“I have Hermione to thank, in a weird way, for my sense of style: I mean, I just wasn’t allowed to do anything: wasn’t allowed to cut my hair, put on nail varnish, tan, wear a bra that made my boobs in any way look [larger], have any flesh showing, wear any makeup when I was playing Hermione. I always had to back-comb my hair - ‘She looks too pretty, take down the blush or the mascara, take it off.’ Fashion was my rebellion.” Emma Watson ditches hermoine and looks fabulous!

“When I met Cheryl at the X Factor live show she said to me, ‘How do you cope?’” “She said ‘How do you cope when you’re under pressure?’ And I’m like, ‘Have a drink!’ And she’s like, ‘Oh no, I can’t. I’m all a-quiver’.” Kate Moss loves a drink…hic.

“I think of drying my hair as really boring. I thought, ‘OK, I’m going to multi task.’ I’ll dry my hair as though I’m sitting on a chair, even though there’s no chair there. Then I’ll do some squats. When I am brushing my teeth, I’m bending my leg behind me, or I’m lifting my leg up and holding it in that position so I’m squeezing my butt in. I can do that while I’m washing or slicing vegetables, too. Or I go up and down on my toes, working my calves a little bit.” Christie Brinkley. Relax… have a drink ..

“It made me laugh because I thought it was a joke when I found out. But when I saw the article, I thought, ‘Oh, the photos they’ve chosen are as bad as the ones they print when I’m worst dressed.’” Helena Bonham Carter when Vanity Fair put her on the best-dressed List.

” I don’t do roller skates but I can roll around in my chair. It is actually much less effort and much more enjoyable.” Jean Paul Gaultier

“I wonder if this is what Jesus felt like when he started Christmas.” Jimmy Kimmel, who declared Nov. 17 National Unfriend Day on Facebook

Why we love the L.L Bean camouflage tote bag:

• Because it’s the beach issue of The FiFi Report.
• Because we all need a fabulous bag for weekends.
• Because we know Prada did a chic green camouflage nylon bag .
• Because we spent all our Prada bag money on shoes.
• Because we like to hide on the weekend and isn’t that what camouflage is for?
• Because sometimes you don’t always want lug around the Birkin.
• Because it’s only an outrageous US $19 and the bag comes in many other colours.
• Because you can have your name monogrammed on your bag (such as Mrs Clooney) for just $US6.
• Because they ship to Australia!

US $19 L.L Bean camouflage tote bag from L.L. Bean

You want fabulous sunglasses for summer, of course. And you need designer sunglasses. They are an instant wardrobe updater.
You have loved your aviators, you have thrashed your over sized Jackie O’s but now you want a square strong shape. I love everything at Celine especially these Divine sunglasses. Where can you buy them? Head to Paris! Otherwise the idea is to be inspired by these shapes and find a pair in that shape that suits your budget.
Try Marni at Net-a-porter.com,  Karen Walker at Eyegoodies.com or Alexander Wang at Browns Brownsfashion.com and Love the Linda Farrow at Mytheresa.com.

Reasons you need waterproof mascara:

• Because you don’t want black cheeks when you are crying over bags in Prada.
• Because you don’t want black streaks when you’re surfing on Chanel’s board
• Because you don’t want black circles when you are sobbing over George Clooney in The American.
• Because you don’t want black cheeks when you are hysterical over the Louboutins on Net a Porter.
• Because you want to wake up looking fabulous.

