The reviews are in for SATC2! ( and it won’t stop me going !)

” Although still way too long, it’s funnier, livelier, and more culturally aware than the first movie. This time out Carrie Bradshaw even has a book by Susan Sontag on her shelf.”  Vogue.com

“Lock them all up and throw away the key is what I say.” The Age.

” Future Bolsheviks will use Sex and the City 2 as a recruiting film ” Northwest Herald

” It’s supposed to be Sex and the City. This is Sects and the Souk.” Newark Star-Ledger

” I am a man. I am straight. I really liked the TV show. I am tired of this shtick. And no Samantha, I didn’t just say dick. ” The Scorecard Review

“Thanks to writer-director Michael Patrick King, I now have a fair idea how it might feel to be stoned to death with scented candles.” Chicago Reader

” Glamour porn with fashion that looks like Lady Gaga at a Wal-Mart shopping spree and a plot that at times is cinematic roadkill. Nonetheless, these are still likable and entertaining characters. The movie did its job and because of that, I enjoyed it.”   BET.com

” An atrocious motion picture…makes The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert look like The Remains of the Day ” BrianOrndorf.com

” The nasty critic assault is a ‘veiled’ attack on sexual empowerment of older women. And makes it seem that females are pariahs. If only these ‘make war not love’ critics were as outspokenly outraged against the US military  ” Critical Women

” Shoes, money, outfits, shoes, vagina, money, shoes, jewelry, outfits, money, shoes. ” Philadelphia Weekly. Bing it on!

( Read more here at Rotten Tomatoes.)

I was snooping around sniffing out cheap but chic finds,  as I do, when I decided to nick into Cotton on. And then I saw it. Could it be a fabulous boyfriend blazer with stripe lining for just $49?  I had to try it on.  What a winner. Slightly longer, it covers the sagging bits, and has just right size shoulder pads to give you a waist but not a Gaga impersonation. The fabric is in a chic jersey so it feels soft and easy to wear. OK, so it won’t keep you warm on cold days but it will keep you chic. The good news? It’s now reduced to $39. Outrageous. I had to have it.
Here are a few other versions of the boyfriend jacket you will love ( and how to wear them ) from Net a Porter .

From Left to right: J crew £234.net-a-porter.com, See by Chloé Crepe boyfriend-fit blazer £360 Net-a-porter.com, A.P.C. Cotton-blend twill blazer £247 net-a-porter.com

What : Lace up suede heels
Why : Because when it rains you need to put away the peeptoes and keep the tootsies warm.Because  wedges and platform are more comfortable than other heels. Because these shoes will work with everything in your wardrobe. Because we love shoes and these are a little more chic than the usual ankle boots don’t you think?
Which: You want suede because the plain leather can look almost orthpopedic. Bless. You want the lace up and you want a wedge or platform for easy walking. Go for black , grey or brown for the most versatile colours.
Wear: With harem pants, with chinos, with baggy peg legs. The pants should stop at the ankle and the top of the shoes. We want to see the shoes.  Wear with black opaques and a floral dress, a pencil skirt, a flirty skating skirt or a simple LBD. is that everything?

Where: Grey suede heels from Wittner shoes $189 (top photo). From left to right below: Wanted Shoes $189,  Peeptoeshoes $319, and sportsgirl $159.

Reasons to buy Maybelline SuperStay^TM 24HR Makeup foundation:

• Because it can withstand heat, sweat and humidity as you shop the sales.
• Because it seems to stay on your face and not slip down to drip on your collar.
• Because it’s oil-free, dermatologist tested, fragrance-free. So won’t clash with Chanel 19.
• Because it’s almost sheer so you look natural (but seems to even out the skin tones).
• Because we all need to look fabulous 24 hours a day. Even when we sleep.

