LOOKS LIKE ARMANI IS ALL ABOUT TEAM JACOB

Taylor Lautner is to be the next hot man to strip for Giorgio Armani adverts, according to reports from many media outlets.
The Twilight hunk is tipped to follow in David Beckham's footsteps to become the body for the Armani Exchange range.
The move will be particularly pleasing for the 17-year-old's millions of fans, who will now get a chance to see Taylor in just his pants.
Rumour has it that Taylor has already negotiated a multi-million dollar contract to advertise clothes and the brand's fragrance.
But Armani are apparently holding off from announcing the news until Taylor turns 18 in February.

GIFT IDEAS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HARD TO BUY FOR!

Tis the season to GIVE, not to receive. I definitely believe in that motto and try to do my best. I always go out of my way to make sure that I even GIVE to those who are less fortunate than me. I typically choose a little girl and a little boy off the ANGEL tree (my cousin Michele and I think it's important to always enclose clothing items, gloves, a scarf, and a hat, along with whatever toy(s) that the kids request.)

But if you are running out of ideas this holiday season, remember it's not about the price tag, it's about the thought that went into the present.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

VOLUSPA CANDLES. Voluspa means "bringer of wisdom" or "goddess of wisdom" in tales of ancient scandinavian lore. Voluspa candles have lavish fragrances, rich, unique and sultry, even when mocking the most simple scents. Voluspa's wax formula is inspiried by traditional candle-making formulas handed down from the classic european candle makers. Voluspa's wax has a buttery texture and and soft density which lends ideally to heavy fragrance concentration and an even, consistent burn. Voluspa candles use the most innovative fragrance concepts blended with fresh unique design. Fine Fragrance. Exclusive wax. Luxury candles. www.voluspacandles.com.

TEAVANA PERFECT TEA MAKER. The Teavana Perfect Teamaker creates the perfect cup of tea for tea lovers on the go. Just add loose tea, 16oz of hot water and steep. Drain the tea by placing it onto your favorite mug. Prepares two 8oz cups of tea. This time of year Teavana also offers gift sets for tea lovers. My favorite is Apple Lemon Pomegranate & Fruit Bomba Green Tea mixed. Delish!

LOGITECH WEBCAM. Have a loved one deployed overseas? Are you across the country from your family? Why not give them a webcam to keep in touch. With modern technology, a webcam can even keep a long distance relationship alive. Easy to install software and easy to use on most desktops and laptops. So enjoy the comfort of seeing your loved one in real-time.

THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES. Do you know someone who is searching to better themselves? Especially when it comes to love? The 5 Love Languages was recommended to me by a close personal friend who cares about me deeply. The first night I received this book, I devoured 55 pages in one sitting. It enhances relationships with not just the one you love, but parents, friends, colleagues, etc. We all speak different love languages and being educated on it, can only make the world a better place because we can relate to one another. A definite recommended read, whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed. At the end of the day, all we need is love. Love is all we need.

LOVE LETTERS. For the hopeless romantics in your group, why not give them a book of Love Letters. This is also a great gift for a new couple that just is celebrating their first Christmas together or for a couple who has been together for a long time and needs to re-kindle their love. I was recently at a client's house and noticed her books of love letters and I began to thumb through them. I definitely don't own any of these books but I would definitely appreciate the person to would purchase them for me. Inside the first book that I glanced at, the man in her life at that moment even wrote on the inside of the book a little love letter to her. What is more romantic than sincere words from the person you love?  We all remember Carrie reading the book of Love Letters in the Sex and the City movie, . . .all together now, "how romantic".

VICTORIA SECRET. I will let you in on a little secret, . . .you can never go wrong with a gift certificate to Victoria Secret. If she is a lingerie lover, like myself, they have definitely grown in their girlie, frilly lingerie lines. If she is more conservative, they have some of the coziest pajamas and robes out there. And if she is athletic, they have an amazing line of sportswear. Any store that sells lingerie, pajamas, sportswear, and not to forget perfume is a wonderland for females.

