Fashion insiders share their definition of cheap! from WWD.com

“Anything my husband won’t yell at me for.” - Rachel Zoe

“My dad buys all of his clothes from Costco and the way he wears them makes you think he’s in head-to-toe Margiela. Army green military button-ups and black jeans can look designer and can be bought at a grocery store.  ” - Sophie Buhai, Vena Cava

“Cheap is something that after six months if you broke down the price dollar-wise by the amount of times you wore it, it would come close to a cup of tea. I bought a pair of Rick Owens boots last year whose price stretched my imagination, but I got such great use out of them that it was the equivalent of a cappuccino a day.” - Roxanne Assoulin

“‘ Cheap can be bad but it can also be surprisingly good. Cheap can be cheerful, cheap can be chic. I recently bought a pair of ninja pants, in a martial arts store in Chinatown, that were drop crotch and in raw silk for only $35. They were chic, and that made me cheer!” - Phillip Lim

“‘ It’s that satisfying feeling you get when you happily part with a little bit of cash for things which have disproportionately more value than price, like summertime mussels, Havaianas and drug-store self-tanner.” - Linda Fargo, senior vice president fashion office and store presentation, Bergdorf Goodman

“My favorite cheap thrill has to be the 99 Cent Store. It always has the most satisfying assortment of weird candy, mismatched socks, Eighties makeup and bizarre crap I don’t need but I buy anyway..” - Lisa Mayock, Vena Cava

Anyone how has traveled overseas knows how fabulous it is to shop at GAP. I always head for great basics and cool fashion essentials. Now we are thrilled to have Gap opening here in Sydney and Melbourne and it’s about time !
Stefan Laban, vice president of Strategic Alliances for Gap told WWD . “With Australia, It’s a great retail market that really appreciates the casual style that Gap represents.”
He said the store in Melbourne ( at Chadsone) will be 8,000 square feet on two levels and include all the Gap co-brands including babyGap, GapBody, GapKids and denim. He said the store will rival the other “great Gap stores in New York, London and Paris.
Gap will open another store in Sydney in October before rolling out 10 to 15 additional units in major metropolitan areas around the country over the next three to four years. “There are 20 million people in Australia and 10 million of them live in cities,” he said. “It’s a really casual market and the brand awareness for Gap is really high there.”
Can’t wait! See more here Gapaustralia.com

What: Dries Van Noten
Which: His latest collection for Fall Winter 2010 (shown in March) is the hot look right now!He has summed up the feeling in fashion right now mixing the edgy utility pieces with rich fabrics, feminine shapes with chic elements of menswear tailoring.
Why: Because this season it’s about mixing it up! Because his clothes are casual and comfortable with a sophisticated edge. As style.com reports he has “designed clothes that don’t scream fashion and in almost every silhouette, there was a juxtaposition of something grand with something street.” He has nailed what women want to wear. You might not be able to afford it but use this collection to inspire you on how to get the look. Take note! This is how you want to dress…
Wear: throw a grey sweat shirt with a rich floral silk skirt, or a chic grey coat back with khaki cargoes and heels. Try a camel blaze with a grey Tee or throw on manstyle jacket or a khaki trench over with a 50’s style skirt. Finish the look with fabulous sunglasses, an animal print scarf and an oversized bag tucked under your arm. Divine.
Where: Brownsfashion,  Mytheresa.com, Poepke.com ,  Belinda and Farfetch.com

I love this body crème!

I love the blurb on the bottle: ” if you can’t spend a week bathing in pools of dead skin eating fish while being served dinner by trained psychologists then this hand and body crème is for you ” Hilarious.
I love the simplicity of the bottle.
I love that it’s enriched with plant oils it soothes and soften skin and works a treat.
Oh, I love that it smells divine.

