“Absolutely they hurt. I’m not going to lie. But no pain, no gain, as they say. I don’t mind. I will suffer. I don’t wear heels every day, but when I’m out, that’s how I feel confident.”  Vicky B tells the truth to Glamour.com

“I love fashion, and that’s how I express myself. When I dress in a certain way and do my hair and makeup in a certain way, it’s not to get attention. I’m not a supermodel.”Vicky B

“It’s all about starvation. Pop stars don’t eat.” Lady GaGa. Not Gisele.

“I know people will hate me saying that - I’m a model - but the way you feel in your mind is the same. In your head it’s a fat day. And I look at people who are curvy and I am crazy with jealousy over them.” Model Kristen McMenamy…Every day is a fat day for Vicky B.

“Um . . . I’m not really a fashion designer. I just love clothes. I’ve never been to design school. I can’t sketch. I can’t cut patterns and things. I can shorten things. I can make a dress out of a scarf.” Kate Moss to Harpersbazaar.com

“I don’t have a love-hate relationship - it’s just hate.”  Kate Moss on the paparazzi

“The whole street style (papparazzi) thing these days is like a job, it’s all planned and thought up in advance; it’s not as though you just ‘happen’ to run into one another. Outfits are prepared in advance; I get ready like six months beforehand. I edit the clothes (about 90 outfits for each fashion week).It’s a lot more fun {Than a shoot} if only because you do not have to wait for the model to get ready… For Vogue Nippon fashion editor Anna Dello Russo  it’s Love Love! to swide.com

What: Military and jewelled Brooches
Why: Because we love to transform any jacket with cute little military detailing.. Because even if minimalism is on the horizon we still love a decoration.  Because in this battle of fashion you need a few awards. Because sometimes fashion can be fun. Because both Chanel and John Galliano loved the idea. So do we.
Wear: The idea is to scatter all over your jacket a la US Vogue ( January issue 2010). Or pin a few brooches along a lapel. Or just one fabulous brooch on the strap of a simple dress. Tip: You can take the swing tags off.
Where: Head to sportsgirl.com. for these cute little military brooches $12, Mimco for the jewelled brooch $119 or Diva for a cameo Brooch $14

Why you want a Military Utility jacket:

• Because designers are always inspired by the street.
• Because it will be the most versatile jacket in your wardrobe.
• because there is war going on ( with your wallet).
• Because it’s casual and funky at the same time.
• Because a flak vest can be luxurious.
• Because it will dress down your black. And lighten it up.
• Because it’s practical. But polished.
• Because it’s this season’s Hot piece.
• Because it was all over the Spring summer runways from Celine, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, to Alexander Wang
• And you need it.

It’s Kate Moss time: She is everywhere chatting about her Longchamps bag collection! On the cover of the March US Harper’s Bazaar ( see the video Here and also in the New York Times nytimes.com

Watch the lovely short film for Vanessa Bruno with Lou Douillon ( Jane Birkin’s daughter) called Le bel été ” . So cute ! Vanessabruno.com

Elle Macpherson is the new host of Britain’s Next Top Model: says nymag.com

André Leon Talley, the American editor-at-large for US Vogue, is a new judge on the next season of America’s Next Top Model : can’t wait to see that ! nymag.com

‘Fashion’s favourite tomboy, Alexa Chung, oozes no-effort chic from the cover of Vogue UK March issue. See the video here! Love it! Vogue.co.uk

Is couture dying? Goodbye Lacroix? Thedailybeast.com

LONDON FASHION WEEK  will stream live fashion shows and a selection of digitally presented fashion films in one virtual place:londonfashionweek

Five minutes with Bright Star costume designer Janet Patterson: wmagazine.com

For their new accessories campaign, Gucci used images shot in the sixties of model Veruschka and late actor Peter Sellers. Cool. nymag.com

Jean Paul Gaultier could almost be mistaken for part of the Paris fashion establishment these days. But once a mischief-maker always a mischief-maker….and he loves Kylie!. Telegraph.co.uk

GIORGIO ARMANI has launched a new website: www.armani.com

Kate, Naomi, Kristen, Amber, Natalia, Daria, Jeneil and Lara! All on different covers of Love magazine: see it all here  thelovemagazineblog.

