Perfect gifts for everyone on your list…
Your It List presents our top picks for gifts this holiday season for everyone on your list.
Harry Potter Page to Screen by Bob McCabe
Coming in at over 500 amazing pages, Harry Potter: Page to Screen opens the doors to Hogwarts castle and the wizarding world of Harry Potter to reveal the complete behind-the-scenes secrets, techniques, and over-the-top artistry that brought J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed novels to cinematic life.
Buy Harry Potter Page to Screen or watch a video.
How I Got This Way by Regis Philbin
In this entertaining memoir, the irrepressible Reege—consummate talk-show host, man-about-town, loving husband, father, and yes, obsessive sports fan—looks back at his years in show business and is filled with stories of lessons learned—and elbows rubbed—with extraordinary, and often unsuspecting, teachers.
Buy How I Got This Way or read an excerpt.
Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis by David Wills
In Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis, David Wills has gathered spectacular, museum-quality work from Marilyn’s key photographers to create this dazzling portfolio of images from every period of Marilyn Monroe’s adult life, from her wedding day in 1942 till just weeks before her death two decades later, this stunning collection pays homage to her continually evolving style and extraordinary beauty.
Buy Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis or read an excerpt.
100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein
100 Unforgettable Dresses is filled with the stories, secrets, intrigue, and insights behind the most indelible dresses in our collective memories. This book celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous, sleek, sultry, and outrageous creations as well as the lasting impact they’ve had in fashion, popular culture, and our own lives.
Buy 100 Unforgettable Dresses or read an excerpt.
Dear Cary by Dyan Cannon
With unparalleled honesty, Dyan Cannon shares the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of her magical romance and stormy marriage to screen legend Cary Grant. He was the ultimate star, defining Hollywood glamour as well as cinematic achievement. She was a bright new actress, beautiful and funny. What could possibly go wrong?
Buy Dear Cary or read an excerpt.
The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories by hitRECord and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
To create The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1, Joseph Gordon-Levitt directed thousands of collaborators to tell tiny stories through words and art. Reminiscent of the 6-Word Memoir series, The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 1 brings together art and voices from around the world to unite and tell stories that defy size.
Buy The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, read an excerpt or watch a video.
Manolo Blahnik and The Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker by Camilla Morton, illustrated by Manolo Blahnik
International bestselling author Camilla Morton reimagines the classic “Elves and the Shoemaker” fairytale, blending elements of famed shoe designer Manolo Blahnik’s life story into the fabric of the immortal “Once Upon a Time” favorite, complete with original illustrations from Blahnik himself.
Buy Manolo Blahnik and The Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker or read an excerpt.
The History of the World According to Facebook by Wylie Overstreet
Now, for the first time, a full-length history of the world, from its creation up through present day, as if Facebook had existed all along and Abraham Lincoln had written a status update about “taking the missus to the theater” and Ben Franklin had done the same alerting his network that he’d signed the Declaration of Independence. Filled with hundreds of real-life historical figures and thousands of not-at-all-real Facebook statuses, this is the definitive humor book for a new generation of scholars.
Buy The History of the World According to Facebook or read an excerpt.
The Art of The Adventures of Tintin by Weta Workshop
Go behind the scenes and explore the movie-making magic that comes alive on screen in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film The Adventures of Tintin, shown through text, photos and illustrations from Weta Worskshop, the ground-breaking and Academy Award-winning visual effects team.
Buy The Art of The Adventures of Tintin or read an excerpt.
Menagerie by Sharon Montrose
Celebrated author and photographer Sharon Montrose presents a compendium of wild and domestic animal portraits displayed in unusual and innovative ways-the perfect gift for the legions of fans of cute animals everywhere.
Buy Menagerie or read an excerpt.
The History of American Graffiti by Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon
Unprecedented in scope, The History of American Graffiti is the definitive story behind the most influential art form of the last one hundred years. With more than one thousand photographs from more than two hundred photographers, The History of American Graffiti captures the look and feel of a genuine American art form with exceptional clarity and detail.
Buy The History of American Graffiti or read an excerpt.
