“When I begin a relationship, there’s that pressure to be the most, to be more comfortable and open than anyone else. When you finally realize that you can just be your own scared, f*cked-up self and that you can still be sexy without trying to be, it’s such a great relief. ” Anna Hathaway to US Vogue

“I don’t have the best body in the world, but I know for a fact that I have a really good voice.” Ke$ha. Her body must be bad if she thinks she can sing.

“I got my big breasts from my mother and so that’s how I got to be so hot.” Amanda Seyfried. Opera singer?

“Lucy is in her third trimester for the fourth time and I think that’s about enough to ask of any woman, I don’t want to turn her into Ethel Kennedy” ( who famously had 11 children.) Matt Damon on his wife…sexy without trying.

“I once dated chubby, hairy guy who lived in a “shed” It was one of those shacks that you buy at Wal-Mart that you stick your lawn mower in. He had like 15 blankets…that he called a futon,” . Jenny McCarthy ( was that Jim Carey?)

“A lot of times my wife and I sit across from each other and tweet, it’s a little bizarre. It’s the same reason why you send roses to a woman at work. Sometimes people like to be adored in public.” Ashton Kutcher …. conversation anyone?

H&M has released a few shots from their next designer collaboration with Lanvin ! According to Fashionologie the campaign was shot by David Sims and styled by Camille Bidault Waddington and has models Hannelore Knuts, Jane Schmitt, Tati Cotliar, and Natasha Poly.
The collection will go on sale on Tuesday 23rd November in around 200 H&M stores worldwide. Lanvin is the latest brand to collaborate with H&M, with previous collections designed by Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel.
In a new twist, the Lanvin for H&M collection will be revealed through a special film which will be launched on November 2. The film will be available for all to see online at www.hm.com.  But Boo Hoo! the clothes are not available online to send to Australia: outrageous! But you might be able to use hopshopgo.com! Can’t wait!

I was wandering, as I do, through David Jones when I spied the fabulous rack of Stella McCartney collection for Addidas. Then I swooped on it . I was having a moment thinking about ways to get inspired to exercise for summer.  First rule of thumb to get motivated? Go shopping! It’s all about the  right gear of course. Knowing you can throw on a fabulous black and white wide stripe parka or a sexy black contoured top might just inspire you to pull your old lazy self out of bed and get running.
The stripe parka is quite fabulous and can work as chic day wear with heels and skinny black pants. How do I know that? Because I tried it on and it looked great. If I say so myself. (You wear it undone and pull in the drawstring waist). The parka is a key piece for next winter and this is as chic as you can get. Who needs it for sport?  Only if shopping is your chosen extreme sport. ( The only running I ever do is when I run late.)
By the way some of the Stella McCartney collection is on sale in David Jones and I loved the black zip hoodie (below) with the fabulous ruching on the shoulders now about $99. You can wear that with a skinny cargoes and heels too.

Monday is Pink Ribbon day! So if you have boobs, or know anyone who does, you know it’s time to hit the shops and help to raise funds for research into breast cancer.
Here are my picks for the best beauty brands doing their bit :

Clinique Limited-edition Mini Long Last Glosswear
You can only buy this limited edition Mini Long Last Glosswear key chain online so be quick! $5 from each purchase helps support the NBCF So Kissable! Hang it from your inside your Prada bag for easy access. $30

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion
Clinique have released their best-selling, most fabulous ever moisturiser in a limited edition 200ml bottle that is adorned with the cutest little charms. $20 from every bottle sold will be contributed to NBCF. You can dingle dangle as you moisterise and watch your wrinkles disappear.  How charming! $110.

OPI.
OPI has released a must-have limited edition pink ribbon lacquer, Pink of Hearts 2010. They are donating a whopping 100% of the profits to breast cancer research.  Woo Hoo ! So perfect for your summer tootsies peeking out of your stomp-a-licious Gucci heels. From David Jones. $19.95.

Aveda Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief.
This is a hand cream with  “a rich formula to soften and smooth hands while diminishing visible signs of aging.” You will love your new soft hands and the way sliding your Black Amex out of your wallet will be so much easier. Aveda will donate $4 from the sale to NBCF. $44.95

Ecoya McGrath Foundation Everyday Tin
Buy the cute little pink Ecoya candle tin in the divine Gardenia Passion fragrance and $3 from the sale will go to the McGrath Foundation. It’s the ideal travel size to take anywhere (especially when popping in to visit George Clooney at his villa in Como) $25.