My favouites are:
Lancome Hypnôse Waterproof mascara $52…Big lashes that always stay on! Love it.
Max Factor Aqua Lash $21 : I have used it for years: never fails…
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara: it’s the best cheap but chic and always a Beauty editor’s fav. $15

Giselle is on the cover of the latest issue of Italian Vogue Vogue.it

OMG! WORLD EXCLUSIVE: First view of Tom Ford’s new own-label collection…see all the shots here..Love! Harpersbazaar.co.uk

Anna Wintour and ALT Have Speaking Parts on Diddy’s New Album Nymag.com

Has Grace Coddington Forsaken Her Cats? She Wants A Puppy For Christmas (OK, And Another Cat, Too) Fashionista.com

KARL LAGERFELD’S Greek and Roman Mythology-themed Pirelli calendar may be making waves for including a naked man for the first time, but the designer insists it’s the goddesses who matter.Vogue.co.uk

Virginia Smith not leaving Vogue for Barneys…Fashionologie.com

We Love SJP! elle.com

KATE MOSS doesn’t do interviews: they are bad for her health. Vogue.co.uk

Lauren Santo Domingo’s New Website Will Allow Rich People to Buy Designer Clothes Within Two Days of Debuting on the Runway…yes please! Nymag.com

In Honor of Black Swan: The 10 Best Ballet-Inspired Editorials Fashionista.com

Miranda Kerr shows her bump on Vogue Australia Vogue.com.au

Meet Kate Middleton’s (Probable) Royal Dress Maker. And she steps out for 1st Time Since Engagement. Fashioncopious

The Paper Garden: Mrs Delany Begins Her Life’s Work at 72…..by Molly Peacock

The Paper Garden is unlike anything else you have ever read. At once a biography of an extraordinary 18th century gentlewoman and a meditation on late-life creativity, it is a beautifully written tour de force from an acclaimed poet. Mary Granville Pendarves Delany (1700-1788) was the witty, beautiful and talented daughter of a minor branch of a powerful family. Married off at 16 to a 61-year-old drunken squire to improve the family fortunes, she was widowed by 25, and henceforth had a small stipend and a horror of a marriage. She spurned many suitors over the next twenty years, including the powerful Lord Baltimore and the charismatic radical John Wesley. She cultivated a wide circle of friends, including Handel and Jonathan Swift. And she painted, she stitched, she observed, as she swirled in the outskirts of the Georgian court. In mid-life she found love, and married. Upon her husband’s death 23 years later, she arose from her grief, picked up a pair of scissors and, at the age of 72, created a new art form, mixed-media collage. Over the next decade, Mrs Delany created an astonishing 985 botanically correct, breathtaking cut-paper flowers, now housed in the British Museum and referred to as the Botanica Delanica.

Delicately, Peacock has woven parallels in her own life around the story of Mrs Delany’s and, in doing so, has made this biography into a profound and beautiful examination of the nature of creativity and art.

Gorgeously designed and featuring 35 full-colour illustrations, this is a sumptuous and lively book full of fashion and friendships, gossip and politics, letters and love. It’s to be devoured as voraciously as one of the court dinners it describes.

$45 Published: 25/10/2010 Scribe Publications from Penguin.com.au

WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers ….by Bridget Foley

This fabulous book commemorates the 100th anniversary of Women’s Wear Daily. Filled with lavish illustrations, stunning photographs, and informative article excerpts taken directly from the WWD archives, this book tells the story of WWD during the last century. It also celebrates 100 designers who have had a powerful impact on fashion, forever changing what we wear and how we live. These pages, rich with the work of acclaimed designers, photographers, and artists, also chronicle the history, trends, and culture of the past century, along with models, actresses, socialites, and various global jetsetters who helped influence style. More than just a look at fashion, WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers is a testament to one of the industry s most trusted voices, a newspaper with frequency, integrity, independence, spirited coverage, and a long tradition that demands staffers get the story and get it first.

$65. Publisher: Fairchild Pubns (November 1, 2010) Amazon.com

This week’s FiFi fashion Report is all about Beach dressing! It’s the best picks for the chicest holiday wardrobe. Let’s hope the rain stops soon!
Next week it’s party dressing

By the way don’t forget to book your personal shopping with FiFi to get your summer party or beach wardrobe together. You get a free makeup from Bobbi Brown plus a complimentary facial at Jurlique Bondi Junction. Lovely!
Click here at make a booking or email directly FiFI@FiFi.com.au

Economy Class.
Seafolly:
My picks (in their store).

