“Frankly, if you need to use those devices at a show like this, you’ve got other problems.” An announcer at Victoria’s Secret Fashion show asking that cell phones be turned off.

“my mom’s not nervous about me wearing just underwear because it’s all hidden. It’s just like wearing a dress, except there are parts missing.” Victoria’s Secret fashion-show model Model Magdalena. Missing a brain too..

“In [the segment called] Heavenly Bodies I have huge wings so that’s my moment! It’s like driving a car because they’re so far away from my body. I have to turn them before I turn my body.” Victoria’s Secret fashion-show model Candice Swanepoel. Blinkers on?

“We have rules: She can wear makeup when she goes to parties and special events. And ya know, there’s always a little bit of a discussion about how short the skirt is…or is there some cleavage showing. And I always say to her, ‘Do you want everybody to be staring at your breasts, or do you want people to talk to you?’” Mama, don’t preach? Madonna on her relationship with daughter Lourdes.

“It’s quite bizarre to see your cartoon in the windows dancing and running. I was just told that each puppet will be running in two months about 200 kilometers, so I’m thinking, God, how many calories are they burning there?” Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz on cartoon window display at Printemps

“They want to choose my outfit, to dress me like a doll, I’m thinking I’m a Barbie of the Internet.” Anna dello Russo

“Well, yes, and I’m lucky to have many [godmothers], I’m gay and I’m 40, so I seem to attract that!” jewellery designer Alexis Bittar

I have been going on about Cotton On lately and now I have one more little cheap but chic buy that you must invest in. It’s the cute white, chunky, sporty watch. Yes, it is very Chanel inspired. Yes, it is as light as a feather and plastic. Yes, it’s perfect to toss on and wear to the beach. Yes, you can leave the Hermes and Chanel at home. Yes, you can get sand on it and you won’t be hyperventilating. Yes, it likes to go kayaking…
No, it isn’t waterproof but your mascara is and that’s all that matters. No, I can’t guarantee the quality and who knows how long it will work.
Only time will tell.

What: Bangles
Which: stacks of bangles piled up your arm is back : You want lots of different colours and bangles that are not too wide. That way you can fit more on!
Why: Why not? We have had seasons of big jeweled necklaces so it’s about time to bring back bangles. They seem to work with the 70′’s vibe shown here in US Vogue October styled by Camilla Nickerson. Because it’s a great way to instantly update your look. Because jewellery always adds personality and individual style to any outfit. Because you can make a jangle noise as you make an entrance…
Wear: Choose colours that contrast or pick up the tones in your outfit. we love white with black, the touches of blue seen here (  You can even match your eye shadow ) or go for metallic silver or bronze. Mix it up and have fun!
Where: Diva, Equip, Collette, Mimco, Dinosaur designs, and Net-a-porter.

Hands up who has spent their laser hair removal money on Prada shoes?
Hands up who hates shaving and waxing ?
Hands up who’d rather go shopping than make a leg wax appointment ?
Hands up who wants to get their sexy legs sexy for summer?

You need the Silk-épil 7 : it’s best short hair removal ever ! They say it has “Innovative Close-Grip technology, comfortable Wet & Dry usage and premium equipment for perfect results.”
I say that I love that it doesn’t really hurt and it’s so easy to use.
I Love that you can do it in the comfort of your own home any time day or night.
I Love that it’s hands free and you can use it the shower.
I Love that it has a little light so you can see where you’re going as you mow the lawn (so to speak).
I Love that you can now apply fake tan and not worry that the wax will lift it all off. ( No more looking like a Missoni patch work quilt.)
Love it.

Where has it been all my life?