You can find more fabulous products here at NBCF !

The Finkler Question ……….by Howard Jacobson

Winner of the 2010 Man Booker Prize! 

‘Julian Treslove, a professionally unspectacular former BBC radio producer, and Sam Finkler, a popular Jewish philosopher, writer, and television personality, are old school friends. Despite a prickly relationship and very different lives, they’ve never lost touch with each other, or with their former teacher, Libor Sevcik.
Dining together one night at Sevcik’s apartment-the two Jewish widowers and the unmarried Gentile, Treslove-the men share a sweetly painful evening, reminiscing on a time before they had loved and lost, before they had prized anything greatly enough to fear the loss of it. But as Treslove makes his way home, he is attacked and mugged outside a violin dealer’s window. Treslove is convinced the crime was a misdirected act of anti-Semitism, and in its aftermath, his whole sense of self will ineluctably change.
The Finkler Question is a funny, furious, unflinching novel of friendship and loss, exclusion and belonging, and the wisdom and humanity of maturity.’

“The Finkler Question, a clever, canny, textured, subtle, and humane novel exploring the friendship of three ageing male friends…is a work of greatness… ” -Daily Beast

“[A] wry, devastating novel… Jacobson’s prose is effortless-witty when it needs to be, heartbreaking where it counts-Publishers Weekly

“Both an entertaining novel and a humane one.”-Henry Hitchings, Financial Times

“[A] bleakly funny meditation on loss, belonging and personal identity.”-Ross Gilfillan, Daily Mail (UK)

“The Finkler Question balances precariously a bleak moralizing with life-affirming humor.”-Bryan Cheyette, Independent (UK)

“Another masterpiece …  Times (UK)

$8 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA (October 12, 2010) Amazon.com

Allure…. by Diana Vreeland

Finally this fabulous book is back in print: a must buy for any fashionista!
“Legendary fashion maven Diana Vreeland at the urging of her editor Jackie O authored a classic volume in the 1980s on the quality of “allure” in fashion and in life.
Now back in print, this new edition features a foreword from the incomparable fashion designer Marc Jacobs. Throughout Allure, Vreeland lends her famous knack for turning a phrase to an astonishing array of fashion, celebrity, and fine art photographs.
Featuring images of such luminaries as Maria Callas, Gertrude Stein, and Marilyn Monroe shot by superstar photographers such as Man Ray, Cecil Beaton, and Richard Avedon Allure is poised to deliver Vreeland’s unparalleled point of view to a whole new generation.’ Too divine!
$23 Publisher: Chronicle Books; 2nd revised edition (October 6, 2010)  amazon.com

Economy class:

Sportsgirl;
Head to here for the best cheap but chic funky little tops and accessories.
My picks this week are :

• The red and white stripe Tee dress with ruffle shoulders: so easy to toss on for casual weekends at the beach or by the pool. $31! Love this with heels or just try it with cute Bensimon canvas sandshoes (or runners or whatever they are called?!) SO chic and French: keep it simple and just add big sunglasses.
• If you want heels you should go for brown T bars heels : If you want a bit of bling and fun then you will be relieved to know you will get another season out of studs. Wear these brown heels with red or khaki: but keep the look pretty clean if your shoes are the jewellery in the outfit. $149
• Plus check out the brown wedges that look so high but are not so hard to run around in because they are platform as well. Which means your foot could almost be in a horizontal position on earth. Thanks very much. I think these are a copy of the Prada or YSL or Miu Miu or something. So they must be chic! LOL $149. Tan shoes are THE heels to have for summer and so nice with white and khaki.
• If you want a chic little over-nighter bag or something to carry all the Italian Vogues and crème de la Mer to the beach then I insist you buy the stripe cotton bag with a brown leather detailing. You can cover it with salt and sand and who cares when it’s just $69?  Also in the bags there is also a red faded canvas beach saddle bag with cream straps (which I have mentioned before) that is just great for $29.
• I love the idea of a simple white shirt with faaabulous earrings : you should try on the divine dangly jewelled deco earrings here. For an outrageous $24.

