Saturday, December 25, 2010

Queen of chic: Her Majesty is a vision in fur as she leads Royal fashion parade at Christmas service

By Andy Whelan



Fur Queen and country: Her Majesty was all wrapped up as she attended the traditional Christmas service at Sandringham


At 84, no one would really expect the Queen to be a fashion icon.

But as she attended the traditional Christmas Day service at Sandringham, she was the picture of stylish elegance in co-ordinated fur hat and fur-trimmed coat.

The ‘Snow Queen’ look was completed with ultra-fashionable high-heeled boots, a chic white scarf and clasp, and black designer handbag.

She certainly turned heads among the 1,000 well-wishers who had gathered on the Norfolk estate, while her look also seemed to inspire the Duchess of Cornwall, who attended the service at St Mary Magdalene Church in similar Dr Zhivago-style headgear – but a much bigger version.


The Royal party also included the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, the Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Observers say they could not remember so few Royals attending the Christmas Day service.

Princess Anne was notably absent, although her son Peter Phillips and wife Autumn are expecting their baby – the Queen’s first great-grandchild – any day now. Buckingham Palace also announced the engagement this week of Peter’s sister, Zara, to rugby star Mike Tindall.


Family affair: Her Majesty with granddaughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie


Sister Act: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice looked cheerful and stylish as they arrived at the Sandringham church


Prince William was absent as he volunteered to work at RAF Valley on Christmas Day.

The Duke of Edinburgh decided to walk the quarter-mile from Sandringham House to the church with Prince Harry, while the Queen arrived by car. After the service, she was presented with photographs and flowers by local schoolchildren.

The Queen chose sport as the theme for her televised Christmas Day message, describing how it can teach values such as honesty, respect and a sense of community.

She said: ‘Apart from developing physical fitness, sport and games can also teach vital social skills. None can be enjoyed without abiding by the rules, and no team can hope to succeed without co-oper­ation between the players.


Snowy stroll: The Duchess of Cornwall linked arms with husband Prince Charles as they walked to the church with Prince Harry and the Duke of Edinburgh


‘This sort of positive team spirit can benefit communities, companies and enterprises of all kinds.’

But there was no mention of the forthcoming wedding of Prince ­William and Kate Middleton in the speech, which was filmed at Hampton Court Palace for the first time, rather than at Buckingham Palace.


Furry Christmas: The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall leave the church with Prince Philip - but many of the Royals were absent from the service



Source:Dailymail

Friday, December 24, 2010

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pile the trolley high with toys as they celebrate Christmas in Namibia

By Daily Mail Reporter



Family Christmas: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pile their trolley high with Christmas shopping at a mall in Windhoek, Namibia


With six children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have a lot of wrapping to do.

And with their trolley piled high with toys and games, it seems the couple are planning on making it a very merry Christmas.

The Jolie-Pitts were pictured shopping alongside the busy crowds at a mall in Windhoek, Namibia.


Their daughter Shiloh was born in the seaside town of Swakopmund in the African country four years ago.

The well-travelled family spend every other Christmas in the U.S., then enjoy a trip to a far-flung location the second year.

Earlier this month Angelina explained: 'We're going to travel with the kids and go to a random part of the world,' she said.

'We're going to travel and have an adventure because that's what we love to do.'


Back for Christmas: Angelina gave birth to twins two years ago in the country at the seaside town of Swakopmund


But while the actress was fitting in some last minute gift buying yesterday, she isn't just relying on the local stores.

Asked whether she's kept on top of her Christmas shopping, she said: 'I have, and I've got it all boxed and ready to go.

'I'm trying to get every stocking right and all the wrapping paper and everything.'

Her planning is sure to delight Shiloh and siblings Maddox, eight, Pax, seven, Zahara, five and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

The six have been spotted helping their mother pick out gifts in New York and France, and seem more excited by the day.



Source:Dailymail

'I feel like Becky again!' X Factor's Rebecca Ferguson gets back to normality as she goes Christmas shopping in Liverpool

By Sarah Bull



Shopping trip: X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson steps out in Liverpool yesterday to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents


She's had an action-packed few months, become a national sweetheart and coming second on The X Factor.

