PHOTO UPDATE : CRAIG'S IS SEASONALLY GOOD FOR JOAN!

Joan is all geared up for the Christmas season, with a visit to one of her favourite Hollywood eateries, 'Craig's'..

PHOTO FLASHBACK : JOAN'S A CHRISTMAS STAR ON BROADWAY

This shot from 2012 features Joan & grandaughter Ava Grace, with Santa after a performance of 'A Christmas Story' on Broadway...

PHOTO FLASHBACK : WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DUNNE.. JOAN IS STILL SMOKIN HOT!

This shot features Joan in the 90's with her good friend, the late great author/journalist Dominick Dunne, who was a regular writer of wonderful articles/interviews for Vanity Fair....

PHOTO UPDATE : WHY ALL MEN ARE MAD ABOUT jOAN!

Joan brought much glamour to the holiday season as she hosted a 'Mad Men' themed party at her LA aparatment for friends, including the wonderful Donna Mills..

TRIBUTE : ZZA ZZA GABOR .. 1917 - 2016

Joan with Zza Zza and Nicky Hilton and Porfirio Rubirosa ..

I was saddened to hear the whirlwind that was Zza Zza Gabor has died as she neared the 100 mark.. One of lifes legendary characters, she has entertained and captivated audiences for what seemed like a lifetime.. A friend of Joan's for many years, here are a couple of classic shots..Its Hollywood glamour of the old school in the first photo as Joan and Zza Zza dine with a couple of legendary playboys, Hilton Hotel heir Nicky Hilton and notorious Dominican diplomat Porfirio Rubirosa.... The second photo features a legendary lineup at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1984 for the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast honouring Joan..  

Joan with Anne Baxter.. Phyllis Diller.. Angie Dickensen & Zza Zza

 

PHOTO FLASHBACK : WHEN IT COMES TO VANITY.. JOAN'S NO COWARD!

Joan wonders who this woman is staring back at her in this rare shot taken for the 1991 BBC series 'Tonight at 8:30' .. Joan played Lavinia an old spinster in 'Family Album', here surveying her character makeup.... The series was called 'Collins Meets Coward' in the USA.

PHOTO FLASHBACK : IT'S A DYNASTY REUNION FOR JOAN!

This rare shot features Joan with daughter Katy and the legendary Diahann Carroll, who of course appeared in 'Dynasty' as Dominique Deverauex...

PHOTO FLASHBACK : JOAN EXHIBITS THE ART OF THE SMILE!

This shot features Joan with son Sacha and Hollywood legend Roddy McDowall at the opening of an exhibition of Sacha's paintings in Los Angeles in the 90's...

PROMO UPDATE : TIMELESS BEAUTY GIFT IDEAS... DECEMBER 15TH 2016 ..

More fabulous gift ideas can be found in The Timeless Beauty Collection including This super Iconic Look gift set which can be ordered at the following link along with other great ideas!
The Iconic Look by Timeless Joan!! Order Here... 

PHOTO FLASHBACK : R.J. IS NEVER FAR FROM A LEGENDARY LADY!

As I featured a super shot of Joan having afternoon tea with some legendary friends, I came across a few more pics of Joan with more star mates... This shot features Joan's longtime pal Robert Wagner with daughter Katie back in the early 90's... Will feature some more shots over the holiday period... Robert has a wonderful new book out all about the legendary ladies he has known over the years... An essential read for those who appreciate genuine legendary stars..

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S TEA TIME FOR THOSE LEGENDS WHO LUNCH!

Joan is busy catching up with friends as the holiday season beckons in Hollywood.. These great photos have their share of legends.. Afternoon tea with friends for Joan includes Barbara Davis, Jaclyn Smith, Ann Turkel, Alana Stewart and Raquel Welch among others.. While earlier Joan had lunch with her good friend Nancy Davis, where company included Latoya Jackson, among others...

PHOTO FLASHBACK : TIS THE SEASON TO BE WELL RED!

This super portrait has the essence of Christmas as Joan looks super glam in sparkly red...

PHOTO FLASHBACK : IT'S THE CHILLY SEASON WITH THIS TALE!

