Despite being worth a rumoured £43million, with a string of acclaimed films and advertising campaigns under her belt, Emma Watson has revealed her real idea of success is being able to tackle the simple things in life. Although the 21-year-old actress was catapulted to fame playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, she admits it has been a ‘challenge’ learning how to function away from the bubble of the popular series. She said: “Doing the ‘Potters’ was such a bubble and then having to figure out how to function in the real world has been a challenge. But it’s been the small successes for me. I know how to use a washing machine. I can cook. It’s worth it for me not to feel disconnected from everything, feeling like I’m in touch with people who do other things than acting or being in the entertainment industry.”

Watson, who is in her final year studying at Oxford University in the UK after transferring from Brown in the US, credits her solid group of friends with helping her cope with normal life and showbiz events. Watson now wants to develop her own sense of style away from the billboards. She said: “I was fully game for, ‘Throw me in this, throw me in that’ but I’d like to develop my own sense of style and dress for myself.” Emma believes her interest in fashion has helped her forge an identity for herself away from the Harry Potter franchise.

— Daily Mail

Oh, the offerings

Many an actress is this week fretting about her Oscars outfit, but behind every A-list name is an army of stylists clamouring for her attention and, more to the point, her business. The reason? A great dress, seen by many millions, is arguably more powerful than winning an award, while a bad choice can overshadow even the most wonderful performances. But the fervour goes both ways —and some designers are said to go as far as bribing stylists to persuade them to use their dresses.

According to the New York Post, there is big business in the months and weeks leading to the Oscars, and it is not all about high fashion and couture changing hands. Stylist Philip Bloch is only too aware of a shadier side to securing gowns: “Some stylists will take gifts from fashion houses,” he said. “I’ve heard of them offering vouchers for liposuction and other nip/tucks. Some designers will just ask: ‘What do you want?’ I’ve never got involved in that but I always say: ‘I wouldn’t take a bribe, but I love a great thank-you present’.” The rewards, for designers, are lucrative — millions of dollars of free publicity and kudos that can send a fashion house into overdrive. He has seen, first-hand, the power of a single dress on an actor’s career and a designer’s business. He chose a wine red Elie Saab dress for Halle Berry’s 2002 Oscars turn — and never looked back. “It launched the designer’s career, and it changed Halle’s life forever,” he told the paper. “In that dress, she looked beautiful but vulnerable… it caused people to see her in a whole new light.”

— Daily Mail

Hitting the (thigh) high notes!

She has six Grammys and seven American Music Awards to her name, so there is little doubt that Toni Braxton can belt out a song. But at her recent performance, the 45-year-old singer’s voice was not the only thing wowing the crowd — her outfit was just as show-stopping. Toni took to the stage at the Nokia Theatre in LA in a dramatic purple dress, which boasted a waist-high split, backless detail and sheer material. The Un-break My Heart singer looked much younger than her years, teaming the see-through purple and black dress with a sequin-embellished body and matching strappy heels. As she strutted across the stage she showed off her toned thighs and trim shape — which would rival women half her age. Ahead of her concert the Braxton Family Values star hinted on Twitter that she would like to be a judge on the next series of the X Factor . Responding to a fan she posted: “‘@ Jasmine_Sharee: @SimonCowell I’m thinking you should make @tonibraxton a judge on @thexfactorusa…yup that sounds epic to me’ aww thanks!”

— Daily Mail