The International Marbella Set

Monday, 11 June 2012

Last week’s unseasonably cool temperatures reminded us that it’s always the right time to be on the lookout for a lightweight leather jacket, even if it’s June. No matter what the weather, a sleek motorcycle jacket proves to be the perfect topper, and model-off-duty Daphne Groeneveld further proves this point. From Sandro to Rebecca Minkoff, we’ve picked four of our favorites to set your sights on, and with their under $1,000 price tags, your hands on, too.


From top left to right: Rebecca Minkoff jacket, $698, available atwww.rebeccaminkoff.com; Sandro Veinarde jacket, $577, available at www.us.sandro-paris.com; Monika Chiang moto jacket, $845, similar styles available atwww.monikachiang.com; Club Monaco Christy moto jacket, $595, available atwww.clubmonaco.com.

The Brogue will be on display at Nicholas James’s Hatton Garden showroom and has a retail price of £25,000. All parts were supplied by Ison Distribution, ison-distribution.co.uk

Say hello to The Brogue, the result of a collaboration between jeweller Nicholas Fitch, of Nicholas James, and leather designer Simon Harcourt — and  it’s so much more than just a way to get from A to B.

The idea for the diamond-encrusted, fine-leather upholstered vintage cycle came about when Fitch was collaborating with Harcourt on some jewellery boxes and saw a beautiful old bicycle hanging on the wall of his Highgate studio. Fitch told Harcourt: “You’ve got to do something with this, it’s amazing,” and Simon agreed.

Fixed-gear freestyle rider Chris Delia worked on the design and fitting of the bike and it was made at Highgate and Nicholas James’s workshops in Hatton Garden over eight weeks. “It’s a dandy’s bike,” says Fitch. “Not for rushing around on.

“There was even discussion of including a pipe-holder. Everything had to be finished to the highest quality. We are perfectionists and it is very refined.”

We take a closer look at London’s most luxe bike.

Brogue Leather Saddlebag

This bag is removable and fixes to the saddle with two straps. It is big enough to fit essential bicycle maintenance tools at 170mm wide and 90mm in diameter. The leather is the same Italian Ed Tanner Saddle leather as on the bike and it is hand-stitched with a laser-made brogue pattern. Fitch recast traditional Conway buckles, used in horse saddles, in sterling silver.

Heavyweight brakes

Dia-Compe BRS 202 brakes are deeper than normal road ones, at 57-75mm. They cost £26.99 each and weigh 200g.

Diamond-encrusted handlebars

The stops are cast in sterling silver and finished with a rim of chocolate-brown diamonds, to complement the vegetable-tanned leather. Brown diamonds have become popular “in the last seven years”. They have to be carefully selected so they aren’t too muddy or dark and are the right size for the handlebars.

Gears ahead

Five-speed Sturmey-Archer gears cost £129.99. In order to work they are supported by a metal hub, also by Sturmey-Archer, £29.99

Vintage frame

Simon Harcourt found the vintage 1970s Triumph frame with Reynolds 531 alloy steel tubing at an antiques sale and says he doesn’t remember how much it cost. He covered it with 1mm thick Italian Ed Tanner Saddle leather in tan that he sourced to match the classic Brooks saddle. Supple and light, this immensely tactile, fine leather gets better with age. It is handstitched but the brogue pattern was cut with a laser so it would look neat and uniform. Harcourt Designs developed this laser technique while working on chair designs for Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant, Dinner.

Lightweight chain

Chris Delia chose a Gusset Expresso chain, which is superlight and very strong. Lightweight link plates and straight plates give maximum stretch. Weight 255g. £32.99.

Wheels for speed

Tyres by Halo Twin Rail Courier, £22.99 each. Not too thin, they are ideal for riding around cities. They weigh 395g. The lightweight Halo retro wheel rims are £39.99 each. They are inspired by European wheel rims from the Seventies and Eighties but are made using modern materials to make them lightweight and good for racing.

