• “It’s not just a mask, it’s a contemporary art piece,” Lady Gaga.
• “I have wrinkles. I’d rather be the woman they’re saying ‘She’s looking older’ about than ‘She’s looking stoned.” Kate Winslet… (Or wearing a mask.)
• “Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?” Rachel Weisz… (Ask a stoned Nicole Kidman.)
• “Right now I’m having a very strong obsession mostly with, um, clothing found in sex shops. I would venture to say all that clothing was designed by gay men.” Watch the video to hear her talk about her “life of solitude”… Lady Gaga.
• “I make soulless electronic pop. But when you’re on ecstasy in a nightclub grinding up against someone and my music comes on, you’ll feel soul.” Lady Gaga, describing her sound, to MTV.
• “I was furious with that man. He was violent. He pushed my art director to the floor and scared the models, turning my show into a nightmare, and I wanted to kill him.” Designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada about Brüno invading the backstage of her show. He has soul.
• “I love his work in fashion,” McCartney about Brüno. (Perfect clothes for Lady GaGa.)
• “You have to kind of train in them so you can run but I could now do handstands in these” The fabulously chic Daphne Guiness chats here about her 7 inch heels.
• “Sometimes. This morning, I wore the rain boots.” Audrey Tautou when asked if she wears a lot of Chanel.
• “I didn’t even know we made rain boots, after that, I don’t have to be nice.” replies Lagerfeld. (Who said Penélope Cruz was a better role model for Chanel.)
• “No girls on the runway if they haven’t eaten before.” A sign backstage at Givenchy Couture Show. (Or wearing rain boots.)

• What: A stripe Tee (dress)
  
• Why: Because we love, love, love and then adore this Balmain stripe Tee (seen here from Jak & Jil Twitter) casually thrown under the most fabulous sharp shoulder jacket. Because a stripe Tee is fresh, French and always chic. Because it’s ageless. Because it will always add a casual je ne sais quoi insouciant edge to any fashion look. Because the girls at US and UK Vogue offices are all wearing stripes. A must for summer.
• Which: You want a long or short sleeve Tee with a V neck or a crew neck. It should be a chic cotton. It can be long and loose or short and fitted. It can even have a smattering of sequins. I like white with a navy or black stripe.
• Where: Petit Bateau (available from Christensen Copenhagen), Cotton On, American Apparel, Sussan, Witchery, Supre and Sportsgirl.

The wardrobe you want to steal from Micheal Jackson:

• The black sequin jacket.
• The red leather bomber.
• The crop black pants.
• The sharp shouldered military jacket.
• The fabulous black patent Repetto ‘Jackson’ loafers seen here on the chic all black wearing Kate Moss. If Kate is wearing them you know they are hot.
• Buy them from Repetto.
• White socks, wig and plastic nose optional.

Activities that take their toll on your hands:

• Opening bottles of Dom Perignon every morning.
• Repeatedly pulling out the Black Amex.
• Signing your autograph.
• Doing up all the 30 buckles your Balenciaga gladiator heels (every time you try on new shoes)
• Patting your new Chanel bag.
  Which is why you need Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment. It’s quite the most gorgeous hand lotion you’ve ever tried. It softens and soothes the most shoe-shopped battered hands. But here’s the best news: “It’s an age-defying, moisturising hand cream which helps fade discolorations, even skin tone and brightens skin for more youthful looking hands”. I must try it on my face too.

$53 Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment from Jurlique.

• Christy Turlington is on the cover of the August  US Vogue’s Age issue.
• We love model Agyness Deyn. She “speaks eagerly about “brunching out” (”branching out,” actually, but in a thick Manchester accent) beyond modelling. Read the interview here.
• Listen to Cathy Horyn’s conversation with Karl Lagerfeld here. “I asked Mr. Lagerfeld about the reports that he would leave Chanel and be replaced by Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. Mr. Lagerfeld said to forget about it. He was going to die with his boots on.”
• Dream Weavers: Missoni Opens First Hotel… in Edinburgh! Read about it here.
• See Demi Moore in the promo shoot for the upcoming Helena Rubinstein fragrance, Wanted …Rachel Zoe is there and so are the retouchers: her skin needs a lot of help! (Is that Kylie Minogue’s Boyfriend?).
• “Paris in mourning: a small and sad Lacroix collection, skulls at Dior fine jewelry, and a Valentino shrouded in black.” Says Time Magazine’s Kate Betts.
• Read all the reviews of the Haute couture shows at Style.com (Valentino was fabulous)
• “Hermes is taking good care of its international staff, all of whom are in Paris this week buying autumn/winter 2010 for the stores worldwide. Each member has been given a swine flu kit, perfectly packaged in their signature orange. Reports Vogue UK.
• Kit Willow seen at Paris flea markets in Vogue UK.
• “At 25 Lancôme spokesperson Daria Werbowy is an elder stateswoman of the catwalk” read the interview here.
• Why Vogue still wields such power? “As well as defining generations of women’s style, the original style bible continues to court controversy after 90 years.” Read about here.
• Kate Winslet is on the cover of US Harpers Bazaar.
• Kristen McMenamy has been resurrected on and off for the past few years since her heyday in the ’90s and now Steven Meisel has brought the her back for the July 2009 cover of Vogue Italia and an accompanying 31-page spread dubbed “The Legend.”
• Rachel Weisz is on the cover of UK Harpers Bazaar.
• Cameron Diaz is on the cover of V Magazine.
  

