It's all about the Boots..

I love the winter, really I do. It's not Christmas, it's not the snowflakes, it's not the January sales. It's my passion for one thing - Boots!

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the sandals of the summer just as much as the next girl, but come August, I'm pretty fed up with blisters, painting my toenails, making sure my feet are preety and I'm ready to slip my tanned feet into some sassy boots.

Now I am a shoe lover of gargantuous proportions. From New look to Miu Miu, I don't have a favourite brand - I just love shoes! In fact it wasn't until I had to move house that I got found out for my addiction.

When the removal men dropped one of my 15 boxes labeled 'Scientific Equipment' and 'Clever Books' and 18 little boxes slid out… not revealing more boxes like a Russian doll, but yep, you guessed it. SHOES!!

So what boots am I excited about this winter? Well, boots are still very tall this season, and by tall, I mean long up the leg, knee skimming, even over the knee is definitely in.

Pirate is fading away as are over complicated boots, tassles, ties and so forth are taking a back seat, although minimal use is still ok.

As is wearing your boots over your jeans, which is the best trend to ever hit this side of the Atlantic with our rainy weather… No more going home with jeans sodden up to the thigh as if you've been on a fishing trip.

But don't think that it's all simplistic this season, there is a new sense of style and luxury with a retro touch that will strike the right balance between casual and classic elements.

Decorative shoes are around but in a more eccentric fashion hybrid of both the arty bohemian lifestyle of the 20s and of the Woodstock generation of the 70s.

The platforms we all swore we weren't going to wear again and wedge heels are still a strong contender, but less brash for the slightly more reserved classy Brit look. Riding boots are still massive, as is the welly (you should still have some left over from your festival of love but chuck them out and invest in a really good pair).

Above all, don't be a slave to fashion, get on eBay, pick up some vintage and get them re-heeled and re-soled (grips essential for not falling over stupidly on a date during the frosty seasons).

Customize them yourself, wear them with leggings, legwarmers or silly woolen socks popping out the top. Just make your style your own, it works for Kate Moss, but then again, not for Helena Bohem Carter!

(Photos: Style it online)

Posh vs Kate debate

Fashion Icons, women you want to emulate, drop dead gorgeous and dripping with effortless style… Or are they?

Is it really as easy as Kate makes it look? Does Vicky Beckham have a team of stylists working round the clock to keep her looking amazing? If you had the choice, who would you like to be when you grow up? Miss Moss or Mrs. Goldenballs?

As for me, it will always be Kate, the goddess, the trendsetter, the girl who brought us skinny jeans!

There are some very big differences between Kate and Posh, though you can't pick up a paper or magazine without seeing at least one of them.



Kate is the uber Supermodel, Posh the former Spice Girl who married a footballer done good. They are both involved in their own fashion lines, with Victoria's range of VDB jeans, sunglasses, handbags and jewellery and Kate's Topshop range.



Both of these lovely ladies have their own style and following, though I feel that Kate has more of a down to earth look we can all try to copy, whereas Posh seems to wear couture which is impossible for mere mortals to achieve.



But I love the fact that Moss will be pictured in wellies or falling about after a night out, of course she still looks gorgeous, I would probably be arrested for crimes against beauty if pictured like that.

Posh has the polished look, never a hair out of place (we wont go into those extensions), someone who could dine with royalty at a moments notice. Lets look at their personal lives, both are mothers, with Victoria's little brood of sons, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, and Kate's Lila Grace.


Man wise, I'm going to side with Mrs. Beckam, sorry Hince, I like a man who looks like he washes at least once a fortnight whether he needs it or not.

Becks wins..

Sorry Hince!

As for controversy, Kate Moss hasn't suffered any permanent damage after allegations were made against her causing her to be dropped from labels like H&M and Burberry while can Posh Spice ever be forgiven for her solo pop crimes I mean career?

Posh has gone from one of us to acting like she is too good for the likes of us. Kate is a bit of a grubber with the face and body of an angel, someone you would love to have a giggle with in the ladies on a night out, who could probably drink us under the table and still have perfect lashes.

Let me go check the papers and see what she was wearing last night, a bin bag teamed with a cravat?? I must have that outfit!


(Photos:People)

Fun Facts..

'Gossip Girl' is written by The O.C.'s Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and directed by Mark Piznarski who worked on Everwood and Veronica Mars.

Though Gossip Girl, the show's narrator, is voiced by Kristen Bell, the character is never seen.

