Kelly Bensimon Talks Bethenny & Cindy Barshop

Kelly Bensimon didn't exactly miss Bethenny Frankel while filming the new season of the Real Housewives of New York City.

You'd think it was because Bensimon was so over all their catfighting, but no...

"I only filmed with her a couple of times," Bensimon insisted to me earlier today. "I don't know her at all. I met her a couple of times. We create awesome television. But I wish her well. I don't know what else there is to say because I don't know her enough to say anything."

Frankel's replacement, hair removal queen Cindy Barshop, is a completely different story.

"Cindy's a rock star," Kelly gushed. "She really put the Housewives brand out of balance. She used to work at IBM. She's got 10 Completely Bare [hair removal spas] in New York alone. She's in her forties. She's got two unbelievable babies. She has an unbelievable family. She has set the bar so high."

Guess Bensimon really likes her.

"Who doesn't like a girl's girl who has it all, works her butt off and wears Martin Margiela?" she said. "She's hot, she's cool and she's easygoing."

Credit: E! Online (Marc Malkin)

Countess LuAnn On Press, Overzealous Suitors

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess counsels tween role models taking on adulthood and handling jabs from the media gracefully.

Justin Bieber was recently videotaped lashing out at a paparazzo for getting close, and Miley Cyrus also lectured a photographer for running into her mom. How do you deal with the press when it becomes that intrusive?

Paparazzi can be downright pushy and Justin and Miley have every right to express their displeasure when photographers get too close. I’m sure the paparazzi involved were just trying to do their jobs; however there is a difference between doing your job and being too aggressive. I always appreciate when paparazzi ask to take my photo first and respect my answer. The hard part of being a celebrity is being gracious even when paparazzi are over-zealous.

Tip: When the paparazzi stop hounding you, it’s time to worry!

Some of your fellow Real Housewives were reportedly slipped Rohypnol at an NYC bar. What are some tips from preventing all kinds of unwanted advances on a night out, from the extreme of being drugged to just turning down overzealous suitors?

It is always best to go out with another person or a group of friends if you want to avoid being approached by strange men. Never sit at a bar alone or accept a drink from someone you do not know. My fellow Real Housewives escaped unharmed from their Rohypnol experience but it could have turned out much worse. Just say “no thank you” and go back to having fun with your friends. Signal to a bouncer if your potential suitor doesn’t get the hint that you are not interested in his advances.

Tip: Don’t accept candy (or drinks) from strangers!

Credit: OK! Magazine

Ramona Singer Brings Her Bling To HSN

On March 16th, Real Housewives of New York City star Ramona Singer is bringing her jewelry to HSN for the second time with a new collection of affordable, art deco and estate looking pieces -- and Radar Online has a sneak peak!

For her Second Anniversary Show, the Bravo star drew inspiration from her family, nature, her travels to Europe and red carpet glamour.

Ranging in price from $120 to $1,500, the collection introduces white Agate, stunning rose gold pieces, vibrant Amethyst, Prasiolite and Blue and Pink Topaz stones and brings back a fan favorite, diamond hoop earrings in multiple sizes.

“This new collection really embodies glamour,” Ramona exclaimed about the

line.

“I just wore some of the pieces to New York Fashion Week and already people are calling to see when they can order my jewelry.”

Singer and her husband husband, Mario, who is a fourth generation jeweler, already have a jewelry collection, True Faith Jewelry, as well as a skincare line, Tru Renewal, and most recently Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio.

Ramona Singer’s Second Anniversary Jewelry Show will air live on HSN onMarch 16th from 1:00 PM-3PM.

Credit: Radar Online

Ramona Singer Disses Bethenny’s Actions

Although it seemed like Real Housewives of New York City star Ramona Singer was friends with Bethenny Frankel, she is now dissing her for her actions on her own reality TV show.

Singer admits that she is impressed with Frankel’s ability to handle all she is doing right now, but she doesn’t agree with her treatment of some others, states The Miami Herald.

“How could she not embrace her child’s grandparents?” Singer said about Frankel having a hard time spending a lot of time with her in-laws, “That was shocking to me.”