But, for the festive period at least, it's back to normality for Rebecca Ferguson, who was spotted doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in Liverpool yesterday.

The 24-year-old singer admitted she was looking forward to taking some time away
from the spotlight to spend Christmas with her children Lillie, six, and four-year-old Karl.


Military chic: Rebecca looked chic in a navy and red coat, black tights and cute black suede


She said: 'It’s so nice to be home for Christmas. I feel like Becky again. We’ve got our tree up. I just wanted to get a few more treats for the kids.

'They’re really excited. I’m looking forward to Christmas with my family and my babies in Liverpool.'

The singer looked stunning in a military-style red and navy blue coat, teamed with black tights and cute suede boots for her shopping trip, and was mobbed by fans as she got out of her taxi ready to hit the stores.


Singing star: Rebecca performing during the final of The X Factor


Rebecca, who won the nation over with her down-to-earth attitude during her time on The X Factor, also admitted she was finding it strange not being part of the reality show.

She added to the Liverpool Echo: 'I’m going to miss everyone, especially One Direction and Matt, but I’ll see them all on the X Factor tour next year.

'Doing The X Factor was very emotional. I first auditioned in March so it’s almost been a full year for me.

'I want to thank everyone that voted for me and supported me. I want to tell them I’m so happy. It’s not the end!'



Source:Dailymail

'I'd sworn off men before I met Artem': Kara Tointon broke no men rule after falling for Strictly partner

By Daily Mail Reporter



Confession time: Kara Tointon admitted to Graham Norton that she found Artem Chigvintsev 'gorgeous'


Actress Kara Tointon had sworn off dating when first met Strictly partner Artem Chigvintsev.

After a painful split from Joe Swash in May, the former EastEnders star was intent to stay single for at least two years.

But the Russian dancer was a 'real gentleman' and turned her head.


Speaking on the Christmas Eve edition of The Graham Norton Show, the 27-year-old said: 'I had decided before the show not to date for the next two years. I was having a moment out. I was off men.'

And while she declined to be drawn on how the pair's relationship developed during the show, she did admit her attraction to Artem - raising speculation that they were more than just friends.


'We get on so well and we laugh so much,' the actress said. 'He’s just a gorgeous person. He is gorgeous inside and out.

'Now it (Strictly) is all over its nice to get out of the studio and do some normal things.'


Laugh-a-minute: Kara Tointon was amused by fellow guests David Walliams and Matt Lucas, as was Doctor Who star Matt Smith


Tointon is set to keep viewers guessing when she appears on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special on Christmas Day - and grabs Artem under the mistletoe for a kiss.

The couple, who will take part in a group routine with fellow finalists Pamela Stephenson and Matt Baker and semi-finalist Scott Maslen, will be seen sharing a steamy clinch on screen - just one week after they celebrated their Strictly Come Dancing win with a kiss on live television.

Other guests on Friday's show include Matt Smith, who talked about taking on the role of Doctor Who, describing it as a 'privilege'.


Starry line-up: Doctor Who star Matt Smith said on the show that playing the Time Lord was 'wonderful'


'It’s been transformative. It’s wonderful,' he said. 'I inherited a mantle but I enjoy it and who could tire of being a 900 year old time lord?'

He did admit however that spending so much time filming in Cardiff had its pitfalls - notably the fact that he gets to spend less time with his girlfriend Daisy Lowe. 'She says it’s not like having a boyfriend because I’m never there,' Smith said.

Matt Lucas and David Walliams also appeared to discuss their new comedy show Come Fly With Me, which will also be screened on Christmas Day.

The show, set in an airport, sees the Little Britain twosome playing a range of new characters.

The interesting thing is that the new characters can meet each other and they know they are on TV. It’s exciting to write and perform,' Walliams said.

Lucas, meanwhile, said of the new show, 'There are not as many catchphrases and it's not so rude.'

To see the full interview with Kara Tointon tune in to The Graham Norton Show on BBC1 at 10.35pm on Christmas Eve


Festive feast: All of the guests on The Graham Norton Show on Friday will appear on Christmas Day shows



Source:Dailymail

The City star banned from fashion website after shocked readers complain about her stick-thin frame

By Maysa Rawi



Weighty issue: Allie Crandell models a black leather dress by BCBG on the Revolve website, but has been banned after readers complained she was too thin


The City star Allie Crandell has been banned from a popular American fashion retailer after readers complained about her skinny frame.