It Books author Carré Otis Discusses her new book, BEAUTY, DISRUPTED
Throughout her career, supermodel and actress Carré Otis has been celebrated for her striking physical beauty—but in this brazenly honest memoir she revisits the ugliest parts of her past to reveal the events that ultimately brought her to strive for, and champion, the kind of beauty that can only be found within. In Beauty, Disrupted, Carré details the triumphs and challenges of her career in modeling, her rise to fame on the covers of Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire, her battle against eating disorders and drug addiction, and her infamous marriage to Mickey Rourke. Beauty, Disrupted is her inspiring and personal memoir, a story of difficult lessons learned and inner beauty rediscovered, by a woman famous the world over—not only for her face but, now, for her fighter’s spirit.
See her here, as she gives a few thoughts on her book:
It Books Acquires Rights to Amy: My Daughter by Mitch Winehouse
It Books Acquires Rights to
Amy: My Daughter by Mitch Winehouse
NEW YORK, NY (October 10, 2011) – It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today that it has acquired Amy: My Daughter, a heartfelt and revelatory memoir by Mitch Winehouse, Amy’s father. Amy will be published worldwide in summer 2012.
Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins, acquired North American rights for It Books. The deal was negotiated with Robin Straus of the Robin Straus Agency acting in conjunction with the Hanbury Agency in London. The book will be edited by Senior Editor Matt Harper.
The now-legendary life of Amy Winehouse needs no introduction. A multiple Grammy-winning recording artist, Amy touched millions with her music during her short but extraordinary life. Following her tragic death in July, Mitch Winehouse is now ready to tell the incredible story of the Amy the public never got to know and understand. From her mischievous early years, through her rise to stardom, to her much-publicized struggles with addiction, Mitch will bring the many layers of her life together—the personal, the private and the public—to create a fitting tribute to his beloved daughter and best friend.
All proceeds from the book will be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, the charity that Mitch has founded in Amy’s name to help children and young adults, especially those who are in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction.
“Amy Winehouse could have been anyone’s daughter,” said Lisa Sharkey. “She was Mitch’s pride and joy and he did everything he could to save her life. Now he celebrates her extraordinary talent by giving us insight into the woman that he and the world lost way too soon. This will surely be the definitive book about Amy. Nobody else could write it.”
Mitch Winehouse said, “I feel that I need to write this book to tell the true story of Amy and to help with my personal recovery. I also want to raise as much money as possible for Amy’s foundation, so all proceeds from the book will go directly to help children who are disadvantaged through illness and substance addiction. I believe that, through Amy’s music, her foundation, and this book, her name will live forever.”
In the United Kingdom, Nick Canham, Editorial Director, Harper Non-Fiction bought UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) from Maggie Hanbury at The Hanbury Agency.
About It Books: Launched in September 2009, It Books is dedicated to publishing exceptional books in entertainment, music, fashion, design, art, celebrity, pop culture and sports. It Books has published numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestsellers including the # 1 New York Times bestsellers Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern and Red by Sammy Hagar as well as Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald, Booky Wook 2 by Russell Brand, The Red Hot Chili Peppers by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead by Neil Strauss, All My Life by Susan Lucci, The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life by Maria Menounos, and current bestsellers Dear Cary by Dyan Cannon and Being Kendra by Kendra Wilkinson. It Books is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). It Books can be found online at www.YourItList.com, www.Facebook.com/YourItList, www.Twitter.com/YourItList and www.Twitter.com/ItBooks.
(photo from Associated Press)
Win a Signed copy of Tabatha Coffey’s It’s Not Really About the Hair
Enter for Your Chance to Win a Signed Copy of:
Tabatha Coffey, the star of popular reality show Tabatha’s Salon Takeover on Bravo, shares her compelling life story with fans, revealing not only the events that have made her so outspoken, driven and admired today, but the personal tenets that keep her centered and thriving.
Casting !t: Just Kids
It was announced yesterday via MediaBistro that rock goddess and National Book Award winning author Patti Smith with be helping adapt her amazing memoir Just Kids (my Favor!te book of 2010) for the screen alongside screenwriter and Tony Award winning playwright John Logan.
