</p><p>The young men 'engaged in behavior that they otherwise would not have engaged in,' the lawsuit said.</p><p>And in 2009 he was sued by a woman who claimed she was left confined to a wheelchair after a comedy stunt for Bruno allegedly went wrong.</p><p>Richelle Olson said she was 'attacked' by Bruno at a Bingo hall in the US in 2007 and in her lawsuitshe added that she collapsed and hit her head on the floor minutes after being unwittingly caught up in Cohen's mockumentary - allegedly leaving her with serious injuries.</p><p>But considering the current political climate, the Dictator is likely to be Baron Cohen's most controversial movie to date.</p><p>Baron Cohen plays a Hussein-like dictator who is secretly replaced by a lookalike goat herder and must rebuild his life in New York City.</p><p>The film shares more than a few similarities with classic Charlie Chaplin 1940 movie The Great Dictator,which was a biting satire on Nazi Germany.</p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p>?Glee girls Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Heather Morris are all grown up on the red carpet at the SAG Awards<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:47 GMT, 1 February 2011</p><p>Last night's SAG Awards attracted the cream of Hollywood's A-list, decked out in haute couture creations of lace, taffeta and silk.</p><p>But red carpet icons like Nicole Kidman and Hilary Swank may want to watch their backs, because there are some rising style stars biting at their heels, and they're still in high school - on camera anyway.</p><p>The female stars of Glee stole the spotlight from Awards show veterans last night, with Lea Michele and Dianna Agron leading the way in a dazzling array of gowns.<br></p><p>Breakout star Lea stepped away from her goody two-shoes onscreen persona Rachel Berry in a low cut gown by Oscar de la Renta.</p><p>She teamed the stunning crepe de chine embroidered gown from the Spring 2011 line with Sergio Rossi heels and a staggering US$1 million worth of Tiffany &amp; Co. diamond jewellery.</p><p>Dianna Agron, who spends most days in her cheerios cheerleader uniform, seriously upped her fashion credibility with a vintage Chanel tea-length dress and Ferragamo pumps.</p><p>The 24-year-old complimented her dark and mysterious look with heavily smoky eye make-up and chic low bun.<br></p><p> </p><p>Heather Morris, who has been making the transformation form supporting cast member to one of the show's stars thanks to her wildly successful leading role in the Britney Spears tribute episode, looked every inch the California girl.</p><p>Her golden tan was complimented by her strapless Romona Keveza blush silk chiffon gown with rosette bodice, perfect hair and natural, dewy make-up.</p><p>Naya Rivera, who plays bad girl Santana on the cult show, wore a silver Aurelio Costarella column dress with a low-cut back, Jimmy Choo heels and Neil Lane jewels.</p><p>Amber Riley wowed in a one-shouldered Anne Barge dress with Chopard jewellery, a sleek haircut and hot pink lips.</p><p> </p><p>The big-voiced singer has already won applause for her red carpet look from E! Fashion Police's Kelly Osbourne, who tweeted: 'Going through all the red carpet looks from the SAG awards and @MsAmberPRiley just took my breath away she looks s*** hot! You go girl wow!</p><p>Jenna Ushkowitz was equally stylish in a strapless nude Badgley Mischka silk organza ruffle gown with a heavy gold Neil Lane necklace.</p><p>The Mckinley High teaching staff were more colourful in their red carpet choices.</p><p>SAG Awards nominee Jane Lynch wore a purple Ali Rahimi gown, while her civil partner Lara Embry chose an electric blue strapless dress.</p><p> </p><p>Guidence councillor Jayma Mays complimented her red hair with a Jenny Packham dress, which she said she was 'obsessed with.'</p><p>'I feel like a dainty princess,' she said on the red carpet.</p><p>Andit wasn't just the Glee girls that were turning heads. The men of the hit series were all dapper in their designer suits too.</p><p>Matthew Morrison went without a tie in his Prada suit, while new castmember Chord Overstreet wore an Emporio Armani tux.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Don't forget the boys: (L-R) Cory Monteith, nominee Chris Colfer and Mark Salling were dapper in their best suits</p><p>SAG Award nominee Chris Colfer lookedsmart in his Dior suit, but was later left disappointed when he missedout on the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, which went to Alec Baldwin.</p><p>Despite being winners on the red carpet, the entire Glee cast went home empty handed after losing out in all three categories they were nominated for.</p><p> After sweeping the board a few weeks ago at the Golden Globes, where Glee took home Best Television Series, the show didn't manage to scoop any awards.</p><p>Jane Lynch also lost out on the awardfor Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series to Betty White in Hot In Cleveland.</p><p> </p><p>The entire cast also missed out on the gong for Best Ensemble for comedy, which went to Modern Family.</p><p>But the stars were gracious in defeat, tweeting their congratulations to their rivals after the show.</p><p>Amber Riley wrote: 'Congratulations Modern Family! You totally deserve it!!!!'</p><p> She added: 'Thank u guys for all the love, seriously means the world to us Gleeks! Gnite.'<br></p><p>While Lea Michele tweeted: 'Lea What a great night! So happy for Modern Family and the other winners tonight! Such a fun night!'<br></p><p>Do you have a story about a celebrity? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683</p><p><p><p><p><p><p>?A bright contrast: Days after donning a plunging gown Salma Hayek covers her famous curves in red coat<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:01:12 GMT, 28 January 2012</p><p>She's known for her killer curves, but Salma Hayek was well and truly covered up today.</p><p>The Mexican actress opted for a several layers, a hat and sunglasses as she stepped out in Paris.<br></p><p>But if the 45-year-old was trying to go incognito, she went the wrong way about it, opting for a bright red coat.<br></p><p>She paired the jacket with a blue scarf and black attire, carrying a massive black handbag to complete the look.</p><p>Salma has been in France attending Paris Couture Week events and movie premieres.</p><p>She covered up her physique to attend the Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy premiere last week.</p><p>But she didn't leave behind the sexy factor by slipping into a belted leather dress with three-quarter length sleeves and a pussy bow detail front as she posed for photos at the celebrity-filled bash.</p><p>And three nights ago, she reverted back to flaunting her famous assets, displaying some ample cleavage in a stunning black lace dress for the Prada 24 Hours Museum Launch.</p><p>She was joined by her French husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, at both events.<br></p><p>It's been a couple of weeks of fashion coups for the actress.<br></p><p>She also looked sizzling at the Golden Globes two weeks ago.<br></p><p>She once again showed off her ample assets in a corseted strapless dress featuring an embellished bustier and shimmering sequined skirt.<br></p><p>Mexican-born Salma was recently given one of the highest honours in France and became a Knight, which led more than a few raised eyebrows.<br></p><p>President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that she will become a Chevalier &#8211; or Knight - of the Legion of Honour for her services to the French Republic.<br></p><p>It is not yet clear what those services are but her husband happens to be a close personal friend of Mr Sarkozy.<br></p><p>Last month Salma appeared on The Graham Norton show and revealed that she prayed to grow a chest when she was a prepubescent child.<br></p><p>She explained: &#8216;I was getting teased a lot because everyone was older and I was the skinny tomboy.'<br></p><p>Salma added: 'I went to a church that had a saint that was supposed to do a lot of miracles.<br></p><p>'I put my hands in the holy water and went: "Please Jesus give me some boobs".'</p>?Oh la la! Salma Hayek shows off her famous curves in a plunging black lace dress as she attends Paris Couture Week <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:13:34 GMT, 26 January 2012</p><br><p>The lady has curves and she knows how to use them. </p><p>After covering up her physique to attend the Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy premiere in Paris two night ago, Salma Hayek has reverted back to flaunting her famous assets. </p><p>The 45-year-old sexy senorita displayed some ample cleavage in a stunning black lace dress for the Prada 24 Hours Museum Launch, part of Paris Couture Week last night.</p><p>The beautiful low-cut, wrap-around creation clung to Salma's sensational figure in all the right places. </p><p>She paired the look with a black Yves Saint Laurent velvet choker around her neck and a pair of black leather platforms of the same designer. </p><p>Braving the rain, she arrived at the event on the arm of her businessman husband Francois-Henri Pinault wearing a stylish long black overcoat. <br></p><p>Her sexy look comes after Salma kept covered up for a movie premiere earlier in the week. </p><p>But she didn't leave behind the sexy factor by slipping into a belted leather dress with three-quarter length sleeves and a pussy bow detail front as she posed for photos at the celebrity-filled bash.</p><p>Teaming the frock with an oversized clutch bag and voluminous hairstyle, Salma looked incredible as she stood tall in a pair of suede stiletto boots.<br></p><p>Salma plus host of stars were at the French premiere of the flick, set in the grey dusk of the Cold War.</p><p>It's been a couple of weeks of fashion coups for the actress. <br></p><p>She also looked sizzling at the Golden Globes last week.</p><p>She once again showed off her ample assets in a corseted strapless dress featuring an embellished bustier and shimmering sequined skirt. </p><p>Mexican-bornSalma was recently given one of the highest honours in France and became a Knight, which led more than a few raised eyebrows.</p><p>PresidentNicolas Sarkozy announced that she will become a Chevalier &#8211; or Knight -of the Legion of Honour for her services to the French Republic.</p><p>It is not yet clear what those services are but Ms Hayek is married to businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, who happens to be a close personal friend of Mr Sarkozy.</p><p>Lastmonth Salma appeared on The Graham Norton show and revealed that she prayed to grow a chest when she was a prepubescent child.</p><p>She explained: &#8216;I was getting teased a lot because everyone was older and I was the skinny tomboy.'</p><p>Salma added: 'I went to a church that had a saint that was supposed to do a lot of miracles.</p><p>'I put my hands in the holy water and went: "Please Jesus give me some boobs."'</p><p> <br></p><br><p> </p>?Life's too short to worry (now that I'm 50) <p> By UPDATED:16:17 GMT, 21 September 2011</p><p>A couple of weeks ago, I turned 50. I can't pretend it was a birthday I looked forward to, especially as my five decades have coincided almost exactly with a period of history when our culture became fixated on youth. </p><p>I was born at the start of the Sixties, the decade that didn't just celebrate youth but sanctified it. The result was that women in middle age - our mothers - became not just invisible, but often irrelevant. </p><p>They had briefly bloomed and then faded away: the world belonged only to the young. </p><p>For young, of course, read sexy. Today, one-fifth of all advertising in the Western world uses sex to sell everything from cars to coffee. </p><p>I doubt there's been a single day since the Sixties when women haven't been exhorted to use this cream to plump up their wrinkles, or that dye to disguise their grey hairs.</p><p>Like most woman of my generation, I've read countless articles on how to stave off ageing - by exercise, cosmetic surgery or the clever use of make-up. </p><p></p><p>I've been to yoga, Pilates and the gym. I've watched my diet and heeded Coco Chanel's dictum that women look old when they dress too young. I've been patronised by older men, ignored by younger men and pitied by younger women. </p><p>But there are signs that the tide is turning. The fashion industry, for a start, is finally waking up to the fact that women over 50 have the greatest spending power. </p><p>That's why new campaigns for Marks &amp; Spencer, Clarks and Toast all feature gorgeous models in their 40s and 50s, and why Mary Portas is 'on a mission against mumsiness' with a new shop selling fashionable clothes for older women. </p><p>Meanwhile, the new chairman of the BBC, Chris Patten, says he would like to see more women like his 'beautiful, 66-year-old' wife on TV, and actor Nigel Havers, 59, has made headlines with the truthful observation that men his age have nothing to talk about with younger women: 'They go to Glastonbury, which is my idea of hell, and listen to bands I've never heard of, and get wasted.' </p><p>It's a shame that it's taken a man of nearly 60 to make this crashingly obvious point. </p><p>Nevertheless, we should be grateful, and in case you're one of those 30-somethings who lives in fear of her first wrinkle, let me spell it out for you: we women over 50 are, for the most part, energetic (all that exercise), attractive (all that beauty advice) and interesting (all that life). </p><p>Not only that, we're also the ones having the most fun. </p><p>Shirley Conran told us 35 years ago that life's too short to stuff a mushroom. But we've also learned that life's too short for almost every other anxiety that preoccupies so many younger women today. </p><p>It's too short to waste looking for Mr Perfect, when you could have Mr Perfectly Normal instead, and definitely too short to fret about owning the right handbag. </p><p>It's too short to spend time worrying about How She Does It - spend that time thinking about how you do it, instead. And it's also too short to drink cheap plonk or put up with a toxic friend. Oh, and too short for petty jealousy, leather trousers, pretentious must-read novels, boorish behaviour, Facebook or Twitter. </p><p>Most of all, it really is too short to spend inordinate amounts of time and money in pursuit of youth. Diane von Furstenberg - the 64-year-old designer who gave us the wrap dress, perhaps the single most female-friendly item of clothing of the past 30 years - said at the weekend that she was shocked at the number of people who'd urged her to have a facelift. </p><p>She's resisted - 'I'd rather be who I am. I think that's easier than trying to not be me' - and has instead taken the advice given to her by celebrity fashion photographer Mario Testino: a smile is an instant facelift. </p><p>So now that I've officially become an invisible woman, I will be smiling more and genuinely looking forward to the future. Or, as my ten-year-old son put it in his birthday card to me: 'Don't worry, Mum - you've still got another 35 years to live.'</p><p>Thank God Michael Winner didn't carry out his threat to wear pyjamas at his wedding. Most people's nightmare would be for the world to see them in their jim-jams. Mine is seeing Michael Winner in his.</p>You can take the girl out of Croydon...<p>As a teenager, I never went into central London from my home near Croydon without feeling that somehow I'd managed to get the latest look all wrong. The outfit that had looked so good in the mirror of my suburban bedroom suddenly looked dull and utterly lacking in style. </p><p>I imagine that's a feeling Kate Moss, herself a Croydon girl, has never experienced. She was spotted aged 14 and has been a fashion icon ever since. Part of her job description is being able to break the fashion rules and still look good, so that others follow her style. </p><p>No doubt this is what she was intending to do when she wore tight denim jeans with a denim shirt to London Fashion Week. But, actually, she just managed to look like the owner of a riding school. Or - much worse - like a girl from Croydon. . .</p>Crashing Downton earth<p>The new series of Downton was entertaining enough, and heaven knows the country needs some escapist fantasy to leaven the grey skies of austerity, even if viewers end up watching it swathed in blankets because they can't afford to turn on the central heating. But it desperately needs better dialogue and a less obvious plot.</p><p>Hugh Bonneville struggled to make 'the war's reaching its long fingers into Downton and scattering our chicks' sound anything but risible. </p><p>Lady Sybil's 'sometimes it feels as if all the men I ever danced with are dead' and footman Thomas's 'what would my mother say, me entertaining the future Earl of Grantham to tea?' were dismayingly hackneyed.</p><p>Meanwhile, O'Brien's turning into a one-dimensional pantomime baddie and Bates is starting to be annoying. His decision to sacrifice all for the sake of the Grantham family looked foolish and weak, not noble.</p><p>Yes, the acting's first class - which is why we'll all still be tuning in next week - but I'm afraid that without more depth and dramatic twists, this Downton's going to run out of steam quicker than Mrs Patmore's kettle.</p><p>The fashion world have had it in for the Duchess of Cambridge for some time now. Vivienne Westwood sniffed that her image was 'ordinary woman' and now New York's fashion pack have derided her as a woman who 'wouldn't stand out in a crowd' if she wasn't Royal. <br></p><p>Funny, then, how at the Emmys, actress after actress took to the red carpet in long, pale pink sequinned sheath dresses, almost identical to the one first worn at a charity function earlier this year by . . . Kate.</p>Posh's mini fashionista<br><p>Victoria Beckham says that &#8216;contrary to what most people think&#8217;, she does have a sense of humour. So when she said this week that her ten-week-old baby daughter, Harper, &#8216;loves fashion&#8217;, adding: &#8216;I took her to Prada shopping the other day and I could tell she was thinking: &#8220;Mummy, I&#8217;m home,&#8221;&#8217; I assumed she was joking. </p><p>But no. It seems that Posh was merely using her baby to help promote her latest fashion range. Which might be funny, if it weren&#8217;t so desperately sad.</p><p>Mick Jagger says he won&#8217;t be writing his autobiography. &#8216;I don&#8217;t particularly want to rummage though my past. I think it&#8217;s a damaging psychological exercise.&#8217; Given his serial infidelities, I&#8217;m sure that&#8217;s true. What a shame that at the time he didn&#8217;t think about the psychological damage he might have been inflicting on the long-suffering Jerry Hall.<br></p><p>The author Robert Harris, who&#8217;s made millions from his novels (and films of the books Enigma, Archangel and The Ghost) says the true currency of life is time, not money: &#8216;Working 14 hours a day until you&#8217;re 55 and missing your kids growing up is not what I would consider a recipe for happiness.&#8217; </p><p>I think we all know that, Robert. It&#8217;s just that those of us who are not multi-millionaires tend to have less choice in the matter.</p><p>Imran Khan, who&#8217;s just published his autobiography, says passion trumps talent, and he&#8217;s so right. &#8216;As a cricket captain I always used to pick the most talented players. <br></p><p>But then I realised that people who had passion could always propel themselves to even greater heights,&#8217; he says. Or as lightbulb inventor Thomas Edison put it a century before Imran: &#8216;Genius is one per cent inspiration, 99 per cent perspiration.&#8217;</p>Mike was offside<p>Most women I know don&#8217;t have a problem with rugby players getting drunk and behaving rowdily. <br></p><p>And if all newly married Mike Tindall had done was bury his boozy bald head into an attractive woman&#8217;s cleavage before stumbling back alone to his hotel room, no one would have given it a second thought. But eye-witness accounts claim the couple were kissing and Tindall &#8216;clearly had one thing on his mind&#8217;. </p><p>If he can&#8217;t see what&#8217;s wrong with that, then perhaps he shouldn&#8217;t be married. And if Martin Johnson can&#8217;t see it either, perhaps he shouldn&#8217;t be England manager.</p>?Battle of the bumps as pregnant Natalie Portman and Jane Krakowski bring their 'plus ones' to Screen Actors Guild Awards<p>By <br>UPDATED:15:46 GMT, 31 January 2011</p><p><br></p><p>NataliePortman and Jane Krakowski showed off their growing baby bumps on the red carpet last night as they put in a stunning turn at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles.</p><p>Thepregnant duo lit up the red carpet in their respective form-fitting gowns. Natalie, 29, looked angelic in a white maxi dress while 30 Rock'sJane, 42, showed a bit of leg in a sparkly three-quarter-length asymmetrical number.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Black Swan actress Natalie is due in the summer after falling pregnant with fiance Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed her in the movie. Jane, meanwhile, is set to give birth atthe end of April. </p><p>Speaking on the red carpet, Natalie revealed she was wearing Tiffany jewels worth $2million.</p><p>She also told E! presenter Giuliana Rancic why she refers to her Black Swan co-star Mila Kunis, who she shares a lesbian kiss with in the film, as 'sweet lips'.</p><p> </p><p>ActressNicole Kidman and her husband musician Keith Urban, who have recently welcomed a new addition to their family, their surrogate baby girl FaithMargaret</p><p>'It's very soft to kiss a girl,' Natalie told Giuliana.</p><p>Jane, who was wearing a Badgley Mischka design, said that her pregnancy is now becoming a reality to herafter entering her third trimester.</p><p> 'It's just becoming a reality,' she said. 'We're so excited.'<br></p><p> Speaking of cravings, she added: 'I haven't really had bizerko ones. I like to drink a lot of juice. Only good things for the baby.'</p><p>Bignames of the silver screen and TV lit up the red carpet in an array of colours, with sizzling reds, oranges and pinks proving a popular colour choice.<br></p><p>Luckily the rainy weather cleared up just in time as the celebs made their arrival at the Shrine Auditorium in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.</p><p>Leading ladies: Mad Men star January Jones went for black and gold, her co-star Christina Hendricks wore a plunging black gown split to the thigh and, right, actress Susan Sarandon dressed in regal purple </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Mila Kunis stole the limelight in a sizzling Alexander McQeen design, which she described as the most comfortable dress she has ever worn.</p><p>She also admitted that starring in Black Swan has changed her life.</p><p>Mila, who recently split from her long-time boyfriend McCauley Culkin, said: 'It's changed my life. It's all happened so fast and quickly. I'm so grateful for all of this.'</p><p></p><p>Takinga tumble: Actress Jennifer Lawrence got her bright pink dress caught inher towering heels as she negotiated the red carpet </p><p>Pretty in pink: While Jennifer opted for hot pink, Angie Harmon and Kate Mara went for subtler shades<br></p><p> </p><p>Looking all white: Glee cast members Heather Morris (in Romona Keveza) and Lea Michele (in Oscar de la Renta) and, right, Winona Ryder (in Alberta Ferretti)went for the neutral look<br></p><p>Modern Family star Sofia Vergara showed off her curves in a plunging blue gown, and behaved in her customary cheeky way.</p><p>Asked by Giuliana if she would changeanything about her body, she replied: 'I really have nothing to complain about, I've been very lucky.</p><p>'Sometimes I wish I was a size 8 and that I didn't have to go out with a bra. I have to strap everything. <br></p><p>Red carpet style: E! presenter Giuliana Rancic, The fighter actress Amy Adams and her co-star Melissa Leo in a stand out silver number<br></p><p> </p><p>'Women are never happy,' she joked.</p><p>Hilary Swank looked immaculate in a dress which wrapped tightly against her stomach.</p><p>She revealed that she works out for around an hour at least four times a week to keep in shape, saying that she really enjoys exercise.</p><p> </p><p>Colourful: Modern Family's Sarah Hyland,True Grit actress Hailee Steinfeld and Jayma Mays all opted for orange dresses with Hailee slipping into a patterned Prada mermaid-style gown<br></p><p>'When I work out I work out hard. It becomes something you miss if you don't do it. It's an endorphin rush. Inormally do an hour about four times a week.'</p><p>Nicole Kidman, who attended with husband Keith Urban, also spoke out about the birth of her surrogate daughter, Faith Margaret.</p><p>She said that Margaret was her grandmother's name, saying: 'She had her last child aged 49,' adding that they decided on the name Faith because the surrogacy journey 'required faith'.</p><p>Helena Bonham Carter arrived in a quirky black and white ensemble, and posed with Natalie Portman on the red carpet.</p><p> </p><p>Ladies in red: Mamma Mia actress Christine Baranski, The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies and Nurse Jackie actress Edie Falco<br></p><p> </p><p>Asked about her outlandish fashion sense, Helena joked: 'I'm here because I'm supposed to be able to act well, not dress well.'</p><p>Pink was another popular colour in the fashion stakes, with actress Jennifer Lawrence opting for a bright pink dress.</p><p>But she struggled to negotiate the red carpet in her towering black heels and nearly took a tumble at one point after getting her dress caught in the heel of her shoe.<br></p><p>Clare Danes, who donned a floral dress, brightened up her style with lashing of hot pink lipstick and wore her hair loose. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>A shade of blue: American TV host Nancy O'Dell, and actress Cara Buono and Glee's Dianna Agron donned intricate designs<br></p><p> </p><p>Looking dapper: Actors Jesse Eisenberg, Josh Pence, James Franco all looked smart in their suits<br></p><p> <br></p>?Why is fashion such a passion killer? <br><p>By <br>UPDATED:07:16 GMT, 1 September 2009</p><br>This season's creations may be on trend but if you're trying to attract a man - think again...<br><p>Fashion not sexy? Who am I kidding ..? If you've been out on a sunny day in the past week, you'll have waded through a fleshfest of tantalisingly exposed bosom, thigh, belly, back and every other erogenous zone imaginable.</p><p>And I can surely not deny that with skirts short and colours red hot, this season's High Street fashion is scoring full marks in the manpleasing stakes. <br></p><p>But that is not the kind of Fashion with a capital F that I am talking about. The kind that after more than 20 years of attending fashion shows and talking to buyers and designers, I can confidently brand as unappetising to the opposite sex.</p><p>As the late fashion historian Elizabeth Ewing noted, in the 20th century fashion went from being the 'special preserve of the privileged few, to the happy hunting ground of all', courtesy of mass production. <br></p><p>In this century, clothes - especially when bought by young women - are a potent force of self expression.</p><p>But once you push past the hordes in Topshop and Miss Selfridge, and examine the relationship between high-end designer fashion and big spending, grown-up women, then you discover that creating sexual allure with what you wear is considered a rather dirty thought.</p><p>This struck me the other night when I was getting dressed to go to a party. I decided it was time to unveil my newest purchase: a fashion-forward greige silk dress, very loose cut, with sleeves over the elbow and hem just skimming the knee.</p><p>Underneath was an elasticated tube sheath, which was hardly visible. To the untrained eye (ie my husband), it looked as if I was wearing a slightly modified chador, straight off the streets of Tehran.</p><p>Seeing the disappointment writ large on his face, I did something I usually wouldn't. I changed. I know he likes me in a pair of close-cut, dark denim, cropped jeans I recently bought in New York - as he tells me so virtually every time I wear them. <br></p><p>I topped them with a a front-buttoned white T-shirt and, just for fun, slipped on a pair of red patent, high-heeled peep-toes that had once had a tremendously positive response from a couple of male friends.</p><p>Part of me, I will admit, thought: is this a look that you are happy wearing to a low-key farewell party for friends moving to France? Is it not a little obvious, even tarty?</p><p>And another part of me thought: but I have just bought that dress. It's terribly New Season! I want to show off to my fashion-savvy friends.</p><p>But by the end of the party, the largest part of my brain was fizzing with this revelation: when are we women going to understand that too much pure fashion - as produced at the top end of the hierarchical fashion tree - just isn't sexy?</p><p>I am not saying that every last item in your wardrobe ought to be chosen with an eye on men's fantasy fashion league, but going to a party with a partner who likes what you're wearing is surely a more pleasing proposal than sticking to your fashion guns, come hell or high water.</p><p>And I had more than enough flattering comments and looks to make me acknowledge that I had made the right decision.</p><p>The incident reminded me rather sharply of when, as a fashion journalist and then a magazine editor, I used to attend the ready-to-wear shows in Paris, Milan, New York and London.</p><p>Despite the fact that hundreds of us were gathered together in glamorous locations to see young, half-naked women strutting around in not a lot of clothing, it was striking how little sex raised its head. There would have been more carnal thoughts at a convention of pigeon fanciers. <br></p><p>I consulted a fashion editor friend, Lisa Armstrong, with whom I once worked at Vogue: why did so much designer fashion seem opposed to giving women sex appeal?</p><p>'Very roughly, you could say that fashion falls into clothes to get you laid, and clothes that you wear for other women,' she said.</p><p>'In relation to the latter, there has been a real evolution in the time I have been working in fashion.</p><p>'In the Eighties, you were dressing to show you were successful and had status. Nowadays, the aim among many women is to show that you have a fantastic body.'</p><p>Several years ago, Lisa, a strikingly attractive woman in her mid-40s who favours feminine, pretty clothes, did a wardrobe swap with Vogue's current fashion features editor, Harriet Quick, whose look is more hard-edged and provocative.</p><p></p><p>'Previously, I had never knowingly dressed sexily - but I discovered that I liked it,' she said.</p><p>'It's not as if Harriet dresses tartily, but she just goes for it more than I do. Her outfits were fitted with more cleavage, for example. I loved wearing them in the evening, though I would never dress like that in the day.'</p><p>And what did her husband make of the transformation?</p><p>'He loved it, too - but he wouldn't want me to take it too far, I don't think. He likes the way I dress - I think he particularly likes me in Roland Mouret dresses, which are figure-defining. So he likes sexy, but not vulgar. I think most men would run a mile from a leopard-print mini with a plunging neckline.' <br></p><p>Jane de Teliga, editor of Club 21, a high fashion, travel and culture magazine, is not so sure.</p><p>'The truth is that women in the fashion world dress for other women in the fashion world. And designers - many of whom are gay men - are not looking to make women beautiful or sexy; they want to make them look amazing, which is not the same thing.'</p><p>Even some of the women who design fashion are uncaring about the desires of most heterosexual women,which is to look slim and attractive. <br></p><p>'Look at Miuccia Prada. When shesends a new look down the runway, it often appears downright ugly, andmy first thought would be: "Ohmigod, how does she expect anyone to wearthat?"</p><p></p><p>'But in another few months you learn to love it, because she is so tremendously influential.' </p><p>You have only to look at the way Mrs Prada dresses - dowdy skirts, loose-fitting shirts, clunky shoes and long, unkempt hair - to see she is opposed to the concept of sexy clothes. </p><p>'She is a bluestocking, arty, an intellectual. The women who follow her lead are classic early adopters. </p><p>'They want the rarity of wearing the very new, the original. </p><p>'They don't care about what other people - and that includes men - think of how they look.'</p><p>Lisa Armstrong acknowledges that Prada doesn't do 'straight' sexy,but something more akin to 'Grace Kelly-like ice maiden clothing'. <br></p><p>'Yes, it's prim on the surface, but you get this idea of a simmering sexpot underneath,' she says. </p><p>I re-examined my own cache of Prada dresses, built up over theyears. Jane had a point: they were quirky rather than beautiful;idiosyncratic rather than flattering. </p><p>The one I had considered to be a classic Fifties-style partydress now looks more like a child's party dress - there was littleindication of where my body lay under the stiff fabric. </p><p>Another favourite, a shirtwaister with colourful beading onthe collar, suddenly looked terribly school marmy - and, well, a ratherunflattering shade of mud. </p><p>To remind myself what actually is sexy, I turned to the lateDr Alex Comfort's famous book, The New Joy Of Sex. Obviously, he wasreferring to clothing in terms of bedroom activities, but many of themale 'releasers' (things that turn them on) remain the same whateverthe venue, whoever the woman. </p><p>'Anything that emphasises the breast and buttocks . . . orsimplifies the outline of the female . . . tight, shiny, black, withbuckles . . .' </p><p>I pulled out my only Dolce &amp; Gabbana dress from abouteight years ago - black, corsetted, not particularly low-cut at thefront, but exposing at the back and absolutely 'simplifying the outlineof the female' particularly in the buttocks area. Va-va-vooom! Whydon't I wear that more often? </p><p>Jane de Teliga had the answer: 'We're not really in that fashion cycle at the moment. When Gianni Versace sent Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista out in brilliantly coloured mini-dresses in the early Nineties, it reflected the way we felt about life. It was glorious, sexy, goddess-like. </p><p>'But this is not the era for sexy in fashion - maybe because of the economy, maybe because sex seems too common in the outside world.' </p><p>Another reason for designers of all stripes staying away from closely fitting shapes is that we are not all up to the scrutiny. </p><p>Since 1951, the average British woman's waist has increased by six inches, and fashion - designer and High Street - has reflected this with the rise and rise of the smock top and other loose-fitting items that are, as Jane de Teliga politely puts it, 'very handy for the podgy'. </p><p>But such clothes fly in the face of research on high waist-hip ratios (where the waist is 70 per cent of the hip circumference) being a strong point of female attraction for men across virtually all cultures. </p><p>Interestingly, Grazia - which sells itself as a 21st-century fashion must have magazine - takes the male viewpoint into consideration in its You The Fashion Jury section, in which celebrities' outfits are critiqued by experts, always including one man. </p><p>You can sense the bewilderment of the average man when faced with a fashion-forward outfit.</p><p> One such example that sticks in my mind was a picture of beyond-sexy supermodel Helena Christensen in a billowy dress. </p><p>How nice of Helena Christensen, hiding her incredible 40-year-old hotness under a saggy dress and shoes made from parcel tape,' said the male commentator. 'Just so mortal women don't get jealous.' </p><p>I'm not for a minute advocating that we all strap ourselves into Herve Leger bandage dresses and Christian Louboutin's most vertiginous ****-me shoes, but it is worth examining just how close a relationship you want to have with high fashion. </p><p>A new idea from a hot designer may look cutting edge on a teen-near-anorexic in a catwalk shot, or a Photoshopped picture in the glossies, but how it will look on you is surely the real question. </p><p>As Jane de Teliga said: 'I was once all fashioned-up for the shows and a male photographer - straight, of course - said: "You'll never get a boyfriend dressed like that!" And it was true. Because it wasn't meant to attract men, but to impress other women.' </p><p></p>?She discovered Twiggy, advised Jackie O and ruled fashion long before Anna Wintour: How Diana Vreeland was the original Devil Wears Prada<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:54 GMT, 10 August 2012 UPDATED:13:38 GMT, 13 August 2012</p><p>Diana Vreeland, who died in 1989, will forever be an unreachable enigma to the fashion world's younger crowd.</p><p>The former U.S. Vogue editor, where she held tenure from 1962-1972, ruled the industry before Anna Wintour, discovered Twiggy, advised Jackie O and proclaimed herself as 'the one and only fashion editor.'</p><p>Now, in the first feature-length documentary film devoted to her life and work, the late Vreeland comes alive for a generation who never had an opportunity to experience one of the most influential women of the 20th century - even from afar.</p><p>Scroll down for video<br></p><p>The Eye Has to Travel explores her intriguing early years from a society lady who invented a new profession - the fashion editor - to her time defining the look of both Harper&#8217;s Bazaar, from 1936 to 1962, and then American Vogue.</p><p></p><p>Using Vreeland's distinctive voice, from old TV interviews and soundbites, as the framework for the film, director Lisa Immordino uses commentary from Ali McGraw, who was her assistant at one point at Harper&#8217;s Bazaar, to Anjelica Huston, Anna Sui, Manolo Blahnik, Lauren Hutton and Diana von Furstenberg.</p><p>Through their anecdotal stories and first hand experiences about what it was like to work with the inspiring editor, the lighthearted yet informative documentary creates a series of poignant moments with plenty of fireball quotes.</p><p> </p><p>Vreeland is seen saying, deadpan, during the film: 'You can see the approaching revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.' <br></p><p>In1946, she is seen commenting that 'the bikini is the most important thing since the atom bomb,' and nearly 40 years later, in 1984, she explained with a similar seriousness how she saw fashion magazines while she was writing her autobiography. <br></p><p>'What these magazines gave was a point of view. Most people haven't got a point of view; they need to have it given to them,' she said.</p><p>American womenswear designer, Anna Sui, says in the film: 'Mrs Vreeland really brought us into a modern period, and knew that fashion and the world were on their way to something much more global.'</p><p>AnjelicaHuston, who was discovered in the Sixties during Vreeland's helm at Vogue, adds: 'She made it okay for women to be outlandish and extraordinary'.<br></p><p>Interviews with family members, including her sons Tim and Frecky, and her grandsons Nicky and Alexander (the husband of the film's director), offer some of the most poignant moments in the film - like watching the reaction of Vreeland&#8217;s great-granddaughter as Ms Immordino reads some of the editor&#8217;s 'Why Don&#8217;t You' missives from her early years at Harper&#8217;s Bazaar</p><p>From1937 until her resignation at the magazine, Vreeland ran the column 'Why Don't You?' with suggestions like: 'Why don't you.... Turn your child into an Infanta for a fancy-dress party?'</p><p>Accordingto Vreeland, 'The one that seemed to cause the most attention was "Why Don't You wash your blond child's hair in dead champagne, as they do in France."' <br></p><p>She explains how S.J. Perelman wrote a parody of it for the New Yorker magazine that outraged her then Harper'sBazaar editor Carmel Snow.</p><p>'She really revolutionized social history... This is not just about fashion, this is a portrait of the twentieth century,' said the director, Ms Immordino, in an interview with Vogue Italia. </p><p> </p><p>The documentary is set to bring Vreeland's compelling storyto a wider audience, beyond the young fashionistas who until now couldonly naively imagine the effect she really had the world's view of fashion.<br></p><p>Ms Immordino added: 'I strongly believe that the legacy Mrs. Vreeland left behind is extremely strong and deep, and goes beyond being a &#8220;mere&#8221; fashion revolutionary: she really helped change social history and emancipated women.'</p><p>Scheduled to be released this fall on September 21, the documentary coincides with Vreeland being honoured with a plaqueon the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. <br></p><p>The legendary editor is the 19th figure to receive the honour - but the first ever editorial recipient, and will join fellow honourees Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace and Grace Kelly.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>?Sorry chaps, but shoes ARE sexier than men! (And I should know, I've got 700 pairs)<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:07:50 GMT, 16 December 2009<br><br></p><p>When a survey revealed that shoes have a greater hold over theaverage woman's heart than men do, I wasn't at all surprised.Absolutely nothing gets between me and my precious shoes - not evenbroken bones. </p><p>Last November, I fell off a cliff in Spain when I was rockclimbing and wound up with my leg in plaster, but there was no way thatI was going to let that stop me going to the Jimmy Choo sale. So Ipopped in on my way back from a hospital check-up - and bought fivepairs. </p><p>This year, having booked in to get my wisdom teeth taken out,I've discovered that their sale starts on the same day. I've instructedmy mother that the minute I'm discharged, she's to wheel me straightover to the shop, even if I am still woozy from the anaesthetic. <br></p><p>I just love my Jimmy Choos, and could not bear to part with any of them. They're the one thing I'd save if my house was burning down. </p><p>I've lost count of how many pairs of shoes I have, but there areprobably 300 pairs at my house in London and another 400 pairs storedat my parents' house in the country.</p><p> I love the way that they are alllike individual pieces of art that represent different eras of my life.</p><p>As for why women assign more importance to them than they do tomen, I think it's simple. Shoes don't care if you've gained a fewpounds or haven't washed your hair; they're always going to fit you,however frumpy you're feeling. </p><p>And you can totally transform yourpersonality and mood by changing your shoes. Unlike men, they come witha feel-good guarantee. <br></p><p></p><p>Put on a pair of toweringspiky-heeled stilettos and you're putting on a bit of Angelina Jolie.Pull on a pair of over-the-knee boots and you can conquer the world.Slip into some ballet flats and you're cute, girly and adorable. </p><p>The other thing about shoes is that they're a very selfish addiction. Men might appreciate them, and women might admire them, but they are so totally personal.</p><p>Shoe queen: Hannah spends time with some of her best friends<br></p><p> They're yours and yours alone -your own little treasure. While women might share clothes, very fewwill share their footwear. They become moulded to you; a part of you,even. </p><p>That's why men, who seeshoes as purely functional, will never understand the emotionalrelationship that women have with their shoes. They say that there's aspecial relationship between a man and his dog that is rooted inloyalty and love. The same is true when it comes to women and theirshoes. </p><p>Shoes will never talkback to you, they'll unquestioningly go anywhere with you, and they'reabsolutely guaranteed to make you feel amazing. </p><p>Some women might argue that their shoes betray them, but that's only the case if you don't choose them very carefully. </p><p>I always buy shoes that fit me perfectly, because if they pinch you it shows - in your face and in your behaviour. <br></p><p>An ill-fitting pair of shoes is likebeing with a really attractive man who treats you badly. Ultimately,they won't make you happy. Shoes have got to look and feel fabulous. <br></p><p>I recall buying everysingle pair of shoes that I own. They're not just shoes, they're likelittle art installations, creating an immediate impact. It's likehaving your own little Saatchi Gallery. </p><p>In London, I keep my shoes onshelves in a secret wardrobe behind my clothes. They're all beautifullyarranged in their original boxes, with a photo on the front foridentification purposes. <br></p><p>They're treated like princesses. Ipierce the boxes so that air can circulate, and they regularly getre-soled and re-heeled, brushed if they're suede, and fed with Vaselineif they're patent leather. </p><p>I think shoes are grown-up candy. When you're a child, you go into a sweet shop and are totally awestruck by what's around you. You get all wide-eyed and lightheaded. For me, that's what it's like going into a shoe shop - a complete, thrilling headrush. </p><p>I bought my first ever pair of heels for myself when I was 13. I grew up in Cornwall and, I remember, was round at a friend's house flicking through a catalogue from River Island when I fell in love with a pair of strappy open-toed turquoise things with crystals on the front and a circular metallic heel. </p><p>My friend was going to Plymouth and I asked her to buy them for me. They were my dream shoes, my first pair of heels. When I went out, I used to sneak them out of the house and change into them. </p><p>My first pair of designer shoes were a 17th birthday present from my mum. A pair of Gucci shoes from Harrods - jet black stilettos with a pointy toe, the sort of thing Carla Bruni would wear. I wore them to every single 18th birthday party and ball until they almost fell apart. I really felt I had struck gold. </p><p>The most expensive pair of shoes I own are Prada, with little diamonds up the heel. They're a faux snakeskin and grey satin, and so beautiful that I've barely worn them, because I couldn't bear it if anything happened to them. </p><p>They cost about £600, but I hardly ever pay full price for my shoes. I'm a canny bargain hunter and look on eBay, in second-hand shops and in the sales. </p><p>I couldn't pick my favourites, but they all have a story. <br></p><p>There are the Gina shoes my mum gave me when I had my first book published, the boots my boyfriend bought me in Argentina, and the Jimmy Choos I was wearing when Michael Jackson taught me to moonwalk. </p><p>Whether it's running 250 km endurance marathons in China, as I did last year, or walking down the red carpet, my feet do some distance, and my fabulous shoes are always there to help. </p><p>Can any woman honestly say that of a man? I'm not so sure. <br></p><p>AND HERE ARE MY TOP 12 :</p><p> </p><p> <br></p><p></p>?Speed read: Get sparkly in super-sized sequins<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:13:05 GMT, 22 December 2011</p><br><p>Your turkey&#8217;s ready for collection, the gifts are wrapped, but you&#8217;re standing in front of your wardrobe feeling utterly uninspired when it comes to a festive look that&#8217;s a bit special. </p><p>The answer is paillettes, a word you might not have heard before. It&#8217;s French for &#8216;spangle&#8217; and refers to over-sized sequins. </p><p>They were scattered all over the catwalk at Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and Prada. The High Street has been quick to scoop up the look with Hobbs and Marks &amp; Spencer leading the pack. <br></p><p>Paillettes lift an outfit with a bit of glitz, but make sure you commit to only one sparkly item per outfit or risk being more Little Mermaid than Christmas belle.</p>HOW TO WEAR<p> </p>SHOPPING LIST<p> </p><p> <br></p>?SPEED READThe Brooke Shields 'power brow' is back!<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:52 GMT, 30 September 2010</p><p>The power brow is back! The fuller arch was unleashed at the autumn/winter Prada, Dolce &amp; Gabbana and Calvin Klein shows, where make-up artists accentuated models' eyebrows to make them bolder. <br></p><p>This runway trend has already made an impact, with stars such as Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson embracing the well-endowed brow, reminiscent of Brooke Shields in the Eighties.</p><p>Thicker arches add structure to the face, draw attention to the eyes and take years off your appearance. So pack away your tweezers and let your brows blossom.</p><p>GET THE LOOK</p><p>SHOPPING LIST </p><br>?Speed read: Thigh's the limit with this season's boots<p>By <br>UPDATED:06:42 GMT, 15 October 2009<br></p><p>From gaiters at Prada to Stella McCartney, whose perforated pair (in faux leather, of course) looked like a pair of patterned tights, there were so many pairs of thigh high boots striding down the catwalks this season, they could have kitted out every lap-dancer in Amsterdam.</p><p>But the hottest footwear around ishardly new. In the 16th and 17th centuries, horseback riders andsoldiers wore thigh-length boots that fastened with laces and protectedthe knees and lower legs - think d&#8217;Artagnan and his Three Musketeers.</p><p>However it wasn&#8217;t until the early 1960sthat they became a full-fledged fashion statement, popping up infashion shows across Paris. <br></p><p>From there it was a short leap to thescreen - Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg in The Avengers popularised thelook, with a little help from Jane Fonda's Barbarella. </p><p>But for many, the patron saint of the thigh boot - on celluloid at least - remains Julia Roberts in the 1990 film Pretty Woman.<br></p><p>This season, though, it&#8217;s time to forget the thigh-boot's less than salubrious associations, because even if you&#8217;re not going to be wearing them, everyone else is. <br></p><p>Madonna (Louis Vuitton), Rihanna (Chloe) and Rachel Weisz (Alexander McQueen) have already stepped up to the mark - will you be following in their footsteps?<br><br>HOW TO GET THE LOOK</p><p>Vice style - hard to pull off without looking like a regular at an S&amp;M club but if you&#8217;re young and skinny, like Rihanna or VB, try skintight high boots with one of this season micro-mini dresses.</p><p>Sky high: Rhianna, left, Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada, and Kate Moss, right rocking the trend<br></p><p>Super-smart style - remember Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada? Wear very high tight boots like tights with a demure skirt and preppy blazer<br></p><p>Super-casual style - if you&#8217;re scared of this trend, ease yourself into it with skinny jeans and a pair of flat thigh boots with a top that can be folded over so they&#8217;re over the knee but not quite thigh high.</p><p></p><p>SHOPPING CHECKLIST</p><p></p>?Spring 2009 fashion special: Hot hats and <br>geek chic<p>By <br>UPDATED:20:00 GMT, 7 March 2009<br></p>From the trilby to the boater, it&#8217;s the only way to top your lookClick on an image for details <br><br><br> <br> <p> <br></p><p> </p> <br><p><br> </p><br> <p></p><p> </p>?LIZ JONES FASHION THERAPYStripes are everywhere this Spring, but go too far and you'll look like Beryl the Peril...<p></p><p>By <br>UPDATED:15:29 GMT, 26 January 2011</p><br><p>There are lots of key trends for spring: Seventies florals and fringing, and even eye-popping fluorescent colours. </p><p>Pleats of every kind, from box to accordion to sunray, will be everywhere, as will the sort of boyish, androgynous, slouchy dressing beloved of singer Patti Smith &#8212; and me. </p><p>Great big blousy f-loral prints, as seen so beautifully on the London catwalk at Erdem, will cheer up summer, while last year&#8217;s sheer and floaty maxi will still look fresh come the warm weather. </p><p>But there is one spring/summer trend that looks poised to surpass them all: stripes. </p><p>Unless you are petite, or tall and thin, stripes can add pounds. It is a very obvious print, too: you either love it or hate it. </p><p>I am not a print person. Looking through my wardrobe, there is not one print to be seen, just black, cream, ecru and, my new favourite colour, truffle. </p><p>I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve worn a stripe since I was six years old. But this is one print that will be hard to avoid this summer. </p><p>My favourite designer, -Miuccia Prada, showed stripes in orange, lime, pink and canary for spring, in wildly clashing combinations and varying widths. </p><p>Stripes featured heavily at Celine under Phoebe Philo: her stripes were blockier, and teamed with white, a really fresh, new look that is bound to be copied. </p><p>Marc Jacobs and Moschino showed stripes worn as full skirts, teamed with floral prints: if you are brave, wearing stripes with another print can look wonderful.</p><p>How would the print phobic tentatively begin to wear stripes? A simple navy and white Breton sweater has been fashionable since Coco Chanel wore one in the -Twenties, and there are lots on the High Street this spring. It looks fabulous under a navy blazer: I love Zara&#8217;s wool -version (£70), which is long over the bottom &#8212; this summer&#8217;s -forgiving new shape. </p><p>A gently pleated skirt with a horizontal stripe is pretty, but I&#8217;d avoid this look unless you have a tiny waist. </p><p>A crisp navy and white stripe is one way of nodding towards the nautical trend this spring, rather than going the whole hog with anchors and deckshoes (as a child, I once sewed a fabric anchor on to my navy loons, which shows you how long all things sailor have been in and out of fashion). </p><p>I really love stripes used in evening wear, as in a gorgeous horizontally striped skirt by Jil Sander, although you&#8217;d need to be 6ft to carry it off. <br></p><p></p><p>How not to wear stripes? Though there are many designer stripes around this spring &#8212; I love Moschino&#8217;s sunray pleated red and white striped skirt &#8212; I would stick to the High Street because it&#8217;s a trend that will not survive beyond this summer. </p><p>Whatever you do, don&#8217;t think that a striped rugby shirt will pass muster. It won&#8217;t. This is a garment that needs to be banned. And avoid green and white stripes, a combination that reeks of oral hygiene. </p><p>My main gripe with the stripe, though, is that it is just not sexy. </p><p>It can be smart (there are some lovely versions at Laura Ashley), and will make sure you stand out from the crowd, but a quick vox pop among my male friends is that stripes are too busy, too &#8216;fashion&#8217; for their liking and, as one man put it, &#8216;too Beryl the Peril&#8217;. </p><p>But as Beryl was always one of my role models while growing up, known for her feisty tomboyishness and can-do attitude, that comparison has just made me like stripes a whole lot more.</p>MY SIX TOP STRIPEY HIGH STREET BUYS<p> </p><p>From left: This orange drop waist dress by Dorothy Perkins, £30, is very flattering, Very has a pale pink striped dress in a soft knit, £35, very.co.uk and striped jersey dress, £40, asos.com<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>From left: I really like this grey and black Warehouse maxi, £65, I love this graphic Diane von Furstenberg<br>wrap dress, £313, and striped boat-neck sweater by Jaeger, was £99, now £49 in the sale<br></p>?'It was the way the light hit the carcass': Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt pictured for the first time at their wedding as they reveal meaty courtship<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:15:43 GMT, 4 October 2012 UPDATED:21:29 GMT, 4 October 2012</p><p>Their wedding was an intimate and romantic affair with all their A-list friends and family in attendance.<br></p><p>But when it came to their courtship, it was a rather more bloody beginning for Hollywood star Stanley Tucci and his new bride Felicity Blunt.<br></p><p>The couple, who look blissfully happy in the first picture released of their wedding last weekend, have revealed how they bonded over a mutual love of butchery.</p><p> </p><p>They told the howthey used to stay in an apartment above top Notting Hill restaurant TheLedbury and reminisced over how they once retreated there with two unpluckedpheasants the chef had given them.</p><p>For 90 minutes the lovebirds were united as they plucked fathers from the dead birds.</p><p></p><p>Andwhen Felicity, 31, visited Stanley's home, they got a 26-pound sucklingpig to roast and together used various household tools to sever its head before wrestling it onto a spit. <br></p><p> </p><p>The literary agent said: 'Itwas like Lord of the Flies, as Stanley, 51, recalled how he he found her in the kitchen the morning after, in her bathrobe, using her bare hands to tear cold flesh from the piglet for a platter of leftover pork.</p><p>'How can you not fall in love with a woman like that?' he asked. <br></p><p>'It was the way the light hit the carcass,' Felicity replied.