How can we resist lady GaGa and her kooky quotes?!….Bone prostheses on my shoulders? I was born this way!

Harper’s Bazaar: How long does it take to apply the makeup and prosthetics to her face and arms?

“Well, first of all,” she says, “they’re not prosthetics. They’re my bones.”

HB:Okay, so when did the bones appear?

“They’ve always been inside of me, but I have been waiting for the right time to reveal to the universe who I truly am.”

HB:Did she will them to come out for this album?

“They come out when I’m inspired.”

HB:Is she worried that this new look will inspire other people to “grow” similar bones?

“We all have these bones!” she says tersely. “They’re the light from inside of us. Do you mean body modification?”

“I have never had plastic surgery. I think that promoting insecurity in the form of plastic surgery is infinitely more harmful than an artistic expression related to body modification.”

“And how many models and actresses do you see on magazine covers who have brand-new faces and have had plastic surgery, while I myself have never had any plastic surgery? I am an artist, and I have the ability and the free will to choose the way the world will envision me.”

HB:And her inspiration for the video’s out-of-this-world surrealism?

“A lot of weed.”

The latest hilarious interview and boob dress from Harpersbazaar.com

Regular FiFi Report readers know that I have been going on about buying a military jacket for years. Now it’s about to peak on the fashion Richter scale. My point being? No need to spend fortune. Which is why you should head toute suite to my favourite cheap but chic find: Cotton on menswear.
I was there snooping around when I spied this very cool jacket on sale for an outrageous $35. Shut up! I like it because that’s cheaper than Vogue Paris. I like it because it’s in a chic taupe khaki rather than a green khaki.
So you may ask: how do I wear this?. It looks boring on the hanger but get creative ! Think about contrasts. Dress it up with sophisticated pieces. You can throw it over a floral dress or try with jeans, black pants and heels. Toss over a long sleeve grey Tee with a black pencil skirt . Try it with a sequin top or over a stripe dress as you can see here at Net A Porter . Wear it pulled off the shoulder and undone. Wear it belted in over a flirty skirt. It’s a winner.
TIP: If you wear it with cargoes you may look like you are off train spotting. This is not good.
I went for small size because it’s menswear but a bigger, oversized version could work really well. Hurry: they are selling out. Tip: Add a fur stole and Voila!
$35 Cotton on men’s khaki hoodie jacket from Cottonon.

What: A bright bag
Which: You want a bright bag this season. It could be small and chic and a shoulder bag. It could be an over sized clutch. It could be a tote or boxy shopper. It should be in red, blue or orange. But it also looks good in any colour you desire.
Why: Because everything else in your wardrobe is black, brown and grey. Because it will brighten up neutrals and cream. Because it will brighten up your day. Because it’s fun and whimsical and will make your winter outfits go pop! Because when you peer into your wardrobe there it will be smiling at you with a big bright grin.
Wear: it’s about brightening up your wardrobe so think about adding it to any of your black, browns or neutrals looks. Yes, that means your entire wardrobe. You want it to contrast and clash so don’t worry abut making it match. Especially with your shoes. Wrong!
Where: How can we not shop overseas when Australian dollar is so fabulous? All these sites send to Australia and have a great selection of investment bags.
Net-a-porter.com
Bluefly.com
Theoutnet.com
Topshop.com
Mytheresa.com

photos above from vogue.co.uk, Harpersbazaar.com , Style.com, Thesartorialist

If there has to be one thing you had to choose to take to a desert island (apart from Chanel 19 and and Iphone) it would have to be mascara. I have tried them all. My favourite is Bobbi Brown but for a cheap but chic mascara that gives lashes that look, well, false, you can’t go past the fabulous new Volum’ Express the Falsies Washable Mascara from Maybelline. A beauty obsessive friend of mine was wearing it and I took one look and had to get me some.  They say it’s “False lash glam, instantly!” I say: yes it’s true. Amazing. You get lashes that look fantastic. It has ” a patented spoon brush with kera-fibre formula instantly building 8x more volume on your lashes without clumping.”  I love the flexible wand that does actually help lift and separate lashes ( like a bra). Your eyes look bigger and you have lashes that are long and sexy. It’s the only part of your body where you want more volume.

$19.95 new Volum’ Express the Falsies Washable Mascara from Maybelline.

A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS [Hardcover] by Jennet Conant

“Julia Child’s passion for French cuisine began when she and her husband, Paul, moved to Paris in 1948. The couple met in Ceylon in 1944 when both were in the Office of Strategic Services, precursor to the CIA, and they married two years later.
The narrative follows the WWII trajectory of Julia Child, who volunteered for a post at the OSS base in India. At Mountbatten’s mountaintop headquarters, the team included Julia, Paul, and the flamboyant Jane Foster. With the end of WWII, Jane flew to Java to record the war crimes testimonies of American POWs, while Paul and Julia’s romance heated up in China and France.
The couple fell under suspicion when Jane was targeted with accusations of espionage.
The bulk of this book is mostly about Jane, making the title somewhat misleading, but Conant’s vivid tapestry of the 1940s skillfully interweaves interviews, oral histories, memoirs, and recently unclassified OSS and FBI documents with unpublished diaries and letters. The adventurous young OSS recruits spring to life throughout this meticulously researched, authoritative history. ‘