If you haven’t heard (I can’t see how you haven’t), Just Kids is Smith’s memoir of arriving in New York in 1967 and the then 20 year old’s chance encounter with Robert Mapplethorpe, another 20 year old aspiring artist. It’s her story of their love, their friendship, their art and a New York few would recognize today.
So the question goes out… who would you cast as Smith and Mapplethorpe?
Kristen Stewart (age: 21) and Robert Pattison (age: 25)
Surely these two will be at the top of studio exec’s wish list. Stewart, proved that she could rock in her transformation into Joan Jett in the film biopic The Runaways and the resemblance between the two [rumored] real-life couple to the originals is uncanny. But the fit and the two megastars’ ties to the mega-Twilight-franchise may not hit audiences (or Ms. Smith) the right way.
Frances Bean Cobain (age: 19) and Ezra Miller (age: 18)
The Princess of Grunge as the Godmother of Punk? Can Miss Cobain act? Who knows? But if she can – and would want to step up into the Hollywood world, the photos by Hedi Slimane that recently were released prove she has the look – and the balls – to play Smith. I’d cast the currently almost famous Ezra Miller as Mapplethorpe against Cobain’s Smith. He has the East Village circa 1967 thing down already – and if his performance in the upcoming We Need to Talk About Kevin is as amazing as is being predicted, this could be the massive follow-up he will be looking for.
Emma Watson (age: 21) and Nicholas Hout (age: 21)
Former Harry Potter student Emma Watson seems poised for an image-crashing turn in to catapult her out of Hogwarts. I’d pair her with fellow Brit Nicholas Hout, who came to fame years ago in About a Boy and crashed his own child-star image in the amazing British take on Gossip Girl (but dirtier and better) Skins. His follow-up to that, playing the lovelorn college boy pining for a night with professor Colin Firth in Tom Ford’s A Single Man.
Jennifer Damiano (age: 20) and Eddie Redmayne (age: 29)
Perhaps the modern day Smith and Mapplethorpe might be found forty blocks north of The Village and on Broadway. Jennifer Damiano got amazing attention for her originating role in Spring Awakening. Followed by her Tony-nominated role in Next to Normal. Currently she’s starring in Spider Man. So she should be looking for a new job soon. The Mapplethorpe to Damiano’s Smith? Eddie Redmayne, the Tony award-winning star of Red and the upcoming film My Week with Marilyn.
So who do you think should be cast as Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe in Just Kids?
It Books Acquires Brad Goreski’s Debut Title
Part style guide, part memoir, and full of inspiration!
NEW YORK, NY (August 4, 2011) – It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today that it has acquired Born to Be Brad: Life and Style Lessons from the Front Lines of Fashion, by TV and fashion personality Brad Goreski. The publication of the book will coincide with Goreski’s premiere season on BRAVO’s “It’s a Brad, Brad World,” produced by Shed Media and Television 360, in 2012.
Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins, acquired North American rights for It Books from Farley Chase of the Waxman Literary Agency. Amy Bendell will edit the book. Collaborating with Goreski is writer Mickey Rapkin, former editor at GQ and author of Pitch Perfect (2008), now in development from Universal Pictures.
Fans know Brad Goreski as a top celebrity stylist, fashion trendsetter, and the fun-loving former assistant to Rachel Zoe, but few know the story of how he got there. The book will recount Goreski’s childhood in Port Perry, Ontario, where he escaped the taunts of bullies by reading fashion magazines, performing in the local children’s theater group and playing stylist to Barbie. Moving to Toronto and landing an internship, and later a job at Vogue, helped him break into the competitive fashion world and eventually capture the hearts of millions as the quirky and endearing assistant on BRAVO’s The Rachel Zoe Project. Along with the moving story of his road to success, he will offer a glimpse into his world now, filled with insider access to behind-the-scenes photo shoots and the countless red carpets and awards shows. And of course, the book will also feature his fashion advice and style tips and tricks, complete with color photos.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the creative team at It Books and to tell my story to my fans. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is be true to yourself. I hope that Born to be Brad will inspire others to pursue their dreams, because to make dreams come true we have to listen to our hearts and not be afraid to fail,” said Brad Goreski.
