All In One Week!

There are many great things about being a woman – you get to have Aunt Flo visit, you get to wear a harness every day, you get to have nine months of heartburn (the only negative for me when it came to pregnancy) and then! You get to go through perimenopause for FOREVER! This weeks theme is a retrospective on what it means to be me! Oh, and what part of the future is all about.

 

What is the most exciting thing that happened to me this week? 
You may or may not know that in one of my lives I was a software tester at Microsoft. To be more specific, I was one of the first two or three that they hired, and I tested products in foreign languages. Even then my passion for travel and escape was in my blood. This was back in the mid-1980’s. Many great things came from this, but the best was, this is where I met my husband.

The spotlight is on Steve Balmer. The arrow is pointed on my hubby, Paul!

On Saturday night, I am proud to say that a couple friends persuaded Microsoft to hold a Windows 95 Reunion. Man it was fun. I think about a thousand people were there and it was the place to be! My husband worked on this project. It was amazing to see old friends greet each other, not in the platonic way thirty year old would, but with big hearty hugs and genuine affection written all over their faces. And these were men! I jest… but you know what I mean.

For me, and to my surprise, I was able to visit with a dozen or so people I hadn’t seen since 1990 and they were some of my favorites! The era I worked there was epic, and to see these freakishly capable, multi-talented people made me so happy. Definitely a grand evening.

Who’s my favorite new singer?

Music is one of my top five passions. I have three that run neck to neck, and if I had to make a choice, I couldn’t. Music (all genre), art (in all formats), intentional and thoughtful design, are those. Writing in second. My family is first… just in case you are curious!

Anyway, music. What amazes me about music is that it moves the body and soul. Every part of you gets hooked in. And a great song… well, that is pure genius. Capturing someone’s attention and emotionally moving them (in any direction) in three minutes or so, well, that amazes me. And makes me envious. There I’ve said it.

Anyway, I troll YouTube and other internet websites looking for newbie singers. This week I am all over Brit, Calum Scott. Watch these two videos to find out why…

 

 … the friendship between brother and sister alone moves me, and when you hear him sing, and watch him lost in his emotions, I think you see the embodiment of music. It is the marriage of all that allows music to stir our souls.

Who is your favorite new singer?

Writing and reviewing books.

 

I read a lot of books. Sometimes about four a week. It used to be more, but writing has seeped further and further into my soul and occupies more of my reading time. Anyway, I am going to start posting links here to my NEW BLOG! called Celia Reads and Reviews. I have about 200 reviews on Amazon that I am going to move over, but for now, I will start putting the books I review there and you can click on the link and check them out.

Celia Reads and Reviews

As a writer, I think it is important to read your co-workers efforts. It isn’t competitive, it is a show of support, an understanding of where the genre is heading, and the opportunity to let an author know that their book, their time, their emotional energy, was well spent. So click on the link and find some great books. (BTW: all my reviews are on Amazon and Goodreads as well.)

Can you really get to a point where you remove sugar from your diet, if you are me?

Again, you may or may not know that I quit eating sugar and a number of other foods in June. I was a vegan for many years, which included eating no fats as well. So, no olive oil, no canola oil… you get the idea. THEN I started eating everything. I’ll share this story someday.

Back to sugar. I quit eating it, for the most part, and it is single handedly the most difficult thing I have ever done, and if you’ve read any of my past blogs, you know I’ve done some challenging things. Most specifically, I find giving up ice cream hardest. I never even ate the stuff until I was pregnant with my son, and I craved it all day, every day. I broke the habit for years. It snuck back in a couple years ago, and while it wasn’t a daily habit, I wanted it to be.

So, to replace this, I eat: non-fat, plain yogurt, with honey (natural sugar is okay), fruit, and a mixtures of buckwheat, hemp, chia, coconut chips and unsweetened cranberries. Now, it isn’t a Dairy Queen Blizzard, but it gets me through.

Anyone have tips?

Whose turning 50 with me?