The Gossip Girl TV series is based on a series of novels of the same name.

The pilot episode was made available as a free download on iTunes four days before it aired.

The Gossip Girl costume designer Eric Daman was formerly an assistant costume designer on Sex and the City.

(Photos:Tekstud)

The chic fashion!

On ITV 2's 'Gossip Girl,' the clothes are as much a character as the Upper East Siders themselves. From far-out fashions to wearable trends, I picked the best outfits from this designer-loving bunch.

Keep scrolling down to see the looks that I am crazy about!

Lively and Stylish!

A dapper fellow

Blair looks red hot!

Back to school for Nate

Jenny' s styling it out

Serena rising

Blair in yellow

Sexy school girl Jenny

Two of a kind!

(Photos:Gossip girl insider)

Do you know Gossip Girl?

"Gossip Girl" follows the compelling and fantastical lives of best friends (well, sometimes!), resident hottie, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), and the stunning but seriously superficial, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester).

So, here‘s the story: Blair‘s dating heartthrob, Nate (Chace Crawford), and they have been together forever, but could things be ruined after his mystery dalliance with supposed best friend, Serena?

Will Serena and loveable loser, Dan (Penn Badgely), ever make it on a date, and just what did happen between Dan and Chuck (Ed Westwick) after Chuck made a pass at his baby–sister, Jenny (Taylor Momsen)?

Can you keep up?!

Witness a shameless tale of drink, drugs, and designer clothes as the beautiful people bounce from party to party, boasting their secrets and successes while living life on the edge...

For the full catch up of Season 1 in less than 2 minutes.. check out the video below!

(Video:You Tube)

Britney's sensational comeback!

The world has watched in shock, support and even disbelief at the winding twists and turns of the life of Britney Spears. Spears’ performance at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards served as her catalyst to get her personal life in order and restore her image that that which the fans would be proud of.

In fact, Spears’ performance was bad enough that it ruined the highly anticipated sales of her then album ‘Blackout’.

However, over the last year, Spears has taken her misfortune and turned her life and her image around to unveil a new and improved Britney.

Rather than giving up, Britney is back and on a mission to regain her queen of pop title and position on top of the charts.

Her way of doing that is by taking all the things that made her famous throughout the years and combining them all into one great music video, ‘Womanizer’ the lead single from her upcoming “comeback” album, “Circus.” It reached No.4 in the UK and No. 1 in the US charts!

'Womanizer' video

'Circus' album cover

Also, picking up two MTV Europe Music Awards in November, Britney Spears is continuing her comeback with a live performance on The X Factor this Saturday!

It will be the princess of pop’s first comeback in five years!

The comeback rises even more as Britney has just released dates for a world tour next year.

I can’t wait to see it personally! After seeing her (front row-may I add!) on the ‘Onyx Hotel tour,’ in 2005, and catching her water glass (which I still have!), Brit was totally incredible, although critics claimed she was miming.

Last night, Britney sang at Bambi Awards in Offenberg, Germany- where Karl Lagefeld gave her the gong for Best International Pop Star (see performance below).

What I say is, good on you Britters, for getting you life back on track!

Don't forget to watch Britney's performance tomorrow night on ITV 1's X Factor.

(Video:You Tube)
(Photos: People)

Customizing Google news..

I only just learnt this in lesson today! But wow is it easier for me and soo much LESS time consuming! All I had to do was arrange the template of news that I like and am interested in, for example UK and World News first and then my favourite Entertainment news!

In addition, I could also put in a particular topic of interest like fashion and then all the fashion news would be set on the screen! How handy is that, for a fashionista like myself!

Overall I think this feature on Google is very helpful for people like me who are very busy and do not have time to go to specific websites for news.. I can get everything I need..news wise that is..on Google! Great Stuff! Everyone should at least try it, I tell you..it will definitely save you time!

(Photo:Mayfield)

Google reader...Is it really useful?

This is ANOTHER one of Google features that I had absolutely no idea about! But undoubtedly THIS is the most useful feature, apart from the searching of course, that Google has!

Particularly for me, as a journalism student, who rarely has time to surf various websites, Google Reader allows me to find out the latest news stories on my favourite websites without going on their sites.. It is easier, quicker and must I say very professional!

Google is churning out so many new features, I wonder and am excited to what it has in store next!

(Photo:Walyou)

New fashion trend: out-there eyewear?

(People)

There is little doubt that Rihanna is fast becoming the next Beyonce ...

But OMG! Just look at the outrageous eyewear both Rihanna and Beyonce sported last week?

