” Do you think that you are all there?” Barbara Walters, questioning the sanity of “Octomom” Nadya Suleman on The View

“It takes a lot of balls, no pun intended, to stand and pose like that.”  Twilight’s Nikki Reed, applauding costar Kellan Lutz’s Calvin Klein Underwear ads (He’s all there )

“Someone asked me who’s more influential - Anna Wintour or Oprah. I said Anna because she made Oprah lose weight” Blogger Bryan Boy (She’s got balls)

“Trees are my friends. As Voltaire said. One must cultivate one’s garden.” Andre Leon Talley on twitter . Anyone home?

“I walk through an airport and people go, ‘You’re not fat!’ I’m like, ‘Thanks. Thanks. That’s great. Good to know I’m not fat today. Thank you!’” Jessica Simpson.  ( too much there ?)

“There is no other model in the business like him. [He's] perfect when dressed and stunning undressed.” King karl Lagerfeld to W Magazine of muse Baptiste Giabiconi. All there !

” Do you think George Clooney will hold a telethon for my dress? Tina Fey to US Vogue after being clobbered for a bad dress at the Golden Globes.

It was when I was off duty, and put my Balenciaga clad feet up to flip through the latest issue of US Vogue, that I saw a fabulous idea.
A fabulous cheap but chic idea.
How lovely, I thought, as I drooled over the Military inspired shoot with pages of gorgeous “heavy duty utility pieces and spring’s sturdy staples of khaki”. My eyes danced on the divine Zanotti lace up boots, the gorgeous Alexander Wang trench coats , the Celine Utility jackets and the fabulous Burberry belts. Hold on! Is that a Burberry belt? My eyes zeroed in the credits: Or is that a belt from the army navy supply store?
That got me going. I hit the search button online and I am thrilled to report you can now go to Aussie disposals for the most fabulous fashion belts this side of Burberry.
From an outrageous $6.95.
You don’t even have to walk anywhere. No fear of fatigue! It’s all available online.

$8.95 Military Belts from www.militaryandcamping.com.au and aussiedisposals.com.au

Why we love the Fall 2010 Balmain show (Especially the trousers suits ).

• Because we haven’t seen (or said the word) trouser suit for years.
• Because pants and trousers were a major trend in Milan and Paris.
• Because the show was full of crazy gilt, brocade and gold.
• Because there were amazing purple chubbys, gold blazers and sexy short dresses and black leather pants.
• Because there were long, almost boot cut, trousers to cover the shoes.
• Because who needs pared down minimalism?
• Because apparently there is nineties revival going on.
• Because we love trouser suits a la  a 70’s Charlotte Rampling in YSL.
• Because we always loved Tom Ford at Gucci.

Reasons to love the Mac Body and face Foundation:

• Your legs will now match your face.
• Your arms will now match your legs.
• Your face will now match your Celine bag.
• Your Celine bag will not get makeup on it.
• (You are smiling because it stays on and dries quickly after application).
• You legs are white, you are late and you have run out of Self tan.
• You spent the money for your spray tan on your Celine bag.
• You love a big bottle that lasts longer than other foundations.
• You adore your Celine bag.

$60 Mac Foundation : Face and body from maccosmetics.com.au

P.S Speaking of Beauty: the lovely Yasemin at Primped.com.au has included The FiFi Report in her weekly video of ” 5 things I am loving”! Bless. Thanks Yasemin! Check it out here www.primped.com.au

Marion Cotillard sings like a rock star! Love this fabulous short film/ad for Dior … www.ladydior.com

It’s Anna Dello Russo’s fabulous apartment, fabulous shoes , fabulous jewels…we love her ! fabulous… jakandjil.com

You will adore this absolutely beautiful short film/ad for Prada perfumes with Daria:  A must see !  youtube.com ( from fashionista.com)

A Star Is Born: Film critics laud model Agyness Deyn’s acting debut as “flawless” Vogue.co.uk

Colleen Atwood chats about designing the amazing costumes for Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland ( and Helena Bonham Carter’s big head) …wwd.com

