Halleluia!

Whowhatweardaily.com is so right on today! I mean if you're a celebrity and you're going to be in the crosshairs of the paparazzi, please, please, please put on some underthings before you leave the house! I've seen far more of Britney Spears' boobs and crotch in the past week than I ever thought possible. You're fighting a custody battle girl! I mean, sure it's against K-Fed, which is like suing the Devil for custody, but Damn girl you're nasty!

It used to be that when the tabs caught a flash of the pink it was a major scandal. Now it's called a Tuesday night. Lindsay, Paris, Britney you can afford the La Perla, you can even afford Trashy Lingerie if that is your bent. Buy some God Damned panties!!!

We're not equipped for this

Heidi Klum and Seal (real name: Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel) recently announced the birth of their second child. A son, they named him Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel. I'm serious.

How is this kid ever going to function in our society with such a long name? This isn't Europe people. He won't be able to take a standardized test - he'll run out of circles long before he completes his moniker. Not to mention the trouble he'll have at the DMV or filing his taxes. And don't even get me started on his passport. Americans have 3 names; first, middle and last. Not first, middle, middle, middle, last.

I wonder what they call him. I mean do they change his name daily depending on what they feel like calling him? One day he's Johan, the next Riley and when he's bad "Fyodor Taiwo Samuel..."

To add insult to injury Johan joins an older brother Henry Guenther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, and sister Leni. Yup, just Leni. Frankly, I think she got off light. Of course she is the child of Flavio Briatore, a race car driver, so perhaps she's named for speed.

Virgin Mary virgin no more...

In an ironic turn of events Keisha Castle-Hughes, the 16 year old star of The Nativity Story has opted out of it's Vatican premiere because she is - wait for it - pregnant. Yes, the young star is thrilled to be expecting her first child with her 19 year old partner. The actress has claimed in interviews that because she found fame and fortune so young (she was the star of the wildly acclaimed Whale Rider) that she is mature for her age and ready for motherhood. Rrrrright...

In a fortunate turn Il Pape was also unavailable to attend the movie's premiere as he was busy touring (and being heckled in) Turkey. The papal representative was quoted as saying the actress 'was expected to play her part well, not be a saint'.

Castle-Hughes maintains that she had made the film "in a state of grace". Is that what the kids are calling it these days?

Scott Howard

Fashion Girl dined out last night at hot new boit Scott Howard. The atmosphere was warm and inviting on a cool Fall evening. What used to be Cypress Club has risen from the ashes repainted in soothing browns and ochres. Gone are the Roger Rabbit cartoons, replaced by a cozy low lit dining room, and tables which encourage small knit groups and first dates into intimate conversations.

The menu was one of the best I've seen in San Francisco. I started with an apple/blue cheese/almond salad. Had an entree of rib eye with mushroom and wine sauce, horseradish potatoes and bernaise. The wine sauce was so delicious I totally bypassed the bernaise (a Fashion Girl favorite). Dessert was apple cranberry cobbler with cranberry ice cream. I thought the cranberry ice cream a particularly inspired touch.

The sommelier recommended a terrific wine, John Anthony 2004 Syrah. Big, fruity and perfectly matched to our diverse entrees. Our table gave it a thumbs up all around. We will definitely be back!

D Day

Unfortunately Fashion Girl is down with a cold today, so missing out on the biggest shopping day of the year. Quelle horror!

I thought since I'll be online shopping this holiday I'd share a few of my favorite sites with you:

1. Redenvelope.com - best wrapping anywhere in cyberspace

2. Uncommongoods.com - everything is reused/recycled/renewed

3. Saksfifthavenue.com - anything that comes from here is fabulous, even a gift card!

4. Hallmark.com - best online flowers I've seen for holiday. If you don't know what to get someone, flowers are a great fallback.

5. Vosgeschocolate.com - the very best chocolate on the planet earth. Try the dark chocolate with chiles and don't miss the seasalt & almond chocolate bar. Pure heaven.

6. Borders.com - for your hairstylist, your doorman, your postman, anyone who needs just a little love. This site is perfect for DVDs, books & calendars

Thanksgiving quote of the day

Rather than going around the table this year reciting what you are thankful for, I humbly submit this Buddhist verse as your toast:

"This food is a gift of the whole universe -- the earth, the sky, and much hard work. May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it."

- Thich Naht Hahn (via Body + Soul magazine)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Casino Royale

Daniel Craig has finally hit the cineplex in his first outing as James Bond. Casino Royale takes us back to the pre-007 days. A young, and freakishly athletic, commander Bond is bucking for promotion to the 007 squad. He has to perform two kills to make the cut. His inexperience shows in kill #1 is which is brutal and sloppy. However, by kill #2 he's morphed into a coldblooded killer. Pure Bond, quick and clean.

