Impressively quick on the court, Philadelphia's once-prized point guard Allen Iverson can't escape the City of Brotherly Love fast enough. Five years ago Iverson purchased a 14,000 square foot home on Philly's Main Line for a cool $5 million. For three years, he and his wife Tawanna enjoyed the four-story, chateau-style home. The six-bedroom mansion and pool house sit on four acres, and floor-to-ceiling Palladium windows grant expansive views of a pool, waterfall, and stream. The main house also offers a twelve-seat theatre, coffee bar, and billiard room, complete with a custom wood-carved bar.

In 2006, the 76ers guard was traded to the Denver Nuggets and he listed his home on the market. Unfortunately, the housing crunch has even affected famed athletes and wannabe rappers. Recently, Iverson dropped the list price by as much as 37%. Looks like Philadelphia won't be washing their hands of Allen just yet.

The morning following my New York book party and appearance on Bloomberg News, I boarded a plane for Los Angeles that also happened to be carrying Jessica Alba and her adorable baby. I almost didn't recognize Jessica; she looked like any other (gorgeous) young mother-tired, grumpy and charmingly disheveled in a long sleeve cotton t-shirt and jeans. The whole flight I was kicking myself for not tucking a copy of Gilding Lily in my carry on, which I could have given to her. (Jessica, if you're reading this, email me and I'll send you a copy!)
Once I arrived in L.A. I checked into a suite in the InterContinental Hotel and spent some time catching up on emails before heading over to the Diane Von Furstenberg store, where I let the salesgirls talk me into wearing a fire engine red dress for my book signing.
The event, hosted by my friend at bagsnob.com, Tina Craig, drew more than a hundred guests, including Sex in the City producer Darren Starr, designer Julia Clancey (look for her frocks on The Hills) and best-selling author Kathy Freston, who, incidentally, convinced me to go (mostly) vegan this past summer... More >> ..

As a child I never had a dog, because as Father always said, "The nanny's son has polio, you can play fetch with him." Try as I might to enjoy my boy-pet, knee braces and crutches make social situations awkward (although, if positioned correctly, they can make an excellent cup holder), and a seven year-old Croatian boy is an awful conversationalist, barking is much more endearing than guttural accents.

In my late teens, after begging daddy for a non-handicapped pet, Father finally submitted and got me Little Richie the poodle, with the agreement that I would go back to the "only speak when spoken to" rule, as well as apply WD-40 to the crutches of Stumblin' Harry (his squeaking knee braces often prompted Father to set up small obstacles around the house as "payback," which consequently led to the nickname).

Little Richie has been with me ever since, and just like a little Nouveau would, he even barks at foreigners on the street as they pass. Good boy, Little Richie!

Once a fierce supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton, politically active singer Barbara Streisand, like many others, was forced to switch allegiance to Senator Barack Obama when he won the Democratic ticket for presidency. In Streisand's case, this newfound loyalty is being tested quite a bit sooner than November.

Next week, Barbara Streisand will sing for Senator Obama at a fundraiser split between the Greystone Mansion and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. No word on whether the Senator really wants to hear the "Funny Girl" belt out show tunes, but he'll no doubt accept the check that comes with it. If guests want to dine at the fundraiser, combined tickets for dinner and the concert cost $28,500 per person. Those that prefer to eat in and come just to hear Barbara can pay a mere $2,500. If all goes as planned, 700+ attendees will attend, contributing a meaty $9 million to the blue elephants, making this the largest Democratic fundraiser for this election to date... More >> ..

The occasion was my very first book party for my very first book, and from the massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the Elie Tahari store to the incredible gift bags (stuffed with Tahari gift certificates and scarves), everything was beyond perfect.
Until I had to give a speech, that is. I was so focused on remembering to thank event sponsors Vogue and Elie Tahari, and my hosts Tinsley Mortimer, Emmy Rossum, Lydia Fenet and Christian Leone-that I forgot to thank my publisher...and my husband. I also may have said something to the effect that I had spent more time looking forward to my book party than my wedding. (Leave it to me...)
Later on that night, I asked my incredibly understanding husband if he was offended by the omission, and to my relief he said no, but added that he's gotten used to the crazy things that come out of my mouth. Thank goodness for that.

