Paris Hilton’s Drug Bust; Last Hoo-Haa Before Turning Thirty?

Paris really hasn’t been in the media much over the past few years.  Her reality TV show Paris Hilton’s Best Friend wasn’t great and the British version was an out-right joke.  The 29 year old heiress is currently facing charges of cocaine possession after the Las Vegas police allegedly found the drug in her purse after a traffic stop last Friday.  Paris has since been released on bail and says that the purse was on loan from a friend.  Yeah, right!

Paris’s lawyer, David Chesnoff, thinks that the public shouldn’t jump to conclusions.  “This matter will be dealt with in the courts, not in the media, and I encourage people not to rush to judgment until all of the facts have been dealt with in a court of law.”

Paris is an infamous self publicist and perhaps one of the best in the business, never missing an opportunity for a photo-op.  For her latest mug shot, the Hilton hotel heiress struck a stylish pose, flashing a demure smile for the police camera and had her Jennifer Aniston style hair cascading over bare shoulders.  Much sexier than the shot for her drink-driving charge three years ago.

According to People Magazine, there is no longer probation time on her drink-driving case so Paris won’t face any additional charges for the cocaine arrest.

In July just gone, Paris was questioned by the South African police at the World Cup for allegedly smoking marijuana and was later held by police in Corsica after (once again) allegedly being caught with a small amount of pot in her purse.  In both cases, Paris was released without charges.

Fergie: Blonde Bomb-Shell?

The hottest member of the Black Eyed Peas has dyed her hair blonde for her new role as Avon’s hair care brand Advanced Techniques spokesperson, according to InStyle Magazine.  Fergie recently launched her new perfume, Outspoken, with the Avon label and last weekend was filming for guitarist Slash’s new music video Beautiful Dangerous, which the two performed together at the third annual Sunset Strip Music Festival.

Alexander McQueen Skull-Print Laptop Case

Net-A-Porter is a fabulous website for all things fashion.  You can pick up everything from a to-die-for pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos to Stella McCartney pretend-leather handbags.  Currently for sale on the site is this amazing Alexander McQueen skull print laptop case, built for a fifteen inch computer.

I’m not really a fan of McQueen’s label, I always thought it was very generic, but I’m loving this bag.  It’s the perfect blend of personal style with a splash of high-end designer.  This is the kind of bag you’d expect (my personal Goddess) Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen to have.  The case is priced at $395 and while quite expensive, it is the type of bag you’d use for years to come.

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So, I’ve had a very busy few weeks. Daddy’s been fundraising for his charity, Maintain Hope, (benefiting primary education is Kenya), Mummy’s busy running her newest charity, Care And Repair (helping older people lead more independent lives) while squeezing in her all important lunches and social do’s and I’ve been left to my own devices in my Dublin apartment. After a number of disastrous dates and many, many nights in with my friends (bitching and smoking), I’ve finally lifted the rock off my head and stuck my nose back into the fashion world. Oh, how I’ve missed it.

Taylor Momsen is Madonna’s Material Girl

My first piece of goss is that Gossip Girl star, New Look model, phenomenal singer and my personal Goddess, Taylor Momsen, is set to be the new face of Madonna’s first ever clothing line, Material Girl. Material Girl is a collaboration with Madonna’s daughter, Lordes, and is aimed at the tweens of the world. Unfortunately, the line will only be available at American department store, Macy’s, from August 3rd onwards. If you want to get the sex-grunge look that Taylor is infamous for, I’m sure after a month or two pieces from the collection will appear on E-Bay. On the other hand, you could always ask an American relative to pick up a few pieces for you and mail them across the Atlantic.

A little closer to home, Taylor Momsen’s look can be purchased at high street retailer, New Look, under the name Idol.

The video for Taylor’s new song, Miss Nothing, is out now on YouTube, and it’s really worth checking out.

Angelina at Salt in Versace

In other fashion news: my future wife, Angelina Jolie, attended the Russian premier of new movie, Salt, in a red hot Versace gown on Sunday 25th. Ange helped earn Salt a number two position at the box office this weekend (behind DiCaprio’s Inception), raking in $36.5 million, making the movie gross more than Tom Cruise’s Knight And Day and Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood.