Checkout the fabulous behind-the-scenes video of Madonna and her bunny ears for the winter 2009 Louis Vuitton campaign shoot. “Bunny ears — that’s what we need to finish this look. I like the kind of playboy French coquette aspect to it.” Says Marc Jacobs while Madonna runs around in her outrageous boots. They all fawn over her “Oh J’adore” while she picks out the bags for the shoot. (Not the stylist!). She says “The good thing about heels? Is that you can take them off”. Plus she see her actually eat. Something.

• Neverland Visitor: “I was molested by Jacko’s Ghost” The Daily Squib
• George Clooney pledged to make a film in the quake-stricken region of Abruzzo where foreign leaders were holding the G8 summit. He is perfect. People
• Mariah Carey apologizes for her performance at Michael Jackson’s memorial. Too late now, Mariah. The man will only die once. — Or will he? Says The Superficial.
• A fun fact: Michael Jackson’s brain was not in the coffin during Tuesday’s memorial service. Vanity Fair
• His death certificate has been released without a listed cause of death and a coroner said investigators are still testing the singer’s brain. Wonderwall
• John Mayer: Jackson Memorial was “Unbelievable”. He says he is happy Jackson was recognized as “a human being”. And not The Elephant Man. “I am not an animal….”
• Michael Jackson’s Memorial speakers hardly knew him. Brooke Shields hadn’t seen him in 18 years; John Mayer, Queen Latifah “never met” him. Us Magazine
• ‘I once donated sperm… but not to Michael Jackson,’ insists dermatologist amid claims he fathered singer’s eldest children… People (But to Debbie Rowe.)
• I can’t even be bothered writing that Britney is in Paris. That is Paris France. The poor French.
• Lindsay Lohan is being sued for allegedly stealing the formula for her tanning spray Sevin Nyne. So let me get this straight, people believe Lindsay Lohan invented her own tanning spray? Wait, the secret ingredient’s coke isn’t it? Now I get it. The Superficial
• How Mercy’s already putting on the Ritz: Madonna’s new daughter gets a lesson in luxury on a trip to Paris. Mail Online

Wildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa… by Mark Seal

“For readers of the bestselling White Mischief and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil — Vanity Fair contributing editor Mark Seal tells the mesmerizing story of the captivating life and shocking death of world-renowned naturalist Joan Root.

From her passion for animals to her storybook love affair to her hard-fought crusade to save Kenya’s beautiful Lake Naivasha, Joan Root’s gripping life story is a stunning and moving tale featuring a remarkable modern-day heroine.
With a cast of characters as wild, wondrous, and unpredictable as Africa itself, Wildflower is a real-life adventure tale set in the world’s fast-disappearing wilderness. Rife with personal revelation, intrigue, corruption, and murder, readers will remember Joan Root’s extraordinary journey long after they turn the last page of this utterly compelling book.”

US$17.16 Amazon. Publisher: Random House; First Edition, First Printing edition (May 26, 2009)

The Christmas List: Avedon Fashion 1944-2000… by Carol Squiers and Vince Aletti

“Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 encompasses seven decades of extraordinary images by Richard Avedon, the most influential fashion photographer of the 20th century.

‘This comprehensive volume offers a definitive survey, from Avedon’s groundbreaking early photographs for Harper’s Bazaar through his constantly inventive contributions to Vogue, Egoiste, and The New Yorker. Each carefully selected image represents an artistic collaboration with significant models, stylists, and designers. Avedon Fashion chronicles an astonishing record of photographic achievement.’ Fabulous ! A must buy.