Selena Gomez opted for a midriff-baring look for the launch of her new fragrance on Saturday at Macy’s in New York City.

The actress wore a Versace Spring 2012 chic starfish and seashell print bustier with matching shorts.

She added a Vanessa Bruno ivory collarless jacket and nude Giuseppe Zanotti pumps which helped elongate her slender legs.

Large gold hoop earrings, pretty makeup, and a vibrant nail shade wrapped up her age-appropriate look.

Selena looked amazing, but I think I would’ve preferred this look as a performance piece. I’m not quite sure it’s a meet-and-greet look.

Sunday, 10 June 2012

The 'Sparks' four-piece are excited about performing their biggest gig to date at Wembley today.

Cover Drive attends the BRIT Awards 2012 aftershow

Cover Drive have promised to bring some "Bajan style" to the Capital FM Summertime Ball 2012 today (9th June) in London.

The 'Twilight' band are set to perform live at Wembley Stadium today after a huge first year in the music industry that saw the release of their debut album 'Bajan Style', as well as several huge singles.

"So excited to get on stage tomorrow and play!!! #STB" Cover Drive tweeted last night (8th June), before adding today: "On our way to Wembley! Doing it #BAJANSTYLE in a few hours to our biggest audience yet!!! #STB."

Cover Drive were announced as part of the Breakers section of today's Capital FM event last month, alongside Conor Maynard and Lawson, and Amanda, Bar-Man, Jamar and T-Ray are excited to perform for the sold-out 80,000 strong crowd this evening.

Nestled right in the center of Knightsbridge in London, this property offers the best of all things the house of Bulgari espouses. The hotel has features so synonymous with the heritage of this chic Italian jeweler, and neither the visual appeal nor the services disappoint.

As you pull up to the front of the hotel, the feel is similar to the frontage of their signature stores. The general ambiance and look is Italian luxe-modern and the elegantly clad, grey-suited staff are friendly and instantly refer to every guest by name.

The interiors are fashioned with luxurious touches – lots of highly polished solid woods, rather like the inside of a luxury yacht – and homage is paid to the Bulgari heritage with a print on the walls and drapes that echos the brand's signature design from pieces of fashion jewelry or silver. The decor features a palette of Bulgari's much-loved greys, and the use of stone, marble and onyx throughout the building screams luxury.

The Bulgari has 85 beautifully appointed rooms (their signature green tea fragrance products in all the bathrooms), a full-service screening room and private dining areas, for those wishing a more discreet visit. I stayed in the Knightsbridge Suite, sophisticated and quietly luxurious, which is the essence of the Bulgari brand and translates fabulously to the hotel experience. My Leoni handbag felt quite at home there, as did I.

My elegant, handsome butler, Florentine, took me through the building and was there to answer every need, which began with the urgent need to press my eveningwear for a black tie dinner at Kensington Palace on the day of my arrival.

As a guest I felt the Hotel was rather like a jewel box – layers of lovely things on every level. The biggest discovery was at the bottom of the jewel box, five floors down. An amazing gem: possibly the most beautiful swimming pool in London, complete with the subtle sparkle of the jewel mosaic tile. A beautiful plunge pool at one end is decorated with a dramatic, matte-gold tiled wall. The loungers around the pool add a modern touch to the Romanesque theme.

The Spa, located on the same floor as the pool, is highlighted in a subtle emerald green and sleek wood features, reminiscent of the vibrant color of Bulgari emeralds. I took a spa treatment, much needed to de-stress from back-to-back events at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Katrina poured me Jasmine tea to calm and led me to the pre-treatment room. The products are by Espa; I chose a Frankincense and Myrrh treatment oil to relax and soothe. Gemma, my masseuse, was wonderful and expertly provided the best massage I have had in years.

It's hard to believe that while surrounded by such elegance and serenity, you are still in the heart of London. Guests of the hotel are just steps away from the best shopping experiences in London, what could possibly be better!

