Fashion news: Taken For A Ryder

SHE was famously arrested for failing to pay for $5,500-worth of designer clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue in 2001 - now Winona Ryder is at the centre of a new fashion-related controversy after reportedly "losing" $125,000-worth of borrowed Bulgari jewellery.
According to a report in French magazine Voici the actress claims she handed the diamonds, which she had borrowed to wear to an awards ceremony in Spain last week, to her hotel's front desk in an envelope to be kept in the venue's safe. But they have since gone astray and, with hotel bosses unable to locate surveillance footage to corroborate the story, Bulgari executives have asked police to investigate.
Both Bulgari and the Ryder camp are yet to comment publicly on the claims.

Fashion news: Happy Wintour

FASHION royalty came face-to-face with actual royalty today when American Vogue's London-born, New York-based editor-in-chief,

Anna Wintour, travelled to Buckingham Palace to be appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

With her award affixed firmly to her smart suit (which hails from Chanel's autumn/winter 2008-9 collection), the fashion maven smiled for reporters and photographers following the ceremony.

"It's a great honour. Many of my American colleagues are not quite sure what it is," she said. "I've worked very hard to support British fashion in the States through the exhibition called Anglomania, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and my support of designers like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano."

One of the most famous forces on the international fashion scene, Wintour was named in the Queen's 2008 Birthday Honours for services to the industry; her distinguished career has seen her spearhead both British and US Vogue, as well as various other titles.

Glimmerrocks launches host of colors in gemstone engagement rings

Glimmerrocks has launched a wide range of gemstone engagement rings. These are hand-selected so that quality standards are ensured and matching of colors is accurate. When making and selecting gemstone engagement rings,

NEW YORK, NY, November 26, 2008 /Fashion News Articles/ -- Glimmerrocks, known for engagement rings expertise, has introduced colored gemstone engagement rings, enhancing their already rich collection of diamond engagement rings. The website receives innumerable quarries and orders from the couples regarding purchasing of high quality engagements rings of all varieties as per their requirements and life styles. More varieties of colored gemstone engagement rings from Glimmerrocks are the result of the customers' ever increasing requests for the gemstone studded rings. The customers are more quality conscious now and are very particular that the ring must be specific to their choice. While traditional choice has been of sapphires and rubies, the website has noticed a trend of the orders for variety of other gemstones as well. Going by the orders with the website, it can be said that the customers are interested in the rings with colors. To fill the order, Glimmerrocks has launched a range of gemstone rings. Few of the popular rings with our customers include gold oval pink quartz and pink sapphire ring, white gold diamond and frosted chalcedony ring, checkerboard cushion cut citrine ring in white gold, oval cabochon checkerboard blue, square checker board cushion lemon quartzes ring, oval million cut blue topaz ring, cushion cut Amethyst and Citron ring and many more. The engagement rings are set in 14K and 18K white gold.Gemstone engagement rings from the collection of Glimmerrocks have a reputation for pure color of the stones. Along with the dominating main color, a slight hue such as purplish-blue or greenish-blue in sapphires range of engagement rings add to the overall glitter of the ring. Similarly, pink sapphires have purplish-pink and rubies come in slight purplish-red hue as well. As far as clarity of gemstone engagement rings is concerned, though elsewhere flawless gemstones are rare to find, at glimmer rock, the rings with fewer inclusions are being offered to the customers at affordable prices. Of course, gemstones with no or few inclusion of trace material will be priced very high and can be unaffordable for most of the couples, though such gemstones too are available with the site. http://www.glimmerrocks.com The customers of Glimmerrocks have also valued the site for its engagement rings of high-quality gemstone cuts that is responsible for spreading the colors evenly so that the trace materials, or inclusions, are less visible and brilliance of the stone is more evident. Great quality of a gemstone lies in its symmetrical cut and there must not be any scratches and nicks on the surface. The site is well equipped for ensuring gemstones of high quality cuts and colors.