The view of Milan Fashion Week: The Looks of Lowered Expectations…writes Cathryn Horyn in the nytimes.com

Boobs are back! Victoria’s Secret Models such as Miranda Kerr, Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have all walked in Giles, Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Prada.   Nymag.com

Brian Atwood is stepping down from Bally. Quelle Domage..Fashionologie.com

We Love Daria in the latest V magazine shoot by Mario Testino ( without Cigar) and Kirsten Dunst is on the cover vmagazine.com

Watch the video highlights of the Milan shows: You can be a showgirl, or a nurse or a nun,  ” un-ironic sexy trousers” are back and so is black: ” if the customers want black, we do black”  says Dolce Gabbana . Love it! Style.com

Lacroix has severed all ties with the brand that bears his name Vogue.co.uk

Natalia Vodianova and son Lucas made an appearance at Olympic Closing Ceremonies! Missed that one ( who watches sport on TV?)  fashionologie.com

Kate Moss has been signed to star in a new ballet - opposite Sex and the City star, Mikhail Baryshnikov. The ballet, rumoured to be named Baryshnimoss, will be made by renowned choreographer Michael Clark. Is this a joke? vogue.co.uk\

Steven Meisel has shot Freja for the cover of Vogue Italia’s March issue. vogue.it

Review-australia.com

I want to let you in my secret.
You may be aware but that I am always shopping.
Or reading about shopping .
Or thinking about shopping as I cook to find energy to go shopping.
And when I am not shopping I am normally asleep.
But lately I have also been writing about shopping a little bit more.
So head toute suite to the snazzy new site for Review. It’s filled with gorgeous clothes, all the latest news about Review plus there is the cutest shoot inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Oh, and there is a very amusing weekly blog. If I say so myself.

Feral Campbell May be Released Back into the Wild: her handlers have said.”We are currently scouting places in Africa for her release back into the wild. It will be kind of sad to see her go, but we feel it is the best for her and the best for us as well…Ms Campbell’s trainer told National Geographic magazine. Dailysquib.co.uk

Attack of the 5′10″ Woman: Naomi Campbell’s Chauffeur Apologizes for Calling the Cops …Ny.racked.com

‘Lady Gaga may soon surpass Sarah Jessica Parker in the contest for most bonkers fascinator of modern times. ( wearing a headpiece clearly inspired by her new single “Telephone”) nymag.com

Sean Penn Wishes “Rectal Cancer” on His Critics usmagazine.com

Jamie Oliver and wife Jools expecting their fourth baby  mirror.co.uk

Carla Bruni looks fabulous in a dress By Roland Mouret…huffingtonpost.com

Lady GaGa says she’s lonely, homeless and unhappy…but RICH! ( with an amazing wardrobe)  Mirror.co.uk

After Milan crammed its fashion week to coincide with Anna Wintour’s visit, a group of protestors took to the streets in bobbed wigs, sunglasses and t-shirts with “I Will Only Stay 3 Days,” huffingtonpost.com

Rachel Zoe Can Look Voluminous?!For a stick.. Nymag.com

You can now buy Dolly Forever Barbie by Christian Louboutin for £100 …give me the real thing ! Net-a-porter.com

Abbie Cornish gets the chop …post break up : justjared.

Why is Angelina turning Shiloh into a boy? lifeandstylemag.com

Kate Moss braves the chill in a tiny pair of leather hotpants ( & a horrible fag) Dailymail

The Long Song: A Novel.… by  Andrea Levy

Small Island introduced Andrea Levy to America and was acclaimed as “a triumph” winning both the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Book of the Year Award, and has sold over a million copies worldwide.

With The Long Song, Levy once again reinvents the historical novel.
Told in the irresistibly willful and intimate voice of Miss July, with some editorial assistance from her son, Thomas, The Long Song is at once defiant, funny, and shocking. The child of a field slave on the Amity sugar plantation, July lives with her mother until Mrs. Caroline Mortimer, a recently transplanted English widow, decides to move her into the great house and rename her “Marguerite.”

