The Secret To A Leather Jacket You Actually Wear...and Nigella and Frank Bough

What makes for a great leather jacket that you actually wear? I had a black moto jacket at university which languished in my wardrobe for years. Ten years ago someone gave me a teal leather jacket; I wore it once and recently gave it away. But then I bought this half-price navy one from Barneys (own brand) when I was in New York a week ago. I slipped it on and have worn it every day since.

With my imaginary friends...Just after filming at NPR

The jacket is lighter navy than it looks here

What was the difference? It isn't a short bum-freezer, it was as soft as Cy's pyjamas and it was navy blue, the kinder cousin of black. It's more the colour of the first photo. This weekend the NY Times told us to wear all-black, all navy, all white but to mix up all the shades and textures. Don't have the loosey goosey wherewithall for that, I'll be matching my navy, as per usual.

Top photo shows me just after filming at NPR (America's BBC) for a show called Check Please (I know, they insist on spelling it wrong) where three ordinary bods like me review three restaurants. Fun after a few glasses of wine, but at first utterly terrifying. I had done a little telly in London as guest consumer expert for the Julia Carling Show (sweet with a kittykat prettiness, wasn't her husband Will Carling a total drongo for dalliancing with Diana?) and on TravelTV with Frank Bough, who had been the nation's favourite newreader until the tabloids uncovered him in brothel sex parties where he was dressed in woman's lingerie and high on cocaine. Women's undies aside, he was a blimin' well-researched host, incredibly professional.

The NPR make-up artist put some drops in my eyes called Collyre Blue, you can only buy it in France. Friends: it was like liquid coke for the eyes! Who cares what's in it if it makes my eyes as sparkly as Nigella's.

Striding into court a la Joan of Arc. Botoxathon or does she get more beautiful with age?

I remember reading an interview where Nigella told how she was attracted to her first husband John Diamond (who later sadly died of cancer) because he wasn't ridiculously posh and he was the only person in a carload of journalists who could change the tire when it popped en route to a jolly. Ironically he was not terribly interested in food.  One night, after she had spent some time on a intricate roux he told her: "Oh, none of the gravy for me thanks."

She must long for those days.

My eyes needed the sparkly boost because our dog Teddy, has had surgery on both knees and I couldn't bear to leave him in his crate where he is supposed to reside for eight weeks. I carried him for days (he wasn't allowed to walk or jump up) and we were up for three nights straight making sure he was okay. Poor old Teddy, he looks terrible, he's all shorn and scarred. Here is a picture from happier days when he's on guard making sure none of the neighborhood dogs disrespect him by peeing in front of our house. Old Tedmeister, the body of a bunny and the courage of a lion; all he's ever wanted is to bark with the big dogs on the porch.

In happier days. Me watering the plants on the deck with Teddy sitting guard. 

We're off to my hometown of Ohope Beach in New Zealand this afternoon. Bit worried about the Three Day Rule as we're there for ten days. But if there is some strife...She started it first Mum! Will also be mindful of rule: Don't Blow Your Arse On the First Night. My sister always says I get too excited on the first night and drink too much, then have to abstain for days. And as we all know, Kiwi champers is the most arse-blowing kind. 

Will give you a shout, as my Dad says, from the other side.