Sienna Miller isn't being shy about her desire to cohabitate with her still married boyfriend Balthazar Getty. Maybe it's that she desperately needs some security-her London home was recently vandalized as fallout from a relationship with a married man and father. Miller and Getty were caught holding hands while admiring a $22 million home complete with a saltwater infinity pool and an open air shower in Trancas Canyon, west of Malibu. Supposedly the couple loved the four-bedroom, six-bathroom home, but they are opting for a less conspicuous estate in which to hide from Getty's wife, who, needless to say, isn't so pleased with the arrangement. Purchasing a new home before finalizing your divorce is a bold way to break the news of a relationship. However, the area has already housed another scandalous couple-Brangelina, just a few years ago, and another generator of gossip, Leonardo DiCaprio, is also a local.

There's nothing sexier to me than a Cuban woman making me food (obviously other than a woman of any ethnicity either cleaning or taking out the trash). I always like to stand close behind and watch intently, and whisper sweet things like, "Baby, I just want to see how to do it the right way, so I can make sure I know when you mess it up in the future and consequently deduct that from your pay."

I insist however, that Cuban women leave my bed by the time I wake up in the morning. I love that almost-Puerto Rican flavor as much as the next guy, but there's nothing worse than having "the talk" and not understanding what you're agreeing to (the number of syllables they can fit into a sentence is so perplexing I often just keep saying yes to get it to stop). Word to the wise: don't let her convince you to sign anything that says "siempre" or "dinero." I don't know what those words mean, but Rosie Perez has been living at my house for 3 years now.

While "Chanel" and "sports" are not words typically used in the same sentence, Chanel has recently released a limited number of sporting goods that embody the elegance that the name La Maison de Chanel has come to represent. Victoria Beckham was spotted using Chanel skis back in 2004. A Chanel snowboard has since been released. Now, the same elegance has come to the world of cycling.

The limited run Chanel luxury bicycle debuted in the spring/summer 2008 collection, and only twenty of the bicycles were shipped to the United States. Courtney Cox reportedly gifted one to Jennifer Aniston after Aniston expressed an interest in cycling. Emblazoned with the trademark interlocking Cs, the bike is elegant and chic, with quilted leather covering the seat. The signature leather also makes an appearance on the two saddlebags as well as on the jewelry holder near the seat. Sleek and black, the bike definitely makes a bold statement... More >> ..

Today is the day to finally outgrow your inner four year old and head to Dakota Restaurant, located in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, for some grown up fun. A sophisticated and luxurious take on the Happy Meal of youthful years, the "Original 25 Degrees Burger" comes not with a toy but with parmesan truffle fries instead.

The hamburger is a replica of 25 Degrees' bestselling burger, which sells 600 to 700 a month. The highest quality, 100% prime sirloin patty is "freshly made in the hotel daily and never frozen," which can be tasted in the first bite. A topping of crescenza bacon adds just the right saltiness on the tongue, and the addition of arrigoni gorgonzola creates a thick, almost milky texture. Caramelized onion, arugula, and a greasy brioche bun top off this gastronomically sensational burger. .

Like a trusty sidekick, the truffle fries perfectly complement this amazing burger... More >> ..

She may be a New York socialite, Lance Armstrong's ex, and a favorite designer of waspy women everywhere, but Tory Burch is actually Jewish. With her blonde hair, rhinoplastied nose, and to-die-for apartment on the Upper East Side, it's obvious that Burch is trying to downplay her Jewish roots, which may be why many Jewish women boycott her brand (though it could also be the double T logo that looks suspiciously like a cross). We all know that many wealthy women of the social set like to dabble in jewelry and purse design then peddle their wares at friends' cocktail parties and trunk shows, but only a Jewess would be able to turn her bohemian style house into a sensation practically overnight. Okay, that's not fair. None of those other women have had Oprah endorse their brand. But that doesn't change the fact that if we see one more pair of Tory Burch ballet flats walking down Madison Avenue, our heads just might explode... More >> ..