My 40’s are drawing to a close and I have to admit, it freaks me out. I should also admit that for the last year or so I’ve gone through a relatively huge mid-life crisis. Small enough that I’ve kept it to myself, big enough that I’ve shed many tears and wondered, “What now?” It’s weird turning 50. When I turned 40, I still looked young and could possibly live another 40 years. I had toddlers. Now, with college years insight for my teens, my skin a little (or a lot) more… flexible, shall we say… I am looking older. I’m not gonna lie, I don’t like it. Am I going to accept it? Yes. But it’s gonna take some more work.

I always feel a little better when I've done some research and check my facts and figures. Guess who else is 50? I am in great company!



 
But, and this is a BIG but, who I am and what I am doing, for myself, feels really good, feels right. I am more complete and content now than I have ever been. My fear comes not from what is happening now, it comes from the fact that I want time, a lot of it, to achieve and luxuriate in so many achievable goals: live in Europe, write twenty novels, travel to a new country every year, see more of the vast country I live in, spend time with friends near and far, play tennis with zeal, sing on a stage, finish some paintings, have a water feature in my garden, compete in professional ballroom dancing, walk a red carpet (okay, not as achievable as other goals), have my kids want me in their lives, babysit the grandkids… and do all this with my husband.

Not to much to ask for, is it? I don't think so!

 

 

 

 

Taking a page from The Internship!

I’ve been rethinking the format of Woman Reinvents Self. So, I’m going to try a few new things, and if you like them, feel free to leave comments! Feel free to leave questions for me to answers – they can be about anything! Think of this as an Instagram Blog!

What I’ve been watching:

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but when I do, I watch a series from beginning to end. Right now I am addicted to, Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown. It is a CNN series, merging all of Mr. Bourdain's passions – food, alcohol, politics and people.

As a fan of all these topics, I found the episode on Libya particularly fascinating. Four years past liberation from Gaddafi and the country is finding itself. Watch it, and tell me what you think!

Guess who these handsome fellas are!

People often say my hubby looks like Anthony... the resemblance can be crazy sometimes. I once convinced a group of friends I'd met Anthony on a beach in Mexico.

 

What movie made me laugh?

Just before school started, my family of four sat down and had a movie fest. My daughter picked The Internship with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. If you haven’t seen, you just gotta! Vince Vaughn wrote the screenplay and his sense of humor and tenderness is in just about every scene.

Two dinosaurs enter the world of high tech Google and find out what it means to reinvent oneself in a world that moves fast. There is a whole scene where Vince repeats, “On the line,” over and over and just about made me pee my pants.

What event has stuck with me the most lately?

Just like The Internship, life moves fast. My kids are both now in high school, and I felt the same pangs last week that I did when my youngest went to school all day. My life as a mother is quite busy, but I can see the end of this phase in our lives and I cannot help but ponder how quickly the time has gone. College is right around the corner and those days of picking up Lego’s and pulling on Polly Pocket clothes are long behind me, yet it feels like just yesterday.

I miss those kids, I miss the simplicity of their concerns, I miss being able to fix everything with a kiss and a snuggle. I’m thrilled they still seek me out, but their questions and dilemmas are soooo much more complex. This of course coincides with me entering an unspeakable decade of my life. Holy Smokes!!

What’s happening to me?

I am have been hard at work with my team from Booktrope for the last four months. Yes, I signed with them back in April and it's been an amazing journey. We are smoothing out the edges of The Accidental Series. New everything, really, and it’s exciting. I feel utter amazement at where I started as a writer and where I am now. There are miles to go before I sleep and every minute is utterly exciting…

Except for the fact that I am entering the unspeakable decade of my life and I kinda don’t want to. But! What’s a girl to do? How did you deal with turning an age that didn’t float your boat?

In part, I am coping by getting back in shape – and I mean to a level my body hasn’t seen since 1993. No sugar, no processed foods, no wheat, loads of exercise. I'm determined to look as great as Helen Mirren!

 

Where do I see things going?