Portmans:
I see quite a few short, pink, 80’s style disco dresses and I am keeping on walking…ignore all lace and anything pink unless you were born in 1995. Nuf said.
My picks are :

• The black and white stripe one shoulder dress: So easy to wear and a little bit more exciting with one shoulder than the garden variety stripe beach dress. wear with flats or heels. Wear with red. Wear with a smile on your face and big cats eye sunglasses. $69
• There is a cute blush ( not really pink) asymmetrical drape sleeveless top which could be the handy little number you need to throw on with skinny jeans. I suggest this would be fabulous with some taupe or choc brown drape pants. Tip: bright pink and black = scary tacky. $69
• I know I have been going about about stripe for months (or probably years) but a stripe Tee is always chic: buy the black and cream slub cotton knit Tee with a deep low neckline ( not a wide scoop) and big loose short sleeves. Love this to toss on with a pencil skirt or you fav chinos. Yes, please for $39.
• Check out the scarves : there is one in a white with black print and it’s called the “affirmation scarf” I am not sure what is scribbled on it but it probably says something like “I shop therefore I am” . ha! ( where are my glasses to read such things?)/ Go for that or any scarf with a print : then you have instant colour in your wardrobe without blinking too brightly $24.

Witchery:
Always great here for fashion pieces that are not too expensive.
My picks are:

• The grey draped short leather jacket : it’s not so draped but more like a fitted cardigan jacket in leather. Yes, I repeat leather for summer is the hot look so start wearing it while you can before it gets too hot. And you will die ( not in a Rachel Zoe kind of I die way) . Love this with a white tee, a flirty skirt and heels. And a cold crisp white wine. hic $499.
• There is also a fabulous and chic taupe round neck fitted leather jacket with a hidden zip. Don’t worry you will find it if you haven’t had too much wine. The zip that is.  Love this with khaki chinos or skinny cargoes and lace up stomping heels.. Lovely for a Melbourne summer when it goes from 40 degree to 15 degrees in 2 hours and you to throw something on…$499.
• For more milder weather you need a summer jacket in black like the drape front black blazer that has no buttons or anything tricky and will sit open : it’s a relaxed jacket that will also enjoy a wine with you I am sure. Wear it tossed over a simple white equipment shirt and grey chinos and faaabulous lace up serious stomp a lcious statement heels.$199
• Did I mention the fabulous green khaki military jacket last time? It is pretty cool and will be the jacket you can toss on over everything: even your jimjams or bikinis. I promise. What’s great about this is that it’s not too train spotting and doesn’t look like it’s actually been in a war. No, not scruffy. Just how I like it. It has chic epaulettes, gunmetal hardware and lots of pockets. You will feel pulled together wearing this with a pencil skirt and carrying your new Givenchy bag. $189
• In the accessories go for the black wooden bead necklace for $89 and wear with a stripe Tee and chinos. Or trying layering up two of the gunmetal ball/ chain Lanvin style necklaces on a black ribbon $69. Love this with a grey Tee for day with jeans. By the way the scarves in ombre are lovely in taupe and cream $39 in a summer weight. Wish I was.

Business Class
Country Road:
It’s looking very casual here with lots of print and khaki: very Dries and Balenciaga inspired!
My picks are:

• You know you need a shirt this season: An equipment shirt is the coolest but this nice, rolled up short sleeve shirt could be the go as well: It’s got the necessary floppiness don’t you think? Awfully easy to wear. What do I love about a shirt? Well, they are sexy but also you will never get that ugly scoop neck look: a shirt is always flattering. Invest in this one in white or olive. Add chains and pendants and cuffs. $99
• I like the black drape silky pants that look very inspired by Marni: They are the new slouchy harem pants with drape wide pockets that seem to go from front to back around the hips. Clever. They are showing them here with flats but I prefer them with heels : Honey,  you need all the help you can get. Wear with a print top or just your fav V neck grey marle tee and lots of pendants. Add a clutch for nights out to dinner. $159
• In the dress department I like the black and white print ruched dress with short sleeves and a draping kind of shape: The neckline is not scary scoop and sits quite well around the shoulders. Don’t be scared the draping is quite flattering. Love this with serious heels or flats or even a dash a red. Outrageous $149
• The fabulous khaki Silky Cargo Skirt: it’s a great little basic and so right for anywhere , any time. It will work with a blazer or with a silky Tee. As I mention every week: my advice is just buy a couple of military pieces to rock the khaki trend. It’s a chic way to look ‘fashion’ and let’s face it khaki green is so much nicer than horrid cheap pink non?! $129
• Love the new flat gladiator sandals that are strappy but not tough. They do not have any horrible buckles or studs or hardware. Simple in taupe $99.