In the discriminating eyes of the viewing public, not all American Idols are created equal. Kelly Clarkson won a few Grammies, Carrie Underwood went platinum while becoming Hollywood's cleanest-cut hussy, and the rest of the bunch at least managed to strike some sort of familiarity with the masses before singing the national anthem at whatever rodeo or state fair they stumbled upon.

But then there's poor, poor Ruben Studdard - poor, of course, in the literal sense. After squeaking by with a win over his more talented, more popular runner-up, Clay Aiken, Studdard's career plummeted the second he walked outside the reach of reality TV's dim lights.

The former Idol recently proved to be even less of an ideal role model when the IRS audited him for over $193,000, money overdue in taxes from both his $1 million contract with Fox and his $2 million settlement with his former business manager. But an Idol can pay that off easy, right?

Wrong... More >> ..

Really, what does Melissa do aside from go solo to parties and recycle wrinkled silk sheaths? An oft-cited Observer article states that "Ms. Berkelhammer has no income of her own" and goes on to quote Melissa as saying 'My parents enable me to live the lifestyle that I do. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that,' she said. 'I am grateful that I have the luxury to follow my dreams, which, of course, I am still trying to figure out what they are, and not work at some job that I hate because I need to support myself. Because, as everyone knows, even to live in a dump, the rents nowadays are just ridiculous!'

Hmm, sweetie. I'm still trying to figure out what's taken place between that article and the present day, other than about 300 Patrick McMullan pictures. I'm all for giving people the benefit of the doubt, and I do know how those journalists tend to misquote, but seriously? She has an obvious intellectual brain, and I'd like to see Ms... More >> ..

Average citizens aren't the only ones feeling the pinch at the pump. Thanks to the high cost of gasoline, Diddy stated in a recent YouTube video that he has decided to ground his private jet in order to save money. According to the star, it costs about $200,000 to make one round trip flight between New York and LA. Diddy added, "I want to give a shout out to all my Saudi Arabian brothers and sisters and all my brothers and sisters from all the countries that have oil. If you could all please send me some oil for my jet, I would truly appreciate it." He ended his plea by admitting he'll be flying commercial until oil prices decrease. Does American Airlines offer Cristal in travel-size bottles? Let's hope so, for the sake of the stars.

“Samsung Electronics is proud to announce Valentino as the first honoree in the Samsung Imagination Icon Series, a program that we have launched to bring consumers an intimate look into the worlds of fashion, art and design,” said Sue Shim, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Strategy for Samsung Electronics

 

Samsung Electronics, the global and U.S. market leader in HDTV, announced today the premiere of The Samsung Imagination Icon Series, bringing consumers an intimate look into the worlds of fashion, art and design. The first of the series, The Red Thread: The Inspiration and Passion of Valentino Garavani, will use rich imagery, sound, and state-of-the-art HDTV technology to explore Valentino's passionate pursuit of flawless design. The Red Thread: The Inspiration and Passion of Valentino Garavani, will feature exclusive footage from Matt Tyrnauer's upcoming film, "Valentino: The Last Emperor... More >> ..

It's her party and she'll cry, even if she doesn't want to. Hilary Duff is a month shy of the big 2-1, and like any good mama, Susan Duff is planning to throw her millionaire daughter a fabulous party. Two years ago, the Duffs hosted a similar bash for older sister Haylie, so it is only fair to throw Hilary an equally awesome affair, complete with a lavish present.

The only problem? Susan can't afford to host the bash on her own, so she brought her ex-husband to court to request $25,000 for a party and present. The Duffs have been battling a bitter divorce for the last two and a half years. It seems Susan should have taken simpler measures, for the Judge not only demanded Bob Duff pay for half of the party, but he also held Bob in contempt of court. Bob sold some of his assets without the court's approval, so he's been sentenced to 10 days in jail-- good thing Hilary's birthday isn't for another 30 days... More >> ..