“There’s no one out there like Brad, and this book will be as unique and creative as the style trendsetter Brad has become. Fans everywhere will be empowered by his moving life story, and entertained by his wit,” said Lisa Sharkey.
About It Books: Launched in September 2009, It Books is dedicated to publishing exceptional books in entertainment, music, fashion, design, art, celebrity, pop culture and sports. It Books has published numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestsellers including the # 1 New York Times bestsellers Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern and Red by Sammy Hagar as well as Getting the Pretty Back by MollyRingwald, Booky Wook 2 by Russell Brand, The Red Hot Chili Peppers by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead by Neil Strauss, All My Life by Susan Lucci and The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life by Maria Menounos. Upcoming publications include Dear Cary by Dyan Cannon and Beauty, Disrupted by Carré Otis. It Books is an imprint HarperCollins Publishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). It Books can be found online at www.YourItList.com, www.Facebook.com/YourItList, www.Twitter.com/YourItList and www.Twitter.com/ItBooks.
Russell Brand’s Tribute to Amy Winehouse
It’s been a few days since Amy Winehouse’s untimely passing, and the web is full of remembrances, well-wishes, and the like. One that has particularly stuck with this blogger is from comedian Russell Brand, who posted an honest, poignant, and compelling look back at his relationship with Amy through his eyes as a former addict. From his first meeting with her:
Carl Barrat told me that “Winehouse” (which I usually called her and got a kick out of cos it’s kind of funny to call a girl by her surname) was a jazz singer, which struck me as bizarrely anomalous in that crowd. To me with my limited musical knowledge this information placed Amy beyond an invisible boundary of relevance; “Jazz singer? She must be some kind of eccentric” I thought. I chatted to her anyway though, she was after all, a girl, and she was sweet and peculiar but most of all vulnerable.
To when he realized her musical genius:
Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with Weller and his band; and then the awe. The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. From her oddly dainty presence that voice, a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie and Ella, from the font of all greatness. A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine. My ears, my mouth, my heart and mind all instantly opened. Winehouse. Winehouse? Winehouse! That twerp, all eyeliner and lager dithering up Chalk Farm Road under a back-combed barnet, the lips that I’d only seen clenching a fishwife fag and dribbling curses now a portal for this holy sound. So now I knew. She wasn’t just some hapless wannabe, yet another pissed up nit who was never gonna make it, nor was she even a ten-a-penny-chanteuse enjoying her fifteen minutes. She was a f*cking genius.
I strongly recommend you read his post in full here. If you want to read more of Russell’s story through fame, addiction, and recovery in his own unique voice, check out his books My Booky Wook and My Booky Wook 2.
We’ll leave you with classic jazz-y Amy, in “Back to Black”:
Awesome People Read
The headlines about Daniel Radcliffe’s GQ interview (upcoming in their August edition) are all about his decision to stop drinking, but I had a different takeaway. Check it out:
“I’d just rather sit at home and read, or talk to somebody that makes me laugh,” [Radcliffe] added. “There’s no shame in enjoying the quiet life.” (from Yahoo’s OMG! blog, full post here)
Turns out Radcliffe isn’t the only celeb who’s a fan of this “reading” thing. In fact, my favorite new tumblr, appropriately titled Awesome People Reading, is dedicated to photos of, well, you know. A few of the best:
Marilyn Monroe reading
Muhammad Ali reading
Bob Marley reading
Bring the Bling
Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring from her NBA player fiancé Kris Humphries weighs in at an outrageous 20.5 carats. And it puts her in some big bling company with the likes of Beyonce, Mariah, and Posh.
The over-the-top ring, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, features a 16.5-carat emerald cut center stone flanked by a pair of 2-carat trapezoids, for a total weight of 20.5 carats.
Khloe, whose own 9-carat engagement ring from husband Lamar Odom was trumped by her sis’s new diamond, said in a recent interview that Kim and Kris’ wedding will be one extravagant affair.
What do you think of the ring?
Some Noteable Double-Digit Bling:
Christian Aguilera
Xtina’s now-ex-husband record label exec Jordan Bratman gave her a 20-carat sparkler when he proposed to her on February 11, 2005.