$21.95 From department stores, pharmacies 1300 369 327 Maybelline.com.au

The new July Ageless Style issue of UK Vogue is out this week. “Whether it is Laura Robson, the 16-year-old fledgling white hope at Wimbledon, or American Vogue’s fashion editor Grace Coddington, still producing remarkable and inspiring work after 50 years in the business, personal style is a fascinating subject.” Can’t wait to read about Grace Coddington! Vogue.co.uk

Miranda Kerr is everywhere ! Check out Greg Kadel’s Video of Miranda for Numero #114 (Love the orange hair and no eyebrows. Tres edgy! ) Fashionista.com

“Celebrating the 75th anniversary of DC Comics, Colette in Paris has commissioned a range of superhero-themed designer accessories and clothing items.  The kooky limited edition designs include a Dog Batman T-shirt by Lanvin,  whiskered Catwoman thigh boots by Roger Vivier; and a Green Lantern glove by Karl Lagerfeld.’ Cool wwd.com

Sculptor and feminist icon Louise Bourgeois died on Monday at the age of 98. Bless Nytimes.com

Mad hatter Philip Treacy has cited Brad Pitt as his ideal casting to play himself in the new biopic of his late friend Isabella Blow.”I would never want to appear in it myself- I am a hat designer not an actor. Acting isn’t my forte. If I could pick anyone I’d run with Brad Pitt but it’s wishful thinking”.Too funny. I want Angelina to play FiFi ! Vogue.co.uk

Model Lakshmi Menon’s Off-Duty Wardrobe? Studded Denim Shorts From the Gap. She looks fabulous and so simple. Check out the video here ( I want the Givenchy bag!) Nymag.com

‘For its June 2010 issue, French Marie Claire has gone curvy with editorials featuring plus-size models in lingerie and swimsuits à la française–that’s right, bottoms, no tops!’ Wish this trend would go away. Why promote being over weight as being healthy and glamorous?  Just as bad as showing too skinny models. Huffingtonpost.com

Here is a fabulous list of the best fashion books you must read:  There are a few of the cool books already posted in The FiFi Report and then more ! Thank you Fashionista.com

‘VANESSA PARADIS wears Chanel for her latest movie Heartbreaker - as well as doing an unmissable recreation of the iconic Dirty Dancing routine’. Cool Vogue.co.uk

Lady Gaga chats for two hours at ShowStudio.  (Can it really be hours?) She says” I need fashion for my music and music for my fashion” . She has a short blonde do channeling Madonna (late eighties) but what’s with the sunglasses on? Showstudio.com.

‘ They are called Eugene, Tati, Coco B, Coquine, Lsd and they express the tastes of the fashion icons of the moment, translated into an accessory. These are the new Margherita’s Bags designed by Margherita Maccapani Missoni using her friends as icon of inspiration: Eugene Niarchos, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Coco Brandolini d’Adda and Lauren Santo Domingo.’  Vogue.it

Eva has gone green on the new cover of Vogue Italia for June Vogue.it

The 60th anniversary issue of German mag Stern Fotografie features Karl Lagerfeld’s comprehensive photography portfolio and 6 covers of shots Claudia  Schiffer. Afro anyone? Nymag.com

Thelovemagazine.co.uk
Wacky, wonderful and irreverent, LOVE Magazine’s new site has launched and it’s quite fabulous. Apart from annoying little cartoon animals running across the page.( Must be an in joke or maybe aimed the japanese). Please explain Katie Grand.
On the homepage there is a moving graphic of all the nude supermodel covers from Issue 3 but the naughty parts covered with the frolicking cartoon animals. ha! Someone has a sense of humour.
If you scroll down over the collage of pictures you will find a navigation bar: I like the ‘Daily’ and the ‘instant love’: Cats eye sunglasses, Miu Miu gloves and Giles’s garden. Cool

Kim Cattrall gets a chop and a bob. I think she looks older non? Chic? yes. Hellomagazine.com

America isn’t buying it: Bitter backlash against ‘poor me’ Fergie after confessional Oprah interview
Dailymail.co.uk. 

The EU asks Germany to now Bail Out Duchess of York Dailysquib ( someone has to buy her.)

Sarah Ferguson Drunk, “Totally Broke” When She Accepted Bribe Usmagazine.com….(we all are !)