Credit: Hollywood News (Molly Sullivan)

Kelly Bensimon: Spiegel Swim Event In Miami

Kelly Bensimon of the Real Housewives of New York was spotted looking fabulous at the Spiegel Swim Event at the Gansevoort Hotel in Miami, FL.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Photo Agency

Kelly Bensimon Shows Her Stuff In Miami

Living the good life in the sunshine state, Kelly Bensimon spent the afternoon romping around the beach in Miami, Florida on Saturday (March 12).

The Real Housewives of New York City babe sported a skimpy brown and black patterned bikini as she waded in the Atlantic waters outside of the Setai Hotel locale.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Countess LuAnn Stars On USA Network's 'Eden'

Reality TV's favorite (and only) royal has landed another TV acting gig, and only Radar Online has the first on-set photos.

Real Housewives Of New York City star, Countess Luann de Lesseps is filming a guest star role in a new scripted show called Eden for USA Network playing - herself!

Luann is in high demand having only last month played her first scripted role as a high-brow art collector in NBC's popular crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

And this time around she feels right at home!

"I'm a socialite!" she said without revealing too much about the new show. "It's exciting! I'm making the move into scripted. I feel comfortable paying the socialite. I'm good at it!"

Credit: Radar Online

Meet Sonja Morgan's New Man Brian Farrell

What can viewers expect when the Real Housewives of New York City returns with season four on April 7? This preview offers an overall tease.

But let's get more specific: over at least the first two episodes, we'll meet Brian Farrell, a 42-year old artist who grew up in Long Island and is dating cast member Sonja Morgan.

According to his Facebook page, Farrell grew up with an alcoholic and physically abusive father. He subsequently battled depression and even attempted suicide on more than one occasion.

"Today, I am no longer drinking or take any medications," he writes on that social networking page. "I enjoy a healthy life of yoga, surfing, sleep and diet."

No word on whether or not Farrell is still dating Morgan, but she gushes about him on the premiere:

"We have all these hedge-fund banker friends together. I get my financing from them and they buy his paintings... He comes in these tight white T-shirts with the jeans hanging low."

Credit: The Hollywood Gossip

Kelly Bensimon: DiGa Vision Launch Party

Kelly Bensimon attends the DiGa Vision launch party at The Jimmy at the James Hotel on March 9, 2011 in New York City. The Real Housewives of New York star is pictured with Liz Gateley and Tony DiSanto.

Credit: Wire Image

This Season's RHONY Is 'Blondes Vs Brunettes'

It looks like Real Housewives of New York will finally stop those nasty rumors that the show's season premiere was pushed back because it was "too boring."

Radar Online has exclusively learned that in fact the 4th season will be overflowing with drama, as the wives take sides in an all out battle of blondes vs brunettes.

"The new cast member, Cindy Barshop, starts drama right off the bat," a source exclusively tells Radar Online.

"Ramona Singer and Cindy just don't get along, in fact this season it is definitely the blondes vs the brunettes.

"Jill Zarin, Cindy, Countess Luann de Lesseps and Kelly Bensimon are against Ramona, Sonja Morgan and Alex McCord."

According to our source: "It's not as evil and dark as last season, but there's lots of hilarious competitive drama!"

One thing fans will have to look forward to, are some real cat fights between Luann and Alex.

"Luann is taking on Alex and cuts her down at every turn," our source reveals.

In one face-off Lesseps teases McCord about her pricey shoes.

LuAnn: "You look ridiculous walking in those Herman Munster shoes.

Alex: "These are Louis Vuittons."

LuAnn: "Even Louis Vuitton makes mistakes."

At another point, McCord bites back by referring to Lesseps as a "thug in a cocktail dress."

"The cast is excited for the premiere," the source says. "It's explosive with lots of catty drama, and real laugh out loud funny moments, I think it's the best season yet."

Credit: Radar Online

Alex McCord Dishes On RHONY's New Season

When Bravo delayed the premiere of the fourth season of the Real Housewives of New York from February until April, it seemed producers were concerned with early reactions to the show. However, Housewife Alex McCord tells In Touch that such rumors were "started by gossip columnists" and that the upcoming season is full of drama.

