This latest picture of Snooki really took us by surprise

May 29, 2015

She is known as the former wild-child who was seriously tamed by motherhood – but Snooki's latest transformation took bystanders by surprise in New York yesterday.

The 28-year-old, who has two small children with husband Jionni LaValle, was promoting her new book, Strong Is the New Sexy: A Kick Ass Memoir.

For the launch, she wore a purple wrap-dress and metallic sandals, and accessorised with a statement silver necklace.

Her hair had been cropped into a shoulder-length bob, and was dyed jet-black. She kept her makeup simple – save for a strong layer of bright red lipstick.

Snooki's book maps how she moved away from alcohol-fuelled parties and "her steady diet of nachos" to lose 20lbs and become fitter and trimmer than ever.

The reality TV star, whose real name is Nicole Polizzi, also gives her "formula for fierce" and says she hopes to inspire readers to "tap their own deep wells of girl power".

She has previously written a book on pregnancy.

Yesterday, Ms Polizzi also took to Instagram after some negative reponses to the release of her most recent publication.

"What I did 6 years ago at 21 doesn't define who I am today," she said. "Nor will I take sh** from a stranger who doesn't know who I am.

"Rise above the hate, the judgmental people, and live the best, healthy positive life that you can. Of course you are going to be a drunk slob at some point in your life, but you grow older and wiser and learn what's important in life.