“I guess the mosquito in Juba looked at me and thought I was the bar.” George Clooney has malaria after going to Africa. Bless.

“Clooney malaria update: now have 24,563 offers to nurse him. But his rep says medication’s worked and he’s OK. Sorry, ladies” Piers Morgan.

” One day, we were driving and you could smell it from somewhere. My daughter asked what the smell was so I told her it was a skunk. Then she said, ‘Sometimes Daddy smells like that!’” Mark Wahlberg, on why dope is no longer dope

“Her child will probably need therapy after seeing Black Swan.” Jake Gyllenhaal on Natalie Portman

“It’s going to be a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or as Charlie Sheen calls it: breakfast.”  Golden Globe host Host Ricky Gervais.

“Many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as the Betty Ford Clinic and Los Angeles County Jail.” Ricky Gervais  introduces Robert Downey Jr.

“Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the vibe of the show has been pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?” Downey Jr. later said on stage

“We recall when Ricky Gervais was a slightly chubby but very kind comedian,” Tom Hanks.  ( when was that?)

“I think there will be a collective sigh amongst women across the United States when I say Ryan  [Reynolds] is not my lovah, He’s just been an amazing friend for 10 years … but I don’t get his loving after dark.” Sandra Bullock

To celebrate the upcoming summer wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock, Elbaz has teamed up with the Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo in Monaco to create a romantic package for two that features Elbaz-designed cocktails and treats, a Lanvin Gift, and helicopter ride over the French Riviera. Divine! Vogue.co.uk

Kate Young,  stylist to the stars, (her clients Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz,) ” began her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant. After majoring in English and art history in college, she moved to NYC and landed a job at Vogue. “I had a really different experience to what people assume I had. I really liked the job,” she says, dismissing nightmarish Devil Wears Prada visions. “Anna’s a really smart, tough woman, but I have nothing but good things to say about her.” Nymag.com

This is hardcore ( that’s what they say! ) Kate moss is kissing Famous transgender model Lea T ( shot by Mert & Marcus ) on the cover of LOVE magazine ..Whatever…more titillating girl on girl?  Yawn. Apparently it’s the ” androgyny issue,”. The Love magazine site is cool . Fashionista.com

CATHY HORYN in the NYTimes agrees with me: ” In some ways, the focus on sexuality reflects the fairly narrow thinking of designers and photographers (or, possibly, of editors and advertising agency art directors).” …As fashionista writes…”Horyn’s point is that designers and photographers are using sexuality and gender crossovers to be shocking rather than push themselves creatively. ”

Jennifer Aniston is on the cover of Allure: ” How do I say this? I think it was the ugliest haircut I’ve ever seen. What I really want to know is, how did that thing have legs? Let’s just say I’m not a fan of short, layered cuts on my personally, so I don’t love revisiting that particular era.”

MARC JACOBS presented his menswear collection in Milan yesterday, as the fashion week came to an end Peek at the Geeks here Vogue.co.uk

Anna Wintour’s new favorite model is 22-year-old Arizona Muse, who is joined by her 19-month-old son, Nikko in her 14 page only-girl spread, shot by Peter Lindbergh for Vogue’s February 2011 issue.  See it all here at fashionologie.com

Mario Sorrenti shot model Lara Stone for French Vogue’s February 2011 issue, which is Stone’s sixth cover for the magazine as well as Carine Roitfeld’s second-to-last.Boo hoo.  Nymag.com

Nicola Formichetti, Lady Gaga’s stylist, has asked the singer to create an original soundtrack for his upcoming menswear show at Thierry Mugler, where he is now the creative director. Fashionista.com

Anna Wintour must be paranoid she is getting too old: she is now putting all the young stars on the cover:  “we have word from a source that Rihanna is slated to cover Vogue’s April issue, following Lady Gaga.  So that’s Kristen Stewart (February), Lady Gaga (March), now Rihanna…. Please explain. They are not really inspiring Vogue role models…

First Balenciaga, now Isabel Marant: Gisele’s sweep of Spring’s ad campaigns continues!  Say au revoir, Kate Moss. Stylefile

Jimmy Choo has debuted its men’s footwear collection with classic styles and a dash of luxe and glamour.  WWD