As Christmas approaches and we all feel some festive cheer, lets also feel a little Christmas fear with this shot featuring Joan with Chloe Franks in the classic shocker 'Tales From The Crypt'.. This favourite segment of many, stars Joan as murderous Joanne Clayton who after murdering her husband on Christmas Eve, is paid a visit by a maniacial Santa Claus who makes sure she gets more than she bargained for!

PRESS UPDATE : DAILY MAIL.. SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH 2016

Fake the tree, ditch the tinsel - and ban bores from your Christmas party! Dame Joan's exquisitely arch guide to going stress-free this festive season

By Joan Collins For The Daily Mail

She’s the most glamorous grandmother on the planet — and when it comes to Christmas, Dame Joan Collins certainly knows how to do it in style.

The award-winning actress and author is spending the festive season with her husband Percy in Los Angeles, where the couple are hosting a traditional British Christmas for their friends and family. But at a time of year when most of us are feeling frazzled by last-minute shopping, food orders and endless party invitations, Dame Joan has the festive season all wrapped up.

With her trademark wit and amusing anecdotes from family Christmases over the years, she’s given us an exclusive peek into how she does it — so you, too, can make it through the next few weeks stress-free!

From not getting tipsy at the office drinks party to why you should never put tinsel on your tree, we present Dame Joan’s Glamorous Guide to Christmas . . .

PUT YOUR TREE UP EARLY AND BE READY TO FAKE IT

The best part for me is the run-up to Christmas, and therefore it can’t start too early. I put my tree up on November 27 this year; almost exactly a month before the big day. I long ago gave up the idea of a real Christmas tree and now I have a magnificent fake fir (however naff that sounds).

I’ve adopted this tradition because by Boxing Day my tree is still standing proud and tall in all its glory and hasn’t shed its dead bits all over the Christmas presents, which in turn invariably get stuck to your slippers, which then get carted all around your house and show up in the most unlikely of places: your pillow, your make-up, your morning coffee. Anyway, I’ve found people can’t tell the difference between real and fake as long as the tree is loaded with baubles and ornaments

STEER CLEAR OF TINSEL AND POINSETTIAS

I’ve been making and collecting my own decorations since my children were little. My tree is totally dripping with them — you can barely see any green.

I’m not a fan of tinsel. I prefer plenty of twinkling white lights, sparkling balls and stars on my tree.

As for colours, I tend to go for white and silver when we’re in Los Angeles and a more traditional red and gold in London, but it all depends on what I feel like doing in any given year.

I love getting into the spirit of Christmas, so I fill our house to the hilt with all manner of ornaments, fir garlands and ribbons.

My favourite floral decorations are white azaleas adorned with silver balls. They’re far chicer than poinsettias.

 

HAVE A PLAN FOR LEAVING PARTIES

Christmas parties are never as much fun as the anticipation. There are office parties, boss’s parties, friends’ parties, product-launching parties . . . the pit is bottomless.

All of these coalesce to make December into a blur of self-indulgence, which is why you sorely need those New Year’s resolutions . . . just to stay alive through January and February. I like parties where I know most people and not ones that are filled with people you never want to see again.

I am very picky about which invitations I choose. I bin the ones that celebrate the opening of an envelope, and I don’t attend events that are full of people I don't know.

I save my strength for those intimate gatherings where I am sure to see plenty of friends.

If it’s a drinks party, I make unbreakable dinner plans with friends at a fixed time. Stay too long and everybody’s bound to get plastered, which turns holiday cheer into a Grinch-like nightmare.

If it’s a dinner party, I make sure to arrive 45 minutes into the ‘cocktail hour’, because it regularly turns into a ‘cocktail hour-and-a-half’ and that can be fatal.

One of the most over-the-top parties I ever attended was a ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ hosted by the late TV producer Aaron Spelling at his £120 million mega-mansion — called The Manor — now owned by Petra Stunt, one of the Ecclestone heiresses.

He had shipped in mountains of fake snow that covered the five acres of grounds and at night it glistened and glittered like the real thing. That’s Hollywood for you!