Now back to having dinner in the bath with my Psychologist …

$19.95 Evo / Body self indulgence creme Evohairproducts.com

Blake Lively is interviewed by Ben Affleck for Interview magazine “I’m actually a very shy person - that’s a big secret, so don’t tell,” Interviewmagazine.com

Miranda Kerr has an Upcoming cover of Italian Vogue: impressive! Fashionologie.com

Read about Tisci’s Tribe: “Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci is a man of many muses. Diane Solway goes inside the gender-bending ad hoc family that reinvented the house Hubert built” … wmagazine.com

Even Ralph Lauren can’t get a reservation in his restaurant in Paris “Vera Wang called me - she was going to invite 10 people out to dinner - but even I couldn’t get her in.” red more here Harpersbazaar.com

Alexander McQueen collaborated on a six-piece rug and pillow collection for the Rug Company shortly before he died.  wmagazine.com

The best covers of all September issues out now… Love German Vogue Fashionista.com

Check out all the covers of the new issue of LOVE magazine : Giselle, Lauren Hutton and more..Thelovemagazine.co.uk

‘If the summer belonged to one model, it was Freja Beha Erichsen: now with a September cover of her own for Korean Vogue’ Nymag.com

For 20 years, Anna Piaggi’s has been contributing to Italian Vogue…Love her, Love her hats!. Vogue.it

IF you’re in Paris during Fashion Week be sure to stop by the Maison Européenne de la Photographie to catch a dedicated exhibition of Karl Lagerfeld’s photography. Mep-fr.org via Vogue.co.uk

Behind the Scenes Photos From Dolce & Gabbana’s Movie….Fashionista.com

Check out Rodarte’s ballet costumes created for Natalie Portman in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming film Black Swan : the film looks amazing ! Fashionologie.com

Katie Holmes is on the cover of New York magazine, photographed by Mark Seliger, based on paparazzo Ron Galella’s 1971 image called Windblown Jackie. ( she is in a movie playing Jackie)Nymag.com

And while you are reading New York magazine also check out Micheal Kors interview  Nymag.com

And then about the fabulous divine and eccentric Daphne…”A fashion icon who found herself by going to clown school” Nymag.com

It’s George naked, well nearly……check out more about the making of  The American, starring George Clooney as an assassin named Jack hiding out in Italy.  wmagazine.com

“Would You Be Surprised If George Clooney Popped the Question?” Not if it was me he was asking…Popsugar.com

Miranda Kerr: Yes, I’m Pregnant! People.com

Princess Mary still pregnant with identical twins Womansday.

Angelina in Europe: Which Look Is Hottest? Usmagazine.com

Elle Macpherson Eats ‘Like It’s Going Out of Fashion’…Yeh right. Eats lettuce.  Nymag.com

How the Douglases are pulling together to fight Michael’s illness… plastic surgery? Hellomagazine.com

This should make you happy… Alexander Skarsgard: ‘When I’m Naked, I’m Naked’ Thesuperficial.com

“True Blood: They’re Hot. They’re Sexy. They’re Undead.” People.com

Spanish Hotel Wants Expensive Cutlery Back After Michelle Obama Trip!
Dailysquib.com

Hello, Uncle Hugh! Liz Hurley’s son Damian can’t hide his excitement as he welcomes actor at Nice airport Dailymail.co.uk

Gwyneth Has a Ball at the Beach With Chris, Their Kids, and Jay-Z Popsugar.com

Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow ….by Detmar Blow , Tom Sykes.

A life of extreme tragedy and remarkable inspiration, the story of Isabella Blow is a dramatic and compelling tale of a courageous icon.
Isabella Blow was the epitome of English eccentricity. A legendary figure in the fashion world, she nurtured and championed the talent of some of fashion’s most recognisable and important figures, all the time hiding her own personal unhappiness and severe depression. The news of her tragic death in 2007, aged 48, shocked the international fashion world.
Her thirty year career in fashion began as Anna Wintour’s assistant at American Vogue, and took in stints as fashion director of Tatler and Fashion Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine.
Detmar Blow was engaged to Isabella sixteen days after they first met in 1988, and the couple remained married until her death. In this visually stunning portrait, Detmar and Tom reveal the truth about the intriguing world of Isabella, providing incredible behind-the-scenes insight into the world of fashion and high-society, as well as tracing her ancestry and early childhood, offering a fresh and penetrating look at her domestic life, and celebrating her incredible achievements.

$55 Publisher: HarperCollins 1, October 2010 Harpercollins.com.au

Isabella Blow ….by Martina Rink, Philip Treacy .

