Tight-fisted Kylie Minogue goes shopping at Salvation Army shop

Melbourne, Apr 1 (ANI): Even Kylie Monigue has not been able to get away from the ill effects of the ongoing recession, as she was seen shopping at Salvation Army shop in Melbourne.

Minogue bought two dresses, a hat, and a skirt at the shop all for a meager 40 dollars.

The Army shop manager Natasha revealed that the entertainer was shopping with a girlfriend, and tried too hard to dodge the eyeing fans with her huge sunglasses and a hat.

“She was hiding under a hat and had the trademark big sunglasses on, but she still looked great,” News.com.au quoted Natasha as saying.

“She looked happy as she browsed around before buying a couple of summery dresses, a trendy little hat with a peak and a skirt. All up, she spent under 40 dollars,” Natasha added. (ANI)

Paris Hilton feeling broody?

London, Mar 21 (ANI): Paris Hilton desperately wants to start a family, it has emerged.

The 28-year-old stunner, who is currently dating US TV hunk Doug Reinhardt, is reportedly keeping her best dresses for daughters.

What’s more, she has picked a room to be a nursery in her Los Angeles pad, reports The Sun.

She has previously given up drinking and partying in an attempt to have a baby. (ANI)

Designer mirrors dismal realities of metropolis life

New Delhi, Mar 19 (ANI): Sombre shades of city life were reflected in designer Nitin Bal Chauhan’s collection for the Autumn/Winter’09 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

Infused with drama, the designer put together a show, which had shades of dark and explored the grim realities of the urban lifestyle at the much awaited five-day fashion extravaganza, which kick started here on Wednesday.

Aptly titled ‘Conditions Apply Part II’, the collection in hues of grey and tinge of light black, lived up to the theme and brought to life successfully the nine stories of vanity, deliverance, teen suicide, mediocrity, accidents, urbanisation, senior citizens, sealing and divorce which centre round the lives of most of the metropolitan people.

Dresses, jackets, suits, skirts, pants and coats in woollen fabrics brought to platform the conditions that applied to those living in an urban set up.

“My creation is inspired by people around that I see leading different kinds of life and different kind of dilemmas. The cuts were very clean. It was lot of experiment with fluidity and structure. The palette is quite dark. There is lot of darkness around, which is the flip side of urban life which is being portrayed in this collection,” said Chauhan.

If the phobias of urban life inspired one designer, the story of silk formed the theme of designer Samant Chauhan’s collection.

Inspired by the Bhagalpur silk, Chauhan saluted the weavers who use the threads to weave together a beautiful body of fabric.

A colour palette of shades of beige brought about a rustic and rich feel to the garments.

Skimpy and slim tunics, coats almost vintage in appeal, frocks, jackets and trousers both for men and women in simple silhouettes brought forth the beauty of silk in various forms.

With 102 designers and around 175 buyers, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is the country’s premiere fashion extravaganza, which brings together the business of fashion and expert designers as well as connoisseurs of lifestyle on a common platform.

This gala event will culminate on March 23. (ANI)

Katherine Heigl ‘blasted for throwing diva tantrums’

Washington, March 4 (ANI): Actress Katherine Heigl is reportedly facing heat on the set of her latest flick ‘Five Killers’ for throwing diva tantrums.

The ’27 Dresses’ star was allegedly being “extremely unprofessional”, chipping appointments and making outlandish demands.

Heigl was said to have been insisting that she be jetted in a private plane to reach the movie’s international destinations, along with demanding “crazy amounts of security.”

“Heigl reportedly refused to film any scenes until her pregnant assistant ran around and got her a Coke Zero,” Fox News quoted a source as saying.

“She refused to eat lunch next to anyone or have anyone speak to her once the cameras stopped rolling. No one on the crew likes her,” the source added.

Another source said: “She has a sense of entitlement that is really off-putting. Many directors that she’s worked with in the past do not want to work with her again.” (ANI)

Simpson closes Dessert cosmetics and Sweet Kisses clothing line for new projects

New York, Feb 13 (ANI): American singer Jessica Simpson has stopped the production of her Dessert cosmetics and Sweet Kisses clothing line for other projects.

Simpson is adding a line of dresses, luggage and even bedding to her current portfolio of perfume, shoe, hair extensions and handbags.

The dress collection will feature a whopping 45 styles ranging in price from 108 dollars – 148 dollars, and is set to hit Macy’s and JessicaSimpsonCollection.com in March.