BE RUTHLESS WITH YOUR INVITATIONS

I love throwing a party when I’m in London for the Christmas season. I’ll invite a core group of my closest friends and family along with a sprinkling of new friends, as no one wants to see the same faces every year.

Boring or dull people can cast a bad vibe over any gathering, so I’m ruthless about who I invite.

Never invite work colleagues who aren’t also your friends — they might be fun in the boardroom but nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than to be reminded about the marketing plan for 2017.

One of my most memorable Christmas parties was in 2001, the year Percy and I announced our engagement. We hadn’t set a date and the plans were still in a state of flux, so the party I hosted that December was meant to be a holiday party — and nothing more.

However, as the guests arrived — Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife Madeleine, Roger Moore, Michael Caine, the fashion designer Valentino — each wished us congratulations.

It turned out that rumours had been circulating that we would officially announce our engagement that evening. At one point, Percy went out on to the balcony for a cigarette only to discover a large crowd of paparazzi, reporters and well-wishers.

We had no choice but to go outside and pose for photographs. We decided to set a date that very evening — the following February at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Talk about a ‘shotgun wedding’!

SEND XMAS CARDS — NEVER EMAILS

I start plotting our family Christmas card every October

We always pick a photograph to be printed on hundreds of cards to send our nearest and dearest. It’s always a picture from a special family occasion.

In the past we’ve had some fabulous photos: one of my youngest daughter, Katy, posing in a pink tutu; me wearing a Christmas jumper; and one year we had all the children sitting in their swimwear by a pool in the Californian sun.

This year it’s just Percy and me on the card: he’s looking handsome in his dinner jacket and bow tie, and I’m in a white evening gown.

I know some people dread writing and sending Christmas cards, but I enjoy it — and I love receiving cards from friends.

It’s regretful that many people just send emails these days. That’s not the Christmas spirit at all.

Christmas cards are a tangible memento that you can keep as a reminder, and also a great resource for the next year to help you cut out whoever you haven’t received a card from!

WEAR A STYLISH CHRISTMAS JUMPER

Though I love to dress up, when I’m around my family I’m quite casual.

On Christmas Day, I always wear something red and comfortable.

It might not be my usual style, but you can get some really chic sweaters with Christmassy patterns such as stars and snowflakes on them.

When you’re going out to parties, don’t over-think what you’re going to wear: a pretty necklace or earrings and some red lipstick can make even the plainest outfit look festive.

DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH ON CHILDREN

As a baby of the Blitz and a teenager of Austerity Britain, I grew up with the tradition of one present at Christmas, with an orange or a tangerine in my stocking. So the mass consumerism of today never fails to amaze me.

Hundreds, sometimes thousands are spent on children’s presents these days — far more than in the past. I know of one cleaning lady who spent £2,000 on a computer for her daughter and she only makes £12,000 a year.

I’m guilty, too. Every year I make a resolution not to buy masses of presents, but about a month before our Saviour’s birthday I start thinking about what to buy for whom. Have they been naughty? Have they been nice? More importantly, does it matter?

The young ones all seem to want electronics these days, so I am a stranger in a foreign land when it comes to asking my grandchildren what they want for Christmas.

One recent conversation went as follows: ‘A Surface Pro with one terabyte drive and eight megs of RAM . . .anything less and there’s game lag . . . with Photoshop Illustrator pre-installed . . . and don’t forget the stylus.’

‘Um, OK . . . how about I send you a cheque?’ I stammered back.

But Christmas is a time for giving, after all, and I do like to be generous.

I buy presents for all my family and for people who work for me, and I give money to tradespeople.

STICK TO TURKEY AND TRIMMINGS

I never vary from turkey with its traditional accompaniments such as Brussels sprouts (which I love), roast potatoes, cranberry sauce and bread sauce.

I normally cook, but Percy has taken over at times. The first time he made Christmas dinner, he misjudged the oven and it was ready too soon, causing me to tell everyone to come over right away.

They arrived in various states of confusion and undress! The second time he over-compensated and we didn’t eat until 8pm, when the family fell upon it like ravenous hordes.

One memorable family Christmas dinner involved my then-fiance Anthony Newley and a couple of close friends. One of them told a particularly funny story and all of us literally doubled over in laughter, causing Tony’s party hat to catch fire on one of the candles.