Paris Hilton
Billionaire Paris Latsis gave his socialite fiancé a 24-carat canary diamond engagement ring… and a 15-carat white diamond ring for, you know, when yellow didn’t match her outfit. Since they never married, I wonder if she gave back the rings!
Beyonce Knowles
Jay-Z presented an 18-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring to his pop star wife, designed by Lorraine Schwatz.
Mariah Carey
Singer Nick Cannon gave new mom Mariah a 17-carat pink emerald cut diamond made by Jacob & Co.
Melania Knauss
Donald Trump invested in some major bling for his third wife, Slovenian model Melania – a 15-carat emerald cut diamond.
Heidi Klum
The happily-married supermodel and mom rocks a 12-carat canary cushion cut diamond from her singer husband Seal.
Victoria Beckham
The former Posh Spice sports an 11-carat marquis cut diamond from soccer star husband David Beckham.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Michael Douglas presented the Welsh actress with a 10-carat marquis diamond cut engagement ring.
Which is your favorite?
It Books to Publish New Memoir by Regis Philbin
It Books Acquires Regis Philbin’s New Memoir
Unique collection of personal experiences out Fall 2011
NEW YORK, NY (May 9th, 2011) – It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today a deal to publish television icon Regis Philbin’s next memoir in Fall 2011. Philbin, an Emmy Award winner and Hall of Fame broadcaster, has entertained millions of Americans for the past five decades – and every weekday morning for the past 28 years hosting the popular show LIVE! with Regis and Kelly, in its various incarnations.
The book was acquired by Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development for HarperCollins, and Hope Innelli, Vice President and Executive Editor for It Books, from Mel Berger of William Morris Endeavor. Innelli will edit the book.
Philbin will share inspiring anecdotes, laugh-out-loud tales and awkward celebrity moments, making the book more than a memoir—it will be his guide to living a positive life. Marked by the same tongue-in-cheek humor and candor Philbin has always displayed, this book will serve and endure as a reminder of why America has related to and loved this one-of-a-kind television legend for so many decades.
“When I look back over my five decades of working in television–practically the last thirty of them spent with our devoted morning viewers–I realize what a lucky guy I’ve been,” says Philbin. “I’ve had a chance to get to know and to learn from some of the greats, not only in our business, but from plenty of early influential people along the way. I’m so pleased to share those special adventures and lessons, collected together in one book, as kind of my ‘valedictory’ tribute to many of those who helped me realize how to live a happier life. (And, believe me, I keep learning more every day.) It’s also meant to be my personal thank-you to everyone–our fans, especially–who’ve made this ride of mine such a remarkable experience…. so far! Because, let me tell you, Regis isn’t done with this ride yet–not by a long shot.”
Philbin will recount memories about chance meetings, interactions and full-blown adventures with Jack Nicholson, Donald Trump, Dave Letterman, Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld, Don Rickles, George Clooney, George Steinbrenner, Howard Stern and others. He will also share his experiences of working with Kelly Ripa and Kathie Lee Gifford, and discuss his relationship with his wife of 41 years, Joy Philbin.
Visit Regis’ Official Facebook Fan Page here and suggest a title for the book!
About It Books:
Launched in September 2009, It Books is dedicated to publishing exceptional books in entertainment, music, fashion, design, art, celebrity, pop culture and sports. It Books has published numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestsellers including the # 1 bestsellers Red by Sammy Hagar and Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern, as well as Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald, Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead by Neil Strauss, All My Life by Susan Lucci, and The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life by Maria Menounos. Upcoming publications include Dear Cary by Dyan Cannon and Beauty, Disrupted by Carre Otis. It Books is an imprint HarperCollinsPublishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). It Books can be found online at www.YourItList.com, www.Facebook.com/YourItList, www.Twitter.com/YourItList and www.Twitter.com/ItBooks.
Molly Ringwald’s Top 10 Tips for the Perfect Dinner Party
I love dinner parties more than any other kind of party. I love going to them, and I love giving them. I don’t think there is any steadfast rule about the right way to give a party, although there are a few guidelines I have gleaned from experience.
