“I exhausted her so much she died” Phillippe Stack on his late wife (obviously still deeply affected!).
“ He pulled me out of my dress, and the dress was just standing there on its own because it was a Vera Wang masterpiece.” Jessica Simpson on her wedding night she called magic.
“I have the perfect form of communication with my father. We never speak ’Jean Paul Getty 3.
“Stunt teeth” George Clooney on his teeth in Intolerable Cruelty.
“Everyone was dressed up except me. I looked like an extra from Dances with wolves “Carson from Queer eye on going to a fashion show.
“I wouldn’t put it past Hollywood to start an old-fashioned smear campaign—that the film producers glossed over the fact that Aragorn was, in actuality, a homophobic bipolar anti-Semite.” NYPost on why Cold Mountain will win the Oscar.
“I have an hour. I just want to know what the fuck is wrong with me ‘Drew Barrymore on therapists (Darl it will take more than an hour).
“In Hollywood if you do drugs, overdose and go to rehab and people think you’re cool.She didn’t commit the right crime” Cher on Winona in NW ( but at least she looked good!).
“I have this fantasy that I’m going to end up living in the English countryside with her and we are going to ride our bikes to visit each other.” Madonna on Gwyneth ( sorry Britney).
“I remember meeting Courteney and I was enraptured She’s inside out. She’s like a hairless cat” Jennifer Aniston on Courtney Cox.

Here’s what we like! A warehouse outlet that is not so far away in cheapie shop land that you’re over it by the time you get there (and you wished you’d just paid full price). No, this one is situated in the lovely Surry Hills and is the Wayne Cooper, Nicola Finetti and Pablo Nevada warehouse outlet. It opened around Christmas and this week I spied a few great pieces: narrow black Wayne Cooper trousers, some cool tops and a divine embroidered Nicola Finetti dress ½ price ($300 ish) and a cool chiffon bag ($80 ish). Definitely worth checking out especially for the Nicola Finetti pieces.

Level 3,119 Kippax St, Surry Hills, Tues to Sat 10 to 6.

Are you lying back feeling comfortable reading this? Or are you getting a sore neck lying there on the beach. Well why lie on the beach when you can sit? (And you shouldn’t be lying down and sunbaking anyway) You need a beach chair. No, not deck chairs or director chairs, I’m talking about those things your parents sit on and you always pinch once they carry them to the beach! Time to get your own and why not when there are some groovy ones to be seen with! Freedom and Bayswiss both have fabulous black, red or white ones with cool aluminium frames. They’re light but don’t worry, you can always find someone to carry it for you! $59 at Bayswiss and around $80 at Freedom.

The Elizabeth Arden 8 hour lip protectant sheer tint stick has a very long name and does not last for 8 hours (I know. You’re shocked! How could the beauty industry lie?) But it does seem to be perfect in protecting those luscious lips from all the dreaded harsh light of the Australian summer! Even better this sheer (but not glossy) lip tint works just as well at night and inside at a groovy bar! (and probably when you’re asleep too). You’ve got to love a moisturizing lipstick with all the same marvelous magic ingredients that the 8 hour cream has (god knows what) and one which has SPF 15 and vitamin E too. Looking fabulous has got to be good for you! $36 from Grace Bros.