The problem was that it made us laugh even harder, and we were unable to voice our warnings to Tony, who in turn was in absolute paroxysms over our strange contortions. The smell of singeing hair sobered him up quick!

PLAN A CHIC FESTIVE GETAWAY

Nothing beats a classic Christmas in London: a wintery chill in the air while the fire crackles inside and we all huddle around it with glasses of mulled wine. But quite often Percy and I decide to go abroad for a change.

Last year, my beloved sister Jackie and I had planned to go to Hawaii with both our families, but when she prematurely passed away, understandably we all wanted to be together at home. We went to my sister-in-law Hazel’s house in London: Jackie’s three children, six grandchildren, my three children, three grandchildren, and all their partners and boyfriends. There were dozens of us.

This year, Percy and I are in our apartment in Los Angeles.

It’s warmer than London, up to 20c some days, and the flat will be full of fun, laughter and Christmas cheer.

PROMO ALERT : TIMELESS BEAUTY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS! DECEMBER 9TH 2016 ..

If you are still pondering over those last few Christmas gifts, you can get some truly sensational items from The Timeless Beauty Collection. Click the link below to peruse the collection including some super gift ideas, like the ultra glamorous crystal mirror with a lipsmacking free Pearl lip gloss for those glitzy parties coming up!
TIMELESS BEAUTY BY JOAN COLLINS.. THE COLLECTION IS HERE!! 

PRESS UPDATE : ALEX SILVER .. TIMELESS BEAUTY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE .. DECEMBER 6TH 2016 ..

Joan Collins Timeless: Beauty Blogger Christmas Gift Guide...

 

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty have some fantastic products which are perfect for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for Her.
The range by Dame Joan Collins, is about feeling fabulous and confident; with its luxurious packaging and high quality products. It’s already proving very popular amongst UK beauty bloggers, so we thought we would share some of the blogger features in a giant gift guide. Just click the blog names to head over to their review/feature


I AM WOMAN Body Polish – £18.00
The I AM WOMAN Body Polish Scrub is a recent release this year (2016) and is loved by many bloggers and press publications. It is packed with an exquisite blend of mineral rich ingredients and leaves the skin feeling sensationally smooth and glowing.  The natural minerals and fruit seeds gently exfoliate, whilst the 5 plant oils help to smooth, soften and hydrate; whilst leaving a gorgeous hint of fragrance to the skin.
Ingredients include: Himalayan Salts (high mineral content), Kiwi Seeds (rich in Vitamin C) and plant essentials include Avocado, Golden Jojoba and Olive for optimal hydration

Bloggers that love this:

Anoushka from Anoushka Loves
“It’s very luxurious, and a handful of the body polish is enough to do my arms and legs with ease. The scent isn’t too overpowering.”

 

 

Charl from Ginger Girl Says
“Designed to buff away dead skin and provide nourishment for a healthy winter glow, it’s the perfect product to prep the skin in order for it to soak up all of those deliciously hydrating body creams that come out of hibernation in the winter months"

 

Evelyn from We Were Raised By Wolves
“I’ve been using this myself recently and not only does it make my skin as soft as a baby’s bum, but it also smells incredible.”

TEN EFFECTS Skin Treat & Make-up Fixing Spray – £20.00
Another 2016 release is that of the TEN EFFECTS Skin Treat and Make-up Fixing Spray. Promising ten skin benefits whilst locking make-up in place, TEN EFFECTS is optimal for those wanting beautifully hydrated skin and flawless looking makeup all day long.
It is formulated with sensitive skin in mind and works through a beautiful blend of 7 active ingredients.
Ingredients include: Allantoin (exfoliates and rejuvenates), Red Algae Gel and Frescolat MGA (freshen, cool and cal), Organic Rose Water (tightens pores and reduces redness), Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine (hydrate, soften and minimise the appearance of fine lines) and Vitamin E (protecting and moisturising properties).

Bloggers that love this:

Hannah from Hannah Heartss
“This product is perfect to use when I feel that I have applied a little too much powder and helps balance it out and it really helps make my makeup last longer and lock it in place.”


