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Monthly Archives: July 2015

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The Hermès Birkin bag is one of the most widely recognised handbags in the world, and despite the design being over three decades old it is still seen on the arm of countless celebrities.

Now though, the iconic bag could be no more as actress Jane Birkin has asked for her name to be disassociated with the cult accessory.

English actress Jane became something of a muse for Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas back in the Eighties, and since then has had her name attached to the fashion house's most sought-after handbag design.

However after discovering that crocodiles are allegedly harmed during the bag's production, Jane has called for the bag's name to be changed, or for better practices to be implemented.

"Having been alerted to the cruel practices endured by crocodiles during their slaughter for the production of Hermès bags carrying my name… I have asked Hermès Group to rename the Birkin until better practices responding to international norms can be implemented for the production of this bag," the actress said in a statement via animal rights group PETA.

A recent exposé by PETA showed grahpic images of crocodile and alligator slaughtering in factory farms across the world. Responding to Jane's statement and PETA's revelations, a rep for Hermès said the brand "respects and shares her emotions" regarding inhumane treatment of animals.

The legendary totes cost anywhere from €10,000 to €135,000 or more depending on the animal skins used. Jane's demands will no doubt put a dampener on the bag's appeal, but for now the Birkin Croc is still a firm favourite among fashion-conscious celebs.

Kim Kardashian
The reality star stepped out last year with a smaller version of the bag in cream and brown

Victoria Beckham
VB is said to have the bag in over 100 styles.

 

Beyoncé
The singer keeps it classic with an oversized black version

Jennifer Lopez
J-Lo works the colour co-ordination with her coral Birkin

 

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In the face of an international backlash – fuelled by celebrity input – American Walter J Palmer has hired a PR firm. 

The dentist controversially killed Cecil the lion – one of Africa's most famous big cats and the star attraction at Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park – around three weeks ago. 

He paid €45,000 to shoot the animal with a crossbow, later leaving him skinned and headless on the outskirts of the park after posing up proudly for photographs with his body.

And it has now been revealed that the medic has gone into hiding. He has received numerous death threats since news of the lion's slaughter first emerged earlier this week.

Indeed, he has employed Austin & Associates, a public relations firm based in Ohio, to handle to controversy. 

In a statement – the first time he has spoken publicly on the matter – Dr Palmer claimed: “In early July, I was in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game.

"I hired several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted.”

“I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favourite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt,” he continued.

“I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt. I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the US about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have.

Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion.”

His Minneapolis dental surgery has since been forced to close. Activists have also left flowers, cards, and stuffed toys – in particular lions – at his place of work and his home.

Some have also dressed as 'dentist hunters' – armed with water-guns and wearing lion masks.

Cara Delevingne, and Ricky Gervais, as well as models Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel – who hail from Namibia and South Africa respectively – are just some of the celebrities who have take to social media to criticise Dr Palmer's actions. 

In an emotional appeal, American television host Jimmy Kimmel also asked viewers to donate to the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit in retaliation. 

And Peta said on its Twitter account that he should be "extradited, charged and, preferably, hanged," for his actions. 

Yesterday, Emmanuel Fundira, the president of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe, confirmed at a news conference that Dr Palmer is wanted for the death of Cecil.

The Zimbabwean authorities are acting fast too: Dr Palmer's hunting colleagues, Zimbabwean Theo Bronkhorst and local landowner Honest Ndlovu are due to appear in court today on poaching charges.

If convicted, the men face up to 15 years in prison.  

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When we first met Calvin Harris back in 2007, he was a scrawny and scruffy brown-haired DJ with a very questionable set of teeth.

But after disappearing from the spotlight for a while, he re-emerged last year as the face (and body) of Armani, with a downright incredible set of abs… and a new set of pearly whites by the looks of it.

Now the reinvented Scot divides his time between New York, Las Vegas and LA as he hangs out with girlfriend Taylor Swift in between DJ gigs. With an high-earning lifestyle and an enviable image these days, Calvin would be forgiven for wanting to leave his past behind him, but he took to Instagram today to post a VERY down to earth throwback.

 

A photo posted by Calvin Harris (@calvinharris) on

Sharing a picture of a much younger and less preened Calvin about to down a Jagerbomb with his friend, the DJ poked some fun at his former self by writing, "ME AND IRV IN JUMPIN JAKS DUMFRIES 2002 LOOKING FUCKING FANTASTIC #SCOTLAND#LIFE #IRV #LEGEND."

While it's fair to assume that a hefty amount of styling and dental work went into Calvin's new image, a lot of the transformation is down to a rigorous diet and fitness regime. The DJ rarely drinks and is said to be addicted to his abs roller, which he whips out whenever he has a spare few minutes.

"Staying in a gym routine while on the road is tricky, but as long as you don't drink, eat well, sleep enough and take one of those mad little ab rollers with u everywhere you'll be good," he wrote on Instagram recently, posting a seflie ahead of his next Armani shoot.

And it seems Calvin chose wisely when he started dating Taylor, as he has since admitted that her culinary skills are one of the qualities he values most in her. "It's really ridiculous but yeah she does an incredible barbeque and she's generally an incredible cook and human being," he told radio station Key 103 earlier this month, adding that he was "insanely happy."