 

At Il Bar the atmosphere is relaxed and lounge elegant, the crown jewel being the incredible architecture of the mirrored bar and the sweeping staircase down to the dining area. Martin, our mixologist, provided three of the signature cocktails for our group. Please ask for the "Mary Pickford", "Clover Cluts" or the "Cherry and Pistachio Bellini" for not only a sensory treat, but a treat for the eyes too.

The dining experience is what you would expect of a top-notch restaurant in Italy, complete with wonderful service. Many of the waitstaff are Italian, and as much of the menu choices are delicious items from various regions of Italy, it helps to have their expert knowledge of the covetable ingredients and preparations. The Sommelier provided a selection of the finest wines to complement our dishes, each one the perfect choice. Bravo head chef Robbie Pepin for a wonderful meal! And Sam, for the incredible wine selections.

My very special thanks to General Manager Sylvain Ercoli, who was a wonderful and charming host. Chris from Butler Service was incredibly efficient, ensuring I had everything I needed during my short but highly eventful trip for the Diamond Jubilee. Thanks everyone – what a wonderful team!

I absolutely plan to return. This hotel did not disappoint, and for those loving the marriage of fashion and travel, this destination is definitely for you.




Socialite Kim Kardashian pampered her beau, singer Kanye West, with a new Lamborghini on his 35th birthday Friday. Kardashian purchased the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in Los Angeles, reports tmz.com. But West has not been able to enjoy the luxury gift yet as he is still in Ireland on the Watch the Throne tour with Jay-Z.

Saturday, 9 June 2012


New friends: James Hewitt invited Lauren Goodger to an exclusive dinner at his club The Polo House, in Marbella, Spain, last night

New friends: James Hewitt invited Lauren Goodger to an exclusive dinner at his club The Polo House, in Marbella, Spain, last night

The former British household cavalry officer had a classy party at The Polo House, in Marbella, Spain, and wanted Goodger, 25, to be there.The 54-year-old also invited her co-stars Cara Kilbey and Frankie Essex along, and all of the girls seemed to enjoy his hospitality.

Hewitt, who had a five year affair with the late Princess Diana, opened The Polo House in 2009 and spends most of his time at the trendy venue in the Golden Mile.

The odd couple: James appeared to have some bronze make-up on his right cheek after greeting his guests

The odd couple: James appeared to have some bronze make-up on his right cheek after greeting his guests

 

Handy man: The former British household cavalry officer had a good time with the reality TV star

Handy man: The former British household cavalry officer had a good time with the reality TV star

He relished the chance to party with the younger crowd and appeared to have make-up on his right cheek from Goodger's heavily bronzed face.

The newly slim reality TV star showed off her svelte figure in a tight short silver dress which she teamed with black heels.

Cara, 24, opted for a white maxi dress and wore her hair elegantly up in a bun, while Frankie chose to wear a short white skirt with a black vest.

Silver siren: Goodger had clearly slimmed down and showed off her curves in a short sequin dress
Silver siren: Goodger had clearly slimmed down and showed off her curves in a short sequin dress

Silver siren: Goodger had clearly slimmed down and showed off her curves in a short sequin dress

Put your hands up! Lauren hit the dance floor with her girl friends and was also joined by a pink shirt wearing Max Clifford

Put your hands up! Lauren hit the dance floor with her girl friends and was also joined by a pink shirt wearing Max Clifford

 

TOWIE town: Reality TV stars Cara Kilbey, Lauren, and Frankie Essex pose for a photograph outside of The Polo House

TOWIE town: Reality TV stars Cara Kilbey, Lauren, and Frankie Essex pose for a photograph outside of The Polo House

Ever the good host, Hewitt served his guests Veuve Clicquot champagne followed by a sumptuous dinner of buffalo mozzarella, baby lamb cutlets and lemon torte.

No doubt Lauren, who is currently on the Cambridge Weight Plan, didn't eat much of the food as she is continuing with her very-low-calorie diet.