MARTINI GIFT SETS. Three 5oz Martini Mixes, Martini Lemon Drop, Martini Mandarin Orange, and Martini Green Apple - paired up with 2 Martini Glasses! A fun and unique gift for the Martini lover!

SPORTS TICKETS. Know a sports fan who is a diehard NFL, NBA, MLB fan? Why not get them a couple of tickets to their favorite teams game against a rival? The best way to pull off this gift is to buy a 6-pack of their favorite beer and enclose the tickets in an envelope and wrap. They will be so surprised that you actually took the time to buy them something personal like that and the beer is to celebrate when they see the sweet game they scored! 

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND. A heart shaped border of crisp clear diamonds outlines an impressive collection of black diamonds 1/4 carat (ctw) in this fancy and heartfelt necklace crafted in 10 karat white gold. A beautiful piece at the right price with free shipping. Also available with blue diamonds or a matching ring. (http://promo.myjewelrybox.com/CMs/MC0025.html)

BURBERRY- DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

LONDON (Reuters Life!) – Luxury goods group Burberry said its Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey has won the 2009 Designer of the Year prize at the British Fashion Awards.
Burberry also won Brand of the Year at the ceremony held at The Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday night.
Bailey said the 153-year-old British maker of raincoats, fashionable clothes and accessories will continue to show its Burberry Prorsum womenswear show during London Fashion Week.
Burberry, which runs 122 retail outlets, 255 concessions, 90 franchise stores and an e-commerce business in over 25 countries reported better than expected second-quarter revenue forecasts last month, helped by demand for handbags, leather goods and snoods.
It said it expected to open about 15 mainline stores over the full year, at the top end of its previous guidance.
Bailey has previously been recognized at the British Fashion Awards with the Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2008 and 2007 and with the Designer of the Year award in 2005.
He is responsible for the design of all Burberry collections and products, as well as all advertising, corporate art direction, architectural design, multi-media content and overall brand image for Burberry.

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAVORITE GUYS

For the Sports Water Enthusiast. Vivitar's DVR850 Video Camera is sure to make a splash. Seriously. Throw it in the sea. It's waterproof! Whether your fellow likes to Jet Ski or scuba dive, he'll be able to capture all of the fun with this gnarley toy; $99.99.

For the Foodie. Forget the cookbooks this year, men like to be men behind the grill. He'd be thrilled when you gift him with this stainless steel barbecue set; $25.

For the Business Guy. Sure, he's got a million ties. But does he own a totally awesome one that was designed by Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland? We don't think so! Help him stand out in a room full of suits with English Laundry's Crossbone Tie; $59.99.

For the Watch Lover. Once he sees that you've given him a fine way to display his collection of Rolexes and Movados, he'll definitely know what time it is—time to buy you something nice! $49.95.

For the Smooth Operator. This masculine (check out the wooden packaging!) shaving kit by Every Man Jack has everything to keep your beau kissably smooth; $20.

PARTY ATTIRE MUST-HAVES

Keep these 10 fashion items on hand and you'll be ready for any special occasion, from winter formals to holiday parties. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match your way to glamorous party success!


1. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS (LBD). It just doesn't get any better than a perfect little black dress for party wear. The newest (and most flattering) length falls modestly right below the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey and crepe are some of the best fabrications for this style.

2. BEADED BLOUSE. Head-to-toe beading is too much, but a sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own. An embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. Pair with black trousers or a straight skirt, pull back your hair and slick on red lips for a classic party look.

3. GREAT TROUSER. A wider-leg pant is the perfect special occasion partner for sexy tops and jackets. Choose basic colors -- black and winter white are faves -- and festive fabrics (velvet, satin, crepe).