Up! If I have to turn the unspeakable age, at least I can say with having lived those years comes loads of experience at making life decisions, and though I expect to fall flat on my face a time or two more, I know I will do it with more flair and I will pick myself up more gracefully. Because, what is life but trying something new and seeing how it goes? Doing the same old thing over and over is tiring. It lacks imagination. And in my doddering years, I want to say I lived with verve!

While looking for some snazzy saying to end my blog with, I stumbled upon this... I think I am going to take this sound piece of advice!

 

What's On Page 45?

Chick Lit Chat – What’s On Page 45?

 

It’s New Year’s Eve in Chamonix, France and Charlotte Young finds out her celebrity crush is amongst the celebrities in town celebrating!

Chamonix, New Years Eve

After her plotting and scheming fails, she convinces her best friend, who resembles a young Sophia Loren, to use her curves and sexual charisma to wile their way into his orbit.

 

One sultry stroll across a crowded casino gains the attention of every male in the room. Fortune is on Charlotte’s side, and she meets her celebrity crush, Des Bannerman.

 

Des Bannerman

Charlotte Young

Her BFF, Tiziana, spend the evening charming Des’ friend, giving Charlotte a chance to drink champagne and roll the dice with the King of Romantic Comedies!

Not realizing the enormity of her fifteen minutes of fame, their night on the town lands Charlotte on the cover of tabloids world-wide, and the paparazzi wanting more. On Page 45 we find Charlotte and her four closest friends are trying to escape the vying photographers. On the small knoll where the chalet stood, the only area not heavily landscaped by snow-covered evergreen trees, was a sea of photographers, all ready to take pictures and shouting, “Which one of you is the other woman?”

 

Tiziana Caputto

Bravely Charlotte, Hillary, Marian, Kathleen and Tiziana fight their way through the throngs to their rental car, hoping to make it to a local spa for a day of pampering. Kathleen grabbed my elbow and propelled me towards the white four-wheel drive vehicle that Hillary had rented. It wasn’t often that Kathleen was commanding, but she said just loud enough, “Everyone, duck your heads, stay in a group, Charlotte’s in the middle, don’t say a word.”

 

Charlotte, raised in a small town in Maine, works for a public relations firm in New York City. She’s used to dealing with celebrities and PR events. She’s not used to be at the center of the frenzy. I lost it! I flopped down, laying across Kathleen and Tiziana’s laps in the backseat, and laughed my head off. “This is so fucking ridiculous!”

 

 “Girls, what did you do last night?” asked Hillary. After Tiziana and Charlotte had landed their men the previous night, Kathleen, Marian, and Hillary went their separate ways, unknowing of what exactly transpired between their friend and the handsome and entertaining actor. Hillary, a British Rose, is from a long line of Bluebloods in England. The maelstrom of media attention is far from all things respectable.

Kathleen Ehlers

Fortunately for the ladies, they have Irishwoman, Marian! She’s brave, witty, sarcastic, and at times, brash. “Bloody hell! How the feck am I supposed to drive through this lot?” Marian and Hillary often clash on how they think things should be handled, but two certainties unite them, friendship and loyalty.

 

 

Hillary Cavendish

Marian Connolly

Marian drives them to safety, while Hillary shields Charlotte, as Kathleen calls the spa and demands access to the celebrity entrance. Tiziana does what she does best, dazzles them with her beguiling eyes and pouty smile!

 

“I wonder what this is like when you’re an actual celebrity. I’m not sure how long I can stand this!” I complained. What will Charlotte have to endure to survive her fifteen minutes of fame?

 

 

One of the songs from the playlist!

 

 

 

You’ll need to read beyond page 45 to find out! Charlotte’s Restrained, The Accidental Stalker. http://amzn.to/1BcpYUN

 

 

 

GRAND PRIZE!

 

  

A one-pound package of caramels from Whitney's Goodies http://whitneysgoodies.com Winner can choose their flavor from those listed below.

This giveaway is open to residents of the USA only.

The Girl Next Door (Crème Caramels): A scrumptious, full-bodied caramel. Old fashioned, melt-in-your-mouth bliss!

 The Charmer (Chocolate Crème Caramels): This smooth, chocolate cream caramel will add panache to your day. An exquisite and elegant morsel, simply irresistible.