Another fabulous book about Isabella Blow…’A marvelously illustrated look at the world and the work of Isabella Blow, a central figure in the contemporary fashion world.
From her early days bringing legendary artists such as Michel Basquiat into the offices of American Vogue to the twenty-first-century drama of her televised attempted takeover of the Indian and Middle-Eastern fashion industries, the awesome Isabella Blow pushed boundaries in the fashion world, using her personality as her most offensive weapon. Famous for discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen, Sophie Dahl, and Hussein Chalayan, she nurtured and inspired artists and designers across the industry, as well as serving as muse to the well-known milliner Philip Treacy.
She was also a unique stylist, collaborating with major photographers such as Sean Ellis and Robert Astley Sparke on infamous shoots that combined gothic and erotic.
Martina Rink was assistant to Isabella Blow until Blow’s tragic suicide in 2007.’

£25.46 Publisher: Thames & Hudson (13 Sep 2010) Amazon.co.uk

Economy Class:
Nine West:
Head here for some great shoes at great prices:
My picks :

• The lace up Tee bar heels in dark denim. They have a platform and a serious heel but it’s not too high for staggering around for about 5 minutes. At least you will look fabulous staggering. Also in black $139.
• Buy the black patent T bar heels with a small kitten heel. Actually let me rephrase that: a kitten heel but it’s not really low but who wants that? They are very Celine inspired in that there is one strap across the toe and one across the ankle. Rather fabulous . Wish they were in plain black and not patent. $159. They are called “Hellfire”. That’s funny.
• Love the clogs called ” whynot”. And why not indeed?! Clogs are the fashion look of the season thanks to Chanel and Vuitton so why not have a little fun and get into it for a season? I would go for black patent clogs with silver studs on the side and a bit of a platform. $169.
• There are some cute wedges that have quite a low heel but still look chic. Impossible you say! Mais non. You should try on the black wedges with one strap across the toe and wide ankle strap around the ankle with a silver buckle: they are great and for you if you can’t walk without a Zimmerframe…I think that’s me…$159. they are called Punchy. So watch out. Check them out here
• Check out the grey patent and suede stud platform peep toe heels. I do like grey in summer to lighten up the black but it will also work with lighter colours like blush and beige. $169

Portmans:
I nicked into the newly renovated store in Pitt st in the mid city centre In Sydney. How fabulous to see they have got rid of those red walls: So hideous on your complexion! Now there is a sea of navy and white and a wall of Blush, peach and coral clothes…
My picks are:

• There is the classic stripe top with a white neckline before the stripes start. OMG. Hasn’t everyone already bought a stripe Top? But don’t be afraid that they may seem common. They are not if you know what I mean. Always a classic so you can’t go wrong. Please mix up the stripes with a print or floral skirt. Maybe add a big jewel necklace for fun. Or just toss it under a blazer back with peg leg pants. I think this Top has buttons across the shoulders $39. otherwise check out the baggy stripe Tee for $49 below, or the stripe tee dress $79. Love it with a brown belt a la Prada…
• Buy the fabulous black pleat, cuffed drape pants : I think they are ¾ in length but that is OK for summer: all the better to show off your fabulous shoes. I think these are a great buy. The fabric looks more expensive than it is. Wear with a denim shirt , with a blazer, of course, with a floppy equipment shirt. $89. A summer basic.
• There is navy and white narrow stripe fabric bag: it’s an over sized croissant in the U slouchy shape! Perfect for casual summer weekends on the yacht. It has two handles and is very light to carry because it’s in a fabric. A chic little cheap but chic buy $39.
• You must have the very cool , blush/pink muslin shirt with patch pockets on the front and a round neckline. It has button front and rolled up sleeves with a buttons : It’s just an easy shirt to lighten up all your black and navy. Also this is a great colour to go with choc brown. I See a lot of these pastels but don’t wear head to toe. You need to add black or brown or it’s all too washed out. Boring. $69
• I can’t go past a trench: you know I have an addiction and so I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the very Burberry inspired stone trench. Burberry inspired in that it has gathered pleating on the shoulders , almost puff shoulders. Love it. It has a belt, epaulettes and black buttons. Might be a little short but what do you want for $149?