4. DRESSY WRAP. A beautiful shawl does more than just look good: it can cover bare shoulders, too. Embroidered styles go great with basic strapless dresses; velvets and fringed pieces add richness to separates. Stick with a shawl in approximately the same fabric "weight" as your outfit (you wouldn't want to pair a heavy velvet piece with a gossamer gown).

5. PERFECT CLUTCH. Complete your outfit with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have short strap to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chicest way to go.

6. AMAZING HEEL. These high-heels will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Added bonus: unlike sandals, where you have to worry about your hose seams showing on the toes, mules have covered toes so sheer hosiery looks great!

7. VELVET JACKET. The dressy jacket is a staple because it classes up everything from simple white blouses to plain black trousers. Burn-out and embroidery are two finishes that add interest; look for traditionally rich velvet colors like black and burgundy.

8. BEAUTIFUL BLING. If you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. Hoops, drops and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings to your updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).

9. A LITTLE SHIMMER. Dust sparkly powders in pink or flesh tones wherever you want more attention: bare shoulders, cleavage, etc.

10. SEXY CAMISOLE. Looks great bare or under a jacket. Pair with a dressy skirt for special occasions or toughen it up with faded jeans for daytime.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 MOVIE POSTER REVEALED

We're giving you the chance to have an exclusive first look at the new poster for 'Sex and the City 2' here.
Returning in their starring roles are Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.
Speaking about filming the movie, Parker said: "It's a great privilege to be spending time again with this beloved cast and crew and to be filming in New York City.We look forward to the next few months of this adventure."

There's still six months to go before Sex And The City fans will find out what happens to Carrie & Co.
But as the film's stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall continue to film the eagerly anticipated sequel, the movie's producers have released a teaser poster to whet the fans' appetite.

While Parker, 44, evidently looks good for her age, studio bosses have made the actress look even younger in the digitally-enhanced image.
In a photograph taken of the star in September, they have smoothed out the skin on her face and body and accentuated her bust for the ethereal-looking poster.

In the shot, Parker looks super chic in a stunning white Halston Heritage dress, $525 gold Mykita & Bernard Willhelm's Franz Limited-Edition Aviator sunglasses and Solange Azagury-Partridge necklace.
And of course, Parker's transformation into Carrie Bradshaw wouldn't be complete without a pair of fabulous shoes and bag - this time a £1,975 pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle gold sequinned heels and a gold Chanel clutch.
However, the poster is lacking Parker's co-stars Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis.
Accentuating the gold, Parker's high heels, clutch and sunglasses have been 'blinged' up, while her multi-coloured necklace has been literally turned into gold in the poster.
Following the huge success of the first movie last year, filming began on the follow-up in New York in September.
As you would expect from SATC, the film's four leading ladies are back in fabulous designer outfits, which will no doubt spur many a trend in 2010.
Parker, who became the mother of surrogate twins Tabitha and Marion in June, admitted the timing of making the sequel could have been better.

The actress, who also has a seven-year-old son James with husband Matthew Broderick, said: 'Nothing can really describe what it's like to have two new little girls.
'It's been very different than when James arrived, since our family expanded in an untraditional way. We didn't plan on having two, but were doubly blessed, and it's been just wonderful.

One would prefer to be held 24 hours a day, and the other is already suffering from type A issues. 
'It's been amazing but complicated because of my current work schedule, which I have enormous regrets about.'
While little details have been confirmed about the plotline, Parker and Nixon were spotted filming in Morocco in October.

It looks like Cattrall's man-eating character Samantha Jones may finally settle down after the actress was spotted wearing a wedding dress on location in New York.
Teen star Miley Cyrus, who has a brief cameo alongside Cattrall in the film, confirmed Jason Lewis was returning as Samantha's ex-boyfriend Smith Jerrod.
In the sequence, Samantha is dismayed to see Miley wearing the same dress as her when she attended a premiere of Smith's movie.
As well as potentially settling down, there is speculation Samantha - who turned 50 in the last movie - may be going through 'the change'.
Paparazzi taking photographs of the cast filming in New York earlier this year zoomed in on her script, which apparently sees Samantha asking her assistant to pick up more hormone pills.
Among the rumoured plotlines for the sequel is Carrie's marriage to Mr Big (Chris Noth) will run into trouble, including the mogul suffering into financial problems as a result of the current economic crisis.