US$63.00 Amazon. Publisher: Abrams (June 1, 2009)

Economy Class:

Sportsgirl
There is a new redesigned website for those girls who like a chat! Best buys this week include:

• The simple little grey or black sequin tanks. How many times must I tell you: You can wear sequins in the day time if you dress the look down with low key piece like jeans. It’s about the juxtaposition of day to night. And I know how you like your new juxtapositions $129. You can layer a sequin tank over a white tank. Throw it under a sharp shoulder blazer and voila. You are no longer a dag.
• Check the very, chic white sheer almost lace tank with a scattering of silver sequins $99. Very Rodarte or something. Of course you need to layer it over something so you don’t flash bad bits. Would be nice over a white tank or grey marle. Gorgeous on holidays over a bikini top.
• Love the long T-shirt tank style maxi dress: It flares out at the skirt and has a tight singlet top. I like the simple over stitching and paneling. Perfect for the trip to the tropics as I did myself last weekend. Wish I had found it before I left: Just the thing for lazy days by the pool or tossing on at night with jeweled flats. You want the grey marle or basic black $89
• If you are a serious fashion girl you will like the faded blue denim jeans with an elastic ankle. Cool. Just throw on your heels and you are out the door $69. They are called Flash denim. Out the door in a flash. You should also try on the boyfriend baggy, ripped jeans for $119.
• Check out the pale blue chambray military jacket. It has lots of gold buttons, a round neckline and a little fitted shape with a peplum. $129, it’s a bargain …love it.
• Please buy the black wool melton peacoat that I have ranted and raved about for weeks. Its’ a great buy: very similar to the one I spied in Max & Co for $400 this is for you for just $149. Go for the lovely dark grey for you. So nice with black buttons and ever so chic. I see there is purple too if you had to do it. Bless. $149
• In accessories there is a beige crème (almost grey) bag very much like a Giselle Mulberry bag: Not bad if you are on a budget it has silver hardware. $69
• The jeweled belt with big black jewels and elastic is cool $69 and the black cuff is fabulous (it’s in FiFi’s Favourite Finds slideshow). Love the converse style gym boots in tie dye cotton $39.

Kookai
You can get great basics here… as well as some cool fashion pieces. The sizing is small… or is it just moi? My picks are:

• The summer print dress that has a very interesting seascape photo on a black background. It looks like a landscape photo by Bill Henson. Very Poetic. It has black satin straps and black over stitching on the bodice $256 very summery, it’s a loose silhouette and a casual shape. Layer it over a Tee if you want to wear it now and toss on a blazer.
• I see there is the same print in a pretty chiffon poet’s blouse. $249
• Love, love the black leather jacket with a cross over front. It is very short and kind of has two V flaps at the front $450, very snazzy. You know how to wear a leather jacket now. With a dress please.
• Buy the chic de la chic ruffle edged cardigan or tank tops about $99. In cotton they have a chiffon ruffle edging the neckline and yes, they have a scoop shape neckline but I think it will work quite well. In all sorts of colours from blue, red, brown, and um, er, pink. $50
• I see a cool taffeta bolero jacket with ¾ sleeves. It’s very short which is why it’s called a bolero jacket. Don’t worry if it’s in a taffeta it’s not frou frou. In fact it’s quite sharp. It has a hook and eye along the front and some pleating at the front. $220. A handy little top to wear with high waist skirts or with jeans.
• There is a lot of knits and long cardigans for about $110.
• Love the punk-ish style black skull tee: the skull is very subtle and like a rubber stamp on the front. $50. To wear under a blazer and with skinny jeans.

Betts Shoes
Head here for cheap but chic shoes. Perfect for a recessionista who wants to get the look on a budget. On sale! My picks are:

• The Rupert Sanderson style black patent shoe boots with a peep toe and cross over strap with a silver buckle and a thin heel. Chic. They look more expensive than $59. Hope they have your size.
• There are fabulous black suede shoe boots with laces and fringing, like a moccasin with an heel now on sale for an outrageous $50… What?! The water protection spray costs more.
• Love the navy, black and grey round toe heels that are colour blocked so that the heel and different parts of the shoe are in different colours. Now $43 …with a round toe and in a classic pumps shape. I tried them on and ordered them in my size. Shhh don’t tell anyone. Hope they are comfortable when I am shopping all day…
• New in are the black patent gladiator style heels with a few buckles called masquerade $119. The tough gladiator is still the shoe of the season. It will be interesting to see how long the looks hangs around for… it’s already been 4 or 5 years since the first official sighting. I know the flat mans-style brogues are lurking about to jump out as the new hot shoe.
• Hip hooray! For those who have big fat, wide, impossible to fit calves then you will love the long black flat boots which has an elastic strip up the back of the leg. They are chic with a buckle at the top of the leg and a nice toe. You can thank me for finding those for you. That elastic should make it so easy to squeeze into. $179
• Check out the simple ‘Switch’ flat summer sandals that have a tan leather sole and a simple single strip of leather, so chic, so right for dashing around the beach at Santorini. $59
• There are some outrageous peep toe heels covered in silver and black sequins and they look very Louboutin. There are also the same in a hot pink. But as if I would suggest anyone wear hot pink sequin heels. Oh my. $129

Business Class:

Country Road
Great casual pieces here. My picks are:

• The simple ruffle front blouse with tortoiseshell buttons all the way down the front in a chic white $149. You know wearing white next to your face takes ten years off and there are no injection involved here (except with cash on the credit card).
• I do like the black and navy (subtle) check belted wool ¾ peacoat: it’s double breasted, belted with epaulettes. You know that whole military look. It’s been instore for a while but I think it’s just the right thing to wear right now $299. It’s a versatile piece that will work on weekends or for work.
• The jeans are great here because their fit seems to fit women with hips. Thank the lord. The vintage wash, flat front wide leg jeans are cool. They have orange vintage style stitching. The good news? The high waist actually sucks in the peanut butter toast and all those iced donuts lurking around your hips $149. Very thoughtful of them don’t you think?
• I am a big fan of chinos: a bit dressier than jeans and not so boring as another pair of black pants. The grey chinos here are cool with a bit of stretch. $99. They have side pockets and a chic perfect classic leg. Please wear them a little rolled up at the ankle and showing off your new outrageous heels. Let them hang a little loose. Then grab your sharp shoulder blazer and stroll out the door.
• I spy some very cool black tie waist pants in a floppy fabric with ankle elastic too $149. You need to be a little on the slim side here or you will look like Kath Day Knight. Without Kimmy.
• In accessories you will love the ‘Bamboo’ scarf: a gorgeous light weight kind of pashmina. Love it in a chic grey but also in navy and caramel $69. These are not really hot fashion items (Oh, Please a pashmina? So last century) but I do love a scarf for casual weekend looks. It might even keep you warm.
• You will love the black round toe, vintage boots with a heel that is not so high. How can this be? A boot that is easy to walk in and be cool looking? It’s a miracle! They have lovely paneling and stitching up the side and are quite the chicest thing… $299
• Love the long wool knit black gloves that go all the way baby… right up to your elbow $59. Chic de la chic with a a short puffy sleeve jacket don’t you think. Keep these on at the dinner table and they may stop you eating. (But you can still hold a glass. Hic.)
• Oh and how could I forget the trench coats? Go for the Cigar colour it’s so chic. $299

Saba
There are classics here and always great for a work wardrobe but I am definitely not seeing anything very fashion… Fur chubby jackets? Serious shoulder pads? Harem pants? Please. Best buys are:

• The chic understated black rib, fitted V neck long line cardigan with a white trim and white knit belt $159. This is a cardigan that is not frumpy but it’s not as long oversized version either. How very Coco before Chanel. Wear with your Pyjamas pants. And Pearls…
• I am drawn like a moth to a flame to my addiction: I am FIFi and I love trench coats. Probably because I always look chic in the AA meetings at Rehab. Check out the black cotton trench cotton here: it’s $399 but the cut is great and it has epaulettes and chic buttons…
• Also another basic that I keep seeing everywhere on the fashion horizon: a white cotton stretchy fitted shirt $119. I love a white shirt but I hate washing them. Or ironing them. And I always spill chocolate icing down the front. But if you are pristine and have staff then throw on a white shirt. Always chic. Keep away from black skirts unless you love taking orders in restaurants.
• Love the very funky black jeans with some kind of wax texture over them $169. The cut of the Saba pants is fabulous and you must try these. Oh no. I insist. Everyone needs a new pair of black jeans.
• On sale I spy a grey or black rib cardigan $99. It has small brass buttons and not too long but it’s ribbed. This is good news: means it will show off your shape without clinging to bad bits.
• There is a black boyfriend jacket in lovely expensive (feeling) fabric; you might think it’s a work jacket but think outside the square: it’s a chic blazer $399. So shut up and wear it and forget about the office.
• Love the grey wool melton peacoat with a snazzy detachable purl knit stitch black chunky collar…

Scanlan & Theodore
On sale! Best picks: (There is not a lot left on the racks!)