"It's not about one Greek tragedy, because I know that viewers got kind of bored with that last time," Alex told In Touch at Cat Ommanney's Inbox Full book launch party on March 3. "It's a series of explosions, one after the other."

As for the newest addition to the cast, Housewife Cindy Barshop will have a tough time replacing fan favorite Bethenny Frankel.

"She is certainly not the same as Bethenny — neither better nor worse," she said. "Everyone brings their own thing, and she definitely brings something to the cast."

This season, Jill Zarin, Ramona Singer, LuAnn de Lesseps and Alex all return as members of the original cast, making the NYC Housewives the most consistent of all the spin-offs.

"We all go in deep with each other because we all have a history together now," Alex said. "We know where everybody's buttons are — and I think that this is our best season yet!"

Credit: In Touch Weekly

Ramona Singer's Take On RHONY Season 4

After being initially pushed back, Season 4 of Real Housewives of New York has a premiere date! Bravo has announced that "The Big Apple" drama returns April 7.

This season features another changing of the guard. Bethenny Frankel has moved on to her own show and there's a new housewife, the queen of "Vajazzle," spa owner Cindy Barshop. And make no mistakes about it, the season looks like we're in store for some riotous catfights.

"It's going to be the best season ever," cast member Ramona Singer tells Zap2it. "Last year, I was the peacemaker, but this year I definitely get into some confrontations with the women. I get very 'Ramo-tional.'"

Ramona tells us that her daughter, Avery, is getting ready to leave for college and the housewife says she had to prepare for the empty nest by getting real with the people around her -- and you thought Ramona couldn't get more real!

"This season, I wanted to find out who are my real friends, because I need to fill the void when [Avery's] gone," she says. "Because even though I have my businesses and I have my husband, my daughter is a lot of my life. So, that's what I did this season, I dealt with my friendships. I had some major altercations with some of the women."

Ramona tells us that while the process of renewal is so last season, we'll be seeing some interesting factions form among the New York city gals.

"In Season 1 and 2, Alex [McCord] would walk into a room and I'd walk out," Ramona tells us as an example of the changes in the group dynamics. "Now, I can't keep my hands off her. I love her, I adore her. We have the best time."

Credit: Zap 2 It (Jethro Nededog)

Kelly Bensimon Wants A 'Beer And Wings' Guy

Kelly Bensimon doesn't look like the typical beer guzzler, but she'd rather have a hot date at a sports bar than at a Michelin-rated restaurant. The single Real Housewives of New York star, who divorced fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon in 2007, admits she wants a guy who can fit into her laid-back lifestyle.

"I want a guy who can kick back and grab a few beers and wings at the bar. I don't need all the fancy restaurants," Bensimon told PopEater at the screening of 'happythankyoumoreplease' in New York.

"You can say, I have a much different taste in men than LuAnn [de Lesseps]," she joked.

The fourth season of Real Housewives of New York City is set to premiere on April 7, and Bensimon says this season is "completely different" now that Bethenny Frankel is gone.

"Everything is more real ... it's like a brand new 'Housewives,'" she reveals.

Although she wouldn't reveal much more, she firmly stands by her word that this is "the best season ever."

According to Bravo, the gals (Kelly, Alex, Jill, LuAnn, Ramona and Sonja) take a glamorous trip to Morocco and welcome a new housewife, Cindy Barshop, who is known for her Completely Bare hair removal spas.

Get the Pinot Grigio (and maybe a beer) ready because it sounds like a fabulous season awaits.

Credit: Pop Eater (Amber James)

Ramona Singer: Women of Achievement Gala

Ramona Singer attends the 26th Annual Women's Project's Women of Achievement Gala at Espace on March 7, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America

Countess LuAnn: Leave Lindsay Lohan Alone

With Lindsay Lohan only days away from her felony grand theft case court date, Real Housewives of New York star Countess LuAnn de Lesseps is sending love to the starlet. Lesseps, whose messy divorce was dragged through the tabloids, sympathizes with Lohan, admitting the media should let her get on with her life.