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>When Stanley's parents joined them toprepare a feast from his self-penned cookery tome, aptly called The Tucci Cookbook, Felicity was assigned the filleting of the branzino - the seabass.<br></p><p>Her in-laws complimented her on her deft knife work and she joked: 'That&#8217;s what I&#8217;m bringing to the marriage. Butchery.'</p><p>After quietly and privately marrying several weeks ago, the couple exchanged vows for a second time last weekend with the bride dressed in a custom-designed Nanette Lepore wedding gown.</p><p> Her famous sister Emily, was her bridesmaid, along with youngest sister Suzie Blunt and friend Amy Dixon,who all wore near-matching white dresses also designed by Nanette.</p><p>Thedesigner, who was also in attendance, joined a star-studded guest list which included Stanley and Emily's fellow Devil Wears Prada co-star, Oscar winner Meryl Streep, Patricia Clarkson, Julianne Moore, Colin Firth and Kenneth Cole.</p><p>Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi acted as best man for the wedding, held at London's Middle Temple Hall, and then the restaurant L&#8217;Anima.</p><p>It was Emily who introduced her sister to Stanley several years after they worked together on The Devil Wears Prada.</p><p>And as a surprise, the newlyweds were presented with a wedding cake made out of wheels of cheese.</p><p>Last Friday, Stanley was seen beaming standing outside pre-wedding celebrations at Shoreditch House in East London with a drink in hand, with Emily and her husband, Office star John Krasinski.<br></p><p>This is Stanley's second marriage. His first wife, Kate, with whom he had three children, died from breast cancer in 2009.</p><p></p>?Emily Blunt's sister 'gets engaged to The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci' (after actress set them up)<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:18:13 GMT, 4 November 2011</p><p></p><p>Stanley Tucci is engaged to marry his former co-star's sister, according to reports.</p><p>The 50-year-old actor, who starred in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, has found love with Emily Blunt's older sister, Felicity, 31.</p><p>British actress Emily recently played matchmaker and set up Felicity - who works at a London based literary agency - on a date with Tucci.</p><p>'Stanley is very happy with her,' a source told Us Weekly. <br></p><p>'Emily loved Stanley on the set of Devil, and just thought they would hit it off, so she set them up,' the source added, adding that Tucci has been making frequent visits to London to spend time with her.</p><p>The news comes more than two years after Tucci's first wife Kate lost her battle to cancer back in April 2009. <br></p><p>They had three children together - twins Isabel and Nicolo, 11, and Camilla, nine. <br></p><p>On Tuesday Tucci and Blunt were spotted together at the afterparty for the film Rampart.</p><p>At the event, held at the Mondrian Soho in Downtown New York, the couple appeared blissfully happy and Felicity showed off a sparkling engagement ring.</p><p>Other VIP guests included Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor, Grace Gummer, Billy Crudup and director Abel Ferrara.</p><p>'They looked completely content together,' an observer revealed.</p><p>Tucci also does voice work for audio books and so shares a literary passion with his new fiancee.</p><p>'It hasn't been easy for him getting into a new relationship,' the insider said. 'But Felicity is a lovely person andvery warm and comforting.'</p>?Strictly stylish Tess Daly turns heads with her pregnancy chic at fashion party <p>By <br> UPDATED:13:31 GMT, 17 February 2009<br><br> </p><p>She may be five months pregnant, but Tess Daly isn't going to dump her stylish wardrobe for maternity frocks any time soon.</p><p>The 37-year-old presenter is expecting her second child with husband Vernon Kay and is determined to remain stylish throughout her pregnancy.<br></p><p>In contrast to the floor-length, sequinned gowns she wears in Strictly Come Dancing, Tess looked chic as she stepped out at a fashion party in London last night.<br></p> <p>Strictly stylish: Tess Daly looked chic in a green baby doll dress concealing her five-month pregnancy at a party at the Prada store in London last night</p> <p>Attending the Iconoclasts Prada party in the designer's Old Bond Street boutique, Tess looked subtly stylish in a green patterned baby doll dress, grey blazer and purple high heels.</p><p>The Mancunian beauty completed her look with a grey and black clutch bag and black fascinator in her hair.<br></p><p>The former model, who writes a weekly style column for a newspaper, is expecting a sibling for her four-year-old daughter Phoebe in the early summer.</p><p>Tess spent weeks denying her pregnancy last year after the flowing gowns she wore on Strictly highlighted her growing belly.</p> <p>Best foot forward: Tess looked effortlessly chic in her outfit which she accessorised with grey blazer, fascinator, and purple shoes<br></p><p>She finally confirmed she was pregnant in December, saying: 'We are over the moon at the prospect of a new addition to our family. We're very much looking forward to having a brother or a sister for Phoebe to play with.'</p><p>The pretty presenter admitted her daughter had been begging her famous parents for a sibling, but recently changed her mind and would prefer a cat.</p><p>She said: 'I'm happy about another baby. Phoebe used to ask us for a brother or sister, but recently she's started asking us for a cat.</p><p>'Being a working mum is hard for any woman, but I make sure I'm there to tuck her in at night whenever I can.'</p><p>Tess and Vernon married in 2003 and live in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire.</p> <p>Usual style: Tess, pictured with husband Vernon Kay, is normally seen in floor-length gowns on Strictly Come Dancing</p> <p><br></p> <p> </p>?Suited and welly-booted: Prada's brave and beautiful collection takes inspiration from the riverbank <br><p>By </p><p>UPDATED:15:03 GMT, 2 March 2009</p><p>Miuccia Prada is well known for finding inspiration in places where most designers fear to tread. For autumn 2009, she went down to the riverbank, cast her net wide and came up with a collection that was brave and beautiful.</p><p>Granted, thigh-high green waders might not be top of anyone's wish list for winter, but these weren't just any waders: they were deluxe and moss green in butter-soft nappa leather.</p><p>Along with tobacco-brown belted tweed coats and ribbed fisherman's jumpers, they lent the collection a wholesome, outdoorsy feel quite at odds with the current Eighties love-in in Milan.</p> <p> </p><p>Put the boot in: Deluxe waders in butter-soft nappa leather stole the show at Prada's Autumn/Winter 2009 collection In Milan yesterday<br></p><p>'It was time for some fresh air,' said Prada after the show, saying she wanted to do a take on outside living. 'City girl glamour - that's not about feeling alive.'</p><p>It is an indication of how crazy fashion has become that the humble suit should suddenly seem so radical. But as suit after neat woollen suit came down the catwalk, radical is what they looked.</p><p> </p><p>A collective sigh of 'phew - so this is what we've been missing all these months' could almost be heard as the audience made a mental note to ditch wet-look leggings at last.</p><p>'Strong, beautiful, serious,' Prada added. 'I wanted the idea of something more structured. Women will always need suits.'</p> <p> </p><p>Eveningwear: Clever slits revealed inches of flesh to prevent the show from becoming too dowdy<br></p><p>Being Prada suits, they had subtle surprises: panelled skirts that parted when the models walked, revealing ribbed pants underneath. As a counterpoint to the heavy tweeds and thick, lustrous velvets, there was always enough flesh on display to ensure the clothes remained seductive.</p><p>In addition to double-breasted coats in red leather or brown flock velvet, another key piece was the V-neck dress, worn equally low at the front and back, in a combination of velvet and tweed.</p> <p>Wholesome: Prada's collection combined traditional fabrics such as tweed and velvet with a modern twist</p><p>For evening, there were grey flannel shift dresses embroidered with crystal flowers. Brown and burgundy flapper dresses, their skirts shimmying strips of leather emboldened with still more crystals, looked wonderfully modern. </p><p>A standout collection for which Prada customers should fall hook, line and sinker.</p><p> </p> <br><br>?Sunscreen for wet skin and an anti-aging cream that ACTUALLY works... Beauty industry awards reveal ultimate products <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:21:45 GMT, 5 June 2012 UPDATED:22:18 GMT, 5 June 2012</p><br><p>A cream that tightens your neck beyond gravity's pull has won the best moisturiser award for 2012, and after a four week trial, 100per cent of women said it works.<br></p><p>The $89 pot of StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream was one of 149 finalists in the Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards, where 4,500 judges tested products, comparing their scientific worth and price.</p><p>From a Neutrogena sunscreen made for wet skin to a Sally Hansen innovative and cheap manicure short-cut, the top 22 buys on the market were hand-picked by industry professionals. <br></p><p></p><p> </p><p>Innovation is key: Estee Lauder won best prestige eye-treatment (left), Sally Hansen's Salon Effects wonthe nail product award (middle) and Neutrogena was rated for its smart and effective sunblock (right)<br></p><p>Both prestige and mass-market products were trialed for the awards, which unearthed top-rated interesting, and effective beauty finds.</p><p></p><p>Carlotta Jacobsen, the president of Cosmetic Executive Women Inc, revealed the anti-aging prestige winner on the show, a $225 Shiseido serum.<br></p><p>She said: 'The Shiseido Cosmetics Future Solution's Serum is a breakthrough product.</p><p>Hair raising: Best haircare items went to Ojon Instant Restorative Hair Serum (left), Rita Hazan Temporary Color Root Concealer (middle) and Bumble and Bumble Texture (right) for the winning styling product<br></p><p>'They discovered there is a molecule in the skin that ages the skin, and this has something to counteract that. It has been years in research,' she added.</p><p>According to the awards, the serum decreases the amount of skin-damaging protein, Serpin B3, that accelerates aging, while also preventing cellular damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.</p><p>Meanwhile, the best mass anti-aging product was $200 cheaper, at $24.99.</p><p>The L'Oreal Youth Code Serum is said to improve texture and tone after one week. Its dermatologist-tested, non-greasy formula contains light diffusing micro-pearls which, according to the judges, works to restore the skin's luminosity.</p><p> </p><p>It's in the eyes: Clinique (left) won best eye make-up product for its innovative lower-lash mascara, L'Oreal won another mass-market award for its False Fiber Lashes (middle), and Garnier won mass eye treatment<br></p><p>Moisturiser was another hot topic for Ms Jacobsen, who praised the prestige winning product.</p><p>She said the $89 StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream immediately tightens skin and delivers long-term skin firming benefits, according to the National Purchase Diary Research Group.</p><p>Ms Jacobsen said: 'For the neck, you need moisture but also something that firms the crepey skin.'</p><p>And in a consumer study, 100per cent of women reported a change in their neck after four weeks of use. <br></p><p>Howeverfor a cheaper alternative, the winning mass-market moisturiser went to RoC's Multi Correxion Lift Anti-Gravity with SPF 30.</p><p>It reportedly fights signs of aging caused by the downward pull of gravity on the skin, leaving facial contouring more defined.</p><p>Body magic: The bath and body prestige award wet to Shiseido's Replenishing Body Cream (left), the best scrub was Fresh Sugar Lip Polish (middle) and the bath and body mass-market award was given to Burt&#8217;s Bees</p><p> </p><p>Ms Jacobsen, who was sporting what looked like a costly and time-consuming nail-art manicure, revealed that thebeauty accessories winner was her favourite.</p><p>Revealing the Sally Hansen SalonEffects Nail Polish Strips, she said: 'These are my nails! They're so easy to put on, you peel them and it's real nail polish.' <br></p><p>The $9.99 product lasts up to 10 days, giving an easy and affordable alternative option to nail-art manicures.</p><p>For eye make-up, both the prestige and mass-market winners were relatively the same price.</p><p>Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara won the prestige award for $10, its micro-mini brush engineered to get to the smallest lower lashes with a 'no-smear' formula.<br></p><p>It aims to enhance smaller, more delicate lower lashes for a naturally wide-eyed look, and lasts up to 24 hours.<br></p><p>L'Oreal's Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara was the mass winner at $8.95.</p><p>Apparently it blends two sculpting fibers to give a professionally-applied 'false eyelash look'.<br></p><p>During application, the brush turns in several different directions to optimize each coat, laying fibers along the lash instead of against it like most fiber mascaras, without hardening or flaking.<br></p><p>And an innovative Wet Skin Sunblock Spray from Neutrogena won the sun-care category.</p><p>For $11.99, the SPF 50 product is the first broad spectrum sunscreen (filtering out both UVA and UVAB rays) specifically made to be applied to wet, sweaty, or humid skin.<br></p><p>Apparently it cuts through water to form a protective barrier in wet and dry conditions, without turning white on application.</p><p>Other less beauty-focused awards included both men's and women's perfumes.</p><p>The winner of the best women&#8217;s scent in the prestige category went to Prada Candy Eau de Parfum Spray, while the mass winner was Coty Beauty Heidi Klum Shine.</p><p></p>?Poolside posing: Caps aren't just for swimming this summer<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:01:14 GMT, 19 May 2011</p><br><p>Ever since Keira Knightley made a swimming cap look fabulous in Atonement, the accessory has never come off the fashion radar - and this year it's set to be all the rage for the winter season.</p><p>Prada, Marc Jacobs and Victoria Beckham have taken inspiration from the Fifties and used this retro item on their catwalks. But it would seem the caps are not strictly for swimming, given they are made from leather, wool and even snakeskin.</p><p>The good news for fashionistas is that you don't have to wait until winter to try out this trend, as caps are the perfect accompaniment for one of summer's hottest trends - retro swimwear. Bring on poolside posing...</p><p>HOW TO WEAR</p><p></p><p>SHOPPING LIST</p><p> <br></p><p></p>?'Anyone in need of a human feather duster?' Tali Lennox looks pristine as she leaves Royal Academy Exhibition in ostrich dress <br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:08:06 GMT, 31 May 2012 UPDATED:09:25 GMT, 31 May 2012</p><p>It may not have been the ideal outfit for a hot Spring day but Tali Lennox still managed to look good in feathers.<br></p><p>The 19-year-old model appeared fresh-faced and pristine as she emerged from the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition VIP View.<br></p><p>Wearing a short cream ostrich feathered dress which featured an enormous collar, the brunette looked just as good as she had a few hours earlier when she posed on the red carpet.</p><p> </p><p>As she made her way to her waiting vehicle wearing a pair of white heels, Tali smiled for the cameras and even used the opportunity to show off her catwalk strut.<br></p><p>The teenager had even poked fun at her choice of attire earlier on in the day by posting a photo of her wearing the dress on Twitter with the caption: 'Anyone in need of a human feather duster?'</p><p>Tali - who is the daughter of singer Annie Lennox - also carried an unusual silver and gold clutch bag while ensuring her lipgloss was perfectly in place.</p><p> Another star who left the event looking just as good as when she had arrived was Donna Air.<br></p><p>The 32-year-old presenter wore a floaty hot pink dress with a pair of stand-out designer shoes.<br></p><p>The Prada heels featured silver straps with red lips and cigarettes and retail at almost £600.</p><p> </p><p>The mother-of-one wore her blonde hair up in a chic bun and completed her look with silver hoop earrings. <br></p><p>Alexa Chung left the building with a huge grin on her face too.<br></p><p>The TV presenter had arrived wearing a black and white shift dress that looked like it had come straight from the Sixties.<br></p><p>She also managed to keep her outfit in tact and teamed it with black heels and a flamingo-print clutch bag.<br></p><p>Model Jerry Hall failed to pre-order her ride home and was spotted standing in the road as she tried to hail a cab.<br></p><p>The 55-year-old wore a black, white and green print dress and may have been feeling the cold as she wrapped a black shawl over her shoulders. <br></p><p><br></p><p></p>?The $1million-a-week cocaine dealers with 100 pairs of Prada shoes and 100 Rolex watches<br><p>By <br> Last updated at 12:14 PM on 03rd June 2008</p> <p>A couple ran a $1million a-week cocaine smuggling ring from their fortress-like home amassed so many luxury goods that the wife needed photos to keep track of her 100 pairs of Prada shoes.</p><p>Vicente Esteves, 35, and his wife, Chantal, 30, were arrested on conspiracy and money laundering charges after a 14-month investigation, federal and county officials said.</p><p>Fortress: The exterior of the home owned by Vicente and Chantal Esteves in Manalapan, New Jersey</p><p>The operation used commercial airline flights to move drugs from Mexico and Colombia into the United States and to send millions of dollars back, investigators said.</p><p>Authorities also described the opulent lifestyle the couple led behind the gates of their home in New Jersey horse country.<br></p><p>The couple "attempted to hide behind the beauty of suburbia," said Gerard McAleer, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey office.<br></p><p>"It's like something out of the movie 'Scarface,"' McAleer said. "They had walk-in closets where there were 100 pairs of Prada shoes, still in the boxes. There were so many they had Polaroid photos taped to the boxes to keep track of them.<br></p><p>"There were also 100 Rolex watches," McAleer said. "I'm not sure Donald Trump has 100 Rolex watches. That's the kind of money that was being made."<br></p><p>The investigation began last year when the DEA got a tip that a large-scale drug ring was operating out of Manalapan, an enclave of wealthy homeowners, many of whom had fled the urban ills of New York or northern New Jersey.<br></p><p>The cocaine wound up in New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and other states, authorities said. <br></p><p>To launder the proceeds, Vicente Esteves used two real estate companies that had no legitimate business, Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin said.<br></p><p>Seven people have been arrested so far, and the case is ongoing, investigators said. One of the defendants was arrested Friday with £50,000 in cash aboard a commercial flight preparing to depart Newark for Miami, authorities said.</p><p>None of the defendants had retained a lawyer as of Monday afternoon, according to the prosecutor's office.<br></p><p>All told, authorities said they seized 150lbs of cocaine with a street value of £1million plus another £1million in cash.<br></p><p>Vicente Esteves was being held on £5 million bail, his wife on £2.5 million. Each could get 30 years if convicted.</p> <p> </p>?'The big influence was Jackie Kennedy': How Mad Men's Betty has been given a brand new look<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:29 GMT, 19 March 2012 UPDATED:22:29 GMT, 19 March 2012</p><br><p>Betty Draper's cupcake skirts and pearls turned the Fifties housewife look into a style revolution. Now, however, as politician's wife Betty Francis, it seems Mad Men's resident ice queen is getting a whole new look.</p><p>Costume designer Janie Bryant and January Jones, who plays the character, told how Betty is set to move away from the pretty Grace Kelly-inspired looks that dominated the first four seasons, and will instead evoke Jackie Kennedy's powerful, clean-cut style for season five.</p><p>In an interview with ABC News to promote the hit show's fifth season which starts on Sunday, they discussed how Betty's divorce from dapper Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, was a major turning point for her style. </p><p> </p><p>Ms Bryant said she transformed Betty's image from the frothy Fifties dresses she wore as Don's wife, intomore streamlined silhouettes as a pencil skirt-wearing politician's wife after she marriedHenry Francis.<br></p><p>'The big influence for me, for Betty&#8217;scharacter, then was Jackie Kennedy, as opposed to a big influence for me in season one, Grace Kelly,' Ms Bryant said.</p><p></p><p>Set in the Sixties when women were just beginning to find themselves in the workplace, Miss Jones explains how Mad Men's strong characters - from repressed secretaries, sinful housewives and no-nonsense executives - are reflected in their powerful outfits put together by Ms Bryant.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The star explained how crucial the show's costumes are in helping the cast develop their now infamous characters.</p><p>'Through the course of the different seasons we&#8217;vechanged Betty&#8217;s silhouette several times, and it&#8217;s kind of a big part of the storytelling, whether she&#8217;s been, you know, riding horses, or pregnant, or a politician&#8217;s wife &#8211; or divorced,' she said.<br></p><p>'We come [to the costume closet] before each episode to get fitted, and it just kind of starts the creative process, at least for me, to get to know what I&#8217;m doing, and what I&#8217;ll be wearing.' <br></p><p>Mad Men's Sixties aesthetic has also proved to be pivotal to the shows success.</p><p>Epitomising retro glamour, the costume's clean lines, slim-cut suits, fedoras, fitted pencil skirts, cinched waists, silk blouses and strands of pearls reflect both the empowerment of women and the power of men at the time, a sentiment that helped turn Mad Men's costumes into a cultural phenomenon. <br></p><p>Harking back to the days when men owned 70 different suits for all occasions, Mr Hamm accurately touched on Mad Men's nostalgic appeal and subsequent sartorial success.<br></p><p>Setting trends: The Mad Men look continues to inspire designer labels - this season it appeared in the spring/summer collections of Rochas (left), Prada (centre) and Dolce &amp; Gabbana (right)<br></p><p> </p><p>'It&#8217;s kind of a lost part of dressingup now, but I think the show&#8217;s kind of bringing it back a little bit,' he told the network.<br></p><p>Thestyle of the Mad Men characters spawned a successful Banana Republic clothing line last year and the show's anticipated return saw the most recent spring/summer catwalks full of Sixties-inspired retro looks. <br></p><p>Prada,Karen Walker, Rochas and Dolce &amp; Gabbana all paid tribute to vintage Americana with Cadillac motifs, full skirts, cat's eye sunglasses and bra tops teamed with pencil skirts, proving we're all still mad about Mad Men.</p>?The 'bulletproof' Briton who escaped death in Mumbai four times... thanks to his wife's glasses case <p>By <br> UPDATED:12:40 GMT, 5 December 2008</p> <p>A university lecturer survived four attempts on his life in last week's Mumbai terror attacks. <br> </p><p>Gunmen opened fire on Simon Healeas, a finance lecturer at the University of Westminster, in the Taj Mahal hotel - but he survived as he was carrying his wife's glasses case in his breast pocket which shielded his chest from a bullet. <br></p><p>He also had a grenade thrown at him and was shot in the arm and the leg during the attack on November 26. <br></p><p> Mr Healeas was with colleagues who had travelled to Mumbai with the British Council.</p><p>Colin Matheson, a university colleague, said Mr Healeas and his wife Deevia, from London, were in the wrong place at the wrong time. <br></p><p>He said: 'We arranged to meet at the hotel to celebrate a friend's birthday. Simon and Deevia went ahead but the rest of us were delayed. <br></p><p>'That bullet hit the glasses case. It went right through one side, through the glasses then stopped at the other side of the case. He said he'll be writing a thank-you letter to Prada - he hadn't realised they made armoured glasses cases.</p><p>'He also had a grenade thrown at him that didn't go off. <br></p><p>'He said it must have been one very irritated terrorist who tried to kill him four times and failed on each occasion.' </p><p> </p> <p> </p><p>A hotel security guard found Mr Healeas injured and dragged him into the shrubbery by the swimming pool where they hid until they could get to safety. <br></p><p>His wife Deevia became separated in the chaos and was pushed into one of the shops where she hid behind the bookshelves. <br></p><p>Mr Matheson added: 'Our hosts took us to safety and it was a very worrying couple of hours trying to find out if everyone was safe.' <br></p><p>Mr Healeas, who is still recovering in hospital in Mumbai, is due to return to Britain within two weeks. <br></p><p> </p> <p>Blast: Police throw a grenade into the Taj Mahal hotel during the battle against militants<br></p><p>'Simon has had a second operation and is bearing up amazingly well. The bullet seems to have missed anything vital,' Mr Matheson said. <br></p><p>Mr Healeas was in the city to award six scholarships to disadvantaged women who cannot afford to study in the UK. <br></p><p>On previous trips the visitors usually stay in either the Taj Mahal or Oberoi hotel - both attacked - but on this occasion they stayed elsewhere. Mr Matheson said: 'We were lucky but many, mostly Indians, were not."' <br></p><p>The University's vice-chancellor Professor Geoffrey Petts said: 'The sheriff of Mumbai provided a great deal of support to our staff, for which I am very grateful. <br></p><p>'Simon received excellent medical care at a leading medical centre in the area,' he added. <br></p><p>'We hope to have him and Mrs Healeas back within the next two weeks.' </p><p>The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai where Mr Healeas and his wife had gone to meet friends for a birthday celebration<br></p> <p> </p>?The devil eats carbs... the diet secrets of the glossy magazine girls<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:01:00 GMT, 20 February 2012</p><p>I&#8217;d never eaten a biscuit hiding behind a curtain before. Pregnant and ravenous after a long day at the glossy magazine where I worked, I&#8217;d called in at a colleague&#8217;s home on my way to an evening do. <br></p><p>Unnerved by the prospect of her two young daughters witnessing the corrupting consumption of the biscuit, she politely requested I step behind her kitchen curtain. Funnily enough, at the time, her request didn&#8217;t seem that bonkers. <br></p><p>But I&#8217;d been initiated into eating the glossy mag way in my first job when I made the faux pas of eating a panini.</p><p>One astonished staffer gasped: &#8216;Are you actually going to eat that?&#8217; I soon realised scoffing huge amounts of carbs was &#8216;just not done&#8217;. <br></p><p></p><p>But just as it&#8217;s rubbish that everyone who works in magazines are the creatures mythologised in The Devil Wears Prada, it&#8217;s wrong to assume that the fashion crowd all have eating disorders. They don&#8217;t. <br></p><p>What they do have is self-discipline, amazing clothes and insider knowledge. It&#8217;s almost impossible to work in an industry where beauty, youth and slimness are idolised, and totally shun its belief system. <br></p><p>As therapist Nikki Schuster says: &#8216;The concept of just being happy with what you have and who you are wouldn&#8217;t sell many ads.&#8217; <br></p><p>After finishing my first novel, The Rise And Fall Of A Yummy Mummy, I left magazines to write fiction full-time. <br></p><p>Now I work home alone, it&#8217;s me, a Mac and a biscuit tin. There are many things I miss about my magazine days, but not the eating habits. <br></p><p>I enjoy food in a way I didn&#8217;t allow myself to back then. I&#8217;ve gone up a dress size. But I&#8217;ve also discovered how much I love to cook and, yes, eat. Just not behind a curtain. </p><p>Polly Williams novel, It Happened One Summer, is published by Headline<br><br></p>?The Devil may wear Prada but the Pope certainly doesn't ... according to the Vatican<br> <p>By <br> Last updated at 6:11 PM on 26th June 2008</p> <p>The Devil may wear Prada but the Pope certainly does not the Vatican has revealed.</p><p>In an unusual move the Osservatore Romano, the Holy See's official newspaper, published a report dismissing the widely held belief.</p><p>It has been reported several times that the Pope's bright red shoes are made by the Italian designer when in cat they are the work of a humble cobbler.</p><p>However the Pope is a fan of Serengeti sunglasses and when not wearing shoes by Adriano Stefanelli does slip into some Geox loafers.</p><p>Cool: Pope Benedict XVI, wearing sun glasses, smiles as he come back from a walk in Les Combes d'Introd, near Aosta in the Italian Alps</p> <p>The article in Osservatore Romano was headlined:"The liturgical vestments of Ratzinger" and by Spanish writer Juan Manuel de Prada - no relation to the designer.</p><p>He described how US magazine Esquire had described the Pope as one of the world's most elegantly dressed men and complimented him on his alleged Prada loafers.</p><p>However de Prada said: "This banality is of an era which tends to trivialise what it does not understand." <br></p><p>He added that the Prada rumour had begun after Pope Benedict was sported wearing a red ermine "Santa Claus" style hat one winter morning known as a Camauro.</p><p>De Prada said:"Naturally the attribution that he wore Prada was false" and that in reality the Pope was "simple and sober" when it came to his wardrobe.</p><p>He noted that when he was elected Pope in April 2005 he had greeted the world with the sleeves of a "modest black jumper clearly visible. <br></p><p>"The Pope is not dressed by Prada but by Christ."</p>?The Devil Wears Prada star Emily Blunt splits from singer boyfriend Michael Buble<br> <p>By <br> Last updated at 6:52 PM on 11th July 2008</p> <br><p>British actress Emily Blunt has split up with her singer boyfriend.</p><p>The 25-year-old and Michael Buble, 32, have ended their relationship after three years together, it was announced today.</p><p>Buble's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg confirms: 'They are no longer a couple.'</p> <p>Split: Michael Buble and Emily Blunt, pictured at the 2007 Golden Globes when she won Best Supporting Actress for Gideon's Daughter, were an item for three years</p> <p>Blunt and Buble met in 2005 when the actress, a huge fan of the Canadian singer, went backstage at one of his concerts to introduce herself.</p><p></p><p><br>They shared a home in Vancouver and it is thought the pressures of being kept apart by their busy schedules are the reason for the separation.<br></p><p> </p> <p>The news comes just three weeks after Blunt's The Devil Wears Prada co-star Anne Hathaway split up with her long-term boyfriend Raffaello Follieri.</p> <p>Emily Blunt (r) stars alongside Anne Hathaway (l) and Meryl Streep (c) in The Devil Wears Prada </p> <p> </p> <p>As exclusively revealed by Mail Online, the 25-year-old movie star ended her four year relationship with the Italian-American businessman, 29, following more than a year of scandal linked to Follieri.<br></p><p>Just a week before their split, it was reported his charity Follieri Foundation, which funded vaccination programmes in developing countries, was being investigated by the New York State Attorney General's Office. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p>?The flatform solution: The comfort of a flat shoe with the height of a platform<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:23:47 GMT, 7 March 2012</p><p>A new breed of hybrid shoe is set to make a splash this summer. <br></p><p>The flatform &#8212; which has all the comfort of a flat shoe yet the height of a platform &#8212; has been taken up by everyone from Michael Kors to Yves Saint Laurent and Charlotte Olympia to Donna Karan.</p><p></p><p>The first rumblings of the super-hip footwear came last summer with thick-soled brogues from Prada and tall strappy sandals from Chanel. <br></p><p>And now the High Street is putting its best foot forward with weighty-soled lace-ups and plimsolls. <br></p><p>But before you decide to stand tall and embrace your inner Goliath, here are a few words to the wise...</p>HOW TO WEAR<br><p></p><p> <br></p>?The new season starts here: Everything you will be looking forward to wearing this spring<p>By <br>UPDATED:13:27 GMT, 25 October 2010<br></p><br><p>From neon brights to neo-safari, metallics and wild western, we reveal the trends to see you through the new season.</p><p>SAFARI<br></p><p>Animal magic: Louis Vuitton shows its wild card with safari chic<br></p> <p> </p> <br><p>Double-breasted cropped trench coat, £219, Max &amp; Co at Fenwick, 020 7629 9161. Black tassel kaftan with sequin detail, £550, Jeannie McQueenie<br></p> <br><p>Sequined zebra print clutch bag, £28, Accessorize, 0870 412 9000. Animal print shoes, £650, Rupert Sanderson at Browns, 020 7514 0000<br></p><p>Leopard print belt, £25, Topshop, 0845 121 4519. Turquoise bangle, £65, Lola Rose, 020 7372 0777</p><br><br>GEOMETRIC<br><br><p>The shape of things: Jonathan Saunders goes geometric for spring<br></p> <p>Maxi dress, £610, Diane von Furstenberg www.net-a-porter.com. Geometric print dress, £14.99, River Island, 020 8991 4759. Block print dress, £144, Paul Smith at www.mywardrobe.com<br></p> <p> </p><p>Black and white print clutch, £50, French Connection, 020 7036 7200. Large ziparound print wallet, £224, Anya Hindmarch, 020 7501 0177. Purple cube earrings, £10, Freedom at Topshop, 0845 121 4519</p><br><p><br></p><p>METALLICS<br></p><p>Futuristic: Prada show off their metallic collection<br></p> <p> </p> <br><p>Gold glitter sequin dress, £520, Paul &amp; Joe at www.net-a-porter.com. Gold leather cropped bomber jacket, £99, Firetrap, 020 8753 0200<br></p> <br><p>Gold patent slingbacks, £169, LK Bennet, 020 7637 6731. Gold drop earrings, Missoma, missoma.com</p> <br><p>Gold clutch, £29, House of Fraser, 0870 160 7270. Cocktail ring, Freedom at Topshop, 0845 121 4519</p><br><br><p>NEUTRALS</p><p>Pure innocence: Chloe goes for sophisticated neutrals<br></p><p>Beige cotton jacket, £79, Banana Republic, 020 7758 3550. Cream cotton top with lace, £24, www.asos.com<br></p><p>Grey wool V-neck cardigan, £79, Reiss, 020 7473 9630. Silk origami detail top, £120, Whistles, 0870 770 4301</p><p> </p><p></p> <br><p>Satin shoes, £45, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams, 08445 616161. Dove grey &#8216;Enid&#8217; bag, £775, Smythson of Bond Street, 020 7318 1515</p><br><br>BRIGHTS<br><br><p>Colour me happy: Luella Bartley has a bright future in store<br></p> <br> <br><p>Grey and pink dress, £19.50, Marks &amp; Spencer, 0845 302 1234. Cropped silk jacket, £415, Miu Miu at Selfridges, 0800 123 400<br></p><br> <br><p>Yellow peep-toe shoes, £565, Christian Louboutin, 020 7491 0033. Purple suede flats, £130, Studio TLMS, www.studiotmls.com<br></p><br> <br><p>Electric blue suede belt with turquoise clasp, £139, Motif at Fenwick, as before. Multi-colour feather clutch bag, £195, Angel Jackson www.angeljackson.co.uk<br></p><br><br><p>WESTERN</p><p>Wild west: Chanel looks to the past for catwalk inspiration<br></p> <br><p>Maxi ethnic print dress, £60, Wallis, 0845 121 4520. Olive canvas fringed waistcoat, £189, Maje at Fenwick, 020 7629 9161</p><p>Purple fringed shoulder bag, £10, New Look, 0500 454 094. Black fringed sandals, £850, Jimmy Choo, 020 7823 1051<br></p> <br><p>Cowboy hat with stone detail, £89, Hat Attack at Fenwick, 020 7629 9161. Disc earrings, £8, Freedom at Topshop, 0845 121 4519</p><br>?The wolf man? Easy, I've faced the Devil in Prada<p>By BAZ BAMIGBOYE</p><p>Last updated at 08:43 01 February 2008</p><br><p>Emily Blunt has spent several months sewn into the tightestgowns imaginable portraying Queen Victoria and now she's headed forthat time zone again.</p><p>"I can't believe I'm going to spend another five months in acorset ? I'll probably be passing out because of lack of oxygen,"she joked as we sat in a school gym in Park City where The GreatBuck Howard ? one of her two films at the Sundance Film Festival ?had just been premiered.</p><p>(The other is Sunshine Cleaning.)</p><p>The corset crisis is to do with The Wolf Man ? a re-working ofthe old Lon Chaney-Victorian melodrama about a man who returns tohis ancestral home and gets bitten by a werewolf.</p><p>Still, Emily's more than happy to suffer for her art because herleading men are going to be Anthony Hopkins and Benicio DelToro.</p><p>She starts filming The Wolf Man in London next month.</p><p>It's just the latest in a string of major movies she's been castin since her two breakthrough pictures, My Summer Of Love and TheDevil Wears Prada.</p><p>Since then, she's appeared opposite Tom Hanks in CharlieWilson's War (which is now on UK release), and worked with JimBroadbent, Paul Bettany, Rupert Friend and Miranda Richardson onThe Young Victoria, which is already being marked as a possiblecontender for next year's Oscars.</p><p>In the poignant drama-comedy Sunshine Cleaning she appears withAmy Adams (star of the current Disney hit Enchanted) as siblingswho, through economic necessity, start a firm which cleans up themess at blood-splattered crime scenes.</p><p>"There was a lot of raspberry sauce used," Emily saidsolemnly.</p><p>In The Great Buck Howard she plays a press agent who has to drumup publicity for a difficult performer, played by John Malkovich,who tours the U.S. with his mentalist act.</p><p>Buck Howard has seen better days but he still has enthusiasm forwhat he does.</p><p>"If you do what you love it doesn't matter where you do it. Itwas a good lesson to learn ? there are so many in this business whohave lost sight of what they do. They think it's to be famous, notto work to entertain," she said, a statement that belied her 24years.</p><p>Colin Hanks also stars as the young man who works as BuckHoward's assistant, and Colin's real-life dad, Tom, also plays hisscreen father.</p><p>Emily said that when she met Rita Wilson, Tom's wife and Colin'sstepmother, she laughed and asked her: "Are you going through theentire family?"</p><p>The Sundance movies confirm, for me, that Emily has both atalent for drama and to amuse.</p><p>She has splendid comic timing, for which she credits her mother,former actress Joanna Mackie.</p><p>"My mum's very funny, and we laugh a lot as a family. There's alot of teasing and batting back and forth," she explained.</p><p>She's a very clever, funny girl.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Top model agency defies industry guidelines banning models under 16 from the catwalk by promoting girls aged just 14<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:22:29 GMT, 10 February 2012</p><p>Top modelling agency, Ford Models, has flouted its own pledge to keep models younger than 16 from undertaking catwalk shows.<br></p><p>According to the New York Times, the modelling megalith is touting its latest hottest property, 14-year-old Ondria Hardin, for work on New York's Lincoln Centre runways.<br></p><p>Ms Hardin features in the agency's show portfolio, a compilation of models that is proffered to casting agents for jobs at the world famous fashion showcase, says the newspaper.<br></p><p>In an open letter published just two weeks ago by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the top modelling agency agreed that it would not select girls who areunder 16 to go to runway auditions.<br></p><p>'Theguidelines recommend that models be asked for i.d. to ensure that they are at least 16 years old on the day of a show and that you avoid havingmodels under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings', wrote Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb, the Council's president and chief executive, respectively.</p><p></p><p>'Top modeling agencies - including DNA, Elite, Ford, IMG, Marilyn, New York Models, Next, One, Supreme, Trump, Wilhelmina, Women and Women Direct - have again pledged that they will not send out models under the age of 16 for shows.'</p><p>But the agency have reneged, the underage beauty deemed mature enough to handle the enormous public pressure of runway walking and its notoriously dark sides - although she is not yet legal to drive a car or buy a lottery ticket.</p><p>'We take the age and maturity of our models very seriously. We work on a case-by-case basis alongside a prospective model's parents to make a determination as to whether they are ready to walk the runway', Ford said in a statement. <br></p><p>'In most cases, the answer is no. But a select few demonstrate the know-how and maturity that are necessary to work earlier than they otherwise would.'</p><p>Last season, reports Jezebel, both Ford and Women agencies sent 14- and 15-year-old down runways.<br></p><p>The youngsters, who the CFDA worries may not be respected by photographers - especially when undressed backstage - or have the maturity to deal with being rejected, according to the Times, appeared in shows for major players including DKNY, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and BCBG.<br></p><p>Ford's disregard for its promise is a damning about-turn for industry leaders - and corrodes a message of pastoral and health care in the fashion community that was seen as gradually gaining momentum.</p><p>New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday and will run until February 16.<br></p>?Top teen model Lindsey Wixson takes a tumble at Versace (and in those shoes, could anyone blame her?)<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:11 GMT, 26 September 2011</p><br><p>Walking the Versace show would be a career high for any young model. So when Lindsey Wixson came crashing down at the label's Milan show this evening, she must have been crushed.<br></p><p>The 17-year-old, who had been wearing towering transparent platforms with her evening gown, stumbled in the challenging footwear as she made her return trip down the runway.</p><p>But to her credit, she appeared to have a sense of humour about the situation, raising her arms in victory once she was back on her feet.</p><p>Scroll down for a history of runway tumbles...<br></p><p> </p><p>It is an admirable attitude. But this is not the first time the teenager, from Witchita, Kansas, has fallen at a high-profile show.</p><p>Earlier this year she made headlines when she fell several times at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief fundraiser in Cannes.</p><p>The performance was so dramatic that many believed she had fallen on purpose for effect, but Lindsey insists this was not the case.</p><p>But few girls could survive such a faux pas, as one model agency insider revealed to us this week.</p><p>Our source, who was speaking after one unfortunate model tripped on her dress during the Amanda Wakeley show in London this week, admitted that falling on the catwalk can be career-threatening.<br></p><p>'It's quite common for girls to be quietly dropped by their agents after tripping or falling during a show,' they told MailOnline.<br></p><p>'As far as the designers are concerned the model's job is to make the clothes look fantastic. That's compromised when she starts stumbling down the catwalk like a drunk.</p><p>'If the girl is what the model industry calls a 'new face' it could terminate her career before she's even really got started. Walking is how new faces launch or raise their profile in order to land moneyed jobs like advertising campaigns.'</p><p></p><p>Catwalk moment: It is not the first time Lindsey has tripped on the runway - in May, she fell several times at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief fundraiser in Cannes</p><p> </p><p>Dramatic: The performance was so extreme that many believed Lindsey had fallen on purpose for effect</p><p>They added that many models lived in fear of falling on the runway, and often had tricks to avoid it happening.</p><p></p><p>'I know girls who will do anything to avoid it, include asking for shoesa bone-crushing size too small to ensure there is no chance of their high heels coming loose half way down the catwalk,' they revealed. <br></p><p>'I came across one girl who carried sandpaper in her Gucci handbag and used it to rough up the bottom of her show shoes to give her extra grip.'</p><p> </p><p>The source admitted that the more well-known models were less likely to be affected: 'If the model has an existing profile and clientele then she will probably survive a few stumbles - look at Naomi Campbell.'</p><p>Indeed, Lindsey, who was bullied at school for her unusual looks, is the fashion world's darling and unlikely to be affected by the more unforgiving side of the industry.</p><p>Since making her debut, she has appeared in campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu and Mulberry, among many others.</p><p>FALL COLLECTION: A HISTORY OF RUNWAY STUMBLES</p><p> </p><p> </p>?All's Faiers in love and war... TOWIE star Sam appears to have moved on from Joey Essex cosying up with a new man at V<br><p> By and <br>UPDATED:11:00 GMT, 23 August 2011</p><p>It was only a few weeks ago when Sam Faiers announced she had split with her boyfriend Joey Essex. <br></p><p>Fast forward to this weekend and the TOWIE star appears to have moved on from her ex with a new man. <br></p><p>Sam, 20, was pictured in the VIP area, known as the Virgin Media Louder Lounge, at the V Festival in Chelmsford getting up close and personal with a dark haired male companion. <br></p><p> </p><p>The reality star was seen walking around with the mystery man, who stayed close to his ladyfriend, placing an arm around her waist at one point. </p><p>Sam showed her fun side by grabbing her companion by the cheeks in a patronising yet playful manner. <br></p><p>The glamour model wore a sheer navy dress by Lipsy adorned with an all over print featuring two white doves - she matched the dress with a pair of white Wellington boots in true festival style. <br></p><p> </p><p>Meanwhile, her male friend was kitted out in a preppie style outfit that has been adopted by the Essex contingent. <br></p><p>He had his hair slicked over to one side, couple with a short-sleeved shirt, Oxford shorts, a pair of Vans canvas trainers and a jumper neatly tied around his shoulders. <br></p><p>It wasn't a good day for Joey Essex as he also got turned away from the VIP section at the festival despite pleading with the security guard to let him in. <br></p><p>After speaking with organisers he was eventually let in, but that didn't subdue the embarrassment of being turned away in the first place.<br></p><p>Sam confirmed she'd split from her boyfriend Joey Essex last month, saying the spark had gone from their relationship. <br></p><p>She wrote in her new column in Star magazine: 'I was mothering Joey - I just need space from him.<br></p><p>'He&#8217;s gorgeous but we spent so much time together so quickly that the spark went out just as fast.'<br></p><p>However, hinting at a possible reconciliation, Sam added: 'But I reckon we could get it back.'</p><p>But a reconciliation now looks to be an impossible task judging by these pictures.</p><p>Also present in the Lounder was a host of stars from around the UK, including X Factor's Stacey Solomon. <br></p><p>The singer, also an Essex inhabitant, happily posed for pictures with Sam and her TOWIE co-star Harry Derbidge. <br></p><p>Harry and another TOWIE star Jessica Wright, sister of Mark, got their hair seen to in the Louder Lounge's special Redken hair salon. <br></p><p>There they were treated by members of staff from Jim Shaw's famous Billericay Essensuals salon. <br></p><p> </p><p>Lauren Pope was also in attendance at the event, having spent the previous day at a Variety club bash. <br></p><p>She indulged herself in the free drinks in the VIP area, and tweeted to tell followers she was a bit tipsy. <br></p><p>Lauren wrote: 'Havin the best day at V festival and now a lil but tipsy oooops, for once I ain't drivin so roll on Rihanna n Eminem!!'<br> </p><p>Other guests included Pixie Lott, Daisy Lowe, Myleene Klass, Billie Piper, Keisha Buchanan and Laura Whitmore. </p><p> </p><p>Pixie went for a short number with daisies printed on it - she matched the mini dress with a pair of gold brogues and a small black clutch bag. </p><p>The Essex-born singer was accompanied by her model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire.<br></p><p>Meanwhile former Sugababes singer Keisha wore a white shirt with a T-shirt underneath bearing the slogan Cross My Heart, matched with a pair of distressed denim short, tights and army style boots. </p><p>Daisy Lowe wore a floral print mini dress, while Myleene Klass threw on a floor-length black and white dress with a cropped biker jacket over the top - Elen Rives covered herself up to keep the elements at bay in a see through orange poncho.</p><p>Alexandra Burke headed to the MAC tent to have her face seen to by the experts there.<br></p><p>Festival fillies: Daisy Lowe, Myleene Klass and Elen Rives are pictured at the V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex</p><p>The previous day the reality TV stars showed they know how to let their hair down as they enjoyed a reverse bungee ride at the Essex part of the twin-site V Festival.</p><p>Glamour model Sam and performing arts student Harry, 17, screamed in delight as they were hurled vertically around 50-70 metres high in air while seated in a cage.</p><p>They would have needed the hair salon after having such a thrill, the high speed of the ride ruining all the hard work they put into sculpting their locks.<br></p><p>Their friends and co-stars BIllie Faiers and Kirk Norcross looked on from the ground as the duo enjoyed their adrenalin rush.</p><p>The pair looked dressed for the part with their coloured wellies and pack-a-macks, which they ended up using when the heavens opened.</p><p>The day was clearly quite boozy for the gang, with Sam Tweeting this morning: 'Just woke up in bed with Harry and Charlotte! 3 in a bed and the little on said! Need food ! Feeling hungover.'</p><p>But after a fry-up to help them conquer their hangovers, the pair were preparing to head back for Day 2.</p><p>The pair didn't seem to mind missing their former co-star and Harry's cousin Amy Childs, who is currently in the Celebrity Big Brother house.<br></p><p>The TOWIE stars were just a few of dozens of celebrities at the Essex leg of the twin-site V Festival, with a second venue in Staffordshire.</p><p> </p>?'Have I got cankles?': Twitter feed claiming to be from Vogue HQ elevator becomes internet hit in just three days<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:07:26 GMT, 10 August 2011</p><p></p><p>A Twitter account chronicling conversations overheard in the New York building which houses Vogue magazine has become a huge internet hit.<br></p><p>The feed features bitchy comments and gossip overheard in the elevator which could come straight from the script of The Devil Wears Prada.<br></p><p>It has apparently been written by a worker at the headquarters of magazine publisher Conde Nast - and has 15,065 followers after only three days.</p><p>She or he has been applauded as a 'brave soul' who risks the wrath of Vogue editor Anna Wintour, played by an icy Meryl Streep in the film.</p><p></p><p>The 24 Tweets on @CondeElevator revealthat, as one would expect, the office of the most illustrious magazine in fashion is a hotbed of backbiting and bitchiness.<br></p><p>'Thingsheard in the Conde Nast elevators do not stay in the Conde Nast elevator,' the account says at the top, along with a picture of Streep as Wintour.</p><p>Among the best tweets are: 'Girl #1: "There should be an elevator that only goes to Vogue. Just up to the 12th floor and back down." Girl #2: "Totally."'<br></p><p>Another reads: 'Girl 1: "Is this skirt totally see through?" Girl 2: "No! No! Looks great." Guy, after they exit: "That skirt was totally see through."'<br></p><p>And one especially harsh exchange goes: 'Girl #1: "I love that necklace, I saw it at Banana last week and almost bought it too." Girl #2: [flips hair] "This is Gucci."'<br></p><p>Elsewhere the Twitter feed reveals that the staff of Vogue are as obsessed with food as their readers.<br></p><p>'Woman #1 to Woman #2, holding an omelet: "What&#8217;s the occasion?" Woman #2: "&#8230;huh?" Woman #1: "I would need an occasion to eat that."'<br></p><p>Another reads: 'Lady peering at her friend's to-go box of lettuce and carrots: "Ooooh, that looks good!"'<br></p><p>There are also insights into the perils of keeping up appearances while writing the clothes Bible for everyone else.<br></p><p>'Girl: "Omigod what happened to your knee?!" Fashion boy: "Oh god, I fell dancing!" Girl: "Omigod it&#8217;s like you came back from the war."'</p><p>Another reads: 'Fashion Girl Fl 12: "Dothese shoes make me look like I have cankles?" Fashion Guy: "No, they just have really fat straps."'<br></p><p>And one poor woman apparently said: 'The worst part is I can't wear the Cartier one because the wrist strap gives me a rash.'<br></p><p>The Twitter account also gives an insight into the day-to-day concerns which occupy Vogue&#8217;s finest.</p><p>'Lady #1: "Well aren't you in a hurry?[air kisses]" Lady #2: "[air kisses] My heli to East Hampton's leaving in10!"' says one Tweet.<br></p><p>Oneother reads: 'Girl #1: "...so I'm getting a Keratin treatment." Girl #2:"Oooh." Girl #1: "I'm not worried. I shouldn't be, right?"'</p><p>The tweets also reveal the mystique that surrounds Wintour, even to her own staff.</p><p>One tweet, tagging the feared editor-in-chief''s name, reads: '[silence] [silence] [silence] [silence] [silence] [silence] [silence] [silence] Summer Intern: "Was that&#8230;?" Intern #2: "Yeah" #annawintour'<br></p><p>Since the Twitter feed started on August 6 it has become the talk of the Vogue office but it is not clear how much longer it will last.<br></p><p>Writer Kathryn Maier tweeted: 'Meta: Hearing people talk in the Conde elevator about @CondeElevator.'</p>?VALENTINE'S GIFT GUIDEFrom the perfect card to gifts to suit every personality, your complete guide to having a dream Valentine's Day<p>By and </p><p>UPDATED:11:04 GMT, 12 February 2009</p><br><br>THE FASHIONISTA <p> </p><p>Heart-print dressing gown, £12, Matalan, 0845 330 3330. Heart key ring, £20, Prada, 020 7235 0008. Pink, red and cream animal print pashmina, £129, Fenwick, 020 7629 9161.</p> <p> </p><p>Heart-print cardigan, £22, Littlewoods Direct, 0844 822 2321. Red leather gloves, £20, Dents, www.dents.co.uk. Ballet pumps, £149, Pretty Ballerina, 020 7493 8224.</p> <p> </p><p>Patent monochrome bag, £1,150, Louis Vuitton, 020 7399 4050. Pink gem studded shoes, £675, Gina, www.gina.com.<br></p>THE GLAMOUR PUSS <p> </p><p>Red nail varnish, £8.95, Essie, 0844 800 9396. Artemisia bath oil, £35, Penhaligon's, www.penhaligons.com. Set of three plumping lip glosses, £17.50, Soap &amp; Glory, www.boots.com.</p> <p> </p><p>Heart soap gift box, £5.25, Burford, www.burford.co.uk. Theo Fennell Eau de Toilette 75ml, £45, Harrods, 020 7730 1234. Soap popsicle, £7, Jelly Pong Pong at Fenwick, 020 7629 9161.</p> <p> </p><p>Lavender-filled eyemask, £32.50, Holistic Silk, www.holisticsilk.com. Rosewater Versailles bijou box, £30.34, Crabtree &amp; Evelyn, 01443 445566.<br></p>THE BLING BABE <p> </p><p>Violet jade heart bracelet, £75, Lola Rose, www.lolarose.com. Diamond ring, from £1,100, Theo Fennell, 020 7591 5000.<br></p> <p> </p><p>Silver charm bracelet, £230, Dower and Hall, www.dowerandhall.com. Earrings, £195, Hot Diamonds, 0800 783 3102. Heart pendant, £4,995, Hirsh, 020 7499 6814.</p> <p> </p><p>Lovebird earrings in 18ct gold, £240, Astley Clarke, www.astleyclarke.com. Limited edition friendship bracelet, £120, Links of London, wwwlinksoflondon.com. Gold heart locket, £179, Alex Monroe at Harrods, 020 7790 1234.</p>THE DOMESTIC DIVA <p> </p><p>Pink Roberts Radio, £149, Marks &amp; Spencer, 0845 302 1234. Red love cushion, £59, Jan Constantine, www.janconstantine.com</p> <p> </p><p>Red espresso machine, £294.99, Gaggia at HOuse of Fraser, 020 7003 4000. Crystal perfume bottle, £12, Debenhams, 0844 561 6161</p> <p> </p><p>Pink glass cake-stand, £68, Judith Micheal &amp; Daughter, www.judithmichael.com. Heart-shaped casserole dish, £32, Le Creuset, www.dotmaison.com. Silver champagne bucket, £95, Joanna Wood, 020 7730 5064.</p>THE GOURMET GODDESS <p>Valentine's cupcakes, £2.50 each, Hummingbird Bakery, 020 7229 6446. Love hearts hamper, £19.55, www.lovehearts.com. Roses and hearts chocolates, £10, Linden Lady, 01206 330240.