Pakistan cricket signs $140.5 million TV deal

LAHORE, Pakistan (AFP) – Pakistan cricket officials on Sunday signed a five-year, 140.5 million dollar television rights deal with the Gulf-based Taj Entertainment Network, the cricket board said.
The deal, described as "excellent" by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Salim Altaf, allayed fears that broadcasters might bid less for Pakistani cricket because foreign teams have been refusing to tour the country over security concerns.
"It is an excellent deal which will run from 2009 to 2013 for a period of five years and will start from our home series against India," Altaf told AFP.
The Taj Entertainment Network, which operates TEN Sports and is owned by Gulf-based businessman Abdulrahman Bukhatir, also held Pakistan cricket broadcast rights from 2004 to 2008.
Altaf said the deal was not threatened by the prospect of no international cricket in Pakistan.
"The process of bidding is based on the optimum situation, which is that all teams will tour Pakistan as per schedule and if teams do not come to Pakistan we have the option of playing at a neutral venue," Altaf said.
The deal includes Pakistan's upcoming home series against India which has been thrown into doubt amid fears over security.
India is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on January 4 to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international.
"We have been preparing for the series in Pakistan and hope that India will tour," Altaf said.
But the cancellation of the Indian Junior hockey team tour earlier this month raised doubts the cricket tour would proceed as planned.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India last week said it has sought government clearance for the tour.
Many foreign teams have refused to tour Pakistan over security concerns since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States seven years ago.
Pakistan had to relocate its two home series -- against Australia and the West Indies -- to neutral venues in 2002.
Australia's full tour to Pakistan in March this year and the International Cricket Council's (ICC) September Champions Trophy, which Pakistan was due to host, both fell victim to safety fears.
The ICC rescheduled the tournament for September-October next year, but said Pakistan's home series against India will be a test to determine whether Pakistan will again be named host.

Sexy Olivia Newton John's secret to looking young at 60.

It’s been 30 years since she hit our screens in Grease wearing those impossibly tiny black trousers but Olivia Newton-John seems to have barely changed.

In recent years she’s had a string of personal blows, including cancer, divorce, the disappearance of her partner and her daughter’s anorexia.
But now, just after celebrating her 60th birthday, Olivia Newton-John is happier than ever and says that her secret to staying
so young-looking is simple – her recent marriage.

guess I’m lucky,” she smiles. “Genetically, I’m like my mum and she looked great right up until her death in 1989.
“But I think the real secret is that I am very, very happy. I have a wonderful new husband and we’re very compatible. I’m having the best time and I’m in a great place emotionally.”
Olivia married health guru John Easterling, 56, in June this year in a mountain-top ceremony in Peru.

They met 15 years ago through mutual friends. Olivia’s dog had just had puppies and she gave one to John. Then, two years ago, he turned up at one of her shows and brought the dog, who’s now 13 and called Sherlock.
“I loved the dog and then I grew to love John,” she giggles. “John and I are so well matched and have so much in common. He makes me smile all the time and that’s so important.”
Sherlock also plays a part in helping Olivia stay young and fit, as taking him for walks around their Florida neighbourhood is part of her daily fitness regime.
“I try to do something each day that involves getting out in nature,” says Olivia. “Walking Sherlock is perfect. I play tennis and go to the gym three or four times a week, too. I feel great and certainly don’t worry about being 60. It’s just a number.
“I feel alive, fit and active. I have no plans for retirement. My only concession to getting a little older is that I like to have a cat-nap in the afternoon. After that, I can push on through anything.”