Resourceful and mischievous, July soon becomes indispensable to her mistress. Together they live through the bloody Baptist war, followed by the violent and chaotic end of slavery. Taught to read and write so that she can help her mistress run the business, July remains bound to the plantation despite her “freedom.” It is the arrival of a young English overseer, Robert Goodwin, that will dramatically change life in the great house for both July and her mistress. A extraordinarily powerful story of slavery, revolution, freedom, and love.’ Fabulous!

$21.99 Publisher: Headline Review (4 Feb 2010) Amazon.co.uk and www.borders.com.au

The Christmas List:
Facehunter (Hardcover) by Yvan Rodic (Author)

So you went out and bought the Sartorialist’s Book , ordered The Selby book. Why not buy Facehunter to finish the deal?! “This book collects the best photographs from Facehunter.com, one of the fashion world s most visited street style blogs. Yvan Rodic, the photographer behind Facehunter.com has  traveled to nearly thirty countries, capturing real people, whose clothes reflect the incredible diversity of the world’s cities. Character and charisma are what he prizes people who wear their clothes with confidence. The result is a contemporary portfolio of what’s chic on the street, and an insightful predictor of what will be chic on the runway.’ He is now shooting ‘Voguistas’ for Italian Vogue.

$16.47 Publisher: Prestel USA (February 15, 2010) Amazon.com

The FiFi Report is changing!

I know you are all so busy.
I know you want fewer words and more glossy pictures.
I know you are dying to know what’s hot in the shops.
I know you still want a chuckle as you plan your next shopping spree.

So FiFi’s Daily Blog is coming soon!
Every day I will be reporting on all the hottest buys I spy as I zoom (and stagger) around in my Balenciagas stalking all the shops.
I will be twittering as I go.
And that’s not because I could be drunk.
I may even take photos as I shop and upload as I go. Isn’t that the best news you’ve had since you saw boobs back at the Prada show?
In the mean time keep here’s a round up of the best buys in the stores this week….

Economy Class
Nine West :

• I love the grey or black nylon puffa jacket that has clever over stitching to give it a waist and shape. How thoughtful. That way you don’t look like you are channeling a fatty boomba. It’s actually filled with real down and feather. And it has a collar that sits up so it looks chic. Not like you are about to go hiking. The only mountain climbing you are doing is trying to pay off your credit cards. $289.
• Also check out the fabulous faux snakeskin, round toe, long boots in a chic black, caramel or brown. Love the wooden stacked heel $259.
• You want the grey and black animal print, pony skin peep tone heels , cool $139. The only bit of animal print I can fathom.
• Love the over the top, short black suede boots with silver chains around the ankle: very fashion y and they are called jaw breaker. Don’t drink when you wear them $259

Cue:

• You want the white and black stripe, long sleeve fisherman’s Tee. It’s the classic knit Tee with a white band ( or black band) at the top that then goes into stripes. $79. Cool.
• And there is a black and white stripe Tee with little puff sleeves that spells “handy”. This means you need this in your wardrobe. Now $59.

Satch:

• The dresses here are fabulous: My pick is the black silky satin sleeveless dress with a high drawstring neckline and a low drape back. $395.. It does seem to bubble and bulge out the back so you can’t have bits that stick out. Like a bottom.
• There are great day dresses in a casual shapes in cobalt blue or black silk about $300. Also checkout the divine dark blue suede long boots about $500.

Portmans:

• Love the stripe, long sleeve wool top with shoulder details $99. Wear with jeans under a trench and look chic. very French. Mais oui . Doesn’t mean you can eat more croissant. Sorry.
• Also try on the black leather pencil skirt: simple and not too tricked up for you $139.

Trenerry

• Adore the simple grey wool sheath dress. It has an exposed zip down the back and is the perfect winter day dress $199. It’s THE one. Wear now with bare legs and heels. Then later with black opaques and heels in the colder months. Wear it under a trench. Wear it every day. Love.

Veronica Maine:

• Check out the very casual, black silky, summer day dress : it’s an easy to wear, loose tunic shape which I know you are having trouble giving up. Same as the donuts. It has a cascading pleating down the front and  a V neck.$159.