Francesco Scavullo the famous photographer has died at 82,
Dior is doing a surf collection.
Helmut Lang’s new Paris store has Louise Borgeois works and furniture by Jean Prouve.
Villa Moda the mega designer store will be opening in India with a designer Sari bar from YSL, Pucci and Missoni.
Andree Putmann is designing the Tangier palace of French philosopher Henri Bernard Levy and his wife Arielle Dombasle (and if you don’t them just keep reading FiFi.com.au and you will!).
Marc Jacobs has done a line of home wares which went into his stores before Christmas and sold out .He has designed cashmere blankets and throws and patent leather floor pillows.
Fashion Wire Daily was given an eviction notice. They haven’t paid their rent since July. Oops.
To honour the 150th anniversary of Louis Vuitton two giant copies of the trademark LV monogram trunks cover the Paris flagship “Six years ago this was our biggest shop, it seemed immense, Now it’s too small for our notoriety and for the demand.” Vuitton is planning to double the size of its Paris store by the end of this year as well as adding another 12 to its already-existing stores around the world” from WWD.
Gucci has launched a new designer drinks range with glasses, a crystal carafe, crystal ice bucket, a drinks trolley and wait for it…G-shaped ice trays for a logo a gogo drink!!(time to leave the company Tom you start designing ice blocks).
Diane Von Furstenburg is opening her first shop in Paris in April.
Alexander McQueen and the very groovy product designer Tord Boontje designed a steel and crystal Christmas tree, 20 feet high and decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals in front of the London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Cool.

http://www.wotif.com

This is the find of the century! (Ok it’s been a short century so far) but what a great website. It is “an online booking facility for last-minute hotels and holiday packages in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, UK, Europe and the USA. Hotel and holiday suppliers offer cheaper rates on unsold rooms and then update their rates and allotments online for the late-booking, value-conscious traveler. Bookings are confirmed online and sent electronically to the supplier within seconds of the credit card approval. Availability is restricted to the next 14 days for hotel rooms to attract the very best deals from suppliers”.
Every hotel featured has a photo, a map, a rating and there’s even a currency converter.
I had a quick check on some hotels in Paris and St Tropez (bien sur!) and they looked fine. A 4 star hotel in St Germain was reduced to 198 euros from 370 and the Hotel Canberra in Cannes (please explain?) was cute. In Sydney the choice is endless with The Kirketon and lots of other cool hotel rooms available. Book that impromptu holiday now!

http://www.wotif.com

This is the find of the century! (Ok it’s been a short century so far) but what a great website. It is “an online booking facility for last-minute hotels and holiday packages in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, UK, Europe and the USA. Hotel and holiday suppliers offer cheaper rates on unsold rooms and then update their rates and allotments online for the late-booking, value-conscious traveler. Bookings are confirmed online and sent electronically to the supplier within seconds of the credit card approval. Availability is restricted to the next 14 days for hotel rooms to attract the very best deals from suppliers”.
Every hotel featured has a photo, a map, a rating and there’s even a currency converter.
I had a quick check on some hotels in Paris and St Tropez (bien sur!) and they looked fine. A 4 star hotel in St Germain was reduced to 198 euros from 370 and the Hotel Canberra in Cannes (please explain?) was cute. In Sydney the choice is endless with The Kirketon and lots of other cool hotel rooms available. Book that impromptu holiday now!

Uma Thurman looks like she’s dating Andre Balazs of the Mercer hotel and Chateau Marmont and ex of Katie Ford as in Ford Models.
Matt Damon is dating Eva Mendes (who?) an actress!
Kirsten Davis (Charlotte) is dating Damien (Soames Forsythe) Lewis.
Princess Anne has employed a pet psychologist for her bull terrier who killed a corgi!
Has Heidi Klum broken up with Flavio even though she’s pregnant? Outrageous!
Rowin Atkinson is being treated for depression. Bless.
Macy Grey is another bloody celebrity wanting to be a fashion designer.
Overhead in St Tropez: Tom Ford wants to win an Oscar when he goes to Hollywood and pursue his new career (as what?).
Kylie Minogue caught the bouquet at Natalie Umbruglia’s wedding (it’s a sign).
Elle is being lined up to play the girlfriend on the Friends spin off ‘Joey’ ( bad idea).
Brad Pitt got dressed up as Simon Le bon at his fancy dress 40th Birthday party for Jen.
Paris Hilton’s sex video boyfriend is now married to Shannen Doherty (he’s got taste!)
Courtney Cox is pregnant.
Helen Fielding/Bridget Jones is having first baby at 43

A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena di Blasi
This is the perfect book for a holiday read. “An intensely personal memoir lashed with descriptions of Venetian lifestyle and food” it’s about a divorced American food writer who runs away to live in Venice after falling in love with an Italian she’s only known for about a month. No. this is not a Mills and Boon. Au contraire a fabulously well written book and quite poetic (a thousand times better than that movie script masquerading as a book The Da Vinci Code) If you love food, love Venice, love love and love good writing bring it on! Yes and they are still together (didn’t spoil the ending it’s on the back cover!).