“Jennet Conant’s A Covert Affair is an absolutely top-class work of the true-spy genre; elegantly written, authentic, exceptionally sophisticated, and not at all what you might expect of a book with a picture of Julia Child on the cover. This ain’t about cooking.”Alan Furst, author of Spies of the Balkans

$15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster (April 5, 2011) Amazon.com

My Father’s Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness by Gwyneth Paltrow , Mario Batali

‘Paltrow pays tribute to her much-adored late father who gave her a deep love and appreciation for good food.
From an early age, she was his eager eating companion and developed a diverse palate that relished everything from egg creams to oysters to blue cheese. Their dining ventures morphed into joint cooking get-togethers where her dad instilled the notion that a meal made for one’s family is an expression of love. This is evident in the simple and mostly healthy recipes she shares, as prepared for family and friends, in this warm and inviting collection.
Paltrow showcases a wealth of dishes, from soups to pastas to main courses and more. A helpful pantry section includes recipes for basics such as slow-roasted tomatoes and numerous types of stocks.
While many recipes are vegetarian, Paltrow does include meat dishes, including cheesy stuffed burgers and cassoulet. Her chapter on side dishes is superb and appealing enough to take center stage, especially her sautéed greens with onions and soy sauce, and crispy potato and garlic cakes.
Filled with charming personal anecdotes, this book convinces that healthy food can be delicious as well as good for you-and that a father’s passion can endure.’

$15. Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style (April 13, 2011)  Amazon.com

For her latest role, Reese Witherspoon learned to ride an elephant…for the film “Water for Elephants”.  Read the interview here at vogue.com

“She’s a politician; I’m a stylist. They are two very different jobs. (Incidentally, despite all the rumors, she is actually very nice.)” The fabulous Carine Roitfeld on why she’ll never be Anna Wintour’s replacement in Spiegel.

“‘The Next Big Thing’ premiered n TV in the UK last and though it focuses on new designers and how they land big stores, it also stars Ed Burstell, Liberty’s buying director, and street style star Aussie Yasmin Sewell who’s credited with giving the British institution its cool factor and now serves as a consultant.”  Fashion.elle.com

Balmain Said to Have Hired an Unknown Designer to Replace Christophe Decarnin: Stylist Melanie Ward? nymag.com

Prada’s Spring Collection Lands 48 Covers (Way More Than Originally Counted!):  see them all here ( we love stripes and fur and more!) Fashionista.com

January Jones Cover for Wmagazine ..she looks fabulous..Modern and sexy.

Rumor: Kate Middleton Has Three Wedding Dresses in the Works, Jasper Conran is One of the Designers Fashionista.com

Alexander Wang’s Appartement: it’s black and luxurious… Fashioncopious.

DAPHNE GUINNESS will be getting dressed for the Met Ball in the windows of Barneys’ Madison Avenue store this year - part of a six-week-long collaboration .  Vogue.co.uk

Photographer Calls John Galliano ‘F-cking Racist’ at L.A. Airport….Charming!  Fashionologie

Michelle Obama May Have Switched Stylists Again: but she always looks fab! Nymag.com

Check out Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino beauty campaign. Nude models. Again..pouring perfume over each other. of course Fashioncopious.

Gemma Ward’s on the new cover of a supplement to Australian Harper’s Bazaar. jezebel.com

It’s the last, final show of fabulous cheap but chic fashion at FiFi’s style workshop at Westfield

As with the few previous weeks of The FiFi Report these are all backstage shots of the outfits we snapped during the fitting on gorgeous model Angela.
(and again please excuse the bad lighting and some of the fuzzy shots ).

The theme of this show is “Day to evening: one outfit, two ways”

In this workshop I have taken the three most important key pieces in your wardrobe : Jeans and a stripe Tee, a black pencil skirt and white shirt, a little back dress. Then transformed them with a simple change of accessories. You can see see how easy it is to go from day to evening in a flash! The idea is to invest in a few key pieces and then have fun with accessories! Make those key pieces work many ways: We have to get mileage out of our wardrobe!

My mantra when on a budget?  Stick to colours that look expensive such as black, grey , brown, camel and cream. You can get dressed with your eyes closed. You will always look chic. You can’t go wrong !

Again let me know which ones are your favorites!

By the way the mad, bad and fab red fur shoes are Louboutin from Vogue.com!

OUTFIT ONE
Black washed jean - ALLY $34.99
Navy and cream striped tee - KATIES $29.95
Navy wide lapel blazer - BARDOT $129.95
White square frame sunglasses - DOTTI $19.95
Silver and pearl necklace - MAPERLA $219.00
Pearl and silver multistrand necklace - LOVISA $29.99
Red snakeskin “Saskia” heel - WITTNER $89.95
Black studded “Winston” shoulder bag - WITCHERY $199.95

FASHION TIP:
Red heels add a dash of colour and lift classic white and navy.
Don’t be afraid of layering up pearls on a striped tee.