$208 Braun Silk-épil 7 epilator from major department stores and Braun.com

It’s Angelina on the cover of December US Vogue! Chic ..You can read all about it here… She is fearless and now directing her first film…Love it Vogue.com

“Before There Was Daphne, Before There Was Tilda, Before There Was Lady Gaga, There Was Iris Apfel” For some, fashion is about the conscientious work behind the gloss. Not so for Iris Apfel. “It only takes me a few minutes to throw something together,” the 89-year-old said before the inaugural WGSN Global Fashion Awards last night. “If it takes too much effort, then it wasn’t right.” Style.com

‘Anna Dello Russo and her raffish style-world cohort, who populate the mastheads of the fashion magazines, represent a new breed of Web-based reality star. Cyber idols like Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt of French Vogue, Kate Lanphear of American Elle and Giovanna Battaglia, lately of Italian Vogue, are hardly household names. But as the heroines of influential fashion blogs like Jak & Jil, Who What Wear and Citizen Couture, they are casting a spell, their comings and goings relentlessly tracked by a new generation of aspiring style savants.” love it! nytimes.com

Victoria Beckham wore a Burberry AW10 wool felt coat arriving at Heathrow airport! SO chic! Love it !. Burberry.

“At Lanvin’s Spring ‘11 show, the models wore flats, because, Alber Elbaz said, the heels were too torturous. If the catwalkers got let off the hook, the celebs haven’t been. Gwyneth Paltrow tried a pair of the spikes on the red carpet and confirmed: They’re like “a torture vice,” she said.  Peoplestylewatch.com

Dasha Zhukova, who joined POP as editor-in-chief in February 2009, has resigned from the position, reports Fashionologie.com

LEG UP?: Gisele Bündchen, who made a surprise appearance on the Balenciaga runway during Paris Fashion Week in September, is doing an encore. Word has it the leggy beauty will star in the French brand’s spring advertising campaign, lensed recently in New York by Steven Meisel. Reports WWD.com

It’s the new Model bloggers ! Net-a-porter.com

“Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” an exhibition of the fashion of the late British designer, will open at the Costume Institute on May 4, the Metropolitan Museum of Art said today. The exhibit will include designs from Mr. McQueen’s postgraduate show at Central Saint Martins in 1992 until his final collection in 2010. He died in February.The honorary chairs are François-Henri Pinault of Gucci Group, which owns the McQueen brand, and his wife, Salma Hayek. The co-chairs are Colin Firth, Stella McCartney and Anna Wintour.  Runway.blogs.nytimes.com

Aussie model Candice Lake offers an honest and intriguing insight into her experience of the magical world of fashion in Fullfrontalfashion.com

Natalia Vodianova was recently cast in her first leading role, opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers, in Belle du Seigneur, based on Albert Cohen’s best-selling 1968 French novel of the same name set in WW11… reports Vogue.co.uk

Alber Elbaz cut the ribbon on the Christmas window displays at the Paris flagship of Printemps, which feature his ‘n’ hers puppets based on his sketches dancing in a French chateau setting. The male puppets wear the designer’s trademark tuxedo and bow tie, while the female characters are outfitted in the gold lamé dress with a ruby heart that closed his fall collection…so cute! Reports  wwd.com

Miranda Kerr poses topless in the latest issue of W magazine where Katherine Heigel is on the cover…” Today there are as many meanings of the word “family” as there are families. Welcome to the new normal.” Wmagazine.com

Katy Perry: The provocative pop star talks about her racy lyrics, risqué style, and being Mrs. Brand to Harpersbazaar.com

it’s the gold Givenchy dress again! This time on Elle Uk with Anne Hathaway Elleuk.com

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life …. by Justine Picardie
‘Sleek. Chic. Notoriously guarded. Welcome to the secret world of Gabrielle Chanel.
The story of Chanel begins with an abandoned child, as lost as a girl in a dark fairy tale. Unveiling remarkable new details about Gabrielle Chanel’s early years in a convent orphanage, and her flight into unconventional adulthood, Justine Picardie explores what lies beneath the glossy surface of a mythic fashion icon.
Throwing new light on her passionate and turbulent relationships, this beautifully constructed portrait gives a fresh and penetrating look at how Coco Chanel made herself into her own most powerful creation. An authoritative account, based on personal observations and interviews with Chanel’s last surviving friends, employees, and relatives, it also unravels her coded language and symbols, and traces the influence of her formative years on her legendary style.
Feared and revered by the rest of the fashion industry, Coco Chanel died in 1971 at the age of eighty-seven. But her legacy lives on. Justine Picardie brings Gabrielle Chanel out of hiding and uncovers the consequences of what Chanel covered up, unpicking the seams between truth and myth in a story that reveals the true heart of fashion.”Fascinating!