CHRISTMAS LIST:
Now Christmas is over it’s time to start the list again for this year
Diane Arbus Revelations by Doon Arbus
A big glossy book full of her amazing and iconic shots of weirdos (Muscle men, midgets, socialites, circus performers and asylum inmates) and there’s also contact sheets and correspondance until her suicide in 1971.What an absolutely fascinating book

ECONOMY
If you are wandering around and wondering why there is such a lot of shocking fashion about you are not alone. (in Pitt St Mall no one can hear you scream !) I hate to complain. I really do. I love shopping. I want to buy something especially on sale. But I can’t wait for winter and for the much more ‘lady like’ trip happening in fashion . Thank god.
Sportsgirl: Are still the best at the cheap end of the market! Check out a very funky green chiffon strapless 50’style dress $119, Pucci print swirly print peacoat (but in yellow) $299, a black leather zip biker jacket $199, a mod mini black $59,a cool bright coloured V neck sweater $49, spot purple and black 60’s print skirt $69 is cool.
Zomp has Gola trainers in crazy colours like pink spots and Pucci print (out there) $130 plus other quieter styles. Also check out their 40’s Prada style sling backs.
Esprit have done a weird peasant story for their late summer drop which looks out of place with all the bright and 80’s looks around. Best buy: the white jeans for $39.
Witchery sale sale sale! Not a lot you want but the cotton jersey strapless tops are simple, cool and throwaway for $19.95, the fisherman cream chunky knit zip cardigan is a great buy. Yes, previously mentioned and you want it at $89. What’s new? The black or white T bar beaded thongs $99, a fabulous (Marc Jacobs ish) fitted cream trench (no belt) $249, a panelled polished cotton skirt in flesh pink or black $89.
Portmans: I found something! A black and white tweed mini $89 and a double breasted cropped jacket $200 ish.
Just Jeans have done cute mini and Mickey Mouse T-shirts for $39.

BUSINESS
Scanlan & Theodore have some great things on sale. Some gorgeous black or caramel sandals ( stacked heels) with white stitching) now $169 from $359 and some T bar heel ones in brown or black ( a YSL copy?) now $275. Skinny leg pant were $245 now $160, brown classic trtopusers now $125, grey stretch cami now $125, jeans $150, caramel bondage drapey jersey dress $195 was $895.Not on sale: A fab Shiny black lurex singlet $200.
David Lawrence on sale .Check out their cute blue canvas bag with a stripe handles now $39, side pocket chinos now $118, a black lace 50’s party dress now $229 from $449, white cotton skirt now $89 from $120, wide white linen/cotton pants now $124 from $249.
Country Road What’s new? a cool mesh tank in lots of colours $59, a grey maille split sleeve singlet $45, and if you want an alternative to a pencil skirt for work they have a panelled jersey skirt that would be good for the hips $149.
Tino Lanzi in Skygarden has some bags from the same factory (they say) as Prada and Gucci and yes they have been inspired by them! Check out the fab canvas and leather slouch one $495 and a black one very similar to the Prada bag with a silver clasp $495
Max & Co have opened in mid city centre in Pitt St next to Zomp and are on sale too. Not as a good selection as Double Bay Check out the black jersey ruched top $112,and a sexy khaki jersey dress with lacing up the back and some pretty tops.

