Naomi talks to Interview magazine.…

“I make many mistakes. Many mistakes. So I always get nervous when people speak about something that sounds like a role model, because I don’t know if I’ve been a great role model myself. I don’t think I have in certain aspects of my life.”

“I think I was the first black model to be on the cover of French Vogue, which was shocking to me because when I asked them about it, they were like, “Oh, no. We’ve never had that before.”

” I remember one time I went to Australia. I don’t know if this is true or not, but the editor in chief of a magazine there told me that she got fired for putting me on the cover.” Any names?

“There were certain designers who hadn’t used models of color in their shows, and Christy  and Linda said to them, ‘If you don’t take Naomi, then you don’t get us.’  That doesn’t happen in fashion.”

“I felt like I was on trial myself [at The Hague]. I just saw the whole thing become like a complete media circus. This was not my trial. This was his trial. But anyone looking at it would think it was about me.”

“I didn’t expect to go on this journey in the same business. It’s as much of a surprise to me as it is to anyone else. My whole career is a challenge. I’m a challenge”

“Look, I’m controversial. It’s not that people don’t know who I am. . .if people want to work with me. If they don’t, they don’t.”

“I just want to be quiet. I just want to live my life.”

Is it too good to be true?
Probably.
But make the most of it.
The Australian dollar has gone ballistic and it’s time to buy , buy , buy from all the fabulous international websites bursting with fabulous bags, shoes and bargains.

Here are my five favourite cheap but chic shopping sites which ship straight to your door…

Bluefly.com
Shopbop.com
Asos.com
Farfetch.com
Theoutnet.com

What: Flares
Which: Yes, wide leg flares are baaack! But this time around we are looking at wide legs with a high waist looking very chic. Go for classic colours in pants and, of course, dark blue denim is always cool. You could do white . (Check out the divine looks above hot off the runway at Dries!) You could go for camel or grey. Remember the cut should be lean at the waist and very seventies inspired.
Why: Because after seasons of skinny legs , the wide leg looks new and fresh. Because we want anything that Phoebe Philo at Celine sends down the runway. Because we want anything that Dries sends down the runway. Because the latest spring 2011 shows (happening right now) are all about the 70’s and classic YSL. Because some of us have thighs that love and adore flares. Because a high waist flare is flattering on the muffin top and lengthens any legs. So shut up!
Wear: You want shorter tailored jackets with flares. You want a pretty silk equipment shirt tucked in with a thin belt. You want flares with all your big stomp-a-licious heels. You want a grey tee and a white blazer. Or of course toss on a trench and walk out the door.
Where: Dries van Noten runway shots and Tommy Ton photos below from style.com.
,

Why you need Bobbi Brown’s Luminous Moisturizing Foundation:

Because It’s super-moisturizing.
Because it glides on ever so smoothly covering the bad bits in a sheer natural way.
Because now my skin is softer, more even-toned and glowing. I think.
Because they say it has “a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract to softens fine lines and imperfections.”
Because we need all the help we can get. Even milk thistles.
Because even if you can’t frown looking in the in the mirror you are thinking it.
Because we love anything with the word Luminous.
Because I am addicted !

$80 from Myer and David Jones Bobbibrown.com.au

Chanel sent out a sneak peek of their Spring 2011 invite for the show on Tuesday, October 5.so chic! Fashionista.com

Donatella  says she could see Christopher Kane Designing Versace. one day.  Fashionologie.com

Polly Mellen is over 86 and faaabulous! LOVE. Interviewmagazine.com

Inside Anna Wintour’s beach house, Oh so daggy.please explain. Theawl.com via Nymag.com

Prada shut down rumors that it would alter the Spring/Summer 2011 collection because the company’s CEO, Patrizio Bertelli, supposedly disliked it. wwd.com

Rumor Mill: Style.com is Developing a Reality Series… Fashionista

‘Alexander McQueen’s successor, the self-described “shy” Sarah Burton chats about her life after losing the late designer. It involves, apparently, an enormous amount of work, a great appreciation for McQueen dresses, and a little needlepoint in her spare time.‘ reports  WWD

Pierre Cardin Is 88, Loves Gaga, And In Very Good Shape. kooky. Fashioncopious.