• There is also a fabulous black satin fitted round neck top with big poet’s sleeves. It’s a handy going out for drinks with jeans style of top $129. Hic.

French Connection;

• There is a cool slinky, very fitted, knit jersey dress: very Vicky Beckham (read Roland Mouret): It has chic little cap sleeves and a wide straight across neckline $249. If you can pull in your stomach long enough this is for you. Again it’s a fab dress to wear now and later into winter with black opaques and heels.No wonder it’s called the ‘Wonder‘ dress.

Witchery :

• You want the black, short single breasted sharp shoulder jacket in a wool blend twill. $229. Perfect with your track harem pants. Love it over a print dress or with skinny grey jeans. I have been raving on and on about blazer for days, months, years. Now there are a few to choose from. Thank you.
• Buy the red or grey sleeveless tank with shoulder pads $79. This is cool and why not a dash of red in your wardrobe? Watch the shoulder pads add vava voom and shrink your waist.
• Oh, and Ok so I saw a trench coat and it’s fabulous $199.
• Plus there is a cute blue and black print silky blouse $149. Fab with over the knee boots if you can rock the look. ( and shorts)

Business Class
Myer:

• DKNY: It’s all fabulous: I am in love with the black ( or grey) cashmere wool melton peacoat that is actually a cape. Or is a cape that is a peacoat? Who knows : Who cares?! Whatever. I would die and go to heaven for that. $995.  It’s also in long coat /cape that is quite the most lovely thing I have seen ever. Well this week anyway $1200

• Buy the DKNY bright soft paisley dresses $450 with an elastic waist. A little bit Boho but we all need a print dress to rock with a black leather jacket.
• Love the long sleeve DKNY black dress with a V neck and purple trim along the hem $420. Easy winter dressing. Throw it on with boots and serious heels and you are out the door. Bang. Ditto with the fabulously simple and chic DKNY sleeveless wool grey twill dress with a twist $500.
• Love the animal print long sleeveless dress: it’s in a chic creamy white with black spots and a ruffle but it’s chic for animal print $580. Oh and while you are there I insist you check out DKNY black dress shift dress: about $400. I have to say amazing quality for fabulous prices.

Marcs

• Love the grey leather hoodie jacket $599. The hood is actually detachable. I do remember drooling over the Stella McCartney version in Myer about 3 seasons ago and it’s very similar. And that’s fine with me.
• Also head here for the much copied Rick Owens leather jacket about $499 and the best stripe Tees about $59

Longchamps:

• I am very happy to report that there is now a few pieces of Longchamps clothing instore. Oh la la ! I love the gorgeous nylon orange/red taffeta jacket with a zip and puff big poets sleeves: $930 .Divine!
• See the video here for SpringSummer with model Sasha : I want the cuffs! fabulous…www.longchamp.com

Saba:

• I see they have some chic new work/office pieces instore. Check out the grey Prince of Wales check, double breasted jacket $449. It has matching skirt and pants if you have the kind of job where you have to wear a suit. Bless.
• You must out the royal blue mélange sweater dress with a V neck and exposed stitching on the seams. It’s big and loose and will look fab with long boots. Or over a pencil skirts $199

First Class;
Myer:
In the clothing you want :

• Hugo Boss: Drool over the beautiful leather biker jacket with hidden zips with very nice tailoring. Oh it’s divine…$1800.
• Donna Karan: Adore the black sequin cashmere tank $1500, the caramel cashmere cardigan shawl $1500 and the gorgeous grey suit jacket $3000. Heaven.
• Moschino cheap but chic: Why not buy another trench? Well at least try the belted stone trench on. It has ruffle running from the back over the shoulder and down the front; but hey why not? $1490
• In Victor and Rolf: Die,Die, Die over the divine, double breasted Cocoon coat with epaulettes $2400. Also check out the gorgeous wrap sleeveless coat dress with a drape skirt. $2400. You will also adore the beige wool dress with black inserts and cap sleeves. Buy all three and never regret it. Who needs a car anyway? $1800