Classy girls: Lauren and Cara both chose very different styles for the exclusive party
Classy girls: Lauren and Cara both chose very different styles for the exclusive party

Classy girls: Lauren and Cara both chose very different styles for the exclusive party

In safe hands: PR guru Max Clifford has helped Lauren meet the right people with his many connections

In safe hands: PR guru Max Clifford has helped Lauren meet the right people with his many connections

Press and publications man Max Clifford was also at the party and he was seen throwing shapes on the dance floor as the evening picked up.

Max, who now represents Lauren, stood out from the crowd in a pink shirt, but it was James who was surrounded by girls as they danced around him.

The hot spot: The Polo House is set in Marbella's Golden Mile and it attracts a high caliber of guests

The hot spot: The Polo House is set in Marbella's Golden Mile and it attracts a high caliber of guest




Tuesday, 5 June 2012

The owners of IPMG, parent company of Hannanprint and Offset Alpine, ranked as the nation's 20th wealthiest family, falling four places from last year's 16th. Their wealth was estimated at $640 million, a slight drop from $643 million last year. Packaging manufacturing continues to be a windfall for Anthony Pratt of Visy, whose personal wealth rose nearly $300 million to $5.45 billion, though he still slipped from fourth to fifth place on the BRW list. Media mogul Kerry Stokes, whose printing industry interests include Pacific Magazines and West Australian Newspapers, was up one place to 11th, with a wealth of $2.79 billion, up from $2.55 billion last year. The founders of Computershare, Chris Morris and Tony Wales, both fell in the standings, Morris down to 72nd place with $555 million and Wales falling to 145th spot, with $305 million. With a family wealth of $405 million, the Fairfaxes couldn’t touch the Hannans. No longer involved with Fairfax Media, the family's wealth shrunk from $522 million in 2011 to $405 million this year, and they fell 12 places down the list. Another print media dynasty is the Handbury family, which ranked 38th on the Families list with a wealth of $390 million. The clan includes Rupert Murdoch's nephew Matt Handbury, who sold Murdoch Magazines to Pacific Magazines in 2004, and last week announced a major downsizing at his publishing company, Murdoch Books.

The owners of IPMG, parent company of Hannanprint and Offset Alpine, ranked as the nation's 20th wealthiest family, falling four places from last year's 16th. Their wealth was estimated at $640 million, a slight drop from $643 million last year. Packaging manufacturing continues to be a windfall for Anthony Pratt of Visy, whose personal wealth rose nearly $300 million to $5.45 billion, though he still slipped from fourth to fifth place on the BRW list. Media mogul Kerry Stokes, whose printing industry interests include Pacific Magazines and West Australian Newspapers, was up one place to 11th, with a wealth of $2.79 billion, up from $2.55 billion last year. The founders of Computershare, Chris Morris and Tony Wales, both fell in the standings, Morris down to 72nd place with $555 million and Wales falling to 145th spot, with $305 million. With a family wealth of $405 million, the Fairfaxes couldn’t touch the Hannans. No longer involved with Fairfax Media, the family's wealth shrunk from $522 million in 2011 to $405 million this year, and they fell 12 places down the list. Another print media dynasty is the Handbury family, which ranked 38th on the Families list with a wealth of $390 million. The clan includes Rupert Murdoch's nephew Matt Handbury, who sold Murdoch Magazines to Pacific Magazines in 2004, and last week announced a major downsizing at his publishing company, Murdoch Books.

Mario-Falcone-and-Lucy-Mecklenburgh-are-apparently-engaged

While we’ve been going Jubilee crazy, our favourite reality stars from The Only Way Is Essex have been living it up in Marbella.

Apart from partying a hell of a lot they have also been filming a special episode and it seems there are some serious treats in store for us.

Apparently Mario has proposed to girlfriend Lucy. We know, isn’t that insane?

The couple were seen on a romantic cruise on Friday night and its thought that he popped the question then.

TOWIE bosses are reportedly trying to keep it under wraps, so Mario and Lucy have been told not to tell anyone.