Suzy Menkes says the Milan collections are all about “Who dares, wins,”. Nytimes.com

CLAUDIA SCHIFFER is launching a capsule cashmere collection for autumn/winter 2011 with German knitwear brand Iris von Arnim. Vogue.co.uk

“In Milan ( at the Spring summer shows) and the mood among retailers and the press is optimistic. Bananas and stripes at Prada! Leather fringe at Gucci! Long day at D and G! Perky, preppy bags at Fendi! And everywhere flag colors are set against chic white, skirts to midcalf, and wearable, non-conceptual clothes.” reports Sally Singer at Tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com

Check out the fabulous Marni, Prada, and Jil Sander collections here on style.com

Paris Fashion Week is happening this week! Vogue.co.uk It’s finally time to wave goodbye to short dresses and big shoes: There is a major change change in the air: skirts are down, 70’s glam is back and minimalism is still lurking.. reports Sarah Mower…Vogue.com

Vogue Paris celebrates 90 year birthday! What gorgeous birthday cards ( below) Vogue.fr

Read the Q & A with Carine Roitfeld here. She is fabulous. Runway.blogs.nytimes.com

Brad Is Leaving Rachel Zoe… rumors are going around that some jealousy was brewing between Rachel and Brad since Brad was becoming such a star in his own right. I die! That’s bananas! Nymag.com

Kelly Osbourne’s mom, Sharon, accidentally burned her daughter’s upper lip with an at-home waxing kit. “By the time she pulled the wax off, my skin went with it and I had to go to school with a scab mustache.” ewww. Peoplestylewatch.com

Elle Macpherson: “I’m naturally curvy, so I’m more concerned with feeling healthy than looking super slim” Curvy? Shut up and eat. Dailymail.co.uk

Princess Mary and her bump get the royal treatment in Germany Hellomagazine.com

Helen Mirren said that her beauty secrets are sucking in her stomach and wearing stripper heels: “I used only to be able to get them in stripper shops, but now you can buy them everywhere “NYDailynews.com

Lindsay Lohan Goes to Rehab for Fifth Time..she is addicted to rehab.  USmagazine.com

George Clooney was so handsome at the Armani show Hellomagazine.com

Please don’t mention Australia’s Next Top Model and that Embarrassing Mistake Nymag.com

L’amour! Olivier Martinez takes Halle Berry to a French chateau…Dailymail.co.uk

Miranda shows off her bump  nyymag.com and see her walking in the Balenciaga show yesterday here on Style.com

Bradley Cooper on Renee Zellweger: “I Just Love Her” (now she is a muslin) . usmagazine.com

Blindness of the Heart: A Novel by Julia Franck

The reviews are in for this best seller..
A psychologically acute addition to the literature of Germany’s downfall . . . Fine, disturbing, memorable work.”-Kirkus Reviews

“Winner of the German Book Prize . . . this is a great, big silence-breaker of a novel, a laser beam into the German darkness from a writer, one feels, has a great deal more to say.”-Evening Standard (UK)

“Disturbing, original and brilliant.”-A. S. Byatt, The Guardian (Best Books of 2009)

“One of the most haunting works I have ever read about twentieth-century Germany . . . The book’s moral perspective is faultless, as is Franck’s sensitivity to character, sexuality and the struggle to be a free woman in a fascist society. . . . The Blind Side of the Heart is a masterpiece.”-The Independent

“A rich, moving, and complex novel . . . A brief summary cannot do justice to the penetrating imagination of this book, to the author’s certainty of tone and to the wealth of significant detail she provides. [Julia Franck] offers a panorama of a society stumbling blindfolded towards disaster.”-The Scotsman

“Powerful . . . Gripping . . . A compelling narrative and solid writing.”-Library Journal

“The most astounding piece of storytelling of the season . . . The way Julia Franck weaves together stories from the emotional depths and interactions and unpacks them again with an almost joyful thoroughness is exhilarating.”-Der Spiegel (Germany)

“Winner of the major German literary award . . . Franck’s bold, often shocking family saga is fearless. . . . There is a relentless sense of purpose about the complex, ever-shifting narrative that continually tests the reader.”-The Irish Times

“The Blindness of the Heart is nothing short of a masterpiece. The novel is epic in it proportions and tells the story of two World Wars and the consequences, loneliness and despair that result from a series of hardships.”-Aesthetica Magazine (UK)

“This novel has everything it needs: talent and skill and something to say. It is hot and cold, cruel and idyllic, sensual and sober.”-Die Zeit (Germany)

$17.96 Publisher: Grove Press (October 5, 2010) Amazon.com

For the Love of Italy: Rural Pleasures and Hotel Estates …by Marella Caracciolo , Oberto Gili.