 The Movie Star (Orange Crème Caramels): A timeless treat that will satisfy caramel fans of all ages. “The stuff that dreams are made of!”

 The Bombshell (Lemon Crème Caramels): A bodacious bit of heaven with a bold citrus pallet. They will leave you satisfied and refreshed. Caramels are a girl’s best friend!

 

Always a Lady (Rose Caramels): A delicate bouquet of rose essence infuses this lovely caramel: alluring, tantalizing and reminiscent of another era. They are perfect for weddings and bridal showers. A definite for ladies who lunch or breakfast at Tiffany’s.
 

HOW TO ENTER!

To enter, answer the following question in the comments section below.

 

"In 4 or 5 words, why do you think Charlotte's Restrained would be a good read?"

 

Entrants must leave their full name, along with an e-mail address! A winner will be chosen via Random.org on Tuesday, May 19th. Click HERE to Enter!

 Follow the Blog Hop and WIN! Each stop along the way earns you an entry in the drawing!

 

 

Miss Chick Lit 2015

 

 

My name is Charlotte Young. I am a 33 year old Chief Financial Officer for a PR firm… born and raised in the great state of Maine. You may think you know all about me – from when a certain celebrity and I appeared in tabloids and on entertainment TV worldwide. I want to assure you I’m not a stalker, I just took the opportunity to meet my celebrity crush – I mean who doesn’t want to meet Des Bannerman? Anyway, I digress. I studied at Oxford University (love the pubs), love to travel (which is how I got into this mess), food is a passion, and I’m super tight with a four tremendously capable, utterly witty, very vivacious women (whom I met in a pub, which is a story all by itself).



 

The Swim Suit Competition!

As you can see, I am a petite, curvy girl! I recently bought this Melissa Odabash piece in a lovely boutique in Chelsea, London. For you petite ladies who are tired of shopping in the girls section at department stores, venture into specialty shops. The vertical lines, splash of color, and supportive bikini bra made me feel ten feet tall!  While I wouldn’t say I am super sporty, I do like a bathing suit that lets me run around and look sexy at the same time.

I recently bought this suit when my girlfriend, Tiziana, invited all of us to join her in Saint Tropez. Needless to say, I wanted to look my best.

Talent!

I love, love, love, disco music. One of my favorite childhood memories is of me, my sisters, and my parents dancing after dinner – the music would be blasting, we’d all sing on the top of our lungs, and just dance, dance, dance, until we collapsed and it was time for bed.

Tonight I would like to perform “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” by Belinda Carlisle, as a tribute to my wonderful childhood.

  

Interview Question!

How have your friends influenced your life? Which friend has influenced you the most?

Hillary Cavendish



Marian Connolly

 

Wow, this is a tough question, because I have four fabulous friends, who have seen me through so many ups and downs. Tiziana, Hillary, Marian, and Kathleen know I love them to pieces – we meet while in graduate school at Said School of Business, at Oxford University. Over the last ten years, whether it was career decisions, or which color lipstick to wear, they’ve all been there for me.

Tiziana Caputto

 

We’ve spread all over the globe, but we talk all the time, and Hillary organizes annual vacations – so I am super grateful to her for that. Marian is wickedly funny; the snarky, sarcastic sort of funny. Fiercely loyal too. Kathleen is the more than just a pretty face, she is really driven. On more than one occasion she’s bailed us all out of some tight spot. Then there’s Tiziana…think Sophia Loren with a really high IQ and you’ve got Tiziana. Sexy, smart, generous, dramatic.

 

Kathleen Ehlers

Honestly, I couldn’t say one has influenced me more than another. I would be lost without them all.

 

Want to read more about Charlotte and what happens when she grabs her fifteen minutes of fame? Charlotte’s Restrained, The Accidental Stalker,  e-book on sale for just 99 cents! http://amzn.to/1BcpYUN

Enter Charlotte's World and enjoy this great book trailer!

