Fight For This Love: A PR Battle

In the last couple of weeks it has been reported that Cheryl Cole has been getting close to 'Dynamite' star, Taio Cruz.

Blondes have more fun: Cheryl Cole loving the single life

The Girls Aloud singer has finally turned her back on serial philanderer Ashley Cole, and is rumoured to be spending a lot of time with Cruz, telling her friends "Taio is beautiful, caring and amazing".
The two singers are apparently back in the studio, after previously recording a track together for Cole's album back in 2009.

Taio, who split with girlfriend Roxy Horner earlier in the year, has been hinting at his 'lust' for Cheryl, by posting a picture to his Facebook of the singer wearing one of his designs for Rockstarr watches. Well if that constitutes two people are in a relationship, then I've gone out with everyone I've ever posted a picture of.

Tiao Cruz - all news is good news

According to Cheryl, there's "a lot of sexual tension flying around". Not so. I have it on good authority from an impeccable source from Camp Cruz this is all just a big PR stunt. Cheryl isn't giddy as a schoolgirl over Tiao- in fact, they aren't even in the recording studio together. When I asked if we could expect a collaboration single from the two in the near future, my source said "Maybe...but we're not sure yet."
Any male singer with a story about being associated with Britain's Sweetheart Cheryl Cole isn't going to have a sudden dent in their reputation, especially if they are 'allegedly' restoring Ms Cole's wounded self confidence. So good on Camp Cruz! This publicity stunt is only going to win fans.

Peace

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Bag A Binns

Exclusive members-only fashion sales website, Moda Operandi, is currently selling the S/S 2012 collection of jewellery designer, Tom Binns. Originally, Binns' collections weren't to my taste, but after meeting a very enthusiastic fan who raved about his neon Swarovski crystal necklaces a few months ago, I have reconsidered my position. After all, a lady is allowed to change her mind!

A tasty treat: Shark mouth cuff

Tom Binns started his company with business partner, Christina Viera Newton, in 2004 and has since developed a cult following. With support from celebrities such as Michelle Obama and Freida Pinto, it's no wonder you can find his designs on a multitude of shopping sites online, including Net-a-porter and Outnet. Part fluro-chic, part elegance with a smattering of trashion, Binns' collections are designed to catch the eye, automatically earning the wearer extra fashion brownie points. Not for the faint of heart, the pieces look best when worn with a simple background outfit (think Rick Owens black, for example), letting the accessories take centre stage. For those who like to make a louder statement, be like Rihanna and wear a custom-designed bikini set.

Shy and retiring: Rihanna on tour in Tom Binns bikini

Crystal necklaces and bracelets adorned with neon words like 'PUNK' (see below) and 'CHAOS', Tom Binns has the lady who doesn't take life too seriously in mind when he designs. Fit the description?  Then run to ModaOperandi.com for his latest season's trunk show, but hurry as it ends on the 27th October. For a wider selection of previous seasons' gems, go to net-a-porter.com  but they aren't exactly cheap- the most impressive necklaces go for £800 and up. One to write to Santa about, maybe?

"Elegance with anti-conformist sentiment"- Tom Binns on his designs

Splash Out phosphorescent earrings

Peace
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Kate Moss' (unoriginal) Jewellery Range Launches

Do you really need me to tell you who this is?

After a clothing range at Topshop and a newly released Rimmel lipstick line, a Longchamp collection of bags, a July wedding, not to mention the countless photoshoots and British Vougue covers (Alexandra Shulman, can you please come up with fresh new cover stars for the magazine you edit?) under her belt, you'd think that Fashion superstar Kate Moss would have enough on her plate to contend with. But neigh, Moss has come up with something else to put her name to. The newly-wed socialite has launched a jewellery collection with FRED, a luxury designer jewellery store.



The inspiration behind such a venture? Her tattoos. Ah. Not exactly groundbreaking, is it? Kate Moss also used her inks to inspire the labels on her Topshop range; the price tag was attached to chains with swallows, stars or anchors interlinked, that the buyer could wear as a bracelet so may they wish. Just to get one step closer to the famous Miss Moss, whose words of wisdom include "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". Who wouldn't want to be like this well-grounded individual?

Yes, I really do too.

The stackable rings, necklaces and earrings start at £300 and are now on sale at FRED or you could just go out and get Kate's tattoos indelibly inked on your skin. Cheaper, and harder to lose than the gold versions.

                               

Peace

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Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: A Sneak Peek

Daniel Craig getting to grips with Rooney Mara

After the new trailer for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' US version was leaked online, an official version has now been released. Although we have to wait till December for the film to finally hit cinemas, I bring you some early Christmas cheer in the form of a FOUR MINUTE CLIP:

I know many will have reservations about seeing the US version of the greatly acclaimed Swedish film, but the former is (apparently) bringing out elements in the book which were slightly overlooked in the 2009 film, like Mikael Blomkvist's (Daniel Craig) relationship with his co-worker, and the court case against him and Millennium Magazine. Also, let us keep in mind this is not a remake of the first part of a Swedish film Trilogy, this is a screen adaptation of a best-selling novel. Maybe all the self-imposed critics should give the Americans a bit of a break and wait to see the results before moaning about 'unoriginality' etc. What on earth will they do if it's better?

So, if you still can't be bothered to read the book, then watch both films back-to-back to get to grips with the story. Personally, I can't wait to sit there with my popcorn and slushy and watch what will undoubtedly by the Christmas Box Office smash!