‘Marella Caracciolo, who has written extensively about travel in Italy from both sides of the Atlantic, and renowned photographer Oberto Gili present a sensual journey in this  evocative collection of diverse landscapes, unmatched architecture, and local gastronomic traditions. One can stay at a Renaissance villa estate with breathtaking views, where biodynamic wine is produced, or at a unique luxury hotel in the prehistoric dwellings of Basilicata, where visitors sleep, bathe, and eat by candlelight. Families visiting Villa la Foce and the nearby thirteenth-century farmhouse in southern Tuscany, will discover exquisite gardens, a swimming pool, a tree house-and meals inspired by the bounty of the enormous vegetable garden and orchards. Caracciolo describes in transporting prose the colorful history and seasonal rhythms of these and nineteen other estates. And in Gili’s photography the interiors, architecture, and gardens unfold with charm and grace.’ Divine!

$37.80 Publisher: Clarkson Potter (October 19, 2010) from Amazon.com

But wait there’s’ more! This is the second show I presented at Westfield Burwood and more of the cute backstage shots we snapped as we were doing the fitting on our gorgeous model Angela. Yes, even without hair and makeup Angela continues to look fabulous! (And yes, the bad lighting is still there..)

So, as I mentioned last week, in each style session one item is always worn twice: so we start this time with a Country Road black metallic Tee and Witchery cargoes and then they are worn again in the next outfit a different way.
The idea is to build a wardrobe and make those pieces work many ways: who wears one piece just one way?  We have to get mileage out of our wardrobe!
More cheap but chic heaven…

Let me know your favourite outfits and if you have any questions!

Outfit 1( from left to right above)
Witchery Gunmetal skinny cargoes $99.95
Saba black metallic V neck Tee from David Jones $149
Cue Black tuxedo jacket $259
Country Road black neckpiece $79.95
Silver sequin glitter clutch from General Pants $44.95
Saba black belt from David Jones $79
Wittner satin bow heels $169.95

Fashion Tip:
When wearing black go for texture, shine, embroidery so it looks new.( and the new shape in a sharp shouldered jackets)
We always love grey, silver and black for casual evenings: You can’t go wrong!

Outfit 2.
Saba black metallic V neck Tee from David Jones $149
Glassons khaki cargoes $59.99
Lorna Jane black cargo jacket $159 (On sale )
Glassons utility bag $29.99
Siren from Wanted Shoes black lace up peeptoe shooties $139.95
Blue Illusion green cream print scarf $59.95
Sportsgirl military camouflage sunglasses $29.99

Fashion Tip:
The most important trend of the season is utility and military bu you have to wear it wih heels: that’s an order!
Even sunglasses go camouflage.
Add colour and print with a scarf.

Outfit 3.
Seduce cream beaded cami top $149.95
Glassons khaki  cargoes $59.99
Alice in Eve grey drape suede jacket from General pants $179.95
Country Road black and cream tribal print clutch $99.
New Look from Payless cream patent platform pumps $49.95

Fashion tip:
A touch of tribal print in a clutch is all you need to add some texture and an eclectic personal touch.
It’s about mixing it up: beading with cargoes, pale heels with a suede jacket.

Outfit 4
Seduce cream beaded cami top $149.95
Don’t ask Amanda brown pleather shorts from General pants $79.95
Jacqui E stone military jacket $99.95.
Cotton On Brown straw hat $14.95
Betts brown T bar platforms $99.99
Agent 99 from General pants taupe crinkle oversized tote $79.95

Fashion tip:
The stone military jacket is Hot and will work with everything ; I promise.
Layer up the jacket over a beaded top for day.
Add a cute trilby hat for a edgy touch ( in the same tone as the shorts)
Brown, cream and white are THE Trends just shown on the runway for next summer . Meaning? Buy now and get seasons of wear…

Outfit 5
Don’t ask Amanda brown pleather shorts from General pants $79.95
Sportscraft blue silky shirt $139.95
Country Road tribal print blue scarf $59.95
Bardot cream canvas tote $59.95
Prada black sunglasses from Sunglass Hut $349.95
Jacqui E Cream bangles $19.95 and Sportsgirl black bangles $12.95
Jolie from Wanted shoes brown canvas high cut heels $159

Fashion Tip:
Cuffed shorts are a key piece for summer: choose a length that suits your style (and age!). Wear with heels to help lengthen the legs and add sophistication.
The silky shirt is one of THE new looks of the season: invest now and wear for years!