"I feel like people are always on Lindsay's back. I feel sorry for her," Lesseps told Pop Eater at the 23rd Bailey House Auction party. "Does she need to go to jail for stealing a necklace? I don't think so. Hopefully she will get a break and have learned something from this whole experience."

Credit: Pop Eater (Amber James)

Real Housewives of NY Premiere Date Finally Set

Get ready for more Big Apple drama, Housewives fans!

After a sudden schedule switcheroo in February that bumped the Real Housewives of New York City's fourth season premiere in favor of the Real Housewives of Miami's debut, the New York women finally have a premiere date.

Come April 7, Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, Sonja Morgan and newcomer Cindy Barshop will be back on the air, the network announced via their BravoTV.com The Dish blog Monday.

"From the gang's glamorous jaunt to Morocco, to our already-favorite dig "thug in a cocktail dress" (delivered by the ultimate messenger, Alex McCord), to the Countess finding love again, the new season will definitely be worth the wait," the Bravo blog post read.

Brooklyn-based cast member McCord agrees, and tells Us Magazine fans should clear their calendars for Thursday nights.

"I think this is definitely the best season so far," McCord tells Us. "[But] there was no way they were going to get [editing] done in time."

The Real Housewives of New York City premieres April 7 at 10 p.m. (EST) on Bravo.

Credit: Us Magazine

Bethenny Frankel Doesn't Want To Talk RHONY

Bethenny Frankel isn’t the woman she was when America was introduced to her on the Real Housewives of New York three years ago. Back then, she was 37, single, always cracking wise about her cast-mates’ quirks and working as a chef. Now starring in Season 2 of her own show, Frankel is married with a baby and the kingpin of her SkinnyGirl brand.

Since she became a star and began touring the country giving talks, Frankel has been sought out as a sort of famous best girlfriend that fans will ask about anything.

“Everything from ‘I’m trying to find my way in college and I’m not sure what path I should take’ to ‘I’m single and 30 and my friends are pressuring me, but you’re an inspiration because I feel like I don’t have to do anything on any timeline.’ It’s every range of every women’s question and issue,” Frankel says.

On this season of Bethenny Ever After, we can expect to see her struggling to get the right work-life balance and adjusting to her new in-laws.

As for her past with the Real Housewives, we were curious if Frankel thought any of the other ladies in the franchise had the potential to do what she has accomplished.

“I’d rather talk about me than the other Housewives if that’s OK,” she suddenly snipped. “Thank you.”

Credit: Metro (HEIDI PATALANO)

Jill Zarin Doubts Her Friendship With Bethenny

Jill Zarin is having serious doubts her long-defunct friendship with former Real Housewives of New York City co-star Bethenny Frankel was ever real and tells Rob Shuter it was just a "TV romance" that went bad. Real bad.

"The truth is, I don't even remember being friends with her anymore," Jill tells him on his HDNet show. "You know, when I see her picture and when I see her on TV, I don't even remember our relationship. Which kinda says something."

The pair's friendship went down in flames during the third season of the hit show, with numerous on-air blowups leading to a full scale feud between the two. It probably didn't help that Jill accidentally broke the news of the birth of Bethenny's baby last year on Twitter.

But after many attempts to patch things up, it's pretty clear things are kaput for good for these ex-BFF's and Jill tells me she's fine with it because they didn't exactly have long history. "People thought we came into the show with that romance," she said. "We didn't. We fell in love on TV and we got a divorce on TV."

Now a year later, she's not even sure she and the Bethenny Ever After star were chums to begin with! "It was real! Well, I thought the friendship was real. Clearly, it was not."

Credit: Pop Eater (Rob Shuter)

The McCord van Kempens At "Inbox Full" Party

Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen of the Real Housewives of New York attended Cat Ommanney's 'Inbox Full' book party at Ted Gibson Salon on March 3, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Getty Images

Kelly: "happythankyoumoreplease" Screening

Kelly Bensimon of the Real Housewives of New York attended the Cinema Society & Tommy Hilfiger screening of "happythankyoumoreplease" at Landmark Sunshine Cinema on March 2, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America