I'm betting that the Broccoli contingent enjoyed the movie District B-13 as much as I did. The first chase scene in Casino Royale is not just a homage, but almost plagiarism. Bond performs feats no average human could accomplish. There are moments of hesitation, but then he plunges right in. When he finally quarries his prey he's caught on camera, and the British tabloids go wild. He is of course the "blunt instrument" that Ian Fleming imagined. After a little chat with publicity-shy M (Dame Judy Densch), he is sent on holiday or into hiding while things cool down.

Here Bond's vengeful side emerges. He can't stop working on the case. He eventually gets close enough to the villain to peak MI6's interest. They decide to back him in a high stakes poker game. A winner take all event that will make or break his nemesis (Mads Mikkelsen). Mikkelsen's villain is inspired. Most Bond villains are cartoons, so I would think very hard to play without seeming ridiculous. Mikkelsen captures a bit of the cartoon quality (the scar, the blood tears), but layers it with the more sinister stuff from which Specter was made.

After Bond prevails in poker the movies devolves into a predictable double cross. Love and betrayal working together to forge the Bond we all know and love. This is one of only a few times we are allowed to see him unarmored. Love is Bond's Achilles heel.

I enjoyed the film. It is a rollicking ride. I do think 2+ hours was too long though. I have to admit I was impressed by Craig's Bond. He's absolutely flinty. This is a man who, poisoned, can administer his own antidote. Craig still looks like he's been hit with an ugly stick, but a great fitting tuxedo and beautiful scenery do a lot to mitigate that. I'd definitely recommend the film. Now I'm really curious to see his second outing.

Ding dong the witch is dead

Uber-waif Nicole Richie has finally gained back enough weight to reactivate her brain cells. She recently fired her stylist, queen of the lollypop girls, Rachel Zoe. Like an evil popular girl, Rachel has spent the past two years convincing skads of Hollywood starlets they are "too heavy". Victims range from Mary Kate Olsen, to the now concave chested Kate Bosworth. This is a woman who would call Misha Barton fat, and keep a straight face while doing it.

I'm not sure of her secret; stomach stapling, Zantec 3, oxycontin, but she is a danger to young women everywhere. Let's hope she's heading to rehab for her own eating disorder. Women should have curves people.

Why is Katie Holmes wearing a prom dress?

I thought it was supposed to the be wedding of century. Our couch jumping hero takes a bride (well a third bride), and lives happily ever after. So I was shocked to see the wedding pictures of Tom Cruise & Katie, sorry Kate Holmes. They look like prom pictures! Giorgio Armani created a prom dress for the future Mrs. Cruise? Tom, are you sure he likes you?

I mean most of us were expecting a tinfoil dress and dreads on the bride, so I guess this isn't so bad. I'm just surprised that a designer of such high caliber would create something so mundane.

p.s. Am I the only one who thinks Katie had a little work done?

Fashion Girl takes a holiday

I apologize dear readers for being M.I.A. these past few days. I've been busy entertaining my parents who are in town to visit their beloved, and oh so fabulous little girl. We will resume the fun on Instant Native tomorrow once the folks are safely home.

Blonde Bond drops in 2 days!

I too was skeptical when Daniel Craig was cast in Casino Royale. He's short, he's blonde, he's well...ugly. He's also a wicked talented actor. I caught him first in Tomb Raider, so I know he's capable of doing action movies. I next saw him in Layer Cake where he played one of the most conniving people on earth. So many double crosses I had a blinding headache by the end of the film.

Well the premiere in Leicester Square happened on Tuesday, and advanced word on the net is that the 21st Bond film is quite good. The "killer" Bond is back. In this prequel Bond is just starting out in the 007 section. These are his very first kills. No more relying on gagetry (ala Roger Moore & Pierce Brosnan). This is good old fashioned athletic Bond, the ruthless killer (ala Sean Connery & Timothy Dalton).

Personally I'd love to see a return to the 60's Bond. The quirky sense of humor, the casinos, and the great suits. Ladies just love a cad.

A Good Year

Now I realize the idea of Russell Crowe in a romantic comedy is shall we say daunting. However, I was intrigued by the repairing of he and Ridley Scott (last seen together in Gladiator). I saw them discussing the making of the movie and both seemed so delighted I'd swear it was a vanity project.