 

 

 

MISS CHICK LIT GIVEAWAY

You can be a beauty queen, too! Enter to win a $100 beauty store gift card. This is an international giveaway. Prizes will be as follows depending on where the winner lives:

US/Canada winner - $100 Sephora gift card

UK winner - £65 gift card to Lush Cosmetics 

Australia winner - $125AUD to Mecca

 

 

HOW TO ENTER

Answer the following question in the comments section below:

How have your friends influenced your life? Which friend has influenced you the most?

Please include your full name and e-mail address along with your comment. We must have your e-mail address so that we can contact you if you win!

The gift card winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, May 18th.

Read all the charming and funny posts of the other Miss Chick Lit participants (see links below). You can enter the giveaway at each of these blogs, so that's 19 chances to win the $100 beauty store gift card!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

What Our Fools Rush In Heroines Have to Say!

As the First Ladies of Hollywood, we’ve called a truce, ending our decade’s long rivalry! The world’s a big, beautiful, ball of intrigue, debauchery, and scintillating news. Always willing to ask the tough questions, we’ve set aside our difference to bring you the scoop!

 

We all love celebrities, tittle-tattle about our co-workers, and all the juicy tidbits about people from the past! We want to be in the know and so do you. So, for you, dear readers, there is no one we are afraid to talk to.


Louella here! I find myself walking downtown Houston, where rumor has it that socialite Miriam Dean is planning her wedding and I’ve come to see what all the fuss is about. Hedda is on the East Coast hunting her prey.

Louella

 I must admit, though it doesn’t have the tropical balminess of Los Angeles, I love the bustle of this desert city. I can sit at a café and watch all kinds of mischief take place. But… hold on now! I can’t believe who I see. (Readers, I’ve just spotted “the least likely” from high school, let’s get caught up!)
 

Louella: Alexandra Jewitt! My, what a beauty you’ve grown into. I can hardly believe the transformation! Please don’t be offended, but I can hardly believe the beautiful woman sitting with me was such a wallflower in high school! I just have to ask, "Alex, may I see a picture of you from high school?"

(Alex is digging through a lovely floral bag, looking for pictures while I take in her ‘low-key’ attire.)

Young Alex

Alex Now - Wow!!

Louella: I remember Beckett or Beck was part of the in-crowd in high school when the two of you became friends our senior year. And you... weren't. Now that ten years have passed, when you think back on high school, is there anything you would change about yourself so that you could have been part of the in crowd? (How brazen of me!)

Alex: If I had that question ten years ago, I would have said EVERYTHING! Now I have to say I might not have changed much because I was always myself and rarely tried to fit in with anyone by changing who I was.

Louella: Rumor has it you're the proud owner of a flower shop, congratulations! How did your interest in floristry develop? I have to admit, I've never met a florist before.

Alex: Most girls love flowers, right? (She’s right there! Pay attention gentleman readers.) There’s something so amazing about seeing different types of flowers and mixing them into interesting combinations. There is really no end to your imagination when you’re a florist because there are literally thousands of varieties of flowers out there! I’ve always been interested in floristry, but it really developed when I was in college and took a floristry course during the summer. I never looked back.

Louella: Every high school has a guy or girl that seems to rule the school. Rumor has it that a boy named Robbie ruled your school. Any ideas on what happened to him after graduation? (It would be so much fun to catch up with him, while I’m here. He and I used to have so much fun.)

Alex: Robbie’s life didn’t go so well. He lost his scholarship after getting a positive random drug test. Later rumors say Robbie’s football muscle turned to fat and he was arrested after assaulting his son’s football coach during a scrimmage. (Quelle horror! Definitely not going to meet up with him.)



Hedda

How I love to steal the column from Louella! On my way back to Los Angeles I decided to stop in the Windy City, Chicago, where I grew up, to do a little shopping.

I must also find out what people think about Oprah Winfrey… she’s moving Harpo Studios to LA, can you believe it? I know she frequents RL Restaurant, so I’ve made myself cozy at a little table near the corner booth reserved for her.