Well we suppose if it’s true then congratulations. We are slightly concerned though because we all know how other TOWIE engagements have ended


 

She did get up to stretch her legs and show off her tanned figure at one point however, looking far more relaxed in flip flops than she had done in heels over the weekend.

Joey looked a little restless on the sun lounger, shifting around from time to time, but ever attentive when Sam leaned over to share a quiet word.

Tender moment: Sam used her boyfriend's chest as a pillow as they drifted off together

Tender moment: Sam used her boyfriend's chest as a pillow as they drifted off together

A little help? Sam used an unconcerned Joey as a support to sit up

A little help? Sam used an unconcerned Joey as a support to sit up

He was briefly distracted when a couple of young female fans came over to have a chat, but quickly resumed his prone position once they had left.

Sam was clearly quite happy to sit back and take a break from her usual role of Essex glamour queen.

Over the weekend the blonde boutique owner was spotted filming scenes for the Only Way Is Essex looking more her usual self, wearing a slashed to the navel black swimsuit.

Laid-back look: Sam didn't bother with make-up, and covered up with a loose top when the sun got too much
Laid-back look: Sam didn't bother with make-up, and covered up with a loose top when the sun got too much

Laid-back look: Sam didn't bother with make-up, and covered up with a loose top when the sun got too much

Ready to take a dip? Sam appeared to be contemplating a swim, while Joey hardly seemed able to move

Ready to take a dip? Sam appeared to be contemplating a swim, while Joey hardly seemed able to move

Getting fidgety: Joey seemed to have trouble finding a comfortable position

Getting fidgety: Joey seemed to have trouble finding a comfortable position

 

She accessorised with a huge, gold neck piece, featuring a large circle in the middle which hung off the main plate and nestling between her breasts, drawing attention.

Sam wisely protected her face from the sun’s rays at Sisu Club and Hotel in Puerto Banus, pairing her skimpy outfit with a giant black and white striped hat and large sunglasses.

A crocheted waistcoat and sky high clogs which elongated her legs completed the look.

Bit of a distraction? Joey looked a little weary as he sat up to greet a couple of young female fans

Bit of a distraction? Joey looked a little weary as he sat up to greet a couple of young female fans

Ready to make a move? Both looked as though they were feeling the effects of the last few days in Marbs
Ready to make a move? Both looked as though they were feeling the effects of the last few days in Marbs

Ready to make a move? Both looked as though they were feeling the effects of the last few days in Marbs

Blending in with the crowd: Sam was sporting none of her usual TOWIE bling, with unstyled hair and no jewelry
Blending in with the crowd: Sam was sporting none of her usual TOWIE bling, with unstyled hair and no jewelry

Blending in with the crowd: Sam was sporting none of her usual TOWIE bling, with unstyled hair and no jewelry

The overall look was significantly more high-maintenance than her low-key poolside look yesterday.

But Sam's more casual appearance clearly wasn't an issue for Joey, who was undeterred in his attentions.

The pair made a touching display of their affections during the final episode of season five last week when Joey penned a heartfelt love letter to Sam.

Time to head for the shade: Even the sun-loving pair needed a break at one point

Time to head for the shade: Even the sun-loving pair needed a break at one point

Joey made Sam laugh as he reminded her of memories they share from when they initially got together, and displayed his childlike handwriting.

His closing words were: 'I love you and you're the love of my life.'

Joey's gesture appeared to make up for the distress he caused when he was photographed getting into a cab with another girl.

Grabbed a bite: The enamored pair went to get some food without their TOWIE castmates

Grabbed a bite: The enamored pair went to get some food without their TOWIE castmates

What a difference some slap makes: Joey and a made-up Sam out last Thursday

What a difference some slap makes: Joey and a made-up Sam out last Thursday

Dressed to the nines: Sam's look was much more high-maintenance on Sunday
Dressed to the nines: Sam's look was much more high-maintenance on Sunday

Dressed to the nines: Sam's look was much more high-maintenance on Sunday



When we heard The Only Way Is Essexwas  going to Marbella everyone knew that everyone was going to be in for a treat, and the girls and guys from East of London look like they're going to provide some fun when we see them hit our screens for their Spansh special.

