MONDAY MUSINGS

Retirement? Not on the cards for this woman of a certain age, writes Denise Gadd.

When buying off the plan turns out to have an unplanned downside

Beware the many pitfalls that come with purchasing property before it is built.

Dress-ups for real

It's a scary reality that 3-year-old [Suri] Cruise is a style icon.

A loser plays the blame game

The New York Times Going Rogue: An American Life By Sarah Palin Harper (US), 413pp, $39.99 Reviewed by Michiko Kakutani

It's the frame not the name for rising filmmaker

One young actor won't be slowed by the weight of being the "next big thing", writes Melissa Kent.

It's no idle boast, these teens have got talent

THESE four teens may not be in a reality show like so many aspiring stars these days but they are tipped for big things.

The Diary

Alain alliance has its limits Super-human self-promoter Max Markson offered the most insightful commentary on Frenchman Alain Robert's tower-climbing stunt in central Sydney (pictured right) and the hijacking of its environmental message by a men's magazine and two clothing labels. "It's absolutely parasitic," he said. "They were climbing the climber."

Cut From A Different Cloth

One store is turning mountains of unwanted clothes and sheets into cutting-edge outfits, writes Karen Pakula.

Designer Gear Key To Pleasing Peers

GIRLS are feeling the pressure to buy designer handbags worth hundreds of dollars, with some enduring teasing for not having the right look.

Frock And Its Role

CONSUMERS are turning from mass-produced designer clothes to those of local, independent designers, a New York marketing expert said yesterday.