In the Alias meets Tomb Raider movie, Angelina plays an American agent who is told by a member Russian secret service that she’s a plant and will kill the president of America. I really hate the way Americans go out of their way to demonize Russia (THE COLD WAR IS OVER!!) but I love Angelina, so I’ll definitely be making a trip to the cinema soon.

We can clearly see, from the pictures of her, that Angelina has put on a bit of weight and is looking much healthier than she did a few months ago. I’m glad. I love Angelina Jolie and I cannot wait to see her new film!

V.I.Prisoner? LiLo’s Getting Special Treatment

It seems that Lindsay Lohan is not very welcome in prison. LiLo is eating the same meals as everyone else in the Century Regional Detention Facility but according to Maria Medina, a relative of one of the other inmates, every time LiLo moves the whole place goes into lock down.

“She’s not treated like if it was anyone else going to jail. Like, if they even want to bring her new clothes or bring her anything, they put the whole facility on lockdown. It happens all the time. For example, just yesterday [Friday 23rd], Lindsay had to go to the mini-clinic and the whole place was on lockdown again.”

Los Angeles Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore, denies Maria’s claims. He told People magazine, “It’s business as usual. Lindsay’s getting no special treatment.” He also said there is no such thing as ‘lockdowns’.

I don’t know anything about prison but I’ve seen stuff on TV and I feel very sorry for Lindsay. She broke the law and should be punished but I imagine, after Paris Hilton’s prison ordeal, that the criminals of California are getting quite sick of having celebrities for cell mates.

Miranda’s Mummy Loves Orlando

The super under-the-radar couple, that is actor Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr, tied the knot last week. Now Therese Kerr, Miranda’s mother, has sung Orlando’s praises to People magazine.

“All we have ever wanted is for our children to be healthy and happy and we have never seen Miranda healthier and happier than she is right now.” Therese says that Orlando is a true gentleman and followed tradition by asking for Miranda’s hand in marriage. “We had no hesitation; they truly are a gorgeous couple, are very much in love and bring out the best in each other.”

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The media are not always kind to uber stylist Rachel Zoe. Only last year I heard one TV programme blame Rachel Zoe for Nicole Richie’s very thin frame, saying that the stars association with the stylist had led her to try to mimic her body shape, resulting in an eating disorder. However, when watching a marathon session of ‘The Rachel Zoe Project’ recently, her body shape was the last thing on my mind. This programme is the latest in a number that have used the American fashion industry as a source for reality television, but is way more insightful and interesting than Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. This is worth watching even if it is just to enjoy Rachel’s own personal style in action. She totally hits Boho Chic out of the park, loves statement accessories, and all things vintage.

One of the things that surprised me most is how little input the Hollywoood A-listers that use Rachel to style them for the Oscars and Emmys have. They seem to leave it all up to the stylist to arrive with a few options for the events including dresses, jewellery, footwear and even underwear and insoles! The deciding factor seems to be the option that will get them most noticed but least likely to end up on the worst dressed list.

If you want more of Rachel Zoe, her book Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour is available to buy online or you can sign up to her daily newsletter at www.rachelzoe.com.

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Following on from last season’s obsession with lace, crocheting is shaping up to be one of this summer’s hottest trends. Though lace is still being spotted, the real fashion-forward ladies out there have swapped the look for chunky, knitted styles – most frequently seen in white or off-white. The good thing about this trend is it can either be worn as a cool summer day-look, or it can be dressed up as classy evening-wear.

A classy take on crocheting requires a delicate balance: too much flesh on display isn’t classy, but too much coverage and you wind up looking frumpy! So try on a few styles and be sure to get a second opinion from a friend. On their Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks, Marc by Marc Jacobs opted for a high neckline, long sleeves and a knee-length skirt to try and counter the almost see-through nature of their heavily crocheted dress. However a more easily worn (not to mention affordable) take on the look comes from Mango. By keeping the crochet detailing to the neckline and sleeves, their crochet dress will protect your modesty whilst the flirty ruffled skirt adds a youthful flair.

But despite it’s granny connotations, crocheting doesn’t always have to be worn conservatively. The trend has also been picked up on by party-girls and rock chicks world wide. Kate Bosworth went for a cool crochet mini paired with on-trend ankle boots for the hippest music festival of the year, Coachella. Kate keeps her dress daytime-friendly by layering it over a long white vest whilst her aviator sunglasses and slouchy bag complete her laid-back festival look. The best thing about this dress is you can snap it up for about €50 from Topshop – celeb fashion on a budget!

