America's social celeb talks turkey (salad) with RS

You could be forgiven for thinking Samantha Cresswell, "Sam" to her friends, is the Hostess, and not a lifelong customer of Beverly Hills' iconic bistro La Scala. It's a wonder her cheeks aren't lipstick-smeared callouses from all the affectionate pecks from other lunchtime habitues.

She holds court at a curbside table, giggling "It's like my school lunchroom," as a seemingly-endless procession of Bentleys, BMWs, Mercedes and Maybachs discharge their cargo of Beverly Hills socialites and their Business Dragon husbands and confidantes for their midday repasts of chopped salad and gossip.

Over a serving of that same chopped salad, "with the turkey, not the salami, please?" and a split of champagne "champagne always makes the day go better, don't you think?" Cresswell holds forth as her exquisite blond highlights catch the sun, creating a halo effect against her flawless, tanned skin.

She started modeling at age twelve, when a talent scout for a New York modeling agency saw her in a bathing suit during Christmas vacation on St. Barts and gave her parents his card. "My parents thought it was a terrific idea," she recalls. "And I knew even then that learning really wasn't my thing."

Covers for Seventeen, Elle Girl and Teen Vogue followed in quick succession along with a Versace ad campaign. "What a blast!" she recalls. "Donatella was so much fun back then!" A string of high-impact (and high money) Beauty campaigns followed, and some bit parts in movie features and TV.

"The acting was great fun," she says now, "but I really think my calling is modeling. It's what I was born to do. I don't need the money, certainly, but I believe everyone has a contribution to make. Modeling is mine."

It was on a modeling trip to South Beach that she met her current flame, who she refuses to mention by name, despite the fact that the tabloids have been rife with photo-documentation of their after-dark exploits out on the town in Manhattan and Hollywood.

"I know it's a little silly not to come right out and say who he is. I mean, people have seen everything there is to see, certainly, but he's still got to tell a few people," she explains, no doubt alluding to his wife and three children.

In the meantime, there's her busy schedule. "Work, Work, Work," she says. "People think all I do is lie around and get facials. I never get a break." No matter how late she's out, she's always up by noon for a standing 1p.m. appointment with her trainer. "My arms are still sore from last week," she whimpers. Then a late lunch with friends and, if there's still time, shopping.

"You know it's not so easy when you have photographers following you all the time, she explains. I can't wear the same thing twice."

Then, it's home to prepare for that evening's round of parties and occasions. "I try and get a facial and a massage every day, she says. You can't look this fabulous if you don't take care of the basics. Then there's a manicure and a pedicure. Use this terrific girl, I forget her name, Carla, maybe? Anyway, she's great."

And no shaving. "My parents gave me a complete laser depilatory series for my twelfth birthday!" she exclaims. "Every girl should have them." Does she ever tire of her hectic schedule? She rolls her eyes. "I really feel that it's my responsibility as a Hot Person to go out and be seen.

Resting is for, you know - how do I say this? - people who shop at those big stores in strip malls and do their own hair and makeup and stuff. They don't have any idea how good they have it. I mean, never mind bottle service, have you seen the price of Red Bull lately? Outrageous!"

She recently got her feet wet volunteering for a local charity that supplies underprivileged girls with prom dresses. "Perfect for me, right? Though I got so depressed at the thought of those brave girls facing the world without Fashion that I marched right home and emptied my closets and donated everything! Later that afternoon, I realized I had left myself with nothing to wear, and I had to go shopping all over again. You know, that could be how Mother Theresa ended up with just that one outfit."