The hottest young stars including Aussie Abbie Cornish are on the cover of Vanity Fair:  Go behind-the-scenes of Annie Leibovitz’s photo shoot. vanityfair.com

Love Christy in the new Bally ads…oh and the bag…Models.com

Swide.com ….Interview with Anna Dello Russo.

We love Anna Dello Russo, uber stylist and fashion director-at-large at Vogue Nippon. She credits ‘The Sartorialist with giving her “another career” as a street style star. Read the hilarious interview , and how she works on her outfits 6 months in advance. Check out her blog on Vogue Nippon, her childhood scrapbook of fashion labels (!) and some classic photos from her private album. Is that really her with Dolce Gabbana?  Now so chic! I want her wardrobe…

( NB: Swide is Dolce Gabbana’s site see FiFi Report 241)

Lady Gaga Gender Rumors Debunked Once And For All (PHOTOS NSFW) huffingtonpost.com

Frock ‘n’ Roll: At the Grammys, the Usual Mix of the Ridiculous and the Sublime www.style.com

Sandra Bullock: I’m Getting “Liposuction” Before the Oscars! and “going on “a very strict diet” and “will acquire a very light English accent”
www.peoplestylewatch.com/

Nominees for the Oscars: Relax:George has a nomination oscars.org

Not too heartbroken about your split from Madonna , Jesus? www.dailymail.

Tiger Mistress: I’m “Bothered” by Golf Balls With “My Face” on Them: ( why is that?)
http://www.usmagazine.com

Tiger Woods’ Wife Removes Sunglasses, Reveals Puffy Eyes www.usmagazine.co

Heidi Montag: Mom Looked at Me ‘Like a Circus Freak’…Nooooo?!
http://www.people.com

Emma Watson Is 2009’s Most Moneymaking Female in Hollywood? popsugar.com

Elton John apparently helped Donatella Versace get off drugs. Okay, sure.  Says the superficial...popeater.com

Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel Water For Elephants is now being made into a movie with possibly Robert Pattinson and Sean Penn. Reese Witherspoon has already signed on ..waterforelephantsmovie.com

Melanie Griffiths face is stuck ( Heidi Montag in ten years. (Five if she falls asleep out in the sun by accident.)  says the superficial via celebslam.

Immigrants Caught Trying to Flee Britain ” We just want to go back to our homeland away from this awful miserable place.”Hilarioius!  Dailysquib.co.uk

Coroner: Brittany Murphy Died of Accidental Drug Intake, Pneumonia, iron deficiency, anemia and multiple drug intoxication. Healthy nut. usmagazine.com

GRAMMYS: Britney Spears’ stylist hates her; there is no other explanation says thesuperficial.com

Invisible By Paul Auster
“Sinuously constructed in four interlocking parts, “Invisible” opens in New York City in the spring of 1967 when twenty-year-old Adam Walker, an aspiring poet and student at Columbia University meets the enigmatic Frenchman Rudolf Born, and his silent and seductive girlfriend Margot. Before long, Walker finds himself caught in a perverse triangle that leads to a sudden, shocking act of violence that will alter the course of his life.
Three different narrators tell the story, as it travels in time from 1967 to 2007 and moves from New York to Paris and to a remote Caribbean island in a story of unbridled sexual hunger and a relentless quest for justice. With uncompromising insight, Auster takes us to the shadowy borderland between truth and memory to produce a work of unforgettable power .” Sensational!
$20 Published: 5 November 2009, Faber and Faber from www.bookdepository.

Etcetera: Creating Beautiful Interiors With The Things You Love …by Sibella Court.

This a beautiful book: ‘Packed with tips of the interior stylist’s trade, ‘Etcetera’ is a lavishly photographed interiors book in which every image demonstrates a clear and easily replicable principle that will help transform a room. Sibella Court’s style is very global, combining contemporary elements with antiques and junk-shop finds, textile fragments, wallpapers, collectables and ephemera. ‘Etcetera’ draws on five of Sibella’s favourite colour themes as a framework for the display of her impeccable eye for detail.
Think of opening Pandora’s box, or indeed, Darwin’s cabinet of curiosities and in turn opening yourself to a world of new possibilities. This title focuses on styling rather than decorating.’ fabulous.
$60 Publisher: Murdoch Books (November 1, 2009) Borders.com.au and  Amazon.com

Economy Class
Seed Femme
On sale but also I see new season pieces instore: Looks great and my picks for the best buys are:

• Well hellooo little jelly gladiators: welcome to my world: Love it : you are on sale for an outrageous $19: You want the black or the white. Think how much fun you will have jumping puddles without a care in the world. Just make sure you have a fabulous pedicure. The T Bar version are on sale as well for $19. So chic and perfect for the beach or a la piscine.
• Buy the white /cream leather bomber jacket: $599. It has silver zips and ¾ sleeves: Love a white jacket when you are playing with the kids, making chocolate cake or feeding the animals. I think it’s in black too.
• My fav leather jacket is the one with a flap/fold over high neckline and knit inserts under the arms (for easy breathing and ventilation?) : It’s in a lovely soft leather and very inspired by Rick Owens or Isabel Marant. $599. It’s like a cardigan jacket: they are everywhere this season.
• In the leather jackets I also see another one in washed vintage tan leather, with pockets on the front $699. This is not soft and pretty as the other ones and so make sure you wear with a skirt. It could be flared or pencil. Or over a floral dress but I am sick of repeating that. Surely you get the message by now?!
• Other best busy are the light grey marle soft cotton blazer with white lining. This is perfect for tossing on over all casual pieces from jeans to your fav droop crotch harem pants. Push up the sleeves for the look. And because it’s too hot for long sleeves non? $199
• You want the grey patent tote bag $199 and I also love the navy Tee shirt dress in a slub cotton with a V neck and over stitching around the waist . It gives shape and some definition. $89. A fab weekend dress.
• Love the simple black, drape dress with a low round neck with a scoop bubble skirt pocket drape detail. Whatever that description means. This is the perfect little running around day dress that will work with flats or heels. You could toss a grey blazer over the top later. $129

Betts Shoes
I met up with the lovely people from Betts this week and got a sneak preview of what’s coming instore: Winter is looking fabulus. On trend and talk about cheap but chic. Of course now in store there are bargains galore:

• My picks are any shoes you can wear into next season such as the black strappy heels now $27. Not a typo. Reduced from $109. Check it out. Wear with black opaques in winter. Now shut up. What other $27 shoes can you do that with?
• Also buy the black filigree sandals on a wooden heel (like a clog and so very groovy for next season) with silver studs along the sole.: For you special price $32. Outrageous I know.
• Also you should know that wedges are making a comeback. (Oh so you never knew they went away? Bless. Now keep reading The FiFi Report.) I spy some cool brown T bar cork wedges that are now $32.
• Also check out the patent strappy heels, silver buckles with a cone heel and a platform…now reduced to $29 Woo Hoo! It seems there are a few of all of these heels still available online (so don’t worry they have not left the building ).

Sportsgirl
I met up also with the lovely girls from Sportsgirl last week to check out all the new season: Love it! All great for the young girls and lots for the girls on the other side of 30….such as my good self.
My picks this week are:

• The fabulous black feather cape or it’s really a collar $79. Love it. It has a black ribbon that does up around the neckline. This will add instant je ne sais pas. And if you don’t speak French: Bless. This will add a little ” I don’t know what” to any outfit. I.e. It rocks.
• The Cassette Society black faded denim zip bomber jacket $230. It’s simple, chic with not too many zips or pockets. All those bells and whistles can all be too much back with faded denim don’t you think? This will be very flattering and a great weekend jacket. Love it with a black pencil skirt and red heels for work. You will live in this. I just know it.
• Love the cute diamante, very Lanvin jewel stone inspired neckpieces with satin ribbon $29. Yes, I have been talking about them for months but you can carry this off with a simple Tee and skinny dark denim jeans. And a Prada bag.
• Buy the classic stone cotton military style jacket with silver studs: It’s short and I like it worn with the collar up. This could be a version of the utility jacket. It has epaulettes and is a bomber jacket style. Or maybe it’s a pea coat shape. Whatever. You need it. Toss it back with black, brown, navy. khaki, red and orange. With high waist skirts and pants. That’s about your entire wardrobe non? $119
• You want the silky navy/cream/black animal print sleeveless, drape, tank top. Looks more expensive than it is. Throw back with peg leg pants, stomp a licious Chloe heels and a Celine belt. This is the way to work this trend: why spend more than $89? Wear right now and then into winter under a blazer with skinny jeans. Better stop eating now …Sorry.
• Love the grey suede trilby with a black trim $29, and the cute felt camellia brooch for $12….oh the stripe black and white sequin, long sleeve Tee. I mentioned it last week; it’s a winner! So very Balmain inspired but the sequins are so subtle. For you $59