• Love the cover-ups here especially the orange V neck style tunic/caftan in a cotton muslin. it has a high empire waist with a drawstring but I am not sure it’s long but you will get a big of cellulite cover up. Cool $119
• You want the fabulous over sized, sloppy V neck Tee dress: it comes in quite a few colours you will be pleased to know. Perfect for tossing over bikinis. It’s called a’ Rock chick’ Tee : God knows why: do rock chicks even go to the beach? $69
• Buy the black cotton jersey gladiator goddess dress : it has a few straps that criss-cross across the front on the neckline so it has quite a dramatic look. Yes, you could wear out to a pool party but you will need the right bra ( although I think it has a built in cup so that’s nice). Also in bright cobalt blue $169. Wear with flats.
• Check out the black strapless or cobalt blue cotton jersey dress: it has an elastic waist : it’s like a boob tube with a skirt. Talk about easy dressing. Probably only for good for those who don’t have huge boobs. You could wear this will jeweled flats or wedges for a casual lunch around the pool $89.
• You also must check out the simple straw hats: yes, they are cow boy style it’s true but with wire around the brim so you can pull it down. $40.
• Adore the white terry toweling, low round neck tank dress: so cute! Think it’s probably stops mid thigh but it’s a perfect beach cover up with an A-line shape and 2 cute pockets on the front: it’s called the ‘Day dreamer” dress and I think it will be: Yes please! $59
• Buy the black muslin cotton voile shirt dress: perfect ! $90.  There is also rack of fabulous print maxi dresses in cotton with a black background $119.
• There are some cool beach bags here: :Love the silver metallic oversized tote with 2 handles: it’s has an open top but it does have a seafolly square metal label on the front ( very similar to Mac Jacobs/Jimmy Choo) $49.
• photos from Aussieswimstore.com and Zodee.com.au

Tree of life:
The best place to go for cheap but chic beach wear!
My picks are:

• Love the white cotton, crinkle muslin sleeveless dress. Yes, it does seem to have a slight scoop but I think it sits quite well on the shoulders so it should be flattering. It has a loose waist and then fulls out into a bit of a full skirt but don’t get scared it’s not frou frou and formal. It has a little raw hem and maybe a frill but you won’t notice that. It’s a beauty and I want it.. You can throw it on and it’s chic, easy understated beach dressing. Anyway white is HUGE trend on the runways for next summer. Are we surprised by that? Of course not. Minimalist white is always right. $69
• You want the rack of cute print cotton sundresses in so many colours and chic fun prints $45. Buy 20!
• Buy the short sleeve cotton dresses 50’s style day dresses with a full skirt and cute patch pockets: very 50’s with a round high neckline: just adorable especially for $39. I think they come in prints or florals or just go for the plain.
• There are a lot of cotton maxi dresses here in crinkle cotton voile with a chic low V-neck and shoes string straps: perfect for any occasion with a glittery jewelled T bar flats over summer. Even perfect quiet drinks at home at Como with George Clooney $89.
• Keep an eye out for long traditional Indian embroidered caftans; they are always here for summer but have not yet arrived in store; Normally about $60. I love them because they are very long, stopping at mid shin. Yes, and they come in black too.

Witchery.
There is special beachwear section here: bikinis, one piece swimsuits and cute cover-ups.
My picks are:

• The very chic black or khaki Beach dress in a cotton voile : it has cute bobble detail on the neckline and perfect little shoe string adjustable straps. It actually has a double layer so it’s not too see through. It’s a very wide A-line shape and so roomy you could hide anything under there …$129.
• You should try the flame orange ( or grey blue) cotton drawstring dress with a V neck. It has a little subtle ruffle along the hem and just yells out summer dress: get me to the beach! $79
• If you are after some summer shorts then check out the cute black cotton jersey “sporty” shorts with a drawstring : but never fear they are not short short and I love the drawstring : you can wear low on the hips if you so desire and pull in tight when you want. $49
• Buy the brown and taupe stripe, short sleeve T shirt dress: it has a cute pocket detail on the front and so chic. I like the narrow but Oh so casual shape: You could wear with wedges for day or just gladiators to the beach. If it feels too clinging just pull and stretch it out a little so it skims rather than clings. $79.
• You must have the grey cotton converse style sneakers. Cool! $49