In the shoe department

• Love the Calvin Klein shoes here: You want the black short shoe/booties in a shiny fabric , quite divine with a black patent platform and a round toe and a zip up the back. Not too high $1000. Yes, please.
• You want the Calvin Klein round toe, caramel nude heels that are sling back and sexy. You know a pale shoe will lengthen your legs when you wear them. How? They will be the same colour. $850
• Adore the Calvin Klein flat grey summer, lace up sandals without buckles or hardware $850. D.I.V.I.N.E
• Check out Calvin Klein flesh coloured patent heels with a leather pleat across the toe and a fabulous big chunky square heel that sits out at a weird angle on the back. Yes, you want them even if they are $1000
• Am dying over the long black Calvin Klein flat boots with a silver turn lock buckle on the ankle: superb $1650. Buy them, have them, wear them for a lifetime. Then get buried in them.
• The Givenchy shoes are fabulous of course: you want the over the knee black boots $1800 and the shoes (which Country Road has copied!)
• Oh and you want the Givenchy bags and the fantastic collection of Mulberry bags; they are a great prices about $1400.

Polenta cake with Pine Nuts and Dried Fruit …..adulterated  countrystyle Magazine

A cake of Polenta and figs.  A cake with fennel seeds (They add an interesting taste but are not overwhelming). A cake you can eat with cheese .
I made this with dates and sultanas instead of figs and raisins and it was divine. George loved it.

You need for 10 Oscar watching fashionista, 25 Academy Award winners, 30 models:

400g Polenta
1 teasp salt
3 tabs olive oil
60g butter
2 eggs beaten
100g pine nuts and more for accessorising later ( toasted)
150g of raisins or sultanas
150g of dried figs or dates
3 tabs of fennel seeds
4 tabs raw or brown sugar
Serve with parmigiano or Gorgonzola

• Slip into your favourite Oscar watching outfit.
• Pour a champers or two.
• Preheat the oven to 180.
• Grab some unsalted butter to moisterise and line a 23 cm tin with oven proof paper.
• You need to do that so the cake won’t stick.Like a Primer.
• Now beat up those eggs in a little bowl.
• Grab the figs or dates and chop them into the size of the clasp of a Prada bag.
• Get out the pine nuts and give them a quick toast. On the skillet not in the toaster.
• Now find a big saucepan and pour in 850ml of water.
• Bring the water to boil.
• While you are waiting you can measure up the sugar to get it ready because you need to toss it in quickly later.
• When the water is boiling pour the Polenta in a thin stream and stir as you go.
• Now lower the heat to simmer.
• If you have instant polenta it may cook and get gluggy (and as thick as your muffins arms) immediately so take it off the heat.
• Sprinkle in the salt and drizzle in the oi.
• Keep stirring then add the lump of butter. Watch it melt.
• If you don’t have instant polenta then keep stirring until the mixture becomes very thick ( as your thighs after eating it).
• It might take about 15 mins.
• You can delegate it to George Clooney. He loves standing over a hot stove on a hot day. Bless.
• When it’s all cooked and ready ( the polenta not George) take it off the heat .
• Let the polenta cool slightly then stir in the eggs very quickly so they don’t scramble.
• In another bowl mix the pine nuts, raisins, figs, sugar and fennel seeds.
• Toss that fruit mix into the polenta goo.
• Give it a good stir so that all those fruits and seeds are thoroughly mixed through.
• Sift the flour into the mix and stir it again.
• Keep stirring: I know it’s tough but it’s good for the biceps.
• Keep calm: it will be very rubbery, gooey and thick. Just like your Burberry boots.
• Now spoon the goo into the cake tin: it will look so rubbery you think it could bounce and you won’t fit it into the tin.
• But you will if you use your hands to pat it down. (Wet them first).
• Scatter on extra pine nuts.
• Throw in the oven and cook for about 40 to 45 mins.
• It will be cooked when it’s a little golden and crusty on the top.
• You should turn it out while it’s still warm.
• Then eat it with decadent gorgonzola or some other gooey smelly cheese. (No calories in that for sure.)
• Delicious!
• Lap up the applause, dab your eyes, try not to cry and then Thank The Academy.
• A winner !