“I know how a dress can make you feel so frumpy. I promise mine won’t,” the New York Daily News quoted Simpson as telling InStyle magazine.

“I know what flatters a woman, and trust me, I’ve been judged a lot in my life. By now I know what works if you’re curvy,” she added. (ANI)

Brand Beckham rakes in 2.5M pounds profit

London, Feb 13 (ANI): Multimillionaire couple David and Victoria Beckham have raked in a profit of a whopping 2.5million pounds.

The duo has made the profit form their Beckham Brand Limited, which was set up to “exploit the brand of David and Victoria Beckham” with TV interviews and websites.

The mega-loaded Beckhams made more than 2.5 million pounds in 2007, which was 1million pounds more than in 2006.

Becks and Posh were recently named third-richest couple in Hollywood, with an estimated joint income of 38.6million pounds, all thanks to their ever-expanding empire that includes, dresses, perfume, sun-glasses and jeans.

The massive earnings were revealed yesterday in Beckham Brand’s latest accounts, reports the Mirror.

And the 3.3million pounds dividend was equally distributed among directors- David, Victoria and pop guru Simon Fuller. (ANI)

Brand Beckham rakes in 2.5M pounds profit

London, Feb 13 (ANI): Multimillionaire couple David and Victoria Beckham have raked in a profit of a whopping 2.5million pounds.

The duo has made the profit form their Beckham Brand Limited, which was set up to “exploit the brand of David and Victoria Beckham” with TV interviews and websites.

The mega-loaded Beckhams made more than 2.5 million pounds in 2007, which was 1million pounds more than in 2006.

Becks and Posh were recently named third-richest couple in Hollywood, with an estimated joint income of 38.6million pounds, all thanks to their ever-expanding empire that includes, dresses, perfume, sun-glasses and jeans.

The massive earnings were revealed yesterday in Beckham Brand’s latest accounts, reports the Mirror.

And the 3.3million pounds dividend was equally distributed among directors- David, Victoria and pop guru Simon Fuller. (ANI)

Brand Beckham rakes in 2.5M pounds profit

London, Feb 13 (ANI): Multimillionaire couple David and Victoria Beckham have raked in a profit of a whopping 2.5million pounds.

The duo has made the profit form their Beckham Brand Limited, which was set up to “exploit the brand of David and Victoria Beckham” with TV interviews and websites.

The mega-loaded Beckhams made more than 2.5 million pounds in 2007, which was 1million pounds more than in 2006.

Becks and Posh were recently named third-richest couple in Hollywood, with an estimated joint income of 38.6million pounds, all thanks to their ever-expanding empire that includes, dresses, perfume, sun-glasses and jeans.

The massive earnings were revealed yesterday in Beckham Brand’s latest accounts, reports the Mirror.

And the 3.3million pounds dividend was equally distributed among directors- David, Victoria and pop guru Simon Fuller. (ANI)

Posh makes fashion statement in Russian Vogue

London, Jan 22 (ANI): No one can top Victoria Beckham in making a fashion statement, and her poses in the Russian Vogue proves it all.

The former Spice Girl was seen in a dominatrix pose in one picture, while others showed her clad in a new line of frocks.

Added to the pictures was one showing her in a red-hot, thigh-skimming dress.

“I’ve tried all the dresses on, lived in them, to work out what feels right,” the Sun quoted her as saying.

“I hope the silhouette is what every woman wants to wear.

“Forties and 50s underwear is a big influence but the inspiration is me,” she added. (ANI)

Inauguration gown buyers flocking to thrift shops to buy recession-proof dresses!

Washington, Jan 9 (ANI): After tucking the highly coveted inaugural ball tickets in their purses, finalising a hot date and a place to stay afterwards, women are now thronging local thrift-shops looking for hand-me-down dresses and accessories to complete their looks for the day.

Thrift-shop merchants are saying that this winter, shopping-savvy and cash-deprived are flocking to discount and consignment stores to get the best buy for dressing up at President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural ceremony.

Goodwill stores “are a great place to find very inexpensive yet beautiful vintage and contemporary high-end fashions for the inaugural festivities,” The Washington Times quoted Brendan Hurley, vice president of marketing for the popular thrift-store chain, as saying in an e-mail.

He said that the Goodwill in Gaithersburg has reported “far more customers looking for formal wear this early in the season than usual.”

Hurley also said that customers were least bothered with wearing other people”s clothes.