$26 Publisher: It Books (September 21, 2010) Amazon.com

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules

‘Renowned makeup artist and best-selling author Bobbi Brown is launching her sixth book, Beauty Rules, a fresh, energetic beauty bible for young women, written to help young women learn the beauty basics, then get creative and experiment with their look - and ultimately find their own style.
This is the definitive beauty book empowering teens and twenty-somethings with age-appropriate makeup tips, style secrets, and self-esteem boosters. Emphasizing natural beauty, Bobbi advises on the best products and tools for keeping skin of every type flawless, and shares step-by-step techniques for getting the prettiest hair, eyes, lips, and nails. Stunning makeovers inspire looks for school, parties, interviews, and beyond. With hundreds of photographs of real girls, shots of celebrity role models, and Bobbi’s best tricks from her remarkable career in the cosmetics industry, Beauty Rules is the new go-to guide for all girls.’ Perfect for Christmas !

$14.85 Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 25, 2010) Amazon.com

Economy class

Witchery
My picks this week are:

• The silk blush top with silver embellishment: it’s a fab top for throwing on with jeans and skinny cargoes/chinos if you are heading out for a drink :HIC! It has a floppy shape and so it’s a chic juxtaposition of the easy shape contrasting with a luxe fabric. $299
• I like the blush natural simple top with a drape front: always good for the muffin situation : it sits well so will work with any pants. You know the V neck is flattering because it’s not an ugly scoop. And it’s bra safe! No need to show off your bra straps all the time …$69
• I do like the beach wear collection: so check out the ‘bobble’ beach dress in a very wide loose trapeze shape with shoe string straps and a bobble front: It’s in a cotton muslin fabric so perfect for la plage or le weekend. $129.
• In the beach wear you should also try on the drawstring rope beach dress in a cotton as well . I like in white or a grey/blue. You can see it has a simple ruffle along the hem but otherwise it’s so simple and so right for tossing over the bikini. Bring on summer! $79
• You want the cotton khaki straight utility skirt with a canvas ribbon belt and big YSL style pockets on the side. A winner with heels or flats. $89
• In accessories buy the cute cotton summer scarves in soft blue or with a cream and khaki print $49.

Sportsgirl
Head here for great fashion accessories at great pieces…
My picks this week are:

• You want navy and white stripe tank dress: stripes, stripes, stripes…it’s all you need: Ignore florals because they are so hard to wear, so aging and so tricky. Please just do what Prada showed for next summer and stick to stripes and more stripes and shut up.. This is an easy wear dress don’t you think? $79
• Buy the cotton shirt in khaki crinkle cotton with epaulettes: it has roll up sleeves and a really loose shape. Such a great buy and a way to get into the military look without going crazy. Work black with black basic or go for taupes and creams. $39
• I spy a cute black satchel bag which is very inspired by Proenza Schouler with silver hardware: the satchel bag continues to be a hot accessory $59
• Buy the cute espadrilles with a lace up ties; so cute $29. So right for that taupe/brown/natural look. Almost 70’s with a long wide skirt…
• There is $20 off the grey peg leg chinos which are now $59 and in a chic khaki too. Hot ! Very high waist, I think, and baggy but tres cool.
• Oh and the tan leather motorcycle jacket in lovely soft leather and brass zip is now on sale for $149. Pretty fabulous price. It will be a hot look next season so I know you will get seasons of wear. Seasons I tell you.
• Also if you want some spectacle frames ( that you can put in prescriptions lenses) buy the wayfarer style tortoiseshell frames $39. Or just wear them as a fashion look with no lenses at all. Ha.