A Good Year is the story of Max Skinner, a London bond trader who is type A to the extreme. Brilliant, and subversive he makes a massive (and questionable) trade at the beginning of the movie that puts him up by $77 million pounds. Soon after he learns his favorite uncle, Henry, has died in Provence and left him a villa. More like an estate and winery. Max heads to France to sign papers and make a quick sale, pocketing profits and running back to his high powered life. You know what happens next, he meets a woman who stops him in his tracks.

The story is basically a "work to live or live to work" conundrum, but Scott films Provence so beautifully that you never really buy into Max having a choice. He seems destined to stay from the moment he arrives. The woman in question is almost a tangent, not the key to the story. Along the way you see Max evolve back into the easy going kid who grew up summering in Provence. He embraces his villa, newly found illegitimate cousin, and winemaking in the end finding a happier life.

There's not much new here, but Crowe radiate a strange charm in this character. I'd recommend it for the beauty shots of Provence alone. No travelogue could do better than this. The French definitely know how to live.

Dosa now serves brunch

Dosa, the uber popular Southern Indian restaurant in the Mission is now open for Saturday and Sunday brunch. The perfect venue for a crisp Fall day, they have wonderful soups and dosas. All vegetarian.

We started with the spicy tomato soup. It had a warm spice that built up as we ate more and more. Delicious. Then moved on to the Masala Dosa. A dosa is a large savory crepe, stuffed or not, served hot out of the oven. It can be a challenge to eat, but it worth it. Finish your meal with the mango ice cream and you will go away satified.

The vibe is low key on Saturday. Help is friendly and quick. Food fresh and exotic. Try for a window table where you can watch the world go by.

Dear Britney

I know it's been a tough week. Dumping K-Fed, hiding the kids, and working on that new album. It's hard. But sister, we have to talk.

Now all of us girls are behind you on kicking FedEx to the curb. That my friend was a solid move. You "pob'd" your hair to declare your freedom from Papazao. You even lost your baby weight, and believe me girl you look good.

However, a few tips. We understand that a girl who is getting a divorce may want to make her man think twice by hooching up a little. I mean Christie Brinkley looks good! (Take that younger woman). But sweetie, these boob busting outfits you've been wearing around New York are scaring us.

So to sum up. Hire a stylist. Hire a publicist. Take a few polaroids before you leave the hotel. Do the work. Reinvention is hard, but so worthwhile. Be a lady, and we'll be there for you. Always.

~ Fashion Girl

It's time to address the "Pob"

Okay everyone from Britney Spears to Eva Longoria was rocking the "Pob" this week. Yes, the "Pob". It's the bob reinvented via Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham. Long in front, severely parted down the middle it's reeking havoc across America.

The woman admitted on national television that she had to crop her hair because she kept yanking out her extensions during sex and it was freaking her out. That part is hilarious!

Now in view of fair reporting I do have to admit that I myself am sporting something of a shag/bob hybrid at the moment. I've an appointment next week with a weedwhacker (read: stylist) to trim the hedges. Do I go Pob? I mean, I've already beat the Hollywood brunette trend. If I'm not careful I might accidentally turn myself into an Olsen twin.

If I were a celebrity mom...

which one would I be? Well no more wondering people. Those great folks out on the internet have cleverly provided us with a website quiz that will give you the answer. Check it out at Chatterbean.com.

I'm hoping to be Heidi Klum. She rocks Project Runway, has a steamy relationship (a kid a year folks), and looks like sex on a stick. A yummy mummy indeed.

Sad news

Ed Bradley, the honey voiced veteran reporter at CBS' 60 Minutes has died of leukemia. He was a brilliant yet gentle man. He seemed genuinely interested in the people and stories he reported on during his 25 year tenure.

Ed, you will be missed.

Money quote of the day

"Our relationship is strong. ... We are going to last a long time."

– Kevin Federline, to PEOPLE (November 2006)

Denial, it's not just a river in Egypt. Kudos to Britney for finally kicking K-Fed to the curb!

The "Procreation Vacation" - Ewww!

Yes it's true. Hotels and resorts have created a new niche market, the procreation vacation. Targeting overscheduled, would be parents destinations in the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands (no joke kids), and Puerto Rico want your fertility dollars.

Okay folks, in my day we called is a "Honeymoon". These days couples in love hoping to expand their families are booking "exotic long weekends" with fertility specialists, sex doctors and ancient fertility drinks to make it happen. You can even collect a Barry White CD at the Five Gables Inn & Spa in Maryland to set the mood. Or perhaps try a Jackson Hole ski/sperminate vacation where a toasty fire and dogsled ride will get your swimmers moving.