Bet he misses the Jagerbombs though…

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A smile is a huge part of any first impression, and keeping your teeth looking pearly white could be easier than you think. For example, did you know that the colour of lipstick you choose can have a huge effect on how white your teeth look?

S! TV headed along to the Listerine Wear Your Smile event to get some more expert whitening tips and to chat to Xposé's Lisa Cannon about how she keeps her own smile bright at all times.

If you're looking for a simple and effective whitening system, try Lisa's favourite, the new Listerine Advanced White multi-action mouthwash which makes teeth appear brighter and whiter in just two weeks.

 

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Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed.

Cara Delevingne has been on the promotional trail for her upcoming film Paper Towns over the last few months, but it seems the constant interviews got a bit too much for her when she appeared on a US morning show this week.

The model-turned-actress was interview by the hosts of Good Day Sacramento via Skype link-up, but couldn't seem to get on board with their chirpiness. Things got off to a rocky start when the female anchor introduced her as "Carla" Delevingne, and the mood wasn't helped by a five-second Skype delay which saw the actress talking over the hosts numerous times.

Cara's signature sarcasm and smart humour didn't seem to translate to US TV, with the hosts getting a little overwhelmed when she answered repeated questions with snarky answers. When asked if she had read the book on which Paper Towns was based, the 22-year-old deadpanned, "Uh, no I never read the book, or the script. I kind of winged it."

Later on she responded to a question about her character Margo by saying, "No, I actually hate her," another joke that fell flat with the Good Day Sacramento crew.

In the end, the anchors asked if she was "exhausted" or simply "irritated," to which Cara replied, "Perhaps it is just you." Ouch.

As soon as the Skype link-up ended, the hosts continued to slate their interviewee, with one saying, "Wow! She was in a mood!" and another adding, "You make $5 million for six weeks of work, you can pretend to talk to Good Day Sacramento with some oomph."

Talk about car crash TV…

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It's been over two weeks since model Jaime King welcomed her second son into the world, and we've finally been given a first look at the newborn… courtesy of Taylor Swift.

As Jaime's long-time bestie, Taylor was the perfect choice for godmother, and her duties so far include sharing the first picture of little Leo Thames with the world. Taking to Instagram last night to give her 39.7m followers a peek at her new godson, Taylor already seemed smitten.

 

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

"Meeting my boy," she wrote, posting a picture of herself and Jaime looking down at little Leo.

Jaime and her husband Kyle Newman soon followed suit and reposted Taylor's picture to their own Instagram accounts, with Jaime saying the meeting was "bliss" and Kyle writing, "The sweetest love. Leo Thames w Momma & God Momma."

Taylor also shared a gorgeous snap of Leo's tiny hand clutching hers, with her gold-painted fingernails clearly visible. "Your little hand's wrapped around my finger and it's so quiet in the world tonight…" she wrote, quoting a line from her single Never Grow Up. 

 

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

Jaime first revealed she was expecting a sibling for her toddler son James Knight back in February, posting a brilliant picture of James blowing bubbles next a sign that read, "I'm gonna be a big brother! Who da boss now, I'm so excited!!!!"

Weeks later Taylor confirmed she was to be godmother to the new arrival.

We wonder if one of the perks of being T-Swift's godson is free tickets to every concert? If so, Leo's a lucky boy…

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Demi Lovato has told fans she is "devastated" by the loss of her beloved dog Buddy, who was killed in an accident over the weekend.

The singer took to Twitter yesterday to confirm the sad news. "Wilmer and I are devastated to inform you that we lost our little angel Buddy last Sunday," she wrote. 

"He was taken from us way too soon in a tragic accident and though I will never know why this had to happen, I do know that God only puts us through situations that we can handle so with that, together we our [sic] staying strong."

The Bichon Frise was a Christmas present for Demi last year, and although he had only been in her life for seven months it is clear from her social media feeds that she doted on him. 

 

Guys……. SANTA CAME EARLY THIS YEAR……!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A photo posted by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

Little Buddy had travelled with Demi on various work trips and was very much a big part of her life.

"Buddy was loved by so many people and as small as he was, he made a huge impact in our lives. He truly was human in a way and we were so blessed to have him in our lives," the singer continued on Twitter.

The beautiful pup even had his own Instagram account:

 

Sometimes I fall asleep on my mom's face…….

A photo posted by Buddy Lovato (@demisbuddy) on

Demi and Wilmer asked fans for space as they mourned the loss of their pet last night.

"We ask you that you please respect our privacy while we take this time to grieve and remember the magical moments we spent with our little angel. We will never forget our baby boy Buddy and his gentle loving spirit will live on in our hearts forever. RIP my tiniest little nightingale, Buddy."

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His previous relationship with Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart was very much conducted under the spotlight – so understandably Robert Pattinson, 29, is seriously guarded when it comes to his private life now.

Indeed, his proposal of marriage to new love FKA Twigs was only confirmed in April – when rapper T Pain leaked the news inadvertently. 