Nick Cannon Addresses Mariah Carey Pregnancy Rumors - Sort Of… People.com

Heidi and Spencer: split was officially scripted and now Heidi is pretending to look sad. Thesuperficial

Sienna Debuts Her New Bangs During Lunch With Jude ( love her boots and jacket!) popsugar.com

“Tara Reid was at the 2nd Annual Love Festival in Vegas or it was a very convincing sculpture of her.  I’m honestly on the fence. On the one hand, who requests a Tara Reid statue, or person, at their event?” Thesuperficial.com

‘George Clooney’s girlfriend has been accused of slamming Jen Aniston on Twitter — by comparing Aniston to scrawny, bug-eyed rocker Iggy Pop’ .Usmagazine.com (Knew she was no good…)

The full Lady Gaga “Alejandro” video directed by Steven Klein is not out til June 7, but Gaga unveiled a preview clip during her appearance on Larry King Live Fashionologie.com

GaGa messes with another Birkin bag. As you do. Grazia.

Brad and Angelina Enjoy Cocktails at a Beach Party with Maddox and Pax.. Popsugar.com

Cameron Diaz: “Lots of Sex” Is My “Fountain of Youth…”I don’t want to look 25 again,”. usmagazine.com

Al Gore and his wife Tipper are to separate after 40 years of marriage. …No fountain of youth??  Hellomagazine.com

The Postmistress ….by Sarah Blake
‘ To open Blake’s novel of World War II and the convergence of three strong women is to enter a slipstream, so powerful are its velocity, characters, and drama. How can you resist Frankie Bard, an American journalist of gumption and vision who is bravely reporting on the Blitz from London? Her distinctive voice and audacious candor are heard on radios everywhere on the home front, where Iris James, in love for the first time at 40, keeps things shipshape at a small-town post office. The third in Blake’s triumvirate of impressive women, Emma, the waif like wife of the town’s doctor, is not as obvious a candidate for heroism until a tragedy induces her husband to join the war effort.
Matching harrowing action with reflection, romance with pathos, Blake’s emotional saga of conscience and genocide is poised to become a best-seller of the highest echelon.’
$17.13 Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnan (February 9, 2010) Amazon.com

Thierry Mugler by Daniele Bott
‘ A visual journey through four decades of Thierry Mugler’s unmistakable style and inexhaustible creativity. The designs of the iconic French couturier Thierry Mugler convey a powerful and seductive image of womanhood.
Divided into five key themes that embody Mugler’s aesthetic-fantasy, anatomy, metamorphosis, heroines, and stars-this colorful anthology features examples of all his classic work, from outrageous catwalk shows to extravagant accessories. Celebrities, supermodels, and muses appear in original sketches and photographs by Mugler himself, along with images from some of the great names of fashion photography, including Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Jean-Paul Goude.’  Cool

$31.50  Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 1, 2010) Amazon.com

It’s sale time!
The world has gone crazy: there are sales everywhere. Please don’t go mad and buy anything because it’s cheap. Oh, no,you wouldn’t do that would you? Keep in mind the trends coming next summer and winter. Look for camel coats, velvet, denim shirts and dresses, any faux fur, capes and of course blazers. You want a utility jacket ( at least for a season) and any shirts ( a blue oxford shirt or silky sexy ones that are 70’s inspired.)

Also flares are making a comeback so grab any that you see. Dresses are always important and look for anything that drapes. Other trends for summer are digital prints and summer time leather. yes, it’s time to buy a leather skirt, a leather Tee or a leather shorts ( if you have got the legs). Other trends to look out for are a longer fifties skirt and any lingerie style pieces.

In accessories you want navy, black and choc brown but also look out for tan accessories - a huge trend for summer. Buy wedges and a small structured bags. The big jewel necklace is still happening for next season but don’t spend a fortune. Love a big chunky ring and always stacks of bangles. Love feathers and fur trims…
By the way there’s not a lot of colour around for winter so, of course, the best cheap but chic buys are in expensive looking colours such as black , grey and navy with dashes of red and brown.