I had to post this little bit picked up by PEOPLE. Both pop princesses were spotted over recent days wearing some strange eyewear that I really hope doesn't catch on.

Beyonce has been rocking some strange clobber lately, capped off by these silver fringed glasses, worn on the set of her new single, 'Diva'. Meanwhile, Rihanna chose to show off her pirate side at the recent American Music Awards, sporting a bejewelled eyepatch for her live performance.

However, according to fashion experts, out-there eyewear is the newest fashion trend for stars!

What do you think?

Is out-there eyewear too much, or a major fashion statement?

Strange celebrity baby names!

(People)

Celebs are known for naming their children obscure and sometimes unthinkable names so here is a new name to add to the list, Bronx Mowgli Wentz- the name of Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wemtz's

new born.

How absurd is this?! All together is BMW?-you know that car company..and the name Mowgli is entirely bizarre.

Did they actually name their kid after the tiny boy from The Jungle Book?

Anyway, congratulations Ashley and Pete….on having…your new BMW!

Here is a list of some other bizzare celebrity baby names:

Daisy boo (Jamie Oliver)
Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow)
Princess Tiamii (Katie Price & Peter Andre)
Jermajesty (Jermaine Jackson)
Betty Kitten (Jonathan Ross)
Pine (Simon LeBron)
Memphis Eve (Bono)
Blue Angel (The Edge-from U2)

Click here to check out more wacky celebrity baby names

GAP gets into the christmas spirit!

(You Tube)

With this year’s holiday shopping season being forecasted as the worst ever due to the terrible economic crisis, clothing giant Gap is looking to instil some excitement by featuring a star-studded holiday ad campaign.

The company reached out to Flo Rida and Trey Songz to write and produce a ‘street-smart’ rendition of a Christmas classic ‘Jingle Bells’ for its annual holiday promotion. Other stars in the ad include, ‘Cruel Intentions’ Selma Blair and ‘American Pie’s’ Jason Bateman.

When I saw this it completely put me in the Christmas spirit!

The advert is hilarious and the tune is very catchy…trust me, it will stay in your head for the rest of the day!

Unfortunately it won’t be aired in the UK as it is a US commercial, so you an only see it via the internet!

2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Models strut their stuff!

Victoria’s Secret dropped off a multitude of models from a yacht and invaded Miami Beach for its annual fashion show last Saturday.

The show, which also served as a celebration of the reopening of the Fontainebleau resort (once a playground for the Rat Pack), featured an Usher performance, angel wings, plenty of lingerie and a £3 million bra made of black diamonds and rubies worn by Adriana Lima.

Financial collapse, you say?

It’s been a thrill year for girls and it’s not just super celeb Heidi Klum that’s gaining all of the attention. Marissa Miller led Maxim’s Hot 100 List.

Alessandra Ambrosio baffled the modelling world by returning to the runway a THREE months after giving birth!

Miranda Kerr made headlines 2 weeks ago with rumours that she’s engaged to Orlando Bloom.

Brazilian papers alleged that Karolina Kurkova has been doing fashion shows with “cellulite on her butt.”
Come on, give the girl a break! She’s only human, we are all allowed a doughnut once an a while!

And Adriana Lima made a noteworthy appearance on Ugly Betty. Bring her back, please!

(Photos: Style it online)

Jackie who? Michelle Obama: the first lady of fashion

(Virgin Media)

After her husband's success at the White House, it is now Michelle Obama’s time in the limelight.

The US first Lady-to-be, is on her way to be the Fashion Icon of America. Despite being criticized for a bad dressing sense at the election night, Mrs. Obama is thought to have a taste that will reach out to all women.

"Not since Jackie O have we had a first lady become a fashion icon," the New York Post quoted Avon vice president Carrie Feron as saying. "Michelle Obama will be one of history's most vibrant first ladies; she has a distinctive style that every American woman can aspire to," she added.

The first lady is all set to have her own Fashion Book, as Avon has signed former Mademoiselle editor Mandi Norwood to write a "Michelle Obama Style Guide," which according to Page Six, is due to release next spring.

Good on you Mrs Obama.. Show them your talent!

Check out some of her best looks from the political season at Mrs O which takes a regular look at what and who she is wearing!

Paris on Benji: "We're Just Taking a Break"

(MTV)

With all the stories swirling around this week about Paris Hilton and Benji Madden splitting up, who better than the heiress herself to come clean about it all?