It has been rumoured the couple may have or adopt a baby together after several stars, including Katie Price and Victoria Beckham reportedly auditioned for he role of an English nanny.
Also back for the sequel is Miranda's husband Steve Brady (David Eigenberg), Charlotte's husband Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler) and the girls' gay friends Anthony Marantino (Mario Cantone) and Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson).
Among the stars making cameo appearances in this year's movie include Penelope Cruz, Liza Minnelli and British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili.
The first Sex And The City movie saw Carrie and Mr Big finally tie the knot in City Hall after the commitment-phobe jilted her at the altar of a lavish over-the-top ceremony at the New York Public Library.
Last year's film was well received with both critics and audiences and grossed $412million in worldwide box office.

Film released in the US May 2010

WILL DESIGNERS KISS THE RUNWAY GOODBYE?

Soon you may not have to be an A-list celeb, department-store buyer or magazine editor to get a front-row seat at a fashion show. As the luxury and fashion industries continue to struggle with sagging retail sales and consumers' diminishing interest in $2,000 It bags, designers are looking for alternative ways to show their wares. And more and more of them are turning to the Internet for a bigger audience and to shrink their overhead.
"The cost of a fashion show has become prohibitive," says David Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren's marketing chief. "And because of the economy, fewer members of the press and buyers are making the trip to New York to see the show." The result is that many designer-initiated brands — including the less-expensive lines, like Donna Karan's DKNY, that are presented during New York Fashion Week — are rethinking the traditional fashion show. This fall the British designer Alexander McQueen made a splash by live-streaming his Paris show on his website. The season before, Louis Vuitton live-streamed its show on Facebook. And Lauren is the mastermind behind a new initiative to present his company's brands in virtual fashion shows as opposed to have-to-be-there runway extravaganzas.

On Dec. 11, Rugby, Ralph Lauren's collegiate brand, will show its holiday collection in an online fashion show that Lauren calls a mix between Harry Potter and Rock Band. Instead of walking down a real runway, the models will be walking on a treadmill in an office with a green screen behind them. Once the clip is produced, a virtual backdrop will be superimposed so that it will look as though the models are walking through New York City or a college campus, or jumping off flying books. The idea, says Lauren, is to bring a cinematic feeling to the brand's advertising images. And instead of the company's spending $1.5 million on an audience of approximately 700 members of the fashion press and department-store buyers, the virtual show will cost less than $50,000 to produce and is expected to attract more than 40 million page views.
One advantage to replacing the traditional biannual runway show — which features clothing that won't be available in stores for another six months — is that designers can close the six-month gap between the show and the products' availability. Ideally, consumers who watch a show online would then be able to click on a product they see and buy it immediately. "Now we can serve the industry and our customer simultaneously," says Lauren, "which is critical to the survival of this industry."
Historically, high-end fashion brands have not fared well when they've relied solely on virtual fashion shows. In 1998, Helmut Lang made a statement when he replaced one season's runway showing with a video recording of a show that went up on his website and was distributed to editors on discs. But the reaction was lukewarm, and the following season Lang returned to the runway. More recently, brands like Viktor & Rolf and Yves Saint Laurent have experimented with online shows.
Next spring Polo Ralph Lauren is planning virtual shows for its less-expensive Lauren line as well as its children's line. But the company isn't ready to present its most prestigious line, the Ralph Lauren collection, online. "It's certainly up for debate," says Lauren. "It's making us think differently about how we show our product and how we can show the Ralph Lauren collection."

Source: Time magazine