Hold on! I’ve just spotted a high school classmate of my (much) older brother. Corrine, I think her name is. (Let’s see what she does when I wave to her!)

Hedda: Great to see you Cory! How are you? You look terrific, and my goodness your gorgeous hair captured my attention. Where do you get your hair done? I think I might need to go there before I head back to Los Angeles.

Corrine

Cory: You look great too! Thank you for the wonderful compliment on my hair. I have only recently started to get it done professionally and I am treating myself by going to Delle Amiche Salon, here in Chicago. Antonio is my hair dominatrix. (Dominatrix, how interesting…)

 Hedda: I’ve been dying to know since high school, where did the nickname Cory come from? A previous boyfriend? High school best friend? I adore your full name, Corrine.

Corrine (from now on): The nickname Cory came from the kids in my neighborhood. They said Corrine sounded like an old woman. After socking Billy Brandt in the nose for saying that, I gave in and let them call me Cory. (Billy Brandt was quite the bully, well done her!)

Hedda: So, my brother, Paul, mentioned d-i-v-o-r-c-e! How is life after divorce, tell me all about it! Found anyone special? Or a few someone’s?

Corrine: Life after divorce was liberating. My ex, Steve, was a control freak and I never felt that I was in charge of my own life. I didn't date after Steve because I wanted/needed to take care of me.

Hedda: Your best friends with Ellen... I can't remember her last name... I saw her with her husband Bob last time I was in town. They sure won the marriage lottery. Do you ever envy her? (I sure did, Bob was hot!)

Corrine: I have NEVER envied Ellie's marriage to Bob! It has been fraught with so much upheaval, it boggles the mind that they’ve stayed together so long. (Wow, scoop here to be sniffed out!)

Hedda: Okay, tell me about everyone we know. Anyone we know up to bad deeds in dark corners?

Corrine: Ha! I work in my family's insurance company so all the employees do their darndest to keep their secrets from me. Although I can tell you that my dad told me that my mom was looking into a naked yoga retreat for their 45th wedding anniversary trip. Yuck, TMI! And the worst part is that I can't get the image out of my head. (Me either!)

Hedda Still Here!



Hedda

I just love the East Coast, not that I would leave Los Angeles to live here, but it is quite magnificent. So old… so many bricks, and people walking about. (I get wanting fresh air, but that’s what convertibles are for, darlings!)

I have been invited by my sorority sister (Alpha Kappa Alpha, of course), Jessica to visit. I can’t wait to find out how she came to own the ACME Office Amusements. No doubt left to her by a family member.

 
After introducing myself to the receptionist, I watch Jessica berate a lovely woman. I have to get to the bottom of this story!

Amy

Hedda: Amy, what exactly drew you to ACME Office Amusements? Have you always wanted to be a toy designer? What's your favorite toy?

 Amy: I love toys and I love design. (I do too! Though I’m sure Louella will give me grief.) I did go looking for a job in the field, but ACME, honestly, wasn’t my first choice. We make some “different” things and the staff is... interesting. But, you know, with the job market being what it is, I was just glad to find work. (Living hand to mouth, do you think? Perhaps that’s why everyone walks on the East Coast!) I have made one or two really good friends. My favorite toy isn’t anything we make. It’s this sweet little teddy bear my friend Tom gave me last Valentine’s Day. Just for fun, of course. We’re just friends.

Hedda: Don’t hold back, tell me what is it like working for Jessica Smites? What does it take to make her happy? I've heard she can be a real tyrant!

Amy: No. Who told you that? Jessica is the best boss ever. She is a joy to work for. I ADORE Jessica. Is she going to read this? (Now, that is an interesting question. Trouble in ACME paradise?)

Hedda: I met your work-mate Melanie. She seems very... sweet. Who is your favorite co-worker?

Amy: Aw, Mel’s super-sweet. But, I guess I’d have to say Tom’s my favorite co-worker. I love Tom! In a strictly platonic sort of a way, of course. (Hmmm…)

Hedda: (I can’t help but ask, and you know you want me to…) What's the chatter around the office cooler? Any juicy office gossip you want to share? Office romances?