</p><p> </p> <p> </p><p>Florentine hearts, £4.99 per bag, Fudges, www.fudges.co.uk. I Love You letters and hearts biscuits, £37.50, Biscuiteers, www.biscuiteers.com.</p><p></p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><p> </p> <br>?Pretty in pink: Gwyneth Paltrow is a vision in rose at the Venice Film Festival <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:21:18 GMT, 5 September 2011</p><p>Gwyneth Paltrow may be a married mother of two, but she still managed to look girlish this evening in a cotton candy-coloured frock. <br></p><p>The 38-year-old Oscar winner premiered her new film Contagion at the Venice International Film Festival alongside co-star Matt Damon. <br></p><p>She looked dewy and youthful in a blush pink organza gown, clutch and platform heels, all by Prada. <br></p><p> </p><p>The star kept her makeup minimal but chic: going with her 'in the pink' theme, she paired a golden-hued shadow with a strong, hot pink lip and a rose-coloured blush. <br></p><p>Sheposed beside Damon, whom she has previously starred with in The Talented Mr. Ripley, and his wife, Luciana Barroso, also gorgeous in pink but she had gold embellishments on her gown.</p><p> </p><p>The actress certainly didn't look like the victim of a terrifying global virus as she strutted down the red carpet at Venice's Palazzo de Cinema to promote her new film. <br></p><p>Sheappeared just as healthy yesterday during a photo call for the new movie as she paired another eye-catching Prada dress with a black belt. <br></p><p>However,while her frock at tonight's film festival was classic and vaguely reminiscent of the Ralph Lauren dress she wore to the 1999 Academy Awards. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In an interview with Access Hollywood, he said: 'More so than anybody I&#8217;ve ever worked with, she&#8217;s got an ability to turn it on and off.<br></p><p>'Like she can just be talking about anything and then when they say, &#8216;Rolling,&#8217; it&#8217;s like she snaps, she just locks in, in a way that I don&#8217;t understand, because I can&#8217;t do it.<br></p><p>'I&#8217;ve worked with a lot of great actors and one thing that happens for me is that a great actor is so good that they pull me right in... that&#8217;s how I feel when I do a scene with her, I&#8217;m instantly brought in because she takes me there.'</p>?Gwyneth Paltrow shows off her toned figure in TINY shorts as she fits in some sightseeing during Venice Film Festival<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:21:14 GMT, 5 September 2011</p><p></p><p>She has been wowing the crowds at the Venice Film Festival with a variety of incredible outfits.</p><p>But as she took in the sights of the Italian city earlier today, Gwyneth Paltrow opted for a more casual look in an oversized white men's shirt and a pair of tiny shorts which highlighted her toned figure.</p><p>Gwyneth, 38, teamed her casual outfit with poker straight blonde locks and a pair of brown gladiator-style sandals as she explored Venice by water taxi.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Gwyneth also treated fans to a glimpse of her toned stomach, the result of months of punishing workoutswith celebrity personal trainer Tracey Anderson.</p><p>The mother-of-two wrote in her GOOP newsletter earlier this year that she had relished working with Anderson, explaining: 'I think you all know how amazing I think my trainer, partner and friend Tracy Anderson is, how she kicked my twice pregnant ass into shape, and keeps taking me to new levels.'</p><p>Gwyneth's casual outfit was worlds away from the stunning Prada dress she wore at the premiere of her new movie Contagion last night and the orange ensemble, also by Prada, she had donned for a photocall for the film the day before.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Contagion follows the trail of a deadly virus which starts when Gwyneth's character, Beth Emhoff, is infected at an airport, allowing the mystery illness to go global.</p><p>Talking about the role, Gwyneth said:'I liked all that gory stuff. For the seizure scene, I had to bite on alittle Alka-Seltzer and foam at the mouth. It was fun.'<br></p><p>And Gwyneth's performance clearly won her some new fans, not least co-star Matt Damon.<br></p><p>In an interview with Access Hollywood, he said: 'More so than anybody I&#8217;ve ever worked with, she&#8217;s got an ability to turn it on and off.<br></p><p>'Like she can just be talking about anything and then when they say, &#8216;Rolling,&#8217; it&#8217;s like she snaps, she just locks in, in a way that I don&#8217;t understand, because I can&#8217;t do it.<br></p><p>'I&#8217;ve worked with a lot of great actors and one thing that happens for me is that a great actor is so good that they pull me right in... that&#8217;s how I feel when I do a scene with her, I&#8217;m instantly brought in because she takes me there.'</p><p> </p><p>Like Gwyneth, Damon was also seen exploring Venice with his wife Luciana.</p><p>Meanwhile, tonight's events at the Venice Film Festival saw the premiere of new movie Wilde Salome, which features rising star Jessica Chastain and is directed by Al Pacino.</p><p>Pacino becomes both creator and protagonist, as he documents the challenges of making the film, while playing himself, King Herod and, in one scene, Oscar Wilde - with Chastain in the role of Salome.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>His obsession with Wilde - an Irish writer who was imprisoned and sentenced to two years hard labour for gross indecency with other men - underpins the film, but Pacino said he regretted not exploring the playwright's life further.<br></p><p>He said: 'I don't think I covered enough of Wilde's personality. He was a provocateur with a superior mind- a rare person and a great artist.'</p><p>At the premiere, Chastain looked stunning in a gorgeous Elie Saab Couture backless gown, which complemented her fiery red hair.</p><p>And director Pacino looked dapper in ablack suit while girlfriend Lucia Sola showed off her curves in a figure-hugging midnight blue gown.</p><p> <br></p>?Fashion fan: Victoria Beckham celebrates collection's success with a high-end shopping spree <br><p> By <br>UPDATED:11:05 GMT, 15 February 2012</p><p></p><p>She is her own best advertisement, promoting her brand by wearing her own designs and little else.</p><p>But Victoria Beckham is the ultimate fashion fan, and now that her own collection has been sent down the runway to critical acclaim, the 37-year-old found time to admire some creations by other designers.</p><p>Victoria was spotted stopping by the Prada and Miu Miu stores in New York today with her entourage.</p><p>The mother-of-four looked stylish as ever in a grey checked dress, maroon cardigan belted at the waist, and held a matching crocodile bag from her accessories line.</p><p>As always, Mrs Beckham was towering in a pair of sky-high platform heels, and hiding behind her oversize sunglasses.</p><p>Inside the Miu Miu boutique, the designer was pictured chatting animatedly next to a display of colourful boots.</p><p>Meanwhile, her husband David is back in Los Angeles, after he flew out to support Victoria's runway show in New York.</p><p>The footballer sat front row at the showcase, chatting with Vogue fashion editor Anna Wintour and snapping pictures for the family album.</p><p>Victoria spoke about her daughter and husband's support as she debuted her autumn/winter 2012-13 collection.<br></p><p> </p><p>'Oh, she is such a daddy's girl,' she told Graziadaily.co.uk.<br></p><p>'Harper comes to work with me. Last season she was here when we launched Victoria, Victoria Beckham.<br></p><p>'But this is David's first show. I think he has only just realised how hard I work. That it's not just a hobby.'</p><p> VIDEO: Fall 2012 Victoria Beckham collection in New York </p>?How very fashion! Victoria Beckham celebrates her New York show success with a shopping trip to Prada with baby Harper<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:05:06 GMT, 13 September 2011</p><p>She wowed the fashion world with her latest collection at New York Fashion Week earlier in the day so Victoria Beckham was clearly in the mood to celebrate. <br></p><p>And what could be a more fashionable a way to enjoy the rest of her day than hitting the shops with her daughter Harper. <br></p><p>The mother-of-four, 37, stepped out in a scallop neck dress with dropped waist from the new line Victoria by Victoria Beckham that she is launching in New York this week for s/s 2012, to puruse the offerings in Prada with her gorgeous baby daughter in her hands. <br></p><p>And Victoria hadn&#8217;t just taken the time with her own ensemble but Harper was dressed in a pale pink dress with a pretty bow clipped into her hair.</p><p> </p><p>The fashion designer finished off her own look with a pair of sky-high black ankle boots by her favourite shoe creator Christian Louboutin and a rose gold watch.<br></p><p>And being the lady of the moment, with many fans coveting a seat at her fashion show earlier in the day Victoria and Harper certainly caused quite a frenzy as they entered the boutique. <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>And she is no doubt one of the youngest of attendees at New York Fashion Week enjoying a front row seat for her mother&#8217;s show earlier today. <br></p><p>But given her tender eight weeks Harper slept through most of the show at the New York Public Library today.</p><p>And in a change from her usual designs which based on figure hugging dresses, Mrs Beckham has created a sportier look from the upcoming season Mrs Beckham.</p>?'Mummy, I'm home!' Victoria Beckham reveals baby Harper couldn't get enough of her first shopping trip to Prada<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:15:01 GMT, 14 September 2011</p><p></p><p>With a mother like Victoria Beckham, it stands to reason that Harper Seven Beckham will probably turn out to be a fashionista.</p><p>However, instead of waiting until she is older to further her interest in the fashion industry, Victoria is starting her daughter early - at the tender age of just two months.</p><p>And now Victoria has revealed that Harper is already turning out to be a retail therapy fan, following a trip to designer store Prada earlier in the week.</p><p>Victoria, who is in New York with her little girl for Fashion Week, said: 'We went in to Prada yesterday and she loved it. It was if she was saying, "Mummy I'm home!" '</p><p>The 37-year-old star also spoke about her love for her youngest child as she debuted her second clothing line during fashion week.</p><p>She said: 'I can't leave her alone for a minute, Ihaven't been without her since she was born nine weeks ago, she's too wonderful to leave.'</p><p> </p><p>Meanwhile, despite being just two months old, Harper has topped a list of the hottest celebrities under the age of 25.</p><p>InStyle's Hot 100 list includes some of the most famous and impressive youngsters and adults, but tiny Harper has been deemed the most powerful of them all.</p><p>The magazine said: 'Will she be a pop star, designer or sportswoman? Either way, Posh's daughter inherits a gaggle of hunky older brothers and one heck of a wardrobe.'</p><p>Harper's wardrobe will no doubt one day include some of her mother's most famous pieces, possibly from one of Victoria's most recent collections.</p><p>Talking yesterday about her standalone brand, Victoria by Victoria Beckham, she said: 'This has been a real labour of love for me and we have been working on it for around a year.<br></p><p>'I wanted something that was a little bit more affordable but I did not want to compromise with design or quality.</p><p>'It's not a second line, or a diffusion line - it's another line, another side to my wardrobe. This is a way to give my customers what they want.'<br></p><p> <br></p>?Tough time at New York Fashion Week? Victoria Beckham steps out to an event in the Big Apple with gaunt, dark features<p> By , and <br>UPDATED:12:10 GMT, 16 February 2012</p><p></p><p>She's a busy woman, so of course Victoria Beckham will have moments when she's a little worn out. <br></p><p>And yesterday was one of those days where everything seemed to have caught up with her. <br></p><p>The fashion designer, 37, appeared gaunt with dark rings around her eyes heavily covered in foundation, at the launch of Britain's GREAT campaign at Grand Central Shuttle Station in New York. <br></p><p>Scroll down for video<br></p><p> </p><p>She looked bleary-eyed and worn out, no doubt the rigours of juggling playing mother to new daughter Harper and staying on top of business having an adverse effect on her appearance. <br></p><p>Victoria wore a black dress that washed her out and enhanced her pale appearance. </p><p>Throughout the week she has been seen at various meetings and, of course, her own catwalk show. <br></p><p>But perhaps she has taken too much on and needs a break. <br></p><p> </p><p>Victoria joined Hamish Bowles and Anna Wintour for the launch which was organised to promote the UK overseas.</p><p>Earlier this week the designer was snapped out in New York in one of her creations as she headed for dinner.</p><p>The long-sleeved black shift dress looked lovely on her slender frame as was decorated with scores of tiny little dress prints all over it.</p><p>She is a big fan of prints, and a dress from one of her collections launched last year featured a cat print.</p><p>And speaking to the Guardian this week, she said it was essential these new dresses are print-matched and said 'If you don't match up the patterns, you use 50 per cent less fabric and that makes a huge impact on the bottom line.</p><p>'I don't want my customer walking around with an upside-down cat's arse on the front of a dress.'</p><p>Victoria is in the city for its Fashion Week and has already debuted her autumn/winter 2012-13 collection which went down a storm among the fashionistas of the world.</p><p>The line, called Victoria, Victoria Beckham, is more affordable than her previous collections.</p><p>She said she was looking forward to wearing some of the outfits and speaking about a 3/4 length sleeve short dress, she said: 'I love this dress, it's a perfect weight for an English spring, I can't wait to wear it and solve any mid-season problems.</p><p>She added to Stylist magazine that she was also a fan of her pink and black scalloped dress, and said: 'This dress is so girly! I'd wear it with a high blackshoe and a chain shoulder bag just to give it my own twist. But I thinkit would look equally great with flats.'</p><p>Victoria has been making the most of not just the shopping in New York but also the chance to wear a variety of chic outfits.</p><p>But she has also been embracing other designers and a couple of days ago was snapped stopping by the Prada and Miu Miu stores in New York with her entourage.</p><p>The mother-of-four looked stylish as ever in a grey checked dress, maroon cardigan belted at the waist, and held a matching crocodile bag from her accessories line.</p><p>As always, Mrs Beckham was towering in a pair of sky-high platform heels, and hiding behind her oversize sunglasses.</p><p>Inside the Miu Miu boutique, the designer was pictured chatting animatedly next to a display of colourful boots.</p><p>Meanwhile, her husband David is back in Los Angeles, after he flew out to support Victoria's runway show in New York.</p><p>The footballer sat front row at the showcase, chatting with Vogue fashion editor Anna Wintour and snapping pictures for the family album.</p><p>Victoria spoke about her daughter and husband's support as she debuted her autumn/winter 2012-13 collection.<br></p><p> </p><p>'Oh, she is such a daddy's girl,' she told Graziadaily.co.uk.<br></p><p>'Harper comes to work with me. Last season she was here when we launched Victoria, Victoria Beckham.<br></p><p>'But this is David's first show. I think he has only just realised how hard I work. That it's not just a hobby.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Simply elegant: Victoria, by Victoria Beckham made it's debut yesterday <br></p><p>VIDEO: Victoria steps out for the launch of Britain's GREAT campaign in New York</p>?<p> As the one of the most photographed women in the world, she usually makes sure to step out in clothing from her own collection.<br></p><p>But stylish Victoria Beckham is also happy to promote other talented creatives, and this weekend credited the designers behind her head-turning look.<br></p><p>Stepping out for a bit of retail therapy in Notting Hill yesterday, Victoria was stylishly clad in an eye-popping pair of red leather trousers by French designer Isabel Marant.<br></p><p>She teamed the outfit with a black scarf and top and a pair of patent heels with a red bow by classic Prada. <br></p><p>The 36-year-old, who is a recent Twitter enthusiast, uploaded a picture of the heels to the social networking site before heading out, with the caption: <br></p><p>'Obsessed with these Prada shoes!!!! With red leather Isabel Marant trousers X VB X'<br></p><p>The designer is a fan of celebrity favourite Marant, whose designs are also seen frequently on Elle Macpherson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss.<br></p><p>Mrs Beckham headed to French boutique Aime London, perhaps to pick up more Isabel Marant, which is sold in the store, along with popular labels APC and Repetto. <br></p><p>Unable to attend the European Fashion Week shows after her own showing in New York, Victoria showed she was a team player by throwing her support behind some of her designer friends including Christopher Bailey of Burberry and Marc Jacobs. <br></p><p>She also tweeted that Prada was her favourite collection of Milan Fashion Week.<br></p><p>While she stayed away during the chaos of Fashion Week, the stylish star flew in to London last week to work on upcoming projects for Range Rover and her handbag collection.<br></p><p>While she is hard at work in the UK, husband David was on parent duty at their son Brooklyn's soccer game in LA.<br></p><p>The 35-year-old father-of-three watched proudly from the sidelines as his eldest played on the pitch, and clowned around with Cruz and Romeo at half time.<br></p>?Just the two of us: Victoria Beckham treats middle son Romeo to a Posh day trip to Paris<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:14:28 GMT, 23 July 2012 UPDATED:13:33 GMT, 24 July 2012</p><p>With four children to take care of, including a baby girl, Victoria Beckham doesn't get much one-on-one time with her sons.</p><p>So when Posh was called to Paris for a photoshoot, she decided to bring middle son Romeo, 10, and make a day of it.</p><p>With the Beckham family currently in England, Victoria left Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper in the care of relatives as she and Romeo made a flying visit to the French capital on Eurostar.</p><p>After a photoshoot and a spot of shopping, Victoria rewarded Romeo's patience with a trip to the funfair and a ride on the Le Grande Roue (ferris wheel) to check out the views.</p><p>With such a high taste in fashion the mother-of-four only wanted the best and so took her son to the Chanel haute couture salon.</p><p> </p><p>She wore a plain well cut white blouse with a pair of high waist black trousers and accessorised with a large handbag.</p><p>Although she showcased some expensivelooking high fashion items and a table full of jewellery, the only picture she posted of herself was of her wearing a white bathrobe.</p><p>As she sat on a marble flight of steps she captioned the photograph: 'Iconic staircase!! fun in Paris!!!!! X vb'.</p><p> </p><p>She also rewarded herself with an icecold glass of rose during her work trip and said: 'Perfect box of @CHANEL barrettes and glass of rose! X loving Paris!! X vb'.</p><p>TheBritish star clearly isn't letting recent reports surrounding her relationship with the rest of the Spice Girls get her down.</p><p>Todayit emerged that Victoria had allegedly agreed to a performance at the Olympics this Summer but only if it was their final reunion.</p><p> </p><p>A source told MailOnline that fellow band mate Geri Halliwell recently said: &#8216;After the Olympics I can't imagine even talking to her again, let alone being on a stage with her. Mel B was right, she has lost the spirit of the band.&#8217;</p><p>The news that the fashion designer Victoria is keen to distance herself from the group that found her fame,may not come as a huge surprise.</p><p>She said earlier this year: 'I was never going to be the best singer and it wasn&#8217;t my passion.'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The 37-year-old is to play a last-minute part in the Olympics opening ceremony - a gesture aimed at thanking the footballer for helping to get the Games to London.</p><p>A 'starring role' is thought to have been created especially for him after he was left out of the GB football squad.</p><p>Beckham, who had considered boycotting the event, is now said to be in talks with organisers over his precise involvement with Friday's ceremony, which is expected to be watched by a global audience of 4billion.<br></p>?A very Posh baby: She's only 4 months old but Little Miss Beckham's already got a wardrobe to rival her mother's<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:09:53 GMT, 24 November 2011</p><br><p>With David and Victoria as her parents, Harper Seven was always going to be a trendy tot. Here, baby Beckham (with a little help from JILL FOSTER) reveals what it&#8217;s like to be the world&#8217;s youngest style icon.</p><p>September 4</p><p>It's my premiere. Nearly two months old and for my first public outing I&#8217;ve gone for a £9.99 Mothercare babygro . . . just kidding! It&#8217;s a Stella McCartney top and bloomers (£57). Not to be outdone, Mummy wears sunglasses from her own collection (£335).<br></p><p>September 8</p><p>For my first New York Fashion Week, Mummy chooses a dress (£1,495) and sunglasses (£335), both from her own collection. I&#8217;ve gone for Bonpoint socks (£27) and a Makie two-piece in black and white gingham (£80). Mummy and Daddy chose this pattern &#8212; apparently, they love big fat cheques.</p><p></p><p>September 11</p><p>A girl can&#8217;t start shopping soon enough, so Mummy and I hit the stores in New York. She goes for another of her own designs (£600) and I&#8217;ve picked a Bonpoint dress (£164). But who&#8217;s stuck this silly pink Bonpoint hairslide on my head (£17)? As soon as I&#8217;ve got this whole hand/eye co-ordination thing cracked, it&#8217;s going.<br></p><p>September 15</p><p>Mummy and I spend a tiring afternoon trawling the pick of New York&#8217;s designers. Mummy opts for yet another dress from her collection (£1,300) while I&#8217;m in a Marie Chantal dress (£98) and cardie (£68). After all that shopping, I need a nap. Sing me a lullaby, Mummy. On second thoughts . . .</p><p> </p><p>September 16</p><p>More shopping in New York. Mum wears one of her diffusion line dresses (£600) and those sunglasses again. I&#8217;m head-to-toe designer: a Marie Chantal cardigan (£68), dress (£98) and bloomers (£54) plus Bonpoint socks (£17). They say Mum&#8217;s too posh to push, but I didn&#8217;t realise they meant my buggy. With all this lugging around, I&#8217;m worried she might think I&#8217;m one of her handbags.<br></p><p>October 8</p><p>Look at Mummy and me in matching pink. There&#8217;s a lot of travelling to do as a Beckham baby, so here we are at Los Angeles airport. Mummy is wearing an Azzedine Alaia skirt (£925) and cardigan (£695) and sunglasses from her own line (£335). I&#8217;ve let her style me in a Makie blouse (£50), matching bloomers (£30) and Bonpoint hairband (£38.82).<br></p><p>November 3</p><p>When I go to see Daddy playing football for LA Galaxy, I don&#8217;t bother with a boring supporter&#8217;s scarf. No, it&#8217;s designer wear all the way for me! Today, I&#8217;m wearing a navy Bonpoint dress (£138), teamed with a pale pink cardigan (£100). Just try to beat that, Suri Cruise.</p><p> </p><p>November 6</p><p>The first lesson in being a Beckham baby is to perfect that famous Posh pout, and here&#8217;s Mummy teaching me how to do it. I&#8217;m wearing a Bonpoint liberty floral print blouse (£76) and &#8212; oh no! &#8212; another Bonpoint liberty floral bow hairslide (£17). It&#8217;s time to sack the stylist!</p><p>November 13</p><p>Hey, I&#8217;m four months old, so I&#8217;m not as camera shy any more. In fact, bring it on! Mummy has chosen a teal dress from her collection (£1,420), while I&#8217;m wearing a Bonpoint checked dress (£103), chocolate brown ribbed tights (£27) and a bargain Marie Chantal hairclip (£5).</p><p>November 15</p><p>ANOTHER day, another shopping excursion. Mummy wears a dress from her collection (£1,495) while I choose a Bonpoint Jameli dress (£98), matching hairband (£32.82) and Chloe ribbed tights (£32.58). OK, enough with the headbands! They look better on Daddy anyway.</p><p>November 16</p><p>OOOH, it&#8217;s getting a bit nippy in New York, so Mummy and I make sure we wrap up as we catch a flight at JFK airport.</p><p>Mummy looks snuggly in her fake fur jacket, and I&#8217;ve gone for a Terre de Sienna babygro (£94) and a Bonpoint alice band (£38.82). Baby, when it&#8217;s cold outside, you&#8217;ve still got to trend it like Beckham.</p><p><br></p>?Will this be the REAL Devil Wears Prada? Famed Vogue stylist Grace Coddington to pen memoir in rumoured $1.2m deal<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:15:37 GMT, 27 July 2011</p><p>Despite sharing the camera with U.S. Vogue's famously fearsome editor, Anna Wintour, it was Grace Coddington who was hailed the real star of The September Issue.</p><p>Now the magazine's long-standing creative director is set to tell her story after signing a rumoured $1.2million deal with Random House.</p><p>The 70-year-old, who is hailed by many in the industry as 'the world's greatest living stylist', is believed to have enlisted fellow Vogue staffer Michael Roberts as co-writer.</p><p>The news follows months of rumours that Ms Wintour has a memoir in the works - whether they were misplaced, or the two tomes will go head-to-head remains to be seen.</p><p></p><p>News that Ms Coddington had a memoir first emerged last year, in an interview with WWD. She told the trade title: 'I&#8217;m hoping it&#8217;s going to be very rich in fashion history. It&#8217;s more than just about me.'</p><p>But it is the stylist's own history that is likely to be the most riveting part.</p><p>Born in Wales to hotelier parents, she moved to London at the age of 17, where she began modelling for legendary photographers including Norman Parkinson.</p><p>But her career was cut short at the age of 26 after here eyelid was badly damaged in a car crash.</p><p></p><p>Unable to model, she used her knowledge of the fashion industry to carve a role as a stylist, eventually landing a position as a junior fashion editor at British Vogue.</p><p>She moved to the fashion glossy's U.S. counterpart when Ms Wintour took over as editor in 1988, and the pair have worked alongside one another ever since. <br></p><p>But as The September Issue reveals, their relationship is not an easy one.</p><p>In one scene, Ms Coddington is devastated when the editrice rejects a lavish $35,000 shoot. Others show their barbed repartee, which actually appears to give the pair some pleasure.</p><p>After one such tense moment in the documentary, she admits to the camera crew: 'I love to talk budgets with Anna in front of you guys. She hates it. It's a sure way to get the budget up.'<br></p>?Welcome to Planet Prada<p>Last updated at 10:50 21 February 2007</p><br><p>Most designers this season seem hellbent on heralding the returnof the corset but you can always trust Miuccia Prada to turn theother way.</p><p>At her powerful show in Milan, she did not so much turn theother way as bolt in the completely opposite direction, with acollection so far removed from the prevailing sexy aesthetic thatit could have been designed on another planet, in a paralleluniverse where black has yet to be invented.</p><p>&bull; <br></p><p>Why wear black when you can wear Day-Glo orange, traffic lightgreen and kingfisher blue? It was inspiring to see a collection sodevoid of references to the past or rehashes of recent trends.</p><p>In the simplest of shapes, sleeveless tunic tops, kneelengthskirts and dresses with barely a fastening came in solid,ultra-bright colours and in fabric so stiff and unwieldy it lookedas if it was coated in plastic.</p><p>Add knitted skull caps and endless stripy ribbed men's sockswith cutaway feet, and the impression was of a very awkward-lookingcollection.</p><p>This being Prada, the awkwardness was deliberate. More than anyother designer - except, perhaps, Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garcons- you sense that Prada designs without thought for prevailingtrends, led by instinct and an unswerving confidence that die-hardfans will love (and buy) anyway.</p><p>The funny thing is, they will.</p><p>Among the scary orange cardboardy skirts were simply cut coatsin grey cashmere, their rear view revealing loose belts and dearlittle bows tucked under their bottoms, soft nappa leather bowlingskirts in butterscotch and peach, and spiky cocktail dressesfashioned from lethal-looking shards of patent.</p><p>"Fake classic," said Prada backstage, in typically crypticstyle. "I wanted to do 'simple', but in a different way. I wantedsimple shapes: no volume, because I have done volume enough. Thefabrics are super-luxurious, super-expensive, but should look likefake expensive."</p><p>This explained the green and blue fuzzy coats, which looked tobe made of teddy bear fur. In fact, according to Prada, they were"super expensive alpaca".</p><p>It is a funny sort of world where women pay thousands of poundsto look like they have spent a tenner, but nobody said fashion waslogical.</p><p>While much of Prada's new collection might look unfathomable -and even unwearable - on the catwalk, by the time the collectionhas made it into stores, those tills will be a-ringing asalways.</p><p>Miuccia Prada knows what women want - even before they know theywant it.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?What Andy did next... Devil Wears Prada writer Lauren Weisberger announces sequel to bestselling book<br><p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:17:13 GMT, 31 May 2012 UPDATED:18:48 GMT, 31 May 2012</p><p>The best-selling book, The Devil Wears Prada, is about to get a much anticipated sequel.<br></p><p>Ten years after introducing readers to the merciless world of fashion, author Lauren Weisberger is crafting a second book, Revenge Wears Prada:The Devil Returns, due out in 2013.</p><p>The original novel inspired the 2006 film of the same name, with Anne Hathaway playing the young fashion journalist Andrea Sachs' and Meryl Streep starring as the hard-edged editor Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by Vogue's Anna Wintour.</p><p>According to , Revenge Wears Prada picks up eight years after Andy parted ways with Miranda, and Runway magazine, on bad terms. <br></p><p></p><p>Andy is editing The Plunge, 'the hottest bridal magazine around', with the help of Emily, her nemesis at Runway who turned into a surprising ally.</p><p>Andy is planning her own wedding to Max, a good-looking media scion, however she remains haunted by her former boss.</p><p> The magazine industry is extremely tight-knit, and 'it is only a matter of time before she hears the dreaded syllables &#8220;Ahn-dre-ah!&#8221; again'.</p><p>The first book, released in 2003, was loosely based on the author's experiences as Anna Wintour's second assistant.</p><p> </p><p>In the hit movie, Anne Hathaway played Andy, and Meryl Streep starred as Miranda, for which she recieved her 14th Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. </p><p>Both the novel and the movie inspired a wide fascination with the editor, causing many to speculate about Vogue's work-environment, as well as the treatment of magazine staffers in general. <br></p><p> A Huffington Post blogger wrote a confirmation of the book's portrayal of Vogue, shortly after quitting her own internship at the magazine.<br></p><p>Emily Louise wrote: 'Speaking to others who have undertaken fashion and beauty internships, it is clear to see that the process is a matter of survival rather than enjoyment.'</p><p>There has been no mention of a reunion with the original movie cast for what will surely be a highly anticipated silver-screen adaption of the new sequel. <br></p><p></p>?What's hot for 2009: <br>The shoes, dresses, places to be ... a must-have guide to all you need to know next year<p>By <br>UPDATED:08:12 GMT, 15 December 2008<br></p><p>The dress shapes, the shoes, the celebrities and the places to be. LUCIE GREENE'S indispensable guide to everything you'll need to know next year</p><p>WHAT YOU'LL BE WEARING...</p><p>THE TRENDS</p> <p>Brace yourselves, the jumpsuit is still hot for 2009. Bandages are also a recurring theme.</p><p> 'Designers including Thakoon, Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney are paying homage to Herve Leger with variations on the mini dress,' says Holli Rogers, head of buying at net-a-porter.com Futurism is another major theme (check out Balenciaga).</p><p> On the more accessible front, geometric prints are big news at Gucci, Marni and McQueen. Colour, from sherberty pastels to hot brights, is a strong look, with nude the hot neutral. <br></p>The key shape is boxy, boyish tailoring, as at Gucci.<br><br>THE BAG<br>The onus is on understated, classic and great quality for 2009. And the reigning shape will be the clutch. <br><p> </p> <p>'It is a classic staple. Balenciaga , Nancy Gonzalez and Halston do great ones,' says Marigay McKee, fashion director at Harrods. Yves Saint Laurent's bow bag is another key item. <br></p><p>Otherwise it's Lanvin, Lanvin, Lanvin: Woven, ribbon-inspired clutches, beaded clutches and gorgeous shoulder chain bags. Sheer heaven.</p><p><br>THE SHADES<br></p>Ray-Ban continues to rock the sunglasses market. Their latest vintage reincarnation looks set to be equally hot. Pictured is The Clubmaster, inspired by Sixties eyewear and Malcolm X. <p>Must haves: The Balenciaga clutch bag (right) and the Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses<br></p><p>VINTAGE.COM</p><p>No more trawling chairty shops for vintage. January sees the launch of Ateliermayer.com by Carmen Haid and Alice Kodell, a global luxury vintage e-tailer.</p> Haid and Kodell have worked with Cameron Silver, owner of Decades, and Sotheby's to get rare designer pieces for delivery straight to your door. www.atelier-mayer.com<br><br>THE NEW DESIGNERS<br> <br> <p>Remember these names: Alexander Wang, Rodarte (Kate and Laura Mulleavy), Andrea Liberman (ALC), Ann-Valeria Hash and Martin Sitbon (Rue du Mail). <br></p> <p>Lieberman, a former celebrity stylist, has launched her own covetable label, while Hash blurs femininity by deconstructing menswear. <br></p> Rodarte scooped the Swiss Textiles Award this year and is worn by Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst and Keira Knightley. Alexander Wang attracts fans in droves.<br><br>NET FOR LESS<br><br><p>Fashionistas are quivering in their boots about Net-a-porter's latest venture theoutnet.com - the most fashionable fashion outlet online. <br></p><p>The discounted designer arm is set to launch next year, thanks to clever Natalie Massenet. www.net-a-porter.com<br></p><br><p>THE PERFECT FOOTWEAR</p><p>It's all about Yves Saint Laurent. What could be more practical for strutting around Paris in the summer than a metal cage boot? 'Everyone is going crazy for it,' says Matches buyer Mark Baverstock.</p><p> Rupert Sanderson - following his accessory designer of the year accolade - is also hot property. <br></p><p>Check out the Delta platforms, already causing pulses to race. <br></p><p>'These are sexy, glamorous and a work of art for feet,' says Harrods fashion director Marigay McKee.</p><p>MAKE A STATEMENT<br></p> <p>Yep, bold jewellery is set to continue as a massive trend for 2009. The key looks are gold, graphic and over-sized. Bangles are giant, chunky and wooden - check out Marni.</p><p> Statement pieces are big news at Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Celine and Lacroix. <br></p><p>Organic will also be a major theme, with giant molluscs, coral, shells and driftwood pieces, as at Swarovski, Graeme Black and A. F. Vandervorst. <br></p><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><p>BEAUTY LOOKS YOU'LL LOVE...<br></p><p>THE NAILS<br></p><p>Ditch clear varnish, says Nonie Creme, creative director at nail brand Butter London. <br></p><p>'Try hot, bold, off-the-wall shades that really pop. Go for opaque all the way.' www.butterlondon.com<br></p> <p>THE HAIR<br></p><p>Think braids, twists and buns - which were seen all over the catwalks for the spring collections, including Vera Wang, Giles and Alberta Ferretti. <br></p><p>'They create a feminine yet functional look,' says Jessica Gearhart, creative director at cultbeauty.co.uk <br></p><p>'It's great if you're a bit short of cash for your monthly trim.'</p><p>DO IT YOURSELF<br></p>While women refuse to curb their spending on beauty products, spa treatments are falling by the wayside in favour of at-home facials, pedicures and even Botox.<br><br>NEW LIPO<br><br><p>Palomar Medical - a plastic surgery technology company - has introduced SLIM Lipo, a new laser liposuction treatment set to revolutionise the process. <br></p><p>A laser is used to selectively melt and dissolve the fat away, which means less bruising and a shorter recovery time. <br></p><p>We don't know if it is safe, but we do know that Hollywooders are queuing up. www.palomarmedical.</p><p>INTELLIGENT BEAUTY<br></p> <p>'Smart' foundations, self-adjusting blushes and vibrating mascaras abound for 2009.</p><p> 'Cosmetics are becoming smarter,' says Jessica Gearheart, creative director at cultbeauty.co.uk.</p><p> 'Instead of having a face cream that just makes your skin feel less dry, you can use a cream that simultaneously moisturises the skin and slows down facial contractions so you're actually creating fewer wrinkles over time.' <br></p><p>Check out Ling Skin Care Freeze Serum from facialist Ling Chan and the DuWop Beauty Blade, an anti-bacterial, sharpener that sanitises the tip of your eye or lip pencil with every twist. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p> <p>ALL MADE UP<br></p><p>Blue eyebrows, geometric eye shades and tangerine lips may sound odd now, but just you wait; they're next year's hottest make-up trend (as seen on the spring catwalks of Zac Posen, Rodarte and Diesel).</p><p> But if that's not up your street, try the glamour look, with bronzed eyes and scarlet lips, great with tanned skin (Oscar de la Renta and Missoni ).</p><p><br></p><p>WHERE YOU'LL BE GOING...<br></p><br> <p>PRADA BAR<br></p><p>Miuccia Prada can do no wrong in fashion - but what about the bar scene? <br></p><p>Last month, the designer's Fondazione Prada teamed with artist Carsten Holler on The Double Club, a temporary bar and restaurant inspired by African Congo culture and Western design. <br></p><p>Scenesters just love the North London bar, which lasts for only six months<br></p><p>POSH PITSTOPS<br></p><p>Leave your preconceptions at the door. There are many fabulous new boutique Inns and motels to make any road trip, British or stateside, glamorous. <br></p><p>'We love The Cotswolds' The Ragged Cot, The Crab &amp; Lobster, West Sussex, and the recently opened Olde Bell Inn, Berkshire,' says Juliet Kinsman, editor in chief at Mrandmrssmith.com.</p><p> In California alone there's a gaggle of Jack Kerouac/Rat Pack inspired dens, including the Malibu Hotel and Santa Barbara's Presidio Motel. <br></p><p><br>MAYFAIR CENTRAL FASHION<br></p><p>Mayfair is shaping up as the ultimate shopping destination. Mount Street continues to be the hub and is set to welcome Stephen Webster and Rick Owens next year, joining Marc Jacobs, German label Wunderkind, Christian Louboutin, Jenny Packham and Maison Martin Margiela - with Lanvin to open in spring. <br></p> <p><br></p><p>ROUGH HOTELS<br></p><p>We're over the preened, twee boutique hotels of old. The new vibe? <br></p><p>Think gorgeous squat, as exemplified by Rabih Hage's recently opened Rough Luxe hotel in Kings Cross (www.roughluxe.co.uk).</p><p> 'It's about stripped-down decor, deconstructed paint finishes, original artwork and exposed walls,' says Juliet Kinsman, editor-in-chief at mrandmrssmith.com.</p><p><br>BRAZIL BABY<br></p><p>Mumbai's uncertain; word has it Dubai's about to topple and China's already crowded. So where are the luxury fashion crowd headed? Brazil. </p><p>It's warm, sexy and ripe for becoming a fashion capital in its own right. <br></p><p>Michael Roberts has just launched his book Saved In Rio, while Valentino, Francisco Costa, Natalia Vodianova and Alice Dellal flew over for the opening of Rio's fashion week. <br></p><p><br>YARD SALES<br></p><p>Calling industrious recessionistas. If the make-do-and-mend thing isn't your vibe, why not try making some extra cash to buy more things in the sales?</p><p> Welcome to theclosetbureau.com - the lazy girl's guide to staying in the money during the economic downturn.</p><p> Founded by Sophia Greene, a former fashion PR, the site is a facility for selling old clothing on eBay.</p> For 35 per cent commission, it will collect the items, clean them, photograph them and ship them once sold, using expert marketing techniques.<br><br>WHO YOU'LL LOVE...<br><br> <p>MEISEL MANIA<br></p><p>Photographer Steven Meisel is seriously hot property, racking up new campaigns and high-profile celebrity shoots by the truck load. <br></p><p>See Kate Winslet on the cover of Vanity Fair, Madonna's spring campaign for Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein's Eva Mendes Secret Obsession Ads, Pringle of Scotland and Prada's latest men's fragrance to name but a few. <br></p><p>FIRST LADY OF STYLE<br></p><p>Politics and fashion are set to reunite with the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20. <br></p><p>With his stylish wife, the Obamas have become instant style icons. <br></p><p>Michelle's love of Mario Pinto is set to make the designer a household name.</p><p><br></p><br> <p>HOT MODELS</p><p>Model's heading for super status include Jourdan Dunn, winner of best model at the British Fashion Awards this year; Aminata Niaria (who caused a stir in Lanvin and Dries Van Noten); Liu Wen (known as China's first supermodel); Anya Kazakova; Sessilee Lopez (starring in adverts for Gap and Calvin Klein), and Lakshmi Menon.</p><br><br><p>POSTER GIRLS<br></p><p>The supermodels had their fun in this season's campaigns, but there's a new gang of billboard fodder. <br></p><p>The trend for older women is not letting up either - thanks to Jerry Hall for Chanel and Madonna for Louis Vuitton. <br></p>Katie Holmes is fronting Miu Miu and Pamela Anderson is rumoured to be the new face of Vivienne Westwood. Daisy Lowe has cleaned up the most though.<br>She stars alongside Pixie Geldof and Lydia Hearst for Pringle Of Scotland; has been shot by Juergen Teller for Marc by Marc Jacobs; and will also work for DKNY.<br><br><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p> <p>BRIT GIRLS GO TO HOLLYWOOD<br></p><p>Brit Carey Mulligan - formerly in Bleak House - has gone stateside and landed a slew of enviable film roles alongside Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp. <br></p> <p>Gemma Arterton, meanwhile, not content with racking up Bond Girl and a BBC period drama leads this year, is set to star in hotly anticipated Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Kingsly. <br></p> They've got plenty to inspire them. Look at Kate Winslet (tipped for an Oscar).<br><br>STEPHEN WEBSTER<br><br> <p>There's a reason that Christina Aguilera, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez adore jeweller Stephen Webster: he's hot property. <br></p><p>And 2009 is set to be a bumper year for the designer with a new store in Mayfair's Mount Street in the spring.<br></p><p><br></p><br> <br> <p> THE NEW DANDIES<br></p><p>Watch out girls, the boys are smartening up. The style icons of music, media and celebrity are flaunting fashion fabulously. <br></p><p>Mark Ronson is Sixties cool, Ed Westwick, British star of TV smash Gossip Girl, has been lauded by W magazine as a style icon in the making for his character's fearless dress sense while Kanye West and Jay Z have been rocking tweed suits and geek-chic eyewear.</p><p><br></p><p><br>WHAT YOU'LL BE GOING TO SEE...<br></p><p><br>FASHION ON FILM</p><p>Next year, we will see a host of fashion films, including A Single Man, the directorial debut by Tom Ford, and four Chanel movies, including Coco Avant Chanel with Audrey Tautou.</p>?Who the devil will wear Prada?<p>Last updated at 10:52 27 September 2006</p><br><p>The message at Prada was loud and clear: when it comes tolooking fashionable next spring, the legs have it. And if your legsaren?t up to scratch? Make a bee-line for pencil skirts that falljust under the knee.</p><p>If you thought skinny jeans were unkind, prepare yourself fortheir even nastier successor ? skinny shorts.</p><p>Tiny shorts, and in some cases even tiny knickers, wove theirway down the catwalk, in jewel colours of purple, emerald green andred.</p><p>Before panic sets in and carbohydrates are stored away underlock and key, it should be pointed out that Miuccia Prada's showsare rarely meant to be taken - or worn - literally.</p><p>The bottom half was scant because the top half was supposed tobe the focus.</p><p>So beautiful Forties-inspired blouses, boxy shirts and foxyjackets were key, in romantic satin with a glorious lustre.</p><p>With their satin turbans, structured blouses, leather-beltedwaists and meagre shorts, the models looked half girl scout, halfGloria Swanson - an intriguing mix, to be sure, but one that lookedtotally new.</p><p>With many designers this season proving a little directionless,it is to Prada once more that women will turn for thatall-important fresh look that keeps the industry ticking over.</p><p>"Anything that makes women strong and powerful," is what Pradacited as her inspiration backstage after the show, adding that hertravels in India and China had also played a hand.</p><p>Colours - deep claret, purple, forest green and ruby - were richand dramatic, all the more so for coming in satin.</p><p>Textures were complex: a shift dress made of iridescent motherof pearl discs was a highlight, as was a fringed leather mini dressaccompanied by a fringed leather bag.</p><p>A camouflage print was given a deluxe make-over, reworked inpatches of orange and red satin.</p><p>But it is the shoes and bags which will be coveted most byPrada's army of fans, for these can be enjoyed by everyone,whatever their size of thigh.</p><p>The biggest news for spring? The utilitarian rucksack is back,in lustrous satin - with oversized pockets that will ensure nowoman ever has to travel light again.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Why a female boss can be a woman's worst nightmare<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:07:08 GMT, 26 July 2011</p><p>Katie Hopkins couldn&#8217;t believe her eyes. Only weeks into her new job at a large FTSE company in the City, she logged onto her computer one morning only to find that a private email containing highly confidential corporate information had been read &#8212; but not by her.</p><p>&#8216;I&#8217;d suspected for a while that a senior female colleague had been accessing information intended only for me because at a recent meeting she&#8217;d made a remark and I&#8217;d thought: &#8220;How on earth do you know that?&#8221;,&#8217; says Katie, 36, a former Apprentice contestant.</p><p>&#8216;When I realised that my email had been hacked into, I alerted the IT department and it turned out this woman had been logging into my account and printing off the information to read. Not only was she then using it to make herself look good, but behind my back she&#8217;d also been using it to undermine me. I was completely shocked because I&#8217;d been brought in to work with her, not against her. But she was caught and disciplined.&#8217;</p><p>It&#8217;s an unfortunate but not uncommon situation that many women who have worked for &#8212; or alongside &#8212; other women, particularly in the cut-and-thrust sectors of business and finance, will recognise.</p><p>Forget the sisterhood. Forget smashing a hole through the glass ceiling and throwing a rope ladder down to her younger female colleagues. The Queen Bee is alive and well and &#8212; watch out &#8212; possibly sitting at the desk next to you.</p><p>&#8216;A Queen Bee is someone who has worked her way up to the top in a male-dominated organisation, and she&#8217;s probably got there by behaving how a man would behave &#8212; appearing tough and not at all soft and mushy,&#8217; says psychologist Professor Cary Cooper, of the Lancaster University Management School.</p><p>&#8216;She&#8217;s unlikely to mentor younger women because she quite likes her unique position, and may feel threatened by younger females rising up the ranks. <br></p><p>&#8216;She had to work hard to get to where she is, so she&#8217;s not about to give other women a helping hand &#8212; they have to work their way up just as she did.&#8217;</p><p>Queen Bee Syndrome has long been recognised by psychologists, and several studies have been carried out on the phenomenon.</p><p>Last April, it was found that women who had broken through the glass ceiling were more likely to mentor and support male colleagues than female colleagues.</p><p>A Canadian study in 2008 found that women with female supervisors had higher cases of depression, headaches, heartburn and insomnia than if their bosses were men. <br></p><p>Meanwhile, according to the American Management Association, 95 per cent of women say they have felt undermined at some point in their career by other women.</p><p>Quite why women display aggressive alpha female behaviour towards female colleagues has remained unclear. But now psychologists at Leiden University in Holland claim the most important factor is how sexist their working environment already is.</p><p>According to their research, if a woman works in a female-friendly environment, she&#8217;s less likely to behave like an alpha female than if she works in an industry dominated by men.</p><p>Katie Hopkins, who spent more than a decade working in the cut-throat environments of FTSE companies in both New York and London, is not surprised.</p><p>&#8216;Women in business are definitely Queen Bees and will defend their territory fiercely to remain in power,&#8217; she says. &#8216;We don&#8217;t like being threatened, and on many occasions I&#8217;ve seen women bring in examples of other women&#8217;s work to show their boss that their colleague isn&#8217;t performing well in the hope she will be promoted in her place.</p><p>&#8216;It&#8217;s happened several times to me. I&#8217;ve had work copied, I&#8217;ve had another woman launch a campaign to stop me getting promoted. It&#8217;s the sort of aggressive behaviour you&#8217;d expect from some of the pushier men, but in my experience it happens more with women.&#8217;</p><p>Cases of Queen Bee Syndrome include that of Londoner Helen Green, a Deutsche Bank employee who was awarded nearly £800,000 in damages in 2006 after two years&#8217; bullying by four female colleagues led to her nervous breakdown.</p><p>Financial adviser Karen Smyth&#8217;s £95,000-a-year career at the Halifax took a nose-dive when a female boss took against her. The senior executive criticised Miss Smyth&#8217;s approach with clients, collected complaints about her from customers and went to senior management. <br></p><p>Miss Smyth won a case of unfair dismissal against the Halifax in 2004 and was awarded £59,030 after the bank admitted liability. She said: &#8216;I&#8217;m young, well-educated and a high-earner. She was just jealous. I&#8217;d worked with eight previous Halifax managers before her with no trouble &#8212; that says it all.&#8217; </p><p>Psychologist Cary Cooper believes Queen Bees are more comfortable working with men because they are used to the way men work.</p><p>&#8216;AQueen Bee is unlikely to have sympathy for a woman who cries in the office or needs time off because of a sick child, for example,&#8217; he says.&#8216;She&#8217;s not likely to be tolerant of those women she perceives to be &#8220;not strong enough&#8221;.</p><p>&#8216;She may have had to sacrifice her own private life to get to where she is. If you&#8217;re an older woman who has a great career but doesn&#8217;t have a spouse or family, and you see other women coming up who do, will you resent them? Of course you&#8217;ll find some who&#8217;ll be jealous.&#8217;</p><p>Katie Hopkins agrees. &#8216;I&#8217;m a Queen Bee myself in that I&#8217;m an alpha female, I think like a man and I operate like a man.</p><p>&#8216;Idon&#8217;t have time for women who get emotional in the boardroom. There&#8217;s nothing worse than challenging a woman over something and she bursts into tears. A man would never do that &#8212; and neither would I, although I hope I&#8217;ve never stooped as low as some women do to stab another in the back.&#8217;</p><p>Businesswoman Deirdre Bounds, 46, whoset up her own travel firm and sold it to First Choice in 2007 for £20 million, earned the nickname &#8216;Cruella&#8217; from several of her female staff.</p><p>But she denies she was ever a Queen Bee, and thinks the problem lay with the employees rather than the boss.</p><p>&#8216;Atfirst I would bend over backwards to accommodate women who came back from maternity leave and wanted to work only one or two days a week. ButI soon realised it wasn&#8217;t good for the company.</p><p>&#8216;Clientswant to deal with the same person every time they ring up, and if that person is not there it&#8217;s frustrating &#8212; so I banned part-time and workingfrom home.</p><p>&#8216;But then I&#8217;d find women going behind my back to ask a senior male boss for flexi-timebecause they thought they could wrap him around their little finger &#8212; and that used to really annoy me.</p><p>&#8216;With hindsight, maybe I was too assertive or aggressive with women because I felt disappointed when they wanted to go part-time. If they weren&#8217;t dedicated to my business, I had no sympathy for them.</p><p>&#8216;I expected them to come straight back to work once they&#8217;d had a baby and had no time for women who didn&#8217;t. After all, I had two young children and I&#8217;d managed to come back to work full-time, so why couldn&#8217;t they?</p><p>Deirdre believes Queen Bee Syndrome exists at all levels of business, not just in senior roles.</p><p>&#8216;Women are less likely to assist other women,&#8217; she says. &#8216;We don&#8217;t give each other a hand up.</p><p>&#8216;We&#8217;re not in the old-school-tie club, and because many of us have got young children, we&#8217;re not interested in going out after work and networking &#8212; we&#8217;d rather be at home with our families.&#8217;</p><p>The theory that the more male the environment, the more aggressive the alpha female, may be sound but that doesn&#8217;t mean Queen Bees don&#8217;t exist in women-only environments.</p><p>&#8216;When I started my job as office assistant for an all-female beauty PR business in London, my predecessor handed me a copy of The Devil Wears Prada and wished me luck,&#8217; says Lorna Wright, 31, from Camden, North London.</p><p>&#8216;My female boss made me cry a lot. Every day I had to ensure she had a bottle of still water, a bunch of seedless green grapes (which I had to buy on my way to work) and the latest copy of Vogue on her desk.</p><p>&#8216;She would buzz through for me to make her coffee, and if my work held me up for more than five minutes she would buzz again and shout: &#8220;When I ask for a coffee, I mean now, not this evening!&#8221;</p><p>&#8216;Once she screamed at me in front of her seven-year-old daughter, who then wandered up to my desk and said: &#8220;My mummy&#8217;s really angry at you.&#8221;</p><p>&#8216;And at a company Christmas meal &#8212; with all of our clients present &#8212; she was so rude to a waiter when the temperature of the venue was slightly too cool that the manager threw our whole party out of the restaurant.&#8217;<br></p><p>Lorna also witnessed first-hand how her boss&#8217;s attitude affected the other women in the business.</p><p>&#8216;When the time came for end-of-month reports, which was stressful for all employees, the team would turn on each other rather than helping one another out in a crisis for fear of retribution from the boss.&#8217;</p><p>Katie Hopkins says the problem lies with women&#8217;s fear of getting older and becoming invisible.</p><p>&#8216;Men are very good at bringing in new recruits and they&#8217;ll congratulate them on jobs well done. But women feel threatened by any new blood.</p><p>&#8216;Queen Bee behaviour isn&#8217;t as tolerated today as it was in the Eighties or Nineties because HR departments are so powerful, and bosses are scared they will be taken to a tribunal. But on a subtle level it&#8217;s still there &#8212; the sisterhood is well and truly dead.