It’s FiFi’s Beach Shopping Spectacular!
All you need to know on what to wear and where to shop for summer…
What: Swimsuits.
Why: Do you have to ask? (Relax: you don’t have to get your hair wet just because you are wearing swimwear.)
Which: So many fabulous ones to choose from. The only rule? Find one that suits your body shape. But god knows what that is. Just remember to hide the bad bits and show off the good. If you are sobbing right now then put down that chocolate éclair and read this helpful little guide. And black is always, always chic. Just look at next season’s Louis Vuitton. Divine.
Where: Economy: We love Target for cheap but chic bikinis and tankinis. Head to Kmart for the same. Try Sportsgirl for fabulous little bikinis sold separately, $19. Try Witchery for cute bikinis, General Pants and Speedo for great sporty classics.
Business: Try the boutique Amorica for Maya Swimwear, Zimmerman has gorgeous bikinis and so does Tigerlily. We love Jets. And we all want to look like Catherine McNeil in Seafolly. For the best overall selection? You can’t go past David Jones and Myer.
First Class: We all want to wear Louis Vuitton Spring 09 or Gap Spring 09. Or try Net-a-Porter.
What: The Beach hat.
Why: Because hats are back. Because they stop you squinting. Because you save money on botox. Because hats look cute. Because it’s about stopping the horrid, hard Australian sun ruining your beautiful face. Because it’s a good way to hide from paparazzi. Because there is nothing better for a bad hair day.
Which: Go for a cute floppy pull-on style, a cute trilby, or throw on a big floppy 70’s hat…we love straw or cotton that you can squish in your bag. We love white or straw or soft pale colours. Black is chic but it can get hot under there.
Where: Economy: Head to Country Road for fabulous trilbys for about $49, Bondi Beach Bag Co for fabulous floppy straw hats, $29 (at David Jones), Kmart and French Connection for a trilby, about $19.
Business: Mimco for fabulous big straw hats, $99, and Zimmerman have some fabulous floppy hats. Head to My Island Home for the chicest real panama straw trilby hats, $98.
First: We all want the Burberry and Gucci from Spring 2009 Runway.
What: The Beach bag.
Why: Because who said the oversized bag is over? What else will you carry your magazines, books, Ipod, Evian, sunscreen, makeup, Prada wallet, towel and phone in? Because we all love accessories. Because you can never have enough bags. Because you need to rest your head on something when George Clooney is surfing.
Which: You want a big bag in a big, soft slouchy shape. Please no structured designer bags unless you are in St Tropez . You want a bag that is in cotton, or patent, or straw. You want a bag that is striped or plain or floral. Or a simple string bag to match your bikini. You want a bag with tough strong handles that can carry Italian and French Vogue without complaining.
Where: Economy: Please go straight to Estringbags.com.au and buy a cute string bag for $2.95. Yes, two dollars. Who cares if the sand gets in. Then head to Sportsgirl for cute floral bags in cotton, about $49, Nine West for great nylon totes, or try Witchery for a chic white canvas tote, $69.
Business: Go straight to Country Road for the best striped cotton bags $49, to Simon Johnson for fabulous and so very chic French market straw totes, $46, toSambag for a cute white cotton two handle tote with blue trim, $90, and try Mimco for a cute sheer X-Ray tote, $69.
First: We love the terry towelling drawstring Missoni bag at Spence & Lyda, Pucci, and Just Cavalli.
What: The shoe.
Why: Because this summer we all want to look like Plato. Because the sand can be hot. Because I never liked thongs. Because your short legs need all the help they can get. Because your Achilles needs a rest. Who ever needs a reason to buy shoes?
Which: I have one word to say to you: Gladiators. If you were asleep you may have missed the trend staring at you from every store. But if you don’t want to strangle your cankles then go for simple t-bar flats. But be adventurous in colour. Go for silver! Gold! Red! Snakeskin! Glitter! Please no heels at the beach unless your name is Donatella or Kimora Lee Simmons. Nuf said.
Where: Economy:
Head straight to Target for fabulous black, white or plain brown t-bar sandals for about $24. Or skip over to Kmart where I bought the t-bar black patent double strap sandals that are Miu Miu copies. Fantastic and awfully comfortable. Also try Shoo Biz for the gladiator jellies, Cotton On for brown pleather gladiators, $19, or Portmans for gold gladiators, $24.
Business: We love the gladiators at Eccletica $435, the silver sequined t-bar flats at Witchery $129, and the silver faux snakeskin flats $158 at Midas Shoes. Head to Blood Orange for the K. Jacques sandals or to Nine West for simple gladiators in great colours, $158.
First: Try Evelyn Miles, Belinda, Quincy, Jimmy Choo and Calvin Klein.
What: The sunglasses.
Why: Because you want to look glamorous. Because you can’t afford botox anymore. Because you want to hide from everyone you know lurking on the beach. Because it’s the cheapest way to wear designer. Because you can hide the bags. And I don’t mean Prada.
Which: Big and oversized are still right on. And you don’t need to be Rachel Zoe to get the look. Aviators are still cool (they were last year’s Beach Spectacular). And so are round. Cat’s eyes look new. So do wayfarer styles in white or a bright colour.
Where: Economy: We love the Cat’s eyes at Portmans $29, the aviators at Sportsgirl $25, the wayfarers in white, pink and blue at Cotton On. We love the sunglasses you find at petrol stations.
Business: Try the new big oversized Ray Ban’s at Sunglass Hut, about $240. Also head to Myer for a fabulous selection of sunglasses.
First: Tom Ford we love you! Prada, Gucci and Miu Miu are all chic de la chic. Try Michael Kors Spring Summer 09 and Dolce Gabbana.
What: The beach cover-up
Why: Because you can hide everything under there. Because you are not Elle Macpherson. Because it’s sun safe. Because any excuse to wear a maxi dress. Because you need to wear something on the way to the beach.
Which: We love kaftans, we love maxi dresses and we love anything easy to throw on. Also we love a shirtdress. Or buy a man’s over-sized white shirt and throw a brown leather belt around it. Look for print, florals and colour. Some of us will only wear black or white. And that’s Ok.
Where: Economy: Head to Tree of Life for the best selection of kaftans and beach dresses anywhere from about $20. Try Sussan for fabulous print or plain cotton thigh length kaftans for about $69. Head to Target for lace style see through kaftans, on sale for $25. We love Jeans West for their cute summer dresses from about $49, and Sportsgirl for beach-wear heaven. Head to Speedo, Jet and Seafolly in David Jones for a great selection.
Business: Try Country Road for their cute short kaftan tops, $79, or white shirtdresses, $129. Try Camilla for all sorts of amazing beach kaftans and dresses. We love Zimmerman for their cute drawstring print dresses, $275. Orson and Blake have a good selection of kaftans. Head to Witchery for cute navy and white print dresses for about $139.
First: You want the Gucci Spring 09, or anything from Prada Resort.
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