Esprit:
Always good here for everyday classics…
My picks are :

• You want the black peacoat in a jersey fabric: it’s a great shape and a spring version of the heavier peacoat. It has ¾ sleeves, black butotns and is a little longer if you need bum coverage $89.
• You want the cargoes that are not too skinny in grey cotton $99. yes, you do.
• I am very happy to report that the dark denim dress with short sleeves and buttons down the front is back again this season. And why not? It’s a winner and still so right. It’s a loose fit but not oversized with a bit of a drop waist…about $149.
• Please buy the green khaki or black utility jacket now on sale: outrageous! I It’s the jacket of the season and I have been banging on about it for months. This Esprit version, you may remember, has a rib knit neckline, silver buttons, a belt and patch pockets at the front. You know you can wear over everything from black to denim to pretty dresses. $99
• On sale I see a brown velvet blazer $74 ( not many left so you have to be quick) and you might get one in black if you search…fabulous.
• Also on sale is the sleeveless grey puffa vest with a rib knit detail for an outrageous $49. Excellent value if you are outdoorsy and need arm-free jackets.

Business Class:

Coach;
There are some fabulous new shoes instore but I see a few too many logo-ed bags.
My picks:

• Love the very Celine inspired black wedges with one strap across the toe. The leather is latticed with holes. The heel is Oh so low. Yes, please. They have the all important ankle strap with 2 silver buckles. $300
• You want the black or tan leather platform T bar heels. Love these because there is no obvious hardware and so they will work with whatever bag you have chosen. The heel is quite high but wearable and bearable darling. $305
• Buy the grey suede lace up platform heels, so chic and quite comfortable. When I say lace up I mean they have cut out and they are more like sandals with just the T bar with lacing details. You can see what I mean below..About $300
• Check out the black shoulder bag with silver hardware which I have talked about before in The FiFi Report. It’s a fabulous every day : it has a shoulder strap, and a short strap, a slouchy shape and a front pocket $730 .
• Buy the choc brown double handle bag with a silver top zip : it’s very simple with just a very small double C’s logo on the front $545.

Paul and Joe:
Thrilled to see more and more pieces arriving in store. The prices are great for the quality and the cool French style. Love it.
My picks are :

• The divine wool navy gabardine boyfriend/school blazer: I mean by school blazer in that it has white piping along the edges of the lapels. Maybe it’s a cricket blazer. Whatever. You want this because you can wear it easily now and into summer. It will work with jeans to dresses to harem pants. An investment and the cost per wear will make it worth it. I promise. $1185
• Buy the loose tunic style, faded chambray shirt dress: it has a round neckline and buttons down the front and cute rolled up sleeves held up with a button. It’s a cool little number for summer and quite the laid back look you could easily get into. You could wear with flats or heels to give a better balance of the loose silhouette $420.
• Check out the most amazing silver sequin blazer. Yes, totally covered with sequins so it’s completely over the top and really only great for a one off occasion. But I am sure you can find somewhere to wear it. Ha! Tip: wear with jeans, a white tee and simple flat white T bar sandals for low key chic on holidays in St Tropez. Otherwise toss over a strapless little black dress. But flats always flats. $1400
• There is a blue and white stripe long sleeve Tee shirt dress ; very like a Petit Bateau stripe Tee but grown to knee length. $380. It’s a great beach piece or holiday look. SO French . So add a beret and eat a croissant.
• Buy the taupe/khaki silky Harem pants: I can guarantee you will live in these in summer: so comfortable and a great neutral colour which will work with brights or brown or navy and black. Hello?! These are for you. $395.
• There is a such chic paisley / tribal print cotton tunic dresses: So easy , so chic , with long sleeves for muffin arm coverage and a round neckline. I think there is a shoulder strap version as well. Love it in red/oranges/blues or the beige/navy/white print. $550

Bettina Liano:
It can sometimes get a bit too sexy trash here: Bless. But if you snoop around you can find some great wearable pieces.
MY picks