This is because “many of the formal gowns that are donated to Goodwill have only been worn once, while some have never been worn at all,” he said.

Em Hall, Goodwill”s fashion blogger has found inaugural gowns from the 1960s designed and donned by Jane Quisenberry Wirtz, who was the wife of Willard Wirtz, 95, secretary of labor under President Kennedy.

And as far as men are concerned, Hall has suggested great deal of selections of tuxedos, suits and shirts.

“The classic black tux is a must-have. Satin lapel, side-seam satin stripe – this is most certainly the time to go all out,’ she said.

Michelle Sterling, founder of the Global Image Group, a style consulting firm said that shopping for inaugural gowns and tuxedos at nontraditional places is a sign of the times.

“With the down economy, many people are cleaning out their closets and selling their old clothes. You never know if you”ll find vintage Chanel, Dior or Gucci in a consignment store,” she said. (ANI)

Michelle Obama hailed as connoisseur of American designer clothes

New York, Jan 8 (ANI): US President-elect Barack Obama has yet to step into office, but his wife Michelle Obama has already been seen as the promoter of high fashion in America by fashion experts.

The would-be First Lady made a big impact with the clothes she wore throughout the campaign, leaving behind a message that clothes not only make a person stand out but also show a his/her temperament.

“My perception is that she’s already had an extremely potent effect on the business,” the New York Times quoted Hamish Bowles, the Vogue editor who was curator of ‘Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years’, a 2001 show of Kennedy’s style at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as saying.

“Just looking at the designers she’s been drawn to, you can see she’s shown astute sartorial judgment.

“She has also made clear in her choices that thoughtful and intelligent American designers are perfectly capable of creating clothes that have an impact on the world stage,” he added.

Michelle Obama’s choice of attire is being seen as a godsend for the American designers.

“There is something timely about celebrating American fashion and American designers,” Stephanie Solomon, the fashion director of Bloomingdale’s, said.

“Mrs. Obama is, first of all, very elegant and has wonderful taste.

“But she also recognizes the value of beautiful dresses and not big prices. She dresses like taste doesn’t necessarily have to do with brand or status, but with what looks well on your body and makes you look glamorous, bottom line.

“It is very refreshing and appropriate for this period,” she added.

Steven Kolb, the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said that American fashion liked other industries needs a big boost at the moment.

Further adding that even though trying to revive a faltering industry might be too much even for her, she was still expected to use her position as the First Lady to promote American goods. (ANI)

‘The Dark Knight’ dominates People”s Choice Awards

Washington, January 8 (ANI): Batman blockbuster ‘The Dark Knight’ grabbed a handful of trophies at the People”s Choice Awards in Los Angeles on January 7.

The 2008 superhero film, which grossed more than 500 million dollars, topped the claimed Favorite Superhero, Favorite Movie, Favorite Onscreen Match-Up, Favorite Action Movie and Favorite Cast categories.

Batman Christian Bale, co-star Aaron Eckhart and director Christopher Nolan were honoured with a lengthy standing ovation as they walked the Shrine Auditorium stage to claim their prizes.

Bale further went on to raise one of the awards in remembrance of late fellow actor and villain in the film, Heath Ledger, saying: “Here”s to Heath”.

Heath had died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January last year, reports Contactmusic.

The second highest-grossing flick in US box-office history had also won the title to be the Best Film of 2008 on a prominent movie news website Moviehole.net.

Other award-winners were:

Favourite Funny Male Star – Adam Sandler

Favourite Talk Show Host – Ellen DeGeneres

Favourite Male Singer – Chris Brown

Favourite Movie Comedy – 27 Dresses

Favourite Female Movie Star – Reese Witherspoon

Favourite Male Movie Star – Will Smith

Favourite R+B Song – No One by Alicia Keys

Favourite Leading Man – Brad Pitt

Favourite Male Action Star – Will Smith

Favourite Female Action Star – Angelina Jolie

Favourite Pop Song – I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry

Favourite Animated Comedy – The Simpsons

Favourite Rock Song – All Summer Long by Kid Rock

Favourite Female Singer – Carrie Underwood

Favourite Leading Lady – Kate Hudson

Favourite Movie (Drama) – The Secret Life of Bees

`The whole three days have really blown me away,” says emotional McGrath

Sydney, Jan.6 (ANI): With the Sydney Cricket Ground bathed in pink on Monday (Jane McGrath Day) and cricket fans sporting pink clothing, former fast bowler Glenn McGrath said that he was completely blown away by the experience.