&#8217;</p>?Why are daughters such little despots? After three rumbustious sons, Angela yearned for a sweet little girl. Instead she got a pint-sized prima donna<p> By </p><p>PUBLISHED:22:13 GMT, 18 July 2012 UPDATED:01:03 GMT, 19 July 2012</p><p>The clock was ticking fast. We were expected at a party to celebrate my nephew&#8217;s bar mitzvah and we&#8217;d been told to arrive early for official family photographs. And still my eight-year-old daughter wasn&#8217;t dressed.<br></p><p>Instead, she idled in front of her bedroom mirror, leisurely twiddling a stray curl of hair as she surveyed her reflection.<br></p><p>&#8216;No, I&#8217;m definitely not wearing this,&#8217; she announced with the lazy drawl of a bored checkout girl. Then, with one fluid motion, she shrugged off her new party dress and tossed it disdainfully in a heap on the floor. I almost needed a straitjacket to stop myself from throttling the child.</p><p>We had been going round in circles like this for half an hour. The new sugar-pink dress had been bought with Sophie&#8217;s approval after a long trawl around the shops earlier that week. Now, on a whim, it had been randomly rejected. Sophie wanted to wear something else.</p><p>At first, I reasoned and pleaded with her to put it on. With diplomacy shot, I started shouting. She simply shouted back. Only louder. Little short of forcing her into the frock, she had me beaten &#8212; or rather brow-beaten &#8212; squealing and whining as I tried to slip it over her head. <br></p><p>Instead, she insisted on trying several other outfits, slinging clothes on the floor with contempt when they didn&#8217;t please her. In that moment, I hated myself for becoming one of those lily-livered mothers I had always despised for giving in to their children.<br></p><p>In the end &#8212; and only after some serious bribery (a trip later that week to Claire&#8217;s Accessories for some pink plastic flower clip-on earrings and a Union Jack hairband) &#8212; did she capitulate and wear a fawn-coloured dress with a waterfall skirt. And still we were late.<br></p><p>You see, the Devil may wear Prada, but in my house, the little girl certainly wears the trousers. And to think, after giving birth to three lovely sons, I&#8217;d always craved what I imagined to be the &#8216;sweetness&#8217; of a daughter. How wrong I was. The little girl I wanted so much turned out to be little more than a miniature tyrant.<br></p><p>Though I loved Sam, 19, Max, 17 and Aaron, 13, to distraction, I could also see the downsides of a boys-only family. The house had turned into an assault course of headless Action Man figures, the flowers in my back garden had been decapitated by footballs, meal-time conversations revolved around toilets, worms and vampires, and every door bore a muddy footprint.<br></p><p>My womanliness was cut adrift in this brash and noisy household. So when Sophie was born I imagined a soft, silky world, festooned with glittery hair slides, tiny ballet shoes and cushion-soft femininity. <br></p><p>Well, I got the hair slides and the ballet shoes. But the price was a pint-sized prima donna who demands constant attention. I now realise how much easier it was to raise my boys compared with this tiny despot, whose steely inner core, unapologetic obstinacy and utter inflexibility brings me close to meltdown on an almost daily basis.<br></p><p>At first, I thought it was because she was the youngest. Then I realised that, before she was born, Max and Aaron had held that position and never behaved like her.<br></p><p>My mind drifted to a recent poll by a parenting website in which more than 55&#8201;per cent of mothers said they found it easier to bond with their sons than their daughters. Mothers, it revealed, were more likely to find their sons funny, cheeky, playful and loving. <br></p><p>But when it came to their daughters, they were far more critical, believing them to be more stroppy and argumentative.<br></p><p>Paul Abeles, a consultant clinical psychologist from Royal Manchester Children&#8217;s Hospital, who specialises in children and families, suggests the reason for this is that girls engage with the world &#8216;on a much more emotional plane&#8217;.</p><p>He says: &#8216;They reveal a very emotional response to the details of day-to-day life and remain very preoccupied with these details, be it how they look, the clothes they wear or the friends they want to play with. They can be very single-minded in pursuing those details. Boys take a much more pragmatic approach.&#8217;<br></p><p>Even when Sophie was born and we brought our princess home to a house festooned with sparkly cards, pink balloons and bouquets, friends who had both boys and girls warned me of the autocratic nature of their daughters. </p><p>But I dismissed their concerns. How hard could it be? It was all in the upbringing, I thought to myself smugly. My sons were easy, likeable, well-adjusted children. Yes, they were noisy and messy and would tumble around the house together like puppies. But, surely, a little girl would bring out their softer sides.<br></p><p>Alittle girl would be my companion, I thought. We could shop together, spend cosy afternoons cuddled up on the sofa, painting our nails insteadof freezing on the touchline as the boys played football.<br></p><p>Yet that wasn&#8217;t how it worked out. Sophie frequently arrives home from school hissing like a goose about the way certain girls in her class have behaved.<br></p><p>Bycomparison, my boys have never spoken in even the vaguest emotional terms about their friends. There&#8217;s never been the merest hint of jealousy, cliques or the changing of best friend status. Equally, she can be prone to outbursts of cattiness. <br></p><p>Iremember being at a wedding when a little girl came in wearing an exquisite dress festooned with rosebuds. Sophie rolled her eyes at me and curled her lip. &#8216;I don&#8217;t like that dress,&#8217; she remarked, her nose all but growing at the blatant lie.<br></p><p>Whatwas transparently obvious was that what she really didn&#8217;t like was the attention the other girl was getting. By comparison, my boys wouldn&#8217;t have been able to tell you the colour of their shirts, let alone what anyone else in the room was wearing.<br></p><p>I&#8217;vespent hours commiserating with friends about the way our daughters ruleour houses. Boys may fight and eat you out of house and home, but they don&#8217;t want to be queen bees like girls.<br></p><p>CaptainMark Phillips made some very telling comments recently when he comparedhis children, Zara and Peter. He described his daughter (albeit fondly)as a &#8216;brat&#8217;, while Peter was remembered as &#8216;a very well-behaved little boy, who knew where the line was and didn&#8217;t cross it&#8217;.<br></p><p>Sophienot only crosses that line, she kicks up the dust as she goes. And eventhough I feel a bone-melting love for her &#8212; as I do all my children &#8212; there&#8217;s no doubting her tricky, testy nature fuels our showdowns, while her determination means she often reduces me to a frazzled wreck.</p><p>Only the other morning, I was hugging my youngest son, Aaron, and wishing him luck for some important exams that day, when Sophie stormed into the middle of the conversation. &#8216;You didn&#8217;t care when I had a spelling test,&#8217; she blasted with her ability to drag up old grievances, however irrelevant, to make me feel bad (accusation is her default position).</p><br><p>Aaron, with his signature wit and weary irritation, turned to his sister and remarked: &#8216;Yes, and you&#8217;ll need those results for your CV.&#8217;<br></p><p>The emotional blackmail is intense. If I don&#8217;t do as she asks, she says it&#8217;s because I don&#8217;t love her, when the truth is I love her to pieces, and have never held back from telling her so. <br></p><p>I have always showered her with affection and attention. When she starts to dig at that nerve, I can&#8217;t help thinking there&#8217;s about as much chance of boys starting that kind of argument as there is of Victoria Beckham smiling this side of 2013.<br></p><p>She also has a wilful side I have never seen in any of my boys. Each morning, I sit there before school painstakingly plaiting Sophie&#8217;s hair or scooping it into bunches, only for my daughter to shake out the style, change her mind and decide to do her own (scruffy) ponytail.<br></p><p>I fall for it every day, as Sophie assures me the hairstyle we begin with is the one she wants. Clearly, my daughter is a graduate of the David Cameron school of promise-keeping.<br></p><p>Of course, all children are a blessing. And even though Sophie is a handful, she makes me ache with love for her. Especially when she turns on her sweet smile, crawls into the crook of my arm and tells me I&#8217;m &#8216;her best mama&#8217; (something the boys would never do).<br></p><p>One day, when she&#8217;s grown up, we&#8217;ll dawdle over lunch and laugh as I remind Sophie what a nightmare she was when she was little. Just as my mother did with me.</p>?LIZ JONES MOANSWhy is it suddenly on-trend for fashionistas to be so bitchy?<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:08:01 GMT, 23 September 2010</p><p>Funny, outrageous and downright rude. Who's in Liz Jones' firing line this week?</p><p>Why are women so bitchy? And, in particular, why are women who work in fashion so bitchy? <br></p><p>Take London Fashion Week, which finished yesterday. <br></p><p>The British Fashion Council laid on a fleet of Mercedes people-carriers to ferry us journalists between shows. <br></p><p>We had each been assigned a truck, but - given the traffic and the chaos after each show - it was often hard to find your driver. <br></p><p>Marooned late one night outside Battersea Power Station, I asked a group of fellow showgoers if I could get a lift to civilisation in their car. <br></p><p>It was half-empty and I have known these women for, oooh, about a decade. 'Sorry,' one said, slamming the door in my face. <br></p><p>At Jaeger, I asked the editors of Britain's most famous glossies if they could budge up a bit. I'm thin, but not that thin. <br></p><p>Blank stares all round. At Burberry, I asked a fashion editor if she would watch my bag while I went to chat to Sarah Jessica Parker. <br></p><p>'Um, I would, if it were this season. Do you really care if it goes missing?' I don't think I have ever felt more disenchanted with what I do for a living than I have done over the past few days. <br></p><p>Isn't fashion supposed to be about making women feel good about themselves, about creativity and fun and humour and female solidarity? <br></p><p>Not mealy-mouthed small-mindedness. </p><p>CELEBRITY AIRHEAD MOMENT OF THE WEEK</p><p>At the memorial for Alexander McQueen on Monday, Sarah Jessica Parker would only say she found the occasion 'sad'. <br></p><p>Delivering the eulogy, Anna Wintour said: 'He has left us with an evenmore exceptional legacy, a talent that soared like the birds of hischildhood above us all.' <br></p><p>But listen to this, from a male guest, on leaving the service: 'Who were all those nobodies wearing High Street? <br></p><p>'God, I'd be depressed, too, if they were my friends.' </p><p>CRIME AGAINST FASHION</p><p>This was the finale of the Burberry show in London on Tuesday, when model Nina Porter tumbled off her eightinch platforms. <br></p><p>She was the third model to take a tumble during the show, making a mockery of the strong, warrior-like outfits. <br></p><p>The ridiculous shoes ruined many collections: at Erdem the models stared at the floor, terrified of the steps they had to walk up and down on the stage.</p><p>And, at one point, a girl grasped at the fashion editors in the front row for traction and ended up with Biro on her dress. <br></p><p>Isn't it time the models staged a walk out? If they were able to move with all those blisters ...<br><br><br></p>?Why rose scents are blooming this season...<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:06:56 GMT, 9 June 2011</p><p>Rose perfumes are the fragrance equivalent of the little black dress.<br></p><p>They&#8217;re timeless, wearable day and night, elegant but still alluring. <br></p><p>And right now they&#8217;re bang on trend. <br></p><p>In the past couple of months there&#8217;s been a surge in top brands producing rose-smelling spritzers.</p><p></p><p>Prada&#8217;s Infusion de Rose, £68.50, launched this month with rose oil from Bulgaria and Turkey. <br></p><p>Emilio Pucci&#8217;s newest scent Vivara Vaviazioni Verde 072, £40, is a simple, delicate perfume with Turkish rose.</p><p>Givenchy has brought out Very Irresistible Givency L&#8217;Intense, £39.75, which promises to &#8216;reveal a new facet of the flower&#8217;s femininity&#8217;.</p><p>Other rosy favourites and best sellers at The Perfume Shop, are Chloe Rose (£45.50), Flora by Gucci Eau Fraiche (£44.50), Stella McCartney&#8217;s Sheer Stella (£38.59) and L&#8217;Eau d&#8217;Issey Florale (£32.50).<br></p><p>So it&#8217;s a good time to treat yourself to classic. Whichever you pick,<br>you&#8217;ll come up smelling of roses.</p><p> <br></p><p> <br></p><br>?Why women are better at recognising faces than men<br><p>By <br>UPDATED:09:48 GMT, 28 June 2010</p><p></p><p>If you have trouble putting a name to a face it may be because you are a man.<br></p><p>Scientists have found that women are more likely to recognise people than men - possibly because they are more interested in reading emotion in other faces.<br></p><p>In a study of 120 people, women were five percent more successful at identifying faces than the men.<br></p><p>All the subjects were shown close-up photographs of anonymous faces for 20 seconds and asked to memorise them.<br></p><p>They were then asked to identify the same faces - which had ears, hair and obvious blemishes removed - after they had been interspersed among 30 to 50 other faces.<br></p><p>Researchers say women may have better genetic programming to recognise faces because they need to recognise and provide for their children.<br></p><p>Jennifer Steeves, a psychologist who led the study, said: 'There is a small but significant difference in how reliably and how quickly men and women can recognise faces. Women just seem to be more efficient at it than men.<br></p><p>'It may be that they are programmed to study faces better because of the need to recognise the needs of their offspring.'<br></p><p>However apparently not all women are good at recognising faces. <br></p><p>In the blockbuster film, The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep's magazine boss, Miranda Priestly, has to rely on her assistant to brief her on the identity of each person she was about to encounter at a social function.</p><p>Scientists who carried out the research say the reason for thedisparity in the figures may lie in the way each sex analyses a face.<br></p><p>They found that while women performed better than men, gay men and left-handed men performed better than other men.<br></p><p>Theysay women and gay men may use both hemispheres of their brains torecognise faces and commit them to memory while straight men use justone side.<br></p><p>Psychologists believe women and gay men are moreinterested in reading emotion and personality traits from the faces ofother people.</p><p>Saffron Ellidge, a 'face reader' from London who helps vet job candidates for employers, said the study, carried out by York University in Toronto, matches her findings.<br></p><p>She said: 'In my work I have observed that the people with the worst facial recognition skills are what you would call alpha males.<br></p><p>'They tend to be most absorbed in their own emotions, whereas those who want to gain rapport with others are better at it.'<br></p><p>She said: 'Women do take in more from people's faces because they are more interested than men.' <br></p><p>The secrets of how we recognise a human face is still a mystery and one that so far continues to defeat the best technology.<br></p><p>A computerised method of face recognition called face-mapping has been devised to identify people by measuring the distance between their features.<br></p><p>But scientists who advise police on identity parades say face-mapping method is not 100 percent accurate and can be unreliable.<br></p><p>There is a little-known medical condition called prosopagnosia - also known as face blindness - where patients cannot recognise the faces of other people, even those very close to them. <br></p><p>It is estimated there are many as 1.5million sufferers in Britain with varying forms of the condition though many people will not realise they are sufferers. <br></p><p>The condition, which can be present from birth or brought on by head injury, leads to an interruption in the brain works during facial recognition.<br></p><p>This means sufferers are able to conduct a normal conversation with somebody, but will fail to recognise that same person's face just a few minutes later. <br></p><p>They come to rely on other 'clues' such as clothes, voice pitch, mannerisms and whether or not somebody wears glasses to recognise them. <br></p><p> </p>?Why women find it harder working for a Queen Bee than a male boss<br> <p>By <br> UPDATED:08:56 GMT, 23 September 2008</p> <p>What with the glass ceiling, the wages and the child care difficulties it's not as if the problems women face in the workplace haven't been well-documented. <br></p><p>Now there's a major, and somewhat unexpected, addition to the list - the female boss. <br></p><p>University researchers say women who have to answer to a female supervisor feel more stressed than if their superior is male. <br></p> <p>The devil really does wear Prada: Fashion magazine editor and Queen Bee Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) was an insufferable boss to assistant Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) in the film The Devil Wears Prada<br></p> <p>They suffer from far more depression, insomnia, headaches and heartburn than if their boss is a man. <br></p><p>But for male workers, the sex of their manager makes no difference. <br></p><p>The Canadian team, which studied 1,800 U.S. workers, reckoned the explanation could lie in Queen Bee syndrome, in which successful women do not like to be surrounded by competitors of the same sex. <br></p><p>The University of Toronto scientists also suggested that many females do not like to be led by women because they see leadership as a traditionally male role. <br></p><p>This could be the reason why U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton failed to get her party's nomination - or why Segolene Royal lost <br>last year's French presidential election. <br></p><p>For the research, stress levels and the physical health of workers were compared in three situations: working for one male boss, for one female boss, and those working for one of each. <br></p><p>The study found that women who have a lone female supervisor suffer far more than those who have a male boss. <br></p><p>They reported more psychological distress (such as trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing on work, depression and anxiety) and physical symptoms (like headaches, stomach pain or heartburn, neck and back pain, and tiredness). <br></p><p>But women who worked for a lone male supervisor had far fewer symptoms. <br></p><p>And those who worked for one of each were somewhere in the middle. <br></p><p>For the male workers, however, there was no difference in level of distress, no matter whether his boss was male or female. <br></p> <p>However, men who worked for a mixed-gender pair had fewer mental and physical problems than those who worked for a man and woman alone. <br></p><p>Scott Schieman, author of the study, said the differences may be because of stereotypes that it is more 'normal' for men to be leaders and display typical leadership characteristics. <br></p><p>So while a woman might expect a male boss to be aggressive and demanding, they may not expect this behaviour from a female supervisor. <br></p><p>They might expect more emotional support from a female boss - and be unhappy when they do not get it, but instead find some women 'manage more like men, which can be more conflictive or combative'. <br></p><p>Another possibility is that women tend to work in different jobs, skewing the results. <br></p><p>'It may be that something about the nature of the work itself is influencing these health differences,' Dr Schieman told the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour. <br></p><p>'For example, women working with a woman supervisor might tend to be found mostly in the caring sector or in jobs that tend to be under-resourced, under-funded and under-valued, such as social work or education, creating stress both for the workers themselves and stress for the boss that might trickle down to her subordinates. <br></p><p>'These are speculative points that need to be investigated further.' <br></p><p>Other research has blamed Queen Bee syndrome for conflict-between women at work. <br></p><p>A recent German study found that women in power tended to regard female subordinates as less dedicated than men - because they want to protect their own interests. <br></p>CASE STUDY<br><p>Financial adviser Karen Smyth, pictured above, was hounded out by a 'jealous' woman boss. <br></p><p>Miss Smyth, 32, had been one of the Halifax's most talented high-fliers, earning £95,000 a year, plus bonuses. <br></p><p>But the economics graduate's career took a nosedive when a woman ten years her senior was appointed her manager. <br></p><p>The new boss criticised Miss Smyth's approach with customers, gathered complaints on their behalf and went to senior management, the tribunal heard. <br></p><p>Miss Smyth, from Sheffield, suffered stress and later resigned. She won a case of unfair dismissal against the Halifax and was awarded £59,030 after the bank admitted liability. <br></p><p>Afterwards she claimed: 'I'm young, well-educated and a high earner. She was just jealous.' <br></p><p>Miss Smyth, who started work with the Halifax at 21, said: 'I worked with eight previous Halifax managers before her with no trouble at all. That says it all.' <br></p><p> </p>?We are a muse! Why Her Majesty is a right royal style Queen<p>UPDATED:05:14 GMT, 29 January 2012</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>OK, so the Duchess of Cambridge is fashion&#8217;s latest darling &#8212; but the reigning doyenne of royal style is the Queen. At leisure she may kick back in a headscarf and Barbour, but on duty Her Majesty puts the ritz into regal and troops the season&#8217;s hottest colours and cuts, putting the cool into rule</p><p></p><p>STATEMENT COAT<br></p><p>Our sovereign was working hound&#8217;s-tooth long before Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian got in on the trend.</p><p><br></p><p>YELLOW</p><p>2011 was yellow&#8217;s year, from muted mustard to the prettiest primrose.The Queen couldn&#8217;t have been more fashionable in lemon for Kate and William&#8217;s wedding.</p><p><br></p><p>BROCADE</p><p>Nothing is more regal than silk brocade. Both the monarch and Marc Jacobs favour it in sea green.</p><p><br></p><p>SLIM FIT</p><p>Stella McCartney&#8217;s trompe l&#8217;oeil showstoppers are worn by Liv Tyler, Kate Winslet et al. In the same flattering vein this fuchsia dresscoat with contrasting trim streamlines without the need for structure.<br></p><p><br></p><p>FLORAL PRINTS</p><p>Floral-print dresses will be a staple come summer; take a tip from Her Majesty (and Prada) and go bold and bright.<br></p><p><br></p><p>PASTELS</p><p>Pink collarless coat, matching hat, Launer It-bag and the most sensible of shoes&#8230; The style tip from our 85-year-old ruler? Know what works for you &#8212; and stick to it.<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><br>?Win free tickets to see The Devil Wears Prada<p>Last updated at 12:25 25 September 2006</p><br><p>Based on the internationally best-selling novel by LaurenWeisberger, The Devil Wears is about the all-time most impossibleboss in the history of impossible bosses and hits cinemas on the5th October.</p><p>&bull; <br></p><p>&bull; <br></p><p>Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) is the reigning queen of fashionwhose whims can start and end careers.</p><p>Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is a small-town girl fresh out ofcollege, who lands the challenging and glamorous job as theassistant to Miranda, at Runway Magazine.</p><p>It's a job no self-respecting person can survive, yet it's anopportunity a million girls would die for.</p><p>Though Andy is completely wrong for the job, she has somethingthe rest of them don't: she refuses to fail...</p><p>We're offering you a chance to see the film before it's evenreleased at venues across the UK on the 28th September 2006. Enterthe code 58608 and get your free pair of ticketsnow at </p>Share this article: <p> </p>?<p>SHOT 1</p><p>Jumper dress, £169, Joseph, 020 7590 6200. Scarf, £22, Topshop, 0845 1214519. Tights, £22, Falke, as before. Boots, £695, Jimmy Choo, as before. Sunglasses, £175, Prada at David Clulow, 020 8515 6700</p><p>SHOT 2</p><p>Cashmere V-neck, £160, Jaeger, 0845 051 0063. Skirt, £235, Sonia Rykiel at The Shop at Bluebird, 020 7351 3873. Tights, £19, Falke at www. mytights.com. Boots, £695, Jimmy Choo, 020 7493 5858</p><p>SHOT 3<br></p><p>Yellow poloneck two-in-one jumper, £79, Emporio Armani, 020 7479 7760. Indigo cropped skinny jeans, £150, J Brand at www.donnaida.com. Court shoes, £230, Katia Lombardo at www.my-wardrobe.com. Clutch bag, £140, Angel Jackson, as before <br></p><p>SHOT 4</p><p>Red V-neck jumper, £12, Collection at Debenhams, 08445 616161. Burnt orange scarf, £279, Joseph, as before. Denim flares, £135, www.irwin andjordan.com</p><p>SHOT 5</p><p>Angora jumper dress, £45, Topshop, as before. Woollen tights, £19, Falke, as before. Snakeskin sandals with zip, £850, Jimmy Choo, as before <br></p><p>SHOT 6</p><p>Oversized cardigan, £259, Les Prairies de Paris at Fenwick, 020 7629 9161. Scarf, £149, www.willowcashmere.com. Belt, £35, Reiss, 020 7323 6300. Bag, £232, Angel Jackson, 01179 248 633. Tights, £12, Falke, as before. Platforms, £415, Yves Saint Laurent, 020 7235 6706. Sunglasses, £145, Gucci at David Clulow, 020 8515 6700</p><p><br></p><p> </p>?Women are great bosses - as long as you're a man<p>By <br>UPDATED:08:52 GMT, 13 April 2011</p><p>For men, mistakes at work aren't such a big deal &#8212; providing your boss is female. <br></p><p>With women in charge, I've had more foul-ups forgiven, more days off ignored and more dodgy haircuts overlooked than I care to recall. <br></p><p>And I've generally been treated like a naughty, but favoured son. <br></p><p>From my editors in my early years as a green trainee journalist on local newspapers, to my TV script editors, agents, producers and even the odd celebrity, my working career has almost always been enhanced by having a woman above me showing me the ropes. <br></p><p>For years, I just thought women were nicer to work for than men.<br></p><p>Well, they are &#8212; unless, of course, you have ovaries, too. <br></p><p>That's when so-called 'Queen Bee' syndrome kicks in and, when it does, those of you of the fairer sex are in for one heck of a bumpy ride. <br></p><p>Now, new research confirms what every working woman has always known: that female bosses are rarely, if ever, likely to give another woman a helping hand up the career ladder. <br></p><p>Moreover, the report by Social Science Research says Queen Bee syndrome often means women are more likely to kick the ladder out from under another woman than they would from a man.<br></p><p>I struck it lucky from the start. <br></p><p>When I was a trainee hack on the world-famous Dagenham Post (you must know it, it's above a Safeway store, just off the High Street) my knowledge was scarce, but the female news editor took me under her wing. <br></p><p>She escorted me to my first court cases, introduced me to the local coppers, nudged me awake through endless boring council meetings and taught me how every story can be told in 25-word paragraphs. (Reading this one, I owe her an apology).<br></p><p>However, she was very different with the girls. </p><p>Not a bully or unpleasant, just not as helpful. <br></p><p>I didn't think too much about it at the time; I just put it down to me being cute. Now I realise she was probably suffering from Queen Bee syndrome.</p><p>Neither she &#8212; nor the other females in the office &#8212; could seemingly bear to see other women getting on. </p><p>One girl who got on to local radio news, a big, glamorous step up from the local paper, quickly became persona non grata among her former workmates in a way that successful male colleagues did not. <br></p><p>By contrast, a bloke doing well was a friend to be proud of.<br></p><p>One close female friend has even told me she has found it easier to deal with temperamental rock stars than with an office full of women. <br></p><p>Susan spent more than 20 years in the U.S. working with some of the biggest rock bands in the world, from Kiss to the Moody Blues. <br></p><p>But she says handling male superstar egos was a piece of cake compared to dealing with the women she encountered in her first office job.<br></p><p>'That office was so bitchy and back-biting, I just had to leave,' she says. <br></p><p>'My boss was a woman who was scared I was going after her job. She refused to give me the training I needed. <br></p><p>'In the end, I couldn't stand it any longer. There was no real camaraderie in that office; it was just horrible.' <br></p><p>She eventually wound up organising the catering on major U.S. stadium tours, and even then says the only real problems she faced were from other women desperate to get access to the rock gods. <br></p><p>Another friend is a female executive assistant at the BBC in Manchester, with more than ten years experience. <br></p><p>'I had two female bosses in human resources, and they were both utter nightmares. Very demanding, but also unclear as to what they wanted,' she says.<br></p><p>The experience turned her off working for women to such an extent that for years she refused even to apply for jobs with female bosses. <br></p><p>'Male bosses are much more straightforward,' she says. <br></p><p>'They are good at giving deadlines and are clearer about their expectations.' <br></p><p>I seemed to miss out on all that. I even got lucky when I started writing for TV. Like actors, writers all do (or did) The Bill. I was no exception. <br></p><p>The woman challenged with working my half-baked ideas about armed raids on bookies into perfect 30-minute episodes was wonderful to me.<br></p><p>On one occasion she spent four hours telling me why everything I'd written was dreadful, but still gave me the encouragement and guidance to turn in a decent script. <br></p><p>So why do women have a reputation for refusing to help each other in the workplace? <br></p><p>One motivating factor, in my view, is envy. Most women feel jealous if they see another of their number doing better than them. <br></p><p>And that is without the added complications and resentments that build up around the issues of holidays and children. <br></p><p>My wife Michele, a showbiz agent, tells me how a childless female boss at an independent TV company once forced her to fax a 200-page document to Australia late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, despite no one being there to read it. <br></p><p>Eventually, it was the male head of the TV company who rescued her, letting her escape to buy everything for Christmas in about half an hour before the shops closed. <br></p><p>Despite this, Michele says she understands that her boss just needed to prove she was more driven and efficient than anyone else, even if it meant turning herself into a monster. <br></p><p>Another friend, a senior London-based book publisher and mother, swears that childless women bosses are just downright unfair to women who get pregnant. <br></p><p>In her experience, they are more intolerant than male bosses when women take time off for their family. And not just for school plays and sports days, but even for illnesses.<br></p><p>'I worked at a children's book publisher where the female boss fired everyone who got pregnant,' she says. <br></p><p>'You would think being a parent would better qualify people for that job.'<br></p><p>Could it be that women are harder on women for their own good? <br></p><p>Females are certainly better placed than anyone to know just how difficult making it can be. <br></p><p>Perhaps by forcing them to learn to defend themselves and raise their game, they're giving female employees the tools they need. Or perhaps that's me being a naive male . . .<br></p><p>And there are, of course, two sides to every story. A senior woman TV executive told me that female employees who don't pull their weight are just as much of a problem. <br></p><p>So, of course, they incur the wrath of their female bosses.<br></p><p>'When you've fought the battles, made the sacrifices, you've got the job and proved you can do it and still organise the childcare, it really won't wash when young women who've had none of those battles come into a business environment and go all flopsy bunny on you,' she says. <br></p><p>'It feels as if they're letting the side down.'<br></p><p>Many women will say that Queen Bee female bosses can be harder on women than male bosses are on their male subordinates. Maybe that's because men are simpler folk.<br></p><p>But a bully is a bully and we're all flawed. The meanest thing I've seen at work was a male boss refusing to let a young, broke, female reporter go on a freebie-of-a-lifetime helicopter trip to the North Pole, just out of spite. <br></p><p>And the lovely lady who showed me the ropes at my first newspaper? <br></p><p>She nicked my first front-page story and put her byline on it!<br></p>?WorldCom: Prada scraps flotation<p>By and <br>UPDATED:23:00 GMT, 26 June 2002</p><p></p><p>ITALIAN fashion house Prada has dropped its plans for a share float, blaming the turmoil inflicted by the WorldCom scandal. Its decision raised fears that UK firms such as Yell and Burberry might be forced to follow. </p><p>Prada blamed 'the bad conditions of the financial markets'. Others are hoping that the shakeout will be shortlived, but if prices keep falling, they may have to reconsider. 'I can't see how a share offer can take off in these markets,' says Ian Jenkins at Cantor Index. 'The outlook is so bearish that it will overshadow any float.' </p><p>Investors reckon Yell's float could be pulled within days, though the phone directory firm insists it is 'business as usual'. Its directory service has inevitably been tarred with the telecoms brush. It is due to price its shares on Tuesday, but insiders are exploring whether it makes sense to push the timetable back. </p><p>Canto's grey market price for Yell is 300p to 310p. That is within Yell's 270p to 345p price range, but investors are increasingly jittery. </p><p>Prada's advisers Morgan Stanley are lead bankers on the Burberry float. Burberry's owner GUS insists Prada's decision makes no difference, and says its own 'plans are still very much on track' for mid-July. </p><p>Burberry will offer up to 25% of the shares at around 230p to 290p a share. They are 267p to 277p in the grey market. </p><p>DIY retailer Focus Wickes plans to price its shares on Monday and start trading on Friday. It is encouraged that City investors 'are still asking for meetings'. The 'grey' price is 252p to 257p, well within its 230p to 290p range. Focus says: 'It has been priced to reflect market turbulence. The roadshow has gone well.' </p><p>The market turmoil could also make it more tricky for cable firm Telewest to negotiate a refinancing package with bondholders. 'Everyone will want to let the dust settle first,' said a bond dealer. Defying the gloom, public services consultant Mouchel got its share placing away within its target price range, valuing it at &pound;77.5m. It placed 24m shares at 125p each. </p><p>Scandal won't stop &#163;5bn debuts</p>?Would you wear 5in 'flatform' heels? Designers hail bizarre new trend 'shoe for 2011'<br> <p>By <br> UPDATED:13:09 GMT, 31 January 2011<br> </p><p>Designers' love affair with bizarre shoes seems set to continue. <br></p><p>Banana-shaped heels, lace-up clogs, knee-high stiletto 'sandals'- it seems that no shape is too odd or impractical. <br></p><p>Joining them this spring is the 'flatform' - which, as the name suggests, is a combination of a platform heel and flat shoes.</p><p>Everyone, from Chanel, Prada and Chloe to Vivienne Westwood, has sent them down the catwalk and it's been dubbed the shoe for 2011. <br></p><p>We're torn. On the one hand, it gives you the height of a 5in heel, without the agony. <br></p><p>But on the other, they look as if you're wearing a pair of bricks on your feet - not the most flattering of looks, especially when paired with a leg-length cutting ankle strap.</p><p> What's more, in Japan, where the shoe is popular with schoolgirls, reports of flatform-related accidents have reached the hundreds. <br></p><p>No doubt the fashion aficionados will be dashing out to grab a pair, but we fear this might be our Achilles heel this summer. </p>?YouTube rival set to show top American shows for free<p>Last updated at 12:37 23 March 2007</p><br><p>Some of America's most popular shows, including 24 and TheSimpsons, will be made available free online this summer in achallenge to YouTube.</p><p>Rupert Murdoch News Corp?s is teaming up with arch rival NBCUniversal to launch the as-yet unnamed online video site, in a movewhich shows how serious a threat YouTube has become to mediacompanies.</p><p>The two firms have also enlisted the help of Google?s mainrivals - Yahoo, Microsoft and Time Warner.</p><p>Users will be able to download popular TV shows and films butwill not be able to upload their own videos.</p><p>"This is a game changer for Internet video," said Peter Chernin,News Corp's chief operating officer.</p><p>"We'll have access to just about the entire U.S. Internetaudience at launch. And for the first time, consumers will get whatthey want - professionally produced video delivered on the siteswhere they live," he added.</p><p>The Internet video market is key to the future of media and willbe vast enough to accommodate competition, analysts said.</p><p>"There's plenty of room for multiple players," said RichardGreenfield of Pali Capital.</p><p>"It's still not clear how user-generated content is going to fitin and it's still not clear that all of these companies won't do adeal with Google over time," he added.</p><p>YouTube can still distinguish itself with its popular tools forusers to share homemade, as well as professionally produced,material.</p><p>"It's not actually going to take away from YouTube because it'sas much about the social experience as the video. So YouTube isgoing to be fine," said James McQuivey, an analyst with ForresterResearch.</p><p>Other TV shows to be available on the new site include new hitssuch as Heroes and My Name is Earl from NBC and House from Fox, aswell as older programmes from their television libraries.</p><p>Films including The Devil Wears Prada, Little Miss Sunshine andThe Bourne Identity will also be available on the site.</p>Share this article: <p> </p>?Quirky Zooey Deschanel hops around with an adorable bunny bag<br><p> By <br>UPDATED:08:11 GMT, 17 January 2012</p><p>She is known for her quirky sense of style.<br></p><p>And Zooey Deschanel showed she is still stocking up on eccentric accessories when she was spotted in LA today.<br></p><p>The 31-year-old actress was seen carrying a bag shaped like a rabbit as she stepped into an awaiting limo.</p><p>The black leather Mandy Coon "Ginny" bag resembles a bunny with large floppy ears.<br></p><p>The New Girl star used the sweet accessory, which retails at $435, to liven up an otherwise simple outfit.<br></p><p>She was sporting a navy double-breasted coat which she kept buttoned up to keep her warm in the cool Los Angeles weather.</p><p>She also wore a pair of tan slouchy boots and some thick-rimmed sunglasses as she made her way to work.<br></p><p>The(500) Days of Summer actress was getting straight back into the swing of things following last night's Golden Globes ceremony.<br></p><p>Zooey's hit TV show New Girl was nominated for a Best Comedy Series gong, but lost out to Modern Family.</p><p>The actress attended the event wearing a geometric black and green gown by Prada.</p><p>The dress boasted a sequined top with a cut-out back and flowing skirt.<br></p><p>And she added some individuality to the look with some nail art that left her talons resembling tuxedos.<br></p><p>The brunette appeared to be in good spirits at the ceremony, despite recently filing for divorce from Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard, 35.</p><p>The couple were married for two years before announcing their split in November.</p><p>But newly single Zooey was determined not to go it alone on the Golden Globes red carpet.<br></p><p>Instead, she spent the evening catching up with her sister Emily Deschanel.<br></p><p>The Bones star, 35, gave birth to her first child Henry, with actor husband David Hornsby, in September.</p>?White heat: Zooey Deschanel shows off her flawless porcelain skin in the LA sunshine <br><p></p><p>PUBLISHED:01:58 GMT, 9 August 2012 UPDATED:13:53 GMT, 9 August 2012</p><br><p>With temperatures hitting 94 degrees fahrenheit in Los Angeles today, it was a perfect day for sunbathing. <br></p><p>But 32-year-old Zooey Deschanel has based a career around being the ultimate, porcelain-skinned indie chick; so working up a sweat with a bit of foil in front of her face was not on the cards for her. <br></p><p>Instead, Deschanel who is dating screenwriter Jamie Linden, decided to hit the shops. <br></p><p>Dressed in a typically retro navy dress, the brunette had added a couple of designer touches to her thrift-store style get up. <br></p><p>The New Girl actress carried a Prada hangbag in pale yellow worth over a thousand dollars, and wore $495 Jimmy Choo pumps. <br></p><p>The actress is back at work on the set of her hit show, and tweeted a picture accompanied by the words 'Jess isback,' referring to her character. </p><p> </p><p>After getting divorced from Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbon at Christmas, Deschanel has kept her love life under wraps. <br></p><p>That is until recently, however, when she stepped out with new boyfriend Linden quite publicly. <br></p><p>The couple were spotted embracing in the street after attending a barbecue last month. <br></p><p>The PDA came after the new couple were spotted together at a Magic Mike afterparty last June where an US Weekly source said they appeared 'inseparable, holding hands and hooking their arms together.'</p><p> </p><p>Linden strangely resembles Gibbard, and he's best known as the writer of films Dear John in 2010 and We Are Marshall in 2006.<br></p><p>'Jamie's a really nice guy,' a source told Us Weekly in June. 'He's funny, and a little geeky...he's into her!'<br></p><p>At the time, Deschanel's spokesperson had no comment about the relationship, which is Zooey's first known since 'mutually' and 'amicably' filing for divorce from her husband of two years last December.<br></p><p>Last April, the She and Him frontwoman told Marie Claire that she 'literally had no time to date' and that dating was something she didn't 'want to get into.'</p><p>But in a recent interview with Look Magazine the brunette beauty, who'll soon make her Broadway debut as Loretta Lynn in a stage adaptation of Coal Miner's Daughter, labeled herself a true romantic.<br></p><p>'I think people are confused by my exuberance at times, I tend to be very passionate about the things I love, and very, very enthusiastic,' the Elf star said. 'Whatever I'm doing, I try to find the romance in it.' <br></p><p>For instance, when Deschanel head about her Emmy nomination for New Girl she told the LA Times that she felt like an excited 'baby with a wooden spoon' comparing herself to her nine-month-old nephew Henry.<br></p><p>Her popular series returns for a second season starting September 25 on Fox.<br></p><p>The quirky star has truly found a kindred spirit in Linden, who moved to Los Angeles from Florida in 2001 after winning tickets for The Price is Right.<br></p><p>According to a 2008 interview in MovieWeb, Jamie competed on the popular game show and won $5,000 and a Tuscan wine server cart, which he saw as a sign to stay in Hollywood.<br></p><p>'I thought well that's a sign, "I should stay." What you want to do, finds you,' he said.<br></p><p>Linden is said to be working on a number of screenplays, including a biopic on Olympic gold medalist downhill skiier Bill Johnson, an adaption of The Dogs of Babel, and and a pilot titled Flash Back to be directed by McG.<br><br><br><br></p><p> </p>?<p>Karen Lodrick stood in line at the Starbucks not far from the corner of Church and Market streets in San Francisco, every inch of her body in high stress mode. Her heart was thumping; her cheeks were on fire; the knot in her gut was thick and tight. That&#8217;s her, she thought. That has to be her. Less than 12 inches away from Lodrick was a tall, robust woman with a shock of dark, wavy hair, her eyes hidden behind an enormous pair of Gucci sunglasses.</p><p>&#8220;My stomach felt like it was dropping out of my body,&#8221; says Lodrick, a 41-year-old freelance Web consultant. &#8220;This was the woman who had been stealing my identity&#8212;and there was no way I was letting her out of my sight.&#8221;</p>Five months earlier, on Saturday, November 25, 2006, Lodrick had returned to her San Francisco apartment after spending Thanksgiving with her family in Michigan to find an automated message on her voice mail. &#8220;Ms. Lodrick, this is a courtesy call from Wells Fargo,&#8221; the voice said. &#8220;We&#8217;re checking to make sure you made several large withdrawals from your account in the last few days.&#8221;</p><p>Lodrick was a careful spender, someone who paid her bills on time and kept careful watch over her cash flow, so if she had taken money out of her account, she would have remembered&#8212;and would have had the receipts to prove it. She hadn&#8217;t been to the ATM since before her trip, so she knew there must be some mistake.</p><p>Things grew even weirder when she dialed the bank&#8217;s toll-free number and got a representative on the phone. Lodrick learned that she had supposedly withdrawn a total of $2,400 from an ATM that weekend. She asked the agent to verify her card number. &#8220;That&#8217;s not my card!&#8221; Lodrick said after hearing the unfamiliar digits. &#8220;How can this debit card be running around with my name on it?&#8221; The agent explained: In order for the bank to assign a second card to her name, Lodrick&#8212;or someone posing as Lodrick&#8212;would have had to apply for it, and the card would have been sent to her home address. &#8220;Does anyone have access to your mail?&#8221; the agent asked. &#8220;No,&#8221; Lodrick said as the panic rose in her throat. She lived alone. Shaken, she canceled the fraudulent card. Then, after hanging up, she searched her apartment and her mailbox for signs of a break-in: nothing.</p><p>Lodrick didn&#8217;t sleep well that night. On Monday morning, hollow-eyed, she went to her bank, where a customer service rep showed her a laundry list of transactions&#8212;$250 at Safeway, $600 at a jeweler, $2,000 at Macy&#8217;s&#8212;none of which Lodrick recognized. Her heart sank. And then came the real shocker: The thief had acquired two debit cards in Lodrick&#8217;s name and had used them to clear out the entire $7,200 in her checking account, leaving her $1,200 overdrawn. With the exception of a small savings account (&#8220;I&#8217;m the kind of person who never touches her savings,&#8221; she says), it was all the money Lodrick had in the world. She immediately called the bank&#8217;s fraud department and went to the police station to file a report. Along the way, she did her best not to freak out. &#8220;I thought, OK, Karen. Stay calm,&#8221; she says. &#8220;I&#8217;ve always been an &#8216;it&#8217;s all good&#8217; kind of person, so I tried to have the same attitude about this, but I was also thinking, I will figure this out because I have to. My rent was due.&#8221;</p>?<p></p><p>Los Angeles vintage mecca Decadestwo (which you may remember from --it's one of those stores that makes her "DIE" like, a lot) is holding their bi-annual designer shoe sale tomorrow, and shopping it won't just mean doing something good for yourself, but for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, too. The sale always draws a serious crowd (check out the 400+ guys and gals who lined up outside the store at last year's event, above!), but they're hoping to bring in even more ladies lusting after discounted designer stilettos with this year's charity effort. </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>Decadestwo owner Christos Garkinos asked and her celeb friends to clean out their closets and contribute some of their most fabulous pieces to the sale; 100% of the proceeds from Garcelle's items and a portion of the overall sale's proceeds will go to , a celeb-heavy non-profit started by director Paul Haggis, which is helping with the relief effort in Haiti. </p><p>So, let's review: You get some incredible designer stems for about a quarter of their average price. Displaced Haitians get food, water, and medical care they so desperately need. And the world becomes a better place, one step at a time...</p><p>DECADESTWO SHOE SALE <br>Saturday, January 30, 9AM-6PM<br>8214 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photos: FashionIntel/courtesy of Decadestwo?<p>I've been breathless over Prada's all-lace fall collection since the second it hit the runways last spring--but I'm still about oh, 22 paychecks away from wearing it. So I'm turning to the next best thing instead, in the form of Delia's $14.50 black lace tights. All of their tights are also all buy two get one free this week, so get shopping. </p><p>Rose crochet tights, $14.50 at </p>?<p>This past September, designers like Marni, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Jil Sander all showed major on their runway, proving that the dangly statement baubles are back in a big way. Since we don't think you should have to wait to get your hands on 'em (or empty your wallet for that matter) we've got these next art deco-inspired pairs for you to shop now, all under $50. Take a look and tell us which pair is your fave!</p>?<p></p><p>It&#8217;s football season, and where I&#8217;m from (it&#8217;s Ohio State Buckeye territory, folks), the entire city is dead serious about tailgating. Seriously, it&#8217;s like a roundup of thousands of hot dudes getting all fired up and excited. Score! How in the world have I not managed to meet any guys through all this yet? Oh right, because half of them are in college and I&#8217;m 30. Ew.</p><p>Anyway&#133;if you find yourselves at a tailgate, or a game, or just watching at a bar with a roomful of good-looking and hopefully age-appropriate men (and a plate of fries), you might need to take some action. So here&#8217;s a list of pick up lines* you can use. Yes, they're all totally groan-worthy, and no, I don't care. ?</p><p>*Thanks to a couple friends for consulting with me on football terminology (my knowledge is kind of limited). Sorry most of your suggested lines were too dirty to actually use in this post. :)</p><p>And remember, when in doubt that your line hasn't gone over well, just repeat it. It's what our would do (OK, this isn't exactly a line, and it's about a basketball, not a football but I kind of think "leather pumpkin" could work for either and plus, it's hilarious):</p><p></p><p>OK, OK, fine, maybe you would never actually say these things, but did you at least laugh at little? What's your best suggestion for a football-appropriate pickup line?</p><p>A line for every occasion (not necessarily a good one, but still):<br>*<br>*<br>*</p><p><br>Photo: Thinkstock</p>?1<p>&#8220;I am big. It&#8217;s the pictures that got small.&#8221; Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard, 1950</p>2<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not the men in your life that counts, it&#8217;s the life in your men.&#8221; Mae West in I&#8217;m No Angel, 1933</p>3<p>&#8220;You had me at hello.&#8221; Ren&eacute;e Zellweger in Jerry Maguire, 1996</p>4<p>&#8220;Toto, I&#8217;ve a feeling we&#8217;re not in Kansas anymore.&#8221; Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, 1939</p>5<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll have what she&#8217;s having.&#8221; Estelle Reiner in When Harry Met Sally&#8230;, 1989</p>6<p>&#8220;After all, tomorrow is another day.&#8221; Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind, 1939</p>7<p>&#8220;Fasten your seat belts&#8212;it&#8217;s going to be a bumpy night.&#8221; Bette Davis in All About Eve, 1950</p>8<p>&#8220;I have a head for business and a bod for sin.&#8221; Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, 1988</p>9<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight.&#8221; Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada, 2006</p>10<p>&#8220;You know how to whistle, don&#8217;t you, Steve? You just put your lips together&#8230;and blow.&#8221; Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not, 1944</p>11<p>&#8220;You get what you settle for.&#8221; Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise, 1991</p>12<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re not too smart, are you? I like that in a man.&#8221; Kathleen Turner in Body Heat, 1981</p>13<p>&#8220;As if!&#8221; Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, 1995</p>&#8212;Jessica Seigel<p><br>*Glamour&#8217;s panel of experts: critic Molly Haskell, whose most recent book is Love & Other Infectious Diseases; Jami Bernard, author of The X List; and New York Post film critic Kyle Smith.</p>?<p>Doesn&#8217;t &#8220;cloudy with a chance of Prada&#8221; sound much more appetizing than being covered in marinara? Well until someone whips up a machine to make it literally rain bags and shoes (sigh) instead of the figurative cats and dogs most of us are facing today, getting to throw on a happy-color trench (like the ones here) will always be the best upside to bad weather. </p>?<p>A little bit of leather or spikes can go a long way, making you not only look, but feel, like a total badass. We all need that some days, right? I've come up with some ideas for every kind of gal to test out the look. No matter how preppy or super-feminine you may like to dress, I know y'all have some attitude. </p><p><p>Topshop faux fur gilet, $110, , Monserat De Lucca crossbody bag, $119, , J Brand jeans, $220, , Rebecca Minkoff boots, $191, </p></p><p>Girly + Glam: What better time to add a little edge than on a night out? This look includes a few of my favorite fall staples: leather-like jeans (in the hottest color for fall), faux fur, and studs. The vest is totally , and would look fab thrown over a simple black tee. The little ankle booties will have you tearing up the dance floor for hours, too. Cue "Moves Like Jagger." </p><p><p>Topshop jumper, $160, , Lucky Brand python fedora, $50, , Charlotte Russe boots, $42.50, , MOTO jeans, $76,, Fallon Classique bracelet, $150, </p></p><p>Comfy + Casual: Somehow getting dressed on the weekend isn't always as simple as it should be. I've found that a few edgy pieces can completely tie together a basic ensemble. And let's face it: monochrome is always chic. Every rockstar needs an awesome hat, and this fedora will make the even the worst Sunday morning bedhead look hot. Add a gold or silver bangle and you'll be the girl at brunch with that certain je ne sais quoi. </p><p><p>Karl leather skirt, $175, , Iris & Ink blouse, $125, , Fallon leather bracelet, $125, , House of Harlow necklace, $70, , Dolce Vita boots, $137, </p></p><p>Sleek + Sweet: What's more rock 'n' roll than black on black? A girly skirt and fussy blouse is made stage-worthy when rendered in satin and leather. These sky-high leopard ankle boots add a pop of pattern (and would look great with jeans too!). Since it's awfully chilly outside here in NYC, I would throw on some black tights, and don't forget your heavy metal jewels like this studded bracelet and funky necklace. </p><p>Which of these looks would you wear? Do you dig rock 'n' roll style? <br></p>?<p>Maybe it&#8217;s the all the 50s-inspired silhouettes that ruled the runways at Fall 2010 fashion shows like and or maybe the much-awaited approach of Spring (3 more days!) has my inner Doris Day on full alert, but right now I&#8217;m craving pretty skirts with a retro full shape. You too? Then get ready for some instant fashion satisfaction. </p> <p><br>Maybe it's because I can finally bare my legs again, but I wear more skirts in Spring than I do any other time of the year. How often do you wear skirts? And what's your favorite skirt style? (I'd probably go with pencil). Which one of these do you like most?</p><p><br>Plus:<br><br><br></p><p><br>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br><br>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters!</p>?