Peace
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Minty-Fresh Designs

I love all things Olsen. Mary-Kate and Ashley have long been icons of mine; their style is fresh and original, coveted by many. When they brought out their fashion lines Elizabeth and James, and the high end range called The Row, I practically leaped for joy (and landed swiftly in a pair of Elizabeth and James platform lambskin leather heels).
However, the clothes are not exactly affordable for the average 21-year-old who currently makes nothing from unpaid internships. That is why I was ecstatic when I hear about Stylemint. This little gem of a website sells T-shirts designed by the billionaire twins at the very reasonable price of $29.99. Unfortunately I don't think the ship worldwide yet, but it never hurts to window shop!

The site's concept is simple. Just answer a few multiple-answer questions on your style, and you are then sent several suggestions of that month's T-shirt designs that fit your answers. Joining is free and so is the shipping cost, plus it promises all purchases are easy to return. Why not, eh?

This month boasts a great offer, too. Buy one of the selected T-shirt and get a piece of jewellery from sister company Jewelmint (designed by actress and style icon Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter) FOR FREE! You don't have any choice in which item you get, but luckily they're all very stylish.

So what are you waiting for? Pop along to www.stylemint.com and grab yourself an Olsen-approved bargain! Also, check out http://bcove.me/bc70zaue for your chance to win a full year of StyleMint Ts.

Peace

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Versace for H&M

Versace is known as a quiet brand, one that has no need for vibrant and lurid colour, or attention of any kind. Dresses are modest to the point of Amish, all represented by a well-rounded and modest-looking designer.

Oh no, wait...

Donatella Versace is the epitome of the brand: ultra-feminine, bold, daring and luxe. H&M, on the other hand, is know for its collections of wearable pieces and wardrobe staples that don't break the bank balance. So when it was announced Vercace was going to design with the high street chain, we all wondered if the Italian fashion house was going to stick to its trademark fitted and luxurious style, or if they would sacrifice it slightly for sake of cheaper prices.

This month Vogue Russia previewed the collection in its pages and let's just say Donatella has stuck to her neon-coloured guns! Quite a contrast from the recent S/S 12 collection which consisted of whites, blacks and pastel colours, Versace for H&M is all about the colour pop. An interview with the Goddess Versace herself talking about the collection has been released, in which she explains she used "iconic Versace pieces for iconic Versace women," infused with the usual drama, prints and studs, all with a bit of a rock 'n' roll edge. The dresses are still fitted and sexy, but there is more choice to suit a wider range of tastes. You still have to have the confidence of an Italian Bella Donna to carry them off, but that probably comes with the dress (and the inevitable price tag).

Versace's bold prints...and garish jewellery

I'm not a huge fan of classic Versace, but even I am drawn to a few key pieces, particularly the edgy leather LBD with swirls of gold studs, and a sleeveless leopard print shift dress (with a pattern which looks so much like Mary Katrantzou it verges on a rip-off). The jewellery, however, can stay safely on the shelves as far as I'm concerned.

Versace or Mary Katrantzou?

The Rocknrolla of the LBD World

So there we go! Versace for H&M will hit stores in November - fashion or TRASHion? What do you think? See the short video of Donatella Versace talking about the collection below:

Peace
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TV Review - Things That Go Bump in the Night

Doctor Who – The God Complex

Date aired: Saturday 17^th September, BBC1, 7:10pm

Superior Being - Matt Smith with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill

The writer’s of Doctor Who seem to be struggling with coming up with reasons why the TARDIS and gang arrive at the main location of every new episode. The Doctor’s (Matt Smith) now clichéd ramblings of “I’m taking you to a wonderful new planet full of exciting adventures- oh, hang on...this isn’t it...” is getting a little tiresome.

This week Amy, Rory and the Doctor are surprised to arrive at a maze floating through space, decorated in the style of a 1980’s Torquay hotel. As if the floral carpet isn’t scary enough, stalking through the never-ending hallways is a Minotaur- a god who has become redundant in a secular world and now inhabits the maze while feeding on the faith of those imprisoned within. Add rooms filled with the manifestations of each prisoner’s deepest, darkest fears- including a sad clown and a room full of laughing ventriloquist dummies- and we’re well on our way to the level of Saturday evening frights we’ve become accustomed to.

The scariest part, however, is actually the appearance of David Walliams, almost unrecognisable under layers of rodent-like prosthetics. Looking like the love-child of William Hague and a mutated rat, he played the part of a dislikeable, irritating coward rather well. Turns out Walliams plays dislikeable and irritating even when he means to.

A few jokes short of a sketch show - David Walliams

The episode’s plot doesn’t twist and turn as much as usual, and the writers could have done a lot more with the idea of rooms filled with nightmares individually tailored to each character. There was nothing to hide behind the sofa from this week which feels like a bit of a letdown after the bar is continually set higher by the tension and horrifying monsters in each previous episode this series. The adventure climaxed in a Scooby-Doo “Let’s catch ourselves a monster” type chase, running through corridors to trap the Minotaur. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff. In fact, it looks like a laughable fallback plan of a writer out of ideas for plot development.

However, the final speech the doctor gives is rather poetic and stirs more emotion than the 40 minutes that went before. The ending leaves room for a whole new direction the series can be taken in, so the episode is worth a watch purely for this fact alone. Let’s just hope the rest of the episodes can pick the pace up again so as not to go out with a whimper, but with a bang.