Jade from JPoppy That’s Just Me
“Having used this product for a good couple of weeks I’ve noticed its been very good at hydrating and some dry areas especially are looking pretty good.”


Stephanie from Merry Musing
“I find this light, luscious and luxurious spray is ideal for keeping your skin hydrated and your makeup i
Paparazzi Compact Duo – £34.00
From its luxurious gold packaging, to the handbag friendly size; the Paparazzi Compact Duo is the perfect item to
carry with you every day. Together with a face powder, a lipstick and a handy mirror; your on the go beauty regime
is about to get a whole lot more fabulous. Simply choose your lipstick shade, pop into your handbag and you’re
ready to go from desk to dancefloor or train to office…

Bloggers that love this:

Linda from Mother Distracted
“The packaging is very glamorous, as you would expect and although not overly weighty, it closes with a satisfying snap and is big enough to be noticed.”
 
Katy from LexiLife95
“The slot for the lipstick to sit in fits ALL Divine Lipsticks meaning you can chop and change what lipstick you carry around with you, from day to night, without fear of loosing it to the bottom of your bag! The lipstick is described as hydrating and if I’m honest, I’ve never felt a lipstick quite like it.”
 

Dena from DenaJayne
“I’m forever losing my powder and lipsticks in the bottom of my bag so this is the perfect product to keep them both in the same place and it’s packaged beautifully which makes it even better! Even the applicator is perfect for little touch ups on the go.”


Stockists:
Joan Collins Timeless Beauty products are available online, in M&S stores, Urban Retreat at Harrods and QVC.

DVD ALERT : ZERO TO SIXY .. MGM LIMITED EDITION DVD .. OUT NOW!

Just to mention one of Joan's more obscure films, 'Zero to Sixty' from 1978 is now out on dvd from MGM on their Limited Edition Collection label... Starring Darren McGavin and Sylvia Miles, it's a madcap comedy action romp with Joan as the elusive Gloria Martine who is determined to escape from having her car repossessed.. You can order this release at the following link...
ZERO TO SIXTY FROM MGM ON DEMAND LTD EDITION ORDER HERE!

CHARITY ALERT : BID FOR BARNARDO'S ON JOAN'S FABULOUS TUNIC!

For the ultimate Christmas present for that special someone, which apart from delighting the receiver, will also raise vital funds for the wonderful charity Barnardo's, bid now on this fabulous tunic. As seen in this Hello! magazine photo, worn by Joan in a recent issue.. From Joan's personal collection and donated to the charity, it's a one of a kind item.. Bid now at the following link!!
BID NOW AT GIVERGY ON BEHALF OF BERNARDO'S ON JOAN'S FABULOUS TUNIC!!

At Barnardo’s we believe in children – no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We will ensure their needs are met and their voices are heard.

This belief started with our pioneering founder, Thomas Barnardo, who stood up for the most vulnerable children in society. We continue to fight for the UK’s most vulnerable children to realise his dream of a world where no child is turned away. During its 150 year history the charity has helped transform the lives of millions of disadvantaged children in the UK, and continues to help families to build a better future.

Barnardo’s is the children’s charity with the largest number of services on the ground in the UK: we run over 966 services in local communities. Our work includes reaching and helping children who have been sexually exploited, young people leaving the care system, children with a parent in prison and families struggling to cope. We find loving adoptive homes and foster placements for children in care.

Last year we helped transform the lives of more than 248,000 of the UK’s children, young people, parents and carers. We helped many more by campaigning to change policy and public opinion.

VIDEO UPDATE : THE ABC TALK OF THE TOWN GALA.. THE BEVERLY HILTON .. BEVERLY HILLS .. NOVEMBER 19TH 2006 ..

This cool video features Joan at The ABC Talk of the Town Gala at The Beverly Hilton recently to accept the Spirit of  Entertainment Award..

PHOTO UPDATE : IT WAS 60'S COOL FOR THE COLLINS GANG!

This super shot features Joan with Jackie and brother Bill, taken in the mid-sixties.. Thanks to Joan for sharing this wonderful photo..