Revolve clothing featured Crandell on their online boutique looking painfully thin as she models a collection by BCBG Max Azria.

One image in particular showing her tiny waist and arms sparked outrage among shoppers.


One shopper wrote: 'As a normal, healthy woman with a healthy body type. How can I possibly imagine what this dress would look like on me when it is shown on an emaciated frame?'

Revolve have promised not to feature Crandell on their site until she puts on weight.

The spokesperson said: 'We are working closely with both the model and her agent to get her to a healthier size.


Painfully thin: Allie has attracted attention in the past over her weight while she was on American show The City


Doll-sized: Revolve have said they are working with both the model and her agent to get her to a healthier size


'She won't be appearing in any of our new product batches or in any of our fashion editorial photos moving forward until the issue is adequately addressed.

'We have been attempting to respect the privacy of the model in question while dealing with the issue on our end.'

In 2008, Crandell became a part of the MTV reality show The City.

In one episode, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone accused her of being too thin before the model goes on to defend herself by insisting she eats healthily.

Although she played a major role in the first season, she has only appeared twice in the second half.

She also starred in Shayne Ward's 2006 No Promises video.

Crandell confirmed via her personal Twitter account that she will no longer be appearing on the show, stating, 'I'm done with the City forever.'



Source:Dailymail

Jennifer Lopez's got a whole lotta junk in her trunk... and two baby jeeps for twins Max and Emme

By Daily Mail Reporter



Bootylicious: Jennifer Lopez shows off her curves in a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and fitted jumper as she shops at Toys R Us in Los Angeles


Jennifer Lopez had all the junk in her trunk on full display yesterday. And it's not just the haul of presents she bought for her pampered children wer'e referring to.

The curvy star wore tight-fitting jeans which showed off her famous figure to full effect - bringing to mind the phrase popularised by Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie - meaning a bootylicious rear.

But fittingly, the singer's car boot was also stuffed with two expensive baby jeeps she had bought for twin's Max, and Emme.


Although dressed casually to buy Christmas presents for her twins Max and Emme, J.Lo still managed to showcase her stunning figure... and that famous bottom.

But there was nothing remotely trashy about how she looked.

Accompanied by her minders, the mother-of-two, 41, splashed out on a $280 Tough Talking Jeep Wrangler for Max and a $250 Barbie Jammin' Jeep at Toys R Us.

The mini jeeps are a must-have gift for pampered Hollywood children, giving them the chance to experience driving up to five miles per hour, while listening to sound effects and music on the radio.

The vehicle, which includes two gears, also comes with a voice amplifying speaker so the young driver can yell at road hogs.

Even though the jeep sits two, Lopez wisely decided to buy two for her three-year-old twins so to prevent arguments over who gets to sit in the driving seat.


Tight fit: A Toys R Us sales adviser tries to fit the two baby jeeps into the boot of Lopez's car


Lavish: Max will receive a $280 Tough Talking Jeep, while Emme will get the $250 Barbie Jammin' Jeep


They were so large, Lopez enlisted the help of a sales assistant and one of her bouncers to squeeze the large boxes in the boot of her car.

But pricey purchases aside, all eyes were on Lopez's famous figure.

The Jenny From The Block star managed to pull off casual chic in a pair of skinny jeans, fitted polo neck and over-the-knee boots.

Although Lopez had plenty of company for her shopping trip yesterday, on Wednesday she was joined by husband Marc Anthony.

The happy couple browsed around Kitson Kids in Beverly Hills, a high end store selling designer children's clothes.

Dressed in an oversized knit cardigan with leggings and Ugg boots, the 41-year-old star looked relaxed and casual yet glamorous.


Entourage: Lopez was joined by a bouncer (left) and a relative on her shopping excursion


Her singer husband, 41, looked equally as low key in jeans and a black jumper.

Both stars kept their faces covered with sunglasses despite the cloudy Los Angeles weather.

Jennifer has been travelling the country in recent weeks shooting the audition sessions for the new and tenth season of American Idol.