There’s no denying the star still has an enviable figure but could she get into Sandy’s skin-tight black trousers now?
“I’ve still got them,” she laughs, “But I’m not saying if they fit. I’ve never tried them on again and I don’t want to.”
Olivia, who likes to describe herself as a “thriver” rather than a survivor, has been through a succession of ordeals since her breast cancer in 1992.
“In those days it was still known as the ‘Big C’ and I was very scared,” she says. “I found the lump when I was checking myself.
“A mammogram and needle biopsy both came back clear but, because I was aware of my own body, I knew something was wrong and
got my doctor to do further tests.
“My self-checks and instinct saved my life. I can’t think about what might have happened if I hadn’t been so vigilant.”
Olivia’s father died the same weekend she was diagnosed and her 11-year marriage to actor Matt Lattanzi, which was already crumbling, fell apart soon afterwards. She later fell in love with cameraman Patrick McDermott but three years ago he disappeared after a fishing trip off the Californian coast.
There was no evidence of an accident and it emerged he had massive debts, prompting stories that he’d faked his death. Olivia eventually had to admit he was never coming home. Then last year, her 22-year-old daughter Chloe, a singer and actress, developed anorexia, from which she has now recovered.
“Nobody escapes with nothing,” says Olivia with a shrug. “I’ve been through cancer, divorce, loss and bereavement but they are things most humans go through. And Chloe is fine now.”
She adds: “Grease changed my life in the most amazing way and I’ve had such an amazing life. When things go wrong you’ve got to believe you will get through them and focus on the positive things in your life.
“I’ve had bad moments of depression but I’ve always reminded myself I have a lot to be grateful for.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was terrified but I made a decision I was going to be all right. I had a young child and I had to live.”
Counselling and therapy helped her through the tough times. “For the first five years I worried about the cancer coming back but not any more,” she says. “I don’t allow myself that thought.

Dresses for Parties and Glamorous Fun

The good news about dresses is that women of all sizes can wear them and look a million dollars for parties and gatherings all year round. Indeed, a classic party dress will stand you in good stead and of course you can opt for on-trend styles if being fashion forward is more your thing.
The key to finding a party dress to wow and dazzle is understanding what cuts best suit your body shape as well as choosing accessories to compliment your glitzy garments.
If you have an hourglass figure, a V-line dress will flatter your chest and make the most of some of your best assets. Opt for fabrics that mould to your chest as opposed to swamping it, and balance your upper and lower half by adding texture below the waist. Halter neck dresses are another great buy for curvy figures as they balance out proportions and boost all the best bits.
If curves are what you’re lacking, cut-out fabrics work better. Angular body shapes can be softened with necklines that add interest to your chest area. Add a little oomph to curves on your lower half by picking an ensemble that’s flared at the bottom.
Bold prints also work wonders on svelte-hipped girls who want to create curves, and tulip-shaped skirts on party dresses will cinch in your waist and add volume to hips which is precisely what you want to do. And if you want to add volume up top then use ruffles to create the illusion of cleavage. Smock topped dresses can achieve this too.
Everyone has body parts they want to flaunt and those they want to draw attention away from. If your upper arms are one of the areas you want to keep under cover then choose a V neckline with a cap sleeve for the perfect fashion fix.
Pear-shaped girls should choose fabrics that skim the hips. A classic strapless dress can be worn to parties all year round and if they are fitted down to your waist and then flared out in an A-line, this creates the perfect shape for your body.
Furthermore, if a stripy dress is what you’re after then vertical stripes are slimming on everyone but especially good for petite women who want to appear taller. As it goes, if you are a tall woman and you want to draw attention across the body rather than up then horizontal dresses are best suited.
The accessories worn with party dresses finish the outfit so think carefully about these too. Wearing heels adds instant glam to party outfits, therefore select a style with pointed toes if you want to elongate your legs.
Belts can be used to dress your outfit up or down and create a different look if you have more than one party to attend. In addition, belts worn high on the waist accentuate an hourglass figure and vintage buckles and clasps add a touch of chic detailing. So, what are you waiting for; it’s time to go shopping!

Celebs Turn Back Time

Thanks to our unstable economy, we've all had to cut back on our spending, but that doesn't mean we can't still be stylish. The latest episode of "The Thread" has some great ideas on how to create new looks on the cheap by using what we already have hanging in our closets.

In addition to these tips, "The Thread" reminded me that daylight saving time is coming to an end this weekend, which means we get an extra hour to sleep come Sunday! In honor of turning back the clocks an hour, "The Thread" selected several celebs in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who have managed to turn back time thanks to their beautiful skin. See which stars made the cut!