Just Jeans.
My picks are:

• The cute white and navy, tie dye cotton jersey, maxi dress: it has a V neck and shoes string straps with a racer back : perfect as it’s really a print when you are not wearing a print. Add silver accessories and a few bangles and voila. $79
• I like the baggy boyfriend jeans shorts: so cool when worn low on the hips and very baggy: So cute rolled up with heels or just flats tossed on for the beach were $59 and now take $10.
• There are some cheeky short, short OMG short denim shorts $3.9
• There is a plain long black cotton jersey dress: I think it has a goddess feel to it: you know with black satin piping around the bust area and the it is a little empire style so will skim over the lumps and bumps. It has a slight A-Line and racer back which makes it sporty ish. Even if you’re not. Don’t worry it’s not overly snazzy so you won’t look out of place sauntering on the sand. $69
• You want the black and white stripe, cutest little converse style sneakers : They are no laces and they are slip on ( even though there are holes for the shoe laces.) now $19. Cheaper than Italian vogue!
• By the way you may not wear to the beach but there are some fabulous grey cotton skinny cargoes for about $69. I think these are best with heels but they sink into the sand. So annoying.

Business Class:
Zimmerman:
We can’t talk about beach wear without heading straight here…
My picks are

• The ‘Whisper Rainbow’ Stripe Dress: Love all the ribbon like stripes in all the pretty colours. You can see it has a very flattering deep V neckline and easy (eat all the fish and chips on the beach) shape. It’s in linen /cotton gauze with the satin ribbons. Cool with gold sandals and a gold Celine cuff non? $375
• Love the orange and black print short little dress. It has that fabulous drawstring neckline with a gold tube rope : so cool with a little self belt and a bit of a cut out at the front too. Love this with gold sandals too. You can buy the long maxi version as well $295.
• Animal print is a hot trend but I am not so keen on it but I do love the clever print here with leopard head! It’s like a tie dye print swing dress : it’s a lovely silk with a bit of an asymmetrical dip hem. But that wouldn’t hurt anyone ! Toss it on and never pull your stomach in again. Almond magnum here I come…$395
• I see a chic little black and white stripe tank dress: very cool but it’s clings to every little bump so best put down that Almond magnum. It’s so fresh and so French and will look fab with red Bensimon laceup sneakers and aviators. $185
• OK, for those of you who need a little black in your life ( or alot such as myself) then grab the maxi silk dress with the same gold neck piece and drawstring ( as the orange dress below) : A great shape with a loose self belt. $395.

Max and Co:
On sale here and the prices are fantastic.
My picks for the beach are:

• The fabulous navy Tee denim dress: let me explain: it has a classic Tee shirt on the top but it’s stitched to a dark blue denim flirty skirt at the waist : so chic, so cool, so you want it. Wear with flats or heels because the skirt is full. Will look great with choc brown wedges or just your favorite gladiator flats. Now reduced to $172.
• Check out the black strapless jersey dress: so 70’s: because it sits in on the waist. This is a very versatile dress; It’s a beach or a party dress: just swap heels for flats. Anyway you must know the 70’s are back: the runways for next summer were so seriously 70’s so start frizzing your hair, add bright red gloss lipstick and stick a flower in your hair a la Jerry Hall. $172.
• There is a fabulous beige/ light blue animal print-ish style dress with an empire back tie and a V neck with ¾ sleeves: it’s a chic print and love it with brown or tan accessories. It might be a little short but it’s fine for the beach …but you could wear over jeans or denim shorts if you are under 25.. $256.
• Also on sale : denim! Love the high waist wide leg, dark denim jeans : Well, Ok maybe you won’t be wearing jeans to the beach but these are a great buy. I have told you wide leg, high waist jeans are coming back big time. So shut up and get it wearing them: they lengthen the legs! $128. ( ignore the tiny jewels on the back pockets).
• Buy the dark denim trench coat: Love it ! I have reported it previously here on The FiFi Report : it ’s tres chic with a tiny puff on the shoulders and a back slit and a back belt: it’s double breasted and fabulous. You could wear it over a bikini with heels and make George Clooney very happy.  $248
• Check out the bags: There are bright tote bag in a tough, see through plastic : perfect for the beach. Check out the burgundy cotton tote with patent straps now $89.