The lads and girls looke like they can't wait to get their clothes off and indulge in some serious tanning action, perhaps to

Particularly enjoying herself is Lauren Goodger, who's lapsed on a promise to not drink alcohol because of the trip, supping champagne in the sun as she and her friends took the parties of the Sugar Hut to sunnier climes.

Love birds Sam Faiers and Joey Essex also looked to be having fun as they explored the popular Spanish resort inbetween filming.

However some cast members looked to be letting the heat get to them a little, something which should make for good viewing when it's time for us all to watch what they've been up to.

PHOTOS: The TOWIE gang head off to Marbella.

A single winner of Friday's EuroMillions draw would pocket the second-largest jackpot yet after tonight's draw was a rollover. Punters will be playing for an estimated £126 million after Tuesday's draw blank made it a double-rollover from last Friday. It would be the largest pot since Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in North Ayrshire, won £161 million last July, organiser Camelot said. Six people won £266,505.80 each tonight after matching five main numbers and one lucky star, but no one matched all seven to claim the £106 million jackpot. The estimated jackpot on Friday would propel a ticket-holder above a winner who banked £113,019,926 in October 2010, but decided not to go public. Dave Dawes and wife Angela, from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, currently sit third in the list after claiming £101,203,600 last October.

The British royals may be the most watched family in Britain, but they are by no means the richest, according to new data. An analysis by Wealth-X, the global wealth research firm, states that her Majesty, the Queen has a net worth of at least $510 million. The Times of London's Rich List has also put the Queen at around $500 million, and says she receives a stipend of $12.9 million a year. (Some of her holdings include stud farms, a fruit farm, and one of the world’s largest stamp collections, started by her grandfather).

A crime linked to Facebook  is reported to police every  40 minutes. Last year, officers logged 12,300 alleged offences involving the vastly popular social networking site. Facebook was referenced in investigations of murder, rape, child sex offences, assault, kidnap, death threats, witness intimidation and fraud.

Monday, 4 June 2012

The Duke of Edinburgh has been taken to hospital with a bladder infection and will miss the rest of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip, 90, had been taken to the King Edward VII Hospital in London from Windsor Castle as a "precautionary measure". The Queen is still expected to join 12,000 others at the Jubilee concert which is under way at the palace. The prince will remain in hospital under observation for a few days. The prince had appeared to be in good health when he accompanied the Queen on Sunday on the royal barge the Spirit of Chartwell, which formed part of the rain-drenched Jubilee river pageant. He and the Queen stood for most of the 80-minute journey, as they were accompanied by 1,000 boats travelling seven miles down the river to Tower Bridge.

Luka Rocco Magnotta was arrested in Berlin Monday after a four-day international manhunt that spanned three countries. The 29-year-old Canadian wanted over a horrific Montreal ice pick murder and decapitation of a Chinese student that he allegedly filmed and posted to the Internet, was arrested in or near an Internet cafe, Berlin police said. Montreal police confirmed they are aware of the reports that Magnotta was arrested, but said they are still in the process of contacting their Berlin counterparts. The arrest comes after French authorities said they were investigating a tip that Magnotta travelled from Paris to Berlin via bus on the weekend. “Somebody recognized him and (then) all the police recognized him,” Berlin police spokesperson Stefan Redlich told CP24 Monday. Handout (Click to enlarge) Magnotta's alleged victim is Lin Jun, a 33-year-old Concordia University student from Wuhan, Hubei, China. He was last seen on May 24, police said, and reported missing on May 29. Redlich said police were called in by a civilian who spotted Magnotta and he was arrested after police asked for his identification at about 2:00 p.m. local time in Berlin. Reuters is reporting it was an employee of the cafe, Kadir Anlayisli, that recognized Magnotta. The cafe is on Karl Marx Strasse, a busy shopping street filled with Turkish and Lebanese shops and cafes in the Neukoelln district of Berlin. German television quoted the owner of the cafe saying Magnotta was surfing the Internet for about an hour before his arrest. Redlich said Magnotta has been taken into custody without incident and will go in front of a judge Tuesday. Canadian officials are expected to start the extradition process for Magnotta in the near future.