During an exclusive call in to Ryan Seacrest's US KIIS-FM radio program on Friday morning, Paris addressed the issue. But rather than calling it a breakup, she told Ryan that "right now we're just taking a break."

Paris also left open the possibility that she and Benji could get back together down the road.
"He is an incredible person," Paris said. "We will see what happens in the future. I am still in love with him."

As for why they decided to go their separate ways for now...

Paris tells Ryan: "He has been working non-stop with his brother on his new record. I am working and traveling…All these reports that say I dumped him aren't true. This is a decision we made together as adults."

Look Paris, you may think the world revolves around you but do we care?? I think not.. Break up, make up, do what ever you want!

We are really not interested!

Stars, fireworks and £13 million Dubai hotel opening..What global financial crisis?

(BBC News)

While we are all counting our pennies here in the UK, over in Dubai it’s a completely different story as tycoons and celebrities streamed there last night for the world’s most expensive private party.

Having spent £1 billion, the owners of the new Atlantis hotel, which they hope will become the symbol of excess in a region, splashed out £13.5 million on its opening.

(Celebrity Gossip)

In the lobby of the Atlantis about 2,000 guests sipped Dom Pérignon. Outside, A-list celebrities from Robert De Niro to Lindsay Lohan walked the red carpet. After the pop songstress Kylie Minogue performed on stage the sky lit up with the world’s largest fireworks display, seven times greater than this year’s Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing and extravagant enough to be seen from outer space.

The price tag for the party even embarrassed Sol Kerzner, the chairman and chief executive officer of Kerzner International, “If I had to do it all over again, I might do it recognising the fact that we’re living through a bit of a tough economic environment,” Mr Kerzner, a South African billionaire, told The Times.

What lives of the rich and famous!

The evidence of a global financial crisis is certainly being kept under wraps in Dubai!

'Newspaper prospects in free fall,’ says Guardian editor

(Wordpress)

The ongoing crisis in the newspaper industry has led to many editors predicting that newspapers may be likely be free in the future.

According to the outgoing head of editorial development of the The Guardian, Neil McIntosh, newspapers will probably move to a free model to compete with the world's biggest repository of mostly-free information, the Internet.

Speaking at to students at the University of Westminster yesterday, McIntosh responded to queries about the prospect of the despondent messages associated with the future of newspapers.

"It is a grim time of journalism at the moment,” he said.

“Newspapers have been affected terribly as the UK market is one of the most competitive markets in the world.”

He highlighted the severe decline of both regional and national newspapers, claiming that The Independent in particular, has been “hit hard.”

Circulation of the relaunched Independent fell a further 16 per cent this year, according to official figures released by ABC. It was down 16.29 per cent to 201,019, lowest of any major national British daily newspaper.

McIntosh also stressed that print newspapers have to recognize that online plays a “major role” in how the public consume news today.

“Newspaper organizations shouldn’t insist that innovations need to be revolutions, “ he says.

“Sometimes, the change comes in small steps, so only time will tell if print newspapers will survive.”

Elderly people and the internet links

Here is a list of links that I found to create a news story for How old people are increasingly using the internet: 

Facts

Women and elderly top web usage stats (2007)

Sliver Surfers' prefer internet to DIY and Gardening (2007)

AXA Report (2007)

Blogs 

 Big John  (2008)

Times goes by.. what its really like to get older (2008)

The Daily Telegraph finally joins the 21st Century!

The Daily Telegraph? When I think of it, the image I get is an old Tory man rocking in his arm chair reading it, and smoking a cigar.

But that is not what I think of it now, though that is only the online website!

Surfing through it today enlightened me to a totally new Daily Telegraph, not the usual long winded words and writing, that is a no go area for me! Too much writing and info for a student to grasp!

So in a bid to gain a younger audience, this new online site has made changes that are subtle rather than radical: the design offers a better use of space and a colour mix that’s easy on the eye. There are also more images and video, helping to tell stories with multimedia as well as the written word.

I particularly love the new video based channel: Telegraph TV, where I can get my quick fix of news from fashion to politics, in over a minute, great just before im heading off to university.

Although the site has transformed, it still retains its old audience as the stories are all relatively similar to the newspaper but in a much more condensed way for students to understand aswell!

The only thing they don’t have is a comment box under the stories, so for people like me who like expressing opinion, its needs to work on creating that!

But overall, The Daily Telegraph online is a great new source for up to date news. Although its taken time, the editor has finally come to realise that a younger audience are what will make the site a success!