Betts Shoes:
Always great to head here for fabulous cheap but chic shoes.
My picks are:

• The canvas heels in taupe with a high fabric ankle wrap back now on sale for about $76
• Buy the black flat lace up gladiators : now $70: Love the idea that there is no hardware: These are quite flattering because they are not tough looking and the lacing on the foot is quite open so you won’t get strangled cankles. Wear to the beach and not worry about wrecking them for that price.
• Love the flat criss-cross very Givenchy style multi strap gladiators: again with no obvious bling or hardware: Love the toe thong look they have.$79
• You want the choc brown and canvas sandals with the silver buckles and a square heel. They look great and will work with everything; I promise! $109
• For an easy, walkable heels with a platform you should try on the brown T bar, very YSL style heels with the wooden clog and stud heels. SO chic, so easy to run, so you must have them. $99.
• If you want more tan heels then try on the tan criss-cross strap heels with a very Prada platform heels : that means they have a few lines of white stitching along the platform $99. A platform is still the hot shoes of the season.
• For a chic bargain you should buy the flat sandals with a cross over front that are not too radical gladiator style. They just have a couple of silver buckles and look very flattering $59 . yes please.

Business Class:
Country Road;
My picks this week are:

• The rope detail black racer back, maxi dress is chic: Rope detail meaning the drawstring neckline is a kind of rope: it’s a great basic dress to toss on for summer : it’s very at Home or beach. Please don’t do the maxi dress shopping or out and about. Or with heels. So tacky. You can do wedges but flats are perfect. $199
• Buy the Marni style, silk cargo pants: yes, we all need more black pants! So why not buy a pair that have pockets so big that they cover up all muffin thighs and anything else that sticks out. These are a lovely floppy fabric so the look is tres casual with flats or heels. Wear with a tank tucked in and a belt. I think a Balenciaga belt would be chic non? $159. Then add a stripe scarf for colour and print $59 and voila! Instant chic.
• Love the stone jersey, drape sleeveless top with chiffon detail trim along the edge: such a great price and I love the asymmetrical neckline with one strap wider than the other: perfect to toss on under a blazer or on its own with skinny cargoes or any of your fav pants. Or trousers or whatever you want to call them. $59
• Buy the silk wide neck short sleeve slinky Tee in a concrete colour: it’s very simple and CK inspired with one small pocket and a wide band along the hem so it sits on the hips: a lovely big oversized loose shape. I think it will flop over one shoulder if you wanted it too. Hint: you do. I think everyone needs a chic Tee in this colour to wear with everything. So minimalist and so right $129
• Check out the navy and cream snake print drape front to : it has cute cap sleeves and a great fit because it won’t cling too much. A great way to get print into your wardrobe: remember keep prints at the top of the body : who wants print on your legs? Pas moi! $79.

Marcs:
My picks are:

• The cotton safari shirt with chic small tortoise shell buttons: You know you want a shirt because I have been telling you for 6 months. You can wear this khaki brown shirt with everything from high waist jeans to a chic little short shorts. Brown and taupe are THE colours shown on the runway for next summer so get into the look toute suite. $119
• Buy the blue and white tank: it’s sleeveless with cutaway arms so it’s very flattering on the arm situation: as I have mentioned a million times stripes are hot de la hot . I like the neckline on this top as well.. $69
• You want stone crop cotton pants/chinos: they have a flat front if you don’t want to do ( or can’t get your head around: bless) the 80’s front pleat thing. These will be quite flattering on. Stone chinos are a wardrobe basic and look so fab with heels and a loose top and heels. $99
• Love the navy and white boat neck sleeveless T shirt dres : it has a simple shape and ¾ sleeves: Don’t worry I don’t think stripes make you look fat : they can actually camouflage the lumps! Is it Ok to say the words Fat? $99
• Check out the subtle stripe ticking shirt dress with a chic brown plaited belt: it’s one of those collarless dresses with a round neckline and tres chic for tossing on and walking out the door. Wear with tan stomp a lcious heels to add a tough edge and sexiness. $179.