Now get shopping ! here are my 3 best sale picks from each store. Note : some of the items may have left the building…

Sportsgirl
My picks are

• The faux fur tassel stole or neckpiece: it will instantly update any daggy jacket: Was $79. Now $29
• The black wool twill military coat: You wear with everything from jeans to flirty skirts. Love it over a stripe Tee. Was $179. Now $129
• The grey or black peacoat : so chic ! Was $149 now $119
• The cute grey faux suede, small saddle bag that you wear across the body or hanging from your shoulder. Was $49 now $29

Witchery:
There are some fabulous buys at great prices;

• The navy and black crop cotton, double breasted short swing trench is fabulous. Wear for summer with a chinos, for winter with jeans and a pencil skirt and boots. Was $129.. Now an outrageous $29!
• Love the grey wool jersey cropped, military bomber jacket. Grey will razz up the black. This works over anything for work to weekend. Nuf said. A must buy. Was $199. Now $99
• Buy the black leather cuff : Add a little tough chic to your wardrobe! Wear right now and then into summer with all your other bracelets jangling on your wrist.. Was $59 now $29.

Portmans
You can get great bargains here. Prices are approximate! My picks are:

• We all need a stripe Tee and this knit tee with 3/4 sleeves will work for winter and into spring. Toss under a blazer. The shoulder detail is important ! about $39
• Love the black knit sleeve leather vest. More relaxed than a full on biker jacket it’s a great way to wear a leather jacket even at the dinner table. Now about $100.
• You want a shirt this season to wear under a blazer and then back with Chinos and heels. A la Chloe. Buy the cotton shirt here with cute puff sleeves now about $39.

French Connection:
Head here for more fashiony pieces. My picks are:

• The fab black wool military peacoat with fluted sleeves and double breasted silver buttons. Chic! Versatile! Love it over a grey tee, a stripe knit, jeans and sexy pencil skirts. Was $299 now $199.
• Buy the dark grey long sleeve, long knit sweater ( or short dress). it’s loose and great over skinny jeans. It actually has batwing sleeves, a rib hem to give shape and cool touches of lurex details. Was $169 , now $129.
• Buy the white shirt dress for wearing on your winter escape holiday to somewhere hot in July: This will work over a bikini…was $79 now $59.

Business Class:
Wittner Shoes:
We love shoes don’t we? A big sale here. My picks are:

• The fabulous black suede wedges with silver studs. Yes, a little bit over the top but why not? Wear and thrash for a season. Suede will only last that long in this rainy weather. Love an ankle boot with jeans or with skirts. Add black opaques to lengthen the leg. Was $229 now $114
• Love the grey suede platform pumps with a round toe and a cone heel. You want a grey shoe this season: was $189 now $94
• For the very groovy out there you can buy the copies - yes they are - of the Alexander Wang zip ankle boots. Very fashion and only for a few who can carry off the look. Was $199 now $99.
• For girls who want the Alexa Chung look there are a lot of fabulous chunky lace-up Doc Martin style boots…Not on sale but about $199.

Marcs:
Great weekend pieces. My picks are

• The blue cotton roll up boyfriend shirt. So simple, so right, so perfect under a blazer, with harem pants, with stomp-a-licious heels. Wear with black or denim. Was $149 now $99.
• Buy the fabulous destroyed denim shirt. You can do the denim on denim if you feel you can rock the look. Or if your name is David Hasselhoff !. Otherwise denim shirt is so chic with a camel jacket and chinos. Or with shorts. Hot piece for next season too. Was $159 now $99.
• Check out the fab black wool zip mini skirt. It’s the updated pencil skirt but much more edgy. Not so corporate. Wear with everything including the denim shirt. Was $159 now $99.