FIRST CLASS
Louis Vuitton have a mix of cruise collection and winter in.The winter collection is too too divine. Check out the amazing Matrix style black jacket $3500 (will not mention prices now. You get the picture.) a pretty pink ruffle chiffon shirt, the black suit zip. Some gorgeous square toe caramel patent shoes, the bling diamond bracelet and an amazing black satin mini dress with an embroidered and beaded belt.
Gucci: They still have their sale on and there is a lot of fabulous things on sale. The winter bondage collection including the amazing white belted coats, jackets ,ski jackets and divine knitwear. There is a whole rack worth checking out. Also bags are on sale include a cherry red logo canvas bag $700, a black suede bucket $800, horn handles ones and some simple logo shopping totes
$700.Then there are shoes: Black patent heels $525,black sandals $335, a cute round toe flat suede with buckle $335,and new in the ‘Horsebit’ stiletto $700 and don’t miss the hot pink logo thongs $265.
Prada has 40 % off the winter collection with some fabulous pieces but the bags and shoes are the go for good prices under $1000! Check out the grey Tshirt $270, the loafers $500, the brown suede flats with a buckle $400 and a sling back heel $400.They have sold out of the gloves and belts sorry.
Max Mara has some of their winter collection in and are also having a huge sale. Their new winter coats are in and they are all divine in white, black, camel, from all around $1600.Also you want the gorgeous black rib knit with rib with collarbone buttons $400 a shell singlet $220, a gathered neck knit sweater $310 and the black suede slouchey bag $900.divine. This is the best place for classic suiting and there is a fab short belted trench jacket $1495. Best sale items are the camel suede skirt $300 and a red sexy wrap dress $500

Basil and Feta salad.

This is a quick delicious salad to whip up when it’s too hot to cook! Oh soo slimming and very alfresco! The secret flavour comes from Goats milk Feta combined with salad dressing and basil for a creamy taste! The Attiki Goats milk one is the best: we’re not doing a Greek salad here so the feta shouldn’t be dry. Non! It should be still in its milk and soft and moist.

You need what ever it is you want in a salad.
Open the fridge and peer in and you might be inspired! Or toss in a bowl:
A mixed leaf salad
Some thinly sliced red capsicum
Some chopped cherry tomatoes
Some asparagus (do I have to say cook it?)
Some chopped potato (Hello? is the Pope Catholic? Cooked and cooled!)
Anything else that takes your fancy like beans or corn
Chop up the goats milk Feta into bite size pieces
Chop up some basil leaves. Yes, I know tearing them is the proper way but smaller is chicer this time!
Pour over a delicious vinaigrette and toss!
Add more feta cheese if necessaire!
Serve it all on its lonesome with crusty bread and a white wine or 2!
What more do you want after a swim on a hot summers night!

Lost in Translation (Everyone wants to be found)
Oh that Sofia Coppola is so groovy, so cool. What a great movie! Described as a comic melodrama I was expecting poignant, slow navel gazing with long silences (and that was just from my friends) but this movie is actually laugh out loud funny. Hilarious! Set in Tokyo it’s about a middle aged movie star and a 20 something girl who are both having a mid life crisis and staying in the same hotel. A very tender, touching love story and very entertaining. Sofia Coppola says she wouldn’t have made the movie without Bill Murray and he’s great. In fact you almost think he is handsome by the end of it because you like him so much. No really. Great soundtrack, beautifully filmed (was that a marc Jacobs sofia bags we spied?) and yes there are some slow long silences but that was from me!

Travel and leisure Oct ( on sale) its their annual style issue and has a fab article on Paris by Kate Betts ex Harper Bazzaar editor. Also 6 fashion insiders including Proenza Schouler reveal the places that inspire them most.
US Teen Vogue Dec/Jan has Katie Holmes on the cover,a piece on Isabella Rosssellini’s daughter and 7 ways to rethink your wardrobe( Toughen up chiffon, Dress up your sweats) It’s cool.
Metropolitan Home Jan/Feb has an issue devoted to small places and lots of chic modern lofts ( not a chintz in sight! we love this magazine).
Tatler Dec is a great read especially all the quotes about the 40th anniversary of Annabels night club, and there is a fab piece on St Bart’s by Kate Reardon.

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