Seed Femme
Head for classic beach and casual weekend wear ( yes, the prices are pretty good for business class…)
My picks are :

• The red and white stripe maxi dress. It’s in a cotton jersey and is definitely a loose easy shape : Toss over your bikinis, grab a big hat and off you go ( toss in French Vogue, Sunscreen and phone… ) $119
• Buy the dark grey sleeveless knot/tie front jersey dress: it’s very flattering and a little different. Plus the knot will expand or contract depending on your intake! Love this with silver or bronze accessories $129.
• There is a cute little light grey marle pleat front dress: a perfect little sundress to lounge around in: it will work so well over the bikinis. Love the V neck and the short sleeves which you could roll up for an eclectic touch. Also available in black you will be pleased to know. $89
• You’ve got to try on the cute little dark blue denim straight skirt with white stitchingand a front fly: Shimmy into it and then just toss on a pretty paneled stripe Tee $59 and you are ready for any casual weekend breakfast.
• I see a white/cream over sized Tee caftan which is tres chic: it has lovely stitching and a deep V neck : definitely for the beach $129.
• Love the Bensimon sneakers in white or grey or red about $79. Le tennis de Bensimon are really the only shoes for the beach. Mais oui!
• Check out the fab silver metallic beach tote with cream cotton canvas handles: Just toss everything in and throw on the cute straw cowboy hat $69 off you go…

Scallops with lime, mint and chilli …. adulterated from Cuisine.com.au

This is the perfect little something to serve with champagne or as an entree for a lazy summer lunch. You can use the dipping sauce for any fish you fancy.

By the way the list of ingredients is longer than the time it takes to cook: Divine!

You need for 4 as an entrée or for 20 models:

2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
1 small red chilli, de-seeded and cut into matchsticks
4 small red shallots, finely sliced
2 spring onions, finely sliced on diagonal
2 tbsp mint leaves, picked
2 tbsp basil leaves, picked
1 tbsp olive oil
8 large fresh sea scallops, cleaned
2 tbsp soy sauce
8 scallop shells, cleaned
2 tbsp salted peanuts, crushed
1 lime, quartered

• Slip into your favourite Eres bikini and Hermes Caftan.
• Climb into your new Prada clogs.
• Pour a bottle of French champagne.
• Ask the weather Gods to stop the rain.
• Sip/guzzle champagne.
• First of all squeeze the limes.
• Then make the dressing: whisk lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil and sugar together until sugar has dissolved.
• Ask George Clooney (He loves chopping) to slice up the shallots, the spring onions, and the chilli.
• You can crush the peanuts in a mortar and pestle as you think abut Elizabeth Canalis.
• Guzzle down more French champagne.
• Now add the chilli, shallots, spring onions, mint and basil to the dressing. Toss it baby, toss it.
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Dip each scallop into the soy sauce on both sides and cook for 1 minute either side until lightly golden as a Chloe bag.
• Add a spoon of dressing to each scallop shell and then pop a scallop on top.
• Accessorise with the peanuts and some more extra dressing.
• Serve with chic wedges of lime and more French champagne.
• Delicieux.