<p></p><p>SAMPLE AND FLASH SALE SITES:</p><p>: Invitation only shopping site with designer clothes and accessories at discounted prices</p><p>: Online sales lasting 48 to 72 hours only; recent offerings include premium denim by Paper Denim & Cloth; allows you to sign up for Fashion Vault updates so you don't miss a sale.</p><p>: Members-only sample sales offering up to 80% off American and European designers; recent sales include Tom Ford sunglasses and Nvey cosmetics.</p><p>: Invitation-only sales of designer merchandise for men, women, and children at up to 70% off. Each sale offers a single designer, lasts only 36 hours, and works on a first-come, first-served basis.</p><p>: The "little sister" site to Gilt Groupe, featuring younger, more affordable merchandise for women only.</p><p>: Discount shopping site offering just one big deal each day; recent items include Calvin Klein dresses and Bijoux Wave jewelry.</p><p>: A no-membership-required "never ending sample sale" for designer handbags; limited inventory from Treesje, Lauren Merkin, Botkier, Cole Haan, and more.</p><p>: Registration-only online sample sales, up to 75% off items for women, men, kids, home, and beauty; recent sales include LORAC cosmetics from $4, Moschino watches and jewelry, Splendid tees & tanks.</p><p>: Comprehensive listing of sample sales by city and online</p><p>: A members-only shopping site featuring limited-time sales of women's clothing, accessories, and home goods. Get a $25 credit for each friend you invite who makes a purchase.</p><p>: Private online sales for registered members; recent sales include Coach handbags, Michael Kors watches, and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Chloe, Armani, Fendi, Valentino, Christian Dior for up to 75% off.</p><p>: Online auction site that allows you to bid on designer goods for just 99 cents per bid.</p><p>: An invitation-only sample sale site offering limited-time boutique sales; members receive a $10 shopping credit for every friend they refer.</p><p>: Designer clothes up to 80% off for registered users with sales open for 24-72 hours; recent items include Miss Oops, Hanna G, Level 99</p><p>: Sample sales open to the public in New York City and Los Angeles; online for members.</p><p>: Subscription-based sample sales in partnership with popular online newsletter Daily Candy</p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>SHOPPING PREFERENCE SITES: </p><p>: Learns your preferences via its "visual stylizer," then sends email updates alerting you to stuff currently on sale in your size.</p><p>: Shop for clothes, accessories, and home items "visually," ie via color match, pattern match, shape match, or detail search; then refine by price, brand, etc. </p><p>: E-commerce site that considers your measurements and preferences to find looks that best flatter your figure; refer a friend and you each get a $25 shopping credit.</p><p>: Invitation-only renting service with the latest looks from the runway, sent to you in two different sizes for a limited rental period at 10% of the retail price</p><p>: Remembers your sizes and preferences, then finds sales at low prices in registered sizes and emails you an alert.</p><p>: Enter keywords of a product you're looking for; refine your search by brand, store, color, size, or price; ask to be notified when an item you like goes on sale.</p><p>: E-commerce site that allows you to search a celebrity outfit or runway look and click directly to buy.</p><p>: E-commerce site that allows you to chat with a live stylist while you shop.</p><p></p><p>ONLINE COUPONS AND DISCOUNT CODES:</p><p>: Printable and online coupons for e-commerce and retail stores</p><p>: Get 4% to 6% cash back on purchases from more than 3,500 stores just for signing up</p><p>: Coupon codes and discounts for 50,000 online stores; search the name of the site you're shopping for an instantly-redeemable discount.</p><p></p><p>STYLE COMMUNITIES AND PHOTO-SHARING STYLE SITES:</p><p>: Create outfits, share them with friends via Facebook, Twitter, and your own online page, and rate other users' looks.</p><p>: A community site that allows users to upload photos of their favorite looks and receive feedback from fellow users about what looks good on them.</p><p>: Share photos of your shoes and let people know where you bought them.</p><p>: Virtual styling tool that lets users mix and match pieces from any e-commerce site to create and share looks.</p><p>: Create looks from designer inventory (with click-to-buy options), comment on other users' looks, and view outfits from 360 degrees.</p><p>: Upload a photo of your own street style look; browse other users' street style looks for inspiration.</p><p>: Forums where users can discuss the latest fashion news, seek and give personal style advice, and share shopping tips. </p><p>: Photo community that allows users to Tweet photos of their outfits each day.</p><p>: Photo community that allows users to Tweet photos of their handbags each day.</p><p></p><p>MOBILE APPLICATIONS: </p><p>: Glamour's own app that allows you to send a wardrobe question (and a photo) to one of our style experts and receive an answer in minutes.</p><p>: Helps you choose the most flattering pieces for your specific figure</p><p>: Create and share outfits from Gap; get exclusive discounts when the app is opened inside a Gap store.</p><p>: Get instant advice and style tips from like-minded fashion fanatics.</p><p>: Find a store in your geographic area based on specific criteria of what you're shopping for; get exclusive sales alerts and promos.</p><p>: Get updated information from your favorite fashion magazines, all culled together in one place.</p><p>: Keeps track of what you have in your closet, what you wear most often, and what's on your wish list to help you decide what to wear.</p><p>: Turn yourself into a virtual paper doll by layering images of your clothes over a photo of yourself; catalog your wardrobe items for easy. </p><p>: Uses photos of your existing clothes to track outfits, create favorite looks, and remind you which days you wore what to avoid frequent repeats.</p><p>: Brings ShopStyle to your phone--search for an item by price, brand, sale, store, or size, and buy directly from your mobile device.</p><p>: A free app that lets your browse the latest runway shows from your iPhone.</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br><br>Visit Shopglamour.com for cute stuff starting at just $10! <br>Enter the latest Glamour sweepstakes! </p>?<p>Sasha Iglehart, deputy fashion director</p><p>My slavery to fashion is matched&#8212;maybe even trumped!&#8212;by beloved Sasha, our deputy fashion director. If you guys are ever looking for me, and I&#8217;m not in my cube or chatting with Maryellen, you&#8217;ll find me in Sasha&#8217;s office, talking trends, concepting pages, lusting over the newest stuff on the racks and/or reading old issues of Harper&#8217;s Bazaar from the 90s. (Sasha used to work there, pre-GLAMOUR!). Anyway, she&#8217;s my style soul mate, and when she wore her , I couldn&#8217;t resist introducing her to you guys.</p><p>So Sasha&#8230;</p><p>If you weren&#8217;t a fashion editor, what would you do from 9 to 5?<br>&#8220;I would be making movies..or oddly enough, I always thought I would be a good art teacher! I am Miss Crafty at home.&#8221;</p><p>What&#8217;s your favorite memory from all your years in this crazy industry?<br>&#8220;Where do I begin? I think the craziest times were when I was a sittings assistant and had to get on a plane with 2 hours to spare to the Bahamas for a &#8220;last minute&#8221; shoot. Another time, I travelled to Kenya to shoot 4 stories. We landed on a tiny plane without a runway&#8212;think &#8220;The English Patient!&#8221;&#8212;and I was responsible for all these clothes that had to go through customs. I steamed them on a generator on shoots with Yasmin (before she was Yasmin Le Bon&#8212;the most beautiful!). And there were curious monkeys that hung around a little too close to the set for comfort. But the biggest honor I had was to work with Liz Tilberis, who was an awesome woman, at Harper&#8217;s Bazaar! We had lots of good times there.&#8221;</p><p>If you could only wear one designer, living or dead, for the rest of your life, who would it be?<br>&#8220;I have to say every season is different&#8212;am I fickle?&#8212;but I always love Marni, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu. But overall what I own the most of (and is the most evergreen) is Prada!&#8221;</p><p>What&#8217;s the one thing in your closet you can&#8217;t live without?<br>&#8220;My many black and white t-shirts!&#8221;</p><p>Do your kids think you&#8217;re the coolest mom in school?<br>&#8220;Not yet. They&#8217;re 14, 11 and 7. Right now they want me for the hugs, inventing fun art projects and&#8230;money!&#8221;</p>?<p>I love when the air at night gets colder because it makes me want to snuggle up with a loved one at night, and maybe just stay there half the next day, drinking hot chocolate and watching movies in bed. Swoon. !</p><p>Anyway, I've been doing a lot of pretend shopping for the perfect cozy bedding to pretend snuggle up in with my pretend boyfriend. Want to join me? Pick your fave:</p><p>A trendy chevron in warm fall colors:<br><p>This is all beautiful West Elm products.</p><br>Could these colors scream "autumn" any more? No, they could not. The color is even called cinnamon! I'm thinking apple cider donuts served for breakfast in bed with this one.</p><p>Crisp white with a luxurious blue throw:<br><p>This is all from West Elm.</p><br>Clean white bedding is a year round classic, but that dreamy looking blue throw makes me want to curl up under it until it's spring again.</p><p>Leafy keen:<br><p>West Elm's .</p><br>What says fall more than leaves? Well, pumpkins do, but they don't make for such an elegant pattern on your bedspread.</p><p>Pumpkin spice:<br><p> from Anthropologie.</p><br>What's that you say? There must be a classy way to make your bed an ode to the great pumpkin? You're right. This gorgeous orange set should do the trick.</p><p>Super rich and textured:<br><p>The "" set is from Anthropologie.</p><br>Not only is this set in (although, could we please not say the word "oxblood" in bed? Yuck!), the endless texture-y ruffles feel so romantic, don't they?</p><p>Simply poetic:<br><p>Anthropologie's .</p><br>Maybe this doesn't obviously scream fall, but let me explain: Summer is for reading outside under a big leafy tree, but fall is for laying in bed while your guy reads out loud to you from your favorite novel or book of poetry. I'm dying to pair these sheets with a fluffy comforter and get back in touch with my inner bookworm this season.</p><p>Which of these six bedding sets do you want to snuggle up under this fall? Are you all about cozy bedtime snuggling when it gets colder? Do you wish you could redecorate every season? I do!</p><p>More bedroom makeovers:<br>*<br>*<br>*</p><p><br>Photos: West Elm, Anthropologie</p>?<p>OK, take a look and tell me what you think:</p><p>Carrot cake in a jar:<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>This salmon quinoa salad looks really elegant (and tasty!):<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>These cute little meal packs are actually for a wedding that was a picnic (all the guests sat on blankets on the ground!):<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>Oatmeal casserole (it's gluten-free! And easier than schlepping a sloshy bowl around):<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>Instead of having an antipasti platter, you could just bake it all into a loaf:<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>Pizza bites:<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>Single-serving pumpkin pie in a jar:<br><p>Source: via on </p></p><p><br>More :<br>* <br>* <br>*</p><p><br>Photos: Thinkstock; Pinterest</p>?<p></p><p>Structured snake satchel, $61 at </p><p></p><p>Haskell printed bangle, $30 at </p><p></p><p>Gold "Koool" flats, $69.95 at </p><p></p><p>Snake snood, $36 at </p><p></p><p>Breda faux snakeskin watch, $21.99 at </p><p></p><p>Exotic skinny belt, $38 at </p><p></p><p>Mark + James by Badgley Mischka snake embossed pump, $84.50 at </p><p></p><p>Snap-closure wallet/clutch, $9.45 at </p><p>What do you gals think of this fall trend? Are you excited about exotics? Do you own anything snakeskin? How do you wear it? Share!</p><p>PLUS...<br>- <br>- <br>- <br>- <br>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Chat with celebs, VIP fashion stars, beauty pros and more on our Facebook page! Visit for this month&#8217;s schedule<br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check out !<br>Read Glamour magazine &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan!<br>Like freebies? Enter !<br> for our fashion and beauty newsletters to get easy style tips (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can read ?! It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p><p>Want even more STF? </p><p><br></p>?<p>Called 'Tricks' by Prada (let's hope as a play on the expression 'tricked out') and individually named, these adorable handworked keychains retail for $195 each and can be purchased on Prada.com and in Prada stores later this month. </p><p>Come meet the whole gang... </p><p><p>Zaza's stripes set her apart from the other bears, along with her diamond encrusted crop top. Don't mention that her name rhymes with 'Gaga', she's sensitive about that.</p></p><p><p>Girly girl bears Stellina and Fatina wear matching leather dresses and faux fur accessories.</p></p><p><p><p>Rhyna and her boyfriend split off and formed their own band recently. It's very experimental.</p></p><p><p>Does Mimi's skirt come in people size?</p></p><p><p>Ax and Joe are veterans of the music scene, hence their comfortable-yet-edgy attire.</p></p><p><p>I dare you not to smile at Stan's silver pants or Duke's eye patch.</p></p><p><p>Street style photographers love to shoot Tina and Veronica because of their attention to detail.</p></p><p>What do you think, ladies? Did these little guys kick start your day or what? Which one is your fave?</p><p>Want more luxe OMG cuteness? Behold, . </p>Photos: Courtesy of Prada?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p>I was having a really bad day at work yesterday&#8212;we were on a crazy deadline, our office was so cold my hands were actually blue and when I got my desperately needed latte, the milk in it was bad (like, congealed-white-things-floating-in-the-coffee bad). I was seriously feeling sorry for myself&#8212;sometimes the whole I&#8217;m-surviving-cancer-lighten-up-a-little perspective thing is completely lost on me&#8212;when this e-mail popped up in my inbox: Hi Erin, I just wanted to let you know that I read your articles and your book when I was diagnosed in March 2006 with CML. They were actually the first things I read about when a colleague of mine mentioned your story. I appreciate your honesty in telling your story since it made coping with my own diagnosis much easier both for myself and my family. The note went on to say that he&#8212;&#8212;was inspired to keep a blog of his own cancer journey. I immediately e-mailed him back and thanked him for giving me a much-needed reality check&#8212;and for giving my day a 180-degree turn. It&#8217;s not to say that I completely stopped stressing about the monster feature I was working on or the fact that three of our entertainment editors (who sit right next to me) were giving a tag-team play-by-play of The Devil Wears Prada, which I still haven&#8217;t seen&#8212;though I did quickly get over the spoiled milk. But I remembered that I have the opportunity to help people, and what an amazing opportunity that it is. And that while it&#8217;s OK to still sweat the small stuff sometimes, it&#8217;s always good to keep one eye on the big stuff. </p>&#8212;Erin?<p>It was 8:30am on Monday and I was driving to work when I got the text: &quot;Do you want to come over later? -Cop.&quot; I missed this girl, and I still had not properly spent time with her son. Yes, I wanted to come over! </p><p>It was my third time meeting JD and my first time in his new home. As I walked in I was greeted by deflating yellow and blue balloons printed with phrases like &quot;It's a Boy!&quot; and &quot;Congratulations.&quot; </p><p>Christine's new apartment is so big, cozy, and adult. She gave me the tour with a swaddled-up JD in her arms. I followed their lead and absorbed it all. Not just her new digs, but her new life too. She made the transition to motherhood, what seemed, effortlessly. Her hiccups are normal. I witnessed as she fed, burped, cradled; kissed.</p><p>Her living room is dotted with all things baby. This little baby went to Prada and Goodnight Moon are on the coffee table, there is an over-sized blue bear in the corner, her Gucci diaper bag (she is the chic mom I envisioned her to be) is open and packed with diapers and JD's baby gym and bouncy chair crowd the area rug. There is also an undeniable warmth about the place.</p><p>A few hours into our hang session, JD woke up and started crying--it was snack time. I was ecstatic to feed him, dance him around, and tell him a story. Christine was excited to load the dishwasher, check her email and quite honestly, take a breath. </p><p>We have a great, new guy in our circle. He is going to bring many smiles and laughs into our lives. The thought of witnessing him grow up excites me. (Christine, I know at the end of the day he is all yours, but I want him to grow up with us, i.e. all your girls). </p><p>Once JD was sleeping it was just us--me and Mommy Coppa. As much as things have changed, I found myself sitting there with a glass of red in my hand, looking across to my friend, realizing things are still pretty much the same. We're still enjoying a glass of wine, still laughing at celebrity mishaps, still discussing work and freelance gigs with a spark in our tone, still trying to decipher how life will play out...still watching The Hills. </p><p>Kateri Lopez, 25, lives in New York City and is a photo editor at a national teen magazine. She is obsessed with JD.</p>?<p>The other day I was walking down the very ritzy rue de Grenelle. On that street, there is a YSL accessories boutique, a Prada shop, Barbara Bui, Michel Perry, a store owned by Iris, the shoe factory that makes Chloe, Viktor & Rolf and Marc Jacobs shoes&#8230; but on this day they all paled in comparison to the action at the Christian Louboutin store.</p> <br><br> <p> has thoroughly nudged aside when it comes to red carpet mileage and celebrity obsession. (Perhaps the return of Sex and the City will put Manolo back on top. Who knows?) Even in Paris, where shops don&#8217;t usually get overrun (unless they are LV or Hermes and the customers are tourists), the peddler of telltale red soles played host to a shopping scrum the other day. Also recently, there was that held for him a week and a half ago at Saks in LA. Plus, he just collaborated with David Lynch on that is truly wonderful. It is most definitely Louboutin&#8217;s moment.</p> <p>So what&#8217;s the reason for it? He&#8217;s been in business for himself since 1992. Why now? Personally, I&#8217;m a fan of his sense of color, and I share his obsession with toe cleavage, and people like the familiarity of the red sole, which is visible from the red carpet. What do you guys think, you who are fans? How does he stack up, for you, versus Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo? Or or ?</p> &#8212;Alex?<p></p><p>I'm sure Lauren Weisberger has the motivations for this all laid out, but I was stunned to . Eight years after fleeing the hell that was her Runway assistant experience, Andy is now--wait for it--the editor in chief of a bridal magazine.</p><p></p><p>Hmm. This is the same girl that dumped for being too good at making grilled cheeses, right? (Yes, I'll be mixing book and movie references throughout.)</p><p></p><p>Here's the kicker: Emily--aka the frosty super-assistant played by in the movie--is also working at the bridal magazine. Huh? That's the type of thing I can only imagine her doing as court-mandated volunteer work (following a stiletto heel assault incident of some sort).</p><p>Well, I'm listening, Weisberger, we'll see how you make it work, in the words of the fashion world. I've got an ear out for any kneejerk movie announcement news today--but I think it's a pretty safe bet some studio will bite on a big-screen sequel, too.</p><p>Which begs the question--who do you think should play Andy and Emily's assistants? They're gonna need them now! And what do you think of this bridal mag thing? </p><p>More fun stuff...<br><br><br></p>Photo: YouTube?<p></p><p>Case in point: Last week I hung out backstage at the show watching Pat McGrath and Guido Palau bring Miuccia Prada's vision of 'virtual Manga princesses' to life through makeup and hair, respectively. </p><p>While McGrath's multi-color Panda eye makeup may be a bit too extreme for anything other than Halloween (she even told me there's no sense in trying to make this artistic look DIY), Guido's cool take on color-clashing is easy to achieve for those who want to try something fun with zero commitment.</p><p></p><p>"It's a virtual, synthetic idea, in that it doesn't have to be reality," says the Redken Creative Consultant. "The contrasting colors give you this fun pop of fakeness." Translation: Pick up clip-in extensions in a color that'll clash with your strands and go for it! </p><p>My recommendation? , $199 to $269. Available in five shades (from black to platinum), and two textures (straight and wavy), this 10-piece human hair kit has everything you need to get Guido's avant-garde look. Don't forget to pick a texture that closely matches yours, and brush the ends of your hair to blend seamlessly with the extensions. The only thing that should clash here is the color! </p><p></p><p>Are you into clip-in hair extensions? What brand do you use? Would you wear a different color extensions than your own hair?</p><p>PLUS... check out !</p>?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p>What do Nicole Kidman, Ali MacGraw and Keira Knightley all have in common (aside from being drop-dead gorgeous)? They've all been faces of Chanel, of course. Now, according to , Audrey Tatou--the French actress best known for her charmant turn in Amelie--is vying for Nicole's place in the No. 5 fragrance ads. Naturally, all this got me fantasizing about how it might feel to star in a famous campaign...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>OK, so I'm not quitting my day job. What about you--are you a Guess girl? Or more of a Prada girl? And who do you think should be the new face of Chanel? Favorite ads? Share! </p><p>--Jenny</p><p>PS. Please share your jean habits in </p>?<p></p><p>This ceviche recipe is from --it's got a cool fall-ish feel (and uses new , of which I'm fast becoming a fan). He says:</p><p>"Usually the fish in a ceviche is trimmed into large chunks, but for scooping up this tangy-sweet version with brightly flavored and spicy chili limon tortilla popchips, I've trimmed the fish into small cubes, 1/4- to 1/2-inch in size. The result not only makes a ceviche that's perfect for scooping, but also a speedy version that 'cooks' in the fresh lime juice in less than an hour."</p><p>1 pound fresh halibut filets (or any firm-fleshed white fish, such as haddock, red snapper or sea bass), diced into 1/2-inch cubes<br>1 cup fresh lime juice (from approximately 8 to 10 limes)<br>1 fresh red Serrano chili, seeds discarded, chili thinly sliced<br>1 teaspoon salt<br>1 small mango, cut into 1/4-inch cubes<br>1 scallion, white and green parts thinly sliced<br>2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro<br>1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil<br> <br>1. In a medium-sized glass bowl, combine the fish with the lime juice, Serrano and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. The fish cubes will "cook" in the lime juice until they are opaque.<br> <br>2. Half an hour before serving, stir the mango, scallion, cilantro and olive oil into the ceviche. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve with chili limon tortilla popchips for scooping up the ceviche.<br> <br>Makes 6 servings.<br> <br>(Oh, and he also suggests enjoying it with a bottle of Bud Light!)</p><p>Are you a ceviche fan? What's your favorite tailgate fare?</p><p>More on :<br>* <br>* <br>*</p><p><br>Photo: Thinkstock</p>?<p>Have we noticed the emergence of the big, flat black boot this season? Prada and Ann Demeulemeester have made them for years but a few months ago, it was like suddenly they were everywhere. This morning, I took a walk to check on a neighbor&#8217;s place (she&#8217;s out of town and just got broken into, la pauvrette) and boutique after boutique had them in the windows.</p><br><br><p>About 10 years ago, I had a pair of knee-high, steel-toed Red Wing biker boots that I gave to a friend when I realized that, with where my style was going at the time, they just didn&#8217;t feel girly enough. Now I&#8217;d kill to have them back. My consolation, on a trip to Florence last winter, was a pair of wellies made by Hunter&#8212;the classic British brand with the Royal Warrant and all that.</p><br><p>I know everyone and their sister (including my sister) has those cute, daintily-printed rainboots&#8230;</p><br><p>&#8230;but I&#8217;m much more interested in something black and a little tough-looking. If I&#8217;m going to wear something utilitarian, I want it to look utilitarian.</p><p>I&#8217;m assuming most of you are experiencing some form of foul weather. Will you be investing in a fashion boot to combat it? Or some rubbers? Then again, I guess the whole point of this post is to say that there isn&#8217;t much difference anymore.</p><p>Happy splashing!</p>&#8212;Alex?<p></p><p>Annie of puts a bright yellow shirt under her lace to help define the fabric's texture. I also think it keeps it looking cheerful and not like something you'd want to wear to a funeral.</p><p></p><p>Nicola, who writes , plays peek-a-boo with her lace top but keeps things from looking overly sexy with an appropriate length skirt and cute booties.</p><p></p><p>'s Jordana balances out feminine lace with an edgy studded belt and baggy black pants.</p><p></p><p>And finally, Leonie of keeps things short and sweet by pairing a miniskirt with lace tights and a bright cropped jacket. What doyou guys think of these lace looks?</p><p> <br> ()</p>?<p>Yesterday&#8217;s post, well, it never posted! So it will be below today&#8217;s.</p><p>While packing up to leave Amsterdam, I checked in again with the Glamour team, who are just now finishing up in Milan, to see what&#8217;s rocking their world on the passerella. (That&#8217;s Italian for runway.)</p><p>Sasha, in addition to getting meta and pointing out some early 90s Isaac Mizrahi moments like this&#8230;</p><br><p>&#8230;agrees with me that the easy dress is the number one object of Spring &#8216;08 pining.</p><br><p>This was her number one &#8220;yes please&#8221; dress so far:</p><br><p>Glamour&#8217;s fashion market director Sarah Meikle, meanwhile, found much to love in Jil Sander&#8217;s use of neon:</p><br><p>Sarah&#8217;s heart is also with: how Burberry combined thin-ish studded belts with ruched chiffon dresses, the full skirts at Marni and Prada, the skinny cropped pants at Gucci, and the long hippie florals at D&G. (Aside: D&G was very different in mood from Dolce & Gabbana, which was A LOT more structured. I think &#8220;bridge lines&#8221; like Marc by Marc Jacobs, D&G and DKNY have finally, fully developed their very own, totally individual identities as opposed to being signature collection-lite.) And Rae Ann Scandroli Herman (that&#8217;s a lot of names!), Glamour&#8217;s accessories director, is feeling the patent leather accessories at Marni, especially. Ah, patent! If this continues at Paris, I&#8217;m going to have a light wallet come next winter, when this stuff finally gets into shops. Waterproof, scratch-proof, wear-proof, patent is my favorite substance in the world.</p><p>OK, sorry again about the traffic jam of posts today. Will be back again Monday, as Paris gets started for real.</p>&#8212;Alex?<p>We&#8217;d better be, because they&#8217;re back. Much was made of the John Fluevog-esque bell-heels at Prada, where accessories trends are so often born. Last season, Chloe brought back the Doc Marten (more or less), and just a week ago or so in London, Christopher Kane&#8217;s washed-out denim and chunky black booties were basically what everyone I knew in LA was wearing when I got out of college.</p> <p>As if on cue, at Veronique Branquinho, long skirts were the big statement, and at Viktor & Rolf and Jean-Paul Gaultier, I spied that hallmark of 90s career dressing, the palazzo pant.</p> <br> <br><p>At V&R I sat next to the delightful and asked him what he thought of the return of that most forgiving of bottoms. &#8220;I love it!&#8221; he said, &#8220;but then I&#8217;m usually the kiss of death for trends.&#8221; Personally, I want no part of this pant, but then maybe this is just sour grapes from having tossed the many pairs I wore when I got my first grown-up job in 1992. Are you guys ready to go really wide?</p> <p>Another style gesture at V&R that was also at Balenciaga&#8212;in other words, get ready to see it everywhere soon&#8212;was the harlequin shoe.</p> <br> <p>These are what we like to call &#8220;feature shoes,&#8221; i.e., the feature statement of your outfit. Feature shoes&#8212;brightly colored, outlandish, totally impractical&#8212;are usually obscenely costly, but when you think about what they do for your outfit, i.e., let you get away with same-old same-old everywhere else, they&#8217;re worth it.</p> <p>I have a closet full of feature shoes, which do my otherwise very practical wardrobe right. What about you? What&#8217;s the wackiest pair of shoes you can&#8217;t live without?</p> &#8212;Alex <p>P.S. Because we are here to look at pretty dresses, after all, I cant cheat you out of the INCREDIBLE brides that closed Jean-Paul Gaultiers very fun show. So, just because, heres my favorite of the 13 wedding dresses he sent out at the end.</p> <br><p>Could any of you guys see yourselves in mega-fashion statements as a bride?</p>?<p></p><p>In , Field addressed the "It Shoe" dilemma by saying she's got her eye on something less sinister than the stuff we've been seeing in stores and on the runway: &#8220;I don&#8217;t necessarily go trendspotting. I just put things together that I think look nice," she said. "But I am getting tired of these heavy shoes. I&#8217;m ready for nice, refined shoes. I&#8217;m wanting that Halston simplicity. But that&#8217;s just a feeling.&#8221;</p><p>Well, I certainly hope her style soothsaying proves to be right soon, because here's what you ladies have to look forward to for Fall '09 (most of which hits stores this summer):</p><p></p><p>. As Susan so elegantly put it when she saw these come stomping down the runway, "Words can not describe the foot-high platform, gravity-defying sculpture-like shoes that hit the Nina Ricci runway. With lethal half spikes as heels, tight bindings down the front and a blinding patent finish, these bad boys make the chain-wrapped mushroom boots that can be spotted stomping down St. Marks and other punk haunts look as sweet as penny loafers."</p><p></p><p>Louis Vuitton, Fall 2009. The only time I'd see these shoes and think of the word "demure" is after looking at the Nina Riccis above. The inverted conical heel, mega-platform, and fetish-inspired ankle tie all call to mind just one word: Fierce.</p><p></p><p>Givenchy, Fall 2009. These aren't so much shoes as they are...weaponry. When Field said "heavy," I think she may have been referring to the many ounces of artillery these stems are packing (full disclosure: I'm kind of obsesssssssed with these!) </p><p></p><p>Burberry Prorsum, Fall 2009. I'm sorry to report that there's nothing but heft here, too. Designer Christopher Bailey has been focused on the warrior-like look for a few seasons now, and I think pretty much nothing says "I'm going to kick your arse" quite like a pair of four inch black platforms with a rugged ankle strap.</p><p>Please, Patricia Field, save us from these shoes! If you can make a fanny pack look cool, for heaven's sake, surely you can influence the fashion powers that be to do "nice, refined shoes," can't you? If not for the sake of style then at least for our poor aching feet? A demure little peep-toe pump? A teeny tiny kitten heel? Please?</p><p>What do you girls think--are you ready for more refined shoes, like the Sex and the City wardrobe guru is? Are you looking forward to tossing your fierce-looking shoes, or do you think you can stand another season of 'em? And which of these shoes above do you think you'd have the hardest time walking in? Share!</p><p><br></p>Photos: top, WireImage, rest, Catwalking/Getty Images?<p>Q: I'm 34 and really want to find a husband, but I have a huge crush on a 23-year-old. Should I pursue him, even though he's so young?</p><p>A: There's nothing wrong with having a little fun, as long as fun is all you're expecting. Because while it's not impossible that you two will be the next Demi and Ashton, let's face it, the average 23-year-old guy isn't usually ready for marriage, no matter how wonderful the woman he's dating may be. And that's especially true if he is involved with a woman who is older and rungs ahead on the financial, social and sexual ladder &#8212;unless, that is, the lad is looking for a mommy (not what you want, I assume!). So go on, date this young guy and enjoy. Just don't fool yourself into thinking you'll be able to make him act like a 35-year-old.</p><p>Q: I'm the new girl at work and overheard coworkers talking about how I don't "fit in." Should I confront them?</p><p>A:Stay cool &#8212;a confrontation will only add fuel to their fire. Keep in mind that a new staffer is often seen as a threat to the workplace status quo, so your best bet is to lie low and focus on getting a sense of the office culture. Ask an old hand for insights on how to be one of the gang. You could also invite one or two coworkers who are on your wavelength out for coffee or lunch. Get them talking about topics other than work; with luck, you'll discover some common ground and bond. I promise, having even a few allies will boost your morale as well as your standing in the office (you don't need to be best friends with everyone). Chin up, dearie! Those who have been blabbing behind your back will soon move on to another topic. Gossip is like a virus; it may be nasty, but it doesn't last long.</p><p>Q: My best friend is marrying a guy I don't like. She doesn't know how I feel, but I'm afraid she's going to ask. If she does, what should I say?</p><p>A:That depends. If you dislike him because you know something worrisome &#8212;say, he flirts when she's not around &#8212;voice your objections. But if he just rubs you the wrong way, it's not your place to rain on your friend's wedding. To tell her you don't like her mate shows a lack of respect for her judgment. She loves him, she will defend him and she may dump you. (And then you won't be around for her should he turn out to be a bad egg.) So in the event that she does ask for your opinion, say: "If he makes you happy, I'm happy." And mean it. As a friend, your job right now is to keep your mouth shut and your fingers crossed. </p>?<p></p><p>A lot of women wore looks from Prada or Miu Miu, including Eva Mendes, who chose this gorgeous nude and black dress from Miu Miu spring 2010. Between this and , I officially forgive Eva for . </p><p></p><p>For some reason I can't get rid of the image of Wednesday Addams out of my head every time I look at --and not necessarily in a bad way. I think she brings a chic sense of dark glamour to this Prada frock, don't you? I love that the jeweled belt adds a slightly femme touch. </p><p></p><p>You guys may already know that , and she secured that spot even further this weekend in this gorgeous emerald gown by Andrew Gn. The hair, the makeup, the accessories--she's perfection. </p><p></p><p> always surprises me with her red carpet choices. I wouldn't necessarily have expected to see this vintage one-shoulder gown at a gala--the graphic print is a bold choice--but I have to say, I think it totally works. </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>Angelina Jolie definitely wasn't wearing my favorite dress of the night (), but since her red carpet appearances are so rare, I figured she warranted a spot. Plus, her Armani Prive gown came with </p><p></p><p> was also wearing Miu Miu spring 2010, and if this were anyone else, I'd call it a Don't, but somehow she makes me think I need go to out and buy a yellow elastic waist skirt and a Victorian-style top with a jeweled breastplate. Don't worry, I'm not really going to, but </p><p></p><p>We haven't seen nearly enough Zoe Saldana lately! , and this gorgeous Marchesa gown is a great reminder that she's one to watch. </p><p>So...let's hear it, ladies! Did you have as much trouble as I did deciding who was the evening's best dressed? Or was the choice a total breeze for you? Who wowed beyond belief, and who needed another look in the mirror? Cast your vote for best dressed now, and then discuss! </p><p><br>()<br></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photos: Getty Images?<p>I always thought it was a stereotype that magazine editors wear black clothes 24/7. But take a gander at this beauty department photo I just got around to downloading from my birthday lunch. (Not to crush anyone&#8217;s Devil Wears Prada fantasy, but my boss is actually a nice lady and celebrates our birthdays.) Six ladies (gorgeous, yes!) but not a stitch of color! The bottom line: Everyone looks good in black. Period.</p>&#8212;Tram?<p><br></p><p>STF: What do you think is blogging's biggest influence on the fashion world? Has it changed the way people write, report, and think about fashion?<br>HL: I think the sheer reach of blogging and the internet in general has had a major influence on the fashion world. Never before have the fashion folk been able to interact with people like this before - designers can find out what reporters and clients think of their collection within hours of it hitting the runway. Not only that, designers can communicate with anyone with a computer and an internet connection through videos on YouTube and give us an insight into their &#8216;glamorous&#8217; world.</p><p>Thanks to the internet&#8217;s &#8216;get it now&#8217; appeal, it also means that anyone who works in online has to be their toes and basically learn to work at all hours of the day and night to be &#8216;the first&#8217; to release comprehensive show reviews, images and videos, or break news before everyone else does. While it is a challenge sometimes (I know many fashionistas who would love some time to sleep and eat during fashion weeks), I love that you don&#8217;t have to wait for your monthly fashion magazine to hit the newsstands or hope that the newspaper printed a small mention and read what they dictate anymore. People can form their own opinions and see what they want. Or in my case I get to write about what I want on SASSYBELLA.com which makes it fun and I love it when people get in involved by commenting or emailing in.</p><p>STF: Who would you most love to see have a blog that doesn't yet? Whose would you read every day?<br>HL: Miuccia Prada would have some amazing stories to tell, so it would be great if she had a blog. But instead of being strictly about fashion, I would love to hear stories involving Casrsten Holler-designed slide she has from her office to the car park or her thoughts on women&#8217;s rights and politics since she use to be a member of the Communist party and a women&#8217;s rights activist in the 70s (before she joined Prada). Can someone write a bio about her already?!</p><p>STF: Who are your personal style icons? Where do you most frequently get ideas for dressing from?<br>HL: I love Jackie Kennedy, she was always so chic and nothing ever looked out of place. As for a modern day one... I don&#8217;t really have one at the moment except for maybe Julia Restoin-Roitfeld who I think is stunning and has amazing style about her. I am most inspired by people&#8217;s style on blogs like the Sartorialist to get ideas and inspiration from. You really notice how individual touches can give your outfit an individual look that you can&#8217;t buy from your local chain store.</p><p><br>STF: What fashion figure, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with? What would you guys discuss?<br>HL: I adore Miuccia Prada right now, so she would definitely be my guest of honor. As for what we would talk about over glasses of red wine and a delicious dinner&#133; well I&#8217;d probably try and get some information about her next collection, ask who the next face of Miu Miu will be and then beg to see Prada&#8217;s archives. Oh and if I dared, I would ask if she needed another staffer ;)</p><p>STF: What's the most expensive thing in your closet? The least?<br>HL: I have a few bags that cost a bit from Luella, Chloe and a Louis Vuitton monogram graffiti pochette&#133; they were purchased during the &#8220;it bag&#8221; days. I wish I use them more now but I have been so love with my little Mulberry Brooke that the other bags just look too 2005. It sounds silly but I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve been this monogamous with a handbag in years&#133;</p><p>The cheapest things are probably these cute book bags my mother made for me when I was younger, they&#8217;re still in good condition and they&#8217;re great casual weekend totes. Good old home made pieces are sometimes the nicest. Perhaps I&#8217;m being sentimental but I think it&#8217;s a nice personal touch.</p><p>STF: What fashion blogs do you read regularly? Non-fashion blogs?<br>HL: Gosh I follow so many on my RSS feed reader that I can&#8217;t remember them all! I have a rather disturbing obsession with and - first thing I do when I get to work is to check those two out, the cats are so cute I kind of want a little cheeky one running around the house sometimes.</p><p>As for fashion blogs, I love - if I had half of her knowledge of fashion I would give up my current cupcake addiction (not that I would mind, the cupcakes at my local &#8220;cupcakery&#8221; are way overpriced). And I love , , Slaves to Fashion (so much better than other magazine blogs) and I try to follow . Then for light relief, I pop over to to see what he&#8217;s been up to. Gosh that&#8217;s a lot of blogs - and that&#8217;s not even a quarter of the blogs I&#8217;ve subscribed to via RSS.</p><p>Want to read even more from Helen? Head over to now! Are you guys already fans? Will you become one? </p><p>And don't forget to check out even more of our fabulous Blogging Babes, including , , and . </p>?<p>&quot;Re: DavidZinczenko -- ok alyssa, let's face it -- he's hot. not to mentionsuccessful, sexy... did you include a discussion of him on your blog asa prelude to starting some flirtatious contact?&quot; </p><p>You know me so well. I actually emailed him about the link... he hasn't written back yet. Well, I'm definitely not the first girl to get dis'ed by David Zinczenko :)</p><p>76% of you said men are NOT predestined to cheat. My opinion? I agree with DZ that temptation is natural, but I think women struggle with it too. We'll always have fantasies about the scruffy guy next door, the McSteamys of the world....</p><p>I'll admit, I've had some wonderful boyfriends -- yet felt inner-urges to stray. For me, it's a matter of loving someone so much that you'd NEVER risk losing them. NEVER. </p><p>A smart person knows that even if you don't get caught, you've contaminated the relationship forever. Cheating is poison. You will lose everything pure and beautiful. </p><p>Sorry to disappoint, I'm not going to cut/paste GD's email. </p><p>It involves family -- and even though I signed up for this kind of exposure, they didn't. I feel like they see this blog as a personal dig. If only they knew, I would have chose him/them over any of this! </p><p>In fact, when I was offered this job, I called GD and begged him to give me a reason NOT to take it. But he didn't want me to sacrifice a great opportunity for a promise he couldn't keep. </p><p>So it doesn't even matter what his email said. It's over.</p><p>Whatever. My mind is on the book I'm co-writing. It's about manners in the modern world, and even though I'm more Courtney Love than Emily Post, I think I can pull it off :) </p><p>The few hours a day I'm not learning how to cross my legs and cook lasagna, I've been helping Shelley find an apartment/comfort zone since I'm moving back to New York in a few weeks. </p><p>It feels like we're getting divorced, ya know? I get the Nip/Tuck dvds, she gets The Devil Wears Prada. Makes me sad. But I can't stay in California just because I need her to blow-out my hair, and she needs me to do the recycling. </p><p>Onto the boys...</p><p>I have the blindest blind date ever on Saturday night. I know NOTHING about him, other than the friend setting us up is cool/trustworthy. </p><p>Let's call him Riley...he's a New Yorker in LA for a month...does something related to TV. You said never to ask for pictures- so there goes that. </p><p> I googled his full name, and came up with a famous prisoner (not him), and a dead baseball player (not him). </p><p>We had a cute, quick phoner today -- he's hilarious! The only date details he gave me are: 1) We're going to the CSI (the TV show) Christmas party. 2)He's picking me up in a dirty truck...&quot;Don't wear white!&quot;<br> </p><p>So just as I was planning my little-black-dress for my big-blind-date, I realized it's the same night as Mystery Man's birthday, and I already rsvp'ed YES on the e-vite! <br> </p><p>Things with me and MM are barely moving, but it's hasn't entirely evaporated. The sparks are still there -- but I can't magically make him worship me -- so I've sorta shelved it. </p><p>Still, I'm not sure what to do. </p><p>Who do I choose, the guy with a dirty truck but clean slate, or the birthday boy who's been blowing me off?</p><p></p>?<p></p><p>You heard it here first, girls: You've got carte blanche to indulge in bread and butter and sunny side up eggs all season long! I'd say Ms. Ruiz de la Prada was attempting to make a commentary on the eating habits (or lack thereof) of the fashion industry, but one look at the rest of her collection and you know she was just feeling some insanely wacky vibe this season...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The only thing that made last season's show more over the top than this one? : </p><p><p><p></p>Photos: Getty Images?<p>Just heard that the next designer for Go International will be . He's a minimalist known for his attention to construction and fabrics--which could be a good fit for Target, where simpler ideas seem to turn out best. </p><p>Q for you guys: Which designer would you like to see do a collection for Go? She'd never do it, but I'd love to see Miuccia Prada--can you imagine getting your hands on for less than $50? But seriously, cast your votes in the comments--who should Target hire as their next guest designer?</p><p>--Jenny<br></p>?<p></p><p>Carey Mulligan's put her custom-made, Italian size 38-40, Prada gold and silver degrade halter dress up for auction at eBay&#8212;check out &#8212;and has pledged the proceeds from the sale to , an international organization dedicated to ending poverty and injustice.</p><p>Check it out:</p><p></p><p>As of early this morning, the bidding had only reached $500, but we're sure the amazing Prada dress will go for thousands, at least&#8212;it's been photographed and featured everywhere!</p><p>If you had the cash, would you spring for a celebrity dress on eBay&#8212;for charity? Tell us what you think in the comments!</p><p>PLUS...<br>&#183; <br>&#183; <br>&#183; </p>Photo: Getty Images?<p>I just walked out of the Jenni Kayne show and was seated 5 seats away from, yep, Mischa Barton. She&#8217;s even more gorgeous in real life than in the tabloids, thanks in no small part to seemingly perfect skin. Sigh. She was wearing a Dior (I think) frock and Prada (I&#8217;m pretty sure) shoes with slightly mussed hair. (Because admit it, you want to know). Jenni&#8217;s a major fixture on the LA fashion scene, although she now shows in New York, and her collection looks better every season. I loved the color palate &#8212; some looks were crimson, navy, and beige that would&#8217;ve done any Cape Coder proud, others were downright Palm Beachy mixes of lime and teal. The leather jackets? TO DIE FOR. Especially the red knee-length belted trench that Stam wore to open the show.</p><p>In other celebs-at-the-tents gossip, I forced myself to stay awake long enough to hit up the Chris Aire show last night, which didn&#8217;t start till nearly 11. Was it worth it? HELLZ YEAH. Especially when Gnarls Barkley walked out onto the runway and started singing his hit song, &#8220;Crazy.&#8221; And then after the guys and gals walked &#8212; they must have been wearing millions of dollars worth of bling, and I couldn&#8217;t help but wonder how many security guards were in attendance &#8212; MOS DEF walked out and gave us, yes, ANOTHER LIVE PERFORMANCE. He sang that song about New Orleans/Katrina and it was quite a sobering moment, which we needed after seeing a bunch of nearly-naked models like Tyson Beckford, Alek Wek, and Lydia Hearst wearing major, major jewels and little else.</p><p>Tomorrow&#8217;s going to be insane, starting with Lela Rose at 10, so I&#8217;m off to get some, er, rest, and maybe hit up a party or two along the way.</p>&#8212;Ashley?<p>I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it. --Maya Angelou. This quote is taped to my fridge in my apartment. I catch myself reading it every time I fetch a bottle or have a minute to pour myself a glass of water. </p><p>My friend Nic came (and stayed) over on Friday. She took the bus in from NYC and came straight from her midtown office clad in a Gucci dress and Prada flats. Her eye makeup was perfect. Jack and I strolled, just a block up to meet her at the bus stop. My bubble-gum pink, rubber flip flops smacked on the sidewalk and stray strings of hair blew carelessly in the cool air. My baby screamed the whole way.</p><p>Back at the apartment, Nic told me about her boyfriend and fingered sushi into her mouth while I hushed and fed JD. It was refreshing to have an adult conversation. I ramble: Mommy loves Jack, Mommy is coming, Mommy is here...most of the day. </p><p>When JD drifted off, I tip-toed to his crib, holding my breath. Back in the living room, I shoveled sushi into my mouth--the wasabi burned my nose. I had one ear on Nic and the other on JD. Nic's fingers and toe nails were perfectly manicured. My last spa trip was days before I gave birth. I feel too guilty to leave JD for such things. I watched the clock tick, tick, tick, when I ran to the grocery store to buy him a bottle of Johnson's bedtime lotion and called my mom twice--Is Jack ok? I asked. And, of course he was. My mommy-friend, Erin, experienced some pangs of guilt too. . Check out: Am I like Britney Spears? (No, Er, you're not!) Q: So, are our feelings normal? </p><p>Nic slept on the couch--in the dark and quiet. Jack woke me at 3am. I fed him, changed him, rocked him, tried to rationalize how I needed sleep...he wouldn't budge. Lil' guy was wide-eyed, but quiet and meek from 3am to about 6:30am. When daylight broke, he drifted off. I was exhausted. The lack of sleep is catching up with me. Anxiety is real. </p><p>I drove Nic to the GWB to catch a bus over on Saturday morning. Before we left my apartment she had some leftover sushi and ice cream for breakfast. It reminded me of when we would binge on animal crackers, then provolone cheese and whatever else looked good in the early hours of the morning after just getting in, liquor still on our breath. Afterwards she showered and brushed her cheeks with bronzer--she was meeting her boyfriend in the city. They were going to the museum to see a unicorn and mermaid exhibit. Something came over me on that ride. </p><p>The skyline was clouded by a thick haze of fog and the rain wasn't letting up, only attacking the windshield harder as we reached our destination. I said goodbye to Nic and watched her in the rear-view mirror as she walked back to her life in NYC. </p><p>I bit my lip the whole way home, tears inching down my face. But, like Nic said on Friday night: &quot;The past can't serve you, Chris, let it go.&quot; She was referring to bits and pieces of an out of order timeline and she was right. Though my past, all of it, remains and brought me to this day, that is just what it is--the past.</p><p>I thickened up before entering my apartment. I walked straight over to Jack Domenic, picked him up from my mother's chest and held him close to my heart. His breath smelled sweet and felt warm on my neck. As I walked to the changing table with him, I caught our reflection in the mirror and it looked very clear--very clear. </p><p>PS: It was great to meet you Aunt Nic! Come play again soon! xoxo, JD</p>?Yesterday was another whirlwind, especially the afternoon. Deputy fashion director Sasha and I made the rounds at Stella McCartney, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Behnaz Sarafpour, and Rodarte. My beloved Kate and Laura Mulleavy, again, caused me to tear up -- their show was magical. Watching their collection unfurl down the runway is akin to observing Gisele's tale unfold at the Met. I fully planned to go out last night, but with five jam-packed evenings under my belt, I desperately needed a break. As a postlude, I hit up the Vena Cava show at Bumble & Bumble, where Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, as always, put on a bona-fide crowd-pleaser. There IS a Vena Cava girl -- she reads Hemingway (there were plenty of "Ernest" blouses, inspired by Papa himself) and does the occasional bit of hiking and is way, way more well-read than I'll ever be. She also has amazing style. ON ANOTHER NOTE: Most of the time, I'm pretty secure about my style. But during this week of weeks, I can't help but feel slightly, well, hobo-ish. Only during fashion week do you see runway looks come to (real) life, and my 5-year-old bag, trampled boots and vintage ensembles feel a bit out-of-place next to the Prada-ed and Miu Miu-clad editors that abound. Now, I know that senior eds can afford a $2,200 bag, but can an assistant? Because trust me, guys, I've seen it. Most of the time, I'm firmly entrenched in reality (hello, Lands End tote!) but this week in particular, my reality seems a little skewed. What do you guys think??<p><br>This girl kept with the lightness of her , pairing it with a simple white tee and light gray cardigan. I love that she accessorized with a python heel and silver clutch, keeping the entire look light-colored, while adding a little toughness to the skirt's girliness.</p><p>Love this look? Shop it for less:<br></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Chat with celebs, VIP fashion stars, beauty pros and more on our Facebook page! Visit for this month&#8217;s schedule <br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check our chic ! <br>Read Glamour magazine on your &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan! <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour ! <br>Sign up for our fashion and beauty to get easy style tips<br>And, did you know you can read glamour.com on your ?! </p>Photo: Anne Ziegler?<p></p><p>For the past 12-weeks I've lived in Old Navy tees and jeans (a step-up from my first week home from the hospital, when I shamelessly donned a fleecy bathrobe morning, noon and night). In all honesty, there have been days where I was lucky if I got in a shower, when I walked out of the house in shirts covered with spit-up...or worse. With all due respect to Angelina and Katie, being a mom is not glamorous. </p><p>So it was with a fair bit of nervousness that I got myself ready for my first day back on the job this morning. Since I haven't been grown-up clothes shopping in forever I'm wearing a dress from last year and a pair of booties from my favorite shoe line, . It's the most put-together outfit I've worn in awhile. But will it cut it in the fashion world? (Fortunately, my colleagues are a lot nicer than the movie caricatures in The Devil Wears Prada). Still, who doesn't want to look chic around their coworkers? Do you guys relate? Please share!</p><p>PS. I seriously forgot how to walk in high-heels! </p>?