Business Class:

Country Road
On sale but also new season pieces: My picks are:

• The sleep wear at Country Road is so cute: just thinking about it makes me want to go to sleep now. ZZZZ. Buy the red and white stripe cotton night dress with an empire waist and white cotton button details $49 or the stripe nightie with the shoe string straps: $49. But wait there’s more! PJ’s in navy and white and all sorts of cute lounging around pieces to lazy slut weekends when it rains all day and every thing goes mouldy ( that’s Sydney for you !)
• In the clothing you should buy the black and white photo print/silky racer top with black elastic on the straps $129. A loose cut to cover muffin top but chic on the shoulders. This is a perfect wear now and into winter kind of top. Layer it over a white tank if you want.
• I am very happy to report that I see the waiters jacket from last season back again: And it’s a little more this season with shoulder pads $249. It’s silky and so right to wear now in the warmer months and then into next season. This is a must buy. It’s got structure in the shape so you don’t look like a big fat round ball BUT then the fabric is loose and floppy so you don’t feel too dressed up. That horrible feeling of looking too dressed up is not good.
• Love the black faux fur gilet which as FAUX in big letters on the swing tag just incase you get splattered with paint by PETA. Of course we knew that the fur gilet and chubby were hot pieces last season. So you rushed out and bought as instructed. Maybe you need another one? You wore the other out I am sure ….and then stood next to fire and melted…$199
• You want shorts and more shorts. Sorry. But they are ongoing into next season: A huge trend again all over the runways. And if you got the legs then I insist you buy the cuffed pleat front shorts $129. Wear with heels please. And a serious jacket. Not with a beach bucket.
• In accessories: Love the across body strap slouch messenger bags and the short black boots $220
• You need the caramel slouchy parachute pants in a latte colour $179: This works with the black lurex knit sweater.
• I see on the website a fabulous leather jacket is coming instore: to be worn with the track pants and lots of grey marle, yes please.

Gary Castles Shoes:
Best buys are:

• The fabulous ballets flats : very Tods with the elastic sides, a classic round toe and in patent in navy and black. $299. let’s face it we all need flats sometime.
• In the heel department you want the chic, sling backs with a peep toe: In patent blue, brown or black they with a thick square heel (With a gold detail edge but not so scary; see below) and a platform of course. They all have a platform. $499. That square heel makes it easier to run around. But it’s just not sharp enough and will never break open the coconut.
• Love the chunky heels with an ankle strap and brown platform in the blue or brown: see below. $299
• Or for a more refined shoe (Which is the big news: time to say au revoir to those Gladiator stomps) then check out the caramel patent heels with a sling back and multi straps: see below. fabulous $299
• If you want some shoes for traveling or just to rock the downtown weekend chic, (and you have to wear flats) then try the square toe loafers : very Tods inspired in a suede : In beige looks nice. About $299
• Love the Prada inspired platform heels in cream and taupe snakeskin: Love a neutral shoe: they will work with everything. Even print dresses and bright colours. If you own bright colours that is.$499.
• We all need some fabulously high heels to stagger around in. So check out the black snakeskin heels with a hidden platform (Like Harry Potter) and a sling back. Outrageously high so not for supermarket or for running around the park. $499.

SABA:
Go here for classic work to weekend. My picks for this week are:

• The grey silvery/silky dress with a V neck and silver studs on the yoke. It has pockets at the front with an almost empire shape so it is flattering. It’s sleeveless but the sleeves sit out over the shoulders almost like shoulder pads. I hope you are loving those pads by now. You can see how they make your waist shrink. Shrink I say. Shrink. It’s a miracle. $349
• The classic black day dress with pockets at the front is a great basic for every day. For work. It’s very simple and versatile with draping on the front and a loose shape so you can feel relaxed with you munch into the fried Mars Bars or Chocolate croissant. $249
• Buy the leather jacket with a deep square neckline and silver zips: it’s in cream which is chic but too scary to wear: Pen marks! Lipstick! Leftover choc croissant! I think the black is the go…or wear the white and don’t go out. Or eat. $599
• You should buy the classic blazer with a bit of shoulder pad to keep you happy: Lovely fabric and chic stitching on the lapels. Wear with your grey drape top and jeans when you are not working. Or with a pretty little lace cami. They are back too. Yes, they went out of fashion. Now they are back, $399.