- Make sure that your guests can eat what you prepare.
- Prepare everything that you can the night before.
- Allow enough time to get yourself together before your guests arrive.
- Politely decline when asked “is there anything I can do to help?”.
- Choose your soundtrack wisely.
- Keep the meal simple.
- Bag the buffet.
- Size it right.
- Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly.
- Make sure that you have enough wine to last.
_______________
To learn more about Molly Ringwald, check out her book Getting the Pretty Back, now in paperback.
SAY YES TO THAT DRESS..AGAIN!
I pried my eyes open this morning to join the 100 zillion others watching the royal wedding. (One, by the way, I had declared I wasn’t getting up for!). The moment we were all waiting for, of course, was the big reveal of Kate, I mean Catherine’s , wedding gown. First thought: “beautiful.” But something kept at me…I’d seen this dress before.
Then it hit me: Grace Kelly. Hey, if you’re going to be inspired, I say, Princess Grace is not a bad way to go.
An go they did, because as soon as I got to work I found a picture of lovely Grace and the shockingly unattractive Prince Rainier on their wedding day. Yep, definitely practically the same dress.
But my coffee-fueled brain worked overtime and came up with another comp: Princess Margaret. Poor Margaret—so pretty, so vivacious…so tragic. Here she is with the unfortunately dour Earl of Snowden, who perhaps already knew that this marriage was going to be a bust. Still, William and Kate, I mean Catherine, seem like they might just make this work out. So good luck you crazy kids! And good show today. Now, just be sure you watch out for Pippa when Harry corners her in the bar.
________
Lucia Macro is an Executive Editor for Avon and unofficial royal expert.
Avon Romance
Photo: People Magazine
MOLLY RINGWALD’S TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED IN YOUR CLOSET
To celebrate the paperback publication of Molly Ringwald’s Getting the Pretty Back, here are her top 10 staples every closet should have:
1) JEANS: “The best thing to do is determine your body type and match the jeans accordingly.”
2) BLACK CASHMERE TURTLENECK: “A black turtleneck looks chic under a trench (a favorite combination of mine – very Yves Saint Laurent) and can also dress down beautifully under a casual jean jacket.”
3) HERMES SCARF: “There is nothing better for style or function than a silk Hermes scarf.”
4) WRAPAROUND DRESS: “It’s nice to have one dress that you can wear no matter what and still feel beautiful and sexy.”
5) TRENCH COAT: “The trench is a wonderful piece to take you from season to season, and of course it never goes out of style.”
6) HANDBAG: “Choose wisely. After all, this is something that you will be carrying every day.”
7) T-SHIRTS: “They are necessary for layering and can also just be worn on their own.”
8) A NUDE HEEL: “A nude heel really does extend the leg, much more than a darker shade.”
9) BLACK BLAZER: “Something that always makes your outfit look sharper is a well-fitting black blazer. I particularly love the tuxedo. A black blazer can make you look more finished.”
10) LINGERIE: “Beautiful underwear is the ultimate morale booster; it’s like walking around with a wonderful secret.”
Remembering Elizabeth Taylor
As of today, with the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, we are left without one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses. We can look back to some of her most memorable movies, like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and A Place in the Sun, to really know why she was so legendary. And did we mention what a knockout she was? Check out these 100 jaw-dropping photos of Taylor on Buzzfeed.
Here is a scene from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf–some of the best acting ever in just 1 minute 41 seconds. Dont you think so?
Sammy Hagar Rocks the House with his New Book Red
Last night (March 15), Sammy Hagar’s die hard fans came out in droves in New York City to hear the rock legend speak about his new book Red. Interviewed by author and journalist Neil Strauss, whose book Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead also came out yesterday, Hagar touched on his relationship with his Van Halen bandmates, the possibility of an upcoming reunion, his relationship with his parents, and much much more! For those who couldnt attend the book launch, check out this short video clip:
And here are some photos from the event:
(Sammy posing for cameras)
(Neil Strauss interviewing Sammy)
(Sammy signing copies for fans)
_______________
Rock out with your own copies of Sammy Hagar’s Red and Neil Strauss’ Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead, available everywhere.