The Hundred-Foot Journey….By Richard C. Morais

I loved this book and I read it on the beach over the Christmas holidays…Although the ending should have been edited by about 2 chapters! “This charming, funny and compulsively readable novel is a delicious tale of restaurant rivalry, the desperate quest for Michelin Stars and the hundred-foot distance between a new Indian kitchen and a traditional French restaurant in Paris.
Abbas Haji is the proud owner of a modest family restaurant in Mumbai. But when tragedy strikes, Abbas propels his boisterous family into a picaresque journey across Europe, finally settling in the remote French village of Lumiere, where he establishes an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai.
This vivid, hilarious and charming novel - about how just a small distance of a hundred feet can represent the gulf between different cultures, different people, their tastes and their destinies - is simply bursting with eccentric characters, delicious flavours and high emotion.
Morais has worked at Forbes magazine for 25 years where he has interviewed everyone from Lula da Silva and Tony Blair to Vaclav Klaus. His first novel is an homage to his friend, film producer the late Ismail Merchant, who died before the book was finished. The film of the book is now in production.
‘Outstanding! I wished it went on for another three hundred pages.’ - Anthony Bourdain
‘I have never experienced that most subtle of senses - smell - captured so well in print. The aroma of fine cooking just floats off the pages. Don’t read this book if you’re hungry. You might eat it.’ - Simon Beaufoy, Oscar-Award-winning screenwriter, Slumdog Millionaire
$27.99 Australian Pub: December 2010 Allenandunwin.com

Jackie as Editor: The Literary Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

I read about this in the latest issue of US Harpers Bazaar and it sounds fascinating!
“She was Mrs. Kennedy for a decade, a Presidential widow for 5 years and the wife of a Greek millionaire for 7. That accounts for just over 20 of her 64 years, and yet those are the areas most biographers concentrate on.
Finally a serious, affectionate and inspiring view of 15+ years she spent as a book editor. This is the life she built by herself, for herself, after living her life and realizing her ambitions through men. She brought everything that had come before — her jetset celebrity, her role as the First Lady who restored the White House, her times as a young woman living in Paris — to her career in publishing. Here we see her learning the industry (everything from office politics to working the xerox machine), nurturing her authors and championing the projects that spoke to her. Perhaps because she had received so much attention in other areas of her life, she concentrated more on *the work* than on receiving credit.
Don’t assume that just because this book is a classy account of her literary life that it’s dry and boring. Many anecdotes give us an idea of the woman herself (she loved burgers for lunch and really did speak in that breathy little-girl voice) and include juicy glimpses at other celebrities (from Sinatra to Mayor Daley to Carly Simon to Michael Jackson)” Review from Amazon

$15 Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (January 4, 2011) Amazon.com

Economy Class: It’s stripes and more stripes…

French Connection:
My picks are:

• The black ( or cream ) silk T shirt with cap sleeves , relaxed loose cut and exposed zip in back. $129. It has an interesting kind of Lanvin style of cut on the arms which makes it a bit more exciting than a normal old Tee. And it cuts off the big, fat, muffin on the arms. You can wave without fear.
• I love the black and white stripe Tee with the cute You.me.Oui on the front in red, Why not? Add red wedges and voila! ( but don’t forget your pants Britney) $49
• Check out the very Proenza Schouler style satchel style bag: if you are on a budget you can have this for $99. it looks cool with small gold hardware. Buy it , wear it , thrash it.
• How cute are the red and pink jelly sandals now on sale for $29? Very. That’s all the pink you need in your wardrobe…

Cotton on:
Always worth poking around here for cute bargains: My picks are:

• The cute “Blondie Bling” Tee: it’s a white tee with black jewels scattered in a necklace style on the front . It’s a handy little number to toss with shorts or back with a pencil skirt. What an outrageous price. I am telling you it’s looks more expensive. So? it’s very fashion : who cares when it’s $29.95? I suggest wearing with your skinny cargoes and peg leg pants. You can pull if off the shoulder too. Will work under a blazer with jeans for when the weather is cold. For those living in Melbourne.
• I do like the fabulous oversize top in black / charcoal marle stripe. You know stripes are hot. You know stripes are flattering on any age. You know stripes are chic. You need this for just $19.95. outrageous!
• There is also a cute crop top: yes, I know, so eighties and so back for the ones who can get away with it. It’s in a white / black stripe. You can wear with a high waist pants. True. $19.95
• If you want something to toss on to go the beach then why spend your shoe money on stuff that will get salty and sandy? I suggest buying the black ( or other colours) crinkle wrinkle harem pants with an elastic waist. Perfect for an outrageous $19. what?!

Trenery:
It can look a little shall we say “old” here but if you snoop you will find some fab basics that looks tres French.

• You want the stripe cotton knit top that has ¾ sleeves and a loose neckline. It’s a lovely cream into blues and grey stripe and chic with the right fashion bottoms. Ie. Short cuffed shorts or with skinny cargoes. You need a narrow look to balance it out. A perfect casual number to toss over a bathers too with it just might get a little chilly on a windy beach.$99
• I do like the blue chambray denim shirt dress: it has those cute epaulettes and short sleeves. Love this with wedges. Cool. $129
• Buy the ash grey linen fitted blazer: It will joosh up the wardrobe because it’s the right mix of tailoring and casual $149. A must buy. Love.