Saba;
You can find great work wear here and a few other classic pieces but I am sorry to say I think it’s looking a little daggy here and needs some sexing up; I see there is a sale online with 25% off…
My picks are:

• The denim here is always great and the jeans are on sale: go for the ’straight shooter’ skinny jeans now $119 and the cropped faded blue denim jeans now $119.
• Try on the chic white blazer : it has one button and a great tailored shape:A white jacket is one of summer’s must have pieces. Just don’t wear it like Julia Gillard who gets it so wrong. (yes, I know, it’s not about what she looks like…that’s for sure) $279
• Check out the shorts : I like the black cuffed shorts in a linen/cotton. Buy a size too big: they are supposed to be loose and chic: wear with heels and only heels, and a chic equipment blouse. Shorts were all over the runways for next season so it’s a look that is not saying au revoir just yet. $129
• I see a fabulous black knit dress with wide straps and a V neck and it’s fitted into the waist and then flares out in wide skirt. A fabulous cut : How do I know? Because I tried on the exact same dress last summer ( on sale !) when it was designed by Basque in Myer. Is this the same designer now working at Saba? Or have they copied the same dress from Alaia a year or so later? It’s a fabulous buy so you can’t complain: I think it’s about $199. I love it because it flares out and it’s a wining shape on anybody. the flared shape means you can wear flats or heels whereas with a fitted black sheath dress it’s very tricky to wear with flats or out at for a casual night without looking too dressed up.
• On sale is a fabulous black or grey fitted crop trench jacket now $111 was $299. It’s so chic non? With gold buttons and a belt and high collar: wear with aplomb!

Cherry and White Chocolate Clafoutis ….adulterated from Masterchef.com.au.

I never watch Masterchef but everyone is talking about it so I thought I would check out the recipes and I found this: So delicious and rich. Just like a Chanel bag. Cherries are coming into season and this is perfect for the party season dinner..
Don’t be scared by all those ingredients : You can take the shortcut and only make the Clafoutis without the accoutrements: it takes no time at all and it melts in your mouth…

You need for 2 moulds (or one medium size) to feed 2 x FiFi’s or 25 x Rachel Zoes:

Lining the moulds:
20g butter, melted
1/4 cup caster sugar

Filling/batter:
50g plain flour
Pinch salt
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
80ml milk
80ml thickened cream
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
35g unsalted butter, melted
50g white chocolate, coarsely grated

Marinated cherries:
400g fresh cherries, pitted (about 300g pitted)
1 tablespoon caster sugar
Squeeze of fresh orange juice

Mascarpone cream:
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon icing sugar
150ml thickened cream
80g mascarpone

Cherry and rosewater compote:
150g pitted cherries
Finely grated rind and juice of 1 orange
3 teaspoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon rosewater
1 cinnamon quill

• Preheat oven to 180C.
• Slip into chic little Prada cooking apron and Vuitton clogs.
• Pour a huge glass of wine and gulp.
• You should marinate the cherries first
• So combine cherries, sugar and orange juice in a medium bowl.
  Set aside for a quiet meditation alone. The cherries not you.
• Now the line moulds:
• By melting the butter.
• Brush two 350ml capacity shallow oval ceramic dishes with the melted butter.
• Sprinkle evenly with sugar shaking to cover.
• Shake out excess sugar. ( this won’t work after eating a mars bar. sorry).
• This is a good time to squeeze orange juice.
• Zest the lemons.
• For filling, combine flour and salt in a medium bowl.
• Make a well in the centre.
• Whisk in egg, egg yolk, rind and vanilla bean paste until smooth as creme de la Mer.
• Combine milk and cream in a small jug and gradually whisk into mixture 1/2 at a time.
• Add sugar, orange juice, melted butter and chocolate and stir to combine.
• Spoon the cherries into the chic dishes and pour over batter until about 3/4 full.
• Lick the bowl. There are no calories.
• Think about dieting tomorrow.
• Throw in the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes or until tops are golden as a Chloe bag.
• If you want to make cherry and rosewater compote: Toss the ingredients in a saucepan, simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes or until the cherries are as tender and soft as an Hermes bag and liquid is slightly reduced. Like your wine glass.
• For mascarpone cream, beat ingredients in a mixer until soft peaks form. Taste to make sure it’s delicious. Watch as soft peaks form on your hips too.
• Serve the clafoutis with the cherry and rosewater compote and accessorised with the amazing mascarpone cream.
• Divine!