First Class
Hermes Sale Hermes Sale Hermes Sale Hermes Sale Hermes Sale Hermes Sale!
Race into Hermes sale: it’s all you ever need…
Sydney: Thursday 4th Feb to Thursday 11 Feb, 2010
Melbourne: Friday 19 Feb to Sat 27th Feb, 2010

Quincy:

• I am very happy to report that there are new bags in store. I see new Celine bags. They are gorgeous. They say at the store that these are the first ones designed with Phoebe Philo. But I am wondering. And I am not so sure: This bag I am sure is from the previous collection. Bless. Anyway it’s chic: A black shoulder bag with a long strap and a black stone claps detail. Plus it has silver hardware: Love silver hardware. I am so over gold hardware. So flashy non? This is a fabulous price $1700. You could also have the two handle version of the same bag: more like a tote. A lovely everyday bag. Not too big or small. About $2100. But I want the new collection of bags from Phoebe. So chic and minimal. See below.
• Check out the new season Repetto, Marc Jacobs, Manolo and DVF. Too many to mention. A lot have the new season low heels. Cool
• There are also some fabulous shoes on sale here too….

Belinda/ Vanessa Bruno Paddington.
The new Belinda store has taken over the Vanessa Bruno store in William st. Expect to see Christopher Kane and Alexander Wang shoes arriving soon plus all sorts of cool designers.
Best buys include :

• The Vanessa Bruno black leather pants $1600: yes , please.
• You want the vannessa Bruno navy V neck sweater with sequins or silver bead details on the armpits: subtle but cool. $600
• Check the fabulous navy and black knit animal print sweater with ¾ sleeves: cool about $445
• Love the Vanessa Bruno black leather and stretchy short Amazonian dress about $999
• Adore the Vanessa Bruno T shirts : Oh la la, lovely V neck cut and gorgeous fabric. About $275
• Other designers to look out for are Vince silk parachute pants for $445.

Couscous fritters with basil mushrooms and garlicky yoghurt…. adulterated from Cuisine.com.au

I saw this recipe in The Sydney magazine and I thought ‘yum’!  After cooking 289 recipes (and then some) for The FiFi Report it’s nice to find something new. And vegetarian. Delicious and so easy to whip up. You can even munch on them cold.

You need for about 10 to 12 fritters or 8 people and 30 models

3 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp extra
1 red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
200g mushrooms, coarsely chopped
handful basil, finely shredded
1 cup instant couscous
2 eggs
salt and pepper
200ml vegetable oil, for frying
Yoghurt sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
200g Greek yoghurt

• Slip into Dolce Gabbana Caftan.
• Admire your gorgeous new bright orange neon pedicure in your Vuitton clogs.
• Pour huge glass of wine. Guzzle. It’s Friday.
• Roughly chop the mushrooms. Think one of your ex husbands,
• Pop on Prada sunglasses.
• Chop up red onion into the size of the Fem Bot Vicky B’s appetite.
• Don’t cry. Those orphan in Haiti will be fine
• Wipe away black streaks under eyes before George Clooney gets home.
• Chop up the garlic for the sauce. Think as small as wine left in your glass.
• Pour another one.
• Now heat up a saucepan and pour in the daggy non designer olive oil.
• Toss in the onion over medium heat until just beginning to get as brown as Donatella.
• Throw in the garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms start to brown. Think Hermes brown cuff.
• Keep stirring so doesn’t burn then take off heat and stir in the chic green basil.
• Let that have a little think to itself while..
• You cook the couscous and fluff up with a fork
• Sprinkle the couscous into a chic large bowl and then add the mushroom/basil mixture
• Crack 2 eggs and whisk and then pour into couscous with lots of salt and pepper to taste.
• Give it a good mix.
• Now you must be careful of manicure so ask George C to shape the mixture into about 10 or 12 patties.
• He loves to get his hands into the gooey mix.
• You can leave in the fridge for about half an hour or so until ready to cook.
• The heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan and cook the fritters a few at a time. No calories ever in any cooking oil.
• Don’t think of your bikini.
• Fry until they are as golden as Beyonce.
• Remove and drain all the fat on kitchen paper.
• Whip up the sauce by mixing garlic and yoghurt in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the fritters with chic dollops of tangy white yoghurt sauce and accessorize with lovely green basil
• Yum.