Business Class:
Wittner shoes:
My picks this week:

• Buy the animal print shootie wedges: Yes, a little difficult to think about winter just yet but remember animal print is a huge trend but I always say just stick to wearing it as accessories and you will nail it. These are cool and in a pony hair for added texture. $179.
• Love the black and navy suede wedges. These are so right for now and walking is easier with a wedge non? I can see these in winter with opaques so don’t fret you can get months of wear. $139. yes please.
• You want the pointy toe pumps in balck with the white bow. So louis Vuitton. Get used to it. The point pumps is a coming back. The square chinky heel stops it from too pretty. Wear with a fabulous full 50’s skirt a la Vuitton or Prada or just wear with jeans or cargoes. $169.

Saba:

• I like the black leather biker jacket. Yes, black biker jackets are still happening next season. again. Ao invest in this number  for $599 .It is rather expensive when I know you can get fabulous buys at net a porter or Bergdorf’s for the same price. But the leather seems lovely and the cut is good.
• Buy the black maxi dress now on sale for $186. it has a flattering neckline and the cotton is great quality and feels chic. Yes, all black. Honey,  NEVER be afraid of black. Never.
• You can’t go past a great pair of skinny cargoes (in dark grey or blue) to get through the summer. Yes, very fashion but not yet reached its zenith yet so you can still get another season of wear. Saba always has a great cut in pants and these are great. $169. Called cargo pocket jean. Whatever.

Marcs:
You need a few key pieces here to snazzy up your boring wardrobe:
My suggestions are:

• The black and white animal print top with short, puff a licious sleeves. Those crazy sleeves have been around like this for a season or so and it’s a very Lanvin inspired look. This is a good thing. A great way to incorporate print into your wardrobe with out resorting to florals which make anyone over 25 look old. Sorry. Wear this with something sexy for weekends. Or to the office with loose peg leg pants $179.
• Yes, I know I am obviously having a stripe moment. But, hey,  it’s a big trend and with sales everywhere it’s a little tricky finding anything I can recommend to buy. That is why I do love the red and ink stripe Tee dress. The ¾ sleeves mean you can wear in summer without dying of a heat stroke. Toss it on and run out the door. So lovely even with a brown belt. So Celine. $99.
• By the way the stripe khaki scarf is the best way to add a little something to any old boring black. Love this with a cream or green slub knit and cargoes and heels. Easy. Summer. $49.

Prawn and black rice salad with Vietnamese dressing…. adulterated from Nigella Lawson’s Forever Summer. See the video here

I just loved the look of this! The black rice back with the red prawns looks amazing….and it’s also quite delicious on a warm summer night. I think this works as a lovely dish as a little entrée as it’s a little rich for a main course.  If you don’t have prawns this would be divine with flaked roast salmon but go easy on the dipping sauce…I used cooked peeled prawns instead of raw prawns and soaked in lemon juice. Yum.

*Nigella also recommends that you choose authentic black rice rather than rice dyed with squid or wild rice. You have to do whatever Nigella says….I found it in the organic shop.

You need for 2 gourmands as a main course or for 4 as an entrée  or 35 models for a week..

For the Vietnamese dipping sauce/dressing:
2 garlic cloves minced or crushed
2 bird’s eye chillies, or other red chillies, finely sliced
4 cm ginger, fresh, finely minced
4 tabsp fish sauce
4 tabsp fresh lime juice, (about 1 to 2 limes to taste)
2 tabsp water
2 tabsp caster sugar
I added a teasp of sesame oil for a bit of depth

For the salad:
250 g rice, Nanking black rice
500 g prawns, raw and peeled
1 pinches salt
0.5 lemons, juice only
Coriander for accessorizing.

• Slip into your favourite Gucci sundress.
• Slide into your new Louboutins thongs.
• Pour a big glass of French Champagne. So refreshing after a hard day’s shopping don’t you think?
• Relax.
• If you have raw prawns you can poach them in a little salted water with juice of half a lemon. Takes about 5 mins.
• Let them cool.
• Now ask that naughty, lazy George Clooney to peel the prawns.
• Pour another champers. February will be alcohol free detox month so drink up now.
• Now cook the rice as you would white rice. That’s what I did. I took a little longer.
• Now all you have to do is make the dipping sauce.
• Which means chop up the chilies, ginger and garlic as small as all the Kardashian’s brains put together. Yes, that small.
• Juice the limes.
• Lick your fingers.
• Toss all the dipping ingredients together. Mix. So easy; it’s stupid.
• You can serve the prawns hot or cold. Whatever suits. Trans seasonal darling!
• Drink more champers.
• Then give the sauce a quick little stir and spoon some, but not all, over the rice. It can be quite rich and you don’t want to drown the rice.
• Now fork the sauce through and then tumble the prawns on top, spooning a little more sauce over as you go.
• So chic! It’s looks like Prada spring summer 11 but without the monkeys…
• Give it a toss and accessorise with some coriander if you so desire.
• Divine.