Amy: I heard something about Chuck and a prostitute, but—you know, I should probably not repeat that. Can you just forget I said anything?

Hedda: Certainly. Of course. (I’ll store that little piece of juicy gossip for another time!) When you look into the future, do you see yourself at ACME, or moving on to Mattel? Or Hasboro? (Just throwing her off course, Readers.)

Amy: You know, I’m not really sure, but lately I’ve been thinking I might freshen up my resume, just in case. I’m not sure how much more ACME I can take, if you know what I mean.
 
“Wow! I can hardly believe it. Quelle difference!”

Louella

Finally back to me, Louella!

Finally, I’ve wrangled the column back from Hedda. (She can be quite trying, I’m working so hard to get along with her.)

She’s not the only one who knows people on the East Coast. I love New York City, and it’s never better than in the Spring! I’ve come to see the new collections during fashion week. I’ve managed to pull aside up and coming designer Maddison Leary.



Maddison



Louella: I love your outfit, by the way (I notice she is wearing a Vivienne Westwood ensemble - very colorful, very now!). I’m sure you get asked this all the time, but I’m dying to know which designers influence you the most?

Maddison: Well, I'm not really a fashion designer yet, but I work for one of the biggest fashion houses in New York. I am working hard and hopefully I will climb the ladder to designer someday. (She’s not a designer yet? She’s so chic, so creative. Someone needs to snap her up!)

I don't know if I can choose just one designer, I have such an eclectic style I would happily wear outfits from every collection.

I do love Diane von Furstenberg for creating the wrap dress. It's such a versatile garment that has stood the test of time. It's slinky and sexy and can be dressed up or down and it's comfortable and looks good on everyone. It's very forgiving and Diane was a princess for goodness sake, that makes me love her all the more.

Having said that I think my all time favorite is Betsey Johnson. I have such a soft spot for her and she is the nicest lady. She is edgy and wild and radical in fashion and in life. She is not only outside of the box, she uses the box to make a dress. Love her.

Louella: What's it like working for Angela Pritchard? I've heard she is very driven (er' demanding)!

Maddison: Well I can't say too much because I would like to keep my job, ha-ha. No seriously, she is brilliant. Her designs are fresh and original and bold. When it comes to fashion and business she certainly is at the top of her game. She is very business motivated at all costs. (Politically correct answer. Does anyone else think all isn’t happy at the House of Pritchard?)

Louella: Then tell me, where do you see your career in ten years? With Angela? Another design house? (I’ve got to dig, don’t I?)

Maddison: I hope to be designing my own range of clothes. I want to create collections that not only see you through the four seasons but also through a range of emotions. I want the rock chick attire for all the mums who get to go out once a month to see a concert, I want the floaty romantic dresses with bold prints but pastel colors for the girl who is going on her first date, the pant suit to challenge the men in the office, maybe it will be pinstriped pink fabric. I don't know I have so many ideas I'm surprised I ever get to sleep. I would also like to find love. (My ears just perked up. Love? Let’s see if we can find out more.)

Louella: What's the chatter around the office cooler? Any juicy office gossip you want to share? Office romances?

Maddison: I think the only single and available man in the office is Tom Pritchard. (Interesting.) I say available but I don't think he is interested in relationships, he is very professional. He is also a great designer but prefers to stand in Angela's shadow. She wants the fame more than him so I suspect he lets her take it. If you want the good gossip you need to talk to the interns, those guys are wild. (Interesting insights into Tom and Angela Pritchards sibling rivalry – or lack of!)

Louella: (Not giving up) I've seen Angela's brother, Tom, from a distance, and in the papers of course. What's the scoop on him?

Maddison: Well he is a very private person. None of us have had a lot to do with him. Every time I have had a chance to work with him, it's been a real pleasure. He is very kind and is always willing to help. He is very approachable. Oh and cute, did I mention that? I would love to get to work with him more. He always makes me smile. (Now we’re getting somewhere!)

Remember readers, stay tuned to this website for more news and gossip from around the country and around the globe!  - Hedda and Louella

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