She joined Randy Jackson on the judging panel this season along with Steven Tyler to replace the outgoing Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres.


Last minute gifts: Lopez was joined by husband Marc Anthony as they bought clothes at Kitson Kids in Beverly Hills on Wednesday


In a newly released promo clip for the show Jennifer reveals her soft and nurturing side telling a group of contestants: 'Have fun and believe in your destiny. Just do your thing, okay?'

'It takes a lot of guts to come out here and do this. We know this. We've been in your position. We understand how you feel.'

The series kicks off with a two-night première on January 19 and 20.


Happy couple: The pair, who married in 2004, were affectionate with each other and held hands as they browsed the store


Source:Dailymail

Take one football superstar, add two Spice girls, and a chubby comic... for the perfect Gordon Ramsay Christmas dinner

By Sarah Fitzmaurice



High profile guests: David and Victoria Beckham attend Gordon Ramsay's Christmas party at the chef's south London home alongside former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Gavin and Stacey star James Corden


Take one celebrity chef, one football superstar, two Spice girls, add a chubby comic and sprinkle with glitz and glamour to create a Ramsay-style Christmas dinner.

Gordon Ramsay put his recent worries aside to host a glitzy dinner party last night with the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, James Corden and Emma Bunton in attendance.

The Michelin starred chef invited the high-profile guests to his Wandsworth, South London home for his annual Christmas bash.


Dressing up: Victoria opted for a black and orange fur jacket while David opted for an English heritage look complete with a brown cravat in his top pocket. Cruz rugged up against the elements with a Christmas hat


David Beckham drove his wife and sons to the party but tellingly it was Victoria who took the car keys when heading home.

The former Spice Girls star braved the cold in a black and brown fur coat while David dressed smartly for the occasion in an English heritage jacket complete with a brown cravat.

And although the group has had their fair share of ups and downs this year there was plenty to celebrate with David’s recent Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime achievement award and two couples expecting babies in the New Year.


Bearing gifts..and handbags: Emma Bunton and boyfriend Jade Jones joined in on the festive fun


Helping hand: Jade offers his pregnant girlfriend support. Emma is expecting her second child in Spring


Baby Spice Emma joined her former bandmate Victoria alongside long term boyfriend Jade Jones.

The singer, who is pregnant with her second child, looked chic in a black coat with fur trim, a patent Mulberry Bayswater handbag, adding a splash of colour with hot pink heels.

Jade, who is a chef who has worked at Claridges where Ramsay has his restaurant, offering Emma a helping hand as they got out of the car.

Funny man Corden brought some humour to the group and was joined by his pregnant girlfriend Julia Carey.


Posh presents: James Corden arrives with girlfriend Julia Carey carrying two Mark Jacobs gift bags


The Gavin and Stacey star also brought gifts clutching two Marc Jacobs bags and cards as he arrived at the house.


Tana greeted guests from the front door with an f-word quote, taken from Ramsay’s kitchen nightmares, alluding the chef’s fiery temper and bad language.

But behind the Christmas decorations and festive celebrations it has been a testing year for the Ramsays.

The couple experienced considerable strain on their marriage after Gordon sacked Chris Hutcheson, Tana’s father, in October.

Mr Hutcheson, 62, is suing the celebrity chef for £2million, seeking damages for unfair dismissal after being sacked as CEO of Gordon Ramsay holdings.

His financial nightmares continue as he it emerged earlier this month that he is facing being sued for more then £1million for failing to carry out a speaking tour in New Zealand.

The Beckhams have also had a trying time this year as new allegations were made in a U.S. magazine claiming he slept with a prostitute.

David has denied the claims and is suing the magazine.

The group put their worries aside to enjoy the festive bash and spirits will most certainly have been lifted by the newest member of their fold.

The Beckhams and the Ramsays have been firm friends for many years and Victoria and Emma go back to their spice girl days.

But recently comedian Corden has become a regular addition, becoming particularly close to David.

The LA Galaxy star was the recipient of one of Marc Jacobs gift bags the TV star brought to the party.


Best friends: Corden left minus his giftbags and Beckham appeared to be one of the recipients


Taking the wheel: Although David drove to the party, Victoria took the keys on the way back home



Source:Dailymail