Anne Hathaway in “The Magnificent Seven”
Instead of trying to recap all of last night’s fashion highlights – I’ve decided to hone in and focus on Miss Anne who was clearly using the position of co-host to maximize her stature as Fashions most-wanted. Even the boldest choice, Dress #7, lauded audible gasps at the party I was at. Here’s a brief rundown on what was, to me, the highlight of the night: The Magnificent Seven.
#0 : But before we begin, let’s discuss The Red Carpet dress: Red. Classic. Valentino. She was swishing that train around like she was a swifter! Fab.
Vivienne Westwood wants her own TV show
As told by Carrie Kania
In an interview with Vogue UK, Dame Vivienne Westwood - no secret, my favorite designer – admitted that she is interested in hosting a chat show called “Get a Life”
This is fine with me.
The world may not need another show with celebrities pitching products and productions, another show with musical guests and scripted off-the-cuff remarks, another show awkwardly tackling serious subjects while Bieber waits in the wings to discuss his haircut – but the world does need more from Dame Westwood.
“It would be called Get A Life – and it’s on two levels, get a life for future generations but also what are you doing right now with your own life? If we are an endangered species it is your duty to do something about it and get the most out of it,” she tells Vogue (UK) .
Other celebrities who should host talk shows that I would watch, include Lindsay Lohan, Karl Lagerfeld, Lady Gaga, and Barry Gibb.
The Best of the Night: It Books Awards the Grammys
The 53rd Grammy Awards, held last night, was an evening of stellar performances, bizarre imagery, star-studded tributes, and, of course, awards. Only ten Grammys were actually presented during the telecast and three of them went to Lady Antebellum. Arcade Fire won the Grammy for Best Album, and followed the win by closing the show with Ready to Start. Key players went home sans awards including Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.
The list of performances was outstanding –Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Bob Dylan, Lady Antebellum, Muse, Mick Jagger, Mumford & Sons and more – reminding us why this award show is so much more entertaining than the Golden Globes was a few weeks ago.
In one of the most anticipated performances of the show, Eminem and Rihanna gave another powerful performance of Love the Way You Lie. Their chemistry is just so intense. Eminem was then joined by his mentor Dr. Dre for “I Need a Doctor,” giving us one of the more compelling performances of the night.
Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Florence Welch and gospel singer Yolanda Adams came together for a tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin (who has won the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy a record 11 times, 8 of them consecutively). It was a wonderful, heartfelt performance by some of the best vocalists out there, so let’s overlook poor Xtina’s slipping on the stage and just focus on a great start to the evening.
After the jump are the It Books Awards:
My Dead Dad Was in ZZ Top
Last night an enthusiastic crowd of 400+ people packed into The Bell House in Brooklyn to enjoy an evening of “solemnity”, celebrity, and laughter in celebration of comedian and author Jon Glaser’s new book, MY DEAD DAD WAS IN ZZ TOP, published by our friends over at Harper Perennial. In attendance were Ira Kaplan, John Hodgman, Zoe Lister-Jones, Scott Adsit, Jon Hamm, and Paul Rudd, who all (hilariously) reenacted selections from this collection of “100% real” never-before-seen documents from the world of rock and roll.
In his introduction speech, Jon Glaser explained that he was inspired to “organize” this collection of documents after cleaning the attic of his recently deceased father and finding a box labeled “Do Not Show This To My Son”. In the box were dozens of letters written by his father to the fellow members of his band, ZZ TOP. Yes, Jon Glaser’s father was in ZZ TOP (an earlier incarnation of the band, not the one we know today). Jon never knew this fun fact about his father and so he set out to “discover” other important documents from the world of rock and roll, collected for the first time in MY DEAD DAD WAS IN ZZ TOP.
Inspiring.
Below, some highlights from the event!
Jon Glaser makes his opening remarks
John Hodgeman is first up to read from the book
Up next is Scott Adsit
Jon Hamm
Paul Rudd brings it home with The Tonight Show letters
Truly a hilarious evening for a very “real” book!