So – unlikely as it seems – when the musician shared a snap of a stunning white, beaded and lace dress on her Instagram account last night, fan theories went into overdrive – with some even suggesting that the stars' wedding was taking place today.

Others reckoned the Big Day had already taken place, with FKA Twigs – real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett – posting the photo to confirm the happy news.

"Omg! Wedding dress!?" said one. "Could she be trying on her wedding dress?" suggested another. "Omg they married?" asked a third.

However, it transpires the 27-year-old English singer was simply… getting her hair cut.

Say what?!

Yes, while showing off the dress – which does look remarkably bridal – she wrote: "Inches and scissors never hurt anybody," and on closer inspection, she is indeed sporting shorter tresses.

Earlier this month, Robert and his mum were seen at one of FKA Twigs's gigs in Manchester.

The couple has so far refused to even hint as to when their nuptials might take place – meaning fans will have to continue speculating for a while yet.

And whenever the happy couple does indeed tie the knot, we can be assured that fashionista Twigs's dress (if we ever get to see it!) is going to be spectacular.

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Megafamous A-listers seemingly don’t just do standard walk-in wardrobes – they have entire closets dedicated to specific clothing.

Take Khloe Kardashian, for example: she has wardrobe space solely for her gym gear, fitness accessories, and workout attire.

Though maybe that’s hardly surprising.

After all, the reality TV star is regularly photographed heading to and from her private workout sessions with trainer Gunnar Peterson – and is rarely spotted in the same exercise item twice (that and she uses a Chanel leather backpack to drag around her gear).

She's also just starred in a workout-inspired shoot for Complex, and often posts images of her fitness routine to her Instagram account.

Now, in the most recent edition of Self magazine, Khloe gives her fans a tour of the 14sq metre space that houses runners, sports bras, workout clothing in every imaginable hue, sweatbands, fitness equipment and even a mini fridge stocked with Fiji water.

The area was custom created by LA Closet Design based on the 31-year-old’s daily needs.

“Khloé loves the glass display for her accessories,” said CEO Lisa Adams. “It’s a suede-lined shelf that displays head and wrist bands, sunglasses, hair ties and more.

“I added LED lighting so the case lights up with the flip of a switch — these items get lost and disorganized in drawers, so I wanted to make sure they were beautifully displayed.”

Lisa added: “My favorite part is the shoe area. I keep envisioning my own sneakers being displayed in the way Khloé’s are!” 

Ms Kardashian, who has shed a significant amount of weight over the last year and who said she was drawn to the gym when her marriage to ex husband Lamar Odom went sour, also raved about the closet to Self.

“I’m in love with my fitness closet,” she beamed. “I genuinely show it off to all of my friends when they are over.”

Below are all the snaps of her amazing closet space: be prepared for major life envy…

 

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Katie Hopkins literally says whatever is on her mind, and this time, YouTube sensation Zoe Sugg is the target of her rant.

The journalist called Zoella – as she is better known – "the s***test of the lot" in a controversail interview with Now magazine. 

She claims vloggers like Zoella use the fact that they have been bullied to gain more popularity. 

Katie further claims that these famous YouTube faces exaggerate the fact that they get picked on.

Zoella has spoken about being bullied before on her YouTube channel and in her book, Girl Online.

When Katie was asked if she has been bullied she said she has not "but I've heard stories where it's been so hideous for people that they haven't been able to think of any other option than suicide."

"That's when the word should be used, not with all these YouTube vloggers who were once called a t*** at some point in their life and now say they're victims of bullying so that they can resonate with every other teenager in the land.

"They need to get over themselves."

Katie was then asked if she was a fan of Zoella, to which she replied: "No, especially not the whole 'I've been bullied, now watch me put on some make-up I've bought from MAC. Zoella is the s***test of the lot."

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Uh oh! The most awkward engagement photo of all time has been making its way around the Internet for the past few days… and we just HAD TO share it. 

This loved-up couple made a serious mistake when they decided to snap their happy moment: smooching for the camera, they used their initials to demonstrate their love.

Sadly, however, the resulting letters spelled out something rather less than romantic. 

According to Reddit, where this photo was first posted, the pair initially had the letters the other way around – but didn't want to run the risk of spelling out the male name, Alan. 

So in a bid to avoid a huge embarrassment by having Alan spelled out in front of them, they swapped them around and the Internet literally can't even deal. 

We think they make have to re-take their romantic engagement photo. 

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If you are like us and felt like an absolute Queen shutting your flip phone when you had to hang up from a call, then you are going to love this.

As smart phones get bigger and bigger, they have now reached the stage where a lot of them don't fit in our pockets anymore, but LG want to change this, with an old school flip phone, no less.

The idea behind 'the gentle' is that users will still have access to the latest android technology while using a phone that is a lot more durable and a more manageable size compared to it's touch screen counterparts.

The new flip phone comes with the retro buttons you have to tap several times just to get the letter you are looking for, but don't worry this doesn't compromise any of the apps you are fond of. 

You will still be able to gain full access to the Internet and all of the apps you had previously, but now you can do it while feeling like it's the early 2000's. 

The down-side though (and this is a huge downside) there's no selfie camera.. We're sorry LG, but we're not sure we can part with our selfies!

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