<p></p><p>Lately we've been noticing a little trend on the red carpet--major, A-list male celebs turning up for photo opps in their beat-up old boots. Now, normally I'm the kind of girl who thinks you should always look your best when there are cameras around (especially if you've shown up to an event expressly to have your photo taken!), but I couldn't help noticing that the guys who are in on this trend happen to be insanely hot and all definitely "my type": Exhibit A: Justin Timberlake. A tie, a great-fitting leather jacket, perfectly pressed jeans...and shoes that seem to say, "No matter how famous I get, I'm wearing what I want!" </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>Exhibit B: Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson. (sorry, ladies! It would take a lot of Listerine to make him seem sexy after that, huh?) and his personal style seems to echo that. From the ankles up, he's looking rather dapper, but get a load of those well-worn boots. Are they the perfect accessory to his bad boy persona, or just another reason to hold your breath (and not in a good way) when he walks by? </p><p></p><p>Exhibit C: , in dire need of a shoe shine. How does he manage to keep his tresses looking so well-tended while his boots lose all of their luster? Does it really matter? He's Orlando Bloom, and I would still love him if he wore Birkenstocks.</p><p>There you have it, ladies...three hot guys in three very well-worn pairs of scruffed-up boots. Does it strike you as sexy and rugged and completely masculine, or is a total turnoff? Do you wish they'd bust out their well-polished brogues for the red carpet, or are you cool with these rough-around-the-edges celebs showing off their personal style? Are beat up boots on the red carpet a Do or a Don't? Vote now, and then discuss! </p><p><br>()<br></p><p>PLUS!<br><br>AND<br></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photos: Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic; Splash News?<br><p>People are always asking me what it's really like to work at Glamour and if it's anything like the movie The Devil Wears Prada. Here at Glamour? Not so much. Check out the picture above - I stumbled upon this fashion meeting yesterday afternoon. From left to right: Fashion Market Director Sarah Meikle, Glamour Editor in Chief Cindi Leive, Fashion Director Xanthipi Joannides, and Deputy Fashion Director Sasha Iglehart. A very glam, very low-maintenance group, right?</p>?<p></p><p>Here's the brunette bombshell in Madrid at a photocall for her film The Other Guys, rocking a dress that has all of the kooky elements of the Hawaiian-printed shirts that around here, but with a slightly more feminine, flattering silhouette. Call me crazy, but I think the strapless frock version is actually kind of cute! The fitted bust and cinched waist totally highlight her beautiful figure, and the kicky little ruffle at the bottom keeps things light. I also like that she left the rest of her accessories simple and opted only for a pair of ankle strap . </p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox! </p><p>What do you dolls think? Has Eva Mendes redeemed Prada's good name, or do you still think the fruit-inspired collection is completely batty? Would you wear this version? Is it a Do or a Don't? Cast your vote now, then discuss!</p><p><br><br><br><br>Want more Dos and Don'ts?<br>- <br>- <br>- </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Got a fashion Q? <br>Show your love: Get our very own "xox" ring set, <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour !<br>Hysterical things are happening right now in the fashion world. (You won't regret it, we pinky-swear!)</p>Photo: Fotonoticias/WireImage?<p></p><p>Eva's been on a hot streak at the Marrakech Film Festival--her yellow dress swept the competition in --and she made another appearance at the same event in this strapless cocktail frock by Prada. It looks like she's seriously embracing , from the few flounces at her bustline to the many cascading layers from her waist to her knees. </p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox!</p><p>Are you all about this uber-girly look, or is it so sweet, it's giving you a toothache? Do you love her feminine side, or are you wishing it were tempered with something a little more masculine? Is Eva's Prada dress a Do or a Don't? Cast your vote now, then discuss!</p><p><br><br><br></p><p>And while we're talking tiered ruffles...they're everywhere lately! Check them out on...</p><p></p><p> in ...</p><p></p><p>... in ...</p><p></p><p>...and . </p><p>What do you think, gals? Are tiered ruffles a Do or a Don't? Cast your vote now, then look for the results in an upcoming issue of Glamour! </p><p><br><br><br><br>Want even more Dos and Don'ts?<br>- <br>- <br>- <br> <br>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Download Glamour <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour !<br> (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>One more PS: Did you know It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photo: ABDELHAK SENNA/AFP/Getty Images?Meet Crystal<p>Last year the size 12 model wrote a memoir about overcoming anorexia; at 24, her career is on fire. </p><p>GLAMOUR: This season there were curvier models at some fashion shows. Why is it important to show body diversity on the runway?</p><p>CRYSTAL RENN: Women will accept themselves when they see more [body] types&#8230;. This is the new normal. </p><p>GLAMOUR: Do we have a movement now?</p><p>CRYSTAL RENN: I absolutely believe so. Even Prada showed curvier models this spring. </p><p>GLAMOUR: How do you stay in shape? </p><p>CRYSTAL RENN: Over Christmas I went hiking in Patagonia, and I fell in love with activity again. On the mountain, it&#8217;s about feeling proud that my body allows me to see such beautiful things. </p>Meet Brooklyn<p>The Sports Illustrated model is married to tennis champ Andy Roddick. When we spoke, Brooklyn, 23, was filming the comedy Just Go With It.</p><p>GLAMOUR: You just got a big part in Adam Sandler&#8217;s new movie. How&#8217;s your new career? </p><p>BROOKLYN DECKER: It&#8217;s fun&#8212;I get to talk!</p><p>GLAMOUR: Were you intimidated?</p><p>BROOKLYN DECKER: My God, yes. But the cast knows I&#8217;m new and they&#8217;re pulling me along. </p><p>GLAMOUR: You don&#8217;t have a rail-thin build. Was it hard to find your place [in modeling]?</p><p>BROOKLYN DECKER: I got successful once I accepted I&#8217;m athletic, I have boobs. I set my own standard. </p><p>GLAMOUR: And Brooklyn, you live in Brooklyn? </p><p>BROOKLYN DECKER: Yes. I was named after a horse called Brook. Glamorous, right? </p>Meet Alessandra<p>The Victoria&#8217;s Secret superstar is 29 and mom to Anja, almost two. </p><p>GLAMOUR: You&#8217;ve been working since you were 16. Is it easier to have longevity in the modeling business now? </p><p>ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO: Yes. You see the transformation of a young woman to a [mom]. People relate. </p><p>GLAMOUR: Did you get a lot of pressure to work after having Anja? </p><p>ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO: I wanted to do the Victoria&#8217;s Secret show. It was a great opportunity to get into shape. </p><p>GLAMOUR: You were seen as a &#8220;curvy&#8221; model at Prada this spring, but I read a blog saying you&#8217;re &#8220;too skinny.&#8221; What gives?</p><p>ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO: It&#8217;s always a drama. If I know I&#8217;m healthy, that&#8217;s all that matters. </p>?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<br><p> asked me to pick my top 5 shows to review on their "Best of" series so I got to spend my morning going through my favorite shows on . I decided to go for Balenciaga, Prada, Burberry, Valentino and J Mendel. I love when designers challenge themselves and adore anything modern that pushes the envelope. Sometimes I see a collection that I know would never wear but it becomes my favorite because I wish I were the girl who would. For example: Balenciaga's floral armor suits. How amazing would it be to wear that to your next party?</p> - Photo: Chris Moore/Getty Images?<p></p><p>On Monday night, we received a press release that Lady Gaga was wearing "a Prada black shawl collar tuxedo," but photos never materialized in the usual places. This morning, the lovely ladies at Prada came though with this image of the disco diva and designer Miuccia sharing a table at the event. She looks...refreshingly normal, doesn't she? </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p>Leave it to Lady Gaga ()--if every actress, model, and actress-slash-model in town is going to get all gussied up on the most predictable night of the year, she'll stick with the most basic look she can find. I've never seen her hair and makeup looking so natural or her smile so genuine--sort of beautiful, huh? </p><p>What do you ladies think of Gaga going the subtle route on what's supposed to be the most glamorous night of the year? Are you surprised at her look? Do you like it better than ? Discuss!</p><p></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br><br>Visit Shopglamour.com for cute stuff starting at just $10! <br>Enter the latest Glamour sweepstakes! </p>?<p>a brand new face, belonging to Ymre Stiekema, who will go on to be rather major, if past Prada exclusives are any indication (Daria Werbowy, Gemma Ward, and Sasha Pivovarova all got their modeling starts as Prada exclusives). </p><p>It also included a significant stumble from another new model, Yulia Kharlapanova...what is it with the shoes this season? I'm sorry but this is about the 9th fall in as many days and I'm starting to rethink the idea that if I were a model, I could deal with the occupational hazard of unfathomably high heels in exchange for a jet set life of travel and gorgeous clothes and an adoring fan base. I'll gladly stick with my 5' 4" and my beer belly to never, ever have to fall flat on my arse in front of every editor, buyer, and celebrity in town.</p><p>And finally, the Prada show included a series of gold dresses that I'm ready to guess are going to be a hit. Sure, they have a gilded baked potato quality to them, but there's also something sexy and futuristic and quaint about them, all at the same time. Fashionistas are going to go crazy, mark my words. </p><p></p><p></p><p>What do you guys think--wearable, or just another "I don't get it" moment in fashion? </p>?<p>Last night I whipped them out, unzipped them, and opened them on the bed. Next I laid JD down on them--and he promptly rolled over and pulled up on his knees, turned to look back at me, smirked, "Ha'ed," then attempted to dive full force off the bed. Awesome. <p><p>I went to plan B: Singing. "Mama loves the baby and the baby loves the mom. The baby and the mom are BFF and the mom used to live in NYC and wear high heels but now she doesn't, but it's okay because the baby is cuter than the she wants but isn't going to buy because that would be irresponsible--but maybe she'll buy a because that is cheaper--and the cow jumped over the moon--ta-da." JD laid there with his mouth open in the most content smile while I belted it out hardcore and tucked his legs and arms into the jammies, then zipped them up. Adorable.<p><p>I plopped my "lil green bean" on the floor while I attempted to ball up some tiny socks when JD had a meltdown. He pulled at the rubbery feet, jutted his legs out, then arms, turned beat red, then started screaming. Screaming. I thought the zipper was caught on his nipple or something. It was the feet. He kept pulling at them trying to yank them off. JD went to sleep in a thermal shirt, a diaper and one blue sock and one orange (because the dryer at their partners and I'm starting a new baby trend).<p><p>Footed PJs: Do or Don't? (Would you wear em? Would your kid?) JD and I say Don't for now. But I fully intend to revisit the jammies when it's snowing out.<p><p>If you're into footed jammies, click (Loves the models.) <p><p>If your baby is, <p><p>Hey Storked! readers: Want to be on the exclusive mailing list? Email me at StorkedCoppa@yahoo.com<p>?<p></p><p>. Seriously, who thinks of this stuff!? When I got done being completely and totally grossed out (I hope those models did some serious sanitizing before and after!), I actually found the images sort of hilarious (and um, my own Photoshopped version above was kiiiinda fun to make, too). </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p>Check out --the handbag!? WTF! A rack of lamb necklace? EW/WOW. The leggings?! It looks like someone took an actual sewing machine to a loin of pork to make those babies! I'm flabbergasted in a way that really brought a little levity to my Tuesday afternoon. I hope it'll do the same for you, dolls. A meat fashion show: Discuss. </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photo: runway, courtesy of style.com; beef, Jupiter Images Unlimited?<p>As I was catching up on my Project Runway last night, I was shocked to see the hostess-with-the-mostess Heidi Klum wearing nothing but a black blazer and a bra! (In for you PR die-hards out there. I'm behind!)<br><br>Of course, since sporting sweet-nothings is actually her day job, the Victoria&#8217;s Secret poster girl is kind of excused. But I couldn&#8217;t help but think that come March &#8216;09, a few fashion fans will be tempted to don the demi-cup and call it a day.</p><p><br>Miuccia Prada, who has a habit of pairing crop-tops with circle skirts, put crinkled jackets, bras, and pencil skirts together on her spring &#8216;09 runway. Her rumpled, topless look suggested The Morning After, albeit one of the more unfortunate versions, is your shirt. </p><p>While there&#8217;s some small part of me that acknowledges that some bras&#8212;i.e. super-expensive, lace-trimmed styles that we all tuck away for those rainy, sex-filled days&#8212;deserve to be seen, but I&#8217;m still not sold on the full-on lingerie as outerwear look.</p><p>What about you? What do you think about this bra-showing trend? Is there ever an acceptable time and place for it? Other than when pole dancing?</p>Photos: and GettyImages?<p></p><p>What do you think of Prada's Spring 2012 collection STF? Are you into the flirty pleated skirts? How will you wear 'em?<br></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Chat with celebs, VIP fashion stars, beauty pros and more on our Facebook page! Visit for this month&#8217;s schedule <br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check our chic ! <br>Read Glamour magazine on your &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan! <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour ! <br>Sign up for our fashion and beauty to get easy style tips<br>And, did you know you can read glamour.com on your ?! </p>Photo: Style.com?<p></p><p>Dunn accepted her award in a white Stella McCartney dress, fumbling for words and saying she lived up to the "dumb model" stereotype. Hardly...instead, this beauty has spent the last year questioning the lack of diversity on the runways, telling The Evening Standard, "London's not a white city so why should all our castings be white? I go to castings and see several black and Asian girls, then I get to the show and look around and there's just me and maybe one other coloured face. They just don't get picked. I hope it's because the designer just didn't think they were good enough as a model but I don't know."</p><p>Dunn, who walked in a near-record 75 shows this past season, also says she wants to go back to school to earn a business degree and start an agency for minority models, who she thinks deserve better representation. So could all of this buzz around Dunn finally mean and in our magazine pages? You guys , and I'm curious if you think Dunn's big win will have any effect on the fashion industry. What do you think? Is this newly crowned "supermodel" going to bring new opportunities for minority models? Or do we still have a long way to go? Discuss.</p><p> <br> ()<br>Photo: Getty Images</p>?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p></p><p>The tabloids had been speculating for months and of course now it's official: Nicole Richie is pregnant with rocker boyfriend Joel Madden's baby. "Yes, I am. We are. I'm almost four months," she told Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer.</p><p>Well, Nicole, I have one thing to say to you: Congratulations! Four months along, I bet you're feeling those little tings and pangs of baby love from within. I've got twenty-two days to go and the subtle flicks and tickling butterflies are full-on jolts of "Hey Mama!" now. The other night I was watching TV and my little man kicked so hard my arm jumped off of my belly where it was resting. Anyway, I wish you nothing but the absolute best. May I recommend: by Amy Allen, a Gucci diaper bag (my best friend Nic, bought one for me) and if In Touch is correct and you are having a little man, wait until you see the mini-me Ralph Lauren Polo onesies (I'm addicted!).</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Of course with all sunshine, comes some rain. You've probably heard that Nicole is facing some jail time for a DUI and that people are worried about the teeny star's weight (despite her telling Sawyer: "I'm definitely eating healthier now, and I'm really playing by the rules. I do not drink caffeine at all, I cut out sushi.") I feel ya Nicole--I crave spicy tuna rolls. </p><p>So, I say we support Nicole instead of slamming her. Your opinion matters to me--how do you all feel about her big announcement? </p>Photo: &copy;2007 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.?<p>I'm addicted to a good "in and out" or "love it and over it" list. Your comments were so much fun to read that I had to make them a blog for those who never check out the comments section. I also wanted you to know that I really do use your questions for my Q&A page in Glamour.</p><p>Love:<br>Mixing girly and tough<br>Statement jeans: skinny, superdark, trouser, whatever.<br>Snuggly sweaters.<br>Flats.<br>Peeptoe shoes.<br>Flirty camis.<br>Belts, and other waists.<br>SCARVES.<br>Ethnic/Vintage Jewelry.<br>Clutches.<br>Vintage-look bathing suits.<br>Natural, pretty makeup.<br>Beautiful wavy hair, no matter what the length.<br>Over:<br>Sweatpants and boots (seriously?)<br>Boots with the furrr :)<br>Pants with "Juicy" on the butt.<br>High waisted pants that give me a wedgie.<br>Unrealistically straight hair.<br>Tan-orexia.<br>Two-toned hair.<br>Tent dresses, and other things that hide my curves.<br>Faded-out, ripped-up jeans (=trashy)<br>mandabear_heart Feb 22, 2008 3:58:28 PM</p> <br> <p>LOVE:<br>*Tight Rock & Roll Tees<br>*Super-wide low-slung belts (especially MiuMiu's)<br>*Jeans with everything<br>*Black<br>*Black with Brown<br>*Prada's printed skirts<br>*Printed coats - new or vintage<br>*Dip-dyed sweaters<br>*Multi colored shoes<br>*Acid green anything<br>*Sleek statement silver jewelry<br>*Small metal rimmed sunglasses<br>*Ethnic and tribal prints and patterns<br>*My 2-tone hair<br>*My Mac and iPods<br>HATE:<br>*Fur<br>*Fur<br>*Fur<br>*Super skinny jeans<br>*Jeans tucked into boots<br>*Colored jeans (sorry that is just not a jean)<br>*Puffy sleeves (gag)<br>*Round toe and peep toe pumps<br>*3/4 sleeves (They are not here...or there...or anywhere)<br>*Logo bags<br>*Skinny belts<br>*Posh Beckham's hairdo (or should I say hairdon't) on her or anyone else<br>*Supersized sunglasses<br>*Jewelry with oversized stones<br>*Did I mention...fur<br>LucaLinda Feb 22, 2008 3:06:47 PM</p><br> <p>LOVE:<br>Swing weaters and jackets<br>Dark wash jeans: skinny, wide, or bootcut.<br>The sweater-over-blouse layered look.<br>BRIGHT colors w/ neutrals, esp. grey.<br>Chunky, high heels.<br>Pencil skirts.<br>Black or grey tights.<br>Statement fashion jewelry.<br>Shoes that are not black or brown.<br>HATE./OVER:<br>Neon colors.<br>Colored jeans.<br>Colored tights.<br>Faded-denim jeans.<br>Brown/oatmeal anything.<br>UGGs w/ sweatpants (seriosly, EWW!)<br>Sneakers with jeans.<br>iluvgeddy Feb 22, 2008 10:39:21 AM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>skinny AND wide-leg jeans<br>also, my old bootcuts from the late 90s<br>y & kei's entire fall collection<br>my marc jacobs granny boots<br>the prints from vena cava<br>onyx jewelry<br>Over:<br>vampy nailpolish<br>strapless dresses<br>full skirts<br>tuxedo-inspired<br>ridiculously high heels<br>jennyfeldman Feb 22, 2008 2:34:45 AM</p><br> <p>love<br>mary jane pumps<br>safari style short dresses<br>dr scholl's<br>long sleeve fitted tshirts<br>over<br>holes in miniskirts<br>hair colors not found in nature<br>two tone hair (I think I kind of have it in the back but I'm afraid to look)<br>cmm Feb 21, 2008 10:48:13 PM</p><br> <p>Totally Into<br>-Big signature jewelry pieces<br>-Unique LBDs that make you feel sexy each time you put it on<br>-Well-cut, feminine suits<br>-Cashmere hoodies<br>-Basic fitted t-shirts<br>-Bright colored trench coat<br>-Colorful pashminas<br>-Fun hats<br>Totally Over<br>-Uggs<br>-Uniforms (both personal and mandated ones)<br>-Tights with visible snags<br>-Glaring labels<br>-stained clothing<br>terpgirl Feb 21, 2008 10:26:00 PM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>Cute (and comfy!) flats<br>Bright colors<br>Wrap dresses<br>White or cream clutches<br>Over:<br>Skinny jeans<br>Colored jeans<br>High waisted pants<br>jad18 Feb 21, 2008 6:57:57 PM</p><br> <p>LOVE:<br>~feminine details<br>~fitted tops<br>~DARK denim<br>~patterned ballet flats<br>~sexy heels (2.5 inches minimum)<br>~saturated jewel tones<br>~pearl & diamond jewelry<br>~accentuating natural waist<br>OVER:<br>~jeans tucked into Uggs, skirts with Uggs...ok just UGGS...<br>~Baby doll tops<br>~tapered jeans(ew)<br>~kitten heels... I think they actually make you look slouchier than if you just wear flats<br>Candice8868 Feb 21, 2008 4:54:56 PM</p><br> <p>Ohhh, I love everyones lists!! Some of these don'ts you girls have listed are pet peeves of mine (most certainly the pants that are too short to wear with heels, it drives me insane!) I also wear 4 inch heels with everything, except my gym gear of course! And I too own so many padded push-up bras, in every color, every brand from La Perla to Target!<br>lorilascivious Feb 21, 2008 4:43:05 PM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>Lots of layers of colors that you wouldn't think match, but do -purple, brown and turquoise... but only a little bit of the lower layered color shows.<br>Hello Kitty pajamas<br>Stretchy rhinestone bracelets, or sets of thin sparkly bangles<br>Purses with lots of compartments - but the smallest possible purse to fit all my stuff.<br>Dangly sparkling earrings<br>Hate:<br>I hate pretty much what everyone else listed, especially those blouses that make you look pregnant.<br>Too-tight clothes that show off the bulges<br>Blue or green mascara - what's up with that? Who has blue eyelashes???<br>Luindriel Feb 21, 2008 4:37:22 PM</p><br> <p>My list of love:<br>Cashmere sweaters in black,navy,or pastel<br>Little black dresses that are short & sexy<br>Dresses by Vince<br>My black suede Puma boots<br>Expensive well-fitting bras<br>Polo shirt-dresses<br>Skinny jeans<br>Lip gloss & well-defined eyebrows<br>So over it:<br>Polyester dresses and shirts<br>Too dark lipstick & nails<br>Toe-pinching shoes<br>Underwear that is trying to be outerwear<br>kittycat4 Feb 21, 2008 4:22:41 PM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>*High wasted pencil skirts<br>*Really really dark denim<br>*A 4 inch heel with everything!!!!!!!<br>*Cardigans<br>*White and black cami's they smooth everyone out<br>*A padded bra (a must for us B cup girls)<br>*Peep toe shoes<br>*Knee high scruchy boots<br>*Fitted V-kneck White T-shirt....looks great with anything and on anyone, plus it makes you look tan<br>*Spanx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br>Hate:<br>*1/4 inch heels<br>*Neon color nails<br>*long fake nails<br>*Really tight/short dresses that are not flattering on some people (not sexy)<br>*Pants that are to short to wear with heels but are worn with heels<br>linnieg44 Feb 21, 2008 2:48:20 PM</p><br> <p>I love-<br>Blazers or a leather motorcycle jacket over an otherwise too frou-frou dress.<br>An herve leger bandage dress I just bought in a purple-ish color for spring!<br>High-heeled gladiators. (that lace!!)<br>Mens watches.(on women)<br>Big floppy hats for the summer. (and don't forget SPF as well!)<br>Bright Neon pink.. I plan on wearing lots of it this summer.<br>And I'm so over-<br>High waisted jeans- I purchased a lovely pair, and my sister saw me once and asked why I was wearing 'mom jeans!'.(Long live the skinny).<br>Logo bags as well. Or anything that screams 'THIS IS FROM LOUIS VUITTON! I SHOP AT GUCCI! I CAN AFFORD FENDI!'<br>Babydoll, tent, or any kind of dress that basically engulfs the woman body. You should embrace your body, and besides they make women (in my opinion) just look LARGER.<br>High heel slides. They just look ridiculous, like you tryed to turn your house slippers into pumps. And, have you tried to walk in them? It's ridiculous.<br>lorilascivious Feb 21, 2008 2:41:32 PM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>Black with navy<br>Riding boots<br>Grandpa cardigans<br>Colorful ballet flats<br>Long necklaces<br>Mod-shaped dresses<br>Old-school sneakers<br>Fishnets<br>Hate:<br>Uggs tucked into jeans<br>Gigantic (like really gigantic) sunglasses<br>Flip-flops<br>Logo bags<br>Puffy sleeves (makes you look 5 years old)<br>Black on black<br>krizzy319 Feb 21, 2008 2:12:51 PM</p><br> <p>Love:<br>iPhone<br>big unstructured bags<br>large jewelry<br>black stockings<br>flats!<br>Over:<br>Satin<br>.... can't think of anything else at the moment.<br>CariRabinowitz Feb 21, 2008 2:11:33 PM</p><br> <p>I love :<br>- wearing black it makes me feel sexy and pulled together no matter what. <br>- jewel tones<br>- big big huge enormous jewelry<br>- pink :)<br>- skinny jeans with high heels<br>- a line dresses<br>- a long sleek line<br>- flat black boots<br>- comfy cozy pajamas<br>hate:<br>- fedora hats<br>- tent like dresses<br>- puffy sleeves<br>- man inspired clothes on women<br>ilovelife8763 Feb 21, 2008 1:27:43 PM</p><br> <p>I was over baby doll dresses before they debuted. Again.<br>tootsiefarklepants Feb 25, 2008 7:42:10 PM</p><br><p>Feel free to add your own!</p>?<br><p>I had two babies in 2007. JD and Life presents a crossroads and you have to decide. Some women in my situation would have had an abortion and even though I'm Pro-Choice, I chose the other hand, which undoubtedly meant I would, in fact, become a single mom. That meant I had to leave New York City, because I could barely afford to live there as a single woman, let alone, mother. Everything you've been reading since July 6, 2007 is what followed. GLAMOUR renewed my contract so I'll be hanging out with you here on Storked! for another year. Can you all believe you met JD when he was a fetus? He's turning 1 next month! GASP. Ya know when I started blogging I was afraid what it would mean for JD and I, let alone, my career. A year later, I cried reading Storked! front to back and I cannot wait to show JD one day. And I guess it's about time I officially share the news. , an imprint of Random House is putting my memoir on a bookshelf near you next Spring. Broadway did I want to thank GLAMOUR, and you and all the nay-sayers--I've learned so much over the past year.</p><p> Let me tell you about a moment I had when JD was about 8 weeks old, where the only noise I heard was the ting of rain on the big bank of windows in my living room. JD was swaddled in my lap--content just looking at me. Hello, little boy, I said, pushing the blanket from his cheek. He blinked, all inquisitive at me. Yes, little man, mama is talking to you, I said as my mouth opened into a wide, laughing circle. I continued to coax him: Hello Mr. Jack-Jack! Mama loves you--and then it happened--he smiled at me. It was his first, real smile and not a weird one that usually was accompanied by a burp, then eruption of spit-up. I sat upright, amazed at this milestone. You're smiling! You're smiling at mama, I said and his eyes widened in a question mark. He's smiling, smiling, smi--, I heard myself say out loud and that's when I turned to the left and quickly scanned the empty room, moving boxes still lining the walls. I realized we were alone. There was no one to snap a photo or share in my unscripted enthusiasm. All of a sudden the rain on the windowpanes seemed louder, stronger and almost echoed in the small space that began to feel as big as a factory warehouse. That's the thing about doing this solo, even though my family and friends are ever present, JD and I live alone in an apartment and so even though I realized there wouldn't be a set of spare hands to help change diapers at 2am, I guess I didn't grasp the fact that I'd have a lot of wacky photos, the result of holding the camera up and hoping JD and I are in lens view. I improvise a lot. It works. It has to. For now. My next project should be a blog called: "Hitched!"</p><p>I'm hoping you'll all leave a note to JD today.</p>?<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Sure, maybe it&#8217;s more of a Thursday-through-Sunday nail idea but I for one just LOVE. Elizabeth Monson, the author and self-manicurist behind the blog , dreamed up this look. In she writes, &#8220;I was originally going to do my nails inspired by Prada&#8217;s now-iconic platform brogues, but getting the actual brogue treatment right seemed too daunting. I settled on a more simple rendition of the Prada black and blue stripes.&#8221; Cute, Elizabeth!</p><p>Here are some of the multi-color Prada shoes that inspired her nail look:<br></p><p>I know the Spring 2011collection was said to have been , but I think this feels straight-up Bauhaus, no? I think it would look great with one of spring&#8217;s . Gals, what about you? Do you like a daring manicure or do you prefer a more classic nail polish look? How would you play up a manicure of this kind? Do tell!</p><p>More Beauty Department nail happiness coming your way,<br><br><br><br>Photo: Nails: Marc Iantosca, Runway: Fairchild Archive</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br><br><br><br> <br><br> (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>?<p></p><p>Think of it as my way of saying, "Happy Monday, thanks for reading (and being my virtual girlfriends!), now let's stop being all mushy and start SHOPPING." Yes dears, the stuff-of-legend Prada sample sale kicked off this weekend, and it's absolutely worth scooting to immediately. There are way-discounted clothes, shoes, and handbags from and , and I dare you to leave there without parting with some of your paycheck. The sale runs from 10am to 7pm today through Friday at 609 West 51st Street here in NYC. Seasoned sample sale shoppers know that the earlier you get there, the better the score, so get moving! </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p>Not in New York? Don't fret dolls, I've got you covered, too. The is also holding a major online sale, with deep discounts on clothes and shoes from , , , , , and more. Think 60% off of fall's hot leather jackets and cute ankle boots--? </p><p>Anyone planning to suddenly come down "with a headache" at lunchtime (and return, miraculously cured and one pair of Prada boots richer)? </p><p>Want even more ways to get involved with STF on Reader Appreciation Day (and every day!)? </p><p>- of your snazziest outfit to become our Best Dressed Reader<br>- your personal story of fashion tragedy or triumph for <br>- Let us solve your biggest style problems! or leave it in the comments field below.<br>- ! Whether it's a styling tip, an insider shopping secret, or your own version of a celebrity look, we want to hear all about it!<br>- Keep the genius comments coming! Who knows, maybe yours will end up in our next round of favorites...</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br><br></p>Photo: courtesy of style.com;?<p><br><p>A close-up shot of the bleaching process. Sexy, eh?</p> <br>Last week when I was talking hair color with Tracey Cunningham, Redken Redken's Creative Consultant for Color, she mentioned that folks should never dye their brows to match the exact shade of their new haircolor--they should leave it as is or have a pro lighten/darken it gently.<br><br><p>I bet these Prada models are smiling because they've just been informed they're getting their normal brows back after the show.</p> <br>What about you (or your hair color chameleon friends)? Have you ever tinkered with your eyebrow color? Chances are, if you did it wasn't just for the day, am I right? But maybe when you colored or highlighted your hair? Was it a disaster? Wild success? Share!</p><p><br>And P.S., the big glitter look might be back as models wore the same sparkly eye makeup at last night's Rue du Mail show. Guess not everyone got around to reading ...</p>Photo: Mark Leibowitz?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p><br></p><p>Alyssa&#8217;s away at a family funeral, so she gave me the honor of entertaining you. In case you don&#8217;t remember, I&#8217;m Edgy English Teacher, aka EET. You can check me out . I am from Los Angeles and try to teach knuckleheads in the inner city. I&#8217;ve had the pleasure of indulging in a sweet and all too brief romance with Alyssa, while lil&#8217; Miss Moxie flirted with life in L.A. She named me Edgy for lots of reasons, most of which I will not get into as this is a G-rated website. But she also calls me Edgy because I love to push people&#8217;s buttons&#8230;especially cute chicks. I would like to see if you think pushing someone&#8217;s buttons is a fault or, when done correctly, an attribute that keeps intelligent, beautiful girls like Alyssa interested? I am not necessarily proud of my Edgy handle and perhaps would like to soften my edge and push less buttons. My current g.f. hates my button pushing, like when I listen to Howard Stern around her. And she can&#8217;t stand my ooh&#8217;s and aah&#8217;s when Jessica Simpson or some other random hottie flashes onto my TV screen. For a while she would complain, cross her arms and slide to the other side of my couch. Last night she recited some existential psychobabble and told me she would ignore those remarks from now on. She also doesn&#8217;t love it when I appear on this blog (hi, hon!). I&#8217;d better buy her some Prada this weekend or no nookie. Anyway, curious to hear your thoughts: Why do you think guys love to push women&#8217;s buttons?</p><p></p>?&#8220;Since it&#8217;s not exactly feasible to invite people to view a Chanel collection in-house, as it used to be done, Karl Lagerfeld instead decided to bring the Rue Cambon to the thousand or so people who crowded into the Grand Palais. A life-size facade of the storied Chanel building at number 31&#8212;complete with a street runway&#8212;had been dropped into the space.&#8221; For the full review and the complete collection, check out .?<p>There&#8217;s a reason why the ponytail is classic: It&#8217;s easy, elegant, and unfussy&#8212;and a woman always feels comfortable when she&#8217;s wearing one. </p><p>Start it right. To elevate the ponytail from frumpy, boring gym hair, spend a little extra time on it. Run a quarter-size blob of thickening cream through damp hair. This will give it body and a bit of grab so the elastic won&#8217;t slide out. Blow hair dry (and straighten it, if your hair is curly) with a boar-bristle brush. The natural bristles will help make your hair glossy. </p><p>Tie it back. During the day, it&#8217;s a little old-fashioned to worry about hiding your elastic. I like a plain black one that doesn&#8217;t have a metal clasp, which can snag hair. (Avoid brightly colored elastics. You&#8217;ll look like a teenager, and not in a good way.) Position the ponytail about two inches above the nape of the neck&#8212;too high and it&#8217;ll look too cheerleader; too low and your hair will look flat. Spritz a little hair spray on your hands, and pat down flyaways with your palms. </p><p>Do your part. If you want something a bit softer and more romantic, try a deep side part. Use a comb to create a part an inch or two above your ear. Smooth hair down toward the ears and then back toward the nape with a brush. If you have bangs, push them to the side. This look reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. </p><p>Shine on. To dress up your ponytail for evening, rub a dime-size drop of silicone serum between your palms, then run both hands through your hair. Tilt your head back 45 degrees and smooth your hair into place with a brush. Keep the ponytail a bit loose&#8212;you don&#8217;t want it too severe. Finish by wrapping a strand of hair around the elastic and secure it with a bobby pin. Then forget about your hair; that&#8217;s the beauty of this style.</p>?<p>Today I was in the fashion closet with celebrity hair and makeup artist Sergio Corvacho, when we spotted a box of new Spring/Summer shoes. Love 'em! - but how do you wear them? Sergio gave me his take, and as SJP says: "me likey!"</p><p>Here are a couple of Sergio's ideas and illustrations on how to wear them:</p><p></p><p>1. Christian Lacroix boot - This can be a day shoe or a club shoe. Looks best with tight, faded grey jeans and interesting monochromatic or neutral tops. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>2. Christian Louboutin wedge - great day shoe. Keep clothes toned down and minimal and don't even try to match your clothing to your shoes. Would look great with a fitted dress to the knee.</p><p></p><p></p><p>3. Pink Gucci bootie : Wear it with a hot pants and tights and blouson top or sweater. Hot pants are a great alternative to a mini skirt.</p> <p></p><p>4. Prada art shoe: If Barcelona were a shoe, this would be it: very Gaudi. For clothing, keep it simple, monochromatic, understated; all you need is a trench, et voila!</p><p></p> <p>How would you wear them?</p>?<p>Men have porn. Women have porn too, but we also have the shoe department at Bergdorf Goodman, which I think is just as good.<p><p>Last night, deputy fashion director Sasha and I had a few moments to kill before heading up to the 7th floor for a cocktail party hosted by Stella McCartney, so we stayed on 2 and perused, perused, perused. Sasha was caught up at a table of Azzedine Alaia's, while I did a few introductory laps around the store to suss out potential prey. Granted, it's tough to find a pair of shoes for under $300, but you've never seen a better, more inspiring selection: MiuMiu, Prada, Louboutin, Margiela, Tod's, Gucci, Manolo, Chanel, Roger Vivier, YSL, Chloe, Sonya Rykiel....and the sheer volume is astounding.<p><p>"Just looking," we chimed ruefully, whenever a salesperson asked if we needed help. But do NOT let me in there on payday; I could spend my entire paycheck in fifteen minutes.<p><p>Which stores do you fear to shop?<p>?<p> I've been hankering for a new wallet for the last 4 years. Instead, I keep buying junky ones (like this year's Tumi contraption), that lose bills and receipts and clog up my bag. Finally, as my change flooded out onto the street for the 6542nd time this morning, I'm giving up. I MUST GET A NEW WALLET, COME HELL OR HIGH WATER, BEFORE I LEAVE FOR VACATION. Some are loyal to Prada, and while I love the studded Miu Miu number from the spring collection, I'm thinking that a classic Marc might be the way to go. What do you guys think of Too bulky? Or will it keep everything held in place? Any other ideas? I will be eternally grateful. <p>?<p>Yesterday they announced that Rei Kawakubo--the famously reclusive, intellectual Japanese designer behind Comme des Garcons--will create a collection for H&amp;M due in stores next fall. The capsule line will be simultaneous with the Swedish megabrand's opening in Tokyo. But it's still shocking! As far as giant personalities go, it's like the equivalent of getting Miuccia Prada or so--a giant coup for H&amp;M. Wonder how looks like these will translate for an under $100 price tag?</p><p></p><p>Now, personally I've been a wee bit disappointed with the special collections at H&amp;M so far (Madonna, Roberto Cavalli, etc). Not too mention the lines are always too long to actually score something that fits. Do you have the same problem? And--even bigger, throwdown question: Do you prefer Tar-jay's Go International lines or H&amp;M's guest designers, and why? Vote and explain in the comments! (It's Friday, so you know you have time!) </p><p>--Jenny</p>?<p>The Salvatore Ferragamo story could be a plot lifted straight out of a Fellini film: nine-year-old boy, one of 14 siblings living in a remote Italian village, takes up shoemaking. Something of a cobbler prodigy, the boy moves to America at 16, setting up shop in Santa Barbara, California, where he&#8217;s hired by 20th Century Fox (then the American Film Co.) to shoe Lillian Gish in Way Down East (1920) and Douglas Fairbanks in The Thief of Bagdad (1924). He opens the Hollywood Boot Shop on L.A.&#8217;s Hollywood Boulevard, and in 1927 the boy, now all of 29, leaves devoted customers Gloria Swanson and Mary Pickford to start a workshop in Florence, Italy. Presto, the pinups of the day follow him across the Atlantic. Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall regularly slip into his handcrafted shoes, of which the no-longer-so-young man will be producing 350 pairs a day by 1950.</p><p>It was this starry history that persuaded costume designer Catherine Martin to ring up James Ferragamo, Salvatore&#8217;s grandson and director of women&#8217;s leather products, in the months before filming began in 2007 on Australia, an Oz-outback epic featuring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, directed by Martin&#8217;s husband, Baz Luhrmann, and due out in November.</p><p>&#8220;It just seemed an absolutely logical association because Nicole was playing a Thirties aristocrat, and she would probably have had bespoke shoes by Ferragamo,&#8221; Martin explains. A self-professed &#8220;major historical observer of fashion,&#8221; Martin was determined to make the film&#8217;s wardrobe pieces, from Kidman&#8217;s Prada luggage to Jackman&#8217;s riding boots, crafted by Australian &#8220;bush outfitter&#8221; R.M. Williams, utterly authentic, right down to the two-tone spectator pumps the actress dons with her travel suit. &#8220;She is obviously a forward-thinking person. I mean, she travels to the other side of the world in an airplane at a time when women rarely traveled alone,&#8221; Martin says of Kidman&#8217;s Lady Sarah Ashley, an uptight Brit who inherits a sprawling Australian ranch only to find herself fending off encroaching cattle barons. (Jackman plays the lone rancher who comes to her aid.) &#8220;We had a lot of practical considerations; you need a shoe that&#8217;s high enough that someone can look fabulous in and a shoe that you can run in, with a lower heel,&#8221; Martin says. &#8220;So one of the fantastic things about collaborating with Ferragamo is that it not only has a very strong design history, but it&#8217;s incredibly practically versed in the structural making of shoes.&#8221;</p>?<p>I tend to find Barbie a little evil. Because my mother disapproved of her when I was little (it was the feet and the boobs), Skipper was the only Barbiesque plaything allowed in my young home. I finally wore mom down and got a Superstar Barbie at age 10, but as an adult I&#8217;ve since thrown my lot in with mom&#8217;s original hardline stance. I wonder: if there were more Barbie refusniks like her, maybe we wouldn&#8217;t be so awash in Paris Hilton now.</p> <p>But! I have just seen a Barbie that I think is actually rather cool. Not surprisingly, it&#8217;s created by costume designer and frequent employer of drag queens, Patricia Field, who retro-fied and at the same time updated our girl.</p> <br><p>The doll is a sort of mascot for Field&#8217;s human (but still Barbie-themed) new collection of purses, jewelry and sportswear. The logo is a silhouette of new retro Barbie&#8217;s ponytail, which has a slightly fresher connotation than a Playboy Bunny. It&#8217;s cheeky, but it&#8217;s not sleazy.</p><p>Check out of the line; I have to say I&#8217;m liking what I see. You&#8217;d never catch me dead in those shorts, but the leopard coat-dress-thingy is not bad at all.</p> <p>And I love how Patricia Field is firmly in the camp of affordable clothes. She and her shops have always been filled with cheap, great accessories and toys. (When I lived in NYC, I could never get out Hotel Venus without something plastic, Japanese and brilliant.)</p> <p>I would be hard pressed not to march over to PF&#8217;s shop on the Bowery for a Barbie today, were I not across the Atlantic Ocean. I&#8217;m not a huge toy person, but I did once have a plastic Coco Chanel figurine (it was in a Chanel gift bag) and I still own a Joey Ramone action figure.</p><p>Fashion toy-ppurtunities abound these days: Diane von Furstenburg and Zac Posen have recently done Barbie clothes, and on November 26, the Paris department store Galaries Lafayette is auctioning off custom teddy bears made by Azzedine Alaia, Bruno Frisoni, Prada and the divine Kris van Assche.</p> <p>Anyone here still play with toys? Admit it, the thrill isn&#8217;t entirely gone.</p> &#8212;Alex?<p>Unfortunately, today is my last day as an intern here at Glamour, something about which I am quite sad. I have truly enjoyed my time here, learned a great deal and let me tell you, it?s gone by way too quickly.<p><p>I'm not going to lie to you. There's tons of grunt work involved: copies, sorting, and data input galore. But I would rather make copies than sit through calculus class any day. While it sounds a bit cliche, it?s true; you learn a lot from just being in a buzzing office. <p><p>And it's not without rewards. I was given the opportunity to edit articles (I'm a huge dork and I love editing. Seriously, on Facebook, I'm a part of a group entitled "good grammar is hot."), to look at layouts, to go to appointments, to listen to and transcribe interviews, to learn about the history of Glamour. <p><p>In addition, I learned that Glamour in no way resembles the world portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada. The women here (yes, it's largely female) are intelligent, witty, dynamic and friendly. It's been a pleasure to work with them.<p><p>One of the best parts of my internship was the chance to write on this blog. Ladies, you have been so fun to interact with, and I've come to value your opinions. So, on that note, thank you. <p><p>I'll continue reading Ashley's blog for my daily Glamour fix, and hope that I will continue to see you all here! <p>?<p>Everyone always wants to know if there are perks in this job. Absolutely! A few times a year our clean out the beauty closet and sell all the makeup/perfume/hair product samples (even the pricey stuff!) for a buck. Whatever they raise goes to a charity; they're happy, we're happy--it's a win-win. There are book giveaways constantly; I'm always overly eager about snagging the "beach reads" but I've still yet to finish the paperback I started last summer! And then, perhaps the best perks come from my boss, Cindi. She recently gave me a gorgeous pair of long leather gloves she'd received as a gift from a fashion company. "Perfect!" I thought. My wrists are actually pretty small so it never even crossed my mind that these wouldn't fit. But when I brought them back to my desk and tried to pull one on, I realized even my hands don't belong in the fashion industry.</p><p></p><p>A year ago, I'd have automatically given them away to one of my size-2 friends (I have many!) and put my own fist back in a fabric that stretched. But I kind of want to hold onto these. What do you think--is it a good idea to stash them for next winter, or should I give them away?</p>?<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Some of you may ask, "What date is it? First? Second? Tenth?" It's not a first date, so while that may sway your answer, in my opinion a date is a date is a date. My heart says, "Go for it Nikki! Red lips are sexy! Plus! The eyebrows are nice and full and the rest of the makeup is minimal." But my head says, "Whoaaa, that lip is sort of aggressive, no? And what's that you heard about guys not liking colored lipstick?" Well, which should I go with ladies? Do you usually wear red lipstick on dates? Hit the comments and let me know what you think!</p><p>PS: If you're wondering, it's a , filled in with in the same shade.</p><p>More beauty from the runway<br><br><br><br> Photos: Style.com <br></p>?<p>But it's my new favorite bag! As , I'm a huge proponent of canvas totes. They're eco-friendly, un-flimsy, roomy, and I like how casual and unfussy they look. I just ordered a new one from </p><p></p><p>While there are lots of customize-your-own websites out there these days, spreadshirt seems a bit more fashion-forward than the rest. I love the fonts and colors you can choose from. Plus, the totes are made of organic cotton.</p><p>That said, I can't wait to stuff mine with everything I &quot;need&quot; to get through the day: above-mentioned computer and gym/yoga clothes, Us Weekly, New York Magazine, my Chanel wallet, digital camera, spiral notebook containing my To Do list, stacks of bills (eek!), Bigelow lip gloss, keys, Metro Card, Conde Nast ID, phone, Treo, change purse, cashmere gloves...um, can you say &quot;back problems&quot;. What's in your bag today, Ladies?</p><p>--Jenny</p>?<p>Sorry, Jen Hudson, I gotta say it: that architectural jacket is a Don't. It's way, way too tricky for the red carpet. The Vera-lookin' dress underneath appears to be quite gorgeous, but still... <p>J.Lo, is that vintage? You look so straight-outta-1962, and I am impressed. You've really been rocking Herve Leger lately -- but tonight, Marchesa? LOVE. I love Keren and Georgina (we did a story on them in GLAMOUR last July) and I'm so glad they're finding so much success. <p> <p>Rinko Kikuchi: that Chanel couture column: utter DO. <p> <p>Rachel Weisz, in a champagne sheath: a DO, but the bulky necklace detracts. <p> <p>Cameron! Love love love. Kind of menswear-y, but I love. <p> <p> EMILY BLUNT, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING!??!?! Beyond. This is way, way better than anything you wore in The Devil Wears Prada. <p><p> Penelope, magnificent in Versace. The corset, strapless bit feels very YOU, but the wildly ornate train is worthy of the win I HOPE YOU GET tonight. Volver! Best movie! WIN WIN WIN!!! Almodovar, YOU ARE THE BEST DIRECTOR AAAAH. <p>?<p><br>The lovely Claire Danes and her beau, Hugh Dancy...I wonder if she'd be jealous of my </p><p><br>Heather Graham, looking hot in Prada...love how she manages to make the LBD look anything but boring. We also spotted Jessica Alba, Nee-Yo, Cassie, Leighton Meester, Mena Suvari, catwalking queen Jessica Stam and...<br><br>Kanye West, in what I like to call "geek chic." He's been all over town this week in different nerdy glasses, sweaters, and slim suits, and I love it! This man eats, sleeps, and breathes fashion. Would you want your man to dress like him, or is his fashion sense too intimidating? </p>Photos: Courtesy of Prada?<p></p><p>that the campaign has indeed been shot and that it stars Mrs. Tom Cruise, along with eight "background models." And "confirmation" comes in the form of Katie entering her Manhattan apartment building last night in very atypical smoky makeup and slicked back hair, in all likelihood leftover from her day on set. </p><p>Katie's been itching to get serious about fashion lately, designing her own outfits with stylist Jeanne Yang, , being , and scooping up thousands of dollars worth of designer shoes for both herself and her little tyke. But landing a major fashion campaign like Miu Miu makes her the Real Deal as far as fashion is concerned. </p><p>What do you guys think of the choice? Are you excited to see the ads? And do you think Katie Holmes is one to watch in terms of style?</p><p> <br> ()</p>?<p></p><p>Now, I may be having a case of Kaiser Goggles (the fashion equivalent of beer goggles wherein anything bearing the double C's appears lustworthy and amazing, whether it's a legitamately gorgeous purse or some insane thing like gold creepers), but these are kind of amazing in my opinion! </p><p>Truth be told, I actually already own a pair of black creepers, so clearly I'm already on board. But what do you think? Let's take a closer look.</p><p></p><p>They're pretty fun, right? In kind of a wacky, '90s club kid way? Am I totally wrong for loving these and thinking that Karl can do no wrong, or are these actually as cute as I think they are?</p><p>Chanel and Prada aren't the only peeps standing behind these retro-inspired flatforms. Check out some of the lower-priced versions on shelves now... </p><p>What do you think? Are creepers a Do or a Don't?</p>Photo: Fairchild Archive?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p>There are few people, if any, I'd rather have a glass of champagne with than Boss Lady Maryellen. Imagine my glee, then, when she came to the preview last night. First of all, if you guys loved the Proenza Schouler stuff, or the Luella line, then prepare for bankruptcy. Or not, actually: I think the most expensive item in this better-than-the-RTW bonanza is a whopping $49.99. We chatted with , who told us that the entire process -- from signing the contract with Target to staging last night's preview for New York editors -- took a mere four weeks. Can you imagine? And it's so astoundingly cute that I'm not buying a single designer thing until further notice. The collection hits stores July 15th; I'll be camping out at the lone NYC Target, in Brooklyn. Maryellen and I decided that such genius moments truly confirm our love of fashion -- when visionary style, a la Libertine, can be yours for a $14.99 tank with a skeleton intaglio, well, who needs <p>?<p></p><p>Heed the advice of the always-genius (and sometimes just ingeniously snide) New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn, whose includes a recommendation we may actually take seriously: "If you want something purely silly for your next Match date, you&#8217;ll get yourself a pair of Prada&#8217;s hot rod stilettos," she writes. </p><p>She's referring to these flame-adorned shoes from , rife with references to muscle cars and the 1950s--and really, what guy wouldn't be captivated by that? These cartoonishly fiery will, at the very least, spark some interesting conversation to avoid any awkward first date silences, plus The Millionaire Matchmaker always recommends high heels, so really, they're a win-win, right? </p><p>What do you think, dolls? Aren't these babies insane? Would you wear 'em on a first date? Discuss!</p><p>PLUS...<br>- <br>- <br>- </p>Photo: courtesy of style.com;?<p>I bet you didn't know Miuccia Prada went to mime school before she decided to take over her family's luxury goods company...or that she was a communist...or that she's worried the world doesn't take fashion seriously enough. Find out more about the ever-evolving designer in our latest lunchtime video, after the jump. </p>?<p>Hi there! So let me start by introducing myself, my name is Deanna and I&#8217;m an intern here at glamour. Since the hot topic seems to be interns within the last few days, Suze thought it would be the perfect idea to introduce some of Glamour&#8217;s interns, and asked me to actually write it myself so I could not have been more honored. Thanks Suze!</p><p>So let the introduction begin&#8230;.</p><p>Here&#8217;s me! My name is Deanna and I intern for fashion assistant Liza Collis and fashion market director Sarah Meikle, and could not ask for anything better!</p><br><p>Where do you go to school, when do you graduate and what's your major?</p><p>I am a senior studying fashion marketing at the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising.</p><p>How did you get this internship?</p><p>Well, I actually interned for Liza last spring and I had such a great time working with her that I came back to do my senior co-op project at Glamour.</p><p>Give us the scoop on what you do here at Glamour.</p><p>Returns! Returns! Returns! I am constantly keeping track and organizing of samples that are coming and going. I collect looks from style.com and make look books to create storyboards for upcoming stories.</p><p>What has been the most exciting thing you have experienced here at Glam so far?</p><p>There are lots of awesome things happening all the time, just getting to handle all the great, fabulous clothes that come in is super exciting. But I think the most exciting was definitely getting the chance to go to the Anna Sui show during fashion week.</p><p>What do you love about your internship?</p><p>I love getting to see everything come together in the magazine. After seeing clothes that I worked with in the magazine it&#8217;s nice to say &#8220;I worked on that!&#8221;</p><p>What do you loathe?</p><p>Drowning in tons and tons of swim returns!!</p><p>Best kept secret&#8230;</p><p>I can play a mean game of golf.</p><p>Any advice to other girls looking to get a fabulous internship like this one?</p><p>Always be persistent and proactive, never give up, and of course be ready to work hard!</p><p>Maisha Grigsby is Madeline and Suze&#8217;s intern and with her sweet little Southern accent she couldn&#8217;t be any cuter!</p><br><p>Where do you go to school and what is your major and year?</p><p>Well, I usually attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where I am currently a sophomore majoring in history and sociology. This semester I am attending New York University, where I am a part of the "Spring in New York" program. I am LOVING every minute of it! I don&#8217;t want to go home!</p><p>How did you get this internship?</p><p>It&#8217;s amazing how I got this internship actually, my friend Kendra was contacted by Glamour for the internship, but she had already accepted a position elsewhere. Being a good friend, she told Madeline about me, I emailed her and the rest is history!