All I can say is get ready. That couple that in the next room that won't stop "doing it" are going to be everywhere soon, and paying boucoup bucks to get there.

It's election day!

Thanks to the Board of Elections in the City of New York for this graphic.

It's been a big news day for a Monday

While making my daily rounds of my favorite news/fashion/gossip sites and I spotted lots of good fodder I had to share:

- Madonna is a Jew for Jesus - That's right. She believes she can raise her new son David as a Christian and a Kabbalah worshipper. Rabbis tend to disagree.

- Pete Doherty is a model - I guess he and Kate are just blowing through the crack money...I wonder if he has a shot at "model of the year"

- Kirstie Alley wears a bikini on live television - It was terrifying and p.s. she has ginormous thighs!

- Hillary Duff can actually attract a stalker. I'm still working this out in my head. Why? and Why?

- London hates Scarlett Johansson - every time she does a premier in London her girls are strapped down and squished. Lost luggage at Heathrow? How many times will you use that excuse SJ? Face it your British stylist hates you.

The Bridge

To us 'native' San Franciscans the Golden Gate bridge is a pretty landmark. An icon. Something that says we're home when we return from our travels. In the new movie The Bridge it becomes much more.

For many despairing souls the bridge exerts a pull too strong to resist. Documentary filmmaker Eric Steel focused his camera on the bridge for 1 year. He shows what an integral part of City life it is for all of us. Commuters stream back and forth to work, tourists ramble along the pedestrian path, artists draw it from below, all the time the fog shrouds and clears.

I noticed that every jumper grabbed onto the twisted cable stays holding up the bridge and looked out over the Bay. It's like an eerie sign of what is to come. They walk a little further on, look around (the bridge is always crowded with people) slither up and over the guardrail and are gone. Most collapse in on themselves my husband noted, in some sort of final act of surrender. However, the last jumper stood tall, thrust out his arms making himself into a human cross and fell backwards into the Bay. The blue sky was his last sight on earth.

The great tragedy of this film, beside that all of these people needed to end their lives, is that many of them thought their deaths would go unnoticed by the world. At the end of the film Steel lists the 24 suicides in 2004 by name and date. I was oddly moved by their finding the recognition in their deaths that they so dearly wanted in their lives. This film is not for the feint of heart, but it is definitely worth seeing.

I'll never see the bridge the same way again.

At last - Utopia!

Bless those scientists at Harvard & the National Institute on Aging. They've discovered that resveratrol, a naturally occuring component of red wine, could allow us to eat all the high-cal, fatty foods we'd like without the dire consequences we currently fear. Apparently the resveratrol controls the liver keeping it from enlarging in overweight mice. It also reduces diabetes, and extends life expectancy.

I've been saying for years that the French have it right. However, I thought it was that they have no stress. They are always throwing some sort of national fit, no repressed feelings there. Turns out, they might be on to something with their quaffing of gallons and gallons of red wine.

Bring on the truffled hamburger and '95 Bordeau!

It's been a strange week...

Reese and Ryan are getting a divorce, Brad and Angelina are being threatened by al- Qaeda, and now we've learned that Anna Nicole Smith's lawyer/baby daddy, Howard K. Stern, may be shooting blanks. Word on the street is that he has had a vasectomy (or at least told her he had...).

I swear people this is the most fun I've ever had with a public tabloid scandal. You just can't make this shit up. You've got to feel for this kid though, ANS for a mother and Larry Birkhead for a father? That's one shallow gene pool!

Money quote of the day

I don't usually use this space for personal politicing (other than the occasional celebrity fug). However, with important mid-term elections happening all over the U.S. and this being the final campaign weekend, I'll leave you with this thought:

"Men never do evil so completely or cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction"

~ Blaise Pascal, The London Telegraph

7 new Wonders of the World

There is a project out there currently to choose 7 new wonders of the world. Apparently the ancient wonders of world are all but gone, 6 of 7 lost to the elements (lightning, earthquakes, etc.). So I thought I should weigh in on my choices:

1. The Great Wall (China)
2. Easter Island heads
3. Taj Mahal (India)
4. Burj al Arab Hotel (Dubai)
5. Petronas Towers (Kuala Lampur)
6. Chichen Itza (Mexico)
7. The Kremlin (Russia)

What do you think?

Drink of the Gods

I dropped by CocoaBella today in the new Westfield Mall in San Francisco and made a wonderful discovery. They serve hot chocolate. Not your mother's hot cocoa. The kind that came in a can with mini marshmallows. CocoaBella's hot chocolate tastes like someone melted chocolate ice cream into your cup. Try a mocha (with a shot of espresso). It will make your day!