Outfit 6.
Sportscraft blue silky shirt $139.95( yes it’s under there !)
Saba from David Jones grey slouch pants $199.
Esprit navy and white stripe boyfriend jacket $139
Sussan red and pink scarf $29.95
Sportsgirl Red small pouch bag $29.95
Glassons silver aviators $19.99
Payless silver plaited T bar flats $29.95
Country Road red belt $49.95

Fashion tip:
Add a touch of colour and texture by tossing on a scarf.
The small across-body bag is a great way to add colour as well.
You want these peg peg pants from SABA: they are the best !

Outfit 7.
Saba from David Jones grey slouch pants $199.
Diana Ferrari grey drape top $79.95
Sportsgirl tan leather biker jacket $299.95 ( now on sale !!)
Country Road Silver necklace $79.95
Collette necklaces $14.95
Witchery grey bucket bag $199.95
Glamourpuss tan stud heels from Wanted shoes $159.95

Fashion Tip:
Layer up necklaces: don’t stop at one: more is more!
Love, Love, Love tones of grey and tan together: it always looks chic.
leather in summer? Wear it now!

Outfit 8.
Jag blue print dress $159.95
Witchery utility jacket $149.95
Wittner black lace up cut out heels $169.95
Country Road brown belt $49.95
Sportscraft Red bag $169
Le Specs reflector aviators from General Pants $69.96

Fashion tip:
A pretty print dress for summer needs a utility jacket for a cool edge.
We love a cute red bag across the body for a touch of colour.
The twisted belt is the hot trend and a must buy.

Outfit 9.
Katies grey drape dress $69.95
Sportsgirl black glitter belt $19.95
Zoe Wittner black patent pumps $189.95
Forever New cream clutch $39.99

Fashion Tip:
Cinch in the waist for low key evenings with a glitter belt.
Statement platforms take this dress into the groove zone!

Outfit 10.
Cue black lace dress $185
Zoe Wittner black patent pumps $189.95
Colette chandelier earrings $12.95
Collette feather clutch $69.95

Fashion tip:
Lace ? Tick! Shoulders pads? Tick! A fitted sheath dress? Tick!
This dress has all the ticks of the season: And you can’t go past this updated version of a little black dress.
Add chandelier earring and keep it simple ( ditch any other jewellery! except the feather clutch).

Those amazing shoes in the top shot are from Tommy Ton at style.com!

Scallops and Chorizo …adulterated from Nigella.com

What an unusual combination, seafood and chorizo, but it works!
I saw Nigella whip these up when she was throwing a dinner party together in half an hour. We love that idea…

You need for 2 fabulous fashionista, 4 dieting dudes or 25 models:

110g chorizo sausage
400g small scallops (halve them to make 2 thinner discs if they are very fat: Just like models)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
4 x 15ml tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Slip out of your new skinny cargoes and those outrageous lace up Balenciaga heels.
• Place the shoes in the kitchen so you can admire them while you cook.
• Hide the skinny cargoes so the idea of skinny never enters the kitchen.
• Pour a glass of wine and thank to the Gucci Gods you made it through another week.
• Slip into your favourite cashmere trackie pants.
• Squeeze some lemon juice.
• Chop up the parsley.
• Now slice the chorizo into rounds no thicker than 3mm or the size of Lindsay Lohan’s self discipline. Actually no, a bit bigger than that.
• Heat a heavy-based pan and get it hot, baby, hot.
• Then throw in and dry-fry the chorizo until crispy on either side.
• NB: it doesn’t need moisturizing: Watch as the chorizo drizzles out buckets of divine flavorsome oil.
• They should be crispy as Donatella in about 2 minutes.
• Remove the chorizo to a bowl for some time alone.
• Then toss the scallops into the frying pan and cook them in the fabulous chorizo-oil for about 1 minute a side.
• Throw the chorizo back into the pan with the scallops, add the lemon juice and let bubble for a few seconds.
• Then toute suite toss on a serving plate and accessorise with lots of Prada green parsley.
• Was that a little too quick? All the sooner to eat.
• Nigella suggests serving this with Chickpeas with rocket and sherry…YUM!
• Thanks Nigella.