Lady Gaga shot by Nick Knight
All the blogs and the Facebooks and the Twitters and the hashtags #bornthiswayfriday are all a buzzing today with the release of the cover to Lady Gaga’s long awaited Born this Way. Since she debuted a small portion of the title track at the VMAs in December her fans have been desperate for more information about the song and the album.
But we’re here to talk about Nick Knight, the famed British fashion photographer. Having already shot for the world’s top designers, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Levi Strauss, Yohji Yamamoto. Yves Saint Laurent it only seems natural that he’d turn his lens toward Gaga. Knight’s image is sure to be one of the most viewed photograph of the decade. He recently published a midcareer retrospective of his work, from 1990 to the present day, called Nick Knight. Looking through the pages of his book you can see many similarities with the way he has captured Gaga and the transition of his work over the past twenty years.
Whitney Port signs TRUE WHIT in NYC
Last night Whitney Port launched her brand new book, TRUE WHIT: Designing a Life of Style, Beauty, and Fun at the Barnes & Noble Tribeca store in NYC. The 100+ crowd of eager young women were excited to have the MTV reality star and clothing designer sign books and pose for photos. Some pics from the event, below!
Signing books for fans
Posing for photos
The eager crowd
Whitney excited for her first U.S. book signing!
With proud co-editors Jennifer Schulkind and Amy Bendell
If you missed her in NYC, be sure to catch Whitney at one of her next signings!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Bookends
@7:00PM, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Book Revue
@7:00PM, 313 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Mall of America
@1:00PM, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Borders
@3:00PM, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067
Signed copies of It’s Not Really About the Hair!
Unable to make it to one of Tabatha Coffey’s book signings but still want a signed copy of It’s Not Really About the Hair? You’re in luck!
Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey will accept phone orders for those fans who would like to purchase signed copies of Tabatha Coffey’s It’s Not Really About the Hair.
To order your signed copy please call Bookends at 201-445-0726 between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm est.
Signed books will be available to pick up at Bookends, 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey beginning the morning of January 26.
For an additional fee, Bookends can ship signed copies Domestically and Internationally. Personalization, in addition to signature, is available.
Come meet Tabatha Coffey!
Come out and meet Tabatha Coffey, star of the hit Bravo show Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, as she promotes her new book It’s Not Really About the Hair!
211 East Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
January 26, 2011, 7:00 PM
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
January 28, 2011, 7:00 PM
279 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446-2908
February 2, 2011, 7:00 PM
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
February 10, 2011, 4:00 PM
Barnes & Noble / Fashion Institute of Technology
227 W. 27 Street
New York, NY 10001
Click HERE to read an excerpt and HERE to pre-order your copy today!
On the Occasion of the Death of Leslie Nielsen
One of our favorite authors, Rachel Shukert, has written a heart-felt tribute to the beloved Leslie Nielsen. We graciously share it with you below.
_____________________________________
On the Occasion of the Death of Leslie Nielsen
I gathered round my children
On this cold December morn
To tell them of the greatest star
Since Jesus Christ was born
A shock of hair as purely white
As a nest of eiderdown
A rosy round proboscis
Like a virile circus clown
His last name it was Nielsen
His first name it was Leslie
Whilst wearing full-length latex
He boned Priscilla Presley
As Police Squad Sergeant Drebin
He kept us from strife
With his partner O.J. Simpson
Before he killed his wife
With little but his naked gun
He vanquished our foe Libya
While Simpson’s hapless Nordberg
Broke yet another tibia
Yet even at his triumphs
He swallowed all his pride
That each of us should know just how
A man can hurt inside
Then he wedded Dorothy Zbornack
On that Floridian lanai
And like life, the series ended
In the blinking of an eye
My sadness overcame me
With no hope of relief
I had to speak to Leslie
To overcome my grief
I wept: “Surely, you’ll be sorely missed,
You left us far too early.”
Then from the underworld I heard a cry
Rumbling: “Please don’t call me Shirley.”
_______________________________
Rachel Shukert is the author the the critically acclaimed memoirs Everything Is Going To Be Great and Have You No Shame? You can follow her on Twitter and visit her website, RachelShukert.com.