“It”s been an amazing day. The whole three days have really blown me away. I don”t think it could have gone any better than it has,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted an emotional McGrath, as saying.

The former test fast bowler said he was thankful for the effort made but said it had been hard work and emotional at times.

“I”ve sort of kept it in check pretty well. There”s been a couple of moments, but once I get busy and get on with what I have to do [I''m all right]. Once the test is finished and I kick back and reflect on what we”ve achieved, it will hit me then,” he said.

Pink dresses, shirts and costumes were prominent, while colourful sombreros and even watermelon hats were popular.

The traditional Ladies Day was yesterday permanently renamed in honour of McGrath’s late wife, who died of breast cancer in June last year.

But the day belonged to Glenn McGrath and the memory of his wife. With the help of corporate sponsors and volunteers collecting donations, 300,000 dollars was raised by lunchtime. (ANI)

Gazza says he didn’t even fancy his ex-wife Sheryl

London, Jan 5 (ANI): Fallen football legend Paul Gascoigne a.k.a. Gazza has slammed his ex-wife Sheryl, claiming: “I didn’t even fancy her.”

In a Channel 4 documentary, Sheryl has revealed that she dumped the former soccer ace for good, reports the Sun.

Sheryl said that she finally decided to part ways with Gazza after he demanded sex when he stayed with her last summer after coming out of rehab.

However, Gazza has told pals: “I didn’t want sex with her because I didn’t even fancy her.

“She wore these horrible big dresses, like maternity dresses, and it did nothing for me,” he added. (ANI)

‘Michelle Obama-look’ to be 2009’s hottest fashion trend!

Melbourne, January 4 (ANI): Classic fashion sense inspired by Michelle Obama would be much sought after this year, predict fashion experts.

According to Sydney stylist and director of The Beauty Tutor Sarah Donges, the sleeveless shift dresses and kitten heels preferred by the “sensible” wife of the current President-elect of the United States would be THE threads to buy this year.

“Recessionista chic will appear in the coming year, with women looking for classics instead of throw away fashion,”” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

While very short dresses, low-neck singlets with wide arm holes and wide round necked men”s T-shirts would be in, emerald green would go on to become the new black of the season.

Australia”s Next Top Model style director Jonathan Pease further added the year would also witness “the death of the gladiator sandal.”

Pease said: “It”s gotta be gone. For guys, the dinner jacket is coming in heavy, and that”s worn with jeans, pants and also shorts.

“We”ll see couture shorts. Not your boardies, but expensive, tailored, beautiful shorts.”” (ANI)

Ann Coulter slams Michelle Obama’s clothing style in book

New York: American political commentator Ann Coulter has blasted U.S. President-elect Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle, for her sense of dressing and called her a freakish Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis imitator.

In a book titled ‘Guilty: Liberal ‘Victims’ and their Assault on America;, sheducled for publication next week, Coulter lashes out at the President-elect”s wife.

“Her obvious imitation of Jackie O”s style – the flipped-under hair, the sleeveless A-line dresses, the short strands of fake pearls – would have been laughable if done by anyone other than a media-designated saint,” the New York Daily News quoted her as having written.

Coulter, 47, facetiously and snidely refers to Michelle Obama as a “saint” and “Mother Teresa” and suggests that her public service career “advanced in lockstep with the political advancement of her husband.”

Coulter also repeatedly refers to the President-elect as “B. Hussein Obama”, and complains that the media “literally wanted to have sex with him.”

Sir Cliff Richard wears stacked heels to boost his stature!

London, : Legendary singer Sir Cliff Richard has admitted that he wears heels to enhance his stature.

The 68-year-old star insists that he always dresses well to go shopping and even wears heels to enhance his self-esteem.

“You want to look good,” the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

“I’ve always done my own shopping at Tesco nearby or whatever. I don’t wear slovenly clothes because I’ve seen photos of people like Britney Spears wearing a tracksuit. I never look terrible for shopping. I’ll put on clean jeans rather than the torn ones I wear for the garden,” he added.

Sir Richard, who is set to reunite with his group The Shadows for a tour, admits to wearing stacked heels to look taller on the stage.

“I am 5ft 10-and-a-half but 6ft on stage,” he said.

“I always wear heels that lift me up a bit because they have these girl dancers and I hate to be towered over,” he added.