</p><p>Give us the scoop on what you do here at Glamour.</p><p>Well basically I am Madeline&#8217;s, Suze&#8217;s amazing assistant&#8217;s intern. I help Madeline with whatever she needs. Big or small, I can do it!</p><p>What has been the most exciting thing you have experienced here at Glamour?</p><p>Last week actually I was running up and down Manhattan trying to cast for the &#8220;Worst Hair in America&#8221;. The criteria, which I won&#8217;t describe was the fun part! It was hard but I had a blast picking out people!!</p><p>Best Kept Secret&#8230;</p><p>All my friends ask me &#8220;Is it like The Devil Wears Prada?&#8221 NO! The people here at Glamour are smart, beautiful, and chic but very kind and considerate! None of that diva attitude! And the food at Conde Nast is soo good!!!</p><p>Any advice to other girls looking to get a fabulous internship like this one?</p><p>Network! And be yourself, never give up and SMILE!!</p>?<p>Let me tell you the story of meeting Miss Smarty Shoes. As her new nickname implies, she is smart and loves shoes!</p><p><br></p><p>Earlier in the week we had exchanged a few emails and had a few short phone conversations, but for the most part, meeting her last night was a blind date. I picked up the blue-eyed Illinoisan that had scored a fifteen hundred on the SAT's at 5:00. She invited me in to her bungalow for a quick tour and to meet her dog. She seemed very concerned that if we were to have any chance of a future together that I get along well with her puppy.</p><p>Well, the corgi and I got along fine. And although I was a little taken aback by the tail-less, hair-shedding machine, I was more blown away by MSS's shoe collection.</p><p>The very tiny blond had a huge amount of shoes crammed into her cozy home. She had patent leather Pradas, stiletto-heeled Manolos and dark red Chanels. She had sophisticated, business-looking, brown leather Steve Maddens, sexy, strappy Fendis and expensive- looking Guccis. She had Nikes and Adidas for running and slippers for around the house. She had cubbies stuffed with shoes by Juicy, Kate Spade and Diane von Furstenburg. In the corner of her walk-in closet sat a Christmas-tree-shaped rack overflowing with vintage heels. She had shoes lining the floor, on her shelves next to books and in about every nook and cranny of her not-so-spacious living space. Are you getting the point? The woman loves shoes.</p><p>She slipped on a pair of understated, soft, comfortable-looking green flats that were covered with little pink flowers and we were off. Like any good producer, MSS took me to a cocktail hour at a theater that was hosting a premiere for her employer.</p><p>We arrived promptly at the Arclight on Sunset Boulevard as the sun was setting. We decided to drive to the roof of the parking structure to soak in the view.</p><p><br></p><p>Romantic.</p><p>Once inside we headed to the overcrowded bar and sipped complimentary red wine while she schmoozed and introduced me to her co-workers: the young, the powerful, the hungry, and the newly off-strike writers. All were very nice, polite and eager to see this new comedy their company had produced. The film was HILARIOUS.</p><p>After the movie we went back to my place for nightcaps and not much else (see, I do know how to behave myself). Despite her shoe addiction, I think she is intriguing enough to go out with again. So for all my nervousness about online dating, I'm going to chalk this up to being a success. Still, I'm curious to know what you guys think about someone with so many shoes. Any of you have an addiction that you feel like confessing?</p>?<p></p><p>At the press preview for I attended yesterday, I watched a cool video clip (by genius director Baz Luhrman) of the designer discussing the difference between wearing an insane pair of high heels (like the famous flaming "hot rod" stilettos from , above) and wearing an insane dress: "Craziness in a shoe is such a weird place, you can have much more freedom, you can exaggerate and it doesn't feel stupid. But to have too much craziness near your face, that just feels weird." </p><p>So true, right? A wild hat takes major guts to pull off (and, , nine times out of ten looks pretty absurd), but shoes are such a non-committal way to have a bit of fun with fashion and not take it too seriously! So go for it, gals--wear your LBD with something unexpected and off the charts (even if that means blue instead of basic black for you)...Prada says it's okay! </p><p>Shop a few wild stems we're loving at every price point now:</p><p>More fabulous SHOES!<br>- <br>- <br>- </p>Photo: courtesy of style.com;?<p></p><p>THE RUNWAY&#8212; If you're one of the millions of people who have logged onto video sites like YouTube to check out footage of famous models taking a tumble on the runway, you're not alone. But besides momentary embarrassment, what are the longer-term repercussions of tripping down the catwalk? According to a in The Australian, it's a pricey mistake: "'It's embarrassing for the models when this happens,' Chic Model Management's Kathy Ward says. Chic represents Abbey Lee Kershaw, Catherine McNeil and Miranda Kerr. 'It can also be damaging to their health and their earnings. In 2008 Abbey Lee fell at the Rodarte shows and was in great pain and needed time to recover. Often the shoes are the wrong size or painful. I have had to stop stylists from making models wear harmful shoes.'"</p><p>YOUR FINGERTIPS&#8212; Nicki Minaj's nail polish collection for OPI has just been unveiled&#8212;and the colors range across the spectrum from baby pink to confetti to chartreuse to crackle purple. Check out the full range .</p><p>THE INTERNET&#8212; Fashionista.com the behind-the-scenes video from the Prada resort 2011-2012 campaign featuring model Lea Seydoux and a gang of gorgeous clutches.</p><p></p><p>EVERYWHERE&#8212; Ever wish you could style your own fashion shows? Check out Videomix, AX Armani Exchange's new , which allows users to create custom fashion shows using the brand's 20th anniversary collection and supermodels such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Marlon Teixeira, and Milou Sluis.</p><p></p><p>THE SUPERMARKET&#8212; According to a by the Center for Retail Research, cheese is the most-shoplifted food in the world. Well, no duh, because it's delicious.</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check out !<br>Read Glamour magazine &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan!<br>Like freebies? Enter !<br> for our fashion and beauty newsletters to get easy style tips (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can read ?! It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.<br></p>?<p>55% of you said to meet up with Sexy Euro at a candle-lit cafe. I'll be wearing vintage Prada with Christian Louboutin stilettos and a Bottega Veneta clutch. Wink wink! I'm kidding -- don't yell at me-- just makin' fun of myself (see yesterday's comments)!</p><p>Anyways, I'm so excited for Paris that I've become completely dysfunctional. I ran out of gas in the middle of Wilshire Blvd. today! Everyone was honking and giving me the finger (much like the comments, ha!). The car-virgin-New-Yorker in me had no idea what to do. Call 911? Call car-insurance? Call my NONEXISTENT boyfriend? </p><p>A Turkish security-guard, who didn't speak a word of English, came to my rescue. He pushed the car to the side of the busy street, and drove me to/from a gas station to buy portable gas.<br>He took care of everything. What a good man. It's nice to be important but even more important to be nice.</p><p>I'm home now, packing, and an old friend just called for a quick catch-up session. She asked if I've spoken to Greek Dentist. And it hit me-- it's been days since I've even acknowledged his existence! Can we say.... BREAK-THROUGH?</p><p>For the last five months (since I moved here), I don't think 10-minutes went by without shooting-pains through my heart with his name on it. Until VERY recently, I cried -- just a little -- each day. I was as sad as they come. When you're suffering through a break-up, everyone says, &quot;time heals all,&quot; and it sounds like such incredulous crap at the time. But, wow, it's so damn true. I'm not completely healed (are we ever?), but I'm SO MUCH BETTER. </p><p>My sister always said I'd move-on when I met someone new. And she's right- I had Tyler, The Rocker, now all this Sexy Euro anticipation. I'm proud that I'm allowing myself to feel again, but there IS a pang of worry. What if I'm not into Sexy Euro (or vice-versa), and I come home to...nobody. No one &quot;in the bank.&quot; No maybes. No prospects. Confession: I can see myself calling him in a moment of weakness. Like, if I come home feeling alone, that's going to be my answer.</p><p>It reminds me of another thing the therapist relayed ....she suggested that my most defining characteristic is that.... I love to be loved. My response was-- &quot;Doesn't everybody?&quot; You guys know me pretty well by now. Do you think I'm really over Greek Dentist, or that I'm just escaping the pain through other guys?</p>?<p>Did anyone watch Oprah's Oscar special last night? Clooney, what what. Call me. Anyway, my Oscar fever is so crippling that it might land me in the hospital. Here, a rundown of my favorite fashion-moment films of oh six.</p><p>1. The Devil Wears Prada. Duh.</p><p>2. . You guys must see this! Julianne Nicholson, who stars, wears real-girl garb with aplomb. I interviewed her for our May issue, and am obsessed.</p><p>3. Letters from Iwo Jima. OK, OK, the characters were dudes, of the Japanese soldier variety during World War II. But their rumpled khakis were rather reminiscent of spring collection. </p><p> 4. Marie Antoinette. So splendid, so frothy, so...perfect.</p><p> 5. Volver. If Penelope wasn't wearing Moschino 95% of the time, then I'm a useless fashion editor and might as well start over as a physicist.</p><p> 6. The Queen. Nobody does stoic frump like Dame Helen. </p><p> 7. Pan's Labyrinth. Who knew my style icon would turn out to be a 9-year-old Spanish girl with a penchant for reptiles? </p><p>Anyone I'm leaving out?</p>Photo: &copy; 20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p></p><p>Ucciardone in Palermo, Sicily has been called "Grand Hotel Ucciardone" because of the life of luxury its prisoners--many of whom are convicted mobsters--are afforded, including champagne and lobster soirees and the ability to lounge around in silk gowns. But no more; , ", , , , , and have all been outlawed." </p><p>So why are they separating these men from their beloved designer duds? As Governor Barberi , "Prison is a place of punishment and every inmate has the same status so any symbol of luxury be it designer clothes or designer gadgets that would suggest power or financial supremacy must go. In prison the tiniest things can make a difference so imagine what inmates wearing designer clothes has--there are even those that wear fakes so as to keep up their image." At least one mob wife was totally miffed by the policy: "My husband will have to walk about in the nude," she told an Italian newspaper. "All he has is designer label clothes--not because he is flashy but because the quality is better. Why humiliate him?" </p><p>Ah yes, how humiliating! To be locked up for a crime...and forced to wear something from Men's Warehouse? The horror!</p><p>PLUS...<br>- <br>AND!<br>- </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>NEW! <br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check <br>Read Glamour magazine &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan!<br>Like freebies? Enter <br> to get easy style tips (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can ?! It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photo: courtesy of the Everett Collection<p>Want even more STF? </p><p></p>?<p><br></p><p>Hi, guys! WHERE DO I BEGIN?! It&#8217;s impossible to fill you in on my 27-year-history with food and weight all in one post, but luckily I don&#8217;t have to! I&#8217;ll dive in now and by the end of this journey, I promise you&#8217;ll know a lot more about me. Here are the basics: my long, fancy title at Glamour is &#8220;executive assistant to the editor-in-chief.&#8221; If you&#8217;ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you probably have the wrong idea. I actually like my boss (and not only because I know she&#8217;s reading this!), there are no coats being thrown over my desk and, unlike Andy, I don&#8217;t fit into a sample-size anything. A year ago, when my colleague Sunny raised her hand to be our shape-up blogger, I thought, &#8220;I admire her for being able to do this so publicly; I could never do that.&#8221; Well, a lot&#8217;s changed in a year. I saw how successful she was with the Body by Glamour plan and how motivating it was for her to have this community (all of you!) cheering her on. So instead of tackling this battle privately&#8212;and unsuccessfully&#8212;like I have for years, I&#8217;ve decided it&#8217;s time to open up about it. No more hiding!</p> <p>So you&#8217;re probably wondering: How much do I weigh? When I tell you I&#8217;ve just stepped on the scale for the first time in 10 years (10 years!), hopefully you&#8217;ll understand why I&#8217;m not quite ready to reveal that s-c-a-r-y number. Is that terrible? (My own mother asked me what I weigh&#8212;and I refused to tell her, too.) The thing is, my weight issues are double-dipped in years of humiliation and I&#8217;m still working on coming to grips with the whole &#8220;It&#8217;s just a number&#8221; thing. When did I gain the weight? So long ago I honestly don&#8217;t remember not being overweight. By the time I got to high school, I flat-out hated my body. Since then, I&#8217;ve hated myself for hating my body, eaten to relieve some of that hatred, then hated myself more. How&#8217;s that for a fat trap?</p><p>As for my commitment to finally get a grip: There was no single instance that brought me here; it was more like a succession of shames. And while I&#8217;d like to say I&#8217;ve buried each of them, they quietly stalk me, like the time a boutique owner franticly tore back the dressing room curtain at the sound of a $200 dress ripping at the seams around the span of my hips. At that moment, I felt like I didn&#8217;t belong in that boutique&#8212;or anywhere&#8212;as an overweight woman. Regardless of how much truth there is to that, the idea became a soundtrack playing in my mind, 24/7. It didn&#8217;t matter who accepted me&#8212;I didn&#8217;t accept myself.</p><p>So this isn&#8217;t just a resolution to trade in my size-16 skirts in for size-6 jeans (although, yes, that is part of what I&#8217;m hoping for!); it&#8217;s a decision to trade self-loathing in for self-loving. While I haven&#8217;t decided my exact goal weight, I know one thing for sure: I want to walk a little taller, feel a little stronger and love my body a lot more! I know I&#8217;ll need all of your support, and I hope that, like Sunny, I can inspire you guys a little bit, too.</p>?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p>Sometimes getting out of the fashion stream is just what one needs. I&#8217;ve been hopping around canals in the same sweaty pair of Converse while the rest of the world has been focused on Milan.</p> <br><p>I briefly tune in this morning, look over a show of hideously unwearable pajamas at , get the news that Courtney Love is starting her own line, and, God, I&#8217;m scared temporarily away from the new and noteworthy.</p><p>Instead I&#8217;m thinking back, thanks to a fab little Takashi Murakami show I stumbled into yesterday. Of course we all recall Murakami from his insanely successful collaboration with Marc Jacobs at Vuitton.</p> <br><br><p>The book above is the catalogue to Murakami&#8217;s landmark 2001 show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, and it&#8217;s an inside look at how he and his now hundreds-strong factory produce his perverse pop odes to nerd manga culture. Kanye West fans might also recognize Murakami&#8217;s jacket art for the singles &#8220;Stronger&#8221; and &#8220;Can&#8217;t Tell Me Nothing.&#8221;</p> <p>Occasionally, fashion does dip its toe into something a little more interesting than debates over heel height. Just saying.</p> <br>&#8212;Alex?<p>So I had my first Italian class last night. (I'm trying to keep learning about things other than magazines, their subjects, their strategies...being so scarily obsessed with something gets exhausting after a few years.) As I burst into the classroom&#8212late from writing a few September stories, which are ship ship shipping away this week&#8212my professor asked, "Who are you, and why are you studying Italian?"<p><p>I wanted to say: "Well, I'm a fashion gal by trade, and since I already know French, I decided to focus my efforts on Italian. Wouldn't it be fabulous to speak with Miuccia Prada in her native tongue?"<p><p>But I didn't say this. I lamely responded, "Because I'm ready to learn a new language." <p><p>I suspect that my prof had me all figured out by the Chanel bag, though. But even though I'm taking this course for a brief respite from fashion, turns out that during the entire class, I was figuring out how to properly pronounce "L'Uomo Vogue" and wondering how long it would take me to be able to read the italian bits of Vogue Italia. Is this sad? <p>?<p>STF: How did the idea for this collection come about?<br>PF: Well, we used to do our own collection for House of Field for years, and we stopped doing it, so we were up for a little manufacturing project. The popularity of the Sex and the City movie, the anticipation for it, it was just the right timing. </p><p>STF: Is the collection heavily inspired by Sex and the City?<br>PF: It has a lot of the movie in it, as well as other projects I&#8217;ve recently worked on. I kind of amalgamated them all into one. That first dress you see Sarah Jessica in, with the big flower, of course I did that one because everyone was reacting to it. And it&#8217;s also colorful, full of jewel tones, and then of course I used red. It would call it &#8220;elevated mainstream.&#8221; </p><p>STF: What else inspired you?<br>PF: In the last couple of years I&#8217;ve found myself very often in Saks Fifth Avenue where they have a huge, old-fashioned dress department. You can go in and get any kind of dress&#8212;a not-so-dressy dress, an expensive dress, a cocktail dress, a work dress. And I found myself going there more and more because when you go to most stores it&#8217;s broken up by price, by designer, whatever, but here was one floor with all of these dresses. And I thought, &#8216;you need a dress for an occasion, you go and get a dress. If I&#8217;m doing this, I think other people would want to do this.&#8217; And so the collection is mostly dresses, there are some pants, but mostly I thought about a destination, where you&#8217;d be going, and what kind of dress you&#8217;d want to wear there.</p><p>STF: What question do you get asked most often by real women? What style tip do you always give out?<br>PF: People are always asking me &#8216;how do you style things,&#8217; which is a very hard question to answer.</p><p>STF: Like asking an artist how he paints.<br>PF: Exactly. It&#8217;s kind of abstract and at the same time general. But I was asked it so many times that I started to think about how to answer it. I thought maybe a good way to get started was to put yourself in some kind of headtrip. First, where are going. And then what do you want to look like when you&#8217;re there. My scenes always have requirements, they&#8217;re going for coffee, they look casual, whatever. So I thought this was the first step in the formula of putting yourself together. It&#8217;s destination style. </p><p>STF: Your aesthetic is sometimes a little over-the-top, especially because it has to make a major statement on the screen. How did that translate here?<br>PF: I wanted to make a collection that people could buy and would want to buy. Could find themselves wearing. Of course it&#8217;s fashion and it&#8217;s a little bit edgy, but it&#8217;s not edgy like my store. And I wanted clothes that were exciting but also affordable. Dresses range from $150 to, I think the highest is $200-something. </p><p>STF: What trend or silhouette are you really into right now? Any predictions for next season?<br>PF: I did this little line in this collection, I call them &#8220;skimmers.&#8221; I feel like that whole Halston thing is going to come back&#8212;I&#8217;m just feeling strongly about this slim, chic thing. After all of these balloon dresses and big dresses, it&#8217;s time for something slimming! But without being super tight. I like a waist. </p><p>STF: What&#8217;s your must-have accessory of the moment? <br>PF: We haven&#8217;t been using scarves very much, and all it takes is the right scarf. I just did a movie called Confessions of a Shopaholic and it was about a girl in a green scarf, and it plays very heavily in the storyline so I had to come up with a scarf that was different and people could get excited about. It was basically two triangles connected at the points and it&#8217;s pleated and you can wrap it around your neck or lay it on your shoulders and it does everything a scarf should do. I really love accessories, because really we all wear the same basic shapes but it&#8217;s accessories that make us stand out. Whether you&#8217;re Bill Gates or Average Joe, you wear a collared shirt. </p><p>Patricia Field&#8217;s collection hits the runway this Saturday, September 6, and will be available on HSN starting September 23.</p>Photo: WireImage.com?<p>Last week, our Men's editor went to the preview party for Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field's new shoe collection for Payless. Here's his report from the night out...</p><p></p><p></p><br><p>Hi Lovelies!</p> <p>It's here. Last week I went to an event to check out the Patricia Field's new and exclusive capsule collection for Payless. Field is a renowned stylist known for her work on "Sex and the City" and as an Oscar nominated Costumer Designer for the film "The Devil Wears Prada." Of course the collection has hints of Carrie Bradshaw and the girls, however Patricia says she was inspired by mix of the glamour, grime and glitz of New York City and other fashion capitals including Tokyo and Sao Paulo. </p> <p>Patricia did four classic shoes for the summer: a pump, a sandal, a ballerina flat and a mule. The theme is metallics, layering on warm colors with sparkle and shine. The collection retails from $25 to $35 and is in stores now and available online at . </p> <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Which shoe is your favorite? And what do you think of the line? - Kirk </p>?<p>Here she is in New York City, promoting her Lifetime movie, Abducted.<br></p><p>A few days before that she attended Teen Vogue's 10th Annual Young Hollywood party as a brunette.<br></p><p>Which hair color do y'all like more? I'm team brunette as I think it's fresher and makes her look more youthful. I'm sure you guys can't wait to weigh in, so vote below and then discuss! </p><p><br></p><p>PS...Remember when ? And when Emma Stone first ? </p> Photos: Getty Images?<p>Miuccia pushed the envelope, as always, with accessories that had us doing a double take: </p><p></p><p>Check out that sit well below the hips and little tea in bold orange suede...</p><p></p><p>... that look more like ski goggles...</p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox! <br></p><p></p><p>... snakeskin that give the illusion of Mary Janes...</p><p></p><p>...and fuzzy-wuzzy that look as cozy as can be. </p><p>Kinda crazy, huh? Would you gals wear any of these? Which one is your favorite? Which ones would require a large sum of money for you to wear? Discuss!</p><p>PLUS...see why we're inspired by ...AND...</p><p>What's With All the Spam in the Comments Section?<br>Sick of all those annoying ads in the comments section lately? So are we! We police the site regularly and delete spam as soon as we can, but recently, the volume of spam has increased dramatically. We're working on a way to block them permanently, so please bear with us, and know that we're as eager as you are to get read of these pests.</p><p>Meanwhile, please continue to use the Report Abuse button to flag spam--it really does help!-- and continue to leave your brilliant feedback below. If you have any urgent questions about the spam, please . <br> <br>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Download Glamour <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour !<br> (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>One more PS: Did you know It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photos: via ; view the complete Prada fall 2011 collection there now?<p></p><p>It's official: Mary Janes are having a moment for fall. This stack heeled version with a criss-crossing strap is colorblock accessorizing at its finest. </p><p></p><p>Part futuristic, part retro, these sunnies let you see the world through violet-colored lenses.</p><p></p><p>Hot handbag alert! These dizzying graphic prints were all over the runway, but the totable version seems like the most wearable. </p><p></p><p>Big, structured jackets were also a recurring theme, and a wide leather belt helps keep the silhouette feeling femme. </p><p>Check out a few of our favorite looks from the Prada fall 2012 runway: </p><p></p><p>PLUS! More coverage from fall 2012:<br>- <br>- <br>- </p>?<p></p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p>Lady Gaga's custom Prada is "a combination of antique and modern elements" ()</p><p>The family of Lee Alexander McQueen will attend a private funeral service for him today ()</p><p>Basso & Brooke say dressing Michelle Obama is even better than dressing Madonna ()</p><p>Leona Lewis, friend to the animals, is launching a vegan clothing line ()</p><p>Nine West has created six style exclusive to its Facebook fans--they'll also get 15% off and free shipping for the rest of February! ()</p><p>PLUS!</p><p>We think Olympic figure skaters should give their bedazzled frocks a season off in favor of these hot runway looks ()</p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photo: courtesy of Prada?<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>And while most of us would hardly have the guts (let alone the occasion!) to wear most of these accessories, we're betting they'll be hot ticket wait list items in no time (can we please discuss those platform "shoes"?!) </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>What do you ladies think of Prada's spring 2013 collection? Definitely a different way to do florals for spring, isn't it? Discuss!</p><p>PLUS...more from Milan:<br>- <br>- <br>- </p>Photos: courtesy of style.com;?<p><br><p> A look from Prada's Spring 2010 runway show. Ignore the fact that she's not wearing any pants. </p></p><p>So yes, it's a little wild and clunky--and like , I bet people can hear you coming from a block away. And yes, the shape of it is vaguely similar to those colorful mesh thingies that you were forced to wear when playing Kick the Can in elementary school gym class. (Remember those?) But it's also the kind of spangly, sparkly thing that you could slip on over a pair of jeans and old scuffed up heels and you'd be ready for some glitzy shindig in five seconds flat.</p><p>That's my take. What about you? Feeling it? Not feeling it? On the fence with it? What about Prada's plastic-y, see-thru spring accessories?</p><p></p><p>Again, these fall in the easy-peasy category for me: If you step in a puddle with these plastic-and-crystal Cinderella heels, just take a washcloth to them and the grime will come right off. Ditto for this handbag. <br><br>I spilled some coffee on my tote bag during this morning's commute, but if I'd had a plastic-coated handbag I wouldn't have had to have a mini, where's-a-napkin freak-out on the train. I could have gone right on sipping and spilling and then just wiped it down later.</p><p>More spring trends that might make you go Hmmm:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p><p><br>Photo: WWD <br></p>?<p>Jessica Lybeck, 25, Chicago</p><p>Three years ago I graduated from college and landed a job in Chicago as a designer at one of the most prestigious architecture firms in the country. It was a plum position with great pay&#8212;not your typical postgrad opportunity. Every day, I&#8217;d take the train to this gorgeous office on the tenth floor of a light-filled building overlooking Lake Michigan. There were meetings with prominent politicians at City Hall, after-work cocktails at chic bars, and business trips where I got to stay in five-star hotels. I could be generous with my friends and never needed to check my bank balance. If I couldn&#8217;t decide between four pairs of Italian shoes, I&#8217;d buy them all; when I found the bag or the scarf, I&#8217;d part with any amount necessary to have it. And I lived in a beautiful one-bedroom-with-fireplace apartment by myself instead of sharing it with a roommate.</p><p>But the glamorous perks didn&#8217;t make up for the fact that my job often felt corporate and impersonal. Yes, I got to work on a building for Harvard University and a bid for the 2016 Olympics, but I was just one of hundreds, even thousands, of people toiling away on those decades-long projects. Instead, I longed to work on a smaller scale and see all my projects through to the very end. I&#8217;d even started working toward that dream: In my free time, I helped one friend design and open her own boutique. The experience was so gratifying that I scaled back on my hours at the firm and started planning a consulting business to help other entrepreneurs through the start-up process. It seemed I&#8217;d found the perfect work balance: security plus freedom to grow. </p><p>Then, while I was on vacation in London (one of the most expensive cities in the world!), I got &#8220;the call&#8221; from HR. The firm was doing a round of layoffs and my job had&#8212;poof!&#8212;disappeared. I immediately went into survival mode. I&#8217;d already given up my nice apartment when I&#8217;d gone part-time, and now I flew home to set up camp in my live/work studio&#8212;complete with leaky skylight, tiny loft bed and a bathroom that I shared with my neighbors. Sneaking down the hall in my robe after a shower felt like college all over again, and not in a good way. My search for a bartending job that would leave days free for my business yielded nothing. I&#8217;d show up at the designated interview time and 35 other hopefuls would be lined up outside. I was inevitably rejected; it was obvious that bartending wasn&#8217;t my ultimate calling. </p><p>Eventually I found part-time work at a create-your-own-stir-fry restaurant, where I make four bucks an hour plus tips. Sounds depressing, but it&#8217;s not! That job allows me to devote 30 hours a week to my consulting company. So far I&#8217;ve helped eight clients&#8212;from a chiropractor to a music producer&#8212;open their doors, and nothing is more satisfying than that. I&#8217;ve also launched a website with friends called layoffmoveon.com. It&#8217;s an online space for people to share their tales of unemployment, find support and exchange job-hunting tips.</p><p>I&#8217;m sure there are people who think of me as some sad statistic. And to be honest, there are moments when I&#8217;ll be scraping pad thai off plates at the restaurant and think, How did I get here? And, Please don&#8217;t let one of my clients walk in and see me! Sometimes I do miss the sushi dinners, the Bottega Veneta shoes, the fridge stocked with good wine. But for those mornings when I wake up anxious about how I&#8217;ll make rent, I&#8217;ve found the cheapest therapy in the world: I throw on my Nikes and run along the beautiful lake I used to just gaze at from my office window, stopping at the farmers market to smell fresh-cut flowers and buy an apple with some spare change. Then I jog home and get down to work. </p><p>&#8212;As told to Genevieve Field</p>&gt;&gt;?<p></p><p>1. Teresa Regrets the Way She Treated Danielle Staub<br>Why? Because she claims she was bullied by Caroline this season. Caroline demands at least one example. Teresa claims it was the "whole season!" Caroline keeps pushing, Teresa insists her example is the "whole season."</p><p>2. Caroline Was So Hurt to See Her Sister Dina on the Show<br>Teresa, again, laments how hurt she was that Melissa and Kathy signed on to be on the RHONJ without telling her. To which Caroline asks how it was any different to bring on her sister Dina--something Caroline did not know about--this season? "It was a knife in my heart to see Dina," Carolina says. "Why was it okay to bring my sister on show to talk about me?" We're still waiting for Teresa's response.</p><p>3. Melissa Doesn't Lip Sync--and Her Songs Are About Teresa?<br>Melissa, God bless her patience, literally starts singing like she's auditioning for Pitch Perfect. Why? Because Teresa bullied her into doing it! Teresa kept claiming that Melissa lip syncs and to shut her up--Melissa belted out a song right then and there. It still wasn't good enough for T who had to sing a few lines of "On Display"--which Teresa swears Melissa wrote about her and the paparazzi that T is constantly battling.</p><p></p><p>4. Teresa Doesn't Cook Her Own Food<br>According to Melissa, T has her mom cook all the "fabulous" meals she Tweets about and shows in her cookbooks.</p><p></p><p>5. The Real Reason Joe and Melissa Sold Their House . . .<br>They didn't want their kids going to school with Teresa's kids. "I see where this is going and I only have one little girl," Melissa tearfully revealed.</p><p>And then Joe Giudice came out onto the couch to speak his piece and clear a few things up. Not that I want to single him out, but he gets his own list of shockers.</p><p></p><p>1. Joe chugged a Red Bull--in front of a horrified Andy Cohen--before things got going. He also looked disheveled and like he hadn't slept in days.</p><p>2. He won't watch the RHONJ episodes but he did watch Teresa on the Celebrity Apprentice (PS--Caroline watched too!)</p><p>3. Oh, that phone convo in Napa? The one where he called Teresa a "see you next Tuesday?" (no, I will not say it or write it) He was talking to an old friend and promises it wasn't an old girlfriend. If it was an ex or mistress, he would have just ripped the mic off. Phew, that makes me feel so much better about his behavior!</p><p>4. Teresa was hurt when she watched that fateful scene but "not going to divorce him over it." Joe was pissed the scene aired at all because it "cost him a lot of money." In apology jewelry to Teresa that is . . . and Joe was such a mensch about the whole thing that he even went back and forth to the jewelry store until Teresa was happy with what he picked out. Usually she just has to accept whatever he gives her and get over it.</p><p>5. Apparently, Teresa thinks that Chris cheated on Jacqueline--a claim that Jacqueline vehemently denies. But if we're all gonna be honest here? Jacqueline was pretty adamant that Joe calls Teresa horrible names all the time, they hit each other during their fights and that T caught Joe with the baby-sitter and his secretary, just to name a few . . .</p><p>AHHHH! What did you think of all the craziness tonight? Who are the real victims and who is full of you know what? And what do you think will happen next week when Teresa and her brother are face to face for the first time in a year?</p><p>More reality TV we can't get enough of!<br>* <br>* <br>* </p><p>P.S. Want more Obsessed? that features the latest celebrity gossip, TV news, hilarious Internet sensations, and more! </p>Photos: Bravo<p></p><p><br></p>?<p></p><p>She was spotted in the airport a couple of weeks ago, wearing it with a casual striped top and a a cozy gray scarf...</p><p></p><p>...then the very next day, getting into her car in a bustier-style top and ...</p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox! <br></p><p></p><p>She carried on the army theme in a a few days later...</p><p></p><p>...and let her security detail schlep it around (hey, camo is manly!) while she wore and . </p><p>Rihanna's real version is on printed pony hair, and will drain your savings by around $2,000, so we've found a few great ways for you to get the look for less:</p><p>What do you think, ladies? Are you feeling the camouflage trend as much as Rihanna is? What accessory are you currently obsessed with? (I've been wearing my everywhere--whether it's raining or not!). Share! </p>Photos: Splash News/INF Daily<p>PLUS...more accessories to obsess over!<br><br><br>AND<br></p><p>Want more celebrity style and ways to get the look for less? </p><p></p>?<p></p><p>Here's the original version from , complete with a very revealing peek-a-boo chest area (non-supermodels need not apply) and a fairly flirty hemline. I'm loving the print on the skirt, but I'd need about 17 margaritas and as many motivational sessions with Richard Simmons to even dream of pulling that thing over my head. </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>And here's how Carey () took out the intimidation factor to make this look red carpet-ready for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The bust has been thankfully sewn up and she's got a few extra inches of skirt, but I think the original idea is still totally intact. In fact, I definitely like this modified version better than the one that walked the Prada runway in October.</p><p>What do you dolls think? Does Carey's more-wearable version do the original justice? Which one do you like better? Do you think straight-from-the-runway looks are sometimes too intimidating for the red carpet? Do you like this solution? Discuss! </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photos: courtesy of style.com; Jesse Grant/WireImage?<p>Caught this amazing bejeweled spring 2012 jacket on the street in Milan&#8212;vrooom! It's my first real-world sighting of this collection, exciting.</p><p></p><p>Leaving the showroom after revisiting the lovely collection that just went down the runway. The mosaic floor, the the iron railing, and the gorgeous light here are all breathtaking.</p><p></p><p>I walked past these warm and cozy shearling shoes and waffle tights on the chilly streets of Milan during fashion week and was jealous because I'd decided to go bare-legged in my towering heels that day! </p><p></p><p>At the store opening party for the brand-new (gorgeous) Milan flagship designed by David Chipperfield. The sight and smell of sparkling champagne and hundreds of perfume bottles made me happy at the end of a long day.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Finally, time for the Prada show! Here I am waiting in anticipation&#8212;all while sipping champagne, nibbling on Italian treats, and staring at these amazing rectangular lights illuminating the show space.</p><p>P.S. It was a spectacular show!</p><p></p><p>Backstage after the Prada show, I caught a beautiful model in full Prada two-tone hair and orange eyebrow makeup conversing with her friends&#8212;while wearing her everyday uniform of black jacket and jeans. Standing amidst the crowd swarming around her, she stood taller and longer&#8212;armed with her Prada hair and makeup, she looked otherworldly, and I couldn't keep my eyes off her.</p><p></p><p>Here's a look at the makeup: Neon orange eyebrows and ironed straight two toned hair. Beautiful, futuristic and always a risk taker, Miuccia Prada surprises and enchants every season. It's definitely one of the most exciting shows of the season so far.</p><p></p><p> showed its first Alessandro dell'Acqua-designed season at Milan Fashion Week&#8212;the show space was gilded in gold and mirrors and was full of frescoes and chandeliers.</p><p></p><p>I love this woman's style&#8212;red lips, red sunglasses, red lace skirt, sparkle headband, and a buttoned-up blouse. All the elements of her outfit come together perfectly.</p><p></p><p>After a long and inspiring day here at Milan Fashion Week, the hunger finally sets in! Appetizers arrive at 12:30 a.m. (!) and we dig in.</p><p></p><p>The last collection for was both breathtaking and emotional. There were tears shed, amazing energy, and during the finale the last model was crying her eyes out. I've never seen anything like this before&#8212;it was respectful, touching, and inspiring. I cry during a lot of movies, but wet eyes at a fashion show? Shocked.</p><p></p><p>Two more days left of Milan fashion week and I'm at &#8212;it's always cool and sexy and glamorous. I dashed to my re-see appointment to get a close-up look at the clothes&#8212;several of the gowns were flown directly to the Oscars for fittings! This gorgeous black and white lace dress on was so stunning to see and touch in person. The details and cool web-like lace was like a spiderweb or a tattoo&#8212;cool, feminine, and sexy.</p><p></p><p>On the last day of Milan shows, our invitations to the always-entertaining show arrived. They were floral corsages with satin ribbon and big yellow flowers! This season, DSquared2's theme was "Prom"&#8212;and the models all wore 1950s-inspired looks styled with bouffant and pointy pumps.</p><p></p><p>Here's a snapshot of the elaborate set before the show&#8212;there are enormous floral-wrapped chandeliers glowing all the way down the runway. It's all fanciful flash-bulbs and flowers. We always love Dolce & Gabbana for the luxury label's take on fun and frenzy. For fall, the duo sent ornate gold embroidery, romantic lace, florals, and even cherub earrings down the runway. </p><p></p><p>Here's a close-up from Dolce & Gabbana: there's lovely lace, floral, and needle-pointed pumps and handbags. They've taken inspiration from their Sicilian roots this season with romantic lace, cross prints and cherub-detailed jewelry. The show featured lots of wearable items and a ton of romance and decadence.</p><p></p><p>A snapshop from my Prada re-see: orange, purple, optic prints, wide belts, pant-suits, skirt-suits, and embellishment everywhere. Shoes are both flat and high and rubber-soled. And there's purple geometric carpet at the showroom!</p><p></p><p>I also loved the Aquilano rimondi show&#8212;here's a quick look:</p><p></p><p>Milan Fashion Week shows are over and now I'm wandering around window-shopping between my re-see appointments. So many amazing details and things to look at in this city&#8212;like this stack of candy-colored bracelets just peeking through the window here.</p><p></p><p>What were some of your favorite moments from Milan Fashion Week? Check out Executive Fashion Director Anne Christensen's .</p><p>PLUS... find all our !</p>?<p>We're all for interesting headwear--did you catch --but this trend may not quite be ready for prime time yet! </p><p></p><p>During , showed up to the Stella McCartney show wearing a form-fitting blue dress with over-the-knee boots...and a turban! Luckily she falls squarely in the "I could literally wear Glad bags and look like approximately one million dollars" category, but still! </p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox! <br></p><p></p><p>While was in New York recently, causing a paparazzi frenzy with her sister near the site of their new Dash store, she decided to step out on a style limb and wear a bedazzled turban of her own. There were plenty of haters, but Kourtney took to to defend the look: "Everyones hating my turban look...just having a little fashion fun in new york! Its not that serious," she Tweeted on Friday. </p><p></p><p>And then we have the always-adventurous Solange Knowles (who helped ), taking on DJ duties at a Guess? party last month in leather pants, a slinky white tank top, and a major headpiece that kind of reminded us of from a few months back. </p><p>Given how much celebs are loving this look--and how big disco-glam 70s influences will be for spring, thanks to and --it looks like the turban might be back, at least for a little while. What do you dolls think of this insanely fashion-forward look? Is it way too much for you to process, or are you kinda digging it? Would you ever wear a turban? Discuss! </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Got a fashion Q? <br>Show your love: Get our very own "xox" ring set, <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour !<br>Hysterical things are happening right now in the fashion world. (You won't regret it, we pinky-swear!)</p>Photos: Getty Images/Splash News?<p>Everyone has those smells that immediately transport her to the comfort of childhood: cookies fresh from the oven, say, or a newly mowed lawn. For Vera Wang, that nostalgia comes courtesy of French perfumer Jean Desprez, whose popular scent occupied a permanent spot in her mother&#8217;s bedroom. &#8220;When I went to my first dance in New York,&#8221; she recalls, &#8220;my mother handed me a bottle of Bal a Versailles. Whenever I smell it, it takes me right back to my mom, and I feel like that young girl.&#8221;</p><p>Of the hundreds of possessions that Wang inherited from her couture-devotee mother, who passed away four years ago, a collection of perfume vials is among her most prized. &#8220;We were cleaning out my parents&#8217; apartment, and in my mother&#8217;s bedroom I found this tray that had all these little bottles of the real thing&#8212;Joy, Balmain, Bal &aacute; Versailles,&#8221; Wang remembers, the &#8220;real thing&#8221; a reference to the potent perfume formulas of days gone by. &#8220;They still have their scents! That&#8217;s the amazing thing about essential oils&#8212;they&#8217;re heavy. They&#8217;re there.</p><p>&#8220;Fragrance is very emotional for me,&#8221; Wang continues. &#8220;It&#8217;s as emotional as clothing is visual.&#8221;</p><p>Over the past few years, Wang has conquered that visual realm. After dominating the bridal market, she crossed into mainstream fashion in 2004. Her fall 2008 collection was highly acclaimed, for both the clothing and the vintage-inspired chunky cuffs and necklaces on which Wang collaborated with jewelry designer Philip Crangi. Now she&#8217;s debuting an accessory of a more ethereal variety: a scent called .</p><p>It&#8217;s not the first time that Wang has stepped into the fragrance arena&#8212;Look is her eighth scent since she unveiled her eponymous one in 2002. But this one is different: Her previous scents have all been either tied to her bridal line or, in the case of her Princess perfumes, aimed at a younger set. Look, by contrast, is the first intended to encapsulate the sophisticated aura of her fashion line.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;d waited a long time to do this one,&#8221; says Wang, while holding Look&#8217;s glass prism bottle. &#8220;We never had a real ready-to-wear fragrance that was specifically geared toward what we do in fashion. We wanted to convey a modern confidence.&#8221;</p><p>Sprightly and toned, her long raven mane cascading over her shoulders, Wang sits in her New York showroom describing the scent, which leads with a mandarin note, followed by lychee, apple, oakmoss, patchouli and something her perfume manufacturer calls a &#8220;watery green note.&#8221; Look&#8217;s subtle backbone is a trio of flowers: freesia, lily and jasmine. The result is a clean, easy-to-wear light floral with a slight ozonic edge.</p>?<p></p><p>The exhibit compares the work of the two designers, living and working decades apart yet embodying striking similarities, side by side. Both examined beauty from an unusual perspective (Schiaparelli famously teamed up with Salvador Dali on a hat that looked like a lamb chop; Prada made banana print Hawaiian shirts somehow seem cool), broke the mold of expectation during their time, and pushed fashion to new levels of artistry. And, as perfect timing would have it, just this morning that the Schiaparelli label will be re-launched in February, mostly focusing on accessories and fragrances. A designer has not yet been named, but Prada wouldn't be a bad choice! </p><p>"Juxtaposing the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada allows us to explore how the past enlightens the present and how the present enlivens the past,&#8221; Harold Koda, curator of the exhibit, said in a release.</p><p>Check out a few of the cool comparisons:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The exhibition also features a series of video "conversations" between Prada and Schiaparelli created by filmmaker Baz Luhrman, and they're pretty awesome (the two are seated at opposite ends of a long table and they chat about everything from shoes to surrealism). Head over to to find out more...</p>Photos: courtesy of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?<p></p><p>Believe it or not, the most-seized counterfeit item by U.S. Customs & Border Protection in 2011 was fake "Sex and the City" perfume. Yes, fake "Sex and the City" perfume.<br><br>WWD :CBP&#8217;s Intellectual Property Rights &#8220;National Targeting and Analysis Group&#8221; in Los Angeles focused on 138 commercial shipments of perfume for possible trademark infringement and 52 of the shipments were seized for infringing on the &#8220;Sex and the City&#8221; trademark. The combined seized shipments contained more than 1 million bogus perfume items and were valued domestically at $8 million, Customs said. The same authentic items selling at retail would have been more than $45 million.<br><br>To be completely honest, the first thing I thought when reading this story was, "Wait, is there a 'Sex and the City' perfume? Like, a real one?"<br><br>Is there? I'm still not sure. Googling around turned up a slew of fake fragrances for sale on legit sites such as and . How do we know they're fake? Well, they're called "Sex in the City"&#8212;yeah, FYI counterfeit dudes, getting the name of the TV show wrong pretty much gives it away.<br><br>Are you surprised that fake "Sex and the City" fragrances were the most-seized counterfeit items at the border last year? Seriously, I though it'd be Vuitton bags or something like that...</p>?<p>7:00 a.m.: Wake up, check weather, put on interminable layers of , guzzle water and do 25 jumping jacks.</p><p>7:15 a.m.: Start running. Temperature is 18 degrees, and my legs evolve into icy, aching blocks of flesh.</p><p>8:00 a.m.: Return home, dethaw, shower. I consider wearing a cute outfit to shows, but then decide to wear my t-shirt with a black skirt, thermal underwear, wool cardigan and riding boots. It's going to be a long, long day in the cold.</p><p>10:15 a.m.: Arrive at the tents in Bryant Park just in time for the Lela Rose show. Watch the pretty, voluminous dresses strut down runway.</p><br><p>11:00 a.m.: Scramble to find taxi downtown to check out the Jose Ramon Reyes show at . Make mental note that sporty style is sticking around for fall, as Mr. Reyes showed a ton of wooly track pants, eggplant-hued running jackets and zipper-heavy dresses.</p><p>12:15 p.m.: Grab lunch with an editor friend, formulate plan for surviving the rest of the day.</p><p>1:00 p.m.: Hit up , the new store on Bowery from style maven Pat Field, the costume designer for Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Spend $5 on a so-fake-it's-better-than-real diamante necklace. Swoon over all the great-looking cheap stuff.</p><p>2:00 p.m.: Return to the office, blog.</p><p>2:15 p.m.: Head to the tents, only to learn that the Sari Gueron show is actually downtown at Bumble & Bumble. Make mental note to actually read invitations instead of stowing them away in manilla envelope.</p><p>2:30 p.m.: Arrive at Sari's show just in time. Meet up with Xanthipi, our fashion director, Sarah, our market director, and Katie, our market editor. Show begins, and we LOVE. (I am still wearing my Sari for GLAMOUR t-shirt to support).</p><p>3:00 p.m.: Trot backstage with GLAMOUR team to congratulate Sari. What a great gal! Love her.</p><p>3:10 p.m.: Head back to the tents with Xanthipi to see the Erin Fetherston show. In the car, we discuss a few top-secret story ideas.</p><p>3:15 p.m: Watch Erin's show, during which Zooey Deschanel sings a song. She is so beautiful she's almost painful to look at. Then, we go backstage to congratulate her. I lose my hat. Head promptly begins to chill.</p><br><p>4:00 p.m.: DvF in the tent! The pictures say it all.</p><br><br><br><br><br><p>5:00 p.m.: Head on over to Chelsea with Sarah to check out the Luella show. The Brits are there in full force. Swoon over her deconstructed riding boots.</p><p>6:00 p.m.: Decamp to some other Chelsea venue for 3.1 Phillip Lim. SWOONING CONTINUES!</p><br><br><p>6:45 p.m.: Flee the madness to the Gramercy Park Hotel's Rose Bar with journo friends . Drink champers, talk shop, plan rest of evening.</p><p>8:00 p.m.: Back at the tents for Matthew Williamson. I love color, I love sparkle but...was left feeling overwhelmed.</p><p>8:45 p.m.: Arrive at new hot spot The Box on the Lower East Side for the show, which consisted of editors munching on appetizers while Zooey Deschanel and her Citizens' Band performed. My friend Kim screamed, "Bring back dinner theatre!" after 2.5 glasses of white.</p><br><p>9:50 p.m: Head back to the Gramercy Park Hotel for the and preview. Chatted with GLAMOUR contrib Jessica Joffe, who was hosting the little shindig.</p><p>11:00 p.m.: Head downtown to the Sari Gueron afterparty. I LOVE SARI.</p><p>1:45 a.m.: Collapse.</p><p>UP NEXT: Jill Stuart, Oscar de la Renta...and tonight, MARC JACOBS!</p>?<p></p><p>On behalf of reformed-bad girls everywhere, especially those with tattoos (like it?), thanks for your amazing advice. 70% of you said she shouldn't say anything about her affairs -- unless he asks. The more I read your stories, the more I started thinking that her boyfriend probably knows she wasn't a saint, but doesn't need to hear about it. The question is, can she keep it inside without feeling...contaminated? Only she knows the answer.</p><p>I'm dragging today. Couldn't sleep last night -- afraid my insomnia is creeping back. It used to take me hours to fall asleep but my new thing is waking up at 4am with 4 million things on my mind. Last night was: Getting business cards, paying the Cobra bill, finding an inexpensive facialist, updating the Glamour video and, of course, buying, renting or couch-crashing for the rest of my life. </p><p>If I don't make lists, send emails or leave middle-of-the-night messages, I can't even think about going back to bed. Sleep is so important -- it's the secret to beauty and balance -- and I get really anxious about falling into these patterns.</p><p>Pushed myself to have a full day even though my eyes were stinging and body felt busted. I got all dressed up &quot;Devil Wears Prada&quot; style to see my friend Hudson at Men's Vogue. He's my dream boyfriend -- but so fancy. He'll end up with a Park Avenue brat, not a gypsy blogger.</p><p>I also stopped by Glamour -- which is in the same building -- to go over a few of the aforementioned, all-night thoughts with Ellen. It's so fun up there. Everyone knows everything about me because of the blog -- which is a far out experience. Unlike most jobs, where we have professional facades and boundaries, my life is an open book - fears, flaws, bank account, body art, mood swings, insecurities, sex life and all!</p><p>I also saw my friend Jen, who works at Access Hollywood. She's someone I reallllly missed -- our lives are identical. I was telling her about Sam and how it's the perfect New York love story....how cool our living situation would be....how it might be fate, etc.</p><p>Jen -- who's mother is a therapist-- stopped me. She said romantics like us prefer to live in a fantasy world, because it's much more pleasant than reality. She's right. The truth is, he still hasn't contacted me. Sure ,he knocked. But you know what? That could have been a &quot;booty call!&quot;</p><p>I've already envisioned cooking together, turning heads at parties and spending weekends in upstate New York. Hello??? He hasn't even asked me out!!! And, he could be a jerk/bore/bad kisser for all I know. </p><p>I learned from GD that &quot;love is blind,&quot; but has it gotten to the point where &quot;like is blind&quot;too? Uch - it's embarrassing how I get so ahead of myself. But is it such a bad thing? Does too much daydreaming set us up for disappointment? </p><p></p>?<p></p><p>To celebrate the debut of the new frames, Prada has teamed up with Vogue Italia to commission a series of photographs from up-and-coming lensmen and asked them "to interpret the new Minimal-Baroque styles in a pop-comic manner." The results range from the hilarious to the sublime--our favorites are from Tassili Calatroni (above) and Mattia Buffoli, who got all silly with a cereal bowl and a banana, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the collection (below)--and now they're going on display starting today at Prada stores around the world for the second phase of their project called "From Drawings to Pictures." If you can't make it to Milan, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Istanbul, Madrid, or New York to see them for yourself, here's your sneak peek: </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Pretty cool, huh? Both new styles of sunglasses are also available in all Prada boutiques and other select retailers from $290 to $390. But really, who could put a price tag on the subject of so much serious art!?