Thursday, 31 May 2012

US benchmark borrowing costs plunged to levels last seen in 1946 and those for Germany and the UK hit all-time lows as investors took fright at what they see as a disjointed policy response to the debt crisis in Spain and Italy. In a striking sign of the flight to haven assets, German two-year bond yields fell to zero for the first time, below the equivalent rate for Japan, meaning investors are willing to lend to Berlin for no return. US 10-year yields fell as low as 1.62 per cent, a level last reached in March 1946, according to Global Financial Data. German benchmark yields reached 1.26 per cent while Denmark's came close to breaching the 1 per cent level, hitting 1.09 per cent. UK rates fell to 1.64 per cent, the lowest since records for benchmark borrowing costs began in 1703. "They are extreme levels because we are in an extremely perilous situation. People just want to put their money somewhere where they think they will get it back. People may soon be paying Germany or the US to look after their money," said Gary Jenkins, head of Swordfish Research, an independent credit analysis company. The flight to safety came as the situation in Italy and Spain, the eurozone's third- and fourth-largest economies, deteriorated further. Italy held a disappointing debt auction and saw its benchmark borrowing costs rise above 6 per cent for the first time since January. The euro fell 0.8 per cent against the dollar to under $1.24 for the first time in two years. Confusion over how the Spanish government's rescue of Bankia, the stricken lender, will be structured led the premium Madrid pays over Berlin to borrow to hit fresh highs for the euro era at 540 basis points. Analysts said the elevated level meant that clearing houses could soon raise the amount of margin, or collateral, that traders need to post against Spanish debt, a move that led to the escalation of crises in Portugal and Ireland. The European Central Bank has made clear to Spain that it cannot use the bank's liquidity operations as part of a recapitalision of Bankia. However, the central bank said on Wednesday it had not been officially consulted on the plans. Equity markets globally fell on the eurozone fears with bourses in Paris, Frankfurt and London all dropping 2 per cent. But Nick Gartside, international chief investment officer for JPMorgan Asset Management, noted that while US bond yields had halved since April last year the S&P 500 equity market was at the same level. "One of those two markets is mispriced. Core government bonds are an efficient market and they are ahead," he added. Investors said borrowing costs for the US, UK and Germany were likely to continue to fall amid a worsening economic backdrop and the threat of more central bank intervention. Wealth managers have been moving client assets into currency havens in recent weeks, with the Swiss franc and the US dollar among the biggest beneficiaries "Risk aversion, a rapidly slowing global economy and unusually low policy rates will pin these short and intermediate maturity bonds at unprecedented low levels for quite a while," said Mohamed El-Erian, chief executive of Pimco, one of the world's largest bond investors. Mr Gartside said he could easily see German rates going below 1 per cent, following a path that only Japan and Switzerland have taken among major economies, while the US and UK could dip under 1.5 per cent. Markets are increasingly resigned to more turmoil until policy makers take more radical action. The two most popular plans of action for investors are for the ECB to buy Spanish and Italian bonds in unlimited size or for eurozone countries to agree on a fiscal union involving the pooling of debt. "You have to throw everything at it. Spain is just too big for half measures. The next intervention has to be not just massive in size but it has to show a total commitment," said Mr Jenkins. He recommends that the ECB set targets either for the premium Spain and Italy pay to borrow over Germany or for their yields.

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

And it now emerges that she is claiming staff stole 'vintage sunglasses' her dad Robert Kardashian allegedly gave her just before he died in 2003, as well as 'several extremely expensive purses and Tumi luggage', according to TMZ.com.

Kim arrived back home in LA on Friday night when she apparently noticed her luggage was different.