• The simple, very chic grey round neck dress. (Note: not a scoop but the right chic round neckline.) It has a gathered pleated detail at the neckline and then is a quite narrow cut. This dress will take you into summer so easily. Now $450.
• Love the faded black jeans skinny leg now $300. Need I say more?
• Buy the white cotton high neck ruffle dress. It’s sleeveless and has chic little ruffle detailing down the back zip. It’s called a white choker dress. Must be because the neckline is quite pleated and detailed. Not because you will choke on the price. And it’s oh, so summery; it’s perfect for your holiday in the sun… now $400-ish (I think).
• There is a chic BoHo dress or (is it a long blouse?) in a brown and burgundy star print: it’s floaty and pretty and the colours will work in summer or winter. With black or brown accessories. Now $225.
• Love the rabbit fur (I think) long wrap scarf. The height of chic and will keep you warm. Bless those bunnies. Now on sale $300.
• In the accessories there are some divine, divine, divine Alaia heels on sale: Ooh la la. You want the black suede shoe boots now about $1000 and the black patent simple wedges now about $1000.
• There are Pierre hardy heels and Scanlan Boots on sale too.
• I spy a Givenchy black patent tall two handle tote now on sale about $1300. Yes, yes and yes.
• Love and adore and I want to marry the small jewel encrusted Jamin Puech bag.

First Class:

Louis Vuitton
The new snazzy-a-licious store has opened in Westfield Bondi Junction. Of course I raced in there to check out all the divine new accessories. (No clothing here unfortunately.) My favourites are:

• The red ruby wool Logomania scarf $470. That should keep you warm!
• The chic de la chic ‘Inclusion’ collection bracelets which have Monogram charms adorned with floating Swarovski crystals. Plus there are also rings $340 and different size bracelets in all sorts of colours from brown, black, orange, rose and transparent. Buy 5 and stack them up $445 each.
• Love the sunglasses in a lot of fabulous colours such as red, blue and pink from about $590.
• Buy the orange, pink or blue patent belts in Monogram Vernis leather with a gold buckle $610.
• There is a hot orange Alma bag in the Monogram Vernis $3030.
• And there is also a Monogram Verni “Pegase” in rose wheelie bag in hot pink $3450. No one will steal that from the carousel. (You will be on your own private plane!)
• Love the Surya double handle tote in a cerise or black from $4000. Yes, please. Black will be perfect.

Warm Lentil Salad with Coriander and Preserved Lemon… adulterated from Cuisine.com.au

I am addicted to preserved lemon. This is fabulous served with a juicy back strap of lamb, spicy chicken or roast salmon. You can add capsicum or tomatoes if you feel like it.

You need for 4 sad, hungry, tired and emotional Michael Jackson fans, 8 fashion editors and 20 models:

1 and 1/2 cups green lentils (or a can)
6 tabs pine nuts, toasted
1 cup coriander leaves
2 tabs chic designer good white wine vinegar
5 tabs extra designer snazzy virgin olive oil
2 pieces of preserved lemons, rinsed and finely chopped
2 spring onions, finely sliced
2 garlics, smashed and chopped
salt and pepper

• Climb out of Balenciaga monster heels.
• Feel toes come back to life.
• Pour wine to dull the pain. Into mouth.
• Rinse lentils in cold water and then cook them in boiling water until just-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Might take longer depending on your lentils. This can only mean one thing: more time to drink wine.
• While that is cooking you can get the meat, salmon or chicken roasting.
• Chop up the preserved lemon. Tip: you should rinse it because it will be quite salty and chuck the flesh away like liposuction.
• Chop garlic the size of a diamond you can afford. Actually a bit bigger than that.
• Chop up the spring onions into chic lengths the size of a Jimmy Choo buckle.
• Toast the pine nuts. This means in a fry pant not in the toaster. Bless.
• When the lentils are cooked you should drain them. Obviously. (Surely you’re not that drunk?)
• Now you can rinse them if you want but you want to keep them warm.
• Throw in a bowl and toss with the coriander, garlic, spring onions, lemon and pine nuts.
• Mix the snazzy designer olive oil with the vinegar and drizzle over the lentils.
• Add lots of sel et poivre.
• Accessorise with more green chic coriander.
• Serve the lamb lying nonchalantly on top of the lentils.