</p><p>PLUS!<br>- <br>AND...<br>- </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br> <br>Read Glamour magazine <br>Like freebies? <br> (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can read It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photos: courtesy of Prada<p>Want even more STF? </p><p><br></p>?<p></p><p><br>Emily of course starred alongside Stanley in 2006's The Devil Wears Prada, so we can only assume that Emily played Cupid, but Stanley and Felicity's love story is a little more complicated.</p><p>Stanley was married to his wife Kate, whom he had three children with, for 14 years before she died of breast cancer in 2009. Shortly after her death, Stanley told the , "My wife was an extraordinary person who showed us all what great strength is."</p><p>Stanley and Felicity share . People is reporting that the newlyweds will host a second ceremony with family and friends at some point in the future.</p><p></p><p>Thoughts on Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt's marriage?</p><p>I'm happy he found love again. He seems like such a nice guy. (You know, based on the fact he's been in a bunch of movies that I like.) </p><p><br>More celebrity wedding stuff:<br>* <br>* <br>* <br>* </p><p><br>Photo: Getty Images</p>?<p></p><p>Although Emily's outfit was an easy one-piece dress, you can get the same look by pairing a black pencil skirt and pink tee with a bright red, bow-tie belt. If you're not into the pink and red combo, try blue and green, or even green and yellow, just keep your top two colors in the same shade family for a streamlined look.</p><p>Are you guys into Emily's look? What about our version? Tell us what you think (and what you'll buy)!<br></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Chat with celebs, VIP fashion stars, beauty pros and more on our Facebook page! Visit for this month&#8217;s schedule <br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check our chic ! <br>Read Glamour magazine on your &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan! <br>Like freebies? Enter the latest Glamour ! <br>Sign up for our fashion and beauty to get easy style tips<br>And, did you know you can read glamour.com on your ?! </p>Photo: Getty Images?<p>Not long ago, I was hanging out with a few women I didn&#8217;t know that well. We were sputtering along making small talk. But when The Real Housewives came up, it was as though our conversation finally found gasoline and a match. We gleefully shredded those women&#8212;and, later, the women of The Bachelor and The Millionaire Matchmaker&#8212;for nearly an hour, which proves at least two truths about gossip: People are still the most fascinating subjects on the planet, and you should never underestimate the bonding power of tearing other women down.</p><p>I don&#8217;t need a psychology degree to tell you that this is borne partly of insecurity, from the fear that we ourselves are failing in some way to be beautiful, to be successful, to buy the right low-waist jeans. But getting high off the fumes of our sisters&#8217; misfortunes is a cheap buzz, and it feels like we&#8217;re all a little too drunk on it these days. The bitching is out of control! Sororities&#8212;that bastion of Southern politesse&#8212;have seen an increase in verbal abuse and even violence in hazing rituals. Mommy blogs regularly devolve into all-caps throw-downs over everything from breast-feeding to baby slings. A New York Times story reported bullying is trickling down to younger girls&#8212;one survey found that nearly half of the third-graders in a Massachusetts school had been bullied.</p><p>Of course we have more tools for cruelty than ever before, thanks to Facebook and the Internet, home to knee-jerk reactions of all ages. Seven years after turned &#8220;mean girls&#8221; into a household phrase in her classic movie&#8212;putting the lie to the notion that women are all sparkles and sunshine&#8212;bitchiness is more ubiquitous than ever. We have met the mean girls, and they are sometimes us. </p><p>&#8220;Is this a new trend? I wouldn&#8217;t say that,&#8221; says Kelly Valen, a lawyer who turned her own searing tale of betrayal at the hands of her sorority sisters into the book The Twisted Sisterhood: Unraveling the Dark Legacy of Female Friendships. &#8220;But the behaviors seem to be absolutely more accepted&#8212;even expected&#8212;and we have become more complacent about it all.&#8221;</p><p>Personally, as a Texan who occasionally suffered under the oppression of &#8220;smile and act nice,&#8221; I can understand the allure of the bedazzled ms. bitch T-shirt. There&#8217;s a kicky thrill to nasty behavior, in which confidence gets swapped out for nastiness. But the problem is one of proportion and volume. And if you look at our culture right now, we are seriously out of whack.</p><p>Watched any reality TV lately? &#8220;Ten years of reality programming has eliminated virtually all traces of strong female friendships,&#8221; says Jennifer Pozner, media critic and author of the book Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty Pleasure TV. Shows like The Real Housewives and Bad Girls Club portray women as shrieking harpies who love nothing more than to plant their manicures in one another&#8217;s hair and torpedo the reputation of whichever comely lass just exited the room. What&#8217;s shocking about reality TV is that, for a genre so ingenious and vast that it can encompass both The Biggest Loser and Ice Road Truckers, its depiction of women is painfully narrow. From the romance of The Bachelor to the grotesquerie of Bridalplasty, it&#8217;s all &#8220;men, handbags, Prada&#8212;this catfight is on!&#8221;</p>?<p></p><p>"Prada?! Really?" when he saw the photo above. The quirky collection has inspired plenty of debate around here--it confused most of you as much as my boyfriend , then we decided could actually --but Eric had a whole new take on the look. "I thought that was a Kramer original!" he said, referring to his favorite Seinfeld character. </p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox!</p><p></p><p>Lo and behold, a little research proved that Cosmo himself may in fact have inspired Miuccia this season! He's not the only guy to ever embrace Hawaiian prints (remember when about how he can't escape his?!), but I have to agree with my man that Kramer may be one of the shirt's most iconic wearers, and that even to a fairly fashion-savvy dude, this spring 2011 Prada look is pure kooky. </p><p>What do you think, gals? Would you be able to tell this Prada top apart from a "Kramer original," as Eric puts it? And if you want even more quips from the male perspective, check out more Stuff My Boyfriend Says About Fashion:<br>- <br>- <br>- </p>Photo: courtesy of style.com; Everett Collection<p>Want even more STF? </p><p><br></p>?<p>He gets the best seats at , receives love notes from Marc Jacobs, and is about to join the team on . So when Bryanboy tweeted, &#8220;Sometimes I feel like there&#8217;s a &#8216;sex and dating column person&#8217; trapped inside me,&#8221; we thought: We&#8217;ll untrap you! Here, the style blogger tackles your relationship toughies.</p><p>I&#8217;ve been in a long-distance relationship for two years, and neither of us wants to move.<br>Help! &#8212;Elizabeth, N.Y.</p><p>That&#8217;s exactly where I am in my life right now. I&#8217;ve been with my Swedish boyfriend for two years, and we live more than 5,000 miles apart. We talk on the phone every day, Skype regularly, and try to see each other as much as possible. I say, hang in there for as long as you can, and don&#8217;t pressure yourself with any kind of deadline. No one has to relocate for the other as long as what you have works. Someone will move eventually&#8212;maybe even both of you. But moving can be a good thing. Think of it as getting a clean slate in life!</p><p>Is it OK for a woman to say &#8220;I love you&#8221; first? I&#8217;ve been dating this guy for 11 months. He&#8217;s gun-shy, but I know he loves me. I&#8217;m just scared to take the leap! &#8212;Olivia, Ga.</p><p>Of course it&#8217;s OK. It&#8217;s not 1910! Women these days can vote, they can have any job they want, and they can shop at Barneys on their own dime. It&#8217;s really important to express your emotions when you feel like it. Just lay your cards on the table, and go from there. It&#8217;s a huge risk, and he may not reciprocate (cue awkward silence), but at least your true feelings are out in the open.</p><p>My boyfriend wants me to move in. I love the idea, but he has a roommate, and they have such a &#8220;boy&#8221; apartment&#8212;video games everywhere, no food in the fridge, even swords on the walls. How do I tell him that as much as I&#8217;d like to live with him, a dude&#8217;s pad just isn&#8217;t for me? &#8212;Marie, Calif. </p><p>Gurl, tell it like it is! When it comes to living spaces, a woman should never, ever be one of the boys! Moving in together means changes for everyone involved. You&#8217;re afraid of his game collection? Well, guess what: He&#8217;s scared of drowning in your sea of shoes. I have female friends who keep dozens&#8212;if not hundreds&#8212;of makeup brushes in their bathrooms. This could be a man&#8217;s living nightmare. My advice: Talk through both his list of fears and yours, and if neither of you is willing to make changes, clearly neither of you is ready to move in together. Period. In other news, is the boyfriend hot?</p><p>Why on earth are men so fascinated by women&#8217;s hair? Every guy I&#8217;ve ever dated seems obsessed with it. Do all straight men harbor secret Rapunzel fantasies? What&#8217;s going on? &#8212;Jenna, Ky.</p><p>Hair is a symbol usually associated with femininity and power. I think you should be flattered that guys adore your crowning glory as opposed to other weird and unconventional body parts, like your belly button or something. I&#8217;m sure Dr. Freud could have written a thick, shiny, glossy book about it, but I think what it all ultimately boils down to is that your hair helps men define their role: Me Tarzan, you Jane.</p><p>My boyfriend and I have been dating for more than three years, and I feel like we&#8217;ve stopped growing. What can we do to keep our relationship not boring? &#8212;Silvia, Ill. </p><p>Whenever things get dull, I ask myself: When was the last time I did something for the first time? I despise routine, so I try to live my life with that mantra in mind. Perhaps you should ask yourself: When was the last time you two did something new together? Or went somewhere you&#8217;ve never been before? It&#8217;s important in any relationship to constantly create new experiences and memories to keep that bond strong and alive. The world has a lot of activities. Be creative!</p><p>What does it mean when a guy says, &#8220;Call me,&#8221; but doesn&#8217;t give you his phone number? &#8212;Jana, Tex. </p><p>Who does he think you are? Miss Cleo? Not everyone has the psychic abilities of my favorite sales associate at Prada (who seems to know what I want each season without my pro- viding specifics). Carly Rae Jepsen sang it best: If he doesn&#8217;t give you his phone number, then perhaps you should give him yours and wait for him to call you. Maybe.</p><p>To hear more from the author, follow him or tune in to .</p>?<p><p>$78 slip dress from FreePeople.com</p></p><p>As anyone who has seen The Devil Wears Prada 30 times can tell you (occupational hazard, what can I say?) &#8220;Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.&#8221; But florals for fall are an entirely new thing and we&#8217;ve seen them everywhere, from Michael Kors to Anna Sui. They&#8217;re flirty, they&#8217;re quirky, and they&#8217;re exactly the thing to wake you up from a boring black routine. But if you don&#8217;t want to blow a major sum on something new, shop one of my favorite style secrets&#8212;the lingerie department.</p>Photo: FreePeople.com?<p></p><p>Here's Carey at last night's Annual Hollywood Awards gala in a feathered dress by newcomer Prabal Gurung, who is already creating serious "I die" moments on the red carpet. Young hot designer + young hot star = very memorable style moment. Oh, and her short hair? I'm obsessed. There's --and especially one who can wear it as many different ways as Carey can. </p><p></p><p>She may look amazing in , but that doesn't mean Carey's style is a snooze. Check her out in this bold splashy floral print from . </p><p>Sign up for Glamour.com&#8217;s and newsletters! </p><p></p><p>Another gorgeous floral, another home run. This strapless frock is from , and her studded pumps, minimal accessories, and retro-glam beauty routine all had me carefully calculating my own outfit for Glamour's upcoming Women of the Year Awards. I'm totally going to "Single White Female" her outfit!</p><p></p><p>Last week, . Carey's red drapey number is from the same collection, and she is working it--don't you love that color against her pretty porcelain skin? The brooch () is the perfect finishing touch. </p><p></p><p>I also love her more casual looks--who says you need to be all done up in a gown to be stunning? Carey's and are the kind of masculine-meets-feminine outfits I'm always striving for. </p><p>What do you dolls think of Carey's red carpet style? Are you as obsessed as I am? Will you be watching this young starlet throughout awards season? Which of these looks are your favorites? Discuss!</p><p></p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour<br>You could win $50,000 just for or to Glamour.com!<br><br></p>Photo: Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Ian Gavan/Getty Images; Jaime McCarthy/WireImage; Fred Duval/Film Magic?<p></p><p>I meant to make my quick trip to one of my favorite shops, the , a mere window-shopping excursion. Fast forward an hour and I ended up walking away with some serious credit card damage and a few knick knacks that I have no use for, let alone room for in my shoebox-sized apartment. There&#8217;s purchase however, that I have no remorse about&#133;</p><p>Tucked in between the fancy design shop&#8217;s cool German pepper mills and beautiful art books, I found this rare music gem: &#8220;Music From The Fashion Week, Volume 5.&#8221; Never mind the title&#8217;s bad European translation, this CD is amazing! It&#8217;s got songs straight from the runways of Prada, Marni, Jil Sander and United Bamboo. At just $18.97 on these stylish tracks seem like a pretty good deal compared to the runway threads they accompanied last season. So go ahead, feast your ears, ladies. </p>Photo: courtesy of Amazon?<p><p>Is this what a sugar daddy looks like? As if I would have any idea.</p></p><p>...It's apparently where wealthy men are the most promiscuous. , asking them how many sexual partners they had per year. If a man had more than seven, he was deemed "promiscuous" (no word on what determined that number as the standard). And the cities with the highest percentage of guys who are promiscuous is as follows:</p><p>The least promiscuous? New York and San Francisco were among them, with less than 15% of their sugar daddies having seven-plus partners a year. Yep, NYC and San Fran: where men will basically pay for women to be their girlfriends, but not seven of them a year. Way to have standards!</p><p>Obviously, the statistics probably aren't relevant to the average man in Chicago or Atlanta or wherever, since the average guy probably isn't a member of this particular type of dating website. But still, it's an interesting breakdown of the guys who are, right? When I think of Chicago guys, I pretty much just picture a bunch of , not a bunch of promiscuous sugar daddies. But hey, those beefy dudes are more my style anyway.</p><p>Any surprises here? Anybody know any Chicago playboys? Are you surprised the Big Apple has such non-promiscuous sugar daddies?</p><p>Sex and all the cities:<br>*<br>*<br>*</p>?<p> &copy; 2012 Cond&eacute; Nast. All rights reserved<br> Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our (effective 3/21/12) and (effective 3/21/12). <br> <br> The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond&eacute; Nast. </p>?<p>I've been spending a lot of time becoming the &quot;best version of me&quot; -- emotionally, but mostly physically -- before moving back to New York. I'm usually so secure with myself, definitely more low-maintenance than most of my friends, but I guess there are times in life when, for whatever reason, looks matter more. This &quot;Am I pretty enough?&quot; panic was triggered by a few things:</p><p>-- Had an almost-perfect phoner with The Doc in NYC, until he said, &quot;So, how are you looking these days?&quot; Aside from a total reassessment of this guy's personality, it left a lump in my throat and a sudden sense of self-consciousness. </p><p>-- Saw &quot;College Crush&quot; with a size zero. Don't care 'bout him -- but thewhole &quot;I'm dating a supermodel&quot; thing is never....warm and fuzzy. </p><p>-- Went to the legendary Yoshi from Fekkai last week. Showed him some Prada picture -- he gave me exactly what I wanted, which was about 4 inches shorter than usual. Today, I decided I can't live with my shoulder-length &quot;bob&quot; because I'm no Prada model, and guys love long hair. SO....psycho-me booked an appointment at Vered, the best salon in LA for extensions. Yup, bipolar, broke, and now debating bangs.</p><p>-- Keep seeing the flawless Jessica Alba at Equinox, where I work out. Should be inspiring. Not so much.</p><p>-- We have these unbelievably beautiful Italian men coming to dinner on NYE -- since 69% of you said the language barrier is no probelmo. Notcomplaining -- just want to knock their socks off after all this antipication. </p><p>Where has my confidence gone? I usually like my imperfections! I'm just on overdrive right now. There's the inevitable tearful goodbye with EET, Shelley, Runyon Canyon, etc... among other emotional breakdowns. Then it's off to NYC, where friends are waiting, guys are gathering and hopes are high. Maybe I'm focusing my nervous energy on flowy hair and hard-abs, because it's less scary than the real stuff. Maybe it's a good sign that I care so much. Maybe I'm doing what any other girl would do before resurfacing in the city she calls home. What do you think, are there times in life when it's okay to obsess over your looks?</p><p></p><p>PS- HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR....may all your dreams come true....and may none of us sound this self-deprecating ever again!!! xxAlyssa<br>PPS- I'll probably post again before NYE. I refuse to end the year blogging about bad hair and skinny b-tches!!</p>?<p>If your job looks anything remotely like, quit immediately.<p><p>I've been watching "The Fashionista Diaries," for research purposes, naturally. And I'm inflamed that this, this!, is the pop-culture portrayal of the fashion industry. Oh sure, "The Devil Wears Prada" illustrated insanity of its own, but I confess I had more sympathy for the Meryl Streep character than the Anne Hathaway one. After all, getting coffee isn't like heavy labor (especially since you can procure one for yourself, too). But this "Fashionista" nonsense...another story. I'm appalled that these boss ladies talk to their interns and assistants in such a condescending, arrogant, inane manner. It's not like the girls aren't trying. If you want perfection, pay someone. It's called an INTERNSHIP because it's a LEARNING EXPERIENCE. <p><p>No joke: I enjoyed having my tooth drilled down to a mere 1/4 of its former self yesterday (yeah, root canal) more than watching that drivel.<p><p>So if there are any young women reading this blog (and I know there are!) don't even think about considering shows like this to accurately reflect the happenings and attitudes of this industry. We're way more likely to waste time on the web and hit up a sample sale during lunch than give interns intestinal problems.<p>?<p>Comedian Mike Birbiglia was concerned for the other Sesame Street occupants after all of . <br><p>I'm not offended, but there was no mention of Grover in the debates.</p>&mdash; Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) <br></p><p>Judging from this tweet, Kelly Oxford's daughter is wise beyond her years and also hilarious. Maybe she's the next ?<br><p>"I like that they're saying 'a trillion dollars' and it isn't hyperbole." -11 yr old daughter </p>&mdash; kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) <br></p><p>I so want this to be true! Especially .<br><p>Mitt Romney's sons are secret service agents.</p>&mdash; Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) <br></p><p>I think we can all agree with on this one (side note: If you haven't seen his movie Safety Not Guaranteed with Aubrey Plaza and Jake Johnson, get on that. It will restore your faith in humanity.)<br><p>I don't want to live in a world where a wee 10" pizza is 2000 calories. That hurts my feelings.</p>&mdash; Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) <br></p><p>Rebel Wilson rocks. That's all.<br><p>I got brownies FO FREE for doing Leno tonight </p>&mdash; Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) <br></p><p>Eek, don't tell Brooklyn about this confession from .<br><p>Turns out I&#8217;m allergic to all gluten free products. ?</p>&mdash; Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) <br></p><p>Rock the vote this week...on which tweet you liked the most! Let me know in the comments, k?</p>?<p></p><p>Yes dolls, the Prada woman is experiencing a Carmen Miranda moment for spring 2011. The playful, sassy collection was a mix of bold colors, fun furs, wildly oversize sunglasses, platform shoes worth stomping around in, and cheeky little prints that included everyone's favorite fruit. I'm about ready for a Hawaiian vacation right now, how about you? </p><p> and get the best of our fashion blog, delivered straight to your inbox!</p><p></p><p>And if that's not enough to whet your appetite, check out Anna Dello Russo, editor at large at Japanese Vogue and one of the world's foremost fashion fanatics, front row at Alberta Ferretti just a day earlier. Her YSL strawberry print dress didn't seem to satisfy her yen for fruit, so she added a cherry on top--literally! She that it was an attempt to chase away boredom: "She said she likes to come up with something different. So many people take her picture that she doesn&#8217;t want anyone to look at a picture of her and think 'oh she&#8217;s done that before.' I think she takes her 'job' as a style icon very seriously, but in a very tongue-and-cheek way hence the cherry hat." </p><p>Would you rather than wear it, dolls? Or do you think this mini-trend is actually kinda cute? Will you be wearing a watermelon miniskirt any time soon? Discuss! </p><p>PLUS...more big trends from the spring 2011 collections! <br><br><br></p>Photos: Catwalking/Getty Images<p>Want more news straight from the runways in Milan? </p><p></p>?<p>*Note to self: Buy stock in David's Bridal.</p><p>I'll post the official photos of the latest collection once they're in, of course, but I got to go to the showroom yesterday to see the new dresses in person six new , six new , and two new bridesmaid colors&#8212;yowza! and I just HAVE to share a couple cruddy iPhone pics of my favorite-ist dress, which comes in three colors!</p><p></p><p><br></p><p><br>Eeeeee!</p><p>Sorry! I just LOVE it! And doesn't the coloring of the pink one remind you of Anne Hathaway's? (Not the shape, obviously.) If you didn't know that Anne Hathaway's wedding dress had pink in it, </p><p>And in the back of the bottom photo, you can see one of my favorite bridesmaid dresses! Here's a better look: </p><p>The SWEETEST bridesmaid dress! One of six from @'s latest collection for @! </p>&mdash; Kimberly Fusaro (@KimberlyFusaro) <p>I'm assuming the Instagram photo will show up in the tweet above, but if it doesn't, click your way through! It's worth it!</p><p>So, thoughts on what you've seen of this collection? Are you SO excited to see more?</p><p>You should be!</p><p><br>More from Bridal Market: <br>* </p>?<p></p><p>The documentary's star, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, wore her signature Chanel shades and (am I sensing some humor here?) a Prada dress. I'm loving the bold pattern and her more subtle way of wearing . </p><p></p><p> graced the cover of the film's namesake September issue, and she showed up to the premiere in an itty bitty sky blue dress from Thakoon's resort collection. Is it too tiny, or exactly right? </p><p></p><p>Is there a more elegant woman on the planet than Carolina Herrera? She also opted for orange, wearing a print from her own resort collection with . Red lips, a straw clutch, and Oscar de la Renta on her arm complete the look. </p><p></p><p>I'm sensing a theme here! 's dress is also from Carolina Herrera and it's also orange. Tell me dolls, whose take on the bright hue do you like best?</p><p></p><p>And lastly we have designer Georgina Chapman in a sparkling long sleeve minidress from . With her Louboutin heels and glittery clutch, she's a perfect picture of glamour. </p><p>Time to talk fashion, dolls. Which of these fashion insiders really wowed you? Whose take on the orange trend did you like best? And which of these looks would you most want to wear yourself? Discuss! </p><p><br>()<br></p><p><br><br></p>Photos: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images?<p>Because even if you DO hold your breath for the duration of this one-minute video&#8212;which I did&#8212;you're not going to get to see more than a few snippets of Claire Pettibone's latest . But it's SO worth a watch, if you can handle the anticipation! </p><p><br> <p> from on .</p></p><p><br>Flowers! Lace! Ribbons! I can't WAIT to see more!</p><p>Are you excited to check out Claire Pettibone's newest collection?</p><p>The show's not for more than a week&#8212;I might just die of anticipation! </p><p><br>More from Bridal Market: <br>* <br>* <br></p>?<p>After ) I'd been searching for an appropriate item to clutch that would do justice to my favorite (a shockingly bold, cobalt blue shade).</p><p></p><p>I finally found an appropriately dramatic, hand-sized item--this shoe-shaped ornament--yesterday, at the Metropolitan Museum's Schiaparelli x Prada exhibition preview. I originally bought it for my mom for Mother's Day, but I might have to go back and get one for myself. (I mean, A MINIATURE PRADA SHOE?!?!!? It's like a s'more of style--the perfect combination of three wholly wonderful things.)</p><p>Anyhow, moving onto the beauty stuff. to curate The pop-up winds down tomorrow, which means it's your last chance to score --and to cash in on $10 in shopping credits on Fab.com. (New users, just sign up on and it'll be added to your account!)</p><p>I already shopped 'til I dropped, and here's what I snagged:<br><br>USLU CMB Nail Polish ()<br>I love this unexpected primary color on my fingertips. (As you can see, it's much brighter than my Instagram would lead you to believe.) My graphic designer of a husband gets a kick out of the hue too.</p><p><br>Compagnie de Provence Mediterranean Soap Set (<br>We recently moved into a new apartment--and it's still a complete disaster zone, with boxes everywhere. I'm hoping these pretty soaps will help my upcoming house guests overlook the fact that they're sleeping on mismatched sheets, that there's an unfinished wall in the kitchen, etc.</p><p><br><br>NEST Fragrances Periwinkle Votive Candle ()<br>A few friends recently moved into my new neighborhood too; I snagged a few of these sweet-smelling candles to give as house-warming presents.</p><p><br><br>Josie Maran Cosmetics Lipstain Set ()<br>It seems like everyone I know was born in June. This year, all the Gemini ladies in my life will be getting one of these awesome lipstain markers as a gift (along with a birthday drink of their choosing).</p><p>Okey-doke ladies. Thus concludes the shopping PSA of the day. But while we're on the topic of shopping it up, tell me: What beauty products do you like to buy online? What products will you only buy in stores? (For me, it's perfume!) And what online beauty stores do you like these days?</p><p><br></p>?<p></p><p>The low back is 100% bad girl, the giant bow is 100% good girl and they both have just the right amount of attitude for an evening out on the town.</p><p></p><p>On the Fall 2011 runways, both trends made a splash in their own way. closed her show with a daring low back jersey gown while Stefano Pilati sent model-of-the-moment Arizona Muse down the Yves Saint Laurent runway in a gown with a big, &#8216;70s style bow in the front. </p><p>Loving these glam details like I am? Here are some evening-appropriate pieces for less,<br></p><p>Tell me ladies, do you fancy the daring low back or the demure oversize bow on your going-out outfit? Do you love Gwyneth&#8217;s Prada gown as much as I do? Do tell! </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br>Check out !<br>Read Glamour magazine &#8212;print subscribers, it&#8217;s now part of your subscription plan!<br>Like freebies? Enter !<br> for our fashion and beauty newsletters to get easy style tips (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can read ?! It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photo: Getty Images?<p>If you think Victoria Beckham, you think &#8220;Posh.&#8221; It&#8217;s hard not to, what with the clothes, those perfect legs and that pout. But in reality, she&#8217;s the opposite of the steely fashionista you see in the tabloids. She&#8217;s kind, gracious, motherly&#8212;and if you can believe it, she never stops smiling. There&#8217;s lots to be happy about: The former Spice Girl, 35, who lives in Los Angeles with her soccer star husband, David, and sons Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 7, and Cruz, 5, is now focused on family and her fashion career. In addition to her high-end fashion line, she just relaunched Victoria Beckham Denim. She was also a guest judge on American Idol, and devotes her time to Save the Children. As she curls up in a comfy chair for her Glamour interview, Beckham is game to answer your questions about her career, her clothes and what it&#8217;s really like having the world fawn all over her husband. Listen in!</p><p>GLAMOUR: I&#8217;ve come with questions for you from Glamour readers. This one is from Alanna8 on glamour.com: If you were to find yourself with a free day, how would you spend it? </p><p>VICTORIA BECKHAM: I travel a fair amount, and when I&#8217;m here in L.A., everything revolves around the kids. So if I&#8217;m not working, I go to the school and help serve lunches to the children. They just love that. It&#8217;s like, Oh, there&#8217;s Mummy serving me! The other day I was there, I was reading to Cruz&#8217;s class. All the little girls were saying, &#8220;We really like your dress.&#8221; And it was quite cute because I don&#8217;t have a girl.</p><p>GLAMOUR: What are the things in life that make you smile? That&#8217;s from Vivian Sachs on Facebook.</p><p>VICTORIA BECKHAM: My children and my husband make me smile. My work makes me smile. When I was in New York the day before the [last fashion] presentation&#8230;you&#8217;re trying to fit the models, [do] the hair and the makeup, and the anxiety makes you almost sick, but I&#8217;m like a pig in mud! That makes me smile.</p><p>GLAMOUR: You say you are &#8220;incredibly ordinary&#8221; looking. That&#8217;s a quote. And yet you put yourself out there in the incredible hair and makeup, the perfect outfits. Where does that come from? </p><p>VICTORIA BECKHAM: I love fashion, and that&#8217;s how I express myself&#8230;. I think about [what I&#8217;m going to wear] before I go to bed at night&#8230;. When I dress in a certain way and do my hair and makeup in a certain way, it&#8217;s not to get attention. I&#8217;m not a supermodel. I make the best of what I&#8217;ve got. I work out to look the best that I can, but I&#8217;m no Gisele.</p>?<br><p>If you want to be a true fashion insider, you have to check out this blog called . It's a much harsher blog version of The Devil Wears Prada movie, except the blogger's identity is a mystery and he or she isn't afraid to name names. The blog is so real, rude and edgy (and nothing is ever sugar-coated) that it's TOTALLY addictive. I have no idea who is writing it but I NEVER want to be in it!Every day at Glamour we try to come up with the identity of the blogger because we're all sure we must know him or her. I think whoever it is has to be a writer somewhere because the writing is too good. And he or she probably sits in at least in the 2nd or 3rd row at the shows, perhaps even occasionally in the first, because the other events he/she attends are too high profile for an assistant to be invited to. Are there any other great fashion blogs you're addicted to?</p>Photo: Mark Mainz/Getty Images?<p>At last night's Moet & Chandon party in Moscow, Scarlett matched her eye makeup to her gorgeous green dress. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Wow, right? Now, I must include a disclaimer that the light in this photo is quite green itself (unless Scar actually has green hair dye in her hair roots, which would probably have been just a TAD too leprechaun with this outfit). So the dress and the eye makeup are popping more bright green here than they actually were. . We're really talking more a moss green than the emerald it appears as here--either way, such a wonderful fall makeup idea, don't you think? I want to wear some green shadow this weekend, but I'm afraid my only plans are for an extended-family dinner, and this might be a bit much!</p><p>What do you think of Scarlett Johansson's green eye makeup? Would you wear green on YOUR lids?</p>Photo: Getty Images?<p></p><p>I was also really swept away by the other uber important character in the show&#8212;the Hamptons! Now, unless you&#8217;re a member of the Grayson family and have a Grayson sized trust fund, living it up like they do in South Hampton isn&#8217;t quite so attainable. But Montauk, home of Jack Porter&#8217;s cozy Stowaway Tavern, is just as glamorous, has a bit more character and screams beach town charm. I actually spent a few weekends in Montauk over the summer and it&#8217;s the perfect hideaway to escape the drama of your everyday life (you know, like when you&#8217;re hiding your identity and exacting revenge on people that killed your dad) and indulge in the good life.</p><p></p><p>I caught up with some true Montauk experts to fill us in on what the setting for &#8220;Revenge&#8221; is really like and where to go to channel your inner Emily, Jack, Daniel, Ashley, Charlotte, Declan--you get the idea! Lloyd Van Horn is the General Manager of and actress Debi Mazar and her husband Gabriele Corcos are Montauk regulars&#8212;Gabriele is a chef who even designed the MYC&#8217;s summer menu! </p><p>"This area is known for the beaches and space which make it the perfect playground for the young set,&#8221; Lloyd explains. &#8220;Add to that the abundance of nightlife in this area as well as an increasing culinary element and you have a great stage to host the affluent.&#8221;</p><p>Must-Visit Spot #1:<br>Ditch Plains Beach AKA The Perfect Backdrop to Watch Jack&#8217;s Boat Sail Away</p><p></p><p>Says Llyod: "Ditch Plains is what captures the surf set for sure. It is the place that everyone has to go to see what draws people to the area of all walks of life."</p><p><br>Must-Visit Spot #2:<br>Hideway AKA The Low Key Bar That Jack Might Frequent When He Needs a Break From the Stowaway:</p><p></p><p>Says Lloyd: &#8220;Hideaway is a casual place with good atmosphere and food.&#8221; It also is known for it&#8217;s abundant tequila selection!</p><p><br>Must Visit Spot #3<br>South Edison AKA Where Emily and Nolan Would Meet for a Power Lunch</p><p></p><p>Says Debi and Gabriele: &#8220;One of the best local eats, hands down. The atmosphere is genuine and the vibe is absolutely lovely and relaxed, nothing feels better than walking off the beach into South Edison's bright and simple main room and order one of their special Pickle Martinis and an appetizer from their raw bar.&#8221;</p><p><br>Must Visit Spot #4:<br>Navy Beach and Surf Lodge AKA Two Hot Spots Where Emily and Charlotte Could Have a Killer Girls Night Out!</p><p>Says Lloyd: &#8220;Navy Beach, you can dine with your feet in the sand and have a gorgeous view.&#8221;</p><p></p><p>Says Debi and Gabriele: &#8220;If you are in the mood for a real crowd&#8212;Surf Lodge will definitely please you! You will discover yourself peaking into other patrons' dishes, and wondering if you still will have room in your stomach to try something else after you have finished what's in front of you... or you will have simply to come back another time.&#8221; </p><p></p><p><br>Must Visit Spot #5<br>Montauk State Park AKA Where Emily and Jack Could Have a Really Romantic Proposal (I know, I know&#8212;a girl can dream)</p><p></p><p>Says Debi and Gabriele: &#8220;The walk around is glorious either in summer or winter. Views of the ocean are stunning, and with some luck you can see all the way to Rhode Island. It&#8217;s the perfect spot for an impromptu picnic.&#8221;</p><p><br>Must Visit Spot #6:<br> AKA Where Emily Could Have Her Dream Wedding to Jack (again, a girl can dream)</p><p></p><p>Says Lloyd: &#8220;This area has such a large diversified list of things to do that it makes it a natural choice for these events. Add to that you can have paddle board or surfing lessons, and be in flip flops all day. Then you can proceed to get dressed up and have a sophisticated dinner.&#8221;</p><p>PS--Stars that have stayed at the include A, , , , and !</p><p>Have you visited Montauk? Where of these places would you most want to go? And lets def talk about how awesome last week's premiere was while we are at it, okay?<br></p><p>More Revenge!<br>*<br>* <br>* </p><p>P.S. Want more Obsessed? that features the latest celebrity gossip, TV news, hilarious Internet sensations, and more! </p>Photos: Montauk Yacht Club, Montauk Tourism, ABC?<p></p><p>National Do Something Nice Day (but I think we should carry it into the weekend!) is exactly what it sounds like: just do something nice for someone. Anyone! It can be a small thing (like holding the door open) or a big thing (like buying a new car! Well, OK, that's really big)--as long as it's nice. The idea is that you'll make someone feel good--and you'll probably make yourself feel good in the process. </p><p>At the very least, you'll have inspired one more smile that maybe wouldn't have happened otherwise, right? </p><p>Are you up for doing nice things this weekend? And did you do anything nice for someone today (even yourself)? </p><p>More :<br>* <br>* <br>*</p><p><br>Photo: Thinkstock</p>?<p><br><p>A close-up view of Christian Dior's spring 2009 shoes.</p><br>Yesterday, as I gasped, shrieked and had other embarrassing reactions to Courtney Crawford's inventive, beyond-sexy shoes, the footwear designer (fyi, he's a guy) told me that such over-the-top feedback was par for the course.<br><br><p>Courtney Crawford's gilded cut-out booties.</p><br>&#8220;You never see a woman go as crazy over a dress or pair of earrings as they do for a great pair of shoes,&#8221; he mused. &#8220;But when a woman sees a pair of shoes she likes, she has this intense, visceral reaction.&#8221; He then went on to imitate the kind of reverential, hand-waving, ooh-and-ahh-type rituals that take place in every shoe department from Toledo to Tokyo. (Ten bucks says that you&#8217;ve seen it, twenty says you&#8217;re guilty of it too.)<br><br><p>Another pair of Crawford's spring 2009 shoes.</p></p><p>Personally, I like how one crazy, conversation-starting pair of shoes can dress up any outfit&#8212;including my $15 Gap dresses. But that doesn&#8217;t really explain the almost animalistic response I have upon spotting a dramatic new pair of heels (especially when they&#8217;re on sale.)<br><br><p>Besting all of spring 2009's wild heel, John Galliano's wacky and wonderful "shoes."</p><br>Care to offer up any insight? Any theories on why women fall so head-over-heels for shoes? Or why now, in this nerve-wracking financial climate, shopping for out-there heels seems so appealing? (Or maybe it doesn&#8217;t&#8212;weigh in and let me know!) And what do you think of these wild shoes, above?</p>Photo: Galliano and Vuitton (top image) both from Getty.?<p>West Coast editor James Patrick Herman is officially no longer a New Yorker.Here's the scoop straight from James on his welcome to LA party this week,chez Kyle MacLachlan and his wife, Project Runway producer, Desiree Gruber.</p><p>My own mother would never allow me to have a party in the house, so I wasshocked when friends offered to throw me a party at their Hollywood Hills(oohlala) home. How could I tell that I was not in NYC anymore? The lack ofblack! Granted, Desi and I are New Yorkers at heart, so we both opted forall-black, while my boss (and the party's cohost), Glamour editor-in-chiefCindi Leive, wore a gray Prada dress.</p><p></p><p>But I love that so many of the guests showed up in more colorful clothes.What do you think of the cute summer-y looks sported by actresses Emma Stone(Superbad), Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) and Sarah Wayne Callies(Prison Break)?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Myself, I'm gonna stick to black for the following reasons: 1) It's slimmingand 2) I'm addicted to double-doubles from In'N'Out Burger.</p><p>The other great thing about wearing black? It doesn't stain when you spill aglass of red all over yourself. I ended the evening with a celebratory that was poured and manufactured--by Kyle himself. Sure, a lot of stars are doing fashion lines and fragrances these days, so props to him for trying his hand at vino and not launching eau de Kyle like everyone else would do.</p>--JamesPhoto: Wireimage.com?<p>Ever wonder why so many women flock to romantic comedies (besides a desire to see Bradley Cooper shirtless)? It&#8217;s that self-sabotaging heroine. She may have $500 highlights and a corner office, but we relate because when it comes to love, she just keeps messing it up. Remember overeager Ginnifer Goodwin in He&#8217;s Just Not That Into You, unappreciative Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada or workaholic Sandra Bullock in The Proposal? Truth is, we all have our LBHs (Little Bad Habits) in love. And they sure can snowball. As Glamour reader Tosin, 29, put it: &#8220;After spending my twenties getting my heart broken, I was turning into a man-hater. Then I heard that if you look at your past relationships for a common thread, you&#8217;ll find out why you&#8217;re single. I realized, Oh! The problem wasn&#8217;t the guys; it was me! I had an attraction to men on the rebound.&#8221; Sometimes men are to blame, but you&#8217;ve got to square away your own issues before you focus on your partners&#8217;. Read on for more breakthrough confessions from real women, plus wisdom from experts who help people change their intimacy-thwarting ways. Here&#8217;s to new beginnings, happy endings and no regrets.</p>Do you take the fun out of it?<p>Jessie, 34, secretly worries that she may drive her free-spirited husband of six years to fall out of love with her. &#8220;Marriage has turned me into a fun-squasher,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Somehow I&#8217;ve made it my job to rein my husband in. He wants to have sex in the middle of the night, and I say no. He wants to make ice cream out of liquid nitrogen with our toddler, and I say no. &#8216;No&#8217; just comes out of me like a hiccup. The irony is that now he doesn&#8217;t tell me when he wants to do something&#8212;he just does it. But that&#8217;s even worse! How do I shake up our dynamic before he leaves me to find someone who&#8217;ll say yes?&#8221; </p><p>&#8220;Jessie should give herself some credit,&#8221; says Patty Howell, vice president of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition: &#8220;The ability to see what you&#8217;re doing wrong is huge.&#8221; But that&#8217;s just the beginning, of course. Recognize also that it&#8217;s no fun to always play the role of the practical-shoes disciplinarian and enlist your guy&#8217;s help in getting to &#8220;yes,&#8221; suggests Howell. Instead, she advises, &#8220;Jessie could pose questions to her husband like, &#8216;Can we come up with an approach that makes sure the kids don&#8217;t get blown up and I don&#8217;t feel like the naysayer?&#8217; and &#8216;How do you think we could get our sex life back on track?&#8217;&#8221; That&#8217;s a relationship talk most men will be more than happy to have.</p>?<br><p>Whew. New York fashion week is finally over. I planned to hit up a party or two tonight, but I'm in the office, waiting to read the first proof of the April Dress Your Body page. (I know more about perfect-fit bras than I ever, ever thought possible). I've finally had a chance to catch up on my reading ( and are pretty indispensable in this biz) and discern what my fashion-writing peers have taken from this show week. I'm too tired to think much of anything, so I'm listening to tunes and waiting for zen to arrive. C'mon, zen. You've gotta be somewhere.</p><p>I have finally decided what my next big purchase is going to be, style-wise: a new iPod. Mine stopped working over Christmas break. I was 2 miles into a 4-mile run when it began raining, hard. IPod clammed up, and was thus granted an early retirement. I've been sheepishly reverting to my , purchased in the late 1990s. I feel terminally un-cool, thanks to that monstrosity -- not to mention that I've been jamming to the same album for the last 4 weeks. Come to think of it, ALL my electronics are dating me - not only is my laptop defunct, my "cell phone" is my mom's 2001 Nokia (I accidentally washed my niftier '05 Samsung along with my sheets one Saturday morning long, long ago). I might as well be riding the subway with a boom box perched on my shoulder, wearing backwards overalls and Pizza Hut shades as blares in the background. My question for you: Have portable electronics become the new Prada?</p>?<p>"Susan and I took our first trip to Paris together in 2006, and this receipt is for two coffees we had at Cafe de Flore on New Year's Day. Receipts are so often these things that you either throw away or have to deal with for some kind of expense report, but Susan kept this receipt and had it framed. She gave it to me for Valentine's Day in 2006, and I honestly think it was the best gift I've ever received. It's a memory of this perfect experience with someone I love, but it's also not obvious. Everyone who comes over says, "What's that receipt?" and it gives us a chance to tell them about our trip and how much we love to visit and get coffees at Cafe de Flore every time we go. It's so so dear to me." -- Rob</p><p>How sweet is that?! Would you ever frame a receipt from an amazing meal or coffee? Which receipt would you frame? What was your favorite dinner date you've ever been on?</p>?<p>These girls look like they&#8217;re going clubbing, not to the office. Trust me, having spent much time in those Cond&eacute; Nast elevators, I see lots of trends, but this one&#8217;s not happening. Do you know anyone who has the time to apply that much mascara or eyeshadow early in the morning? I don&#8217;t. P.S.: I took the hilarious quiz on the movie website and nearly flunked. I&#8217;m also loving the site where you can download a photo of a skirt you own and have it rated and criticized&#8230;it&#8217;s comforting to see that you&#8217;re not the only one who&#8217;s made a fashion mistake.</p>&#8212;Andrea?<p></p><p>Yesterday I had an emergency wardrobe crisis and had to run over to for a last-minute evening dress that turned out to be perfection. If only I owned it! But that's beside the point. People kept on complimenting me and I don't know why I felt the need to confess that I had borrowed it, but I did. Do you ever get complimented and then just say "Oh it cost me $5" or "Thanks but it's not Prada it's Rada"? I have to work on just saying a simple "Thanks." </p><p>Anyway, when I saw this picture pop up on the internet I thought LL must really love KL to wear this dress. It is completely wearing her. Is there anything you feel like you just can't pull off? For me it is anything deep plunging with oversized polka dots. </p>Photo: Getty Images?<p>I recently raised the question to a few friends&#8212;do you and your man find the same thing sexy? Or is your wardrobe so fashion-y that he just doesn&#8217;t get it? Most of them were in the same camp as me. That is, I can say with certain confidence that my boyfriend is on the &#8220;huh?&#8221; fray. He&#8217;s told me more than once I&#8217;m in amazing shape and my clothes don&#8217;t always show that, yet I continue to wear what I love rather than what really flatters my figure. In the past few seasons, we&#8217;ve seen tent dresses, paper bag waists, wide-leg jeans, the maxidress, and a slew of other body-obscuring fashions that have all left my man (and plenty of others) scratching their heads.</p><p>Have looking sexy and being in style become mutually exclusive? Are we, as &#8220;slaves to fashion,&#8221; doomed to turn off every straight guy in a five-mile radius? Or should we just keep dressing how we dress and hope they come around to our way of thinking?<br> </p>?<p>Here's her story:</p><p>On my third day of work, my boss asked me to drive out to the Hamptons and take her dog to the vet. When I asked what was wrong with the dog (so I could inform the vet), my boss said, "Oh, there is nothing wrong; I just want you to put her down." I am a HUGE animal lover, and my mouth dropped to the floor, but she just told me to schedule it and get it done by the following week and walked away! Her dog wasn't sick; he was just getting old and she had a new puppy that she was more into. Since it was my first job out of college and my parents were so happy that I was financially independent, I was afraid to say no and lose my job. Luckily I was able to find the dog a new home in New Jersey, but it was so traumatic.</p><p>During the new couple years, tons of other crazy things happened. The most recent development? My boss's son was kicked out of college, so he moved back to my boss's apartment in New York, where he was having parties and wrecking the place with his friends. My boss told him that he was no longer allowed to sleep in the apartment because he was too spoiled and needed to get his act together. So she called me last week and asked me if he could sleep in MY OFFICE instead! I come in every morning to find her 20-year-old son sleeping on the floor; I have to step over him to get to my desk. Instead of partying in her apartment, he's smoking and drinking in my office and just passes out on the floor every night. Ha, yes, I have realized for a while that I need a new job!</p><p>Wow, thank you for sharing! Dear readers, have you ever had insane job experiences? Or coo-coo-crazy bosses? Let's chat...</p><p>P.S. . , and ?</p>Photo: istock.com?<p></p><p>One very brave lady over at handed the keys to her closet, so to speak, over to her boyfriend for a full week. "After a 'discussion' with my boyfriend when I remarked I had nothing to wear and he pointed out the closet overflowing with clothes and shoes, a challenge was presented: could a pair of fresh (male) eyes make more use out of my closet than I was?" writes Sarah Carrillo. "And so our latest Beauty Riot Dare was born. For one week my boyfriend would pick out my clothes each day, from head to toe."</p><p>The results are mixed, but I got a good giggle (and a little reminder of Eric) out of each and every one, especially when he made her wear a Toronto Blue Jays T-shirt to work on the day they were playing the Yankees! And though the outfits weren't half as slutty as I was expecting, I wasn't surprised to see him request her hair in pigtail braids one day--what is it with boys and the Catholic schoolgirl thing!? Head over to to read the full story and see the week's worth of looks, then tell us...would you ever let your guy dress you? What do you think he'd pick out? What are his favorite things on you? Share!</p><p>PLUS...<br>- <br>AND!<br>- </p><p>More Ways to Get Glamour:<br>Get the latest fashion updates via Twitter on <br> <br>Read Glamour magazine <br>Like freebies? <br> (it'll make your inbox 10x sexier, we promise).<br>And, did you know you can read It&#8217;s the ultimate boredom buster.</p>Photo: Creative/Getty Images<p>Want even more STF? </p><p><br></p>?<p>I&#8217;m really tempted just to post these pictures without comment, but then youmight not know that they were taken at New York Pet Fashion Week, whichkicked of on the 23rd. I could write this off as a sinkhole of collectiveinsanity verging on animal abuse. Or I could recast the one sane moment fromThe Devil Wears Prada (the movie, which I despised only a little bitless than the book), the Miranda Priestly monologue about why fashion isimportant, dammit. Because&#8212;who knew?&#8212;the &#8220;pet fashion industry&#8221; is a 4billion dollar a year business.</p><p>Anyway, commentary aside, some of the highlights.</p><br><br><p>True confession: hours into a very drunken dinner party last year, I put afriend&#8217;s teddy bear&#8217;s jeans on my cat, Manuel. (I wanted to take picturesand send them out to some of his admirers.) The poor little man just satthere, practically paralyzed, like a parody of a CK model, but even moremiserable. The guilt, the guilt, that wracked me the next morning. So to me,animals in clothes are an unquestionable Don&#8217;t. Am I the only one?</p>&#8212;Alex?<p><p>Source: via on </p></p><p>Teeny tiny, and super comfortable to wear, a wee bag in a bright color is the perfect counterpoint to drab cold-weather ensembles. In my opinion, the most appealing aspect of a crossbody is that the diminutive size prevents you from lugging aroung more stuff than you need. Added bonus, lots of them come with detachable straps, or straps that you can stash inside the bag, which means they'll also double as a clutch. I love them so much, my latest collection for !</p><p>Here are ten crazy-cute options, which are a major steal at under $100.</p><p></p><p>1. Giani Bernini Crossbody Bag, $70, <br>2. Rachel Roy Small Crossbody, $69, <br>3. Ivanka Trump Crystal Crossbody Bag, $99, <br>4. Studded Crossbody Bag, $70, <br>5. Urban Expressions Catherine Crossbody, $60, <br>6. Forever 21 Heart Pattern Crossbody Bag, $25, <br>7. Melie Bianco Claire Crossbody Bag, $57, <br>8. Big Buddah Pavia Quilted Crossbody Bag, $80, <br>9. Spiked Crossbody Bag, $88, <br>10. Urban Expressions Drama Crossbody Bag, $65, </p><p>Will you be wearing a colorful crossbody this fall? Let us know, and be sure to shop special deals on these styles through our !</p>?The Comedians<p>From left, stars of this month&#8217;s comedy Damsels in Distress: Aubrey Plaza, 27; Greta Gerwig, 28; Carrie MacLemore, 26; Analeigh Tipton, 24; and Megalyn Echikunwoke, 28.</p><p>The Sarcastic One</p><p>You know Plaza as Parks and Recreation&#8217;s deadpan assistant, April. Her style? &#8220;I went to Catholic school, so a plaid skirt, a button-down and leather shoes were all I knew,&#8221; she says. &#8220;That&#8217;s still how I dress.&#8221;</p><p>The Nerdy One</p><p>Gerwig jumps effortlessly from mainstream hits (No Strings Attached) to indies (Greenberg). &#8220;In high school, all I wanted was a T-shirt that said BEBE in rhinestones,&#8221; says Gerwig. &#8220;That&#8217;s what all the popular girls wore.&#8221;</p><p>The Sweet One</p><p>MacLemore makes her feature-film debut in Damsels. &#8220;I&#8217;m obsessed with white sundresses,&#8221; says the Alabama native, who recently got married to her hometown sweetheart. &#8220;He was my blind date to the debutante ball!&#8221;</p><p>The Low-Key One</p><p>Tipton got her start on and broke out in Crazy, Stupid, Love. &#8220;I wear high-tops all the time,&#8221; Tipton says. &#8220;They&#8217;re held together with duct tape. When I have a date, I have to ask, &#8216;We&#8217;re going to a dive bar&#8230;right?&#8217;&#8221;</p><p>The Fashion-Forward One</p><p>Echikunwoke has done the TV circuit (CSI: Miami, 90210) and is now moving into the major leagues. &#8220;I change, like, three times a day,&#8221; she says. &#8220;I&#8217;ll put something on and be like, &#8216;Eh&#8212;over it.&#8217; I don&#8217;t know why!&#8221;</p><p>Like NBC&#8217;s Parenthood&#8212;or adorable puppies? You&#8217;ll love this .</p>?Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images <p>Chris Weitz is in negotiations to rewrite Cinderella, Disney&rsquo;s live action take on the classic fairy tale that has Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go) attached to direct. Simon Kinberg is producing.</p>our editor recommends'A Better Life' Star Demian Bichir's 30-Year Journey to the OscarsDemian Bichir 'A Better Life' Nominees Night
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ルイヴィトン 財布 新作 | 2013/09/02 12:19 AM
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?グッチ バッグ | 2013/08/31 09:43 PM
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グッチ 長財布 レディース | 2013/08/31 04:48 PM
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