Hollywood's Hot for Hippie Headbands

Headbands have been around forever, but really started soaring again in popularity this past spring. And lately, everyone in Hollywood seems to be sporting the hair accessory. Heck, Mischa Barton has even created her own overpriced line of designer headbands!

While I won't be purchasing any of the former "O.C." star's fancy headgear, I do like to mix up my look with a headband every now and then. Of course, I usually wear one to keep the hair away from my face, whereas many stars have been going for that hippie/flower child look.

Interview with Tinsley Mortimer

Fashion News Live presents Rocco G's interview with Tinsley Mortimer at NY Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Find out what Tinsley Mortimer had to say LIVE at the tents Feb 2-9 2007! Visit www.fashionnewslive.com for even more fashion and celebrity coverage!

INCREDIBLE McCAIN GIRL - HULK SPOOF

BarelyPolitical.com introduces the Incredible McCain Girl. Don't make her angry. You won't like her when she's angry. direction and graphics by Tom Small

"I Got a Crush...On Obama" By Obama Girl

Click Subscribe above and be the first to see our election 2008 Spectacular! And big thanks to www.fathead.com for sending us Obama Wall...

Barack Obama Music Video

I was sitting in my recording studio watching the debates... Torn between the candidates I was never really big on politics... and actually I'm still not big on politics... but 4 years ago, me and the black eyed peas supported Kerry... And we supported Kerry with all our might... We performed and performed and performed for the DNC... doing all we could do to get the youth involved... The outcome of the last 2 elections has saddened me... on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful, corrupt, and just simply, how wrong the world and "politics" are... So this year i wanted to get involved and do all i could early... And i found myself torn... because this time it's not that simple... our choices aren't as clear as the last elections ... last time it was so obvious... Bush and war vs. no bush and no war... But this time it's not that simple... and there are a lot of people that are torn just like i am... So for awhile I put it off and i was going to wait until it was decided for me... And then came New Hampshire... And i was captivated... Inspired...

People Are Talking About: Ethical Fashion -- Is Green the New Black?

Fashion, by its very nature, is about built-in obsolescence. It's about waste." --Tamsin Blanchard
Once in a while, a great book comes along that intelligently critiques the business of fashion while entertaining and educating us as fashion consumers. Last year, it was Dana Thomas' Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster that got industry insiders and shoppers buzzing, and this year I think it will be Green is the New Black by Tamsin Blanchard that will make an impact. Blanchard, a style director in London, considers how to best reconcile our love of fashion goods and our socio-ecological conscience, analyzing issues such as organic textiles and second-hand shopping. Without being judgmental or preachy, Green is the New Black offers tangible solutions that can help green up your daily style routine

Madonna fashion style

Fashion Status: When we think of Madonna it's all cone bras, crosses and '80s lace. But she's so much more than her stage presence. Offstage, Madonna's sophisticated taste shows up in tasteful designer looks from the world's best designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Stella McCartney.
Get Madonna's Look: For the past few years, Madonna's look has developed a softer side: soft waves, satin fabric and bows are all part of the effort to keep the Material Girl look younger. It's easy to incorporate a soft bowed blouse (one of Madonna's favorite face-framing looks) into your wardrobe. While her wardrobe is more subdued, Madonna still keeps her sexy shoes: heels, ankle-straps, platforms.

skin care tips

Look Like a Swan…Not a Turkey!

One of the most telltale signs of aging is an aging neck. However, you don't need to hide it behind a scarf or turtleneck and you don't need to go under the knife. Simply remember to take care of it when you're doing your daily skincare facial regimen. The neck is an extension of the face but for whatever reason we stop at the jaw line with our serums and creams we use on our face. The neck needs cleansing, exfoliation, massage (for increased blood flow), anti-aging treatments and hydration just like our face

Try adding an anti-aging cream specifically made for your neck for even better results. The neck can take a stronger product than the delicate face. Look for one that tightens sagging skin as well as improves skin tone such as Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Swan Firming Neck or StriVectin Neck Cream.