Zimmerman:
When I think of summer I think of Zimmerman and all those lovely dresses and bikinis…
My picks are:

• The taupe silk drape dress in a silky fabric: so chic with red or bright accessories. taupe, blush, caramel and all those brown colours were a huge trend on the runways for next summer so get into now: It’s sleeveless and in that loose shape so it’s perfect for drinks and casual dinners non? $475
• I like the same shape but in a print tank in black and white digital print: so chic It’s a winner with all your basic black jeans and or peg leg pants. $395.
• For a chic little black dress for evening you should buy the black metallic shift dress with a cut out back: it has a great neckline with a slight low round look and a very straight tunic style silhouette. It’s all in the fabric darlink ! $450
• In the basics range you will love the dark grey V neck tee and will wear it with everything I promise: it’s also a winner. $70: yes please. Also in white or is it ecru? I think it’s also available in black but you don’t need that.
• Also check out all the fabulous red /orange paisley print maxi dresses for the beach $395 or the cute short black silk button through shoestring dress; cool! $345.

Mimco
It’s all about accessories this season so if you want to razz up your look without buying a whole new wardrobe head to Mimco for fabulous jewllery and shoes…
My picks are:

• The very snazzy and dramatic Barbed Beaded Choker. They call it a “combination of hand seed beaded chain links with oversized blackened chain, delicate leaf chain, crystal cup chain, hammered rings and an adjustable blackened chain extender.” Oh la la. I call it pretty cool to wear with something casual. These necklaces are really day to evening and look great with jeans or a sexy shirt $269.
• Check out the other amazing Limited Edition over the top necklace: it’s a ” combination of brass plated chain, chainmail, mixed plated curb chain, granulated discs, fang drop motifs, suede plaits, cowry shell and a knotted leather bib. ” I am not sure what fang drop motifs are but it could be good for Halloween? Or eating something. Anyway remember when you wear a statement necklace like this you must all other jewels: keep it simple or you will look like Madonna the first time round and she looked bad then.
• In the shoes I like the taupe stud heels : A little mad with the bling but baby you need to have a party on your feet this season. Remember the klder you get the more eccentric shoes you can wear. But these shoes are not eccentric and look at the heel: My god: quite walk-able : it’s a miracle! Put away the zimmer frame and get into it. Wear with your chinos rolled up and show off those shoes.
• Also in shoes there are some brogues: Yes, I am not so sure I would wear them but they are quite cool in a French actress sort of like like Clemence Poesy kind of way: wear with jeans and a sloppy blazer and a sexy undone loose equipment shirt and off you go. Voila! $279
• If you are going to the races then there are a few hats and fascinators here too..mimco.com.au or you could just buy a floppy sun hat and stick a flower on it. Simple and chic.

Crisp silken tofu crusted in lemongrass (dau hu xa ot) ….adulterated from Luke Nguyen at sbs.com.au

A fabulously spicy and most delicious vegetarian dish that can be served with vegetables as a main course or just have as an entrée.

You need for 5 pieces ( that’s for one hungry fashionista or 20 models)

450 g silken or firm tofu
1 lemon grass stem, white part only, finely chopped
1 bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped
1 tbsp finely diced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 coriander sprigs

* Rice to serve

• Slip into chic Stella McCartney tracksuit.
• Pull off Balenciaga heels and feel your numb feet come back to life.
• Pour a big fat glass of wine.
• Thank the lord you have survived the week.
• Now find the chic silken tofu and drain it and lice into 5 x 10 cm pieces. ( not to small or it will fall apart)
• Leave it alone on the chopping board for a little time to think
• Chop or pound the chilli, lemongrass and garlic til smashed and finely mashed.
• Find a chic bowl and toss in the lemon grass, chilli, garlic, salt, sugar and pepper.
• Mix all the ingredients together.
• You have to use your hands to do the next step so ask George Clooney to do it if you are worried about manicure:
• Coat both sides of the tofu with the mixture.
• You can even do as Luke does and make a little slit in the top of each tofu piece and stuff the lemongrass in it.
• Now heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the oil and pan-fry each side of the tofu for 3 minutes until browned and crisp as Donatella.
• Pour another wine
• Carefully lift the tofu out of the oil
• Accessorise with chic green coriander and serve with lovely white jasmine rice.
• Divine!