• Love the black leather cuffed shorts. Oh la la! OK, so most of the time when I am shopping I think to myself: would I wear that? Most of the pieces in The FiFi Report I would yes. Of course then there are fashion pieces that are fabulous that you just need to know about. Hopefully you can wear them. So check out these shorts . You know leather is the hot fabric for winter and now summer, thanks to Celine. Wear these shorts with a blazer and heels and keep away from any lace. Too tacky. $295
• Buy the black and white tweed dress that is very Celine inspired with a black satin trim (instead of leather) $450. It’s a perfect trans-seasonsal dress that is a Fit n’ flare shape so it should be flattering on everyone. Wear now with opaques of course and later bare legs and gladiators.
• Love the black double breasted slouchy knit cardigan with gold buttons; So cool over a white or stripe Tee and back with denim. Yes, very 80’s but, hey, get used to it. You could also wear this with grey skinny jeans and over a grey marle Tee $280
• There is a very Rock Owens style wrap leather jacket ( what?! Another one? Did he just hand out the pattern so everyone could copy it?) it’s on sale and worth trying on . Now $395. It’s ongoing for next winter as well.
• Check out the black lace Tee $290 and outrageously skimpy black lace short shorts! OMG. $249. Lace is a big trend for next season but it can be tricky to wear. Stick to a lace tee and you should be fine. Keep everything simple, understated a la Celine i.e: Hair that’s pulled back, simple makeup and no jewellery. Please. Or you will be Madonna 1980. No thanks.Lleave that to GAGA.

First Class
Jimmy Choo:
The new 24: 7 collection is in store: Classic shapes that are not too fashion. But of course you are at the right place here at Jimmy Choo for fashion with a capital F.
My picks are:

• The animal print short crop ankle boots. Yes, I know animal print is back and I am not so keen but if you are going to wear it then wear it as an accessory. It’s enough don’t you think? $1000.
• There is a matching animal print clutch $1600. Adorable !
• The lace up navy and black heels are absolutely gorgeous and look so much like Carine Roitfeld would wear don’t you think? I want! $1600
• There are classic pointy toe heels: I might call them a pump. Easy with a lower heel. $1075. Also in animal print. Classic you will wear forever.
• Also check out the bags: you want the shoulder bag with a flap over the front in black about $2000. The slouch bag is making a comeback and so is the shoulder bag. But you knew that.

Asian flavoured Lamb Shanks…adulterated from Bill’s Holiday
Winter is nearly over so it’s time whip up some delicious lamb shanks. These are a little different, a little Asian inspired with ginger, soy and chilli. Serve with Bok choy and rice .

You need for 4 fashionista, 2 hungry blokes or 16 models:

8 lamb shanks
Plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, to toss
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, cut into thin wedges
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 long red chilli, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger ( double the amount if you love ginger)
1 teaspoon five spice powder ( I used Moroccan spice but don’t use Allspice. Wrong!)
400g tin chopped tomatoes
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Accesorise with :
Steamed leafy greens
Steamed rice
Lime wedges

• Slip out of Celine leather dress
• Climb out of YSL heels.
• Feel your feet tingle.
• Slide into your new Chanel cashmere Pyjamas.
• Smile.It’s the weekend.
• Pour a glass of wine or ten.
• Yell at George Clooney to turn off the news and get going chopping up the ginger, onion, garlic and chilli.
• Now toss the lamb shanks in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Watch the white powder doesn’t splatter over the Chanel or on your nose.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy-based pan over high heat.
• Now plop the lamb gently in so it doesn’t splash in the oil and burn your face (you normally pay for that at a clinic).
• Now brown the lamb on all sides : Think Givenchy bag.
• Remove the lamb from the pan for a little alone time while you cook the herbs and spcies.
• Bring the pan to medium heat and pour in the rest of the oil.
• Toss in the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
• Smells divine.
• Gulp down another wine.
• Now throw in the garlic, chilli, ginger and five spice and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lovely .
• Chuck in the can of tomatoes, then pour in the soy and about 375 ml of water and stir beautifully.
• Grab the lamb shanks to pop back carefully without splashing ( George hates all that cleaning up after you)
• Bring the shanks to the boil then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 1and half hours or until the meat is extremely tender. Falling off the bone.
• Before serving stir in the sugar. It will add a nice edge.
• Check the seasoning and skim off any excess oil. The less the better.
• Accessorise with steamed greens, rice, chilli lime wedges.
• Delicious.