Jigsaw:
Can be a little conservative but if you search you can find some cool pieces. Not sure if these are on sale but my picks are:

• The fabulous fur gilet in black: a must buy it will instantly change anything you wear. I have been living in my fur vest ( from last season of course) and it’s a winner. This vest does has a silk back which makes it easier to wear. Toss with jeans and harem pants or over a dress. Everything really. Even your trackpants$399
• You want the chic black velvet blazer. It’s a winner. This is something I look at and know that it will go with everything you own. Velvet is not just for evening it’s great over a grey marle tee and jeans don’t you think? $349
• For a good chic dress (that is very inspired by Marni) you can’t go past the short sleeve grey and white print dress. It’s right for winter under a jacket or coat. Toss with outrageous heels and opaques. Finally a dress with the right neckline instead those ugly scoops. $299

Mimco:
I was snooping around here last week and now we have the sale on. My picks are:

• The fabulous two handle tote that has pocket on the outside and no obvious shiny hardware. Sometimes all that silver and gold can get a bit too much. Love this bag in a pale colour, red or tan or black. Very Pierre Hardy inspired was $499 now $399
• Buy the fabulous silver chunky necklace called Tomorrow. Wear today (!))with a stripe tee and a trench. Of course. Was $329 now $209. This is a hot piece that will definitely work next summer.
• Love the other silver necklace that is twisted with crystals and jet beads. It’s called Poison Twist necklace. Remember when you wear a serious necklace ditch the earrings and cuffs and any other jewels. You are not a Christmas Tree. Or from Vegas. Was $229 now $109.

First Class:

The Corner Shop;

I nicked into the Strand Arcade store and had a lovely time checking out all the latest cool buys. My picks are

• the fabulous Marc by Marc Jacobs bags: so many to choose from. I saw a fabulous grey one shoulder strap bag with the all important long strap and silver hardware about $700. Also I see a green one strap bag and a hot pink tiny clutch bag with a strap. You can do hot pink when it is marc jacobs. about $645.
• Love the Alexander Wang black crop blazer with sticking stripe on the back $845I
• Adore the Isabel Marant short denim shirt dress with a belt, what a great price: why buy the copy when the original is here? $345
• The gorgeous Philip Lim black crop leather jacket with epaulettes, beautiful $1435
• On sale is a Vanessa Bruno long single breasted loose boyfriend jacket ( more like a coat) in black; a fabulous buy $495
• Also check out the Elizabeth and James, the twenty twelve and the cute Melissa plastic boots and shoes…

Spicy Prawns with Tomato and Couscous ….Adulterated from Donnahay and Taste.com.au

This is a fabulous recipes because it’s a one pot meal. Thank you Donna. Which means you just toss it all in the pot and voila , it’s cooked. Perfect for mid week cooking don’t you think? And you will be happy because you will have some leftover preserved lemon from last week’s recipe.

You need for 4 hungry types, 8 fashion editors and 35 models..

16 medium green raw prawns peeled with tails intact if you like ( you could probably substitute for salmon here. )
2 to 3 garlic cloves
1 teasp ground cumin
½ teas chilli flakes
1 tabs olive oil
375 or 1 ½ cups chicken stock
1 x 400g can of cherry tomatoes
2 cups couscous
2 tabs of preserved lemon
50 g flaked almonds
Basil, parsley or coriander to serve

• Climb out of Military jacket.
• Take off medals ( for shopping).
• Undo Alexander Wang boots.
• Slip into Chanel PJ’s.
• Pour a big glass of wine or two.
• Chop up the garlic as small as Sarah Ferguson’s brain.
• Ask George Clooney to peel the prawns ( not good on your nails).
• Slice up the preserved lemon about the size of the Givenchy bag logo.
• Place prawns, garlic, cumin, chilli and oil in a bowl and toss to combine.
• Find a large saucepan with a lid and big enough for the couscous.
• Heat up the saucepan and then toss in the prawns mix.
• Cook that over high heat for a minute.
• Then add the stock, tomato and couscous and cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on low heat.
• Pour another wine. I am sure it’s good for you.
• Check that the couscous ( and prawns) are cooked.
• Fluff up with a fork. The food not your hair.
• And then stir through preserved lemon.
• Accessorise with lots of green herbs like coriander and scatter over the almonds
• Yum !