Meanwhile, Lois Winstone has been spotted in an even more cutting edge take on the trend. At the recent opening of Topshop’s Knightsbridge branch (glamorously situated opposite Harrods), the wild child of London’s fashion pack turned up arm-in-arm with Daisy Lowe wearing a white crochet mini over visible black underwear. With red wine lipstick and a shock of bleached blonde hair to top it off, Lois clearly knows how to create an attention-grabbing look!

Whilst I wouldn’t recommend recreating Lois’s outfit (you might be getting attention for the wrong reasons), there are other ways of bringing crocheting bang up to date. For example, try going for a crocheted romper instead of the more traditional dress – making it two trends in one. Free People make a great white romper with crochet detailing on the back which will cost you €79.88. Though it borders on pricey, the romper is a great all-rounder as it would look just as good at the beach, the barbie, the bar or the fields of Punchestown for Oxegen.

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Over the weekend Dublin was awash with soap stars and home grown celebs as the fifth Walkers TV Now Awards took place on Saturday night at Dublin’s Mansion House.  The plethora of Irish and International stars weren’t hindered in making it by volcano ash – thankfully!

The favourite soap award went to Coronation Street with Fair City’s Tony Tormey winning Favourite Male Soap Star and Katherine Kelly of Corrie winning Favourite Female Soap Star.  Emmerdale fared better with Irish viewers (considering they won n’out at the British Soap Awards) with the Dingles winning The Walkers Favourite Soap Family award (scary!).  Yawn.. Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years on the show.

No surprises that our Favourite TV Show Ever was Fr. Ted.  The penultimate award on the night was the Inaugural Hall of Fame award which was collected by Rex and Lottie Ryan on behalf of their late father, much loved radio DJ Gerry Ryan.

More importantly… the fashion – well it didn’t disappoint, with the red carpet awash with stunning creations.  Corrie stole the show with a mix of high street and couture.  Shobna Gulati wore Philip Armstrong Couture, Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntrye) looked stunning in a dress by Vicky Martin with Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) wearing high street favourite Lipsy (not so sure about the hair though!).

Reality TV Star (!!) Michelle Heaton dressed for the heat-wave in a burnt orange gown from a Marbella boutique.  Stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick dressed to impress, in a navy and white silk dress with vintage lace by Marion Murphy Cooney.  Model Pippa O’Connor wore a fabulous dress from one of her favourite boutiques – Soho in Naas.  Newsreader Elaine Crowley of TV3 wore a fabulous dress from Coco Boutique in Clarendon Street, flown in especially from LA for Elaine to wear on the night – go diva!  Rosanna Davidson was simply stunning as always in an Ashish dress and Louboutin shoes.  TV3 weather girl Anna Daly matched her fair complextion with a full-length powder pink dress.  Former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ni Shulleabhain sported a silver Catherine Malandrino dress.  Glamorous Sile Seoige was resplendent in a leopard print dress by American label ‘Stop Staring’ and slightly dwarfed her equally glamorous sister Grainne.  Lorraine Keane looked stunning in a full length white dress however not so sure about the knuckle duster!  Louboutins (or loobs as we call them) were most definitely the shoe of choice on the night, with a host of stars slipping their feet into the skyscraping heels!

After the official ceremony ended everyone headed to Krystle nightclub where owner Rangan Aruchelvan pulled out all the stops to show every guest we Irish know how to party!

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Fancy bagging yourself some cool off-duty model style but can’t afford Balenciaga? Well don’t worry because Agyness Deyn and her lil’ sis Emily have joined forces with Uniqlo to design a range of fun, stylish and affordable tees.  The range will go on sale this Saturday (May 1st) at uniqlo.com for a measley £12.99 (about €15).

The t-shirts and vests each feature a Polaroid-inspired design, complete with punky slogans scrawled across the bottom.  With a youthful vibe and stacks of attitude, it’s a celebration of the quirky style that made Agyness an icon: the cheeky ‘Talk to the hand’ tee in particular is a must-buy for any would-be punkettes!