OUTFIT TWO
Black washed jean -ALLY $34.99
Navy and cream striped tee - KATIES $29.95
Black faux fur skiing coat - NONI B $299.95
Black jet precious necklace - SHEIKE $69.95
Black silver square stone clutch - COLETTE $29.95
Gunmetal aviators by Ray Ban - SUNGLASS HUT $329.95
Silver “Pure” glitter slingback heel - BETTS $109.99

FASHION TIP:
Transform classic jeans and a striped tee into evening by adding a standout necklace, fake fur and silver heels.

OUTFIT THREE
Black pencil skirt - JACQUI E $99.95
Off-white “Emina” woven top - FOREVER NEw $59.99
Natural faux fur vest - COUNTRY ROAD $199.00
Black snakeskin tote - WITCHERY $59.95 (on sale)
Black “Sasha” Wedge by Rubi Shoes - COTTON ON $49.95
Metallic Industrial rope necklace - LOVISA $49.99
Black rounded square sunglasses - ICE $6.95

FASHION TIP:
Skirts lengths are getting longer - the new length is just below the knee. Get used to it!
Add texture and a fashion edge with a fake fur vest and a snakeskin bag.

OUTFIT FOUR
Black pencil skirt - JACQUI E $99.95
Off-white “Emina” woven top - FOREVER NEW $59.99
Black glitter wallet flap clasp - ICE $10
Folded ribbon and crystal necklace - LOVISA $39.99
Multi-beaded necklace - PORTMANS $29.95
Silver Clear necklace - KATIES $24.95
Bronze diamante cluster ring - LOVISA $24.99
Black bejewelled “Diavolina” by Robert Robert - WANTED $249.95

FASHION TIP:
Don’t be afraid of classic black and white, it always looks chic. Just look for the new shapes such as a longer length in a skirt and a floppy white silk shirt.
Think of it as a blank canvas: then layer up with over the top diamante shoes and piles necklaces.

OUTFIT FIVE
Black tunic dress - SUSSAN $129.95
Natural Faux fur tube scarf - DOTTI $19.95
Chocolate belt - OROTON $95.
Black studded cuff - JAY JAYS $15
Eco-Drive Rose Gold Midsize Brown Leather Strap Watch EW1563-08A by Citizen Watches - ANGUS & COOTE $299.00
Chocolate Flap pocket tote - BARDOT $59.95
Black square frame sunglasses - GLASSONS $19.95
Leopard print “Precious” ankle boot - WITTNER $179.95

FASHION TIP:
What makes this little black dress different this season? The draping and the zip detail on the shoulder. Always update the classics.
Dress it up for day with beautiful chocolate brown accessories. Have fun with animal print heels!

OUTFIT SIX
Black tunic dress - SUSSAN $129.95
Silver and gold purse - WITCHERY $129.95
Antique gold “Cleopatra” necklace -SHEIKE $69.95
Black “Seven” heel by Mollini - WANTED $119.95

FASHION TIP:
A seriously jeweled necklace is all you need for evening (ditch the earrings and bracelets).
A beaded evening bag adds a sophisticated touch of bling. Minimalism is coming back.

Homemade muesli bars……….adulterated from Taste

I had muesli. I had butter, honey and sugar. I put it together to make delicious muesli bars…
No cooking required: Just pop in the fridge to harden.

You need for  about 16 slices to feed 45 models or 2 teenage boys.

5 cups of raw muesli (I used the Macro Raw muesli: no added fruit ….from Woolworths)
125g butter
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
Add more if you think it’s too dry!
1 cup sultanas

Or you can make your own mix the instead of using the Muesli and add to the butter, honey and sugar:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup wheatgerm
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflower kernels
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• Pour a glass of wine or ten. Who cares if it’s just muesli bars you’re making.
• Slip into a chic cooking dress: A Jil Sander over sized Tee is perfect.
• Moisturize and line a 3cm deep, 16cm x 28cm (base) baking pan with baking paper. or whatever flat baking tray you can find.
• Find a big saucepan and toss in the muesli. Or a dry ingredients except the sultanas.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring, for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden as a Celine camel coat. And gets a little crunchy.
• Transfer to a bowl.
• Set aside to cool. Stir in sultanas.
• Now cook the butter, honey and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Like your hips won’t.
• Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low.
• Simmer, without stirring, for 7 minutes or until mixture forms a soft ball when a little is dropped into ice-cold water. This is called caramel and it’s sensational.
• Taste t make sure it’s really fabulous.
• Add to dry ingredients. Stir until combined. You can use your hands.
• Taste just to make sure it’s still fabulous.
• Spoon mixture into pan.
• Use a large metal spoon or just your hands to really press down firmly so it sticks together.
• Allow to cool a little.
• Lick the bowl.
• Cut into squares.
• Pop in the fridge in the baking tray so it hardens for and hour or so.
• Store in a foil-lined airtight container in the fridge.
• They say it could last for up to 7 days.
• I know it will last 7 hours.