Kim KardashianThe star was on her way back to LA via London from Nice (Picture: Getty)

Kim then took to Twitter to claim items that had sentimental value had been removed from her luggage. 

She wrote: 'Very disappointed in British Airways for opening my luggage & taking some special items of mine!Some things are sentimental &not replaceable.

'What happened to the days when you could lock your bags! We need to get back to that. There's no sense of security & no trust! Shame on you.'

Kim Kardashian, Kanye WestKim spent much of her time in Cannes with new boyfriend Kanye West (Picture: Xposure)

According to the fresh reports, Kim has now demanded British Airways produce CCTV footage showing the alleged thievery and it is believed she will go to the police if they fail to provide her with it.

A British Airways spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: 'We're looking into the matter.'

Kim Kardashian, Kanye WestKim tweeted this snap of boyfriend Kanye West on stage, saying she missed him (Picture: Instagram/Kim Kardashian)

Meanwhile, her outburst must have made the reality TV star a little lovesick, as she tweeted a picture of her current beau Kanye West performing on stage with the mushy caption 'I miss him'.

Kanye and Kim have been dating for some time now after being friends for many years, and have used their moments in the spotlight to remind everyone just how in love they are.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye WestKim Kardashian and Kanye West couldn't keep their hands off each other as they headed out to an ice-cream parlour in Cannes (Picture: Splash)

The couple were spotted together during the Cannes Film Festival hugging and holding hands as they took a relaxing break in the French Riviera.

Kim was recently in London with West while he completed the UK leg of his Watch The Throne tour alongside Jay Z.



Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Marbella is the traditional summer stomping ground of the TOWIE gang, but whatever Essex can do, Liverpool can do better.

The Desperate Scousewives stars have jetted to the Spanish holiday spot, and ensured they made an even bigger splash than their Southern rivals.

Gillian and Debbie O'Toole and Amanda Harrington turned heads at a pool party in the tightest and brightest possible outfits.

Marbella Barbie: Desperate Scousewives stars Debbie and Gillian O'Toole and Amanda Harrington ensure they stand out at a pool party in Marbella

Marbella Barbie: Desperate Scousewives stars Debbie and Gillian O'Toole and Amanda Harrington ensure they stand out at a pool party in Marbella

Fun in the sun: The reality stars partied at the Plush Pool Party at the Sisu Boutique Hotel

Fun in the sun: The reality stars partied at the Plush Pool Party at the Sisu Boutique Hotel 

 

The girls soaked up the sunshine at the Plush Pool Party at the Sisu Boutique Hotel.

 

Amanda wore a bright blue bikini with tassles and gold wedges, and added more fringing to her outfit with a colourful kaftan.

Debbie and Gillian went matching in floral bikinis that accentuated their bust size.

Poolside glamour: The girls teetered in platforms
Poolside glamour: The girls teetered in platforms

Poolside glamour: The girls teetered in platforms

We didn't see you there! the girls ensured they were camera-ready , primping and pouting on the day beds

We didn't see you there! the girls ensured they were camera-ready , primping and pouting on the day beds

Debbie wore hot pink and her sister wore black.

Gillian accesorised with a black flower in her hair and matching wedges. Both girls wore kaftans over their shoulders.

The reality stars appeared to be having the time of their lives, sipping on cocktails and giggling by the pool.

Drink up! Debbie clutched an enormous bottle of vodka

Drink up! Debbie clutched an enormous bottle of vodka 

 

Tight and bright: Amanda wore a bright blue tassled bikini
Tight and bright: Amanda wore a bright blue tassled bikini

Tight and bright: Amanda wore a bright blue tassled bikini

With their perfectly coiffed hair, none of them braved getting their locks wet by cooling off in the pool.

They didn't hold back on the drinks, with Debbie pictured helping herself to an enormous bottle of Belvedere vodka.

They ensured they were camera-ready at all times, primping and pouting throughout the day as they lounged on day beds.

Strike a pose! The girls posed for photographers outside the hotel

Strike a pose! The girls posed for photographers outside the hotel



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