This isn’t the first time Emily Deyn has taken to the design table: last year, she generated a bit of a buzz in the fashion industry when her sister was snapped wearing one her designs backstage at Miu Miu.  The design – a Sex Pistols-style pop art reworking of the Queen, complete with superimposed sunglasses – was a collaboration with Aliyah Hussain on the pair’s label, Hussaindeyn.

Something tells me that this is one little sister we’ll be seeing more of!

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We here at wow.ie are obsessed with anything nude, not meaning to be frisky you’ll understand – just fashion related, honestly!

This has to be one of the best bargains out there currently for nude shoes.  If you are also a fan of nude shoes check in for more on this beautiful subject over the coming days!  For now we bring you our pick of the day from Tesco, hard to believe but honestly, these shoes are Tesco’s own!  The cheap and cheerful lovelies arrived in store at the end of last month and we think they rival plenty of the more expensive high street or even high end versions out there.  The shoes by F&F are priced at £18 – we’re not sure of the euro equivalent but if not a match it won’t be much more.

Patent and suede detailing coupled with added platform, you’ll get plenty of wear from these throughout the Summer, if you don’t you won’t have the nagging guilt of seeing them unloved and unused with a hefty price tag

The ever stylish and elegant Angelina shows us how to work the trend with skinnies, short hemlines and flares!

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Oooh, what a great prize to win for clothing or household…  The lovely people at Littlewoods Ireland are offering one lucky wow.ie reader a chance to win a €100 shopping voucher – yes please!

We chose to show you a selection available from Fearne Cotton, one of their many celebrity collections, to give you some idea of all the lovelies you could purchase on winning this prize!

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this competition is tell us, in the comments box below, which of this season’s trends is your favourite.  Good luck all

The competition has been closed and a winner was finally picked from a bulging hat!!  Well done to Lorraine Weldon, enjoy spending it

P.s. watch out for more competitions to come…

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Alex Curran sported a stunning grey dress by french designer Alexandre Vauthier, with his obligatory big shoulder pads for this season.  His combination of strong shoulders, cinched waists and mix of dramatic details with rich fabrics are what makes his designs glamorous and sexy.

Alex’s figure most definitely can carry the figure hugging dress so well.  If however we had to nit pick, perhaps a better choice of bra with more lift?  The dress does have a lot going on with its bat wing arms and shoulder pads so Alex took the right option and went for minimalist jewellery, sporting just simple diamond studded earrings.  Her hair was simply tied back in a ‘messy’ bun and she had smoky black eye make-up that finished off her sexy look.

We’ve all given her a double thumbs up here at wow.ie, all agreeing she is certainly rocking this sexy look.  Alex has taken care of every detail with studded clutch to matching nail varnish.

We found this similar clutch bag on the high street at Karen Millen priced at €325 – a versatile bag which will work for dress wear and casually on a night out with jeans perhaps, a tee and fitted jacket.  You’ll find a great pair of nude patent high heeled pumps at Dunnes Stores for only €15!!

Check out fashion from Alexandre Vauthier‘s runway below.

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Another preggers celebrity turns designer!  Thank god there is such interest in maternity lines, bye bye dungarees and hello stylish maternity clothing – that’s a big phew to the female race.

Littlewoods made the announcement last week that it was to launch its new maternity clothing range, DVO Maternity, created in collaboration with well known television personality and mum-to-be Denise van Outen.

The launch sees Denise join the company of Littlewoods Ireland’s other celebrity designers, Fearne Cotton, Holly Willoughby and Jasmine Guinness to offer a range of causal yet stylish maternity pieces for everyday and occasion wear.

This collection sees key pieces including a body-con stretch tube dress in black and cobalt blue, a black jumpsuit €44, a fitted wrap dress in grey and purple €59, and a black and cream empire bow dress.  The range also includes a number of yoga inspired fitness wear such as jersey cropped harem pants, tank tops in a selection of colours and asymmetric zip hoodies in navy and white.  This is one maternity range that actually looks comfortable and wearable.  Our favourite – the pencil skirt at €32 will keep you in style and comfort plus it’s a versatile piece (although the jumpsuit came close!).

The 16 piece collection is available now and prices start at €24 for a vest top up to €69 for the maternity wrap dress and sizes range from 8-20, definitely one to check out if you’re expecting.

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